1 74 A ided by Reflection. 



some other instinct, at the time stronger, but 

 neither enduring in its nature nor leaving be 

 hind it a very vivid impression. Thus retribu 

 tion comes when the strong impulse which im 

 pelled to revenge has grown weak in memory and 

 seems as nothing before the ever-enduring social 

 instincts and the desire to stand well with oth 

 ers. Hence regret, remorse, and penitential tears. 

 And the poor sinner will &quot; consequently resolve, 

 more or less firmly, to act differently for the fut 

 ure ; and this is conscience, for conscience looks 

 backward and serves as a guide for the future.&quot; 

 This conscience, which thus springs by reflection 

 out of the sympathetic impulses to action, is 

 moulded by the approbation and disapprobation 

 of others, the appreciation of which also rests on 

 sympathy ; and after the power of language has 

 been acquired, the expressed will of the commu 

 nity naturally becomes the paramount guide to 

 individual action. Habit further confirms the 

 individual in virtuous conduct, until at last such 

 perfect self-command is acquired that he yields 

 instantly and without a struggle to his social sym 

 pathies and instincts, including his feeling for the 

 judgment of his fellows. It is probable that tho 

 habit of self-command, so laboriously attained, 

 may be transmitted to offspring. And thus man 



