My opinion is that no state can, in any way lawfully, get out of the Union, without the consent of the others; and that it is the duty of the President, and other government functionaries to run the machine as it is.

While the people retain their virtue and vigilance, no administration... can very seriously injure the government

In all that the people can individually do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere.

Just in general, any government throughout history hasn't really wanted its people to be educated, because then they couldn't control them as easily.

A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.

I shall endeavor to take the ground I deem most just to the North, the East, the West, the South, and the whole country.