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"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 favors."

One of the great things about Washington is that so many different people can find a statement of his that they can get behind. Here's Washington on religious qualifications for political or judicial office:

"In this enlightened age & in this Land of equal liberty it is our boast, that a man's religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the Laws, nor deprive him of the right of attaining & holding the highest offices that are known in the United States."

Here's Washington on the dangers of unrestrained government (I have to wonder how he would react to the monster we've allowed to grow these days):

"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence — it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action."

George even had a quote to please the hemp crowd:

"Make the most of the Indian hemp seed, and sow it everywhere!"

I tend to agree with those who think that Washington was the greatest American, while Lincoln was the greatest American president.