FORCE OF HABIT by J. C. C.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 26, 1915

FORCE OF HABIT

By J. C. C.

It has been said that habit is cumulative. By way of illustrating this statement, the law of gravitation has been pressed into service through demonstrating that a falling body rapidly increases its momentum as it sinks. It is the same with the force of habit. After a positive act, one is not exactly the same as before; and by repetition of the act, changes go on rapidly, with cumulative momentum, either toward good or toward bad, as the power of habit forces one onward.

George Eliot said on this point, “Children may be strangled, but deeds never; for they have an indestructible life.”

While there may be room for some modification of this sentiment, it applies to bad habits this far: Unless the grace of God intervenes, a smirched youth is sure to become a tainted man. Beware, then, that the force of habit leads in the right direction. J. C. C.