21/115 SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS By FRANK H. SPRAGUE

Gradually we grow to appreciate the fact that our life is a part of a whole, and that by ignoring wilful, selfish tendencies, we may experience a larger life of unlimited enjoyment and power. In losing our finite consciousness we discover the Infinite.

In so far as we realize that a common life exists for all, we share the Infinite creative power and wisdom. As we come to obey the universal law habitually, and approach the center of Being, our dissipated energies concentrate. Increased intensiveness proportionately enlarges the scope of our extensive influence. Experience evolves what thought involves. Impression reacts in expression.

For thirty years Jesus lived in comparative seclusion and silence, studying the inner laws of life, until his ideals and purposes had matured and definitely formulated themselves. Even after entering upon more active, aggressive work,

he frequently retired to the wilderness, into mountain solitudes, to listen to the inner voice. He cultivated intuitive perception and receptivity to spiritual impressions until he lived in constant communication with the source of wisdom and power, the Absolute Principle — “the Father.”

True education consists far more in rendering the mind susceptible to impressions, than in accumulating knowledge of facts. Such knowledge is of comparatively little value as an end in itself, but should be sought mainly with reference to the broader purpose of acquiring thought-tendencies that will enable one to rise to higher states of consciousness, and obtain truer, more comprehensive views of life.

The entire universe of facts is at the disposal of anyone who is prepared to accept them intelligently, and to interpret them rightly. We are not to ignore the lower faculties. We cannot be too logical or reasonable. But when our thought wanders into the by-ways of speculation, and loses its bearings, we need to consult our compass intuition. The intuitional faculty should rule our lives.