We have fought this fight as long, and as well as we know how. We have been defeated. For us as a Christian people, there is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation.
We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters.
In this enlightened age, there are few I believe, but what will acknowledge, that slavery as an institution is a moral & political evil in any country. It is useless to expatiate on its disadvantages.
The devil's name is dullness.
Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.
It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.
You must study to be frank with the world: Frankness is the child of honesty and courage.
If a friend asks a favor, you should grant it if it is reasonable; if not, tell him plainly why you cannot: You will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.
The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy.
A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.
Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.
Do your duty in all things, like the old Puritan. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.
If you have any fault to find with anyone, tell him, not others, of what you complain; there is no more dangerous experiment than that of undertaking to be one thing before a man's face and another behind his back.
I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.
Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one.
