14 



ANNUAL MEETING. 



degree, by persons who have passed through such an experience as 

 your lordship has. It is a comfort for us to know that men of that 

 description — that a man of your lordship's eminence has weighed the 

 historical evidence of the gospels and of the Christian religion, and 

 is thoroughly satisfied with the consideration of those questions that 

 bear upon it. For all those reasons we regard it as a great advantage 

 to have your lordship as our President, and I am sure, in the name 

 of all, we tender your lordship our most hearty thanks. 



Sir Robert Anderson, K.C.B. — I feel sure, my lord, that no 

 one will look on this resolution as a mere formality ; but I feel that 

 my part in seconding it partakes of that character. No words of 

 mine are needed to commend it, and I may content myself with 

 some very brief remarks. 



The first of the primary objects for which this Society has been 

 founded is to investigate, fully and impartially, the most important 

 questions of philosophy and science, but more especially those which 

 bear upon the great truths revealed in Holy Scripture. How is it 

 that while, in these days, the very numerous discoveries are all upon 

 the side of Holy Scripture and so tend to confirm its truth, yet that 

 the public at large are led to believe that they discredit the Bible ? 



I think the answer is this — that in this sphere a practice prevails 

 which would not be tolerated in any other sphere, viz., that the 

 witnesses are allowed to adjudicate upon their own evidence ; and it 

 seems to me that if the rising tide of unbelief is to be checked, we are 

 dependent upon the influence of men of admitted and unquestioned 

 capacity for full and impartial investigation ; and this being so can a 

 Society, founded to promote these objects, possibly have at the 

 present time a more fit President than one in whom competent 

 scientific attainments are subordinate to the very highest capacity in 

 the judicial sphere ? (Applause.) Is not the Victoria Institute, 

 in the strongest way, to be congratulated on having as its President 

 the Lord Chancellor 1 



I have great pleasure in seconding the resolution that our best 

 thanks be presented to the Lord Chancellor for the address now 

 delivered, and to those who have read papers during the session. 



The resolution having been put to the meeting it was carried by 

 acclamation. 



The President. — Ladies and gentlemen, I am extremely 

 indebted to you for the way in which you have been good enough 



