I am led to reflect how much more delightful to an undebauched mind is the task of making improvements on the earth, than all the vain glory which can be acquired from ravaging it by the most uninterrupted career of conquests.

Religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society.

It is our policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.

It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe without the agency of a Supreme Being.

I do not mean to exclude altogether the idea of patriotism. I know it exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But I will venture to assert, that a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward.

Honesty is always the best policy.

Went to church and fasted all day.