PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, B. A. 1871. 205 



tion from the solid and irrefragable argument so 

 well put forward in that excellent old book. But 

 overpoweringly strong proofs of intelligent and 

 benevolent design lie all round us, and if ever 

 perplexities, whether metaphysical or scientific, 

 turn us away from them for a time, they come 

 back upon us with irresistible force, showing to us 

 through nature the influence of a free will, and 

 teaching us that all living beings depend on one 

 ever-acting Creator and Ruler. 



