We have fought this fight as long, and as well, as we know how. We have been defeated. There is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation.
Abandon your animosities and make your sons Americans!
We have fought this fight as long, and as well, as we know how. We have been defeated ... there is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation.
It is well that war is so terrible - we would grow too fond of it.
I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.
I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation.
While we see the course of the final abolition of human slavery is onward, & we give it the aid of our prayers & all justifiable means in our power, we must leave the progress as well as the result in his hands who sees the end; who chooses to work by slow influences; & with whom two thousand years are but as a single day.
We should live, act, and say nothing to the injury of anyone. It is not only best as a matter of principle, but it is the path to peace and honor.
We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.
The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.
A Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets has no charm for me. If the Union is dissolved and government disrupted, I shall return to my native state and share the miseries of my people, and save in defense will draw my sword on none.
I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and I have never seen the day when I did not pray for them.
In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.
I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving.
My chief concern is to try to be an humble, earnest Christian.
The education of a man is never completed until he dies.
I tremble for my country when I hear of confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness, that our only hope is in God.
The doctrines & miracles of our Saviour have required nearly two thousand years to convert but a small part of the human race, & even among Christian nations, what gross errors still exist!
What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.
Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one; the man who requires you to do so is dearly purchased at a sacrifice.
