Abraham Lincoln: “The time comes upon every public man when it is best for him to keep his lips closed.”

If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.

Important principles may and must be inflexible.

As a general rule I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I cannot properly offer an answer.

I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.