crease the wealth and protect the commerce of this
happy kingdom. To the goodness of GOD, in the first place, we are
indebted for a degree of prosperity unknown to other nations. In the
next place, we owe our happiness to our insular situation, and
attention to maritime affairs. Faction and civil war have at this
period laid waste the fairest countries of Europe; while peace has
flourished within our walls. Agriculture, commerce, and their kindred
arts, have prospered in our land. British oak hath triumphed; victory
hath been attached to the British flag; and British fleets have
ridden triumphant on the wings of the wind. Consider the great
national objects for which this building will be erected. To protect
commerce, and to guard the lives of those intrepid men who for us
cheerfully brave the fury of the waves and the rage of battle. The
mariner when he returns to the embraces of his wife and children,
after ascribing praise to the Great Giver of safety, shall bless the
friendly light which guided him over the deep, and recommend to the
protection of heaven those who urged, who planned, and who executed
the work. This day shall be remembered with gratitude. It shall be
recorded, that at the beginning of a new century the pious care of
government was extended to this remote island. These rocks, so fatal
to the most brave and honourable part of the community, shall lose
their terror, and safety and life shall spring from danger and death.
Even you, my friends, who are employed in the execution of this work,
are objects of regard and gratitude. You have, for a season, left the
society of your families and friends, to perform a work of high
interest to your country and to mankind. I am confident that you will
act, in all respects, so as to deserve and obtain the esteem of the
people who now surround you. I hope that they will discharge to you
every duty of Christian hospitality, and that you will have no
occasion to feel that you are strangers in a strange land. It becomes
us to remember that all the affairs of men are dependent on
Providence. We may exert talents and industry, but God only can bless
our exertions with success. Let our trust be in Him. Let us humbly
hope that He will bless this day and this undertaking. Through His aid
may there arise from this spot a tower of safety and protection to the
mariner of every tongue and nation.'

The whole of this scene is described as being very impressive; to
which the plai