He who could address this audience without a quailing sensation, has stronger nerves than I have.

I do not remember ever to have appeared as a speaker before any assembly more shrinkingly, nor with greater distrust of my ability, than I do this day.

A feeling has crept over me, quite unfavorable to the exercise of my limited powers of speech.

The task before me is one which requires much previous thought and study for its proper performance.

I know that apologies of this sort are generally considered flat and unmeaning.

I trust, however, that mine will not be so considered.

The little experience I have had in addressing public meetings, in country schoolhouses, avails me nothing on the present occasion.

The papers and placards say, that I am to deliver a 4th [of] July oration.

This certainly sounds large, and out of the common way, for it is true that I have often had the privilege to speak in this beautiful Hall, and to address many who now honor me with their presence.

But neither their familiar faces, nor the perfect gage I think I have of Corinthian Hall, seems to free me from embarrassment.

That I am here to-day is, to me, a matter of astonishment as well as of gratitude.

You will not, therefore, be surprised, if in what I have to say I evince no elaborate preparation, nor grace my speech with any high sounding exordium.

With little experience and with less learning, I have been able to throw my thoughts hastily and imperfectly together; and trusting to your patient and generous indulgence, I will proceed to lay them before you.

This, for the purpose of this celebration, is the 4th of July.

This, to you, is what the Passover was to the emancipated people of God.