XI.

IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT MENTAL HABITS.

371. In considering the attitude the soul must take in seeking the freedom and supremacy of the higher life, we have also considered what physical habits and self-denials are involved in this emancipation. Earnest consideration should also be given to the mental habits and indulgences of thought and feeling, which are of more vital importance even than the physical; since, if false, they are a much greater hindrance, and if true, are equally greater help. Indeed there can hardly be a perverted physical function or false habit started or continued, without a corresponding mental perversity connected with it.

372. Chemical analysis of the excretory fluids, it is now claimed, will detect the specific character of the disordered emotion that caused whatever abnormal condition is found in these fluids. Bad and unpleasant feelings create harmful products in the body, which are chemically injurious. Benevolent and cheerful feelings create beneficial chemical products, which are physically healthful. "More than forty of the bad and as many of the good"

"Each un

have been discovered and identified. pleasant and bad emotion produces its own peculiar poison, which has an ill effect upon the individual physically." So much has already been demonstrated by the actual tests of physical chemistry, the sum of which is, that "For each bad emotion there is a corresponding change in the tissues of the body, which is life depressing and poisonous. Contrariwise, every good emotion makes a lifepromoting change."

373. Discriminating metaphysicians who have studied deeply the correspondence between mental states and the attending physical conditions, have developed nearly a complete science of this correspondence, and a reliable system of diagnosis and mental treatment based upon it. The deranged physical condition is traced to its root in some corresponding morbid mental state, and this, instead of the bodily condition, is to be specifically treated. If the mental correspondence has been skillfully traced, the correction of the mental abberation is almost, if not always followed by the immediate disappearance of the physical ailment.

374. If, then, there is a general law whose observance will maintain the mind and feelings in a state of normal equilibrium and health, we may not only thereby provide against sickness, false bodily habits and perverted animal functions, but also be able to hold the proper attitude of mind and will for entering upon and following the path of spiritual emanci

pation and enlightenment. Such a law understood and observed, would be a universal panacea as well as preventive for every ill, physical and mental, that afflicts our race.

375. There is such a law which was the basis of the serene and victorious life of the Master, and which he laid down as the sure guide to his followers, for reaching a like divine serenity and achievement. This law makes unmistakable the attitude of soul, and habit of mind and feeling, which holds the body against disease, the mind against perverted action, and opens the personal life to the flooding plenitude of divine inspiration, guidance and power. The angelic song voiced it at the advent of the Christchild, as the opened heavens thrilled with exultant and responsive joy at the utterance, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will toward men."

376. Peace on earth is identified with and can have no other basis than good will among men, and good will toward men on earth is identified with the glory and perfection of God in the highest. In other words, the highest exhibition of the God nature in heaven, is identified and identical with the spirit of good will in the hearts of men on earth toward men. Nothing but peace can result from this spirit in the hearts of men, not only peace between men, peace in human society, but peace serene and heavenly in the individual soul, which insures health to the body, health in society,

and union of the soul with God in the highest, which in turn opens the highest plane of the soul's life and consciousness on earth, and enthrones in all human relations and activities the kingdom of heaven.

377. The spirit of criticism, judgment and condemnation or ill will toward others, not only stirs up ill will and antagonism in them, but embitters and darkens the soul that cherishes it; and as the careful tests of physical chemistry now demonstrate reacts upon the vital processes and poisons the secretions at their fountain. The very opposite results flow from the cherishing of the spirit of good will, charity and healing. The currents of life in both soul and body are thus kept sweet and clean at their source, and send forth a health-giving influence toward all, which returns again in blessing, some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold upon the sender. The spirit that we sow toward others, not only reacts and brings forth its fruit in geometric ratio upon us, but reacts and brings forth its immediate, specific fruit within the circle of our own life.

378. The divine wisdom of the Master's words will thus be recognized and appreciated as he formulated this law and its working in a simple precept to his disciples. "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: Forgive and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure,

pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." That wonderful 13th Chap. 1st Cor., is something more than a sweet, poetic sentiment, it is the inspiration of the highest wisdom proclaiming the law of the perfect life for man on earth. It will prove the complete salvation of every one who studies and makes the spirit of that chapter his own.

379. The precept of the Master we have quoted, was preceded by his still stronger statement of the law of the perfect life. "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.'

380. Nothing can be plainer than this law of the perfect life, or this perfect law of life, the observance of which makes the life absolutely perfect. Only by