9 
[The Honorary Secretary (Captain F. Petrie) said that although the 
Report was in the hands of all present he would venture to point to the 
great importance of the statements contained in the first three para- 
graphs, and in the ninth and tenth sections. They showed that the 
Society was increasing in numbers, uniting leading men of science in 
its work, and becoming popular throughout the world ; and he would 
add, in regard to section twelve, that the press in all parts of the world 
merited their best thanks, for it had cheerfully and generously seconded 
the efforts of the Council, not only in bringing the objects of the 
Institute, but also summaries of the results of its work, before the public. 
He finally alluded to the great aid afforded to the Council by all that inte- 
rested themselves in the Society’s objects and in the increase of its strength.] 
Sir Henry Barkly, G.C.M.G., K.O.B., F.R.S.— My Lords, Ladies, and 
Gentlemen, I rise with much pleasure to propose the adoption of the Report 
which has just been briefly sketched by the Hon. Secretary. It is, as you 
will have learned from his remarks, of a highly satisfactory character, and it 
is clear from it that the Victoria Institute has quietly and unostentatiously, 
but with a considerable measure of success, been fulfilling the object for 
which it was called into existence some few years since. This object may 
be briefly described as being to show the world at large that the 
believers in revealed religion are neither ashamed nor afraid of facing the 
results of modern scientific research. Papers have been read by scientific 
men, before the Institute, and although it is possible that some of the 
speculations and expressions occasionally used in conducting philosophical 
and scientific inquiry may give pain to the religious feelings of some, yet 
on the whole I believe that our discussions have been conducted in a most 
gratifying way, and in the most excellent spirit. I think that any whose 
susceptibilities have been hurt may very well console themselves with the 
fact that although the results of scientific investigations may appear, for the 
moment, to conflict with this or that interpretation of a portion of the Scrip- 
tures, yet, that on the whole, and in the long run, they may be quite certain 
that such investigations will not be found to conflict with the truth of 
God’s Divine Word. It would be out of place for me to attempt to make a 
long speech when you all wish to listen to the Annual Address from Lord 
O’Neill, and therefore, I will conclude these remarks by moving “ That 
the Report of the Council now read be received and adopted and circu- 
lated amongst the Members and Associates.” (Hear, hear.) 
Mr. J. E. Howard, — I beg leave to second the resolution. 
The resolution was passed, neyn. con. 
Sir Joseph Fayrer,K.C.S.I.,M.D.,F.R.S.— My Lords, Ladies, and Gentle- 
men, I have as much pleasure in moving the resolution which has been put into 
my hands as I feel quite sure you will have in receiving and supporting it. 
When I say that I am about to call upon you to give your thanks to those 
