215 
about unthinkables and inconceivables, that are only words 
without any meaning. All that sort of thing is unworthy of 
reason, and fatal to its purest and highest issues. We must 
compare and compare — remember and remember — ponder and 
ponder — listen and learn with unshaken trust in the Divine 
Teacher, who will never deceive us, nor suffer us to be 
deceived, when looking to Him for guidance. This is pre- 
eminently what is needed in the present state, especially of 
what is called science, and it is most cheering to know that it 
is not so much wanting in society as some would lead us to 
imagine. There is here and there a group of proud, and 
consequently misguided, minds ; here and there a cry is heard 
as if in despair, or in madness, because God is thought to 
have hidden himself, or been found out to be the enemy of 
man. But, in spite of all that, and all else to be deplored, 
there are millions of souls bathing in the light of Jehovah's 
countenance,' and cultivating their highest capacities in the 
fellowship of Christ. 
Admiral Halsted. — I beg to propose a very gratifying resolution ; namely, 
— “ That the best thanks of this meeting be presented to Professor Kirk for 
the Annual Address, and also to all those who have read papers during the 
present Session.” 
Rev. J. W. Buckley. — In seconding this resolution I need add little to 
what has been said by Admiral Halsted, as I am sure we have listened with 
very great attention to the Address which has been delivered by Professor 
Kirk ; and we must all have been impressed with the idea that it required 
great thought and study in its preparation. We are deeply indebted to him 
for the attention he has devoted to the subject. (Cheers.) I have myself 
given some thought to the Darwinian question, and matters of that kind, and 
it appears to me that they are modern theories based upon very few facts. 
What is produced to us is nothing like a theory founded upon distinctly 
proved trdths, but is generally an idea connected with an immense amount of 
hypothetical matter. If we are to come to the conclusions which Mr. Darwin 
proposes, we must arrive at them on a very much firmer foundation than any 
which he has yet given us. (Cheers.) 
The resolution was agreed to. 
Mr. Brooke. — My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, — I feel certain that it 
must be a great satisfaction to all the members of the Victoria Institute that 
we have on this occasion in the chair, a nobleman who has ever set such a 
high example in devoting his life to that good cause which is the soul and life 
of this Institute, and which I feel satisfied that all now assembled together 
have come here to support. (Cheers.) I have great pleasure in moving that 
the thanks of this meeting be presented to Lord Shaftesbury for his occupancy 
of the chair this evening. (Cheers.) 
Rev. J. G. Wood. — My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, — It is with 
