77 
Almighty God that He has so prospered our efforts (cheers). We are 
greatly indebted to Dr. Rigg to-night for his interesting Address, written in 
so masterly and literary a style (loud cheers). The object with which thi3 
Society was formed was, not merely to beat down the views of others, not to 
be antagonistic to the progress of Science, but to do all that we could do for 
the development of Truth, and, if I may use the phrase, to give Religion 
“ fair play.” This Society was not founded to establish either one opinion or 
another. It was not started for the purpose of setting up the Bible against 
Science. The object of the Society was, that science should have 
FAIR FLAY, THAT THE TRUTH SHOULD BE TOLD ON ALL SIDES, and that We 
might get rid of the despotism of certain scientific men (hear, hear). 
Because it is perfectly well known that men of science, with all their sublime 
and mighty notions, are as despotic as the weakest of the human race, and 
they are exercising their despotic sway to a remarkable extent over a very 
large number of rising young men, who are either fascinated by what they 
have read and discovered, or are crushed by the authority of a few great 
names. It was in order, as I have said, that Science should have fair play 
that this Institute was established, and the blessing of God has so rested 
upon it that it has at last taken a hold in public estimation. Before I sit 
down I want to say that great credit is due to our Honorary Secretary, 
Captain Petrie, for the patience, affability, zeal, tact, and energy which he 
has displayed ; and from the manner in which he has acquitted himself in 
regard to the Institute, I doubt not that, should he be called upon to serve 
his country elsewhere, he will be quite equal to any emergency. 
[The Annual Meeting being concluded, the members, associates, and their 
friends assembled in the Museum, where refreshments were served.] 
VOL. XIII 
G 
