the exercise of our intelligence continually expanding with the expansion
of our powers; for, granted a good intention, we shall always wish to
contemplate the results of our action as far as our intelligence will
permit. We may not be able to see very far, but there is one safe general
principle to be gained from what has already been said about causes and
conditions, which is that the whole sequence always partakes of the same
character as the initial cause: if that character is negative, that is,
destitute of any desire to externalize kindness, cheerfulness, strength,
beauty or some other sort of good, this negative quality will make itself
felt all down the line; but if the opposite affirmative character is in the
original motive, then it will reproduce its kind in forms of love, joy,
strength and beauty with unerring precision. Before setting out, therefore,
to produce new conditions by the exercise of our thought-power we should
weigh carefully what further results they are likely to lead to; and here,
again, we shall find an ample field for the training of our will, in
learning to acquire that self-control which will enable us to postpone an
inferior present satisfaction to a greater prospective good.

These considerations naturally lead us to the subject of concentration. I
have just now pointed out that all duly controlled mental action consists
in holding the mind in one of three attitudes; but there is a fourth mental
condition, which is that of letting our mental functions run on without our
will directing them to any definite purpose. It is on this word _purpose_
that we must fix our whole attention; and instead of dissipating our
energies, we must follow an intelligent method of concentration. The, word
means being gathered up at a centre, and the centre of anything is that
point in which all its forces are equally balanced. To concentrate
therefore means first to bring our minds into a condition of equilibrium
which will enable us to consciously direct the flow of spirit to a
definitely recognized purpose, and then carefully to guard our thoughts