The soul of man is drawn in different directions by impulses of different kinds; every faculty has its tendency to employ itself in action, and every action may be exercised on good and beneficial objects, or perversely and injuriously. These impulses are often contradictory, and in their earlier action generally transient and occasional ; but under a combination of causes they tend to acquire a degree of fixity and consistency among themselves. They then become a permanent principle of movement in the soul, always ready to enter into a state of activity; they form a predisposition to a certain course of action, which grows gradually more easy of repetition, and at last becomes spontaneous, or even indeliberate, and sometimes overcomes the will when this has become weakened by continually yielding. These predispositions, however they are formed, are known in theological language as "habits" of the soul. Some of these habits come to us in the course of nature, they proceed from causes antecedent to our birth, as an inheritance from unknown ancestors, and are said to be part of our natural character. At other times they are implanted in the course of education or are formed by our own deliberate efforts. Sometimes they spring up easily and rapidly, or they may be the result of persevering labour. Frequent exercise strengthens them; neglect causes them to grow weaker and even die out. It is necessary to remember that every habit, like every impulse, is not necessarily good. "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God" (1 John iv. 1). Be careful of this. Habits form your character, and become an important factor in your salvation or eternal loss.
