“We must not conceive, however, that habit is powerful only in strengthening what is _evil_—though it is this sort of operation which, of course, forces itself more upon our observation and memory, like the noontide darkness of the tempest, that is remembered when the calm and the sunshine and the gentle shower are forgotten. There can be no question that the same principle which confirms and aggravates what is evil, strengthens and cherishes also what is good. The virtuous, indeed, do not require the influence of habitual benevolence or devotion to force them, as it were, to new acts of kindness to man, or to new sentiments of gratitude to God. But the temptations to which even virtue might sometimes be in danger of yielding, in the commencement of its delightful progress, become powerless and free from peril when that progress is more advanced. There are spirits which, even on earth, are elevated above that little scene of mortal ambition with which their benevolent wishes for the sufferers there are the single tie that connects them still. All with them is serenity; the darkness and the storm are beneath them. They have only to look down with generous sympathy on those who have not yet risen so high; and to look up with gratitude to that heaven which is above their head, and which is almost opening to receive them.” You must form habits of one kind or another; but you can choose what your habits are to be. We rejoice that at the present time there is much to cheer and encourage. Reformatories, the extension of education among the lower classes, Sunday schools, cheap and healthy literature, interesting lectures on instructive themes addressed to the million—all these are centres whence radiate powerful aids to the formation of great and noble character. _TWOFOLD OPERATION OF MIND._