12 Anniversary Address. 



in the Book of God^s Works ; but rather let him endeavor at 

 endless progress and proficience in both." Yet^ though 

 silenced two centuries ago^ it has of late^, in consequence 

 of the unexpected revelations of modern science,, partially- 

 revived, and, if not often openly ui'ged, creates strong pre- 

 judice against the speculations of Geology, Astronomy, and 

 other inductive pursuits, in the minds of many sincere 

 Christians. 



To such I Avould with all respect submit — that any attempt 

 to limit the scope of human inquiry must of necessity break 

 down, whilst the mere desire to restrict it savors of want of 

 faith in the truth of Divine Revelation. 



To reconcile God's Works with God's Words may, it is pos- 

 sible, for ever transcend the faculties of mere humanity, but 

 the believer may surely rest satisfied that what our present 

 finite capacities cannot fathom, will one day be made clear, to 

 all who have sought aright, in the mansions of eternity. 



Con'sdnced, in the words of the laureate, " that God and 

 Nature are not then at strife,-" let all echo the noble strain 

 into which he bursts forth, — 



' ' Who loves not knowledge ? Who shall rail 

 Against her beauty ? May she mix 

 With men and prosper ! Who shall fix 

 Her pillars 1 Let her work prevail !" 



But I must descend to less grand and exalted themes. To 

 elevate the position of our Society to the extent I have indi- 

 cated; to render it at the same time the depository of the opi- 

 nions of the learned few, and the mouthpiece of the scientific 

 wants of the unlearned many, are tasks for gradual accom- 

 plishment. I have to allude to-night to one or two matters 

 which I should like to see occupy your special attention 

 during my presidential term. 



The first is the consideration of a scheme which has re- 

 cently been proposed to the Government at home by my 



