Had such patronage been without effect, there has been reason to believe that Nature had, by some insurmountable impediment, obstructed our proficiency; but the annual improvement of the Exhibitions which Your Majesty has been pleased to encourage, shows that only encouragement had been wanting. To give advice to those who are contending for royal liberality has been for some years the duty of my station in the Academy; and these Discourses hope for Your Majesty's acceptance, as well-intended endeavours to incite that emulation which your notice has kindled, and direct those studies which your bounty has rewarded. May it please Your MAJESTY, Your MAJESTY'S Most dutiful Servant And most faithful Subject, [1778.] JOSHUA REYNOLDS. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY. GENTLEMEN, That you have ordered the publication of this discourse is not only very flattering to me, as it implies your approbation of the method of study which I have recommended; but likewise, as this method receives from that act such an additional weight and authority, as demands from the Students that deference and respect which can be due only to the united sense of so considerable a BODY OF ARTISTS. I am, With the greatest esteem and respect, GENTLEMEN, Your most humble, And obedient Servant, JOSHUA REYNOLDS. DISCOURSES. SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS' DISCOURSES. DISCOURSE I. _Delivered at the Opening of the Royal Academy, January 2, 1769._ THE ADVANTAGES PROCEEDING FROM THE INSTITUTION OF A ROYAL ACADEMY.--HINTS OFFERED TO THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PROFESSORS AND VISITORS.--THAT AN IMPLICIT OBEDIENCE TO THE RULES OF ART BE EXACTED FROM THE YOUNG STUDENTS.--THAT A PREMATURE DISPOSITION TO A MASTERLY DEXTERITY BE REPRESSED.--THAT DILIGENCE BE CONSTANTLY RECOMMENDED, AND (THAT IT MAY BE EFFECTUAL) DIRECTED TO ITS PROPER OBJECT. An Academy, in which the Polite Arts may be regularly cultivated, is at last opened among us by Royal munificence. This must appear an event in the highest degree interesting, not only to the Artist, but to the whole nation. It is, indeed, difficult to give any other reason why an empire like that of Britain should so long have wanted an ornament so suitable to its greatness, than that slow progression of things, which naturally makes elegance and refinement the last effect of opulence and power.