e enacted, and
judgment decreed, assist with the Holy Spirit of counsel and
fortitude the President of the United States, that his
Administration may be conducted in righteousness and be
eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides, by
encouraging due respect for virtue and religion, by a faithful
execution of the laws in justice and mercy, and by restraining
vice and immorality.

By the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of
Congress and shine forth in all their proceedings and laws
framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the
preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the
increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge, and may
perpetuate to us the blessings of equal liberty.

We pray for his excellency, the governor of this State, for the
members of the legislature, for all judges, magistrates, and
other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare,
that they may be enabled by Thy powerful protection to discharge
the duties of their respective stations with honesty and
ability.

We pray for the president and directors of the Louisiana
Purchase Exposition, that their arduous labors may be crowned
with success, and may redound to the greater growth and
development of this flourishing city on the banks of the Father
of Waters.

May this vast territory which was peacefully acquired a hundred
years ago be for all time to come the tranquil and happy abode
of millions of enlightened, God-fearing, and industrious people
engaged in the various pursuits and avocations of life. As this
new domain was added to our possessions without sanguinary
strife, so may its soil never be stained by bloodshed in any
foreign or domestic warfare.

May this commemorative exposition to which the family of nations
are generously contributing their treasures of art and industry
bind together the governments of the earth in closer ties of
fellowship and good will, and of social and commercial
intercourse. May it hasten the dawn of the reign of the Prince
of Peace, when national conflicts will be adjusted, not by
hostile armies, but by permanent courts of arbitration.

May this international exposition, inaugurated in the interests
of people and commerce, help to break down the walls of
dissension, o