If it were not for my firm belief in an overruling Providence, it would be difficult for me, in the midst of such complications of affairs, to keep my reason on its seat. But I am confident that the Almighty has His plans, and will work them out; and, whether we see it or not, they will be the best for us.

No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.

When arguing with a fool, make sure the opponent isn't doing the exact same thing.

Prosperity is the fruit of labor. It begins with saving money.

I have simply tried to do what seemed best each day, as each day came.

Oh, that [his Thanksgiving Message] is some of Seward's nonsense, and it pleases the fools.

In the first place, I insist that our fathers did not make this nation half slave and half free, or part slave and part free. I insist that they found the institution of slavery existing here. They did not make it so, but they left it so because they knew of no way to get rid of it at that time.