ON THE MORAL P0^^ ER OF THE PRES8. xi 



than fifty years' communication with the periodical press in 

 England, Scotland, and Ireland, he has not met with any instance 

 of so much earnest devotion to the interesta^of the fine arts^ 

 as in the Editor. This is no common claim on the sup- 

 port of those, who profess to be lovers of the arts and friends 

 of native genius. It also shews to artists that it is their own interest 

 and the interests of their profession, which they are called on 

 to support. A similar attention has been paid in his pages, to 

 the valuable lectures delivered at the various institutions. 

 Where so fortunate an opportunity is open for the promotion of 

 their public objects, the zealous aid of the members, in sub- 

 scribing and endeavouring to increase the number of subscribers, 

 is due to the interests of literature and science, as well as to 

 their own good feelings, consistency, and self-respect. The 

 local periodical is their artillery, and a General, who would march 

 into the field without his artillery, would be thought rather 

 playing a part to shew off himself, than marching in earnest 

 against the enemy. That single neglect would excite suspicion 

 and discontent among his troops, and deprive him of the confi- 

 dence of his country. It is so with all individuals or associations, 

 in every nation, who appeal to public opinion and can only hope 

 to extend their influence by earning public confidence. If, even 

 with a warm interest at heart, having the most powerful means 

 of obtaining their end within their reach, they overlook or 

 appear by delay, to neglect that means, they unconsciously defeat 

 their own purpose. Such a neglect and public confidence can- 

 not be co-existent ; they are incompatible. The meritorious la- 

 bours of the numerous midland Institutions, and the concentration 

 of high rank, property, talents, distinguished men of learning, 

 science and zealous public spirit, in the immediate circuit, ren- 

 der success easy and certain, with timely exertions to increase the 

 list of subscribers. In the language of Shakspeare — 



'" An it were well 'twere done, 



'Twere well 'twere done quickly. 



Fortunately, here, all agree in the propriety and necessity of 

 promptitude to obtain that increase. A new periodical may be 

 compared to a fort besieged : while the garrison manfully stand 

 the breach, is the hour for the aids to pour in. When, as at pre- 

 sent, the drum beats the call"<o arms" within the citadel, the 

 auxiliaries without, in the true spirit of the chivalrous ages, cry "to 

 the rescue," and press forward with redoubled speed and alacrity 

 to "strike while the iron is hot" — and decide the victory. It would 

 be a painful matter for after reflection, if any neglect, leaving 

 too heavy a part of the burden on the proprietor, should risk the 

 loss of so indispensable a means of public improvement. 



The first volume will be finished with this number; and the 

 editor, by judiciously interspersing tales of elegant fancy and in- 

 terest, with moral essays, sallies of wit and pleasantry, instructive 



