I. O. Sisters and Brothers, such is the nature of all associations, that some must rule and govern, others submit and obey.
The officers whom you have selected to preside over your deliberations during the ensuing year, are I trust, sufficiently conversant with the rules of our Order to avoid exceeding the powers with which you have intrusted them.
All things are now ready for you to enter upon the proceedings of a new year. But we know not what is before us. No one can affirm that another year, nor even a single day, will be committed to our trust. Therefore, if we have been faithful heretofore, let us increase our exertions for the future.
As among the objects for which we are associated together is our purpose to protect the widow and orphan, comfort the afflicted, sympathize with the sorrowing and relieve the destitute and distressed, I trust that no discord will ever rise among us to imperil the success of our efforts to accomplish these charitable purposes and increase the happiness of ourselves and others.
