76 
were very great. He might also mention the Wesleyan Mission in the Fejee 
Islands, which was very successful. He thought the instances of self- devotion 
to which he alluded were sufficient in themselves to vindicate the character 
of the age from the charge of “ littleness ” in its men or in their measures. 
(Hear, hear.) One of the greatest benefits conferred by Christianity was the 
influence which it exercised on the conduct of the worst savages. It raised 
them from the most barbarous state to the dignity of manhood, .and rendered 
them susceptible of all the influences of civilization. (Hear, hear.) He had 
formed the acquaintance of a Kaffir while in Africa, with whom he still kept 
up a correspondence, and he was one of the noblest specimens of a Christian 
man which he had ever met with in his life. (Hear, hear.) He concluded by 
thanking the company for the manner in which they had received the toast. 
(The Rev. Mr. Trestrail, whose name was also associated with the toast, 
was unexpectedly absent.) 
The Chairman then rose and said, the next toast which he had to give was 
the toast of the evening — “ Prosperity to the Victoria Institute.” He thought 
that, with God’s blessing, there could be very little doubt of its prosperity, 
if they were enabled to have a series of papers such as that which they had 
heard that evening. (Hear.) They would then be provided with such an 
armoury, in which every weapon both for attack and defence would be found, 
as would leave them and the great truths of Christianity unharmed in any day 
of trouble, rebuke, or blasphemy. (Hear, hear.) He gave them the toast, 
which he thought it unnecessary to recommend to their favourable notice, 
and, associated with it, he would give them the health of Mr. Alexander 
M ‘Arthur and Captain Fishbourne. (Cheers.) 
The toast was enthusiastically drunk. 
Mr. Alexander M‘Arthur, in responding, said it was growing late, and 
as the meeting would be addressed by a number of other gentlemen who 
could occupy their time more profitably than he could do, he would not 
detain them with any long remarks. Amongst those who were to speak 
after him were Mr. Reddie and Captain Fishbourne, who were the originators 
of the Society. (Hear, hear.) He would not, therefore, trespass on the pro- 
vince of those gentlemen, who could point out the objects of the Society, and 
explain its usefulness, with much more ability than he was able to bring to 
bear on the subject. He begged to thank the noble lord who presided for the 
manner in which he had proposed the toast, and the company for the manner 
in which it had been received. Speaking for himself personally — and he be- 
lieved he was also expressing the opinion of every member of the Council — he 
might state that their inability to commence the regular business of the 
Society at an earlier period than they had done, had been a source of much 
regret and disappointment. A variety of circumstances combined to cause 
the delay. He need not enter i^to any explanation upon that occasion, 
further than to say, that many of the circumstances were entirely beyond 
their control'll. He was glad that the operations of the Society had been com- 
menced, and he thought he might congratulate the members and friends of 
the Institute upon having so good a beginning. He thought he might also 
