The Elder [John] Adams in his inaugural address: gives national pride such a grand turn of justification, that every honest citizen must look back upon the infancy of the with an approving smile and rejoice, that patriotism in the rulers, virtue in the people, and prosperity in the , once crowned the expectations of hope; unveiled the sophistry of the hypocrite and silenced the folly of foes: Mr. Adams said, “If national pride is ever justifiable, or excusable, it is when it springs, not from power or riches, grandeur or glory, but from conviction of national innocence, information and benevolence.” There is not doubt such was actually the case with our young realm at the close of the last century; peace, prosperity and union, filled the with religious toleration, temporal enjoyment and virtuous enterprize; and grandly, too, when the deadly winter of the “Stamp Act”, the “Tea Act”, and other Close Communion Acts of Royalty had choked the growth of freedom of speech, liberty of the press, and liberty of conscience, did light, liberty and loyalty flourish like the Cedars of God.

The respected and venerable Thomas Jefferson, in his— inaugural address, made more than forty years ago, shows what a beautiful prospect an innocent, virtuous nation presents to the Sage’s eye, where there is space for enterprize: hands for industry: heads for heroes: and hearts for moral greatness. He said, “A rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land, traversing all the seas with the rich productions of their industry, engaged in commerce with nations who feel power and forget right, advancing rapidly to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye; when I contemplate these transcendant objects, and see the honor, the happiness, [p. 6]