THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 181 
me, as there is some little excuse for me in the ussociation of the 
édeas, though not in the subjects, advert to ancient researches which 
learned enterprise happens to be making all the world over in un- 
earthing the remains of Ancient Cities. Ever since the discovery of 
Pompeii and Herculaneum, stage after stage of these interesting 
researches has been going on. Sir Charles Fellowes in Lycia, then 
Botta and Layard in Assyria, other explorers at Ephesus, Rome, 
Athens, Carthage, and lately on the scene of the Olympic Games, 
and again Schliemann on the plains of Troy. Jerusalem too, and 
other parts of Palestine and Syria, have been subjected to a still 
more elaborate investigation. 
Nothing can be more satisfactory. Modest scepticism is often 
wholesome ; but there is a scepticism which is simply the selfish 
gratification of an unyielding temper, and, when applied to history 
or any received archeological fact, exults in doubt and denial, and 
ends in the absolute rejection of historical testimony and record. 
Well, it is remarkable how uniform is the tendency of these 
recovered remains of ancient sites and things to vindicate the 
statements of History, whether classical or sacred. And thus we 
observe two parallel currents setting steadily in opposite directions. 
Our atomic philosophers run to the old physicists to furbish their 
paradoxes with the halo of Ancient Opinion; and our Archeologists 
spring their mines of research, and by their substantial discoveries 
chase away the negations which assail our most cherished belief and 
opinion. This too I throw out as a suggestion, which I would gladly 
see take shape in a paper and discussion on one of our evenings. 
And now I have done; not in a way equal to my wishes, 
or the dignity of the occasion, but as my abridged opportunities 
(and I may say indifferent health of late) have enabled me. 
Called upon suddenly on an occasion which caused us all sincere 
regret, after an ineffectual struggle I consented to discharge the 
duties of the chair another session, and I know I shall experi- 
ence as indeed I shall much require your indulgence and help 
in the discharge of them. I desire to set an example (however 
feebly, yet most sincerely) in helping forward the interests of our 
beloved Institution. For sixty years it has, in its place and 
method, done valuable service in our town and neighbourhood. 
I have observed in others, and experienced in myself (in a humble 
measure), the great advantage of our proceedings. We all in our 
happy England prize the privilege of freedom in the formation of 
our opinions, and liberty in the expression of them. Well, here 
N 
