422 Anniversary Address. 



ation of that enthusiasm with which he pursued his favourite 

 studies. And no less remarkable were his powers of descrip- 

 tion, the ease with which in simple graceful language he 

 could set forth the form and structure of natural objects, 

 throwing a charm over every subject which he touched. 

 In this way he gave an impulse to the mind of others and 

 gathered round him a band of able coadjutors, whose united 

 efforts have made the Proceedings of the Club the repository 

 of much scientific information which will never lose its in- 

 terest and importance. 



In this imperfect sketch of your proceedings there is one 

 thing that must not be forgotten — the desire which every- 

 where appears to see the hand of God in all the works of 

 nature, and mark the traces of His wisdom and power and 

 goodness. I do not know any learned or scientific society 

 in which this feature is so prominent, and it is gratifying to 

 find that on such themes the laymen are in many cases the 

 most outspoken. As in other matters so here also, it was Dr. 

 Johnston who led the way and gave the tone to your Pro- 

 ceedings. " I have taught myself " — he says — " to take note of 

 and pleasure in those works with which the Creator has 

 crowded and adorned the paths I daily walk," and his de- 

 light was in language as natural and unaffected as it was 

 beautiful to express the feelings which thus rose in his mind. 

 In the first Presidential Address delivered from the chair of 

 this Club, he reminded the members how the Scriptures " send 

 us for instruction to the ant and the lilies of the field, and 

 bid us seek out the wonderful works of God and learn their 

 lessons," praising " the Creator through His creatures for His 

 most gracious benignity and most benevolent munificence." 

 Sometimes also when circumstances naturally called for it, 

 the Providential care of God was distinctly recognised. 

 During the year in which our Club was instituted the first 

 great outbreak of Cholera took place in Britain. Dr. John- 

 ston described it as marching through the land " with fear 

 in its front, and mourning in its rear," and after referring to 

 its ravages in some parts of the Eastern Borders, he gave 

 expression to a feeling of devout thankfulness that no mem- 

 ber of the Club had faUen a victim. 



