The First Discourse 10
imbibe somewhat congenial to its own origin-
nal conceptions. Knowledge, thus obtained,
has always something more popular and use-
ful than that which is forced upon the mind
by private precepts, or solitary meditation.
Besides, it is generally found, that a youth
more easily receives instruction from the
companions of his studies, whose minds are
nearly on a level with his own, than from
those who are much his superiors ; and it is
from his equals only that he catches the fire
of emulation.
One advantage, I will venture to affirm,
we shall have in our Academy, which no
other nation can boast. We shall have no-
thing to unlearn. To this praise the present
race of Artists have a just claim. As far as
they have yet proceeded, they are right.
With us the exertions of genius will hence-
forward be directed to their proper objects.
It will not be as it has been in other schools,
where he that travelled fastest, only wan-
dered farthest from the right way.
Impressed, as I am, therefore, with
