"Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in."

"The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act ane…"

"I am nothing, but truth is everything. I know I cannot be wrong; and yet, how many think I am!"

"It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels he is worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him."

"I could not feel that I had done my duty to the country if I should permit myself to be prevailed upon to make any such appointment."