Impressed with a conviction that the due administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good Government, I have considered the first arrangement of the Judicial department as essential to the happiness of our Country, and to the stability of its political system.

There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily

Precedents are dangerous things; let the rein of government then be braced and held with a steady hand.

[L]eave nothing to the uncertainty of procuring a warlike apparatus at the moment of public danger.

The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.

The best and only safe road to honor, glory, and true dignity is justice.

I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally.