It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe without the agency of a Supreme Being.

Not the stars, not the farthest solar systems, not the millions of different species of animal life, but the child is the greatest of God's creations.

God is able to create particles of matter of several sizes and figures and perhaps of different densities and forces, and thereby to vary the laws of nature, and make worlds of several sorts in several parts of the Universe.

Devotion to duty is the highest form of worship of God.

I cannot imagine a God who rewards and punishes the objects of his creation and is but a reflection of human frailty.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.