97/115 SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS By FRANK H. SPRAGUE

The prophet rather than the priest is the exponent of that which is most real in Religion, for he proclaims the supremacy of the Spirit over the letter.
Closely allied to the world of Religion is the world of Philosophy or pure thought, in which life is viewed introspectively.

All that we know of the internal characteristics of things is revealed in this way; for by outward observation, we become acquainted with externals alone. Through an inward sight (sometimes designated the sixth sense) we perceive life interiorly, just as, by the outward vision, we perceive it exteriorly. Looking outward from any position, we see only those things that meet our gaze; and so it is with the things we see inwardly.

What we see there is determined by our viewpoint the attitude we assume toward the inner world. We decide, by our choice of attitude, what things shall lie within our range of vision. In the natural world one may invade dismal swamps and penetrate gloomy thickets, or he may visit more attractive localities, where the scenery is enchanting and inspiring.

So in the thought-world, each one may select his own ground, and on his choice the quality of his experience will depend. He holds the key to his inner, as to his outer world, in his ability to choose his view-point, and to change it at will.
The seer, rather than the scholar, is the exponent of that which is most real in Philosophy, for he exalts the spirit above the letter, and esteems wisdom more than learning.

The evolution of consciousness may be traced upward through each of these four worlds until the point of spontaneity, or soul-freedom, is reached. It is only on the lower planes of consciousness that the absolute Essence of things appears to be resolved into endlessly differentiated phenomena.

The ideal unity of these worlds becomes clearer as we follow the various paths that converge toward a common, cosmic center. The beautiful, the good, the true, and the harmonious, all lead us to be conscious of a Principle which transcends all spheres of manifestation. Enthusiastic devotees of Nature, the Fine Arts, Religion, Philosophy, and Music, find revealed, each in their respective spheres, the same Absolute Reality.