look towards me; to declare a sincere con- sciousnseSy that the task is above my talents^ and that I approach it with those atixious a?id awful presentiments, which the greatness of the charge, and the weakness of my powers, so justly inspire, A rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land..,. traversing all the seas with the rich produc- tions of their industry., ..engaged in commerce with nations who feelpower andforget 7'ight... advancing rapidly to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye ...when I contemplate these transcendent objects, and see the honor, the happiness, ami the hopes of this t so ] deloved cowitry^ committed to the issue and the au- spices of this day, I shrink from the contemplation^ and humble myself before the magnitude of the undertaking. Utterly^ indeedy should I despair^ did not the presence of many^ nvhom I here see, remind me, that, in the other high authorities pro* liided by our constitution, I shall find resources of wisdom, of ^virtue, and of zeal, on which to rely under all difficulties. To you, then, gentle- men, who are charged ivitb the sovereign functions of legislation, and to those associated with you, I look with encouragement for that guidance and support, which may enable us to steer, with safety, the vessel in which we are all embarked, amidst the conflicting elements of a troubled world.
During the contest of opinion, through which we have past, the animation of discussions and of exertions, has sometimes worn an aspect which might impose on strangers, unused to think freely, and to speak and to write vohat they think; but this being now decided by the voice of the nation, an^ nounced according to the rules of the constitution, all will, of course, arrange themselves under the will of the law, and unite in common efforts, for the common good. All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle; that though the will of the majority is, in all cases, to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable.. ..that the minority possess their equal rights, vohich equal laws must protect, and to violate would be oppression. Let us then, fellow -citizens, unite with one heart, and C 51 1 ane mind. Let us restore to social intercourse, that harmony and affection, without ivhicb, liberty^ and e'ven life itself are but dreary