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that invariably reigns among us, not only in our Council, but at our meetings, 
whether for discussion, or on occasions of thisjdnd, when we are assembled 
for social intercourse. I know that there are around me many persons differ- 
ing from myself and from one another on minor points, and even those who 
might, perhaps, should a certain tocsin be sounded, be found unhappily on 
different sides in the great questions, political, religious, and social, which 
agitate us at the present day ; yet at the same time we have among us no 
discord, but peace. We are one-united in the determination to uphold 
those sacred writings which for us contain all blandishments for time, and 
all hopes for eternity. (Cheers.) Yes, peace, and not discord, is our 
motto, and I can only conclude by expressing my firm persuasion and 
faith that that peace is not a mere slurring over and cancelling of difficulties 
and differences by compromises, but somewhat of the peace promised by 
Him who said, “ My peace I give unto you ; my peace I leave with you ; 
not as the world giveth give I unto you.” (Cheers.) 
Mr - Alexander M‘Arthur.— T he toast I have the honour ‘to propose is— 
“ The Authors of the Papers read at the Victoria Institute.” (Cheers.) I am 
sure that this toast will be very heartily received and cordially approved by all 
present. W hen our indefatigable Honorary Secretary did me the honour of 
consulting me about the formation of this Institute, I said there could be no 
difficulty whatever in getting a sufficient number of members to support such 
an institute if a few of us would exert ourselves for that purpose ; but, to my 
nnnd, the great difficulty appeared to be in consequence of the number of 
literary and scientific societies already in existence,— the difficulty of gettino- a 
sufficient number of able men to provide us with papers and take part in our 
iscussions. I am glad to say that in both these respects we have succeeded 
tar beyond our most sanguine expectations. With regard to the number of 
members we have succeeded well,— we are able to feel our way pretty well ; 
but still I think that if our numbers were doubled our usefulness might be 
very largely increased. If, as I would suggest, every person now present 
would only engage to get one new member during the coming session, 
that would give a large increase to our numbers, and would help us very 
materially. I do not believe there is a gentleman present who could not 
manage to do this, and I believe there are many who could get five or ten 
more, and I would almost engage to get ten new members myself if any one 
else would promise to do the same. With regard to the papers, those who 
have oeen m the habit of attending our meetings and of hearing the papers 
read as well as those who have read them in the Journal of the Institute 
must be aware that many of them have been highly able and valuable. They 
have not, of course, been all equally able, but I must say that where there has 
been any falling off m this respect, where they have not come up to the mark 
or where there has been any heterodoxy of a scientific or religious nature! 
I ^ dWayS been gentlemen P resent t0 maintain the truth, and who have 
handled the papers very impartially-I was about to say very unmercifully. . 
The discussions following the reading of such papers have always been of very 
gioat advantage to the members of the Institute. I am sure we are very much 
