55 



timents which may have been naturally 

 strong, till they become hiert or inoperative: 

 no better proof of this can be required, or 

 need be adduced, than the complete change 

 of character and conduct which is caused 

 by the imitation of others, and by habits 

 acquired from those with whom we asso- 

 ciate ; a change so generally known and 

 recognized, that its effects have become 

 proverbial. " Don't tell me," says Sancho 

 Panca, " by whom you were bred, but with 

 whom you are fed." 



Yet that there are natural differences in 

 the character and talents of persons is evi- 

 dent : in infancy, we may observe that some 

 are delighted with receiving and bestowing 

 kindness ; whilst others accept and return 

 caresses with apathy. At a very early pe- 

 riod we perceive a child to be resolute, or 

 undecided, fearful, or incautious ; candid, 

 or reserved; liberal, or selfish. We also 



E 4 



