One section of our country believes slavery is right, and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is wrong, and ought not to be extended.

I am struggling to maintain the government, not to overthrow it. I am struggling especially to prevent others from overthrowing it.

If 600,000 people have to die in order for the nation to live, then 600,000 people will die.

Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.

Such will be a great lesson of peace: teaching men that what they cannot take by an election, neither can they take it by war.

The trouble with too many people is they believe the realm of truth always lies within their vision.

Again, a law may be both constitutional and expedient, and yet may be administered in an unjust and unfair way.