Through all human history the vital outcomes of Truth have suffered temporary shame and loss from individual conceit, cowardice, or dishonesty. The bird whose right wing flutters to soar, while the left beats its way downward, falls to the earth. Both wings must be plumed for rarefied atmospheres and upward flight.
Mankind must gravitate from sense to Soul, and human affairs should be governed by Spirit, or intelligent Good. The antipodes of Spirit, which we name matter, or non-intelligent evil, is no real aid to Being. The predisposing and exciting cause of all defeat and victory under the sun rests on this scientific basis, that action in obedience to God spiritualizes man's motives and methods, and crowns them with success; while disobedience to this Divine Principle materializes human modes and consciousness, and defeats them.
Two personal queries give point to human action: Who shall be greatest? and Who shall be best? Earthly glory is vain, but not vain enough to attempt pointing the way to Heaven, the harmony of Being. The imaginary victories of rivalry and hypocrisy are defeats. The Master said, "He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." He is unfit for Truth, and the demonstration of divine power, who departs from Mind to matter, and from Truth to error, in pursuit of better means for healing the sick and casting out error.
