the better angels of our nature

I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country.

Its authors meant it to be... a stumbling block to those who in after times might seek to turn a free people back into the hateful paths of despotism. They knew the proneness of prosperity to breed tyrants, and they meant when such should re-appear in this fair land and commence their vocation they should find left for them at least one hard nut to crack.

Now if you should hear any one say that Lincoln don't [sic] want to go to Congress, I wish you as a personal friend of mine, wouldtell him that you have reason to believe he is mistaken.

We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called on to perform what we cannot.

You can't help the poor by being one of them.

Let us do nothing through passion and ill temper.