I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor.

The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.

During the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress and George Washington - I call him the first George W. - (laughter and applause) - urged citizens to pray and to give thanks and to ask for God's protection.

Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all - liberty!

In wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do

Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe. And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.

A free, virtuous, and enlightened people must know full well the great principles and causes upon which their happiness depends.