|
attractiveness of its publications; and I feel
convinced that I shall carry with me the general opinion of the
Meeting, when I submit to it the formal Resolution which I hold in
my hand.
Before I sit down I will venture to say a few words
with respect to the general objects of our Society.
Some persons seem to consider Archaeology as a mere
matter of amusement, indeed, of trivial amusement, and that it
possesses no actual value in its influence on the mind, and has no
tendency to make those who study it wiser and better. Such,
however, was not the opinion of a man who was himself not only
wise and great, but also good. I allude to Dr. Johnson, who thus
expresses himself in his 'Tour to the Hebrides,' after
describing the island of Iona : " To abstract the mind
from all local emotion would be impossible, if it were endeavoured;
and would be foolish, if it were possible. "Whatever
withdraws us from the power of our senses; whatever makes
the past, the distant, or the future, predominate over the
present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings. Far from
me, be such frigid philosophy as may conduct us indifferent and
unmoved over any ground which has been dignified by wisdom,
bravery, or virtue! That man is little to be envied whose
patriotism would not gain force upon the plain of Marathon, or
whose piety would not grow warmer among the ruins of Iona."
I can add nothing to this eloquent passage, and will conclude
by saying that I have obtained much pleasure, and some advantage,
by the slight attention I have been able to bestow on the
monuments of the past; and that I look forward with pleasure to
the increased knowledge which I hope to obtain under the auspices
of the Kent Archaeological Society.
The Resolution which I have to propose is this—
"That in order to enhance the value and interest
of the Society's publications, a fund be established, to be
supported by voluntary donations and subscriptions, for the
special purpose of supplying woodcuts, engravings, etc., for the
illustration of papers that may appear therein; and that all the
Members, whether contributors to this fund or not, shall have an
equal right to these embellishments."
[Carried unanimously.]
The Venerable B. HARRISON, the Archdeacon of
Maidstone, in moving the seventh Resolution, said—
I feel it a privilege to move that the first
General Meeting of
|