1^2 



ffueiice, compared with that of habit, hi propa-gating the 

 virtues and vices. Yet it is hot without its operation; and 

 the mode in which it acts ought not to be oiftitfed. Novelty 

 is cine of the moving springs of those feehngs, which occa- 

 sion actions, tlmt afterwa^rds become habituat. The more 

 seldom we have witnessed misery, the lAofe intense is oup 

 corn passion ; but it is a ehance whether tiie pain we feel ex- 

 cites our aversion to the object, or impells us to relieve him. 

 In either case, the keen sense of pity grows more obtuse as 

 it finds occasion for exercise ; btrt every occasion tends tc 

 estabhsh the habit of turning with disgust from the appear- 

 ance of wretehedneiss, or hastening to its aid with consola-^ 

 tion and succour. Exetcise diminishes the force of impwes*' 

 sions, but strengthens the power of habit. This is not owing 

 to two distinct laws, as might be imagined, but to one and 

 the same. For every habit to which we are subject, whether 

 intellectual or corporeal, gradually los€s the power of exciting 

 attention ; so that a certain train of thought or action, which 

 in the commencement, could not take place without making 

 a lively impression, in consequence of the exertion it re- 

 quired, or the sense of nofelty it occasioned, afterwards 

 Occtirs so spontaneously and in course, particularly when the 

 Jjabit is strongest, as often to escape observation altogether. 

 Just as opium or any other medicine or condiment in con- 

 stant use, gradually loses its effects on the constitution, un- 

 less its quantity be encreased or its form altered ; so pity, 

 ^ief, hatred and love itself, cease in tin'ie to create their 



