337 
The names of many of these gentlemen are personally known to me, and I 
can testify to the especial fitness of many of them to hold office in this 
Society, and have no doubt that those who have been selected to be their 
coadjutors are equally fit. In the present day it does seem very desirable 
that there should be a society for the purpose which this Institute has in 
view. The scientific world are rapidly crystallizing facts in connection with 
the phenomena which this world presents, and it is of great importance that 
religious men should stand up to show that there is complete harmony 
between these facts, so far as they are proved, and the statements of divine 
revelation. (Hear, hear.) We know that the human mind is very active in 
the present day, and that many are led to doubt, and it is important that we 
should stand forward and assist those minds in solving their doubts where- 
ever they are honest. I believe that this Institute will afford in the future, 
as it has in the past, a valuable platform on which the complete harmony 
between the facts of the material world and the statements of divine revela- 
tion will be carfully and clearly exhibited. (Hear, hear.) 
Rev. J. James. — I have great pleasure in seconding this motion. Although 
the names of many gentlemen in this list are not known to me, yet from 
past experience I feel such confidence in the management of the Society that 
I am quite sure the list has been well chosen. I am glad to have had an 
opportunity of learning to-day a feature in our Society of which I was not 
cognizant before ; namely, that we have sometimes • had persons present at 
our meetings with whom the Institute really does hold a contention. I have 
often been asked by my friends— -“ Do any of those persons with whom 
you contend make their appearance at your meetings ?” and I have not been 
able to give a reply ; but I am glad to possess the information which I have 
received to-day, because I think it is a real advantage that these people 
should come. This is a contentious institution, contending with those who 
fight against the truth ; and if there are any who question our faith, let them 
appear and openly state what they have to say. (Hear, hear.) The oftener 
the better for the advancement of truth. I rejoice that we have that by-law 
or rule in the Society which enables these gentlemen to come and take part 
in our discussions. I have great pleasure in seconding the motion. 
The resolution was then agreed to. 
Mr. Reddie.— In most societies they ballot for the Council, but we have 
not yet arrived at that stage ; but we have reached the time when any 
member of the Institute wishing to criticise the working of the Council or to 
bring forward any question as to our mode of management, can do so. Allow 
me to add that our President, Lord Shaftesbury, intended to have been 
here to-day, but Lord Carnarvon’s motion in the House of Lords prevents 
him. 
[After an interval, during which no member rose, the annual address was 
delivered (almost entirely extempore) by the Rev. Walter Mitchell, Vice- 
President, the subject being “ On the Argument from Design, as illustrated 
by the Structure of the Human Eye and the Cell of the Bee.” Hitherto the 
author’s illness has interfered with its publication. The vote of thanks was 
yol. y. 2 d 
