Popular Quotes Through Time

We must have though a man who recognizes the slavery issue as being the living issue of the day; who does not hesitate to declare slavery a wrong, nor to deal with it as such; who believes in the power and duty of Congress to prevent the spread of it.

What brought these Democrats with us? The Slavery issue. Drop that issue and they have no motive to remain, and will not remain with us. It is idiotic to think otherwise.

I have enlisted for the permanent success of the Republican cause; and, for this object, I shall labor faithfully in the ranks, unless, as I think not probable, the judgment of the party shall assign me a different position.

With pleasure I write my name in your Album. Ere long some younger man will be more happy to confer his name upon you. Don't allow it, Mary, until fully assured that he is worthy of the happiness.

My father, at the Death of his father, was but six years of age; and he grew up literally without education.

Persisting in a charge which one does not know to be true, is simply malicious slander.

What is conservatism? Is it not adherence to the old and tried, against the new and untried?

God gave man a mouth to receive bread, hands to feed it, and his hand has a right to carry bread to his mouth without controversy.

I think that if anything can be proved by natural theology, it is that slavery is morally wrong.

While we do not propose any war upon capital, we do wish to allow the humblest man an equal chance to get rich with everybody else.

I am glad to know that there is a system of labor where the laborer can strike if he wants to! I would to God that such a system prevailed all over the world.

Public opinion is founded, to a great extent, on a property basis. What lessens the value of property is opposed, what enhances its value is favored.

Whether we will or not, the question of Slavery is THE question, the all absorbing topic of the day.

Our best and greatest men have greatly underestimated the size of this [slavery] question. They have constantly brought forward small cures for great sores - plasters too small to cover the wound.

I am not ashamed to confess that twenty five years ago I was a hired laborer, mauling rails, at work on a flat-boat - just what might happen to any poor man's son.

I could not raise ten thousand dollars if it would save me from the fate of John Brown. Nor have my friends, so far as I know, yet reached the point of staking any money on my chances of success.

I wish no explanation made to our enemies. What they want is a squabble and a fuss; and that they can have if we explain; and they can not have if we don't.

I am not wanting in the purpose, though I may fail in the strength, to maintain my freedom from bad influences. ... May the Almighty grant that the cause of truth, justice, and humanity, shall in no wise suffer at my hands.

I know not how to aid you, save in the assurance of one of mature age, and much severe experience, that you can not fail, if you resolutely determine, that you will not.

The people of the South have too much of good sense, and good temper, to attempt the ruin of the government ... At least, so I hope and believe.