Direct them aright; the habit of happy thought will spring up like any other habit." DEONTOLOGY, ii.

105-6.] [Footnote 153: The following extract from a letter of M.Boyd, Esq., is given by Earl Stanhope in his 'Miscellanies':--"There was a circumstance told me by the late Mr.Christmas, who for many years held an important official situation in the Bank of England.

He was, I believe, in early life a clerk in the Treasury, or one of the government offices, and for some time acted for Mr.Pitt as his confidential clerk, or temporary private secretary.

Christmas was one of the most obliging men I ever knew; and, from the, position he occupied, was constantly exposed to interruptions, yet I never saw his temper in the least ruffled.

One day I found him more than usually engaged, having a mass of accounts to prepare for one of the law-courts--still the same equanimity, and I could not resist the opportunity of asking the old gentleman the secret.