sceptre in the hands of freedom; let us enthrone religion in still
loftier state. American patriotism! be it such as the world has never
yet seen. American statesmanship! be it such as mankind shall wonder
at, till their admiration subsides into imitation. American character!
be it such as Christian sires would rejoice to see worn by their
posterity, and unborn generations shall receive as the most precious
inheritance that could be transmitted to them. Be morality and piety
the guardians of our public welfare; and as the years roll on, may
they extend a more visible protection over our interests, till the
guidance which Jehovah granted of old to the people of Israel in the
pillar of flame and cloud, shall be more than realized in the presence
of the Lord our God with us and our children.

* * * * *

To you, Sir, who have again been called by the voice of this
Commonwealth to preside over its concerns, I cannot doubt that the
sentiments of this discourse will be as acceptable as they are
familiar. If they seem but the echo of your own long-cherished
purposes and habits, I need not on that account regret the course my
remarks have taken. Permit me to congratulate myself, and my
fellow-citizens, on the occupancy of the chair of State by one who has
proved himself in various situations an upright politician and a
Christian statesman; and let me hope that the year of public service
on which you have now entered may still further illustrate the force
of moral principle, and the beauty of religious character.

To him who is associated with the Chief Magistrate as his nearest
adviser, and to the other members of his Council, I may be allowed to
express my conviction, that in the discharge of their public functions
they will maintain consciences "void of offence towards God and towards
men," and will prove themselves worthy of the confidence which has been
reposed in them by their fellow-citizens and fellow-christians.

To the members of both branches of the Legislature I beg leave to
extend my congratulations, on the opportunity afforded them of
exhibiting the connexion of the highest truths with the most important
offices of life. With them it remains to show how religion and
politics can be united, without marring the sanctity of the one, or
impairing the freedom of the other. And in closing the remarks, to
which, if I could, I would frame an apology for compelling them so
long to listen--