69 
scepticism amongst them, he could not help rising to express how grateful he 
felt to the Rev. Mr. Mitchell for the simple and transparent, as well as deep 
reasoning, which had characterized his opening address. (Applause.) He had 
thus given a prestige to the Society, and developed powers which were 
essential to dealing with the thinking middle classes. When he thought of 
the numbers, lay and clerical, who were using the influence which some ac- 
quaintance with the theories of science gave them, to create a disbelief in the 
truths of Christianity, he rejoiced to find that a society had been established 
whose special object was carefully to examine 'how far the supposed truths 
of science had been ascertained. He was convinced that the more light was 
poured upon the pages, both of nature and of revelation, the more they 
would be found to be harmoniously at one. (Hear, hear.) It was lamentable 
to see men vieing with one another who should be first to use the very intel- 
lects God had given them, to revive old infidel grounds of objection and 
undermine the credibility of His Holy Word ! A wide sphere of usefulness 
was before the Society ; and he was satisfied that their labours in the cause 
which they advocated would be productive of the most beneficial results. 
He hoped they would steadily apply themselves to the work which they had 
undertaken ; but, for the success of their efforts, look to the blessing of Him, 
in whom, the more his works were studied, the more clearly it became mani- 
fest they were “ by Him and for Him,” in whom we also ourselves “ lived, 
moved, and had our being.” He begged to move that the thanks of the 
meeting be given to the Rev. Mr. Mitchell for his very eloquent and 
instructive address. (Cheers.) 
The Rev. Robinson Thornton, D.I)., Head Master of Epsom College, 
seconded the motion, and said the satisfaction which he felt in doing so was 
considerably enhanced by the fact of his knowing that the gentleman who 
read the address was a member of his own profession. He thought the lively 
gratitude, as well as the formal thanks, of the members of the Society was 
due to the rev. gentleman. (Hear, hear.) A work which is well begun is half 
done. (Hear, hear.) And seeing that the work which was undertaken by 
the Society was so successfully inaugurated, he thought th^y might consider 
it was half done already. (Hear, hear.) The great books of nature and reve- 
lation had, as it were, been spread out before mankind, and some persons had 
been scribbling on them. Leaving theological critics to clear away the stains 
which had been made on the Book of Revelation, it would be the duty of 
their Society to wipe off the marks from the' Book of Nature. He trusted 
they would be enabled to accomplish the task they had undertaken, and to 
prove to the world that nothing which was found in that Book was incon- 
sistent with the truth revealed in the other. (Hear, hear.) He had much 
pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks to the rev. gentleman for the able 
address which he had delivered, and the courteous but ruthless logic with 
which he had demolished the arguments of those who were opposed to his 
views. (Hear, hear.) 
The motion was put from the chair, and was carried with applause. 
The Rev. Mr. Mitchell having briefly acknowledged the compliment, 
