The artists repository and drawing magazine: exhibiting the principles of the polite arts in their various branches (1.1787)

LECTURE II.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
TN a preceding difcourfe we remarked, that

the arts, though fometimes neglecled, and
contemned, yet by civilized fociety in general,
(and by this nation of late in particular,)
have been honored with diftmguifned atten-
tion; not only enjoying the encouragement of
individuals, but likewife the patronage of the
public: to account for this attention, and
patronage, may at firft fight appear fuperflu-
ous, fince it will readily be admitted, that ge-
neral applaufe is not beftowed without merit:
but as I have now the honor to addrefs myfelf
ipo fuch as defire to cultivate an acquaintance
with the fine arts, I prefume it will not be
deemed impertinent to animate this laudable
intention, by offering a few remarks on their
excellence, and utility.

Human nature, in its uncultivated condi-
tion, is rather an object, of pity than of fatif-
faction; not greatly elevated above furround-
ing animals, or fuperior to beafts that perifh,
were bodily endowments its whole pofTeffion:
but, when exerting the faculties of his mind,
*yherj exercifing the powers of reflection and

reafon*