Always let your subordinates know that the honor will be all theirs if they succeed and the blame will be yours if they fail.

The purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail, though we erring mortals may fail to accurately perceive them in advance. We hoped for a happy termination of this terrible war long before this; but God knows best, and has ruled otherwise. We shall yet acknowledge His wisdom, and our own error therein. Meanwhile we must work earnestly in the best lights He gives us, trusting that so working still conduces to the great ends He ordains. Surely He intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion, which no mortal could make, and no mortal could stay.

Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.

I say now, however, as I have all the while said, that on the territorial question - that is, the question of extending slavery under the national auspices, - I am inflexible. I am for no compromise which assists or permits the extension of the institution on soil owned by the nation.

I say 'try'; if we never try, we shall never succeed.

And upon this act [Emancipation Proclamation]...I invoke...the gracious favor of Almighty God.

Destroy your enemy by making him your friend.