its favors to us with so profuse a hand. Would to God, we may have wisdom enough to improve them.

GOD, OUR PRESERVER.

We may, with a kind of pious and grateful exultation, trace the finger of Providence through these dark and mysterious events, which first induced the States. to appoint a General Convention, and then led them, one after another, by such steps as were best calculated to effect the object, into the adoption of a system recommended by that General Convention; thereby, in all human probability, laying a lasting foundation for tranquillity and happiness, when we had but too much reason to fear, that confusion and misery were coming rapidly upon us.

That the same good Providence may still continue to protect us, and prevent us from dashing the cup of national felicity, just as it has been lifted to our lips, is my earnest prayer.

1788.

The Great Director of events has carried us through a variety of scenes, during this long and bloody contest, in which we have been, for seven campaigns, most nobly struggling.

1781.

THE OMNIPOTENT, OUR GUARDIAN.

I earnestly pray, that the Omnipotent Being, whe has not deserted the cause of America in the hour of its extreme hazard, may never yield so fair a heritage to anarchy or despotism.

1788.

Satisfied, that we have sincerely wished and endeavored to avert war, and exhausted, to the last drop, the cup of reconciliation, we can, with pure hearts, appeal to Heaven for the justice of our cause, and may confidently trust the final result to that kind Providence, which has hitherto, and so often, signally favored the people of the United States.

1798.

The Great Ruler of Events will not permit the happiness of so many millions to be destroyed.

1791.

THE DIVINE DELIVERER.

Our affairs are brought to a perilous crisis, that the hand of Providence, I trust, may be more conspicuous in our deliverance.

The many remarkable interpositions of the Divine Government, in the hours of our deepest distress and darkness, have been too luminous, to suffer me to doubt the happy issue of the present contest.

1781.

DIVINE PROTECTION.

By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected, beyond all human probability, or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was levelling my companions on every side of me.

1755.

Providence has heretofore taken us up, when all other means and hope seemed to be departing from us. In this I will confide.

1778.

I commend my friends, and, with them, the interests and happiness of our dear country, to the keeping and protection of Almighty God.

1783.

THE SUPREME RULER OF THE UNIVERSE.

The situation in which I now stand, for the last time, in the midst of the representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the period, when the administration of the present form of government commenced. And I cannot omit the occasion, to congratulate you,† and my country, on the success of the

* In Braddock's defeat.

+ Congress.

experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Arbiter of Nations, that his providential care may still be extended to the United States, that the virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the government which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties, may be perpetual.

1796.

THE RULER OF NATIONS.

Let us unite, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations, to spread his holy protection over these United States; to turn the machinations of the wicked, to the confirming of our Constitution; to enable us, at all times, to root out internal sedition, and put invasion to flight; to perpetuate to our country that prosperity, which His goodness has already conferred, and to verify the anticipations of this government being a safeguard of human rights.

1794.

May we unite, in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties, properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional

laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations, (especially such as have shown kindness to us,) and to bless them with good governments, peace and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science, among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity, as He alone knows to be best.

1789.

THE FATE OF NATIONS, SUSPENDED ON GOD'S WILL.

I humbly implore that Being, on whose will the fate of nations depends, to crown with success our endeavors for the general happiness.

1793.

THE GOD OF ARMIES.

The vicissitudes of war are in the hands of the Supreme Director, where is no control.

NATIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THE DIVINE FAVOR.

The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected, on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.

1789.