=2.= Human beings are so constituted as to become fit for new and different conditions. 1.) We not only acquire ideas, but store them up. 2.) We can become more expert in any kind of action. 3.) And can make settled alterations in our tempers. 4.) We can form _habits_--both bodily and mental. As these operate in producing radical changes in human character, we will look for a moment at the process. --Neither perceptions, nor knowledge, are habits; though necessary to _forming_ them. --There are habits of perception, however, and habits of action: the former are passive, the latter active. --Habits of body are produced by external acts, and habits of mind by the exertion of principles; _i.e._ carrying them out. --Resolutions to do well are acts, and may _help_ towards forming good habits. But _mere_ theorizing, and forming pictures in the mind, not only do not help, but may harden the mind to a contrary course. --Passive impressions, by repetition grow weaker. Thus familiarity with danger lessens fear. --Hence active habits may be formed and strengthened, by acting according to certain motives or excitements, which grow less sensibly felt and less and less felt, as the habit strengthens. · Thus the sight of distress excites the passive emotion of pity, and the active principle of benevolence. But inquiring out cases of distress in order to relieve them, causes diminished sensitiveness at the sight of misery, and stronger benevolence and aptitude in relieving it. · So admonition, experience, and example, if acted upon, produce good; if not, harden. 5.) The formation of a habit may be imperceptible and even inexplicable, but the thing itself is matter of certain experience. 6.) A habit once formed, the action becomes easy and often pleasurable: opposite inclinations grow weaker: difficulties less: and occasions more frequent. 7.) Thus, a new character, in several respects, is formed. =3.= We should not have these capacities for improvement and for the reconstruction of character, if it were not necessary. 1.) They are necessary, even as to this life. --We are not qualified, at first, for mature life: understanding and strength come gradually. --If we had them in full, at birth, we should at first be distracted and bewildered, and our faculties would be of no use previous to experience. Ignorant of any employment, we could not provide for ourselves. --So that man is an unformed, unfinished creature, even as to this world, till he _acquire_ knowledge, experience, and habits. 2.) Provision is made for our acquiring, in youth, the requisite qualities for manhood. --Children _learn_, from their very birth, · The nature and use of objects.