74 On the Institution of Literary 
beyond the existing moment. The prospect of the 
durability and energy of the establishment is a mat- 
ter which ought to be carefully and impartially con- 
sidered. For more is involved in the event than 
the success of the individual undertaking. If the 
society, once instituted, should fall into speedy de- 
cay; or be doomed with laborious efforts to strug- 
gle for a lingering and unprofitable existence; the 
injudicious attempt will throw discredit on all simi- 
lar institutions; and may ultimately prevent the 
foundation of societies in other places, where they 
might have flourished, not merely with honour to 
themselves, but with advantage to the community. 
The benefits which may be expected to result 
from the establishment of a society for the promo- 
tion of Literature and Philosophy, when the situa- 
tion where it is fixed is selected with discernment, 
are by no means small. ‘They include, on the one 
hand, the light which may be reflected on general 
learning, on the fine arts, and on the different 
branches of natural and experimental philosophy, by 
the united efforts of the members of the society; 
and on the other, the various happy effects that ac- 
crue from the institution to the individual members, 
and directly or indirectly through the medium of 
those members extend their influence to others. 
These benefits, though in strictness of speech be- 
longing to two separate classes, are yet so nearly al- 
lied and so firmly connected together, that it may 
