mind, a recipient of knowledge that is above human, and wisdom that
is divine. He knows by direct knowing: he becomes wise through an
influx of Divine Wisdom. He is able to distinguish between the real
and the sham, between the gold and the dross: he is also able to see
and recognize the right path in life--a thing utterly impossible to
the mind of the senses--and to tread it, thus being led into the only
true success and real good of which his life is capable.

Let it be said here that all Wisdom must come from within. While
books and the written word may be helpful, it is the Spirit within
the reader that illumines the word, and makes it real and true to
the seeker after Wisdom. One who realizes that he is illumined within
by the Divine Spirit, and that this alone can bring him into real
knowledge is well advanced on the path that leads to realization.

The wisdom of the human mind always leads to disappointment. It is
based on the evidence of the senses, which is erroneous, therefore
its findings must always be lacking in _real_ wisdom. One who relies
upon the inspiration of Divine Wisdom has often to decide to take
a course of action which, apparently, is opposed to his best
interests. Yet, if he follows the inward Wisdom, he finds that he
is always guided aright, and, later, has cause to be devoutly thankful
that he followed the gleam.




CHAPTER X.

CHARACTER BUILDING AND THE OVERCOMING OF HABIT.


Character building is the greatest object in life. It has been said
that character is the only thing we can take with us when we depart
this life. This is perfectly true, therefore the object of all
religion (not religiousness), mental training and development should
be the building of character. A religion that does not build up
character is worthless. Those who think that they can "flop" through
life, avoid, as far as possible, its discipline, make no effort to
improve their character, and through believing in a certain creed
can miraculously become perfect, simply by dying, are deceiving
themselves. We do not become "perfect," _i.e._, of a strong and