President John Quincy Adams' Inaugural Address

His inaugural address as President of the United States says, — "'Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.' With fervent supplications for his favor, to his overruling providence I commit, with humble but fearless confidence, my own fate and the future destinies of my country.'"

His first message declares that "In taking a survey of the concerns of our beloved country with reference to subjects interesting to the common welfare, the first sentiment which impresses itself upon the mind is of gratitude to the Omnipotent Dispenser of all good, for the continuance of the signal blessings of his providence, and especially for that health which to an unusual extent has prevailed within our borders, and for that abundance which, in the vicissitudes of the seasons, has been scattered with profusion over our land. Nor ought we less to ascribe to him the glory that we are permitted to enjoy the bounties of his hand in peace and tranquillity,—peace with all the other nations of the earth, in tranquillity among ourselves."1

• 1. p. 181