The artists repository and drawing magazine: exhibiting the principles of the polite arts in their various branches (3.1789)

LECTURE I!.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
H E difference between the works of
JL Omnipotence and those of such feeble
beings as ourselves, is never more apparent, than
when we consider the principles and progress of
our attempts at magnificence, or sublimity.
What extensive preparations! what unremitted
labour ! what accumulated toil ! what united
efforts! are necessary to eredt a pile, which
ihall impress the speclator as fomewhat above
the common: whereas, with what ease does
the Majesty of Heaven will, and it is done,
command, and it is accomplished; and that
too, on a scale infinitely beyond the competition
or conception os puny mortals. If we seek
sublime in terror; vast rocks, awsul precipices,
immense mountains, strike us into trembling:
if in serenity, the celestial expanse is sublimely
ferene. If we seek an instance capable of
both; observe the smooth surface of the liquid
plain; the immense pool is motionless : or if,
in obedience to the balmy zephyrs, a gentle un-
dulation creeps over the transparent deep, its
languid