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We certainly are prone to be over-proud of
modern achievements, and to suppose that those who have gone
before us knew nothing. Now if this Society—the inauguration of
which we are met in such numbers to celebrate this day—should
teach us that our forefathers really were not totally ignorant,
and not to suppose that "no doubt we are the men, and
wisdom will die with us," perhaps it will have the good
effect of making us a little more humble and more truly
wise.
In architecture, for instance,—a subject which will
form one of the studies peculiarly belonging to a Society such as
this,—our ancestors, I suspect, knew as much as ourselves, and
probably a good deal more. We need not go back to the classic
times of Greece and Italy; but if we confine our view to our own
country, we shall find many grey old specimens of exquisite
beauty, worthy studies for our best architects and painters; and
one of the latter I now see near me (T. Webster, Esq., R.A.), whose
pencil could do ample justice to the beauties of such a structure.
It has been said, that however much the buildings of the past may
excel in the picturesque, they cannot be compared with
modern structures for comfort and convenience. I admit that. But I
contend that our ancestors knew well how to build abodes suitable
to the times in which they lived, suitable in magnificence to the
stern grandeur of the period, and that our old English barons,
with their trains of feudal retainers, had acquired in their
festive halls and strong towers the knowledge of combining a
splendid hospitality with due security. They have left us, too,
ecclesiastical edifices, not in ruins, but still existing in their
pristine glory—far excelling all the erections of the present
day. If we look merely at the exterior of some of our noble
cathedrals; let me mention two: (I except Canterbury, in our own
county, which has already been eloquently commented on.) I will
mention two which afford examples in different styles, not to be
surpassed in the world,—Salisbury and York,—whether we regard
the light and beautiful elegance of the one, or the noble grandeur
of the other; and if, when we have delighted ourselves
sufficiently with the contemplation of the wonderful proportions
of the exterior, we pass the portals and behold, entranced, the.
varied and solemn beauties of the interior,—the clustered
columns, the interminable vista of exquisite arches stretching far
away until the view is lost in the bewildering play of light and
shadow reflected
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