Chapter 37—The Power of Habit
How Habits Are Established—Any one act, either good or evil,
does not form the character; but thoughts and feelings indulged prepare
the way for acts and deeds of the same kind
It is ... by a repetition of acts that habits are established and
character confirmed
The Time to Establish Good Habits—The character is formed,
to a great extent, in early years. The habits then established have more
influence than any natural endowment, in making men either giants
or dwarfs in intellect; for the very best talents may, through wrong
habits, become warped and enfeebled. The earlier in life one contracts
hurtful habits, the more firmly will they hold their victim in slavery,
and the more certainly will they lower his standard of spirituality. On
the other hand, if correct and virtuous habits are formed in youth, they
will generally mark the course of the possessor through life. In most
cases, it will be found that those who in later life reverence God and
honor the right learned that lesson before there was time for the world
to stamp its images of sin upon the soul. Those of mature age are
generally as insensible to new impressions as is the hardened rock, but
youth is impressible
Habits May Be Modified, but Seldom Changed—What the
child sees and hears is drawing deep lines upon the tender mind,
which no after circumstances in life can entirely efface. The intellect is
now taking shape, and the affections receiving direction and strength.
Repeated acts in a given course become habits. These may be modified
[200]
by severe training, in afterlife, but are seldom changed
Once formed, habits become more and more firmly impressed
upon the character. The intellect is continually receiving its mold from
opportunities and advantages, ill or well improved. Day by day we
1
The Youth’s Instructor, December 15, 1886
.
2
The Signs of the Times, August 6, 1912
.
3
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 45
.
4
Good Health, January, 1880
.
149