78/115 SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS By FRANK H. SPRAGUE

The endless array of forms in the world, as we interpret it physically, may be likened to separate threads or strands woven into a tapestry. One may trace the courses of individual threads, and even gain an exhaustive knowledge of their several characteristics, without entertaining the slightest idea of their superior worth and significance as necessary portions of the whole fabric.

The chief value of the finished product depends on the faithfulness with which it embodies the idea of the designer. However beautiful and perfect the threads may seem individually, they utterly fail to serve their intended purpose, unless they so harmonize and blend as to produce the desired effect.

The weaver, from his comprehensive view-point, is able to form a correct estimate of the potential value of each separate thread that is being woven into the fabric in process of construction, and, therefore, to discriminate in the proper disposal of all. The design already exists, perfect and complete, in his mind; and it is simply reproduced, in the weaving, under outward conditions.

But one not already familiar with the design, is soon confused in attempting to follow the threads separately through their obscure, intricate courses. The whole piece looks, to him, like a mass of hopelessly tangled materials, giving no evidence of design, beauty, or other aesthetic or practical considerations that would be likely to compensate for the trouble and expense entailed by such an elaborate method of workmanship.

In like manner, the real meaning and intent of our finite lives can only be known in the light of a Universal consciousness. We are both actors and spectators in the drama of life. Were we to assume the standpoint of an orchestra player, buried in his own part, and devoting all his energies to its execution, we should hear only a din of harshly discordant, initating sounds.

Each individual instrument would seem at variance with all the others, and they, on the other hand, would seem bent on drowning its tones. Yet each seemingly insignificant part, untuneful and out of place though it might sound to the discriminating but miscalculating ear of one who tried to follow it alone, would be considered indispensable when estimating the effect of the whole performance.