It is my hope that all of these degrees may be reached and these friends attain a station which shall be an example and stimulus for all friends in the world. This is my supplication to God. The superstition concerning thirteen had its origin in the fact that Jesus Christ was surrounded by twelve disciples and that Judas Iscariot was the thirteenth member of their gathering. This is the source of the superstition, but it is purely imaginary. Although Judas was outwardly a disciple, in reality he was not.
Twelve is the original number of significance and completion.
Jacob had twelve sons from whom descended twelve tribes. Before He appeared, these mysteries were not understood. It was my wish to come here today to have this meeting.