Submitted to the Sec. of War. On principle I dislike an oath which requires a man to swear he has not done wrong. It rejects the Christian principle of forgiveness on terms of repentance. I think it is enough if the man does no wrong hereafter.

A capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.

The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindreds.

If there is anything that a man can do well, I say let him do it. Give him a chance.

A child is a person who is going to carry on what you have started ... the fate of humanity is in his hands.

Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.

I could write shorter sermons but when I get started I'm too lazy to stop