APPENDIX. 291 



sentiments proper to man, unmingled with any other motive, when directed by 

 enlightened intellect. 



Habit is defined to be "a power in man of doing a thing, acquired by 

 frequently doing it." Now, before it can be done at all, the faculty and organ on 

 which it depends must be possessed in an available degree; and the more powerful 

 these are, the greater will be the energy with which the possessor will do the 

 thing at first, and the ease with which he will learn to repeat it. Habit, there- 

 fore, is the result of facility acquired by exercise. It is the organ which acquires 

 activity and superior facility in performing its functions, by being properly used, 

 just as the fingers of a musician attain increased rapidity and facility of motion by 

 the practice of playing. 



Taste is the result of the harmonious action of the faculties generally, in at 

 least a moderate degree of vigor. Thus, the most beautiful poetry is that by 

 which gratification is afforded to the higher sentiments and intellectual powers, 

 without the introduction of any extravagance, absurdity or incongruity, to offend 

 any one of them. If Ideality be in excess, this may produce bombast; if Causality 

 predominate too much, it may introduce unintelligible abstractions ; if Wit be 

 excessive, it may run into conceits, epigrams, and impertinences. A picture is in 

 best taste when it delights the Knowing Faculties, Reflection, and the Moral 

 Sentiments, without offending any of them. 



GEORGE COMBE. 



Marshall House, Philadelphia, April A, 1839. 



