In this view, the citizens of the United States are responsible for the greatest trust ever confided to a political society.
If JUSTICE, GOOD FAITH, HONOR, GRATITUDE, and all the other qualities which ennoble the character of a nation and fulfil the ends of government, be the fruits of our establishments, the cause of liberty will acquire a dignity and lustre which it has never yet enjoyed, and an example will be set which cannot but have the most favorable influence on mankind.

If, on the other side, our Governments should be unfortunately blotted with the reverse of these cardinal virtues, the great cause which we have engaged to vindicate will be dishonored and betrayed; the last and fairest experiment in favor of the rights of human nature will be turned against them, and their patrons and friends exposed to the insults, and silenced by the votaries of tyranny and usurpation.
Senators and Representatives of the People of the State of New York: I had turned my steps away from your honored halls, long since, as I thought forever.

I come back to them by your command, to fulfil a higher duty and more honorable service than ever before devolved upon me.

I repay your generous confidence, by offering to you this exposition of the duties of the magistrate and of the citizen.

It is the same which John Quincy Adams gave to the Congress of the United States, in his oration on the death of James Madison.