to do with that; you are for religion and we are for philosophy.” This 
Society has proved, however, that true religion is true philosophy, and that, 
on the other hand, true philosophy is also true religion. It has shown that 
these two things are combined and inseparable. And now I may observe, in 
reference to the deeply interesting paper which has been read by Mr. Saunders, 
what a change it exhibits in the mode of thought adopted in the present day 
as compared with what we were formerly accustomed to. I remember that 
when the present Lord Albemarle published his Journey Overland , and 
the report of the investigations he made in the East, and quoted two or 
three passages from the Scriptures in marginal notes, he was instantly pro- 
nounced “a confounded saint ” for bringing the Bible into a book of that 
description. It is very different now, when every day is bringing forward 
new facts in support of the authenticity of the Bible narrative. The 
completion of the Survey of Palestine will produce an accumula- 
tion of evidence which will make that narrative irresistible, and, 
although a man may continue to be an unbeliever if he so determine, 
he will be regarded as utterly unreasonable in the judgment of every 
thinking man. A great astronomer, — a friend of mine, — told me 
that once, in conversation with Laplace, the latter said to him, — 
“ We have principles enough in science ; what we want are facts, facts, 
facts !” This I presume to repeat, and to say, The more facts we get, the 
more certain will be the progress we shall make in real science, and the only 
complaint I have to make against science is that it does not go fast enough 
in this direction. In the career of facts it lags very much. The greater the 
number of facts the greater are the means of approaching truth, and the accu- 
mulation of facts that will arise from the Survey of Palestine will be such 
that, as a geographical work, it will settle positively all questions of this sort. 
I believe that if our friend, Mr. Saunders, had treated us to some details as 
to the survey of the peninsula of Sinai, he would have proved that if Moses 
had existed at the present day he would, most undoubtedly, have been Pre- 
sident of the Eoval Geographical Society. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) The 
accuracy of the geography of Moses, as attested by the Ordnance Survey, and 
the officers to whom that great work was entrusted, is such that it is not to 
be surpassed by anything which is done at the present day. I have only 
now to congratulate you on the progress made by this Institute. It is 
extending its sphere of usefulness, not only in England, but also in the 
colonies and in America. 1 he popular edition of the works of the Insti- 
tute is circulating among the mass of working people, and I believe you 
will be able to date from the commencement of this Society a very great 
change in the aspect of religion and the truth of God’s Word in their 
relation to science, and God be praised for it. (Applause.) Before we sepa- 
rate I ought to propose to the meeting a vote of thanks to our Secretary. 
(Hear, hear.) We are indebted to Captain Petrie to an extent we can hardly 
realise, and he is fully entitled to our gratitude. I therefore assume at 
once that you accord to him a hearty vote of thanks. (Applause ) 
The proceedings then terminated. 
