A Defence Of Archaeology.

A DEFENCE OF ARCHAEOLOGY .

THE Bishop of Lincoln , who is ivell known as one of the first scholars of the day , welcomed the Lincoln Architectural Society to Lincoln about a year ago iu a speech of great power , thought , and beauty . We have deemed it well to give it nearly " in extenso " to our readers to-day , as one of the great objects of this magazine is to preserve a record of such passing addresses and lucubrations which tend to illustrate alike Masonic antiquity and general archaaology . We feel sure that our readers -will thank us for calling their attention to this most able address .

" IT is no part of my duty to-day to pronounce a panegyric on the study of archaeology . It may well stand on its own merits . Some , I am aware , have disparaged it as only subservient to the indulgence of an idle curiosity or learned pedantry . Aud doubtless it has its weak side , and cautions are needed in its pursuit . Sir Walter Scott , archaeologist as he was , has revealed some of its frailties in his " Antiquary . " And another English poet not unwisely says

How profitless the relics that ive cull , Troubling the last holds of ambitions Rome , Unless they chasten fancies that presume Too high , or idle agitations lull ; Heaven out of view , our wishes what are they ? Mere fibula -without a robe to clasp , Obsolete lamps , whose light no time recalls , Urns without ashes , tearless lacrymals !

But I am speaking noiv of the study of archaeology ivheu ri ghtly pursued . And at this time , and in this place , I do not scruple to claim for it something more than a technical and professional character , or even than a literary ancl scientific value . It has , I conceive , a high moral , social , intellectual , ancl spiritual dignity . Let me illustrate my meaning by reference to present circumstances .- England has just been passing through the severe ordeal of

contested elections , and is UOAV approaching the close of a stormy Parliamentary campaign . At such a time it is surel y a great relief to be raised above the troubled atmosphere of party politics , ancl to meet , as we do here to-day , as friends and brethren . Human nature is weary of strife ; it craves peace , and longs for repose . Tbe Middle Ages expressed that desire b y their trieve de Dieu , their holy truce ; and classical antiquity consecrated that

longing ei'ery fourth year at the summer solstice beneath the li ght of the full moon , which gleamed on the waters of the Alpheus aud on the olive groves of Olympia . Belligerent nations then laid down their arms ; political feuds were forgotten in a general amnesty ; and foes embraced one another in a periodic armistice . So it is now . We welcome all here to-day , as friends ancl brethren , to our own archaeological Olympia . We forget our political differences . Iu

the present week we are all Liberals , and we are all Conservatives . We are all Liberals because we are all met to promote those liberal arts and studies which adorn society ancl dignify human nature ; aud we are all Conservatives because we desire to protect , preserve , and restore with affectionate reverence the time-honoured monuments of antiquity , ancl thus we are associated in the felloAvship of a Liberal-Conservatism , and of a Conservative-Liberalism . And

we give a hearty welcome to all who have come to this peaceful harbour from the stormy sea of politics , and we hope that they may feel refreshed , like the ancient hero and his prophetic companion as described by the greatest of