The Development of the Associative Principle During the Middle Ages; Three Lectures, Read Before the Members and Patrons of the Huddersfield Early Closing Association, During the Winters of 1856, '57, and '58 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1859 Excerpt: ...all them that had any " entress" interest in this matter. In London then, as in many of our old towns, the number of goldsmiths' shops were comparatively numerous, which must be accounted for from the practice then prevalent of the interchange of presents of plate, not only with the sovereign, but among the nobility and gentry. A reference to the inventories of noble families and corporations, or to the wills of the time, will furnish abundant instances of the encouragement given to the manufacture of gold and silver plate. The requirements for the ceremonial and offices of the church--ever striving to realize the worship of the Creator in the " beauty of holiness," and aiming to present herself in a literal sense to a comparatively rude and chivalrous age as the " heavenly bride," the " King's daughter all glorious within"--these requirements then would find ample employment for the artistic skill of the age; and notwithstanding the destroying zeal of our early Reformers, sufficient specimens still remain to attest the piety and liberality, no less than the skill, of our early gravers, en---chasers, and designers--worthy imitators of the divinelyinspired craftsmen of the church in the wilderness--Aholiab and Bazaleel--" artificers in whom were wisdom, and understanding, and knowledge to devise cunning works; to work in gold and in silver, and in brass; and in cutting of stones to set them, and in carving of timber, to work all manner of workmanship." Belonging to most of the Guilds of the period were also abundant specimens of early English art. Wardens and masters of the several crafts were wont to express their gratitude and good wishes to their fellows by presents generally of gold or silver plate, comme...