There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate, upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.

Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind: for your pocket-book not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.

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

In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars.

I never say anything of a man that I have the smallest scruple of saying to him.

Bless my family, kindred, friends and country, be our God and guide this day and forever for His sake, who lay down in the grave and arose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

It is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.