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that, notwithstanding much open and avowed infidelity and atheism, the 
present time is marked by a much deeper, as well as more divergent tone of 
religious thought, than the preceding and early part of the present century, 
the chief feature of which might rather be termed indifferentism. The 
abundance of personal ministration in the present day contrasts favourably 
with its conspicuous absence at the former period. The hunting and sporting 
parson of that day in scarlet and buckskin would now be an anachronism, 
and probably would not be tolerated. 
D. Howard, Esq., F.C.S. — I have much pleasure in seconding this 
resolution, thanking Dr. Rigg for his most interesting Address. It is well 
for some of us, who are perhaps too much inclined to take a gloomy view of 
the sceptical tendencies of Modern Thought , to be reminded of the brighter 
side of the question, of the triumph and progress of Christian thought and 
feeling ; and it is specially well to be reminded, by the eloquent passage 
quoted in the paper, that the assumptions of unbelief that we have to meet 
nowadays are but the old weapons with which Christianity has been 
attacked for centuries past, and which neither have prevailed nor shall 
prevail against it (cheers). 
The resolution was then unanimously agreed to. 
J. [Thornhill Harrison, Esq., M. Inst. C.E. — I have been requested 
to move the next resolution, which I feel confident will be affirmed by you 
with great pleasure : — It is, “ That the thanks of the meeting be presented to 
our President, the Earl of Shaftesbury, for taking the chair upon the present 
occasion.” I have but recently become a member of the Victoria Institute, 
for I was only lately aware of its existence. I am delighted to be connected 
with it, for it is an exceedingly valuable Institute, and I thoroughly approve 
of its objects. It is most gratifying to have the support of such men as our 
noble President, who takes so great an interest in these objects. 
H. Cadman J ones, Esq.- — The task of seconding this resolution is an easy 
one, for no words of mine can be wanting to persuade this meeting to express 
its feelings towards one whom I many years ago heard well described as “ a 
nobleman of God’s own making.” This Society must feel gratified at seeing 
in the chair one who has done so much to justify aristocratic institutions by 
using the advantages of his high position to help those whom circumstances 
made unable to help themselves. 
The resolution was then carried with applause. 
The Earl of Shaftesbury, K.G. — My lords, ladies, and gentlemen : — 
I am sure you will readily believe that I accept with much gratitude the 
vote you have been pleased to pass. I believe I was present at the very 
birth of this Society, when an address was delivered by my friend Mr. 
Walter Mitchell, in a small dark room. I had no conception at that time of 
the work which the Society would do, and of the position which it would 
hold, not only at home, but also, as it is now beginning to do, in America and 
our colonies. I had no expectation whatever of seeing the Society assume 
such magnificent proportions, and from the bottom of my heart I thank 
