What I want is to get done what the people desire to have done, and the question for me is how to find that out exactly.

The assertion that 'all men are created equal' was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain and it was placed in the Declaration not for that, but for future use.

I hold that while a man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition, but to assist in ameliorating mankind.

Such a man the times have demanded, and such, in the providence of God was given us. But he is gone. Let us strive to deserve, as far as mortals may, the continued care of Divine Providence, trusting that, in future national emergencies, He will not fail to provide us the instruments of safety and security.

It is bad to be poor. I shall go to the wall for bread and meat, if I neglect my business this year as well as last.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

Surely He intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion which no mortal could make, and no mortal could stay.