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not be able to reconcile Science.and Religion, we nevertheless maintain that this 
is owing to our own imperfect understanding of Science, and that as Science 
progresses we shall make discoveries which will bring it into complete 
harmony with Religion. (Hear, hear.) This is what we all believe, and it 
is to attain such a consummation that the Victoria Institute has been estab- 
lished. I rejoice to know that the Institute receives the support of many 
of the able thinkers and powerful minds of the day. (Hear, hear.) 
When we have before us the evidence of the greatest philosopher of whom 
this or any other country can boast,— I refer to Sir Isaac Newton,— and find 
him saying at the close of his long career and in reference to his great dis- 
coveries in Science, that he was only like one who. stood upon the seashore 
and picked up a few pebbles, while the vast ocean of truth remained unex- 
plored before him, we cannot but feel that greatly as Science has progressed 
sioce his day, it is nevertheless as yet but in its infancy. We ought, therefore, 
when anything appears to stand in the way of the great truths of our religion, 
to feel that it is our duty to wait for further information, and that it is not 
for finite man to pretend that his discoveries can obstruct the truths which 
have been revealed to us by an infinite and all-wise Creator. (Hear, hear.) 
Now this being the position which the Victoria Institute has taken up, and 
deeply impressed as we all are with the truths of Revelation, humbly be- 
lieving as we do that God is greater than man, and that He giveth not account 
of any of His matters, it is our duty, in every way we can, to strive to sup- 
port this Institution. I believe it is doing one of the greatest works that 
can be undertaken in the present day. (Cheers.) I believe that the Insti- 
tute is pre-eminently required at the present time ; I believe it has been 
raised up in the ordering of Providence to do a great work ; I believe that, 
brief as its history has hitherto been, nevertheless its labours have borne 
fruit already. I rejoice in the hope that, as time progresses, we shall see 
much greater results from its efforts. I have great pleasure in proposing, 
“ Prosperity to the Victoria Institute,” coupling with that sentiment the 
name of the Rev. Dr. Robinson Thornton, a Vice-President, and one who 
is so well known to all of us for the active part he has taken in promoting 
the success of the Society. (Cheers.) 
The toast met with a hearty reception. 
The choir sang a glee. 
Rev. R. Thornton, D.D., rising amid loud cheers.— I am much gratified 
that you should think this Institute meets one of the needs of the present 
day. This is exactly what I have always felt from the first moment 
that I saw the advertisement announcing its formation. I find that when 
people wish to accomplish a particular object, be it moral or. immoral, they 
league together; for instance, when they wanted to overthrow the corn laws, 
a corn-law league was established ; if they desire to accomplish a certain 
social object, they league together ; if they want to upset a certain law, which 
some persons may deem to operate unjustly, they league together that they 
may attain their purpose ; and so, also, they league together if they wish to 
obtain some benefit. Now, I say it would be a shame to Christian England 
