soon put to shame any false and spurious luminary. Now this view of the 
subject, which seems to me appropriate to the great purposes of this Insti- 
tute is, I think, peculiarly cpnsonant with the resolution which I have le 
honour to second-namely, that our thanks he given to the Council and to 
the honorary officers,— because all the preparations for our discussions, and 
the obtaining eminent persons to come forward and read papers, like other 
things in this world, cannot he done without considerable difficulty and effor , 
and I am quite sure that we have a great deal to thank the Counci an e 
honorary officers for, when we remember the success they have achieved m 
putting before our meetings subjects worthy of discussion, and in obtaining 
eminent persons to read papers of so instructive and valuable a character, 
have therefore great pleasure in seconding the resolution, which has been 
placed in my hands. (Cheers.) 
The resolution was unanimously agreed to. 
Mr. A. M‘Aethuk. — On behalf of the Council I can assure those who are 
present that we duly appreciate this expression of their approbation an 
confidence. We are all conscious of many shortcomings and defects, but 
I may say that we have honestly and faithfully endeavoured, as far as was 
possible, to discharge the duties that have devolved upon us during the past 
year. (Cheers.) Most of the members of the Council are men whose time 
is valuable, and whose engagements are very numerous but I think we a 
feel that the “Victoria Institute” is a necessary, an important, and, I am 
glad to say, a successful Institution. (Cheers.) We therefore feel it to be 
alike a pleasure, a privilege, and a duty, to do anything in our power o 
promote its interests and extend its usefulness. I think we have had evi- 
dence in the speeches delivered this evening, that such institutions as this 
are necessary in the present day. (Cheers.) The friends and supporters »f 
infidel views are active and energetic, and though we are glad to find Ur. 
Irons taking so favourable a view as he does of the present state of affairs 
still most of us believe that there never was a period in the history of th 
country when the contest between light and darkness, and between truth 
and error, was carried on with greater zeal, energy, ability, and determnation 
than is the case now. And although we are perfectly satisfied that truth 
is mighty, and must prevail,” yet we are also convinced that very munh 
depends upon the manner in which we conscientiously discharge the duties 
devolving upon us, and I think we have reason to be thankful for the success 
that has hitherto attended our labours. I think it is a cause for gra 1 u 
and thankfulness that our members have increased, and that we have 
able to accomplish so much good. I have no hesitation in saymg that any 
man who makes himself acquainted with the Transactions of this Institu 
from its commencement until now, will have a fund of useful ^formation, 
which he would find it difficult to obtain in the same space anywhere else 
and which will prepare him for defending the truth, and enable him to 
defend it successfully against the cavils and infidehty of 1 
that I may be allowed to say I think this Institute is eminent y worthy 
of support. There are other associations, valuable m themselves, 
