Thought Science of Thomas Troward
by Genevieve BehrendL N. Fowler & Co.
Ludgate Circus, London
Originally Published in 1921 by
THE ELIZABETH TOWNE CO., INC. HOLYOKE, MASS.
Copyright 1921, 1927 by Genevieve Behrend
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Foreword - p. 5
THESE pages have been written for the purpose of furnishing you a key to the attainment of your desires, and to explain that Fear should be entirely banished from your consciousness in order for you to obtain possession of the things you want.This pre-supposes, of course, that your desire for possession is based upon your aspiration for greater happiness. For example, you feel that the possession of more money, lands, or friends will make you happier, and your desire for possession of these things arises from a conviction that their possession will bring you freedom and contentment
In your effort to possess, you will discover that the thing you most need is to consistently "Be" your best self.
One morning after class a man came to me and asked if I would speak the word of supply for him, as he was sadly in the need of money. He offered me a $5 bill with the remark:
"Dear Madam, that is half of every dollar I have in the world. I am in debt; my wife and child have not the proper clothing; in fact, I must have money." I explained to him that money was the symbol of differentiated substance, that this substance filled all space, that it was present for him at that very moment, and would manifest to him as the
5
money he required. "But," he questioned, "it may
come too late." I told him it could not come too late, as it was
eternally present. He understood and got the uplift of my spoken word.
I did not see the man again, but six months later I had a letter from him stating he was in New Orleans. He said, "I am well established here in my regular profession of photography; I own my own home, have an automobile of my own, and am generally prospering. And dear Mrs. Behrend, I want to thank you for lifting me out of the depths that day in New York.
Three days after I talked to you, a man whom I have not seen for years met me on the street. When I explained my situation to him, be loaned me the money to pay my bills and come down here. The inclosed check is to help you continue your wonderful work of teaching people how to mentally reach out and receive their never-failing supply. I would not take anything for my understanding as you have given it to me. God bless you."
I did not see the man again, but six months later I had a letter from him stating he was in New Orleans. He said, "I am well established here in my regular profession of photography; I own my own home, have an automobile of my own, and am generally prospering. And dear Mrs. Behrend, I want to thank you for lifting me out of the depths that day in New York.
Three days after I talked to you, a man whom I have not seen for years met me on the street. When I explained my situation to him, be loaned me the money to pay my bills and come down here. The inclosed check is to help you continue your wonderful work of teaching people how to mentally reach out and receive their never-failing supply. I would not take anything for my understanding as you have given it to me. God bless you."
A feeling that greater possessions, no matter of what kind they may be, will of themselves bring
contentment or happiness, is a misunderstanding. No person, place,
or thing can give you happiness. They may give you cause for
happiness and a feeling of contentment, but the Joy of Living comes
from within.
Therefore, it is here recommended that you should make the effort to obtain the things
6
which you feel will bring you joy, provided that your desires are in accord with the Joy of Living.
It is also desired, in this volume, to suggest the possibilities in store for all who make persistent effort to understand the Law of Visualization, and who make practical application of this knowledge on whatever plane they may be. The word "effort," as here employed, is not intended to convey the idea of strain. All study and meditation should be without strain or tension.
It has been my endeavor to show that by starting at the beginning of the creative action, or mental picture, certain corresponding results are sure to follow. "While the laws of the Universe cannot be altered, they can be made to work under specific conditions, thereby producing results for individual advancement which cannot be obtained under the spontaneous workings of the law provided by Nature."
However far these suggestions I have given
--of the possibilities in store for you, through visualizing, may carry you beyond your past experience, they nowhere break the continuity of the law of cause and effect.
If through the suggestions here given, any one is brought to realize that his mind is a center through and in which "all power there is" is in operation, simply waiting to be given direction in the one and only way through which it can take specific action--and this
It is also desired, in this volume, to suggest the possibilities in store for all who make persistent effort to understand the Law of Visualization, and who make practical application of this knowledge on whatever plane they may be. The word "effort," as here employed, is not intended to convey the idea of strain. All study and meditation should be without strain or tension.
It has been my endeavor to show that by starting at the beginning of the creative action, or mental picture, certain corresponding results are sure to follow. "While the laws of the Universe cannot be altered, they can be made to work under specific conditions, thereby producing results for individual advancement which cannot be obtained under the spontaneous workings of the law provided by Nature."
However far these suggestions I have given
--of the possibilities in store for you, through visualizing, may carry you beyond your past experience, they nowhere break the continuity of the law of cause and effect.
If through the suggestions here given, any one is brought to realize that his mind is a center through and in which "all power there is" is in operation, simply waiting to be given direction in the one and only way through which it can take specific action--and this
7
means reaction in concrete or physical form
--then the mission to which this book is dedicated has been fulfilled.
Try to remember that the picture you think, feel, and see is reflected into the Universal Mind, and by the natural law of reciprocal action must return to you in either spiritual or physical form. Knowledge of this law of reciprocal action between the individual and the Universal Mind opens to you free access to all you may wish to possessor to be.
It must be steadfastly borne in mind that all this can be true only for the individual who recognizes that he derives his power to make an abiding mental picture from the All-Originating Universal Spirit of Life, and can be used constructively only so long as it is employed and retained in harmony with the nature of the Spirit which originated it. To insure this there must be no inversion of the thought of the individual regarding his relationship to this Universal Originating Spirit, which is that of a son, through which the parent mind acts and reacts.
Thus conditioned, whatever you think and feel yourself to be, the Creative Spirit of Life is bound to faithfully reproduce in a corresponding reaction. This is the great reason for picturing yourself and your affairs the way you wish them to be as existing facts-- though invisible to the physical eye--and living in your picture. An honest endeavor to do this, always recognizing that your own
--then the mission to which this book is dedicated has been fulfilled.
Try to remember that the picture you think, feel, and see is reflected into the Universal Mind, and by the natural law of reciprocal action must return to you in either spiritual or physical form. Knowledge of this law of reciprocal action between the individual and the Universal Mind opens to you free access to all you may wish to possessor to be.
It must be steadfastly borne in mind that all this can be true only for the individual who recognizes that he derives his power to make an abiding mental picture from the All-Originating Universal Spirit of Life, and can be used constructively only so long as it is employed and retained in harmony with the nature of the Spirit which originated it. To insure this there must be no inversion of the thought of the individual regarding his relationship to this Universal Originating Spirit, which is that of a son, through which the parent mind acts and reacts.
Thus conditioned, whatever you think and feel yourself to be, the Creative Spirit of Life is bound to faithfully reproduce in a corresponding reaction. This is the great reason for picturing yourself and your affairs the way you wish them to be as existing facts-- though invisible to the physical eye--and living in your picture. An honest endeavor to do this, always recognizing that your own
8
mind is a projection of the Originating Spirit, will prove to you that the best there is, is yours in all your ways.
G.B.
Los Angeles, California;
May, 1929.
G.B.
Los Angeles, California;
May, 1929.
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Chapter 1
Order of Visualization - p. 11
The exercise of the visualizing faculty keeps
your mind in order, and attracts to you the things you need to make
life more enjoyable in an orderly way.
If you train yourself in the practice of deliberately picturing your desire and carefully examining your picture, you will soon find that your thoughts and desires proceed in a more orderly procession than ever before.
Having reached a state of ordered mentality, you are no longer in a constant state of mental hurry. Hurry is Fear, and consequently destructive.
If you train yourself in the practice of deliberately picturing your desire and carefully examining your picture, you will soon find that your thoughts and desires proceed in a more orderly procession than ever before.
Having reached a state of ordered mentality, you are no longer in a constant state of mental hurry. Hurry is Fear, and consequently destructive.
In other words, when your understanding
grasps the power to visualize your heart's desire and hold it with
your will, it attracts to you all things requisite to the
fulfillment of that picture by the harmonious vibrations of the law
of attraction.
You realize that since Order is Heaven's first law, and visualization places things in their natural order, then it must be a heavenly thing to visualize.
You realize that since Order is Heaven's first law, and visualization places things in their natural order, then it must be a heavenly thing to visualize.
Everyone visualizes, whether he knows it or not. Visualizing is the great secret of success.
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The conscious use of this great power attracts
to you multiplied resources, intensifies your wisdom, and enables
you to make use of advantages which you formerly failed to
recognize.
A lady once came to me for help in selling a
piece of property. After I explained to her just how to make a
mental picture of the sale, going through the details mentally,
exactly as she would do if the property were sold, she came a week
later and told me how one day she was walking along the street, when
the thought suddenly occurred to her to go and see a certain real
estate dealer, to whom she had not yet been.
She hesitated for a moment when she first got the idea, as it seemed to her that that man could not sell her property. However, upon the strength of what I had told her, she followed the lead and went to the real estate man , who sold the property for her in just three days after she had first approached him. This was simply following along with the natural law of demand and supply.
She hesitated for a moment when she first got the idea, as it seemed to her that that man could not sell her property. However, upon the strength of what I had told her, she followed the lead and went to the real estate man , who sold the property for her in just three days after she had first approached him. This was simply following along with the natural law of demand and supply.
We now fly through the air, not because
anyone has been able to change the laws of Nature, but because the
inventor of the flying machine learned how to apply Nature's laws
and, by making orderly use of them, produced the desired result.
So far as the natural
12
forces are concerned, nothing has changed since
the beginning. There were no airplanes in "the Year One," because
those of that generation could not conceive the idea as a
practical, working possibility. "It has not yet been done," was
the argument, "and it cannot be done." Yet the laws and materials
for practical flying machines existed then as now.
Troward tells us that the great lesson he learned from the airplane and
wireless telegraphy is the triumph of principle over precedent, the
working out of an idea to its logical conclusion in spite of
accumulated contrary testimony of all past experience.
With such an example before you, you must
realize that there are still greater secrets to be disclosed. Also,
"That you hold the key within yourself, with which to unlock the
secret chamber that contains your heart's desire.
All that is necessary in order that you may use this key and make your life exactly what you wish it to be, is a careful inquiry into the unseen causes which stand back of every external and visible condition. Then bring these unseen causes into harmony with your conception, and you will find that you can make practical working realities of possibilities which at present seem but fantastic dreams."
All that is necessary in order that you may use this key and make your life exactly what you wish it to be, is a careful inquiry into the unseen causes which stand back of every external and visible condition. Then bring these unseen causes into harmony with your conception, and you will find that you can make practical working realities of possibilities which at present seem but fantastic dreams."
A woman came to me in New York City,
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asking for help, as she was out of work. I spoke
the word of ever-present supply for her and intensified it by
mentally seeing the woman in the position she dreamed of, but which
she had been unable to make a practical reality.
That same afternoon she telephoned and said she could hardly believe her senses, as she had just taken exactly the kind of a position she wanted. The employer told her she had been wanting a woman like her for months.
That same afternoon she telephoned and said she could hardly believe her senses, as she had just taken exactly the kind of a position she wanted. The employer told her she had been wanting a woman like her for months.
We all knew that the balloon was the
foreÂfather of the airplane. In 1766 Henry Cavendish, an English
nobleman, proved that hydrogen gas was seven times lighter than air.
From that discovery the balloon came into existence, and from the
ordinary balloon the dirigible, a cigar-shaped airship, was evolved.
Study of aeronautics and laws of the aerial locomotion of birds and projectiles led to the belief that mechanism could be evolved by which heavier-than-air machines could be made to travel from place to place and remain in the air by the maintenance of great speed, which would overcome by propulsive force the ordinary law of gravitation. Professor Langley of Washington, who developed much of the theory which others afterward improved upon, was subjected to much derision when he sent a model airplane up, only to have it bury its nose in the muddy waters of
Study of aeronautics and laws of the aerial locomotion of birds and projectiles led to the belief that mechanism could be evolved by which heavier-than-air machines could be made to travel from place to place and remain in the air by the maintenance of great speed, which would overcome by propulsive force the ordinary law of gravitation. Professor Langley of Washington, who developed much of the theory which others afterward improved upon, was subjected to much derision when he sent a model airplane up, only to have it bury its nose in the muddy waters of
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the Potomac. But the Wright Brothers, who
experimented later, realized the possibility of traveling through the
air in a machine that had no gas bag. They saw themselves
enjoying this mode of transportation with great facility. It is
said that one of the brothers would tell the other, when their
varied experiences did not turn out as they expected:
"It's all right, Brother, I can see myself riding in that machine, and it travels easily and steadily."
Those Wright Brothers knew what they wanted
and kept their pictures constantly before them. Now transportation
through the air is developing rapidly and we all feel sure it
will in the near future become as ordinary a method of travel as
the automobile.
In visualizing, or making a mental picture, you are not endeavoring to change the laws of Nature. You are fulfilling them.
Your object in visualizing is to bring things
into regular order, both mentally and physically. When you
realize that this method of employing the Creative Power brings your
desires, one after another, into practical, material
accomplishment, your confidence in the mysterious but unfailing law
of attraction, which has its central power station in the very
heart of your word-picture, becomes supreme. Nothing can shake it.
You never feel that it is necessary to take anything from anybody
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else. You have learned that
asking and seeking have, as their correlatives, receiving and
finding. You know that all you have to do is to start the plastic
substance of the Universe flowing into the thought-moulds your
picture-desire provides.
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Chapter 2
How to Attract to Yourself
the Things You Desire - p. 17
The power within you which enables you to
form a thought-picture is the starting point of all there is. In its
original state it is the undifferentiated formless substance of
life. Your thought-picture makes the model, so to say, into which
this formless substance takes shape.
Visualizing, or mentally seeing things and conditions as you wish the to be, is the condensing, the specializing power in you which might be illustrated by comparison with the lens of a magic lantern, which is one of the best symbols of the imaging faculty.
It illustrates the idea of the working of the Creative Spirit on the plane of initiative and selection--or in its concentrated, specializing form --in a remarkably clear manner.
Visualizing, or mentally seeing things and conditions as you wish the to be, is the condensing, the specializing power in you which might be illustrated by comparison with the lens of a magic lantern, which is one of the best symbols of the imaging faculty.
It illustrates the idea of the working of the Creative Spirit on the plane of initiative and selection--or in its concentrated, specializing form --in a remarkably clear manner.
The picture slide illustrates your own mental
picture--invisible in the lantern of your mind until you turn on
the light of your will.
That is to say, you light up your desire with absolute faith that the Creative Spirit of Life, in you, is doing the work. By the steady flow of the light of the Will on the Spirit, your desired picture is projected upon the screen of
That is to say, you light up your desire with absolute faith that the Creative Spirit of Life, in you, is doing the work. By the steady flow of the light of the Will on the Spirit, your desired picture is projected upon the screen of
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the physical world--an exact reproduction of the pictured slide in your mind.
A woman came to me for help to cause her
husband to return to her. She said she was very unhappy and lonely
without him and longed to be reunited. I told her she could not lose
love and protection, because both belonged to her. She asked what
she should do to get her husband back again. I told her to follow
the great power of intuition and think of her husband as perfectly
free, and the embodiment of all that a husband should be.
She went away quite happy, but returned in a few days to tell me that her husband desired a divorce in order to marry again. She was quite agitated and had evidently relaxed her will in following the instructions given at the former interview. Again I told her to hold constantly in her mind that the loving protection of the Spirit of Life would guide her in perfect happiness.
A month later she came again and said that her husband had married the other woman. This time she had completely lost her mental grip. I repeated the words for her as before, and she regained her poise. Two months later she came back to me, full of joy. Her husband had come to her, begging her forgiveness, and telling her what a terrible mistake he had made, as he could not be happy without her. They are now living happily together. and she, at least, learned the necessity
She went away quite happy, but returned in a few days to tell me that her husband desired a divorce in order to marry again. She was quite agitated and had evidently relaxed her will in following the instructions given at the former interview. Again I told her to hold constantly in her mind that the loving protection of the Spirit of Life would guide her in perfect happiness.
A month later she came again and said that her husband had married the other woman. This time she had completely lost her mental grip. I repeated the words for her as before, and she regained her poise. Two months later she came back to me, full of joy. Her husband had come to her, begging her forgiveness, and telling her what a terrible mistake he had made, as he could not be happy without her. They are now living happily together. and she, at least, learned the necessity
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of holding her pictured desire steadily in place by the use of her will.
Visualizing without a will sufficiently steady to inhibit every thought and feeling contrary to your pictured thought would be as useless as a magic lantern without the light.
On the other band, if your will is sufficiently developed to bold your picture in thought and feeling, without any "ifs"; simply realizing that your thought is the great attracting power, then your mental picture is as certain to be projected upon your physical world as a picture slide put into a magic lantern shows on the screen.
Try projecting the picture in a magic lantern with a light that is constantly shifting from one side to the other, and you will produce the effect of an uncertain will. It is as necessary that you should always have back of your picture a strong, steady will, as it is to have a strong steady light back of a picture slide.
The joyous assurance with which you make your picture is the very powerful magnet of Faith, and nothing can obliterate it. You are happier than you ever were, because you have learned to know where your source of supply is, and you rely upon its never-failing response to the direction you give it.
All said and done, happiness is the one thing which every human being wants, and the
Visualizing without a will sufficiently steady to inhibit every thought and feeling contrary to your pictured thought would be as useless as a magic lantern without the light.
On the other band, if your will is sufficiently developed to bold your picture in thought and feeling, without any "ifs"; simply realizing that your thought is the great attracting power, then your mental picture is as certain to be projected upon your physical world as a picture slide put into a magic lantern shows on the screen.
Try projecting the picture in a magic lantern with a light that is constantly shifting from one side to the other, and you will produce the effect of an uncertain will. It is as necessary that you should always have back of your picture a strong, steady will, as it is to have a strong steady light back of a picture slide.
The joyous assurance with which you make your picture is the very powerful magnet of Faith, and nothing can obliterate it. You are happier than you ever were, because you have learned to know where your source of supply is, and you rely upon its never-failing response to the direction you give it.
All said and done, happiness is the one thing which every human being wants, and the
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study of visualization enables you to get more out of life than
you ever enjoyed before. Increasing possibilities keep opening
out, more and more, before you.
A business man once told me that since practicing visualization, and forming the habit of devoting a few minutes each day to thinking about his work as he desired it to be, in a large, broad way, his orders had more than doubled in six months.
His method was to go into a room every morning before breakfast and take a mental inventory of his business as he had left it the evening before, and then enlarge upon it. He said he expanded and expanded in this way, until his affairs were in a remarkably successful condition. He would see himself in his office doing everything he wanted done. His occupation required him to meet many strangers every day.
In his mental picture he saw himself meeting these people, understanding their needs, and supplying them in just the way they wished. This habit, he said, had strengthened and steadied his will in an almost inconceivable manner.
Furthermore, by thus mentally seeing things as he wished them to be, he had acquired the confident feeling that a certain Creative Power was exercising itself, for him and through him, for the purpose of improving his little world.
When you first begin to visualize seriously,
A business man once told me that since practicing visualization, and forming the habit of devoting a few minutes each day to thinking about his work as he desired it to be, in a large, broad way, his orders had more than doubled in six months.
His method was to go into a room every morning before breakfast and take a mental inventory of his business as he had left it the evening before, and then enlarge upon it. He said he expanded and expanded in this way, until his affairs were in a remarkably successful condition. He would see himself in his office doing everything he wanted done. His occupation required him to meet many strangers every day.
In his mental picture he saw himself meeting these people, understanding their needs, and supplying them in just the way they wished. This habit, he said, had strengthened and steadied his will in an almost inconceivable manner.
Furthermore, by thus mentally seeing things as he wished them to be, he had acquired the confident feeling that a certain Creative Power was exercising itself, for him and through him, for the purpose of improving his little world.
When you first begin to visualize seriously,
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you may feel, as many others do, that someone else may be forming
the same picture you are, and that, naturally, would not suit
your purpose. Do not give yourself any concern about this.
Simply try to realize that your picture is an orderly exercise of the Universal Creative Power specifically applied. Then you may be sure that no one can work in opposition to you. The universal law of harmony prevents that.
Endeavor to bear in mind that your mental picture is Universal Mind specifically exercising its inherent powers of initiative and selection. God, or Universal Mind, made man for the special purpose of differentiating Himself through him. Everything there is, came into existence in this same way, by this self-same law of self-differentiation, and for the same purpose. First came the idea, the mental picture, or the prototype of the thing, which is the thing itself in its incipiency.
The Great Architect of the Universe contemplated Himself as manifesting through his polar opposite--matter--and the idea expanded and projected itself until we have not only a world, but many worlds.
Many people ask, "But why should we have a physical world at all ?" The answer is:
"Because it is the nature of Originating Substance to solidify, under directivity rather than activity, just as it is the nature of wax to
Simply try to realize that your picture is an orderly exercise of the Universal Creative Power specifically applied. Then you may be sure that no one can work in opposition to you. The universal law of harmony prevents that.
Endeavor to bear in mind that your mental picture is Universal Mind specifically exercising its inherent powers of initiative and selection. God, or Universal Mind, made man for the special purpose of differentiating Himself through him. Everything there is, came into existence in this same way, by this self-same law of self-differentiation, and for the same purpose. First came the idea, the mental picture, or the prototype of the thing, which is the thing itself in its incipiency.
The Great Architect of the Universe contemplated Himself as manifesting through his polar opposite--matter--and the idea expanded and projected itself until we have not only a world, but many worlds.
Many people ask, "But why should we have a physical world at all ?" The answer is:
"Because it is the nature of Originating Substance to solidify, under directivity rather than activity, just as it is the nature of wax to
21
harden when it becomes cold, or plaster of paris to become firm and solid when exposed to the air.
Your picture is this same Divine Substance in its original state, taking form through the individualized center of Divine operation, in your mind; and there is no power to prevent this combination of Spiritual Substance from becoming physical form. it is the nature of Spirit to complete its work, and an idea is not complete until it has made for itself a vehicle.
Nothing can prevent your picture from coming into concrete form except the same power which gave it birth--yourself.
Suppose you wish to have a more orderly room. You look about your room, and the idea of order suggests boxes, closets, shelves, hooks, and so forth. The box, the closet and the hooks, are all concrete ideas of order, because they are the vehicles through which order and harmony suggest themselves.
Your picture is this same Divine Substance in its original state, taking form through the individualized center of Divine operation, in your mind; and there is no power to prevent this combination of Spiritual Substance from becoming physical form. it is the nature of Spirit to complete its work, and an idea is not complete until it has made for itself a vehicle.
Nothing can prevent your picture from coming into concrete form except the same power which gave it birth--yourself.
Suppose you wish to have a more orderly room. You look about your room, and the idea of order suggests boxes, closets, shelves, hooks, and so forth. The box, the closet and the hooks, are all concrete ideas of order, because they are the vehicles through which order and harmony suggest themselves.
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Chapter 3
Relation Between
Mental and Physical Form - p. 23
SOME persons feel that it is not quite proper to visualize for things. "It's
too material," they say. Why, material form is necessary for the
self-recognition of Spirit from the individual standpoint, and
this is the means through which the Creative Process is carried
forward. Therefore, far from matter being an illusion and something which ought not to be, matter is the necessary channel for the self-differentiation of Spirit.
However, it is not my desire to lead you into lengthy and tiresome scientific reasoning, in order to remove the mystery from visualization and to put it upon a logical foundation.
Naturally, each individual will do this in his own way. My only wish is to point out to you the easiest way I know, which is the road on which Troward guides me. I feel sure you will conclude, as I have, that the only mystery in connection with visualizing is the mystery of life taking form, governed by unchangeable and easily understood laws.
We all possess more power and greater possibilities than we realize, and visualizing
23
is one of the greatest of these
powers, it brings other
Possibilities to our observation.
When we pause to think for a moment, we
realize that for a cosmos to exist at all,
it must be the outcome of a Cosmic
Mind, which binds "all
individual minds to a certain
generic unity of action, thereby
producing all things as realities and nothing
as illusions." If you will take this
thought of Troward's
and meditate upon it
without prejudice, you will surely
realize that concrete material form is an
absolute necessity of the Creative Process;
also "that matter is not an
illusion but a necessary
channel thru which life
differentiates itself." If you consider
matter in its right order, as the polar
opposite to Spirit, you will not find any
antagonism between them. On
the contrary, together they
constitute one harmonious
whole. And when you realize this, you feel,
in your practice of visualizing, that you
are working from cause to effect, from
beginning to end. In
reality your mental picture is
the specialized outworking of the Originating
Spirit. One could talk for hours on purely
scientific lines, showing, as Troward
says, "that raw material for
the formation of the solar
systems is universally distributed
throughout all space. Yet investigation
shows that while the Heavens are studded
with millions of suns, there are spaces
which show no signs of
cosmic activity. This being
true,
24
There must be something which
started cosmic activity in
certain places, while passing
over others in which the raw material was
equally available. At first thought, one
might attribute development of cosmic
energy to the etheric
particles themselves. Upon
investigation however, we find that this
is mathematically impossible in a medium
which is equally distributed throughout
space, for all its particles
are in equilibrium;
therefore, no one particle possesses in
itself a greater power of originating motion
than the other. Thus we find that the
initial movement, though
working in and through the
particles of primary substance, is not
the particles themselves. It is this something
we mean when we speak of Spirit."
This same power that brought universal substance into existence will bring your individual thought or mental picture into physical form. There is no difference in the power. The only difference is a difference of degree. The power and the substance themselves are the same. Only in working out your mental picture, it has transferred its creative energy from the Universal to the particular, and is working in the same unfailing manner from its specific center, your mind.
This same power that brought universal substance into existence will bring your individual thought or mental picture into physical form. There is no difference in the power. The only difference is a difference of degree. The power and the substance themselves are the same. Only in working out your mental picture, it has transferred its creative energy from the Universal to the particular, and is working in the same unfailing manner from its specific center, your mind.
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Chapter 4
Operation of Your Mental Picture - p. 26
The operation of a large telephone system may be used as a simile. The main, or head central subdivides itself into many branch centrals, every branch being in direct connection with the main central, and each individual branch recognizing the source of its existence, reports all things to its central head. Therefore, when assistance of any nature is required: new supplies, difficult repairs to be done, or what not, the branch in need goes at once to its central head. It would not think of referring its difficulties (or its successes) to the main central of a telegraph system, though they might belong to the same organization. These different branch centrals know that the only remedy for any difficulty must come from the central out of which they were projected and to which they are always attached.If we, as individual branches of the Universal Mind, would refer our difficulties in the same confident manner to the source from which we were projected, and use the remedies which it has provided, we would realize what Jesus meant when he said, "Ask and ye
26
shall receive." Our every requirement
would be met. Surely the Father must supply
the child. The trunk of the tree cannot
fail to provide for its
branches.
A man came to me in great distress, saying he was about to lose his home in the South. In his own words, it was mortgaged to the hilt, and his creditors were going to foreclose. It was the house in which he had been born and had grown to young manhood, and the thought of losing it filled his heart and mind with sorrow, not only from a money standpoint, but from the standpoint of sentimental association. I explained to him that the Power that brought him into existence did so for the purpose of expressing its limitless supply through him; that there was no power on earth which could cut him off from his source except his own consciousness, and that in reality he would not be cut off then. I explained to him that he had it, but was unable to recognize that it was there, and said to him, "Infinite substance is manifesting in you right now." The next week, on Sunday, just before leaving my dressing room in the Selwyn Theatre to give my afternoon message, I received the following note: "Dear Mrs. Behrend: I want you to know that I am the happiest man in the whole city of New York. My home in the South is saved. The money came in the most miraculous way, and I have
A man came to me in great distress, saying he was about to lose his home in the South. In his own words, it was mortgaged to the hilt, and his creditors were going to foreclose. It was the house in which he had been born and had grown to young manhood, and the thought of losing it filled his heart and mind with sorrow, not only from a money standpoint, but from the standpoint of sentimental association. I explained to him that the Power that brought him into existence did so for the purpose of expressing its limitless supply through him; that there was no power on earth which could cut him off from his source except his own consciousness, and that in reality he would not be cut off then. I explained to him that he had it, but was unable to recognize that it was there, and said to him, "Infinite substance is manifesting in you right now." The next week, on Sunday, just before leaving my dressing room in the Selwyn Theatre to give my afternoon message, I received the following note: "Dear Mrs. Behrend: I want you to know that I am the happiest man in the whole city of New York. My home in the South is saved. The money came in the most miraculous way, and I have
27
telegraphed enough to pay off the mortgage.
Please tell the people this afternoon about
this wonderful Power."
You may be sure I did, explaining to them that everything animate or inanimate is called into existence or outstandingness by a Power which itself does not stand out. The Power which creates the mental picture--the Originating Spirit Substance of your pictured desire--does not stand out. It projects the substance of itself, which is a solidified counterpart of itself, while it--the Power--remains invisible to the physical eye. Those will appreciate the value of visualizing who are able to realize Paul's meaning when he said, "The worlds were formed by the word of God. Things which are seen are not made of things which do appear."
There is nothing unusual or mysterious in the idea of your pictured desire coming into material evidence. It is the working of a universal, natural Law. The world was projected by the self-contemplation of the Universal Mind, and this same action is taking place in its individualized branch which is the Mind of Man. Everything in the whole world, from the hat on your head to the boots on your feet, has its beginning in mind and comes into existence in exactly the same manner. All are projected thoughts, solidified. Your personal advance in evolution depends on your
You may be sure I did, explaining to them that everything animate or inanimate is called into existence or outstandingness by a Power which itself does not stand out. The Power which creates the mental picture--the Originating Spirit Substance of your pictured desire--does not stand out. It projects the substance of itself, which is a solidified counterpart of itself, while it--the Power--remains invisible to the physical eye. Those will appreciate the value of visualizing who are able to realize Paul's meaning when he said, "The worlds were formed by the word of God. Things which are seen are not made of things which do appear."
There is nothing unusual or mysterious in the idea of your pictured desire coming into material evidence. It is the working of a universal, natural Law. The world was projected by the self-contemplation of the Universal Mind, and this same action is taking place in its individualized branch which is the Mind of Man. Everything in the whole world, from the hat on your head to the boots on your feet, has its beginning in mind and comes into existence in exactly the same manner. All are projected thoughts, solidified. Your personal advance in evolution depends on your
28
right use of the power of
visualizing, and your use
of it depends on whether you recognize
that you, yourself, are a particular center
through and in which the Originating
Spirit is finding ever new
expression for potentialities
already existing within Itself. This is
evolution.
Your mental picture is the force of attraction which evolves and combines the Originating Substance into specific shape. Your picture is the combining and evolving power house, in a generative sense, so to say, through which the Originating Creative Spirit expresses itself. Its creative action is limitless, without beginning and without end, and always progressive and orderly. "It proceeds stage by stage, each stage being a necessary preparation for the one to follow."Now let us see if we can get an idea of the different stages by which the things in the world have come to be. Troward says, "If we can get at the working principle which is producing these results, we can very quickly and easily give it personal application. First, we find that the thought of Originating Life, or Spirit, concerning Itself is its simple awareness of its own being, and this, demanding a relationship to something else, produces a primary ether, a universal substance out of which everything in the world must grow."
Troward also tells us that "though this
Your mental picture is the force of attraction which evolves and combines the Originating Substance into specific shape. Your picture is the combining and evolving power house, in a generative sense, so to say, through which the Originating Creative Spirit expresses itself. Its creative action is limitless, without beginning and without end, and always progressive and orderly. "It proceeds stage by stage, each stage being a necessary preparation for the one to follow."Now let us see if we can get an idea of the different stages by which the things in the world have come to be. Troward says, "If we can get at the working principle which is producing these results, we can very quickly and easily give it personal application. First, we find that the thought of Originating Life, or Spirit, concerning Itself is its simple awareness of its own being, and this, demanding a relationship to something else, produces a primary ether, a universal substance out of which everything in the world must grow."
Troward also tells us that "though this
29
awareness
of being is a necessary foundation for any
further possibilities, it is not
much to talk about." It is
the same with individualized
Spirit, which is yourself. Before you can
entertain the idea of making a mental picture
of your desire as being at all
practical, you must have
some idea of your being; of
your "I am"; and just as soon
as you are conscious of your "I-amness,"
you begin to wish to enjoy the freedom which
this consciousness suggests. You want
to do more and be more, and
as you fulfill this desire
within yourself, localized spirit
begins conscious activities in you. The
thing you are more concerned with is the
specific action of the Creative Spirit
of Life, Universal Mind
specialized. The localized
God-germ in you~ is your personality, your
individuality and since the joy of absolute
freedom is the inherent nature of this
God-germ, it is natural that
it should endeavor to enjoy
itself through its specific center.
And as you grow in the comprehension that
your being, your individuality, is God
particularizing Himself, you
naturally develop Divine tendencies.
You want to enjoy life and liberty. You
want freedom in your affairs as well as
in your consciousness, and it is
natural that you should. With
this progressive wish there
is always a faint thought-picture.
As your wish and your recognition grow into
an intense desire, this
30
desire becomes a clear mental picture. For example, a young lady
studying music wishes she
had a piano in order to practice
at home. She wants the piano so much that
she can mentally see it in one of the rooms.
She holds the picture of the
piano and indulges in the
mental reflection of the pleasure
and advantage it will be to have the piano
in the corner of the living room. One day
she finds it there, just as she
had pictured it.
As you grow in understanding as to who you are, where you came from, what the purpose of your being is, and how you are to fulfil the purpose for which you are intended, you will become a more and more perfect center through which the Creative Spirit of Life can enjoy itself. And you will realize that there can be but one creative process filling all space, which is the same in its potentiality whether universal or individual. Furthermore, all there is, whether on the plane of the visible or invisible, had its origin in the localized action of thought, or a mental picture, and this includes yourself, because you are Universal Spirit localized, and the same creative action is taking place through you.
Now you are no doubt asking yourself why there is so much sickness and misery in the world. If the same power and intelligence which brought the world into existence is in operation in the mind of man, why does it not
As you grow in understanding as to who you are, where you came from, what the purpose of your being is, and how you are to fulfil the purpose for which you are intended, you will become a more and more perfect center through which the Creative Spirit of Life can enjoy itself. And you will realize that there can be but one creative process filling all space, which is the same in its potentiality whether universal or individual. Furthermore, all there is, whether on the plane of the visible or invisible, had its origin in the localized action of thought, or a mental picture, and this includes yourself, because you are Universal Spirit localized, and the same creative action is taking place through you.
Now you are no doubt asking yourself why there is so much sickness and misery in the world. If the same power and intelligence which brought the world into existence is in operation in the mind of man, why does it not
31
manifest itself as strength joy, health
and plenty? If one can have one's
desires fulfilled by simply making a mental
picture of that desire, holding
on to it with the will, and
without anxiety, doing on
the outward plane whatever seems necessary
to bring the desire into fulfillment, then
there seems no reason for the
existence of sickness and
poverty. Surely no one desires
either. The first reason is that few persons
will take the trouble to inquire into the
working principle of the Laws of
Life. If they did, they
would soon convince themselves
that there is no necessity for the sickness
and poverty which we see about us. They
would realize that visualizing is a
principle and not a fallacy.
There are a few who have
found it worth while to study this simple,
though absolutely unfailing law, which will
deliver them from bondage. However,
the race as a whole is not
willing to give the time
required for the study. It is either
too simple, or too difficult. They may make
a picture of their desire with some little
understanding of visualizing
for a day or two, but more
frequently it is for an hour
or so.
If you will insist upon mentally seeing yourself surrounded by things and conditions as you wish them to be you will understand that the Creative Energy sends its substance in the direction indicated by the tendency of your thoughts. Herein lies the advantage of
If you will insist upon mentally seeing yourself surrounded by things and conditions as you wish them to be you will understand that the Creative Energy sends its substance in the direction indicated by the tendency of your thoughts. Herein lies the advantage of
32
holding your thought in the form of a mental picture.
A man in the hardware business in New Jersey came to me in great distress. He would have to go into bankruptcy unless something happened in a fortnight. He said he had never heard of visualizing. I explained to him how to make a mental picture of his business increasing, instead of a picture of losing it. In about a month's time he returned very happy and told me how he had succeeded. He said, "I have my debts all paid, and my shop is full of new supplies." His business was then on a solid basis. It was beautiful to see his Faith.
The more enthusiasm and faith you are able to put into your picture, the more quickly it will come into visible form, and your enthusiasm is increased by keeping your desire secret. The moment you speak it to any living soul, that moment your power is weakened. Your power, your magnet of attraction is not that strong, and consequently cannot reach so far. The more perfectly a secret between your mind and your outer self is guarded, the more vitality you give your power of attraction. One tells one's troubles to weaken them, to get them off one's mind, and when a thought is given out, its power is dissipated. Talk it over with yourself, and even write it down, then destroy the paper.
A man in the hardware business in New Jersey came to me in great distress. He would have to go into bankruptcy unless something happened in a fortnight. He said he had never heard of visualizing. I explained to him how to make a mental picture of his business increasing, instead of a picture of losing it. In about a month's time he returned very happy and told me how he had succeeded. He said, "I have my debts all paid, and my shop is full of new supplies." His business was then on a solid basis. It was beautiful to see his Faith.
The more enthusiasm and faith you are able to put into your picture, the more quickly it will come into visible form, and your enthusiasm is increased by keeping your desire secret. The moment you speak it to any living soul, that moment your power is weakened. Your power, your magnet of attraction is not that strong, and consequently cannot reach so far. The more perfectly a secret between your mind and your outer self is guarded, the more vitality you give your power of attraction. One tells one's troubles to weaken them, to get them off one's mind, and when a thought is given out, its power is dissipated. Talk it over with yourself, and even write it down, then destroy the paper.
33
However, this does not mean that you should
strenuously endeavor to compel the Power
to work out your picture on the
special lines that you think
it should. That method
would soon exhaust you and hinder the fulfillment
of your purpose. A wealthy relative need
not necessarily die, or someone
lose a fortune on the
street, to materialize the $10,000
which you are mentally picturing. One of
the doormen in the building in which I lived
heard much of the mental
picturing of desires from
visitors passing out of my rooms. The
average desire was for $500. He considered
that five dollars was more in his line and
began to visualize it, without
the slightest idea of where
or how he was to get it. My
parrot flew out of the window, and I telephoned
to the men in the courtyard to get it for
me. One caught it, and it bit him
on the finger. The doorman,
who had gloves on, and did
not fear a similar hurt, took hold
of it and brought it up to me. I gave him
five one-dollar bills for his service. This
sudden reward surprised him. He
enthusiastically told me
that he had been visualizing for
just $5, merely from hearing that others
visualized. He was delighted at the unexpected
realization of his mental
picture.
All you have to do is to make such a mental picture of your heart's desire, and hold it cheerfully in place with your will, always
All you have to do is to make such a mental picture of your heart's desire, and hold it cheerfully in place with your will, always
34
conscious that the same Infinite Power
which brought the universe into existence,
brought you into form for the purpose
of enjoying Itself in and
through you. And since it is
all Life, Love, Light, Power,
Peace, Beauty, and Joy, and is the only
Creative Power there is, the form it takes
in and through you depends upon the
direction given it by your
thought. In you it is undifferentiated,
waiting to take any direction given it as
it passes through the instrument which it
has made for the purpose of
self-distribution--you.
It is this Power which enables you to transfer your thoughts from one form to another. The power to change your mind is the individualized Universal Power taking the initiative, giving direction to the unformed substance contained in every thought.
It is the simplest thing in the world to give this highly sensitive Substance any form you will, through visualizing. Anyone can do it with a small expenditure of effort. Once you really believe that your mind is a center through which the unformed substance of all there is in your world, takes involuntary form, the only reason your picture does not always materialize is because you have introduced something antagonistic to the fundamental principle. Very often this destructive element is caused by the frequency with which you change your pictures. After many such
It is this Power which enables you to transfer your thoughts from one form to another. The power to change your mind is the individualized Universal Power taking the initiative, giving direction to the unformed substance contained in every thought.
It is the simplest thing in the world to give this highly sensitive Substance any form you will, through visualizing. Anyone can do it with a small expenditure of effort. Once you really believe that your mind is a center through which the unformed substance of all there is in your world, takes involuntary form, the only reason your picture does not always materialize is because you have introduced something antagonistic to the fundamental principle. Very often this destructive element is caused by the frequency with which you change your pictures. After many such
35
changes, you decide that your
original desire is what you
want after all. Upon this
conclusion, you begin to wonder why
it (being your first picture) has not materialized.
The Substance with which you are
mentally dealing is more
sensitive than the most
sensitive photographer's film. If,
while taking a picture, you suddenly remembered
you had already taken a picture on that
same plate, you would not
expect a perfect result of
either picture. On the other hand,
you may have taken two pictures on the same
plate unconsciously. When the plate has
been developed, and the picture
comes into physical view,
you do not condemn the principle
of photography, nor are you puzzled to understand
why your picture has turned out so
unsatisfactorily. You do not
feel that it is impossible for
you to obtain a good, clear picture of the
subject in question. You know that you can
do so, by simply starting at the
beginning, putting in a new
plate, and determining to be
more careful while taking your picture
next time. If these lines are followed out,
you are sure of a satisfactory result. If
you will proceed in the same
manner with your mental
picture, doing your part in a
correspondingly confident frame of mind,
the result will be just as perfect. The
laws of visualizing are as infallible as
the laws governing
photography. In fact,
photography is the outcome of visualizing.
36
Again,
your results in visualizing the fulfillment
of your desires may be imperfect,
and your desires delayed,
through the misuse of this
power, owing to the thought that the fulfillment
of your desire is contingent upon certain
persons or conditions. The
Originating Principle is not
in any way dependent upon any person,
place, or thing. It has no past and knows
no future. The law is that the Originating
Creative Principle of Life is
"the universal here and
everlasting now." it creates
its own vehicles through which
to operate. Therefore, past experience has
no bearing upon your present picture. So
do not try to obtain your desire
through a channel which may
not be natural for it, even
though it may seem reasonable to you.
Your feeling should be that the thing, or
the consciousness, which you so much desire,
is normal and natural, a part
of yourself, a form of your
evolution. If you can do
this, there is no power to prevent your
enjoying the fulfillment of the picture
you have in mind, or any other you may create.
37
Chapter 5
Expressions from Beginners - p. 38
HUNDREDS of persons have realized that "visualizing is an Aladdin's lamp to him with a mighty will." General Foch says that his feelings were so outraged during the Franco-Prussian war in 1870 that he visualized himself leading a French army against the Germans to victory. He said he made his picture, smoked his pipe, and waited. This is one result of visualizing with which we are all familiar.A famous actress wrote a long article in one of the leading Sunday papers last winter, describing how she rid herself of excessive avoirdupois by seeing her figure constantly as she wished to be.
A very interesting letter came to me from a doctor's wife, while I was lecturing in New York. She began with the hope that I would never discontinue my lectures on visualization, which were helping humanity to realize the wonderful fact that they possessed the means of liberation within themselves. Relating her own experience, she said that she was born on the East Side of New York in the poorest quarter. From earliest girlhood she
38
had cherished a dream of marrying a physician
some day. This dream gradually formed a
stationary mental picture. The
first position she obtained
was in the capacity of a maid
in a physician's family. Leaving this
place, she entered the family of another
doctor. The wife of her employer died, and
in the doctor married
her--the result of
long-pictured yearning. After that, both
and her husband conceived the idea of owning
a fruit farm in the South. They formed
a mental picture of the
idea and put their faith in
its eventual fulfillment. The letter
she sent me came from her fruit farm in
the South. Her second mental picture had
seen the light of materialization.
Many letters of a similar nature come to me every day. The following is a case that was printed in the New York Herald last May:
"Atlantic City, May 5--She was an old woman, and when she was arraigned before Judge Clarence Goldenberg in the police court today she was so weak and tired she could hardly stand. The Judge asked the court attendant what she was charged with. 'Stealing a bottle of milk, Your Honor,' repeated the officer. 'She took it from the doorstep of a downtown cottage before daybreak this morning.' 'Why did you do that?' Judge Golden-berg asked her. 'I was hungry,' the old
Many letters of a similar nature come to me every day. The following is a case that was printed in the New York Herald last May:
"Atlantic City, May 5--She was an old woman, and when she was arraigned before Judge Clarence Goldenberg in the police court today she was so weak and tired she could hardly stand. The Judge asked the court attendant what she was charged with. 'Stealing a bottle of milk, Your Honor,' repeated the officer. 'She took it from the doorstep of a downtown cottage before daybreak this morning.' 'Why did you do that?' Judge Golden-berg asked her. 'I was hungry,' the old
39
"'Well, you're not very wealthy
now, but you're no longer poor. I've
been searching for you for months. I've
got $500 belonging to you from the
estate of a relative. I am
the executor of the estate.'
"Judge Goldenberg paid the woman's fine out of his own pocket, and then escorted her into his office, where he turned her legacy over to her and sent a policeman out to find her a lodging place."
I learned later that this little woman bad been desiring and mentally picturing $500, while all the time ignorant of how it could possibly come to her. But she kept her vision and strengthened it with her faith.
"Judge Goldenberg paid the woman's fine out of his own pocket, and then escorted her into his office, where he turned her legacy over to her and sent a policeman out to find her a lodging place."
I learned later that this little woman bad been desiring and mentally picturing $500, while all the time ignorant of how it could possibly come to her. But she kept her vision and strengthened it with her faith.
In an issue of Good Housekeeping
there was an article by Addington Bruce
entitled "Stiffening Your Mental
Backbone." It is very
instructive, and would benefit
anyone to read
it. He says, in part: "Form the habit of devoting a few moments every day to thinking about your work in a large, broad, imaginative
it. He says, in part: "Form the habit of devoting a few moments every day to thinking about your work in a large, broad, imaginative
40
way, as a vital necessity to yourself and a useful service to society."
James J. Hill, the great railway magnate, before he started building his road from coast to coast, said that he took hundreds of trips all along the line before there was a rail laid. It is said that he would sit for hours with a map of the United States before him and mentally travel from coast to coast, just as we do now over his fulfilled mental picture. It would be possible to call your attention to hundreds of similar cases.
The method of picturing to yourself what you desire is both simple and enjoyable, if you once understand the principle back of it well enough to believe it. Over and above everything else, be sure of what it is you really want. Then specialize your desire along the lines given in the following chapter
James J. Hill, the great railway magnate, before he started building his road from coast to coast, said that he took hundreds of trips all along the line before there was a rail laid. It is said that he would sit for hours with a map of the United States before him and mentally travel from coast to coast, just as we do now over his fulfilled mental picture. It would be possible to call your attention to hundreds of similar cases.
The method of picturing to yourself what you desire is both simple and enjoyable, if you once understand the principle back of it well enough to believe it. Over and above everything else, be sure of what it is you really want. Then specialize your desire along the lines given in the following chapter
41
Chapter 6
Suggestions for
Making Your Mental Picture - p. 42
PERHAPS you want to feel that
you've lived to some purpose. You
want to be contented and happy; you feel
that good health and a successful business
would give you contentment.
After you have decided once
and for all that this is what
you want, you proceed to picture yourself
healthy, and your business just as great
a success as you can naturally conceive
it growing into. The best
times for making your
definite picture are just before breakfast,
and again, before retiring at night. As
it is necessary to give yourself plenty
of time,it may be necessary
to rise earlier than you
usually do. Go into a room where
you will not be disturbed, meditate for
a few moments upon the practical working
of the law of visualizing, and ask
yourself, "How did the
things about me first come
into existence? How can I get more
quickly in touch with my invisible supply?"Someone felt that comfort would be better expressed and experienced by sitting on a chair than on the floor. So the very beginning of a chair was the desire to be at ease. With
42
this came the picture of some
sort of a chair, The same
principle applies to the hat
and the clothes you wear. Go
carefully into the thought of the principle
back of the thing. Establish it as a personal
experience; make it a fact to
your consciousness. Then
open a window, take about ten deep
breaths, and during the time draw a large
imaginary circle of light pound you. As
you inhale--keeping yourself in the
center of this circle of
light---see great rays of
light coming from the circle
and entering your body at all points, centralizing
itself at your solar plexus. Hold the breath
a few moments at this central
point of your body--the
solar plexus--; then slowly
exhale. As you do this, mentally
see imaginary rays, or sprays, of light
going up through the body, and down and
out through feet. Mentally spray your
entire body with this
imaginary light. When you have
finished the breathing exercise, sit
in a comfortable upright chair and mentally
know there is but one Life, one Substance,
and this Life Substance of
the Universe is finding
pleasure in self-recognition
in you. Repeat some affirmation of this
kind, until you feel the truth and stimulating
reality of the words which you are
affirming. Then begin your
picture. If you are thorough
in this, you will find yourself in the deep
consciousness beneath the surface of your
own thought power.
43
Whether your desire is
for a state of consciousness,
or a possession, large or small, be gin
at the beginning. If you want a house, begin
by seeing yourself in the kind of
house you desire. Go all
through it, taking careful
note of the rooms, where the windows are
situated, and such other details as help
you to feel the reality of your picture.
You might change some of the
furniture about and look
into some of the mirrors just to
see how healthy, wealthy, and happy you
look. Go over your picture again and again,
until you feel the reality of it,
then write it all down just
as you have seen it, with
the feeling that:
"The best there is,
is mine. There is no limit to me, because
my mind is a center of divine operation,"
and your picture is as certain
to come true, in your
physical world, as the sun is to
shine.
44
Chapter 7
Things to Remember
in Using Your Thought Power
for the Production
of New Conditions - p. 45
In Using Your Thought Power for the Production of New Conditions1. Be sure to know exactly what conditions wish to produce. Then weigh carefully what further results the accomplishment of your desire will lead to.
2. By letting your thought dwell upon a mental picture, you are concentrating the Creative Action of Spirit in this center, where its forces are equally balanced.
3. Visualizing brings your objective mind into a state of equilibrium, which enables you to consciously direct the flow of Spirit to a definitely recognized purpose, and to carefully guard your thoughts from including a flow in the opposite direction.
4. You must always bear in mind that you are dealing with a wonderful potential energy, which is not yet differentiated into any particular form, and that by the action of your mind, you can differentiate it into any specific form that you will. Your picture assists you to keep your mind fixed on the fact that the inflow of this Creative Energy.
45
is taking place. Also, by
your mental picture, you are
determining the direction
you wish the sensitive Creative
Power to take, and by doing this, you make
the externalization of your picture a certainty.
5. Remember when you are visualizing properly that there is no strenuous effort to hold your thought-forms in place. Strenuous effort defeats your purpose, and suggests the consciousness of an adverse force to be fought against, and this creates conditions adverse to your picture.
6. By holding your picture in a cheerful frame of mind, you shut out all thoughts that would disperse or dissipate the spiritual nucleus of your picture. Because the law is Creative in its action, your pictured desire is certain of accomplishment.
7. The seventh and great thing to remember in visualizing is that you are making a mental picture for the purpose of determining the quality you are giving to the previously undifferentiated substance and energy, rather than to arrange the specific circumstances for its manifestation. That is the work of Creative Power itself. It will build its own forms of expression quite naturally, if you will allow it, and save you a great deal of needless anxiety. What you really want is expansion in a certain direction, whether of health, wealth.
5. Remember when you are visualizing properly that there is no strenuous effort to hold your thought-forms in place. Strenuous effort defeats your purpose, and suggests the consciousness of an adverse force to be fought against, and this creates conditions adverse to your picture.
6. By holding your picture in a cheerful frame of mind, you shut out all thoughts that would disperse or dissipate the spiritual nucleus of your picture. Because the law is Creative in its action, your pictured desire is certain of accomplishment.
7. The seventh and great thing to remember in visualizing is that you are making a mental picture for the purpose of determining the quality you are giving to the previously undifferentiated substance and energy, rather than to arrange the specific circumstances for its manifestation. That is the work of Creative Power itself. It will build its own forms of expression quite naturally, if you will allow it, and save you a great deal of needless anxiety. What you really want is expansion in a certain direction, whether of health, wealth.
46
or what not, and so long as you
get it--as you surely will,
if you confidently hold to
your picture
--what does it matter whether it reaches by some channel which you thought you could count upon, or through some other of whose existence you had no idea. You are concentrating energy of a particular kind for a particular purpose. Keep this in mind and let specific details take care of themselves, and never mention what you are doing to anyone.
Remember always, that "Nature, from her clearly visible surface to her most arcane depths, is one vast storehouse of light and good entirely devoted to your individual use." Your conscious Oneness with the great Whole is the secret of success, and when once you have fathomed this, you can enjoy your possession of the whole, or a part of it, at will, because by your recognition you have made it, and can increasingly make it, yours.
Never forget that every physical thing, whether for you or against you, was a sustained thought before it was a thing.
Thought, as thought, is neither good nor bad; it is Creative Action and always takes physical form. Therefore, the thoughts you dwell upon become the things you possess or do not possess.
A man came to me telling me how be longed to marry a certain young woman, but felt he
--what does it matter whether it reaches by some channel which you thought you could count upon, or through some other of whose existence you had no idea. You are concentrating energy of a particular kind for a particular purpose. Keep this in mind and let specific details take care of themselves, and never mention what you are doing to anyone.
Remember always, that "Nature, from her clearly visible surface to her most arcane depths, is one vast storehouse of light and good entirely devoted to your individual use." Your conscious Oneness with the great Whole is the secret of success, and when once you have fathomed this, you can enjoy your possession of the whole, or a part of it, at will, because by your recognition you have made it, and can increasingly make it, yours.
Never forget that every physical thing, whether for you or against you, was a sustained thought before it was a thing.
Thought, as thought, is neither good nor bad; it is Creative Action and always takes physical form. Therefore, the thoughts you dwell upon become the things you possess or do not possess.
A man came to me telling me how be longed to marry a certain young woman, but felt he
47
could not afford to as his salary was small, and work uncertain. I
spoke the word of
ever-present Certain, Unlimited
Supply and explained that Love knows no
failure.
"It is yours to enjoy. See yourself in the kind of a home you both want. Do your part, keep on loving the girl, and believe absolutely in that which Lives and Loves in you."
A few months later they both came to my study looking radiantly happy. I knew they were married. The wife said to me: "Dear Mrs. Behrend, we are very happy because we now know how to use our thought power and hold our consciousness as one, with all we want."
So be yourself and enjoy Life in your own Divine way. Do not fear to be your true self, for everything you want, wants you.
"It is yours to enjoy. See yourself in the kind of a home you both want. Do your part, keep on loving the girl, and believe absolutely in that which Lives and Loves in you."
A few months later they both came to my study looking radiantly happy. I knew they were married. The wife said to me: "Dear Mrs. Behrend, we are very happy because we now know how to use our thought power and hold our consciousness as one, with all we want."
So be yourself and enjoy Life in your own Divine way. Do not fear to be your true self, for everything you want, wants you.
48
Chapter 8
Why I Took Up
the Study of Mental Science - p. 49
I HAVE frequently been questioned about
my reasons for taking up the study of Mental
Science, and as to the results of my
search, not only in the
knowledge of principles, but
also in the application of that knowledge
for the development of my own life.Such inquiries are justifiable, because one who essays the role of a messenger of psychological truths can only be convincing as he or she has tested them in the laboratory of personal mental experience. This is particularly true in my case, as the only personal pupil of Judge Troward, the great Master in Mental Science, whose teaching is based upon the relation borne by the Individual Mind toward the Universal Creative Mind, which is the Giver of Life, and the manner in which that relation may be invoked to secure expansion and fuller expression in the individual life.
My initial impulse toward the study of Mental Science was an overwhelming sense of loneliness. In every life there must come some such experience of spiritual isolation as
49
pervaded my life at that period. Notwithstanding
the fact that each day found me in the midst
of friends, surrounded by
mirth and gaiety, there was a
persistent feeling that I was
alone in the world. I had been a widow for
about three years, wandering from country
to country, seeking for peace of
mind.
The circumstances and surroundings of my life were such that my friends looked upon me as an unusually fortunate young woman. Although they recognized that I had sustained a great loss when my husband died, they knew that he had left me well provided for, free to go anywhere my pleasure dictated.
Yet, if my friends could have penetrated my inmost emotions, they would have found a deep sense of emptiness and isolation. This feeling inspired a spirit of unrest, which drove me on and on in fruitless search upon the outside, for that which I later learned could only be found within.
I studied Christian Science, but it gave me no solace, though fully realizing the, great work the Scientists were doing, and even having the pleasure and privilege of meeting Mrs. Eddy personally. But it was impossible for me to accept the fundamental teachings of Christian Science and make practical application of it.
When about to abandon the search for contentment and resign myself to resume a life
The circumstances and surroundings of my life were such that my friends looked upon me as an unusually fortunate young woman. Although they recognized that I had sustained a great loss when my husband died, they knew that he had left me well provided for, free to go anywhere my pleasure dictated.
Yet, if my friends could have penetrated my inmost emotions, they would have found a deep sense of emptiness and isolation. This feeling inspired a spirit of unrest, which drove me on and on in fruitless search upon the outside, for that which I later learned could only be found within.
I studied Christian Science, but it gave me no solace, though fully realizing the, great work the Scientists were doing, and even having the pleasure and privilege of meeting Mrs. Eddy personally. But it was impossible for me to accept the fundamental teachings of Christian Science and make practical application of it.
When about to abandon the search for contentment and resign myself to resume a life
50
of apparent amusement, a friend
invited me to visit the great Seer and Teacher,
Abdul Baha. After my
interview with this most
wonderful of men, my search for contentment
began to take a change. He had told me that
I would travel the world over
seeking the truth, and when I
had found it, would speak
it out. The fulfillment of the statement
of this Great Seer then seemed to be impossible.
But it carried a measure of
encouragement, and at least
indicated that my former seeking
had been in the wrong direction. I began
in a feeble groping way to find contentment
within myself, for had he not
intimated that I should find
the truth? That was the big
thing, and about the only thing I remember
of our interview.
A few days later, upon visiting the office
of a New Thought practitioner, my
attention was attracted to a
book on his table entitled "The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science," by T. Troward. It interested me to see that Troward
was a retired Divisional Judge
from the Punjab, India. I purchased
the book, thinking I would read it through
that evening. Many have endeavored to do
the same thing, only to find, as
I did, that the book must
be studied in order to be
understood, and hundreds have decided,
just as I did, to give it their undivided
attention. After finding this treasure
book, I went to the country
for a few
51
days, and while there, studied the volume as thoroughly as I could.
It seemed extremely difficult, and I decided to purchase another book of Troward 's, in the hope that its study might not require so much of an effort. Upon inquiry I was told that a subsequent volume, "The Dore Lectures," was much the simpler and better of the two books. When I procured it, I found that it must also be studied. It took me weeks and months to get even a vague conception of the meaning of the first chapter of Dore, which is entitled "Entering Into the Spirit of It." I mean by this that it took me months to enter into the spirit of what I was reading.
But in the meantime a paragraph from page 26 arrested my attention, as seeming the greatest thing I had ever read. I memorized it and endeavored with all my soul to enter into the spirit of Troward's words. The paragraph reads:
"My mind is a centre of Divine operation. The Divine operation is always for expansion and fuller expression, and this means the production of something beyond what has gone before, something entirely new, not included in the past experience, though proceeding out of it by an orderly sequence or growth. Therefore, since the Divine cannot change its inherent nature, it must operate in the same manner with me; consequently, in my own
It seemed extremely difficult, and I decided to purchase another book of Troward 's, in the hope that its study might not require so much of an effort. Upon inquiry I was told that a subsequent volume, "The Dore Lectures," was much the simpler and better of the two books. When I procured it, I found that it must also be studied. It took me weeks and months to get even a vague conception of the meaning of the first chapter of Dore, which is entitled "Entering Into the Spirit of It." I mean by this that it took me months to enter into the spirit of what I was reading.
But in the meantime a paragraph from page 26 arrested my attention, as seeming the greatest thing I had ever read. I memorized it and endeavored with all my soul to enter into the spirit of Troward's words. The paragraph reads:
"My mind is a centre of Divine operation. The Divine operation is always for expansion and fuller expression, and this means the production of something beyond what has gone before, something entirely new, not included in the past experience, though proceeding out of it by an orderly sequence or growth. Therefore, since the Divine cannot change its inherent nature, it must operate in the same manner with me; consequently, in my own
52
special world, of which I am the center,
it will move forward to produce new conditions,
always in advance of any that
have gone before."
It took an effort on my part to memorize this paragraph, but in the endeavor toward this end, the words seemed to carry with them a certain stimulus Each repetition of the paragraph made it easier for me to enter into the spirit of it. The words expressed exactly what I had been seeking for. My one desire was for peace of mind. I found it comforting believe that the Divine operation in me could expand to fuller expression and produce more and more contentment--in fact, a peace mind and a degree of contentment greater than I had ever known. The paragraph further inspired me with deep interest to feel that the life-spark in me could bring into my life something entirely new. I did not wish to obliterate my past experience, but that was exactly what Troward said it would not do. The Divine operation would not exclude my past experience, but proceeding out of it would bring some new thing that would transcend anything that I had ever experienced before.
Meditation on these statements brought with it a certain joyous feeling. What a wonderful thing it would be if I could accept and sincerely believe, beyond all doubt, that this one
It took an effort on my part to memorize this paragraph, but in the endeavor toward this end, the words seemed to carry with them a certain stimulus Each repetition of the paragraph made it easier for me to enter into the spirit of it. The words expressed exactly what I had been seeking for. My one desire was for peace of mind. I found it comforting believe that the Divine operation in me could expand to fuller expression and produce more and more contentment--in fact, a peace mind and a degree of contentment greater than I had ever known. The paragraph further inspired me with deep interest to feel that the life-spark in me could bring into my life something entirely new. I did not wish to obliterate my past experience, but that was exactly what Troward said it would not do. The Divine operation would not exclude my past experience, but proceeding out of it would bring some new thing that would transcend anything that I had ever experienced before.
Meditation on these statements brought with it a certain joyous feeling. What a wonderful thing it would be if I could accept and sincerely believe, beyond all doubt, that this one
53
statement of Troward's
was true. Surely the
Divine could not change its inherent
nature, and since Divine life is operating
in me, I must be Divinely inhabited, and
the Divine in me must operate
just as it operates upon the
Universal plane. This meant
that my whole world of circumstances,
friends, and conditions would ultimately
become a world of contentment and enjoyment
of which "I am the center."
This would all happen just
as soon as I was able to
control my mind and thereby
provide a concrete center around which the
Divine energies could play.
Surely it was worth trying for. If Troward had found this truth, why not IT The idea held me to my task. Later I determined to study with the man who bad realized and given to the world so great a statement It bad lifted me from my state of despondency. The immediate difficulty was the need for increased finances.
Surely it was worth trying for. If Troward had found this truth, why not IT The idea held me to my task. Later I determined to study with the man who bad realized and given to the world so great a statement It bad lifted me from my state of despondency. The immediate difficulty was the need for increased finances.
54
Chapter 9
How I Attracted to Myself
20,000 Dollars - p. 55
In the laboratory of experience in which
my newly revealed relation to the Divine
operation was to be tested, the first
problem was a financial one.
My income was a stipulated
one quite enough for my everyday needs,
but it did not seem sufficient to enable
me to go comfortably to England, where Troward
lived and remain for an indefinite period
to study with so great a teacher as he must
be So before inquiring whether Troward took pupils, or whether I would be eligible in case he did, I began to use the paragraph I had memorized. Daily, in fact, almost hourly, the words were in my mind: "My mind is a center of Divine operation, and Divine operation means expansion into something better than has gone before."
From the Edinburgh Lectures I had read something about the Law of Attraction, and from the Chapter on "Causes and Conditions" I had gleaned a vague idea of visualizing. So every night, before going to sleep, I made a mental picture of the desired $20,000 which seemed necessary to go and study with Troward
55
Twenty imaginary $1,000 bills
were counted over each night
in my bedroom, and then,
with the idea of more emphatically impressing
my mind with the fact that this twenty thousand
dollars was for the purpose of
going to England and
studying with Troward,
I wrote out my picture, saw
myself buying my steamer
ticket, walking up and down the ship's
deck from New York to London, and finally,
saw myself accepted as Troward's
pupil. This process was
repeated every morning and
every evening, always impressing more
and more fully upon my mind Troward's
memorized statement: "My
mind is a center of Divine
operations." I endeavored to
keep this statement in the back part
of my consciousness all the time, with no
thought in mind of how the money might be
obtained. Probably the reason
why there was no thought of
the avenues through which
the money might reach me was because I could
not possibly imagine where the $20,000 would
come from. So I simply held my
thought steady and let the
power of attraction find its
own ways and means.
One day while walking on the street, taking deep breathing exercises, the thought came:
"My mind is surely a center of Divine operation. If God fills all space, then God must be in my mind also; if I want this money to study with Troward that I may know the truth of
One day while walking on the street, taking deep breathing exercises, the thought came:
"My mind is surely a center of Divine operation. If God fills all space, then God must be in my mind also; if I want this money to study with Troward that I may know the truth of
56
Life, then both the money and the truth
must be mine, though I am unable to feel
or see the physical manifestations of
either. Still," I declared,
"it must be mine."
While these reflections were going on in my mind, there seemed to come up from within me the thought: "I Am all the substance there is," Then, from another channel in my brain the answer seemed to come, "Of course, that's it; everything must have its beginning in mind. The idea must contain within itself the only one and primary substance there is, and this means money as well as everything else." My mind accepted this idea, and immediately all the tension of mind and body was relaxed. There was a feeling of absolute certainty of being in touch with all the power Life has to give. All thought of money, teacher, or even my own personality, vanished in the great wave of joy which swept over my entire being. I walked on and on, with this feeling of joy steadily increasing and expanding until everything about me seemed aglow with resplendent light. Every person I passed appeared illuminated as I was. All consciousness of personality had disappeared, and in its place there came that great and almost overwhelming sense of joy and contentment.
That night when I made my picture of the twenty thousand dollars it was with an entirely
While these reflections were going on in my mind, there seemed to come up from within me the thought: "I Am all the substance there is," Then, from another channel in my brain the answer seemed to come, "Of course, that's it; everything must have its beginning in mind. The idea must contain within itself the only one and primary substance there is, and this means money as well as everything else." My mind accepted this idea, and immediately all the tension of mind and body was relaxed. There was a feeling of absolute certainty of being in touch with all the power Life has to give. All thought of money, teacher, or even my own personality, vanished in the great wave of joy which swept over my entire being. I walked on and on, with this feeling of joy steadily increasing and expanding until everything about me seemed aglow with resplendent light. Every person I passed appeared illuminated as I was. All consciousness of personality had disappeared, and in its place there came that great and almost overwhelming sense of joy and contentment.
That night when I made my picture of the twenty thousand dollars it was with an entirely
57
changed
aspect. On previous occasions, when making
my mental picture, I had felt that I
was waking up something
within myself. This time
there was no sensation of effort. I
simply counted over the twenty thousand
dollars. Then, in a most unexpected manner,
from a source of which I had no
consciousness at the time,
there seemed to open a possible
avenue through which the money might reach
me.
At first it took great effort not to be excited. It all seemed so wonderful, so glorious, to be in touch with supply. But had not Troward cautioned his readers to keep all excitement out of their minds in the first flush of realization of union with Infinite supply, and to treat this fact as a perfectly natural result which had been reached through our demand? This was even more difficult for me than it was to hold the thought that "all the substance there is, I Am; I (idea) Am the beginning of all form, visible or invisible."
Just as soon as there appeared a circumstance which indicated the direction through which the twenty thousand dollars might come, I not only made a supreme effort to regard the indicated direction calmly as the first sprout of the seed I had sown in the absolute, but left no stone unturned to follow up that direction, thereby fulfilling my part. By so doing, one circumstance seemed naturally to
At first it took great effort not to be excited. It all seemed so wonderful, so glorious, to be in touch with supply. But had not Troward cautioned his readers to keep all excitement out of their minds in the first flush of realization of union with Infinite supply, and to treat this fact as a perfectly natural result which had been reached through our demand? This was even more difficult for me than it was to hold the thought that "all the substance there is, I Am; I (idea) Am the beginning of all form, visible or invisible."
Just as soon as there appeared a circumstance which indicated the direction through which the twenty thousand dollars might come, I not only made a supreme effort to regard the indicated direction calmly as the first sprout of the seed I had sown in the absolute, but left no stone unturned to follow up that direction, thereby fulfilling my part. By so doing, one circumstance seemed naturally to
58
lead to another, until, step by
step, my desired twenty
thousand dollars was
secured. To keep my mind poised and free
from excitement was my greatest effort.
This first concrete fruition of my study of Mental Science as expounded by Troward's book had come by a careful following of the methods he had outlined. In this connection, therefore I can offer to the reader no better gift than to quote Troward's book, "The Edinburgh Lectures," from which may be derived a complete idea of the line of action I was endeavoring to follow. In the chapter on Causes and Conditions he says:
"To get good results we must properly understand our relation to the great impersonal power we are using. It is intelligent, and we are intelligent, and the two intelligences must co-operate.) We must not fly in the face of the law expecting it to do for us what it can only do through us; and we must therefore use our intelligence with the knowledge that it is acting as the instrument of a greater intelligence; and because we have this knowledge we may and should cease from all anxiety as to the final result.
"In actual practice we must first form the ideal conception of our object with the definite intention of impressing it upon the Universal Mind--it is this thought that takes such thought out of the region of mere casual fancies
This first concrete fruition of my study of Mental Science as expounded by Troward's book had come by a careful following of the methods he had outlined. In this connection, therefore I can offer to the reader no better gift than to quote Troward's book, "The Edinburgh Lectures," from which may be derived a complete idea of the line of action I was endeavoring to follow. In the chapter on Causes and Conditions he says:
"To get good results we must properly understand our relation to the great impersonal power we are using. It is intelligent, and we are intelligent, and the two intelligences must co-operate.) We must not fly in the face of the law expecting it to do for us what it can only do through us; and we must therefore use our intelligence with the knowledge that it is acting as the instrument of a greater intelligence; and because we have this knowledge we may and should cease from all anxiety as to the final result.
"In actual practice we must first form the ideal conception of our object with the definite intention of impressing it upon the Universal Mind--it is this thought that takes such thought out of the region of mere casual fancies
59
and
then affirm that our knowledge of the Law
is sufficient reason for a calm
expectation of a
corresponding result, and that therefore
all necessary conditions will come to us
in due order. We can then turn to the
affairs of our daily life with
the calm assurance that the
initial conditions are either there
already or will soon come into view. If
we do not at once see them, let us rest
content with the knowledge that the
spiritual prototype is
already in existence and wait
till some circumstance pointing in the desired
direction begins to shop itself. It may
be a very small circumstance, but
it is the direction and not
the magnitude which is to be
taken into consideration. As soon
as we see it we should regard it as the
first sprouting of the seed sown in the
Absolute, and do calmly, and without
excitement, whatever the
circumstances seem to require,
and then later on we shall see that this
doing. will in turn lead to a further circumstance
in the same direction, until we
find ourselves conducted,
step by step, to the accomplishment
of our object. In this way the understanding
of the great principle of the Law of Supply
will, by repeated
experiences, deliver us more
and more completely out of the region
of anxious thought and toilsome labor and
bring us into a new world where the useful
employment of all our
powers, whether mental or
physical, will only be an unfolding of
our individuality
60
upon the lines of its own
nature, and therefore a
perpetual source of health and happiness;
a sufficient inducement, surely, to the careful
study of the laws governing the
relation on between the
individual and the Universal Mind.'
To my mind, then as now, this quotation outlines the core and center of the method and manner of approach necessary for coming in touch with Infinite Supply. At least it, together with the previously quoted statement,
"My mind is a center of Divine operation," etc., constituted the only apparent means of attracting to myself the twenty thousand dollars. My constant endeavor to get into the spirit of these statements, and to attract to myself this needed sum, took about six weeks, at the end of which time I had in my bank the required twenty thousand dollars. This could be made into a long story, giving all the details, but the facts, as already narrated, will give you a definite idea of the magnetic condition of my mind while the twenty thousand dollars was finding its way to me.
To my mind, then as now, this quotation outlines the core and center of the method and manner of approach necessary for coming in touch with Infinite Supply. At least it, together with the previously quoted statement,
"My mind is a center of Divine operation," etc., constituted the only apparent means of attracting to myself the twenty thousand dollars. My constant endeavor to get into the spirit of these statements, and to attract to myself this needed sum, took about six weeks, at the end of which time I had in my bank the required twenty thousand dollars. This could be made into a long story, giving all the details, but the facts, as already narrated, will give you a definite idea of the magnetic condition of my mind while the twenty thousand dollars was finding its way to me.
61
How I Became
the Only Personal Pupil of
Thomas Troward,
the Great Mental Scientist - p. 62
As soon as the idea of studying with Troward
came to me, I asked a friend to write him
for me, feeling that perhaps my friend could
couch my desire in better or more
persuasive terms than I could
employ. To all the letters
written by this friend, I received not one
reply. This was so discouraging that I would
have completely abandoned the idea of
becoming Troward's
pupil, except for the experience
I had had that day on the street, when my
whole world was illuminated, and I remembered
the promise "All things
whatsoever thou wilt,
believe thou hast received, and
thou shalt receive."
With this experience in my mind, my passage to England was arranged, notwithstanding the fact that apparently my letters were ignored. We wrote again, however, and finally received a reply, very courteous though very positive. Troward did not take pupils; he had no time to devote to a pupil. Notwithstanding this definite decision, I declined to be discouraged, because of the memory of my experience
With this experience in my mind, my passage to England was arranged, notwithstanding the fact that apparently my letters were ignored. We wrote again, however, and finally received a reply, very courteous though very positive. Troward did not take pupils; he had no time to devote to a pupil. Notwithstanding this definite decision, I declined to be discouraged, because of the memory of my experience
62
upon
the day when the light and the thought had
come to me, "I Am all the Substance
there is." I seemed to be able
to live that experience over
at will, and with it there
always came a flood of courage
and renewed energy. We journeyed on to London,
and from there telegraphed Troward,
asking for an interview.
The telegram was promptly
answered, setting a date when he could see
us.
At this time Troward was living in Ruan Manor, a little out-of-the-way place in the Southern part of England, about twenty miles from a railway station. We could not find it on the map, and with great difficulty Cook's Touring Agency, in London, located the place for us. There was very little speculation in my mind as to what Troward would say to me in this interview. There always remained the feeling that the truth was mine; also that it would grow and expand in my consciousness until peace and contentment were outward, as well as inward, manifestations of my individual life.
We arrived at Troward's house in a terrific rainstorm, and were cordially received by ( Troward himself, whom I found, much to my. surprise, to be more the type of a Frenchman than an Englishman, (I afterward learned that be was a descendant of the Huguenot race), a man of medium stature, with a rather large head, big nose, and eyes that fairly
At this time Troward was living in Ruan Manor, a little out-of-the-way place in the Southern part of England, about twenty miles from a railway station. We could not find it on the map, and with great difficulty Cook's Touring Agency, in London, located the place for us. There was very little speculation in my mind as to what Troward would say to me in this interview. There always remained the feeling that the truth was mine; also that it would grow and expand in my consciousness until peace and contentment were outward, as well as inward, manifestations of my individual life.
We arrived at Troward's house in a terrific rainstorm, and were cordially received by ( Troward himself, whom I found, much to my. surprise, to be more the type of a Frenchman than an Englishman, (I afterward learned that be was a descendant of the Huguenot race), a man of medium stature, with a rather large head, big nose, and eyes that fairly
63
danced
with merriment. After we had been introduced
to the other members of the family
and given a cup of hot tea,
we were invited into the
living-room, where Troward
talked very freely of
everything except my proposed studies.
It seemed quite impossible to bring him
to that subject. Just before we were leaving,
however, I asked quite boldly:
"Will you not reconsider
your decision to take a
personal pupil? I wish so much to study
with you," to which he replied, with
a very indifferent manner, that he did
not feel he could give the time it
would require for personal
instruction, but that he
would be glad to give me the names of
two or three books which he felt would not
only be interesting but instructive to me.
He said he felt much
flattered and pleased that I
had come all the way from America
to study with him, and as we walked out
through the lane from his house to our automobile,
his manner became less
indifferent, a feeling of
sympathy seemed to touch his heart, and
he turned to me with the remark: "You
might write to me, if so inclined, after
you get to Paris, and perhaps, if
I have time in the autumn,
we could arrange something,
though it does not seem possible now."
I lost no time in following up his very kind invitation to write. My letters were all promptly and courteously answered, but there was never a word of encouragement as to my proposed
I lost no time in following up his very kind invitation to write. My letters were all promptly and courteously answered, but there was never a word of encouragement as to my proposed
64
studies, Finally, about two
months later, there came a
letter with this question in it: "What
do you suppose is the meaning of this verse
in the 21st Chapter of Revelation?"
"'16. And the city lieth foursquare and "'the length is as large as the breadth; and he "'measured the city with the reed, twelve "'thousand furlongs. The length and the "'breadth and the height of it are equal.'"
Instinctively I knew that my chance to study with Troward hung upon my giving the correct answer to that question. The definition of the verse seemed utterly beyond my reach. Naturally, answers came to my mind, but I knew intuitively that they were incorrect. I began bombarding my scholarly friends and acquaintances with the same questions. Lawyers, doctors, priests, nuns, and clergymen, all over the world, received letters from me with this question in them. Answers began to return to me, but intuition told me not one was correct. All the while I was endeavoring to find the answer for myself, but no answer came. I memorized the verse in order that I might meditate upon it. I began a search of Paris for the books Troward had recommended to me, and after two or three days' search we crossed the River Seine to the Ile de Cite to go into some of the old bookstores there. The books were out of print, and these were the last places in which
"'16. And the city lieth foursquare and "'the length is as large as the breadth; and he "'measured the city with the reed, twelve "'thousand furlongs. The length and the "'breadth and the height of it are equal.'"
Instinctively I knew that my chance to study with Troward hung upon my giving the correct answer to that question. The definition of the verse seemed utterly beyond my reach. Naturally, answers came to my mind, but I knew intuitively that they were incorrect. I began bombarding my scholarly friends and acquaintances with the same questions. Lawyers, doctors, priests, nuns, and clergymen, all over the world, received letters from me with this question in them. Answers began to return to me, but intuition told me not one was correct. All the while I was endeavoring to find the answer for myself, but no answer came. I memorized the verse in order that I might meditate upon it. I began a search of Paris for the books Troward had recommended to me, and after two or three days' search we crossed the River Seine to the Ile de Cite to go into some of the old bookstores there. The books were out of print, and these were the last places in which
65
to
find them. Finally we came upon a little
shop which had them. The man had only one
copy of each left,
consequently the price was
high. While remonstrating with the clerk,
my eye rested upon the work of an astrologer,
which I laughingly picked up and
asked: "Do you think Prof.--
would read my horoscope?"
The clerk looked aghast at
the suggestion, and responded, "Why,
no, Madame, he is one of France's
greatest astrologers. He does not read horoscopes."
In spite of this answer, there was a persistent impulse within me to go to the man. The friend who had accompanied me in my search for the books remonstrated with me, and tried in every way to dissuade me from going to the famous astrologer, but I insisted. When we arrived at his office, I found it somewhat embarrassing to ask him to read my horoscope. Nevertheless, there was nothing to do but put the question. Reluctantly, the Professor invited us into his paper-strewn study; reluctantly, and also impatiently he asked us to be seated. Very courteously and coldly he told me that he did not read horoscopes. His whole manner said, more clearly than words could, that he wished we would take our departure.
My friend stood up. I was at a great loss what to do next, because I felt that I was not quite ready to go. Intuition seemed to tell me
In spite of this answer, there was a persistent impulse within me to go to the man. The friend who had accompanied me in my search for the books remonstrated with me, and tried in every way to dissuade me from going to the famous astrologer, but I insisted. When we arrived at his office, I found it somewhat embarrassing to ask him to read my horoscope. Nevertheless, there was nothing to do but put the question. Reluctantly, the Professor invited us into his paper-strewn study; reluctantly, and also impatiently he asked us to be seated. Very courteously and coldly he told me that he did not read horoscopes. His whole manner said, more clearly than words could, that he wished we would take our departure.
My friend stood up. I was at a great loss what to do next, because I felt that I was not quite ready to go. Intuition seemed to tell me
66
there
was something for me to gain there. Just
what it was I was unable to define, so I
paused a moment, much to my
friend's displeasure and
embarrassment, when one of
the Professor's enormous Persian
cats jumped into my lap. "Get down,
Jack!" the Professor shouted. "What
does it mean?" he seemed to ask himself.
Then with a greater interest than he
had hitherto shown in me,
the Professor said with a
smile:
"I have never known that cat to go to a stranger before, Madame; my cat pleads for you. I, also, now feel an interest in your horoscope, and if you will give me the data it will give me pleasure to write it out for you."
There was a great feeling of happiness in me when he made this statement, which he concluded by saying, "I do not feel that you really care for your horoscope." The truth
of this statement shocked me, because I did not care about a horoscope, and could not give any reason why I was letting him do it. "However," he said, "may I call for your data next Sunday afternoon?"
On Sunday afternoon at the appointed time, the Professor arrived, and I was handing him the slip of paper with all the data of my birth, etc., when the idea came to ask the Professor the answer to the question Troward bad given me from the 16th verse of the 21st Chapter of
"I have never known that cat to go to a stranger before, Madame; my cat pleads for you. I, also, now feel an interest in your horoscope, and if you will give me the data it will give me pleasure to write it out for you."
There was a great feeling of happiness in me when he made this statement, which he concluded by saying, "I do not feel that you really care for your horoscope." The truth
of this statement shocked me, because I did not care about a horoscope, and could not give any reason why I was letting him do it. "However," he said, "may I call for your data next Sunday afternoon?"
On Sunday afternoon at the appointed time, the Professor arrived, and I was handing him the slip of paper with all the data of my birth, etc., when the idea came to ask the Professor the answer to the question Troward bad given me from the 16th verse of the 21st Chapter of
67
Revelation.
The thought was instantly carried into effect,
and I found myself asking
this man what he thought
this verse meant. Without pausing
to think it over, he immediately replied,
"It means: the city signifies the
truth, and the truth is non-invertible;
every side from which you
approach it is exactly the
same." Intuitively and
undoubtingly I recognized this answer as
the true one, and my joy knew no bounds,
because I felt sure that with this correct
answer in my possession, Troward would accept me as his pupil in the fall.
As the great astrologer was leaving, I explained to him all about my desire to study with Troward, how I had come from New York City for that express purpose, seemingly to no avail, until the answer to this test question had been given to me by him. He was greatly interested and asked many questions about Troward, and when asked if he would please send me his bill, he smilingly replied, "Let me know if the great Troward accepts you as his pupil," and bade me good afternoon. I hastened to my room to send a telegram to Troward, giving my answer to the question from the 16th verse of the 21st Chapter of Revelation.
There was an immediate response from Troward which said: "Your answer is correct. Am beginning a course of lectures on
As the great astrologer was leaving, I explained to him all about my desire to study with Troward, how I had come from New York City for that express purpose, seemingly to no avail, until the answer to this test question had been given to me by him. He was greatly interested and asked many questions about Troward, and when asked if he would please send me his bill, he smilingly replied, "Let me know if the great Troward accepts you as his pupil," and bade me good afternoon. I hastened to my room to send a telegram to Troward, giving my answer to the question from the 16th verse of the 21st Chapter of Revelation.
There was an immediate response from Troward which said: "Your answer is correct. Am beginning a course of lectures on
68
The Great Pyramid in London. If you wish to attend them, will be
pleased to have you, and afterward, if you still wish to study with
me, I think it can be arranged." On receipt of this reply
preparations were at once made to leave Paris for London.
I attended all the lectures, receiving much instruction from them, after which arrangements were made for my studying with Troward. Two days before leaving for Cornwall, I received the following letter from Troward clearly indicating the line of study he gave me:
31 Stanwick Road,
W. Kensington, England.
Dear Mrs. Behrend:
I think I had better write you a few lines with regard to your proposed studies with me, as I should be sorry for you to be under any misapprehension and so to suffer any disappointment.
I have studied the subject now for several years, and have a general acquaintance with the leading features of most of the systems which, unfortunately, occupy attention in many circles at the present time, such as Theosophy, The Tarot, The Kabala, and the like, and I have no hesitation in saying that, to the best of my judgment, all sorts and descriptions of so-called occult study are in direct opposition
I attended all the lectures, receiving much instruction from them, after which arrangements were made for my studying with Troward. Two days before leaving for Cornwall, I received the following letter from Troward clearly indicating the line of study he gave me:
31 Stanwick Road,
W. Kensington, England.
Dear Mrs. Behrend:
I think I had better write you a few lines with regard to your proposed studies with me, as I should be sorry for you to be under any misapprehension and so to suffer any disappointment.
I have studied the subject now for several years, and have a general acquaintance with the leading features of most of the systems which, unfortunately, occupy attention in many circles at the present time, such as Theosophy, The Tarot, The Kabala, and the like, and I have no hesitation in saying that, to the best of my judgment, all sorts and descriptions of so-called occult study are in direct opposition
69
to the real life-giving Truth, and therefore,
you must not expect any teaching on such
lines as these.
We hear a great deal these days about initiation; but, believe me, the more you try to become a so-called "Initiate" the further you will put yourself from living life.
I speak after many years of careful study and consideration when I say that the Bible and its Revelation of Christ is the one thing really worth studying, and that is a subject large enough in all conscience, embracing, as it does, our outward life and of everyday concerns, and also the inner springs of our life and all that we can in general terms conceive of the life in the unseen after putting off the body at death.
You have expressed a very great degree of confidence in my teaching, and if your confidence is such that you wish, as you say, to put yourself entirely under my guidance, I can only accept it as a very serious responsibility, and should have to ask you to exhibit that confidence by refusing to look into such so-called "Mysteries" as I would forbid you to look into.
I am speaking from experience; but the result will be that much of my teaching will appear to be very simple, perhaps to some extent dogmatic, and you will say you have heard much of it before.
We hear a great deal these days about initiation; but, believe me, the more you try to become a so-called "Initiate" the further you will put yourself from living life.
I speak after many years of careful study and consideration when I say that the Bible and its Revelation of Christ is the one thing really worth studying, and that is a subject large enough in all conscience, embracing, as it does, our outward life and of everyday concerns, and also the inner springs of our life and all that we can in general terms conceive of the life in the unseen after putting off the body at death.
You have expressed a very great degree of confidence in my teaching, and if your confidence is such that you wish, as you say, to put yourself entirely under my guidance, I can only accept it as a very serious responsibility, and should have to ask you to exhibit that confidence by refusing to look into such so-called "Mysteries" as I would forbid you to look into.
I am speaking from experience; but the result will be that much of my teaching will appear to be very simple, perhaps to some extent dogmatic, and you will say you have heard much of it before.
70
Faith in God, Prayer and Worship, approach to the Father through Christ--all
this is in a certain sense
familiar to you; and all I can hope
to do is perhaps to throw a little more light
on these subjects, that they may become to
you, not merely traditional words,
but present living facts.
I have been thus explicit as I do not want you to have any disappointment, and also I should say that our so-called course of study will be only friendly conversations at such times as we can fit them in, either you coming to our house, or I to yours, as may be most convenient at the time.
Also, I will lend you some books which
will be helpful, but they are very few,
and in no sense occult.I have been thus explicit as I do not want you to have any disappointment, and also I should say that our so-called course of study will be only friendly conversations at such times as we can fit them in, either you coming to our house, or I to yours, as may be most convenient at the time.
Now, if all this falls in with your ideas, we shall, I am sure, be very glad to see you at Ruan Manor, and you will find that the residents there, though few, are very friendly and the neighborhood very pretty.
But, on the other hand, if you feel that you want some other source of learning, do not mind saying so, only you will never find any substitute for Christ.
I trust you will not mind my writing you like this, but I do not want you to come all the
71
way down to Cornwall, and then be disappointed.
With kindest regards,Yours sincerely,
(Signed)
This copy of Troward's
is the greatest thing I can
72
Chapter 11
How to Bring
the Power in Your Word
Into Action - p. 73
In every word you use, there is a power
germ which expands and projects itself in
the direction your word indicates, and
ultimately develops into
physical expression. For example,
you wish the consciousness of joy. Repeat
the word "joy" secretly, persistently
and emphatically. The repetition of the
word joy sets up a quality of
vibration which causes the
joy germ to begin to expand
and project itself until your whole being
is filled with joy. This is not a mere fancy,
but a truth. Once you experience
this power, you will daily
prove to yourself that these
facts have not been fabricated to fit a
theory, but the theory has been built up
by careful observation of facts; Everyone
knows that joy comes from
within. No one can give it
to you. Another may give you
cause for joy, but no one can be joyous
for you. Joy is a state of consciousness,
and consciousness is purely mental.Troward says the "Mental faculties always work under something which stimulates them, and this stimulus may come either from
73
without, through the
external senses, or from within,
by the consciousness of something not perceptible
on the physical plane. The recognition of
this interior source of
stimulus enables you to
bring into your consciousness any
state you desire." Once a thing seems
normal to you, it is as surely yours, through
the Law of growth and attraction,
as it is yours to know
addition after you have
learned the use of figures.
This method of repeating the word makes the word in all of its limitless meaning yours, because words are the embodiment of thoughts, and thought is creative; neither good nor bad, simply creative. This is the reason why Faith builds up and Fear destroys.
This method of repeating the word makes the word in all of its limitless meaning yours, because words are the embodiment of thoughts, and thought is creative; neither good nor bad, simply creative. This is the reason why Faith builds up and Fear destroys.
"Only believe, and all things are possible unto you."
It is Faith that gives
you dominion over every adverse circumstance
or condition. It is your word of Faith that
sets you free not faith in any
specific thing or act, but
simple Faith in your best
self in all ways. It is this ever-present
Creative Power within the heart of the word
that makes your health, your peace of
mind, and your financial
condition a reproduction of
your most habitual thought. Try to believe
and understand this, and you will find yourself
Master of every adverse
circumstance or condition,
for you will become a Prince
of Power.
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Chapter 12
How to Increase Your Faith - p. 75
But you ask, "How can I speak the word of Faith when I have little or no faith?"Every living thing has faith in something or somebody. Faith is that quality of Power which gives the Creative Energy a corresponding vitality, and the vitality in the word of Faith you use causes it to take corresponding physical form. Even intense fear is alive with faith. You fear smallpox because you believe it possible for you to contract it. You fear poverty and loneliness because you believe them possible for you. It is the Faith which understands that every creation had its birth in the womb of thought-words, that gives you dominion over all things, your lesser self included, and this feeling of faith is increased and intensified through observing what it does.
Your constant observation should be of your state of consciousness when you did; not when you hoped you might, but feared it was too good to be true. How did you feel that time when you simply bad to bring yourself into * better frame of mind and did, or you had to have a certain thing and got it? Live these
75
experiences over again and again--mentally
--until you really feel in touch with the self which knows and does, and then the best there is, is yours.
--until you really feel in touch with the self which knows and does, and then the best there is, is yours.
76
Chapter 13
The Reward of Increased Faith - p. 77
YOUR desire to be your best has expanded your faith into the faith of the Universe which knows no failure, and has brought you into conscious realization that you are not a victim of the universe, but a part of it. Consequently you are able to recognize that there is that within yourself which is able to make conscious contact with the Universal Law, and enables you to press all the particular laws of Nature, whether visible or invisible, into serving your particular demand or desire. Thereby you find yourself Master, not a slave, of any situation. Troward tells us that this Mastering is to be "accomplished by knowledge, and the only knowledge which will afford this purpose in all its measureless immensity is the knowledge of the personal element in universal spirit," and its reciprocity to our own personality. In other words, the words you think, the personality you feel yourself to be, are all reproductions in miniature of God, "or specialized universal spirit." All your word-thoughts were God word-forms before they were yours.The words you use are the instruments--
77
channels--through which
the creative energy takes form. Naturally,
this sensitive Creative Power can only reproduce
in accordance with the
instrument through which it
passes. All disappointments and
failures are the result of endeavoring to
think one thing and produce another. This
is just as impossible as it would be
for an electric fan to be
used for lighting purposes,
or for water to flow through a
crooked pipe in a straight line. The water
must take the shape of the pipe through
which it flows. Even more truly this
sensitive, invisible
Substance must reproduce outwardly
the shape of the thought-word through which
it passes.
This is the law of its Nature; therefore, it logically follows,
This is the law of its Nature; therefore, it logically follows,
"As a man thinketh, so is he."
Hence, when your
thought or word-form is in correspondence
with the Eternal constructive and forward
movement of the Universal Law, then your
mind is the mirror in which
the Infinite Power and
Intelligence of the Universe sees
itself reproduced, and your individual life
becomes one of harmony.
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Chapter 14
How to Make Nature
Respond to You - p. 79
It should be steadily borne in mind that
there is an Intelligence and Power in all
Nature and all space, which is always
creative, and infinitely
sensitive and responsive. The
responsiveness of its nature is two-fold:
it is creative, and amenable to suggestion.
Once the human understanding grasps this
all-important fact, it
realizes the simplicity with
which the law of life supplies your
every demand. All that is necessary is to
realize that your mind is a center of Divine
operation, and consequently
contains that within itself
which accepts suggestions,
and expect all life to respond to your call.
Then you will find suggestions which tend
to the fulfillment of your desire
coming to you, not only from
your fellowmen, but also
from the flowers, the grass, the trees,
and the rocks, which will enable you to
fulfill your heart's desire, if you
act upon them in confidence on this
physical plane. "Faith without
works is dead," but Faith with Works sets you absolutely free.
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Chapter 15
Faith With Works
--What It Has Accomplished - p. 80
IT is said of Tyson, the great Australian
Millionaire, that the suggestion to "make
the desert land of Australia blossom
as the rose" came to him
from a modest little
Australian violet while he was working
as a bushman for something like three shillings
a day. He used to find these friendly
little violets growing in
certain places in the woods,
and something in the flower touched
something akin to itself in the mind of
Tyson. He would sit on the side of his bunk
at night and wonder how flowers
and vegetable life could be
given an opportunity to express
themselves in the desert land of Australia.
No doubt he realized that it would take
a long time to save enough money to
put irrigating ditches in
the desert lands, but his
thought and feeling assured him
it could be accomplished, and if it could
be done, he could do it. If there was a
power within himself which was able to
capture the idea, then there
must be a responsive power
within the idea itself which could
bring itself into a practical physical manifestation.
He resolutely put aside all
questions as to the specific
80
ways and means which would be
employed in bringing his
desire into physical manifestation,
and simply kept his thought centered upon
the idea of making fences and seeing flowers
and grass where none existed
at that time.
Since the responsiveness of Reproductive Creative Power is not limited to any local condition of mind, his habitual meditation and mental picture set his ideas free to roam in an infinitude, and attract to themselves other ideas of a kindred nature.
Therefore, it was not necessary for Tyson to wait until he bad saved from his three shillings a day enough money to irrigate the land, to see his ideas and desires fulfilled, for his ideas found other ideas in the financial world which were attuned in sympathy with themselves, and doors of finance were quickly opened.
All charitable institutions are maintained upon the principle of the responsiveness of life. If this were not true, no one would care to give, simply because another needed.
The law of demand and supply, cause and effect, can never be broken. Ideas attract to themselves kindred ideas. Sometimes they come from a flower, a book, or out of the invisible.
You are intent upon an idea not quite complete as to the ways and means of fulfillment, and behold along comes another idea, from no one can tell where, and finds friendly lodging with your idea; one idea attracting another,
Since the responsiveness of Reproductive Creative Power is not limited to any local condition of mind, his habitual meditation and mental picture set his ideas free to roam in an infinitude, and attract to themselves other ideas of a kindred nature.
Therefore, it was not necessary for Tyson to wait until he bad saved from his three shillings a day enough money to irrigate the land, to see his ideas and desires fulfilled, for his ideas found other ideas in the financial world which were attuned in sympathy with themselves, and doors of finance were quickly opened.
All charitable institutions are maintained upon the principle of the responsiveness of life. If this were not true, no one would care to give, simply because another needed.
The law of demand and supply, cause and effect, can never be broken. Ideas attract to themselves kindred ideas. Sometimes they come from a flower, a book, or out of the invisible.
You are intent upon an idea not quite complete as to the ways and means of fulfillment, and behold along comes another idea, from no one can tell where, and finds friendly lodging with your idea; one idea attracting another,
81
and
so on until your desires are physical facts.
You may feel the necessity for
improvement in your
finances, and wonder how this increase
is to be brought about, when there seems
suddenly to come from within the idea itself,
the realization that
everything--even money--had its
birth in thought, and your
thoughts turn their course. You simply
hold to the statement or affirmation that
the best, and all there is, is yours. Since
you are able to capture
ideas from the Infinite
through the instrument of your intuition,
you let your mind rest upon that thought,
knowing full well that this very thought
will respond to itself.
Your inhibition of all doubt
and anxiety enables the reassuring
ideas to establish themselves and attract
to themselves "I can" and "I
will" ideas, which gradually grow
into the physical form of the desire in
your mind.
In the conscious uses of the Universal Power to reproduce your desires in physical form, three facts should be borne in mind:
First--All space is filled with a Creative Power.
Second--This Creative Power is amenable to suggestion.
Third--It can only work by deductive methods.
As Troward tells us, this last is an exceedingly important point, for it implies that the
In the conscious uses of the Universal Power to reproduce your desires in physical form, three facts should be borne in mind:
First--All space is filled with a Creative Power.
Second--This Creative Power is amenable to suggestion.
Third--It can only work by deductive methods.
As Troward tells us, this last is an exceedingly important point, for it implies that the
82
action
of the ever-present Creative Power is in
no way limited by precedent. It works
according to the essence of
the spirit of the principle.
In other words, this Universal Power takes
its creative direction from the word you
give it. Once man realizes this great
truth, the character with
which this sensitive,
reproductive power is invested becomes the
most important of all his considerations.
It is the unvarying law of Creative Life
Principle that "As a man
thinketh in his heart, so is
he." If you realize the truth
that the Creative Power can be
to you only what you feel and think it to
be, it is willing and able to meet your
demands.
Troward says, "If you think your thought is Powerful, your Thought is Powerful."
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" is the law of life, and the Creative Power can no more change this law than an ordinary mirror can reflect back to you a different image than the object you hold before it. "As you think, so are you" does not mean "as you tell people you think," or "as you would wish the world to believe you think." It means your innermost thoughts; that place where no one but you knows. "None can know the Father save the son," and "No one can know the son but the Father." Only the reproductive Creative Spirit of Life knows what you think. until your thoughts become physical
Troward says, "If you think your thought is Powerful, your Thought is Powerful."
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" is the law of life, and the Creative Power can no more change this law than an ordinary mirror can reflect back to you a different image than the object you hold before it. "As you think, so are you" does not mean "as you tell people you think," or "as you would wish the world to believe you think." It means your innermost thoughts; that place where no one but you knows. "None can know the Father save the son," and "No one can know the son but the Father." Only the reproductive Creative Spirit of Life knows what you think. until your thoughts become physical
83
facts
and manifest themselves in your body, your
brain, or your affairs. Then everyone
with whom you come into
contact may know, because
the Father, the Intelligent Creative Energy
which heareth in secret your most secret
thoughts, rewards you openly reproduces
your thoughts in physical
form. "As you think, that is
what you become" should be
kept in the background of your
mind constantly. This is watching and praying
without ceasing, and when you are not feeling
quite up to par physically,
pray.
84
Chapter 16
Suggestions As to
How to Pray or Ask,
Believing
You Have Already Received - 85
Scientific Thinking - Positive Thought
Suggestions for Practical Application
Try, through careful, positive, enthusiastic (though not
strenuous) thought, to realize that the indescribable, Invisible
Substance of Life fills all space; that its nature is Intelligent,
Undifferentiated Substance.Five o'clock in the morning is the best time to go into this sort of meditation.
If you will retire early every night for one month, and before falling asleep, impress firmly upon your subjective mind the affirmation: "My Father is the ruler of all the world, and is expressing His directing power through me," you will find that the substance of life takes form in your thought molds. Do not accept the above suggestion simply because it is given to you. Think it over carefully until the impression is made upon your own subconscious mind understandingly. Rise every morning, as was suggested before,
85
at five o'clock, sit in a
quiet room in a straight-back
chair, and think out the affirmation
of the previous evening, and you will realize
and be able to put into practice your Princely
Power with the realization to
some extent, at least, that
your mind really is a center
through which all the Creative Energy and
Power there is, is taking form.
"Ask, believing you have already received,
Everything has, its origin in the mind, and that which you seek outwardly, you already possess.
No one can think a thought in the future.
Your thought of a thing constitutes its origin.
Scientific Prayer
The Principle Underlying Scientific Prayer
In prayer for a change in condition, physical,
mental, or financial, for yourself or
another, bear in mind that the
fundamental necessity for
the answer to prayer is the understanding
of the scientific statement:"Ask, believing you have already received,
And you shall receive"
This is not as difficult as it appears on the surface, once you realize that:Everything has, its origin in the mind, and that which you seek outwardly, you already possess.
No one can think a thought in the future.
Your thought of a thing constitutes its origin.
86
THEREFORE:
The Thought Form of the Thing is Already Yours
As soon as you think it.
Your steady recognition of this Thought
Possession causes the thought to concentrate,
to condense, to project itself,
and to assume physical form.As soon as you think it.
To Get Rich Through Creation
The recognition or conception of new sources
of wealth is the loftiest aspiration you
can take into your heart, for it
assumes and implies the
furtherance of all noble aims.
Items to be remembered about Prayer for
Yourself or Another
(Remember that that which you call treatment
or prayer is not, in any sense, hypnosis
should never be your endeavor to
take possession of the mind of
another).Yourself or Another
Remember that it should never be your intention to make yourself believe that which you know to be untrue. You are simply thinking into God or First Cause with the understanding that:
"If a thing is true at all, there is a way in which it is true throughout the universe."
Remember that the power of thought works by absolutely scientific principles. These
87
principles are expressed in the language of the statement:
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." This statement contains a world of wisdom, but man's steady recognition and careful application of the statement itself is required to bring it into practical use.
Remember that the principles involved in being as we think in our heart are elucidated and revealed by the law: "As you sow, so shall you reap."
Remember that your freedom to choose just what you will think, just what thought possession you will affirm and claim, constitutes God's gift to you.
It shows how First Cause has endowed every man with the power and ability to bring into his personal environment whatever he chooses.
Cause and Effect in reference to Getting.
If you plant an ACORN, you get an OAK.
If you sow a GRAIN OF CORN, you reap a stalk and MANY kernels of corn.
You always get the manifestation of that which you consciously or unconsciously AFFIRM and CLAIM, habitually declare and expect, or, in other words, "AS YOU SOW."
Therefore, sow the seeds of--
I AM. . .I OUGHT TO DO. . .I CAN DO... I WILL DO.
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." This statement contains a world of wisdom, but man's steady recognition and careful application of the statement itself is required to bring it into practical use.
Remember that the principles involved in being as we think in our heart are elucidated and revealed by the law: "As you sow, so shall you reap."
Remember that your freedom to choose just what you will think, just what thought possession you will affirm and claim, constitutes God's gift to you.
It shows how First Cause has endowed every man with the power and ability to bring into his personal environment whatever he chooses.
Cause and Effect in reference to Getting.
If you plant an ACORN, you get an OAK.
If you sow a GRAIN OF CORN, you reap a stalk and MANY kernels of corn.
You always get the manifestation of that which you consciously or unconsciously AFFIRM and CLAIM, habitually declare and expect, or, in other words, "AS YOU SOW."
Therefore, sow the seeds of--
I AM. . .I OUGHT TO DO. . .I CAN DO... I WILL DO.
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Realize
-that because you ARE you OUGHT to do;
-that because you OUGHT to, you CAN do;
-that because you CAN do, you DO do.
The manifestation of this truth, even in a small degree, gives you the undisputable understanding that DOMINION IS YOUR CHARTER RIGHT.
You are an heir of First Cause, endowed with all the power He has.
God has given you everything. ALL is yours, and you know that all you have to do is to reach out your mental hand and take it.
This Formula may serve as a pattern to shape your own Prayer or Affirmation into God for the benefit of another or yourself.
If for another, you speak the Christian name of the person you wish to help; then dismiss their personality entirely from your consciousness.
Intensify your thought by meditating upon the fact that there is that in you which finds the way, which is the Truth and is the Life.
You are affirming this fact, believing that since you are thinking this, it is already yours. Having lifted up your feeling to the central idea of this meditation, you examine your own consciousness and see if there is aught which is unlike God. If there is any feeling of fear, worry, malice, envy, hatred, or jealousy
-that because you OUGHT to, you CAN do;
-that because you CAN do, you DO do.
The manifestation of this truth, even in a small degree, gives you the undisputable understanding that DOMINION IS YOUR CHARTER RIGHT.
You are an heir of First Cause, endowed with all the power He has.
God has given you everything. ALL is yours, and you know that all you have to do is to reach out your mental hand and take it.
This Formula may serve as a pattern to shape your own Prayer or Affirmation into God for the benefit of another or yourself.
If for another, you speak the Christian name of the person you wish to help; then dismiss their personality entirely from your consciousness.
Intensify your thought by meditating upon the fact that there is that in you which finds the way, which is the Truth and is the Life.
You are affirming this fact, believing that since you are thinking this, it is already yours. Having lifted up your feeling to the central idea of this meditation, you examine your own consciousness and see if there is aught which is unlike God. If there is any feeling of fear, worry, malice, envy, hatred, or jealousy
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turn back in
your meditation to cleanse your thought
through the affirmation that God's love
and purity fills all space, including your
heart and soul. Reconcile your
thought with the love of God,
always remembering that:
You are made in the Image and Likeness of Love.
Keep this cleansing thought in mind until
you feel that you have freed your consciousness
entirely of all thoughts and
feelings other than:
Love and Unity with all Humanity.
Then if denials do not disturb you, deny
all that is unlike your desired manifestation.
This accomplished, you almost
overlay your denial with the
affirmative thought that You
are made in the Image and Likeness of
God, and already have your desire fulfilled
in its first, its original thought-form.
Closing of prayer
Prayer as a method of thought is a deliberate
use of the Law which gives you the power
of dominion over everything which
tends in any way to hamper
your perfect liberty.
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YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN LIFE
THAT YOU MAY ENJOY IT MORE AND
MORE FULLY.
THAT YOU MAY ENJOY IT MORE AND
MORE FULLY.
The steady recognition of
this Truth makes you declare yourself
a
PRINCE OF POWER.
You recognize, accept, and use this power as
THE CHILD OF A KING, AND HENCE DOMINION IS YOUR BIRTHRIGHT.
Then when you feel the light of this great
truth flooding your consciousness--open
the flood-gates of your soul in
heartfelt praise because you
have the understanding that
THE CREATOR AND HIS CREATION
ABE ONE;
also that the Creator is continually creating through his creation.ABE ONE;
Close your treatment in the happy assurance that the prayer which is fulfilled is not a form of supplication, but a steady habitual affirming that: "The Creator of all creation is operating specifically through me," therefore--
THE WORK MUST BE PERFECTLY
DONE. YOUR MIND IS A CENTER OF DIVINE OPERATION
DONE. YOUR MIND IS A CENTER OF DIVINE OPERATION
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Hints for application and Practice
For every five minutes given to reading
and study of the theories of Mental Science,
spend fifteen minutes in the use
and application of the
knowledge acquired.1. Spend one minute in every twenty-four hours to conscientiously thinking over the specification that must be observed in order to have your prayers answered.
2. Practice the steady recognition of desirable thought possession for two periods of fifteen minutes each every day. Not only time yourself each period to see how long you can keep a given conception before your mental vision, but also keep a written record of the vividness with which you experience your mental image. Remember that your mental senses are just as varied and trainable as your physical ones.
3. Spend five minutes every day between 12 noon and 1 o'clock with a mental research for new sources of wealth.
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Chapter 17
Things to Remember - p. 93
THAT the greatest Mental Scientist the world has ever known (Jesus Christ, the Man) said all things are possible unto you.Also, "the things I do, you can do." Did he tell the truth?
Jesus did not claim to be more divine than you are. He declared the whole human race children of God. By birth he was no exception to this rule. The power be possessed was developed through His personal effort. He said you could do the same if you would only believe in yourself.
A great idea is valueless unless accompanied by physical action. God gives the idea; man works it out upon the physical plane.
All that is really worth while is contentment. Self-command alone can produce it.
The soul and body are one. Contentment of mind is contentment of soul, and contentment of soul means contentment of body.
If you wish health, watch your thoughts, not only of your physical being, but your thoughts about everything and everybody. With your will, keep them in line with your
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desire,
and outwardly act in accordance with your
thoughts, and you will soon realize
that all power both over
thoughts and conditions has
been given to you.
You believe in God. Believe in yourself as the physical instrument through which God operates.
Absolute dominion is yours when you have sufficient self-mastery to conquer the negative tendency of thoughts and actions.
Ask yourself daily: "What is the purpose of the Power which put me here?"
"How can I work with the purpose for life and liberty in me?"
After having decided these questions, endeavor hourly to fulfil them. You are a law unto yourself.
If you have a tendency to overdo anything: eat, drink, or blame circumstances for your misfortunes, conquer that tendency with the inward conviction that all power is yours. Eat less, drink less, blame circumstances less, and the best there is will gradually grow in the place where the worst seemed to be.
Always remember that all is yours to use as you will.You can if you will; if you will, you do.
God the Father blesses you with all He has to give. Make good Godly use of it.
You believe in God. Believe in yourself as the physical instrument through which God operates.
Absolute dominion is yours when you have sufficient self-mastery to conquer the negative tendency of thoughts and actions.
Ask yourself daily: "What is the purpose of the Power which put me here?"
"How can I work with the purpose for life and liberty in me?"
After having decided these questions, endeavor hourly to fulfil them. You are a law unto yourself.
If you have a tendency to overdo anything: eat, drink, or blame circumstances for your misfortunes, conquer that tendency with the inward conviction that all power is yours. Eat less, drink less, blame circumstances less, and the best there is will gradually grow in the place where the worst seemed to be.
Always remember that all is yours to use as you will.You can if you will; if you will, you do.
God the Father blesses you with all He has to give. Make good Godly use of it.
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The
reason for greater success when you first
began your studies and demonstrations in
Mental Science, was your joy
and enthusiasm at the
simple discovery of Power within,
which was greater than you were able to
put into your understanding later. With
increased understanding comes
increasing joy and enthusiasm,
and the results will
correspond.
THE END
THE END
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