133 



la our investigation of tlie influence of habit and the !ove 

 of novelty, as they operate in the improvement of the organs 

 of sense, and affect the mind in its relation lo sensible ob- 

 jects, we cannot overlook their alternate operation, and the 

 quick advances toward perfection, which are the conse- 

 quence of this arrangement. Every act and object is fresh 

 and new to the infant; and it is satiated with novelty before 

 the desire can arise. 1'he very performance of an act creates 

 an inclination to repeat it; and the influence of habit is the 

 first to affect us. It grows stronger with every repetition, 

 and does not require any support from novelty, where there 

 is little or no exercise of the will ; as for instance, in imbib- 

 ing an awkwardness of manner; practising peculiar and un- 

 meaning gesticulations, or, resorting to those preposterous, 

 but innocent enjoyments, the most common of which is the 

 use of that nauseous weed, . which is so providentially harm- 

 less to the individual, and productive to the state. These 

 habits require no charm of novelty to render them perma- 

 nent; for in time they become^s independent of the will, as 

 the return of hunger at the accustomed hour, the process of 

 digestion, or the pulsation of the arteries. 



But where the will exercises a control, the habit grows 

 stronger only so long as it preserves any character of novelty. 

 When an object or action is for the first time presented, those 

 which were familiar lose in some degree their attractions, and 

 the mind devotes itself with ardour to the new. But when 

 the delicate essence of novelty is totally dissipated, all the 



