162 
I cannot close this paper without apologizing for the appa- 
rently dogmatic tone which may to some appear to pervade it. 
But I have designedly abstained from quotations, and rom 
alleging the opinions of eminent writers on either side. Our 
object fs not to collect what men have said, but to induce men 
to J think, and think deeply. I have therefore ventured o 
place before you my own thoughts and reflections on the 
matter, and leave to profounder learning and deeper re e - 
tion the task of going farther. Sure I am, that the profounder 
the thought and learning, the more clearly will be ^played 
the simple sublimity of the dealings of the Cr e at .or with Hi3 
creatures, and the unity of the great creation called into bem 
by that Deity who in His wisdom has willed to leave us i written 
records of Himself and of His province, truer and more 
certain than the deductions even of the hl S h ® st of 
minds from the steadiest of finite senses. And as i a deep 
mathematic brings us nearer to the source of all numbe 
the Infinite yet One ; as a deep astronomy carries us clos 
to the Lord of Heaven, a profound geology to the Creator o 
earth; so will an extended and profound philology raise us 
nearer to the Author of the tongues of men and angels— to 
Him who has not disdained to be called the Alpha and Omega, 
the Word of God. 
The Chairman. — I think I may call upon you to give with acclamation 
a vote of thanks to the Rev. Dr. Thornton for the exceedingly valuable paper 
he has read. I am sure every one will feel that this Institut 
great work, by calling forth such papers as that we have heard th]S evening 
f paper d spkying the most profound learning, and yet marked by the 
deepesT modesty. "(Hear.) I am sure yon will a 11 agree that t he an W 
it is entitled to onr most cordial thanks ; and I have mily to add that as 
we are anxious to encourage discussion, I shall be glad to hear any | 
who has any remarks to make ; but I would request that, as our discussions 
are reported very fully, every one should confine himself as much 
to the subject of the paper. It has also been intimated to me that the d s 
tinguished biblical scholar Dr. Tregelles is present with u th ^ V “ g ’ 
with a suggestion that perhaps he would favour us with his views on the 
riot f can only say that I feel certain we shall all be extremely gmtified 
if he will kindly do so. (Hear, hear.) T shall 
Dr. Tregelles . — As you have invited me to speak on this paper, * ^ 
avail myself of the privilege which you have granted to make a fewl^arks 
upon it. I think it is a very valuable paper, and I listened to 1 
pleasure, and followed the arguments which Dr. Thornton ^"h a t 
in support of his views with a peculiar degree of “ terest ' h 
dealt with a very difficult subject in a very masterly manner ■ 
there are many things which are stated in. that paper, for 
