49 
the careful manner in which the executive have managed the affairs of the 
Institute and of the need of our existence (cheers). 
The resolution was carried nem. con. 
Eev. Robinson Thornton, D.D. — I rise to express the thanks of the 
Council for the vote of confidence, for such I presume it may be called, 
which has been so kindly proposed, seconded, and affirmed. It cannot be 
denied that the duties of the Council are important, and, as has been said, 
involve many difficult matters requiring discretion and judgment, and it is 
not unwelcome to be told that we have acquitted ourselves to your satisfac- 
tion in performing those duties. Starting with the grand principle that 
between Scripture rightly interpreted and scientific conclusions rightly 
drawn from ascertained facts there can be no opposition whatever, the 
Institute endeavours to meet the attacks upon Revelation, made in the name 
of science or philosophy, by investigating the scientific or philosophical 
grounds upon which those attacks are made, with the view of eliminating 
such theories and hypotheses as prove baseless. In this work we are careful 
to keep within our lines as a scientific Society, and neither to trench on 
theological questions, nor to waste the time of the Institute in airing new 
hypotheses, however ingenious. We leave theology and speculation to 
others, and content ourselves with our own definite work ; and are glad to 
find that you see reason to continue that kind confidence which you have 
hitherto reposed in us as your Council. For the vote of thanks, and the 
terms in which it has been expressed, I beg to return, in the name of the 
Council, sincere thanks. 
VOL. XIII. 
E 
