LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE REV. CHURCHILL BABINGTON, D.D.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Others have spoken of the services which Dr. Babington rendered to archaeology and to natural science. It is my wish to put on record, however imperfectly, an intimate friend's impression of his character. He was a man of singular charm, due to his strong principle and large charity. His principle made him a successful parish priest ; his charity won him the love of those who most differed from him in opinion. His principle made him do nothing, however small, without the most careful accuracy; his charity bred that large-mindedness which was seen in his equal devotion to two wholly different pur- suits, while the main work of his life suffered no loss. Nothing was to him indifferent or unworthy. In a life of hard study he never became narrow ; in an age of self-conscious scholars he retained the modesty of a learner. Controversy he avoided, yet in a, cause he loved he did not fear to break a lance with no less a combatant than Macaulay. But his principal delight was in hard work for the sake of learning or science. He had no care for the effect he might produce. This love of work for the sake of knowledge made him, as Disney Professor, hold the torch at a time when neither of the great Universities had a thought for antiquities outside books, when even Newton's stirring appeals and unexampled self-sacrifice were unheeded at his own University, Oxford ; while Cambridge dons looked on with sceptical wonder at the patient and many-sided toil of Professor Babington. Yet his example has borne fruit in the introduction of archaeology into the Classical Tripos and the brilliant schools of both Uni- versities. The torch-bearer has often a weary course, but Babington's was smooth because he did his duty and never expected any result. His faithful, simple, modest nature was more than rewarded by the sense that he had striven to do his duty. The qualities of public life were equally shown in private life. No one was a gentler or more courteous host, a more constant friend. In his conversation he never expressed a bard judgment. Severe to himself, he was tolerant to others. When he could not agree, he treated difference gently, as if what he could have called wrongheadedness or self-will was a mere accident in the shape of the skull or the quality of its contents. In his married life he was singularly happy, for he found one who could feel the beauty of his character and give up her whole existence, with a devotion which was fully returned, to helping him in all his duties, and those dear studies for which no single duty was neglected.
His sweet smile, his antique chivalry, his modest way of inquiry, even when he had to ask aid of men unsound in their quantities, will long remain in the hearts of those who could call him their friend, as a type of the old order in its most tender and charming shape ; most of all, his true feeling how a scholar should work, and how a man of strong opinions should bear himself towards those who do not share them, remains an enduring example to his friends.—I am, Sir, &c., REGINALD STUART POOLE.
[Our correspondent adds a long list of Dr. Babington's works, for which we regret we have not room. Most of them are given in " Men of the Time."—ED. Spectator.]
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