Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/329

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OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE.
303

ferences that might have arisen among archæologists; he deprecated their discussion, although he could not but regret them. Their meeting was indeed a large one, and so numerous and powerful a body could stand by themselves, holding out the hand of friendship to all lovers of archæology who would join them.

The Dean of Westminster then delivered an address on the nature and value of the study of archæology, which will appear in the forthcoming volume of the Proceedings of this Meeting.

The Dean of Winchester said that he would not have presumed to address the meeting at that early period, surrounded as he was by so many possessed of greater talents, had he not been called upon to do so by the very kind manner in which the noble Marquis had spoken of the exertions of the clergy. Among the many duties of the Christian Pastor, there was none more important than that of using his utmost exertions to promote social intercourse between all ranks and degrees of men. Feeling strongly the advantage and necessity of such an institution as the Archæological Association, what could they, as clergymen, do less than open their gates and their hearts to receive such an assemblage as that with which he had now the honour to be associated? This was a proud day for the ancient city of Winchester, to receive within its walls so honourable and respectable a body, eminent not only for their rank and talent, but above all for their moral worth. A deep debt of gratitude was due to those gentlemen who had left their comfortable homes and travelled a long distance, to impart from their stores of knowledge, information calculated to enlighten others less instructed than themselves. In addition to the advantages which the city would derive by the presence of such a numerous assemblage, he might observe that, while by means of such meetings as these, a greater attachment to hereditary rank and institutions was created—a wider field was at the same time thrown open for the exertion of talent, whereby men of humble grade were raised up to social importance. It was gratifying to see the names of so many young men enlisting themselves under the banners of the society determined to find employment in their hours of recreation. With respect to the excellent and eloquent lecture which they had just heard from the lips of the Very Rev. the Dean of Westminster, he would say, it was so good in composition, and so strong in argument, that seldom was a discourse of so much importance offered to the public. To that gentleman he returned his thanks for the great exertion of his very superior talents, and he was sure all would heartily concur in the proposition. He trusted the Association would long continue to flourish under the direction of the noble Marquis—that it would remain established on so firm a basis as to be beyond the reach of malice or misrepresentation.

The Rev. Dr. Whewell (Master of Trinity College Cambridge) rose and seconded the motion; he expressed his diffidence in appearing before them so prominently, when so many better qualified than himself were present in the room. But he did rejoice to say how much he was filled with delight, at the noble sentiments, the noble language, the power worthy of