44 
obtain fair play for revealed truth. It was not that we wished to 
take up one party more than another ; we wished to have truth fairly 
considered, and not overpowered by the great names attached to scientific 
societies. We would not allow young men to stand up and state opinions 
opposed to revealed truth without an effort to meet them. You have 
now, however, assumed an entirely different position. You have ceased to 
be on the mere defensive ; you are on the aggressive, and the idea which 
occurred to me on hearing the address of the right rev. prelate was that 
Christianity is essentially aggressive in every aspect. (Hear, hear.) It is 
practically aggressive, spiritually aggressive, and if it is not aggressive it 
is quiescent and will do little or no good in the world. (Hear, hear.) 
I maintain that this Society has now assumed a position from which it 
may attack the stronghold of infidel science. It may hold its own before 
the rest in London. It has been the means of producing a series of volumes 
and a number of papers of the utmost possible value, which have brought 
it into relation with many countries in Europe, and with many great and 
enterprising minds in America. God grant we may have many such 
societies as this, who shall become a great ecumenical council — the highest 
order of ecumenical councils — and maintain the truth of God’s Word, 
showing that the harmony of religion and science is as complete as that 
of the soul and body. (Hear, hear.) Having said this, and having 
thanked you for the way in which you have received me to-night, I have 
to ask you to consider very seriously whether some great and powerful 
name should not in future attach to the post I have the honour to occupy. 
(No, no.) My friends on my left have both alluded to the shortness 
of life, and, looking at it from that point of view, it is not likely 
that I can occupy this chair very long. I was reminded of this at a 
public meeting the other day by one who said: “ We had better make 
the most we can of his lordship, as it is not likely we shall have much 
more of him.” (Sensation.) All I can add is, that if I can be of any use 
to this Institute for another year, please God I may be spared, here I am. 
(Applause.) I am very much obliged to you. 
[The members, associates, and their friends then adjourned, and refresh- 
ments were served.] 
