137 



Rev. W. H. H. Marsh, of Salem, in response to a 

 call from the chair, said he regretted he had not the 

 opportunity of attending more frequently the meetings of 

 the Institute, the several objects of which are of such 

 great practical importance. The age is marked by scien- 

 tific investigation, and as science has so vastly enlarged 

 her domain, and has thus disclosed the interdependence 

 of the several branches of scientific investigation, the 

 successful prosecution of any single department of sci- 

 ence requires a knowledge of several of the others. The 

 true scientific spirit aims at the largest comprehension 

 possible of facts, and receives hypotheses with caution, 

 if not with distrust. For this reason the correct inter- 

 pretation of nature and the true interpretation of revela- 

 tion at those points where it touches science, will cer- 

 tainly harmonize. Science interrogates nature and nature 

 reveals God, and so scientific study should be promotive of 

 virtue, morality, high-toned character, reverence and faith. 



On motion of Mr. N. A. Horton 



Voted That the sincere thanks of the Institute are due 

 to the proprietors of the Second Church in West New- 

 bury for the use of their building 1 to hold this meeting : 

 also to Mr. Hayden Brown, Mr. Gilman W. Brown, Rev. 

 S. M. Keeler, and other citizens of West Newbury, for 

 courtesies extended during this pleasant excursion. 



An adjournment was had at about four o'clock, and it 

 became necessary for the company soon to take their 

 departure on the homeward trip. 



The people of West Newbury had given the visitors a 

 very favorable impression of the town and its inhabitants, 

 and it is hoped the acquaintances formed under such 

 pleasant auspices will be long continued. 



