Man's rights are evident branches of, rather than deductions from, the duty of self-preservation, commonly called the first law of nature.

It is a very great mistake to imagine that the object of loyalty is the authority and interest of one individual man, however dignified by the applause or enriched by the success of popular actions.

And that the said Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress to infringe the just liberty of the press, or the rights of conscience; or to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms; or to raise standing armies, unless necessary for the defense of the United States, or of some one or more of them; or to prevent the people from petitioning, in a peaceable and orderly manner, the federal legislature, for a redress of grievances; or to subject the people to unreasonable searches and seizures of their persons, papers or possessions.

Our union is now complete; our constitution composed, established, and approved. You are now the guardians of your own liberties.

He who made all men hath made the truths necessary to human happiness obvious to all. Our forefathers opened the Bible to all.

The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy this gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people.

It is therefore recommended... to set apart Thursday the eighteenth day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor.