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other, I think we might be assured that, between two such able and intelli- 
gent witnesses, every word of the truth would be established. (Hear, hear.) 
Notwithstanding any minor defects, I think the paper a very admirable one. 
This is an age in which a vast amount of attention is given to geology. A 
great deal more attention was now paid to the earth, than to the heavens. In 
former times astronomy was the science which chiefly attracted man’s 
attention, and we all know the series of blunders they had fallen into with 
respect to it till the time of Copernicus ; and that it is the scientific glory of 
England to have produced the system of Sir Isaac Newton. It now 
appears that astronomy is given up in favour of geology. But it strikes 
me that we have not reached that position in respect of geology which we 
have attained in astronomy. Geology wants its Newton. We want some 
great mind, who, by a careful investigation of the crust of the earth, will 
arrive at a series of definite conclusions upon which he could base a true 
system. With respect to other remarks, I will only say that, in my opinion, 
it is of the utmost importance that, in a society like ours, we should 
have all sorts of relevant observations. (Hear, hear.) The only things which 
should be excluded from our discussion are noise, and nonsense, and abuse. As 
long as what is stated is expressed civilly, and has any scientific basis to 
support it, there should be no objection to it. We profess to stand upon a 
foundation which, like the kingdom of the Redeemer, can not be shaken, 
and therefore we can afford to listen to all kinds of suggestions, and discuss 
them as the Lord J esus did constantly, while on earth, in a calm and tem- 
perate spirit. The more we imitate His example in this Society, the more 
we shall show ourselves consistent disciples and sincere believers in the 
grand truths which He came on earth to proclaim,— namely, the truths which 
God had revealed to man, and which it is our object in this Society to defend. 
(Hear, hear.) I think we shall be able to maintain our position against 
attacks of every kind. And I can far easier believe that there is no God, 
than believe that a God existed and never revealed himself. I do not 
understand how any one could believe in God, and deny that He had revealed 
Himself to the creatures whom He had made. It is quite as monstrous an 
hypothesis as to suppose that the father of a family loving his children 
would never reveal himself to them in his paternal relations. It is such 
a hypothesis as could not stand for a moment. It is absurd. It is our 
belief that the Bible is His revelation, and though we may not be able 
always to reconcile the statements which it contains with certain phenomena 
in Nature, it is our duty to wait and study, and not take for granted that they 
never can be reconciled. The institution of such a society as this is worthy 
of London, the great metropolis of Christendom. Let us only have a few 
more papers such as that read this evening, and a few more discussions such 
as have followed, and I am satisfied that a great deal of good will be done. 
We should be very glad on all occasions to hear the opinions of men who do 
not agree with us. We would perhaps be able to lead, them gradually to our 
way of thinking ; but I hope, at all events, that no one who listens to our 
