m 



but can little affect the high, and firmly esta- 

 blished reputation of their supposed author; 

 for, in my opinion, it would be just as fair to 

 draw an inference from his former ignorance 

 in painting, as from hi3 former ignorance in 

 writing; just as conclusive, to produce some 

 of his early bad pictures, to prove that he 

 did not paint Mrs. Siddons, or Cardinal Beau- 

 fort, as to bring forth early letters, to shevr 

 that he did not compose his discourses. 



The most valuable part of every man's edu- 

 cation, is that which he receives from himself, 

 from his own untutored reflections; especially 

 when the active energy of his character, makes 

 ample amends for the want of a more finished 

 course of stud}'. Such a man, and so formed 

 was Sir Joshua Reynolds; his observations on 

 a variety of subjects, as well as on his own 

 art, were those of a strong original mind, and 

 his language, both in speaking and writing, 

 gave them their full value. In his conversa- 

 tion there was a peculiar mildness, and a 

 simplicity highly interesting, but which pro- 

 mised little else ; and I have often been struck 

 with the contrast, between that simplicity of 

 manner, and the vigour of his thoughts and 

 expressions. Some of our common friends 

 have made the same reflection ; and indeed 

 many parts of his discourses, and those not 

 the least impressive, appeared like transcripts 

 of what he had spoken. 



