46 
we are in a transition state, and that none of us can say what it is that 
science may not yet discover. If a discovery be only a step to something else m 
the direction of the truth, we may be misled by it. Many a path may lead ap- 
parently in an opposite direction to that which we expected, and yet lead us 
right in the end. So, if a discovery be a truth, we may be sure, that whatever 
appearances may be, it will not be inconsistent with revelation. (Hear, 
hear.) There are few lines that express this truth better than those of 
Miss Ingelow, who has suggested many thoughts that will be appreciated 
by a society like this. She says : — 
“ Wait, nor against the lialf-learned lesson fret, 
Nor chide at old belief as if it erred, 
Because thou canst not reconcile as yet 
The Worker and the Word.” 
This reconciliation must take place sooner or later— it may be later, or it 
may be sooner. Events follow each other rapidly in the progress of this 
world in which we find ourselves, and if we can by our efforts influence 
only some very few of those to whom I have made allusion, and induce 
them to take different views of these important matters, and to change a 
restless unsatisfying scepticism, for the calm consent of undoubting faith, we 
shall have done some good, not only in this world but also with reference to 
the next. (Cheers.) 
The resolution was then carried unanimously. 
The Earl of Shaftesbury, K.G. — As President of this Institute, I have 
now a very agreeable duty to perform, which is to present the testimonial 
before you to Captain F. Petrie, who has devoted more than five years of Ins 
time to the work of this society (during which period it has risen from 200 
to 694 members), and whose patience, affability, zeal, tact, and assiduity 
have done so much to bring it up to its present position. I am sure those 
who belong to the Society will heartily endorse what I have said, and what 
is here inscribed (on a salver, which, together with a silver tea and coffee 
service, formed the testimonial) : — 
“ Presented, with a Purse of 100 Sovereigns, to Captain Francis 
W. H. Petrie (late 11th Regiment), by the President and Council ol 
the Victoria Institute, or Philosophical Society of Great Britain, in 
testimony of their high esteem, and in recognition of the very energetic 
and valuable services he has rendered as honorary Secretary to the 
Society.” 
Captain F. Petrie, Hon. Secretary.— It would indeed require a far more 
eloquent tongue than mine adequately to express the thanks which I feel are 
due for the great honour which has been done to me in the presentation ot 
this* generous gift from the Institute, and more especially as the presentation 
is now carried out by your Lordship, with whose high name it will ever be 
associated ; and when I shall leave the work I am now engaged in and take 
up once more an appointment under the Crown, which, for private reasons 
