Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong. God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time. In the present civil war it is quite possible that God's purpose is something different from the purpose of either party - and yet the human instrumentalities, working just as they do, are of the best adaptation to effect His purpose.

You say you will not fight to free negroes. Some of them seem willing to fight for you; but, no matter. Fight you, then exclusively to save the Union.

One generation passeth away and another generation cometh, but the earth abideth forever.

I was losing interest in politics, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise aroused me again. What I have done since then is pretty well known.

The demon of intemperance ever seems to have delighted in sucking the blood of genius and of generosity.

I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were felt by the whole human race, there would not be one cheerful face left on earth.