It is ignorance that causes most mistakes.

At this moment, I have in my heart a prayer. As I have assumed my heavy duties, I humbly pray, Almighty God, in the words of King Solomon: 'Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad, for who is able to judge this thy so great people?' I ask only to be a good and faithful servant of my LORD and my people.

About the meanest thing you can say about a man is that he means well.

Upon books the collective education of the race depends; they are the sole instruments of registering, perpetuating and transmitting thought.

Some of my best friends never agree with me politically.

Prosperous farmers make for a prosperous nation, and when farmers are in trouble, the nation is in trouble.

It is noble in its administration: to think and let think, beyond the narrow contracted prejudices of bitter sectarians in these modern times. It is general or universal language, fitted to benefit the poor stranger, which no other institution is calculated to reach, by extending the beneficent hand.