The First Discourse 16
— heads, hands, feet, and pieces of drapery;
they then painted the picture, and after all
re-touched it from the life. The pictures,
thus wrought with such pains, now appear
like the effect of enchantment, and as if some
mighty Genius had struck them off at a blow.
But, whilst diligence is thus recommended
to the Students, the Visitors will take care
that their diligence be effectual; that it be
well directed, and employed on the proper
object. A Student is not always advancing
because he is employed; he must apply his
strength to that part of the art where the real
difficulties lie ; to that part which distin-
guishes it as a liberal art; and not by
mistaken industry lose his time in that which
is merely ornamental. The Students, instead
of vying with each other which shall have
the readiest hand, should be taught to contend
who shall have the purest and most correct out-
line; instead of striving which shall pro-
duce the brightest tint, or, curiously trifling,
shall give the gloss of stuffs, so as to appear
real, let their ambition be directed to contend,
which shall dispose his drapery in the most
