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it with the force of a first impression ; and it is an ungrateful 

 heart that can forbear to exclaim with Moore, 



" Give smiles to those who love you less, 

 " But keep jour tears for nie," 



Our rational and moral faculties obey the same law ; and 

 an absurd opinion is cherished through life as an incontro- 

 vertible truth, and a shameful vice as an amiable failing, 

 until they are pushed to a novel and unusual extremity ; and 

 then they give an alarm to reason or conscience, and the true 

 nature of each stands revealed ; though habit perhaps will 

 continue to cling to them both, in spite of conviction. 



Such are the powers of habit and the effects of novelty. 

 Their conjoined operation in man has been wisely contrived ; 

 and each has most influence, at that season of life, when most 

 it is requisite. In early infancy the love of novelty, so neces- 

 sary to excite the energies and develope the understanding, 

 greatly preponderates : and no habit is formed that may not 

 be abandoned at will. In youth this affection long finds em- 

 ployment; but in time the two principles begin to balance 

 each other: the desire for new objects grows gradually 

 ■weaker; unless indeed a thirst of knowledge is excited, and 

 this is insatiable: and habits of virtue and vice now strike 

 their roots, but as yet not so deep but they may be eradi- 

 cated. In manhood the counterpoise at length is complete. 

 The passion for novelty finds exercise in pursuit of know- 

 ledge and truth. The habits become fixed, and virtue or 



