in a maze, when we hear all the varieties of knowledge, and of the deepest 
learning, opinions and counter-opinions, difficulties and antagonisms, such 
as have been brought out to-night by Professor Birks in his powerful and 
masterly address, if we had not such societies as this to put the truth be- 
fore the large proportion of people who must otherwise sink down, eithei 
through unqualified infidelity or absolute ignorance. (Hear, hear.) This 
society was not founded to establish either one opinion or another. It was 
not started for the purpose of setting up the Bible against Science. The 
OBJECT OF THE SOCIETY WAS, THAT SCIENCE SHOULD HAVE FAIR PLAY, THAT 
THE TRUTH should be told on all sides, and that we might get rid of the 
despotism of certain scientific men. (Hear, hear.) Because it is perfectly 
well known that men of science, with all their sublime and mighty notions, 
are as despotic as the weakest of the human race, and they are exercising 
their despotic sway to a remarkable extent over a very large number of rising 
young men, who are either fascinated by what they have read and discovered, 
or are crushed by the authority of a few great names. (Hear, hear.) It was 
in order, as I have said, that Science should have fair play that this Institute 
was established, and the blessing of God has so rested upon it that it has at 
last taken a hold in public estimation, which I believe it will retain as long as 
the Royal Academy, or any of the other societies or institutions that now exist ; 
and I trust that by the blessing of God it will surpass them all. (Hear, hear.) 
In spite of what has fallen from Dr. Irons and others, I must say that I still 
hold myself to be the wrong man in the right place ; and I must also add, 
that now you have grown to such large proportions, you do require in your 
President some one with more authority of declaration than I am. I should 
be glad to see some such man occupying the chair which I, by your kindness, 
have occupied so long. (No, no.) All that I can say, in conclusion, is that 
I feel very much like a hen that has hatched an eagle, which is now soaring 
aloft beyond my reach. 
[The Annual Meeting being concluded the members, associates, and their 
friends assembled in the Museum, where refreshments were served.] 
