would have only exposed my weakness, but I have endeavoured to emulate the other to the utmost of my power; having always considered it of the highest importance, in all writings intended for youth, to impregnate every thought with virtue. You will also find, that where Sir Joshua's doctrines are sound, I have strengthened them with the whole of my feeble abilities; but when I considered them untenable, I have not scrupled to point them out, even at the hazard of being thought presumptuous, by which means that which is excellent is rendered more effective, by being uncontaminated with weaker or more doubtful theories; as all minor considerations must give place to our endeavours to embody that pure philosophy which alone gives dignity to our Art, and which is so much the object of these Discourses to inculcate. The influence of the great style in ennobling all the branches of Painting, has been kept steadily in view; striving, as far as words can elucidate the subject, to give it a more palpable form. With these prefatory remarks, I will now conclude, hoping that you will be long spared to assist in carrying out those principles by which Reynolds has so highly elevated the art of portrait painting in England.