Extensive powers not exercised as far as was necessary have, I believe, scarcely ever failed to ruin the possessor.

Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that thou wilt keep the United States in thy holy protection.

Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

To please everybody is impossible; were I to undertake it, I should probably please nobody.

But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.

When there is no vision, there is no hope.

We are not to expect perfection in this world; but mankind, in modern times, have apparently made some progress in the science of government.