Gentlemen and Ladies, Grand Officers and Members of the National Grand Tabernacle of Galileans:
It has been my happy lot to address meetings in peculiar and even under agitating circumstances, but if I ever labored under a difficulty in my life, or required of my friends more than an ordinary share of their indulgence, it is on the present occasion.
It is a well known fact, that our Order has too long been a subject of ridicule and contempt, by the unprincipled, who are ignorant of our object. They have hurled the shafts of malice against us, which have fallen and lay harmless. The time has now arrived in my judgment, when we should offer a proper defence. For we are divinely taught that benevolence is a sure foundation of all that is noble in human nature. It is an oasis among the barren spots of life, producing rivers of goodness flowing for the benefit of mankind.
Appearing as the R. W. N. G. Ruler of the National Grand Tabernacle of Galileans, I am overpowered by your kind response and ask you to forgive me if I fail to express to you, as I ought, my most heartfelt gratitude for this most distinguished mark of approbation.
I am proud of being connected with any thing that has brought together so large a number of my friends. Were I to consult my own feelings, I should after offering my fervent thanks in fear, resume my seat and relieve myself of an onerous duty, but I feel that this is no ordinary occasion, but one of which I shall be expected to do more than return thanks; and in making the attempt to address you on the foundation of our illustrious Order, I feel the threat of a tremendous penalty hanging over me, somewhat like that of the naked
