He expressed his gratitude to in the strongest terms, for having commenced and carried on in so masterly a manner the good and glorious work he had undertaken. He said it would be the means of doing a great deal of good, and of benefitting his young friends more than they were aware of: that the gratitude of all good men, and of the young people whom he had so much benefitted, would follow him through life; and “when gray hairs should his temples adorn,” he could look back with pleasure upon the winter of 1843, when he was engaged in promoting the cause of benevolence, and prepairing his young friends for the glorious career which awaited them.

He said that he stood before them with more embarrassment, than he would before kings, nobles, and great men of the earth, for he knew the crimes of which they were guilty, and knew precisely how to address them; but his young friends before whom he now stood were guilty of none of these crimes, and he hardly knew what to say. He said he had never in his life seen such a large company of young people assembled together, pay such strict attention, listen with such profound silence, and keep such good order, as the assembly now before him. He praised their good conduct, and taught them how to behave in all places, explained to them their duty, and advised them to organize themselves into a society for the relief of the poor. As a commencement to their benevolent efforts, he offered a petitition from an English brother by the name of Modesley [Sutcliffe Maudsley], who was lame, and who wished them to build him a house, that he might have a home among the saints: he had gathered together a few materials for this purpose, but was unable to use them; and, now, relying upon the active benevolence of the young people of , he sends in this petition that you may act upon it as you deem proper. He advised them to choose a committee to collect funds for this purpose, and perform this charitable work as soon as the weather became suitable.— He gave them much good advice, to guide their conduct through life and prepare them for a glorious eternity. He said he was very much pleased with the course had taken, and hoped he would continue his meetings and that the young people would follow his teachings. [p. 155]