nd unvarying patriotism, his
own superiority and the public confidence alike marked him
as the man designed by Heaven to lead in the great political
as well as military events which have distinguished the era
of his life.

"The finger of an overruling Providence pointing at
Washington was neither mistaken nor unobserved, when, to
realize the vast hopes to which our Revolution had given
birth, a change of political system became indispensable.

"How novel, how grand the spectacle--independent states
stretched over an immense territory, and known only by
common difficulty, clinging to their Union as the rock of
their safety, deciding by frank comparison of their relative
condition to rear on that rock, under the guidance of
reason, a common government, through whose commanding
protection liberty and order, with their long train of
blessings, should be safe to themselves and the sure
inheritance of their posterity!

"This arduous task devolved on citizens selected by the
people, from a knowledge of their wisdom, and confidence in
their virtue. In this august assembly of sages and of
patriots, Washington, of course, was found; and, as if
acknowledged to be most wise where all were wise, with one
voice he was declared their chief. How well he merited this
rare distinction--how faithful were the labors of himself
and his compatriots, the work of their hands and our union,
strength, and prosperity--the fruits of that work best
attest.

"But to have essentially aided in presenting to his country
this consummation of her hopes, neither satisfied the claims
of his fellow-citizens on his talents, nor those duties
which the possession of those talents imposed. Heaven had
not infused into his mind such an uncommon share of its
ethereal spirit to remain unemployed, nor bestowed on him
his genius unaccompanied by the corresponding duty of
devoting it to the common good. To have framed a
constitution, was showing only, without realizing, the
general happiness. This great work remained to be done; and
America, steadfast in her preference, with one voice
summoned her beloved Washington, unpractised as he was in
the duties of civil administration, to execute this last act
in the completion of the national felicity. Obedient to he