that it wants, or otherwise serve in some useful capacity, exercising
honesty, probity and justice in all our affairs. It is folly to expect
abundance to drop ready-made in our lap; it must be earned by
intelligent and faithful service. [11]

 [11] This subject is treated fully in "The Fundamentals of True
      Success," by the same author. Published by The Science of
      Thought Press, Chichester.

Being a retired business man who started life with nothing, not even
good health, I have looked at this subject from a business man's point
of view. The principle applies, however, to every walk in life, and
each reader can adapt the teaching of this lesson to his or her
particular needs.




CHAPTER VIII.

THE POWERS AND LIMITATIONS OF THE SUB-CONSCIOUS MIND.


The sub-conscious mind is the mind of Nature. It possesses
extraordinary powers and intelligence, but no inspiration. It is
instinctive: it is animal: it is natural: but there is nothing
god-like about it--it is of the earth and the physical plane. It can
be described as the inner forces of Nature resident within our body.
Having said this we have said nearly all there is to be said about
the sub-conscious, yet this is the mind of which some people have
made a veritable god.

The sub-conscious mind, if led aright, is a very good friend, reducing
all repeated thoughts and actions into habit, which, in time, become
settled and part of the very life itself. Thus, by conscious right
thinking and conscious right action, a good habit is formed, which
becomes, in course of time, practically automatic. This, of course,
builds up the character, which, in turn, affects the life. It will
be seen then, how important is the right use of this willing and
faithful servant. It is no god, it has no inspiration, but it is a
very useful servant, as we shall see.

Most of our actions or movements are done or made sub-consciously.
The reason that "practice makes perfect" is that the sub-conscious
mind learns to do the task, and, by so doing, takes it off our hands.
How difficult it is to learn to drive a motor-car. How carefully,