345 
unmerciful fashion, with a quiet assertion that our Thirty-nine Articles 
were an impediment against our reception of truth, and that we were afraid 
of meeting the truth ; and he thought this Institution was one which would 
very likely afford him the opportunity of replying to the Professor, and that 
the clergy would be glad to hear what could be said on the other side. We 
invite here the fullest discussion and the most open debate, and I am only 
sorry that to-night the debate has been so one-sided. (Hear, hear.) 
Rev. Dr. Irons. — In consequence of what fell from Dr. Haughton, 
I would simply remind him that in the course of the remarks I was obliged 
to make as a clergyman, in consequence of the tone adopted by Professor 
Huxley towards Christianity and the Church, I did say, and now repeat 
calmly, that if Professor Huxley or any of his friends will put down in clear, 
distinct words what those hypotheses are which they conceive the clergy 
contradict, or are disinclined to adopt, I now pledge myself to consider 
every one of these publicly, and to give them either the fullest admission 
or the most unsparing exposure. (Hear, hear.) 
The discussion was then adjourned until the next Ordinary Meeting, on 
Monday, January 6th, 1868. 
2 b 2 
