“’In the beginning of our contest with Britain when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection.  Our prayers, sirs, were heard and they were graciously answered.  All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a directing Providence in our affairs.  And have we forgotten that powerful friend?  Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance?  I have lived, sirs, a long time and the longer I live the more convincing proof I see of this truth that God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow can not fall to the ground without His notice is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, sirs, that except the Lord build the house they labor in vain who build it.  I firmly believe this and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political structure no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided and confounded and we ourselves become a reproach and a byword down to future ages.  And, what is worse, mankind may hereafter despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.’

“Dear Margaret, you and I who have been a part of the great story know full well that in these words of our noble friend is the conclusion of the whole matter.”