11 
will be found in the efforts of this Society to distribute some of its most valu- 
able papers with a view of meeting the varied forms of scepticism around us. 
I might refer to some of the papers here mentioned, but I will not pursue the 
subject, except so far as to speak of the paper written by the Rev. W. D. 
Ground, in answer to the philosophy of Herbert Spencer,— a paper in which 
the author has shown the wide chasm that exists between the conclusions 
Spencer has drawn and the principle of Consciousness on which he based his 
philosophy. The tone of the discussion sustained by Mr. Ground was such 
as became a Christian gentleman. In this respect the papers of the 
Victoria Institute are of much value and deserve the highest encomiums. 
I will now, however, bring my remarks to a close. I shall, no doubt, be 
followed by more able advocates ; but I must state my earnest desire to 
further, as far as I can, the interests of this Society both here and in the 
Diocese over which I have lately been presiding. (Applause.) I beg to move 
“ That the Report of the Council now read be received and adopted, and 
circulated amongst the Members and Associates.” 
Mr. J. F. Bateman, F.R.S. — I have great pleasure in seconding the 
resolution. After the very able manner in which Bishop Short has advo- 
cated the cause of the Society I need add no words of mine to recommend 
it to the attention of this audience. 
The motion was carried nem. con. 
The Right Rev. the Bishop of Nelson (New Zealand). — My lord, ladies, 
and gentlemen, I have been entrusted with the following resolution, which 
I have great pleasure in moving : — “ That the thanks of the members and 
associates be presented to the Council, Honorary Officers, and Auditors, for 
their efficient conduct of the business of the Victoria Institute during the 
year.” I received a summons to attend this meeting, and came intending 
to remain a humble listener to what might be said ; but your honorary 
secretary met me on the threshold and insisted on my taking charge of this 
resolution. I felt that I could not refuse his request, inasmuch as I am 
confident that the thanks of the Society are most deservedly due to all who 
are included in this resolution, and to none more than to your honorary 
secretary. (Hear, hear.) Allow me to say, in connexion with this sub- 
ject, that I am thankful for this opportunity of sitting at the feet of one 
of the Australian bishops, Dr. Short ; and I may state that I have come 
over here chiefly for the purpose of keeping myself au courant with what is 
going on in matters of this kind. I think you will agree with me that this 
is desirable for us as bishops, exposed as we are to many difficulties such as 
those which beset you here, while at the same time we have not the privilege 
and means of meeting those difficulties which you in England possess. 
I should like here to say, — for, although some of you may know it very well, 
others may not, and many of the questions put to me show that it is not 
generally known,— that I am often asked, “ Has this or that form of infidelity 
reached you ? Surely you have not got this sort of thing in your portion of 
the globe ?” Why, my lord, we have every form of infidelity as soon as it 
is published, and even the very rumour of it somehow" seems to reach us 
