8 



ANNUAL MEETING. 



be a convenient position for some to take up ; but it would leave 

 us no solid ground as to the path which we are to take, or the 

 position we are to occupy in the future life. I believe we shall 

 find that what we call spiritual truths, are of value to us, only 

 so far as the historical events recorded in the Bible are recognised 

 as authentic facts — not only that man was created in the likeness 

 of God — that he fell from his estate — that Christ became incarnate, 

 and died and rose again, and ascended to the right hand of God. 

 How empty the Bil)le would be, if nothing were left but its ethical 

 teaching ! If the Institute could more and more bring into 

 prominence not only those points where the Bible is in touch 

 with modern thought, but those where there is a divergence, I 

 think then our thoughts would be better focussed, and that, by 

 God's help, we should benefit hy the illumination of His Holy 

 Spirit. (Applause.) 



Colonel T. H. Hendley, C.S.I. — My lord, ladies and gentlemen, I 

 have much pleasure in seconding the resolution, and if I may make 

 one suggestion, it is that the members of the Institute should do 

 their utmost to carry out the wishes of the Council, and endeavour 

 to raise the number of members to at least a thousand. 



The President. — ^The question is that the Report of the Council 

 now read be received, and adopted, and circulated amongst the 

 meml)ers and associates. 



The resolution having being put, was carried unanimously. 



Mr. Wilfred H. Hudlestox, F.R.S.— My Lord President, I 

 have much pleasure in moving that "The thanks of the Membeis 

 and Associates be presented to the Council, Honorary Officers, and 

 Auditors for their efficient conduct of the business of the Victoria 

 Institute during the year." 



Of course, the mainspring of all societies consists of the working 

 members of the Council, and seeing that the Council itself consists 

 of a great number of members who, like myself, perhaps, do not 

 very frequently interfere with the business of the Society, this vote 

 is more especially directed in favour of the working members who 

 attend the Council and manage the business of the Victoria 

 Institute. I must own that as far as I have any acquaintance with 

 the management, it is very skilful, and it has been well conducted 

 ever since I had the pleasure of being a member cf the Institute. 



I think, with regard to your volumes of Tranmctions — and we 



