working in the same cause, where the purely theological aspect of the 
question is taken up ; but in this Institute, as has been stated, we 
take, also, the scientific view of the question. I need scarcely say that 
we regard ourselves as the true friends of science ; that we rejoice in 
every step in advance which true science makes, and that we are quite 
satisfied that no scientific discovery will be in opposition to the truth of the 
Divine word. It has already been said that our object is to investigate 
scientific facts. We are glad to receive scientific facts, but what we regard 
as our chief object, and as the main part of our usefulness, is to investigate 
scientific theories which are not facts, and to disprove them. We are old 
enough to recollect how many scientific theories have been trumpeted forth 
as contravening the truths of Christianity, but when they have been investi- 
gated they have been found to be altogether untenable, and their authors 
have been ultimately compelled to give them up as unscientific. What we 
want, therefore, is that these scientific theories should be brought to the test 
of truth, and when they are found to be facts we shall rejoice in accepting 
them, and we have no fear whatever that they will contravene the truth of 
Scripture. I will only say, before I sit down, that for our success we are 
largely indebted to the unwearied exertions of our Honorary Secretary, 
Captain F. Petrie (cheers), who came to our assistance at a time when we very 
much required his help. He has thrown his whole heart and soul into the 
work, and he has rendered us invaluable service. (Cheers.) It would be 
unjust if I were not to make this statement, that we are mainly indebted 
for our success to the exertions of Captain Petrie. (Cheers.) 
Mr. W. N. West. — On behalf of the honorary officers, I have to thank 
you for the way in which we have been mentioned. For my own part I can 
only say that I have done very little, having had very little to do ; but I 
join heartily with Mr. M‘ Arthur in the statement that it is to the zeal and 
untiring energy of the Honorary Secretary that we owe the present position 
of this Institute. (Cheers.) 
The Right Rev. Bishop Claughton.— The third resolution which has 
been placed in my hands will, I have no doubt, be gladly assented to by 
those who are present. It is—' “ That the following be the Council and Officers 
for the ensuing year 
COUNCIL AND OFFICERS FOR 1873-4. 
President. — The Right Honourable the Earl or Shaetesbury, K.G. 
Vice-Presidents. 
Philip Henry Gosse, Esq., F.R.S. Rev. Walter Mitchell, M.A. 
C. B. Radclieee, Esq., M.D., &c. Rev. Robinson Thornton, D.D. 
Charles Brooke, Esq., M.A., F.R.S. . P.R.M.S., &c. 
Hon. Foreign Correspondent — Constantin de Tischendore, LL.D., D.C.L., &c. 
Honorary Treasurer — William Nowell West, Esq. 
Hon. Sec. and Editor of Journal — Captain F. W. H. Petrie, F.G.S., F.R.S.L., &c- 
Honorary Foreign Secretary — Edward J. Morshead, Esq., H.M.C.S. 
