The Path to Prosperity

The Path To

The Path To

Prosperity

Prosperity

James Allen

James Allen

The Path To Prosperity Video Seminar 

The Path To Prosperity Video Seminar 

If you enjoy this book, why not

If you enjoy this book, why not check out thecheck out the Millionaire Mastermind Video SeriesMillionaire Mastermind Video Series,, a classic VIDEO collection made up of some of

a classic VIDEO collection made up of some of the best-selling wealth mindset booksthe best-selling wealth mindset books of all time

of all time –  –  INCLUDING THE INCLUDING THE PATH TO PROSPERITYPATH TO PROSPERITYVIDEO SEMINAR.VIDEO SEMINAR. This program will give you the quick and easy way to

This program will give you the quick and easy way to develop the millionadevelop the millionaire mindsetire mindset - the critical attribute you need before

- the critical attribute you need before you can achieve financial success.you can achieve financial success. The Millionaire Mastermind Video Series features 11

The Millionaire Mastermind Video Series features 11 video seminars including:video seminars including:

Classic Wealth Mindset Books

Classic Wealth Mindset Books



 Think And Grow RichThink And Grow Rich 

 The Master Key SystemThe Master Key System 

 The Science of Getting RichThe Science of Getting Rich 

 The Art of Money GettingThe Art of Money Getting 

 The Path To ProsperityThe Path To Prosperity 

 As A Man ThinkethAs A Man Thinketh 

 SuccessSuccess 

 How To Live On 24 Hours A DayHow To Live On 24 Hours A Day 

 BONUS: Think And Grow Rich Analysis SeminarBONUS: Think And Grow Rich Analysis Seminar

Bonus Videos And Tools

Bonus Videos And Tools



 Decision Master Decision Master  

 The Success KeyThe Success Key 

The first section of the program features 8 VIDEO seminars

The first section of the program features 8 VIDEO seminars based on best-sellingbased on best-selling classic wealth mindset books. These

classic wealth mindset books. These video seminars update and bring these classicvideo seminars update and bring these classic  books to life. The high q

 books to life. The high quality video semuality video seminars are designed to help inars are designed to help the viewer developthe viewer develop the all important wealth mindset.

the all important wealth mindset.

Also included is a bonus Think And Grow Rich Analysis Seminar. In this 4

Also included is a bonus Think And Grow Rich Analysis Seminar. In this 4 -hour-hour seminar, every lesson in the book is

seminar, every lesson in the book is broken down and analysed in intricate detail tobroken down and analysed in intricate detail to help the student understand and apply every lesson found in this book.

help the student understand and apply every lesson found in this book.

The next section of the program features 3

The next section of the program features 3 video seminars focusing on key areas youvideo seminars focusing on key areas you need to master

need to master as part of as part of developing the Millionaire Mindset. You must address thesedeveloping the Millionaire Mindset. You must address these areas before you can achieve real financial success.

areas before you can achieve real financial success.

These areas

These areas include Decision Making, Time include Decision Making, Time ManagemenManagement, Goal Setting, t, Goal Setting, DevelopingDeveloping an Action Plan and Overcoming Procrastination, Perfectionism and the Fear of

an Action Plan and Overcoming Procrastination, Perfectionism and the Fear of Failure (or the Fear of Success).

Failure (or the Fear of Success).

The final components in this program are a set of

The final components in this program are a set of powerful new brainwavepowerful new brainwave entrainment audios and sublim

entrainment audios and subliminal videos. In just a few minutes a day, these inal videos. In just a few minutes a day, these easy toeasy to use tools will reprogram your

use tools will reprogram your subconscious mind with the Millionaire Mindset andsubconscious mind with the Millionaire Mindset and will quickly get you thinking and acting like a millionaire.

will quickly get you thinking and acting like a millionaire.

The purpose of this program is to ensure students develop the attitude, mindset, The purpose of this program is to ensure students develop the attitude, mindset,  behaviour and suc

 behaviour and success habits of a millicess habits of a millionaire. Only when you caonaire. Only when you can think and act lin think and act like ake a millionaire does the next step of “

millionaire does the next step of “making millions making millions ” become possible.” become possible.

Every video seminar in this program comes with an audio and manual version. Every video seminar in this program comes with an audio and manual version.

With more than 40 hours of videos

With more than 40 hours of videos in thein the Millionaire Mastermind Video SeriesMillionaire Mastermind Video Series,, this this ultimate wealth mindset library will guarantee you develop the

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

FOREWORD

FOREWORD...

...

...

...

...

... 5

5

THE LESSON OF EVIL

THE LESSON OF EVIL ...

...

...

...

... 6

6

THE WORLD A REFLEX OF MEN

THE WORLD A REFLEX OF MENTAL STATES

TAL STATES ...

 ...

... 13

13

THE WAY OUT OF UNDESIRABLE

THE WAY OUT OF UNDESIRABLE CONDITIONS

CONDITIONS...

... 21

21

THE SILENT POWER OF THOUGHT CONTROLLING

THE SILENT POWER OF THOUGHT CONTROLLING

AND DIRECTING ONE'S FORCES

AND DIRECTING ONE'S FORCES ...

 ...

...

... 38

38

THE SECRET OF HEALTH, SUCCESS AND POWER 

THE SECRET OF HEALTH, SUCCESS AND POWER ...

... 50

50

THE SECRET OF ABOUNDING HAPPINESS

THE SECRET OF ABOUNDING HAPPINESS ...

 ...

. 65

65

THE REALIZATION OF PROSPERITY

FOREWORD

FOREWORD

I looked around upon the world, and saw that

I looked around upon the world, and saw that it was shadowed byit was shadowed by sorrow and scorched by the fierce fires of suffering. And I

sorrow and scorched by the fierce fires of suffering. And I looked forlooked for the cause. I looked around, but could not find it;

the cause. I looked around, but could not find it; I looked in books,I looked in books,  but could not find it;

 but could not find it; I looked within, and I looked within, and found there both the cafound there both the causeuse and the self-made nature of that cause. I

and the self-made nature of that cause. I looked again, and deeper,looked again, and deeper, and found the remedy.

and found the remedy.

I found one Law, the Law

I found one Law, the Law of Love; one Life, the Life of of Love; one Life, the Life of adjustment toadjustment to that Law; one Truth, the truth of

that Law; one Truth, the truth of a conquered mind and a quiet anda conquered mind and a quiet and obedient heart. And I dreamed of writing a book

obedient heart. And I dreamed of writing a book which should helpwhich should help men and women, whether rich

men and women, whether rich or poor, learned or unlearned, worldlyor poor, learned or unlearned, worldly or unworldly, to find within themselves the source of all success, all or unworldly, to find within themselves the source of all success, all happiness, all accomplishment, all truth. And

happiness, all accomplishment, all truth. And the dream remainedthe dream remained with me, and at last

with me, and at last became substantial; and now I send it became substantial; and now I send it forth intoforth into the world on its mission of healing

the world on its mission of healing and blessedness, knowing that itand blessedness, knowing that it cannot fail to reach the homes and

cannot fail to reach the homes and hearts of those who are waitinghearts of those who are waiting and ready to receive it.

and ready to receive it.

James Allen James Allen

THE LESSON OF EVIL

THE LESSON OF EVIL

Unrest and pain and sorrow are the shadows of life.

Unrest and pain and sorrow are the shadows of life. There is no heartThere is no heart in all the world that has

in all the world that has not felt the sting of pain, no not felt the sting of pain, no mind has notmind has not  been tossed upon t

 been tossed upon the dark waters of troublehe dark waters of trouble, no eye that has not wept, no eye that has not wept the hot blinding tears of unspeakable anguish.

the hot blinding tears of unspeakable anguish.

There is no household where the Great Destroyers, disease and death, There is no household where the Great Destroyers, disease and death, have not entered, severing heart from heart, and casting over all

have not entered, severing heart from heart, and casting over all thethe dark pall of sorrow.

dark pall of sorrow.

In the strong, and apparently indestructible meshes of evil all are more In the strong, and apparently indestructible meshes of evil all are more or less fast caught, and pain, unhappiness, and misfortune wait upon or less fast caught, and pain, unhappiness, and misfortune wait upon mankind.

mankind.

With the object of escaping, or in

With the object of escaping, or in some way mitigating thissome way mitigating this overshadowing gloom, men and women rush blindly

overshadowing gloom, men and women rush blindly intointo

innumerable devices, pathways by which they fondly hope to enter innumerable devices, pathways by which they fondly hope to enter into a happiness which will not pass away.

into a happiness which will not pass away.

Such are the drunkard and the harlot, who revel

Such are the drunkard and the harlot, who revel in sensualin sensual

excitements; such is the exclusive aesthete, who shuts himself out excitements; such is the exclusive aesthete, who shuts himself out from the sorrows of the world, and surrounds himself with enervating from the sorrows of the world, and surrounds himself with enervating luxuries; such is he who thirsts for wealth or

luxuries; such is he who thirsts for wealth or fame, and subordinatesfame, and subordinates all things to the achievement of that

all things to the achievement of that object; and such are they whoobject; and such are they who seek consolation in the performance of

of the existence of evil; but

of the existence of evil; but the day of disease comes at the day of disease comes at last, or somelast, or some great sorrow, temptation, or misfortune breaks suddenly in on the great sorrow, temptation, or misfortune breaks suddenly in on the unfortified soul, and the fabric of its fancied happiness is torn to unfortified soul, and the fabric of its fancied happiness is torn to shreds.

shreds.

So over the head of every

So over the head of every personal joy hangs the Damocletian swordpersonal joy hangs the Damocletian sword of pain, ready, at any

of pain, ready, at any moment, to fall and crush the soul moment, to fall and crush the soul of him whoof him who is unprotected by knowledge.

is unprotected by knowledge.

The child cries to be a

The child cries to be a man or woman; the man and woman sigh man or woman; the man and woman sigh forfor the lost felicity of childhood. The poor man chafes under the chains of the lost felicity of childhood. The poor man chafes under the chains of poverty by which he is bound, and

poverty by which he is bound, and the rich man often lives in fear the rich man often lives in fear ofof poverty, or scours the world in search of an elusive

poverty, or scours the world in search of an elusive shadow he callsshadow he calls happiness.

happiness.

Sometimes the soul feels that it has

Sometimes the soul feels that it has found a secure peace andfound a secure peace and

happiness in adopting a certain religion, in embracing an intellectual happiness in adopting a certain religion, in embracing an intellectual philosophy, or in building up an intellectual or artistic ideal; but some philosophy, or in building up an intellectual or artistic ideal; but some overpowering temptation proves the religion to be

overpowering temptation proves the religion to be inadequate orinadequate or insufficient; the theoretical philosoph

insufficient; the theoretical philosophy is found to y is found to be a useless prop;be a useless prop; or in a moment, the idealistic

or in a moment, the idealistic statue upon which the devotee has forstatue upon which the devotee has for years been laboring, is shattered into fragments at

years been laboring, is shattered into fragments at his feet.his feet.

Is there, then, no way of

Is there, then, no way of escape from pain and sorrow? Are there noescape from pain and sorrow? Are there no means by which bonds of evil may

means by which bonds of evil may be broken? Is permanentbe broken? Is permanent happiness, secure prosperity, and abiding peace a

happiness, secure prosperity, and abiding peace a foolish dream?foolish dream?

No, there is a way, and I speak it with gladness, by which evil can be No, there is a way, and I speak it with gladness, by which evil can be slain for ever; there is a

adverse condition or circumstance can be put on one side never to adverse condition or circumstance can be put on one side never to return; there is a method by which a

return; there is a method by which a permanent prosperitpermanent prosperity can bey can be secured, free from all fear of the return of adversity,

secured, free from all fear of the return of adversity, and there is aand there is a practice by which unbroken and unending peace and bliss can be practice by which unbroken and unending peace and bliss can be partaken of and realized.

partaken of and realized.

And the beginning of the way

And the beginning of the way which leads to this glorious realizationwhich leads to this glorious realization is the acquirement of a right

is the acquirement of a right understanding of the nature of evil.understanding of the nature of evil.

It is not sufficient to deny

It is not sufficient to deny or ignore evil; it must be or ignore evil; it must be understood. It isunderstood. It is not enough to pray to God to remove t

not enough to pray to God to remove the evil; you must find out he evil; you must find out whywhy it is there, and what lesson

it is there, and what lesson it has for you.it has for you.

It is of no avail to fret and fume and chafe at the chains which bind It is of no avail to fret and fume and chafe at the chains which bind you; you must know why and

you; you must know why and how you are bound. Therefore, reader,how you are bound. Therefore, reader, you must get outside yourself, and must begin to

you must get outside yourself, and must begin to examine andexamine and understand yourself.

understand yourself.

You must cease to be a

You must cease to be a disobedient child in the school of experiencedisobedient child in the school of experience and must begin to learn, with humility and

and must begin to learn, with humility and patience, the lessons thatpatience, the lessons that are set for your edification and ultimate perfection; for evil, when are set for your edification and ultimate perfection; for evil, when rightly understood, is found to be, not an unlimited

rightly understood, is found to be, not an unlimited power or principlepower or principle in the universe, but a passing

in the universe, but a passing phase of human experience, and itphase of human experience, and it therefore becomes a teacher to those who are willing to learn. therefore becomes a teacher to those who are willing to learn.

Evil is not an

Evil is not an abstract some thing outside yourself; it is an experienceabstract some thing outside yourself; it is an experience in your own heart, and by

nature of evil, which will necessarily be followed by its

nature of evil, which will necessarily be followed by its completecomplete eradication.

eradication.

All evil is corrective and remedial, and is therefore not

All evil is corrective and remedial, and is therefore not permanent. Itpermanent. It is rooted in ignorance, ignorance of the true nature and relation of is rooted in ignorance, ignorance of the true nature and relation of things, and so long as we

things, and so long as we remain in that state of ignorance, we remainremain in that state of ignorance, we remain subject to evil.

subject to evil.

There is no evil in the

There is no evil in the universe which is not the result of ignorance,universe which is not the result of ignorance, and which would not, if we were ready

and which would not, if we were ready and willing to learn its lesson,and willing to learn its lesson, lead us to higher wisdom, and then vanish a

lead us to higher wisdom, and then vanish away. But men remain inway. But men remain in evil, and it does not pass

evil, and it does not pass away because men are not willing oraway because men are not willing or prepared to learn the lesson which it came to teach

prepared to learn the lesson which it came to teach them.them.

I knew a child who, every

I knew a child who, every night when its mother took it night when its mother took it to bed, criedto bed, cried to be allowed to play

to be allowed to play with the candle; and one night, when the motherwith the candle; and one night, when the mother was off guard for a

was off guard for a moment, the child took hold of the candle; themoment, the child took hold of the candle; the inevitable result followed, and the child never wished to play with t inevitable result followed, and the child never wished to play with thehe candle again.

candle again.

By its one foolish act it

By its one foolish act it learned, and learned perfectly the lesson oflearned, and learned perfectly the lesson of obedience, and entered into the knowledge that fire burns. And, this obedience, and entered into the knowledge that fire burns. And, this incident is a complete illustration of the nature, meaning, and

incident is a complete illustration of the nature, meaning, and ultimate result of all sin and ev

ultimate result of all sin and evil.il.

As the child suffered through its own ignorance of the

As the child suffered through its own ignorance of the real nature ofreal nature of fire, so older children suffer through their ignorance of the real nature fire, so older children suffer through their ignorance of the real nature of the things which they weep for and

them when they are secured; the only difference being that

them when they are secured; the only difference being that in thein the

latter case the ignorance and evil are more deeply rooted and obscure. latter case the ignorance and evil are more deeply rooted and obscure.

Evil has always been symbolized by

Evil has always been symbolized by darkness, and Good by light, anddarkness, and Good by light, and hidden within the symbol is

hidden within the symbol is contained the perfect interpretation, thecontained the perfect interpretation, the reality; for, just as light always

reality; for, just as light always floods the universe, and darkness isfloods the universe, and darkness is only a mere speck or shadow cast by

only a mere speck or shadow cast by a small body intercepting a fewa small body intercepting a few rays of the illimitable light, so

rays of the illimitable light, so the Light of the Supreme Good is thethe Light of the Supreme Good is the positive and life-giving power which floods the universe, and evil the positive and life-giving power which floods the universe, and evil the insignificant shadow cast by the self that intercepts and shuts

insignificant shadow cast by the self that intercepts and shuts off theoff the illuminating rays which strive for

illuminating rays which strive for entrance.entrance.

When night folds the world in its

When night folds the world in its black impenetrable mantle, noblack impenetrable mantle, no matter how dense the darkness, it covers but the small

matter how dense the darkness, it covers but the small space of halfspace of half our little planet, while the whole universe is ablaze with living light, our little planet, while the whole universe is ablaze with living light, and every soul knows that it

and every soul knows that it will awake in the light will awake in the light in the morning.in the morning.

Know, then, that when the dark night of

Know, then, that when the dark night of sorrow, pain, or misfortunesorrow, pain, or misfortune settles down upon your soul, and you stumble along

settles down upon your soul, and you stumble along with weary andwith weary and uncertain steps, that you

uncertain steps, that you are merely intercepting your own personalare merely intercepting your own personal desires between yourself and the boundless light of joy and bliss, desires between yourself and the boundless light of joy and bliss, andand the dark shadow that covers you is

the dark shadow that covers you is cast by none and nothing butcast by none and nothing but yourself.

yourself.

And just as the darkness without is

And just as the darkness without is but a negative shadow, anbut a negative shadow, an

unreality which comes from nowhere, goes to nowhere, and has no unreality which comes from nowhere, goes to nowhere, and has no abiding dwelling place, so the darkness within is equally a

"But," I fancy I

"But," I fancy I hear someone say, "why pass through the darkness ofhear someone say, "why pass through the darkness of evil at all?" Because, by ignorance, you have

evil at all?" Because, by ignorance, you have chosen to do so, andchosen to do so, and  because, by doing so, you

 because, by doing so, you may understand both goomay understand both good and evil, andd and evil, and may the more appreciate the light by

may the more appreciate the light by having passed through thehaving passed through the darkness.

darkness.

As evil is the

As evil is the direct outcome of ignorance, so, when the lessons of evildirect outcome of ignorance, so, when the lessons of evil are fully learned, ignorance passes away, and wisdom takes its

are fully learned, ignorance passes away, and wisdom takes its place.place. But as a disobedient child refuses to learn its

But as a disobedient child refuses to learn its lessons at school, so it islessons at school, so it is possible to refuse to learn the lessons

possible to refuse to learn the lessons of experience, and thus toof experience, and thus to remain in continual darkness, and

remain in continual darkness, and to suffer continually recurringto suffer continually recurring punishments in the form of

punishments in the form of disease, disappointment, and sorrow.disease, disappointment, and sorrow.

He, therefore, who would shake himself free of the evil which He, therefore, who would shake himself free of the evil which encompasses him, must be willing and ready to learn, a

encompasses him, must be willing and ready to learn, and must bend must be prepared to undergo that disciplinary process without which no

prepared to undergo that disciplinary process without which no graingrain of wisdom or abiding happiness and peace can be

of wisdom or abiding happiness and peace can be secured.secured.

A man may shut himself up

A man may shut himself up in a dark room, and in a dark room, and deny that the lightdeny that the light exists, but it is

exists, but it is everywhere without, and darkness exists only in hiseverywhere without, and darkness exists only in his own little room.

own little room.

So you may shut out

So you may shut out the light of Truth, or you may the light of Truth, or you may begin to pullbegin to pull down the walls of prejudice, self-seeking and error which you have down the walls of prejudice, self-seeking and error which you have  built around yoursel

 built around yourself, and so let in the glorf, and so let in the glorious and omnipresentious and omnipresent Light.

Light.

By earnest self-examination strive to realize, and not merely hold as By earnest self-examination strive to realize, and not merely hold as aa theory, that evil is a passing

pains, sorrows and misfortunes have come to you by a

pains, sorrows and misfortunes have come to you by a process ofprocess of undeviating and absolutely perfect law; have come to you because undeviating and absolutely perfect law; have come to you because you deserve and require them, and that by

you deserve and require them, and that by first enduring, and thenfirst enduring, and then understanding them, you may be

understanding them, you may be made stronger, wiser, nobler.made stronger, wiser, nobler.

When you have fully entered into this realization, you will be When you have fully entered into this realization, you will be in ain a position to mould your own circumstances, to transmute all evil into position to mould your own circumstances, to transmute all evil into good and to weave, with a

good and to weave, with a master hand, the fabric of your master hand, the fabric of your destiny.destiny.

What of the night, O

What of the night, O Watchman! see'st thou yetWatchman! see'st thou yet The glimmering dawn upon the

The glimmering dawn upon the mountain heights,mountain heights, The golden Herald of the Light of lights,

The golden Herald of the Light of lights, Are his fair feet

Are his fair feet upon the hilltops set?upon the hilltops set?

Cometh he yet to chase away

Cometh he yet to chase away the gloom,the gloom, And with it all

And with it all the demons of the Night?the demons of the Night? Strike yet his darting rays

Strike yet his darting rays upon thy sight?upon thy sight? Hear'st thou his voice, the sound of error's doom? Hear'st thou his voice, the sound of error's doom?

The Morning cometh, lover of the Light; The Morning cometh, lover of the Light; Even now He gilds with

Even now He gilds with gold the mountain's brow,gold the mountain's brow, Dimly I see the

Dimly I see the path whereon even nowpath whereon even now His shining feet are set

His shining feet are set toward the Night.toward the Night.

Darkness shall pass away, and all

Darkness shall pass away, and all the thingsthe things That love the darkness, and that hate

That love the darkness, and that hate the Lightthe Light Shall disappear for ever with the Night: Shall disappear for ever with the Night:

THE WORLD A REFLEX OF

THE WORLD A REFLEX OF

MENTAL STATES

MENTAL STATES

What you are, so is

What you are, so is your world. Everything in the universe is resolvedyour world. Everything in the universe is resolved into your own inward experience. It matters little what is without, for into your own inward experience. It matters little what is without, for it is all a

it is all a reflection of your own state of consciousness.reflection of your own state of consciousness.

It matters everything what you are within, for

It matters everything what you are within, for everything without willeverything without will  be mirrored and c

 be mirrored and colored accoolored accordingly.rdingly.

All that you positively know is

All that you positively know is contained in your own experience; allcontained in your own experience; all that you ever will know must pass

that you ever will know must pass through the gateway of experience,through the gateway of experience, and so become part of yourself.

and so become part of yourself.

Your own thoughts, desires, and

Your own thoughts, desires, and aspirations comprise your world,aspirations comprise your world, and, to you, all that

and, to you, all that there is in the universe of beauty there is in the universe of beauty and joy andand joy and  bliss, or of ugliness and

 bliss, or of ugliness and sorrow and pain, sorrow and pain, is contained within yourseis contained within yourself.lf.

By your own thoughts you make or ma

By your own thoughts you make or mar your life, your world, yourr your life, your world, your universe, As you build within by the

universe, As you build within by the power of thought, so will yourpower of thought, so will your outward life and circumstances shape themselves accordingly.

outward life and circumstances shape themselves accordingly.

Whatsoever you harbor in the inmost chambers of your heart will, Whatsoever you harbor in the inmost chambers of your heart will, sooner or later by the inevitable law

sooner or later by the inevitable law of reaction, shape itself in yourof reaction, shape itself in your outward life.

The soul that is impure, sordid and selfish, is gravitating with

The soul that is impure, sordid and selfish, is gravitating with unerringunerring precision toward misfortune and catastrophe; the soul

precision toward misfortune and catastrophe; the soul that is pure,that is pure, unselfish, and noble is gravitating with equal

unselfish, and noble is gravitating with equal precision towardprecision toward happiness and prosperity.

happiness and prosperity.

Every soul attracts its own, and nothing can possibly

Every soul attracts its own, and nothing can possibly come to it thatcome to it that does not belong to it. To

does not belong to it. To realize this is to recognize the universality ofrealize this is to recognize the universality of Divine Law.

Divine Law.

The incidents of every human life, which both make

The incidents of every human life, which both make and mar, areand mar, are drawn to it by

drawn to it by the quality and power of its own the quality and power of its own inner thought-life.inner thought-life. Every soul is a complex combination of gathered experiences and Every soul is a complex combination of gathered experiences and thoughts, and the body is but

thoughts, and the body is but an improvised vehicle for itsan improvised vehicle for its manifestation.

manifestation.

What, therefore, your thoughts are, that is your real self; a

What, therefore, your thoughts are, that is your real self; and thend the world around, both animate and inanimate, wears the aspect with world around, both animate and inanimate, wears the aspect with which your thoughts clothe it. "All that we

which your thoughts clothe it. "All that we are is the result of what are is the result of what wewe have thought.

have thought.

It is founded on our thoughts; it

It is founded on our thoughts; it is made up of is made up of our thoughts." Thusour thoughts." Thus said Buddha, and it therefore follows that if a

said Buddha, and it therefore follows that if a man is happy, it isman is happy, it is  because he dwells in

 because he dwells in happy thoughts; if miserhappy thoughts; if miserable, because he dwable, because he dwellsells in despondent and debilitating thoughts,

in despondent and debilitating thoughts,

Whether one be fearful or fearless, foolish or wise, t

Whether one be fearful or fearless, foolish or wise, troubled or serene,roubled or serene, within that soul lies the cause of

minds?" I do not say that, but I say this, and know it to be an infallible minds?" I do not say that, but I say this, and know it to be an infallible truth, that circumstances can only affect you in

truth, that circumstances can only affect you in so far as you allowso far as you allow them to do so.

them to do so.

You are swayed by circumstances because you have not a

You are swayed by circumstances because you have not a rightright understanding of the nature, use, and power of thought.

understanding of the nature, use, and power of thought.

You believe (and upon this little word belief hang

You believe (and upon this little word belief hang all our sorrows andall our sorrows and  joys) that outward things

 joys) that outward things have the power to have the power to make or mar your life; bymake or mar your life; by so doing you submit to those outward things, confess that y

so doing you submit to those outward things, confess that you areou are their slave, and they your unconditional master; by

their slave, and they your unconditional master; by so doing, youso doing, you invest them with a power which they do not,

invest them with a power which they do not, of themselves, possess,of themselves, possess, and you succumb, in reality, not to

and you succumb, in reality, not to the mere circumstances, but to thethe mere circumstances, but to the gloom or gladness, the fear or hope, the strength or

gloom or gladness, the fear or hope, the strength or weakness, whichweakness, which your thought-sphere has thrown around them.

your thought-sphere has thrown around them.

I knew two men who, at

I knew two men who, at an early age, lost the an early age, lost the hard-earned savings ofhard-earned savings of years. One was very deeply troubled, and gave

years. One was very deeply troubled, and gave way to chagrin, worry,way to chagrin, worry, and despondency.

and despondency.

The other, on reading in his morning paper that the b

The other, on reading in his morning paper that the bank in which hisank in which his money was deposited had hopelessly failed, and that he had lost all, money was deposited had hopelessly failed, and that he had lost all, quietly and firmly remarked, ''Well, it's gone, and trouble and worry quietly and firmly remarked, ''Well, it's gone, and trouble and worry won't bring it back, but ha

won't bring it back, but hard work will."rd work will."

He went to work with renewed vigor, and rapidly

He went to work with renewed vigor, and rapidly became prosperous,became prosperous, while the former man, continuing to mourn the loss of his

while the former man, continuing to mourn the loss of his money, andmoney, and to grumble at his ''bad l

to grumble at his ''bad luck," remained the sport and tool of adverseuck," remained the sport and tool of adverse circumstances, in reality of his own weak and

The loss of money was a

The loss of money was a curse to the one because he clothed the eventcurse to the one because he clothed the event with dark and dreary thoughts; it was

with dark and dreary thoughts; it was a blessing to the other, becausea blessing to the other, because he threw around it thoughts of strength, of hope, and

he threw around it thoughts of strength, of hope, and renewedrenewed endeavor.

endeavor.

If circumstances had the power to bless or harm, they

If circumstances had the power to bless or harm, they would bless andwould bless and harm all men alike, but

harm all men alike, but the fact that the same the fact that the same circumstances will becircumstances will be alike good and bad to different

alike good and bad to different souls proves that the good or bad issouls proves that the good or bad is not in the circumstance, but only in the mind

not in the circumstance, but only in the mind of him that encountersof him that encounters it.

it.

When you begin to realize this y

When you begin to realize this you will begin to control yourou will begin to control your thoughts, to regulate and discipline your mind, and to rebuild the thoughts, to regulate and discipline your mind, and to rebuild the inward temple of your

inward temple of your soul, eliminating all useless and soul, eliminating all useless and superfluoussuperfluous material, and incorporating into your being thoughts alone of joy and material, and incorporating into your being thoughts alone of joy and serenity, of strength and life, of compassion and love, of

serenity, of strength and life, of compassion and love, of beauty andbeauty and immortality; and as you do this you

immortality; and as you do this you will become joyful and serene,will become joyful and serene, strong and healthy, compassionate and loving, and beautiful with the strong and healthy, compassionate and loving, and beautiful with the  beauty of immortality.

 beauty of immortality.

And as we clothe events with t

And as we clothe events with the drapery of our own thoughts, sohe drapery of our own thoughts, so likewise do we clothe the objects of the

likewise do we clothe the objects of the visible world around us, andvisible world around us, and where one sees harmony and beauty, another sees revolting ugliness. where one sees harmony and beauty, another sees revolting ugliness.

An enthusiastic naturalist was one day roaming the country lanes in An enthusiastic naturalist was one day roaming the country lanes in pursuit of his hobby, and during his rambles came

pursuit of his hobby, and during his rambles came upon a pool ofupon a pool of  brackish water near a far

As he proceeded to fill a

As he proceeded to fill a small bottle with the water for the small bottle with the water for the purpose ofpurpose of examination under the microscope, he dilated, with more

examination under the microscope, he dilated, with more enthusiasmenthusiasm than discretion, to an uncultivated son of the plough who stood close than discretion, to an uncultivated son of the plough who stood close  by, upon the hidde

 by, upon the hidden and innumerable wondn and innumerable wonders contained in ters contained in the pool,he pool, and concluded by saying, ''Yes, my friend, within this pool is

and concluded by saying, ''Yes, my friend, within this pool is

contained a hundred, nay, a million universes, had we but the sense contained a hundred, nay, a million universes, had we but the sense or the instrument by which we could apprehend them." And the or the instrument by which we could apprehend them." And the unsophisticated one pondero

unsophisticated one ponderously remarked, '' I know the water usly remarked, '' I know the water be fullbe full o' tadpoles, but they be easy

o' tadpoles, but they be easy to catch."to catch."

Where the naturalist, his mind stored with the knowledge of natural Where the naturalist, his mind stored with the knowledge of natural facts, saw beauty, harmony, and hidden glory, the mind

facts, saw beauty, harmony, and hidden glory, the mind unenlightened upon those things saw only

unenlightened upon those things saw only an offensive mud-puddle.an offensive mud-puddle.

The wild flower which the casual wayfarer thoughtlessly tramples The wild flower which the casual wayfarer thoughtlessly tramples upon is, to the spiritual eye of

upon is, to the spiritual eye of the poet, an angelic messenger from thethe poet, an angelic messenger from the invisible.

invisible.

To the many, the ocean is

To the many, the ocean is but a dreary expanse of water but a dreary expanse of water on whichon which ships sail and are sometimes wrecked; to the soul of

ships sail and are sometimes wrecked; to the soul of the musician it isthe musician it is a living thing, and he

a living thing, and he hears, in all its changing moods, divinehears, in all its changing moods, divine harmonies.

harmonies.

Where the ordinary mind sees disaster and confusion, the mind of the Where the ordinary mind sees disaster and confusion, the mind of the philosopher sees the most perfect sequence of cause and effect, and philosopher sees the most perfect sequence of cause and effect, and where the materialist sees nothing but endless death, the mystic sees where the materialist sees nothing but endless death, the mystic sees pulsating and eternal life.

And as we clothe both events

And as we clothe both events and objects with our own thoughts, soand objects with our own thoughts, so likewise do we clothe the souls of

likewise do we clothe the souls of others in the garments of ourothers in the garments of our thoughts.

thoughts.

The suspicious believe everybody to be suspicious; the Liar feels The suspicious believe everybody to be suspicious; the Liar feels secure in the thought that he is

secure in the thought that he is not so foolish as to believe not so foolish as to believe that there isthat there is such a phenomenon as a strictly truthful person; the envious see envy such a phenomenon as a strictly truthful person; the envious see envy in every soul; the miser thinks everybody is

in every soul; the miser thinks everybody is eager to get his money; heeager to get his money; he who has subordinated conscience in the making of his wealth, sleeps who has subordinated conscience in the making of his wealth, sleeps with a revolver under his pillow, wrapped in the delusion that the with a revolver under his pillow, wrapped in the delusion that the world is full of conscienceless people who are eager to rob him, and world is full of conscienceless people who are eager to rob him, and the abandoned sensualist looks upon the saint as a

the abandoned sensualist looks upon the saint as a hypocrite.hypocrite.

On the other hand, those who dwell in loving thoughts, see

On the other hand, those who dwell in loving thoughts, see that in allthat in all which calls forth their love and sympathy; the trusting

which calls forth their love and sympathy; the trusting and honest areand honest are not troubled by

not troubled by suspicions; the good-natured and charitable whosuspicions; the good-natured and charitable who

rejoice at the good fortune of others, scarcely know what envy means; rejoice at the good fortune of others, scarcely know what envy means; and he who has realized the Divine within himself recognizes it in and he who has realized the Divine within himself recognizes it in allall  beings, even in the beasts

 beings, even in the beasts..

And men and women are confirmed in their mental outlook because And men and women are confirmed in their mental outlook because of the fact that, by the law of cause and effect, they attract to

of the fact that, by the law of cause and effect, they attract to

themselves that which they send forth, and so come in contact with themselves that which they send forth, and so come in contact with people similar to themselves.

people similar to themselves.

The old adage, "Birds of a

The old adage, "Birds of a feather flock together," has a deeperfeather flock together," has a deeper significance than is generally attached to it, for

Do you wish for kindness? Be kind. Do you wish for kindness? Be kind.

Do you ask for truth? Be

Do you ask for truth? Be true.true. What you give of yourself you find; What you give of yourself you find;

Your world is a reflex of

Your world is a reflex of you.you.

If you are one of

If you are one of those who are praying for, and looking those who are praying for, and looking forward to, aforward to, a happier world beyond the grave, here is a message of

happier world beyond the grave, here is a message of gladness forgladness for you, you may enter into and

you, you may enter into and realize that happy world now; it fills therealize that happy world now; it fills the whole universe, and it is within you, waiting for y

whole universe, and it is within you, waiting for you to find,ou to find, acknowledge, and possess. Said one who knew the inner laws of acknowledge, and possess. Said one who knew the inner laws of Being,"

Being,"

When men shall say Io here, or I

When men shall say Io here, or Io there, go not after them; o there, go not after them; thethe kingdom of God is within you."

kingdom of God is within you."

What you have to do is

What you have to do is to believe this, simply believe it with a to believe this, simply believe it with a mindmind unshadowed by doubt, and then meditate upon it till you

unshadowed by doubt, and then meditate upon it till you understandunderstand it.

it.

You will then begin to purify and

You will then begin to purify and to build your inner world, and asto build your inner world, and as you proceed, passing from revelation to

you proceed, passing from revelation to revelation, from realization torevelation, from realization to realization, you will discover the

realization, you will discover the utter powerlessness of outwardutter powerlessness of outward things beside the magic potency of a

things beside the magic potency of a self-governed soul.self-governed soul.

If thou would'st right the world, If thou would'st right the world, And banish all its evils and its woes, And banish all its evils and its woes,

Make its wild places bloom, Make its wild places bloom, And its drear deserts blossom as the

And its drear deserts blossom as the rose,- rose,-Then right thyself.

If thou would'st turn the world If thou would'st turn the world From its long, lone captivity in sin, From its long, lone captivity in sin,

Restore all broken hearts, Restore all broken hearts, Slay grief, and let sweet

Slay grief, and let sweet consolation in,-consolation in,-Turn thou thyself.

Turn thou thyself.

If thou would'st cure the world If thou would'st cure the world Of its long

Of its long sickness, end its grief and pain;sickness, end its grief and pain; Bring in all-healing joy,

Bring in all-healing joy,

And give to the afflicted rest And give to the afflicted rest

again,-Then cure thyself. Then cure thyself.

If thou would'st wake the world If thou would'st wake the world Out of its

Out of its dream of death and dark'ning strife,dream of death and dark'ning strife, Bring it to Love and Peace,

Bring it to Love and Peace,

And Light and brightness of immortal And Light and brightness of immortal

Life,-Wake thou thyself. Wake thou thyself.

THE WAY OUT OF UNDESIRABLE

THE WAY OUT OF UNDESIRABLE

CONDITIONS

CONDITIONS

Having seen and realized that evil is

Having seen and realized that evil is but a passing shadow thrown, bybut a passing shadow thrown, by the intercepting self, across the transcendent Form of the Eternal

the intercepting self, across the transcendent Form of the Eternal Good, and that the world is a

Good, and that the world is a mirror in which each sees a reflection ofmirror in which each sees a reflection of himself, we now ascend, by firm and e

himself, we now ascend, by firm and easy steps, to that plane ofasy steps, to that plane of perception whereo

perception whereon is seen and n is seen and realized the Vision of the Law.realized the Vision of the Law.

With this realization comes the knowledge that everything is included With this realization comes the knowledge that everything is included in a ceaseless interaction of cause and effect, and

in a ceaseless interaction of cause and effect, and that nothing canthat nothing can possibly be divorced from law.

possibly be divorced from law.

From the most trivial thought, word, or act of

From the most trivial thought, word, or act of man, up to theman, up to the

groupings of the celestial bodies, law reigns supreme. No arbitrary groupings of the celestial bodies, law reigns supreme. No arbitrary condition can, even for one moment, exist, for such a

condition can, even for one moment, exist, for such a conditioncondition would be a denial and an

would be a denial and an annihilation of law.annihilation of law.

Every condition of life is, therefore, bound up in an orderly Every condition of life is, therefore, bound up in an orderly andand

harmonious sequence, and the secret and cause of every condition is harmonious sequence, and the secret and cause of every condition is contained within itself, The law, "Whatsoever a man sows that shall contained within itself, The law, "Whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap," is inscribed in flaming letters upon the

he also reap," is inscribed in flaming letters upon the portal ofportal of Eternity, and none can deny it, none can cheat

Eternity, and none can deny it, none can cheat it, none can escape it.it, none can escape it.

He who puts his hand in

He who puts his hand in the fire must suffer the burning until suchthe fire must suffer the burning until such time as it has

time as it has worked itself out, and neither curses nor prayers canworked itself out, and neither curses nor prayers can avail to alter it.

And precisely the same law governs the realm of mind. H

And precisely the same law governs the realm of mind. Hatred, anger,atred, anger,  jealousy, envy, lust, c

 jealousy, envy, lust, covetousness, all these arovetousness, all these are fires which bum, ande fires which bum, and whoever even so much as touches them must suffer the

whoever even so much as touches them must suffer the torments oftorments of  burning.

 burning.

All these conditions of mind are rightly called "evil," for they

All these conditions of mind are rightly called "evil," for they are theare the efforts of the soul to subvert, in

efforts of the soul to subvert, in its ignorance, the law, an its ignorance, the law, an they,they,

therefore, lead to chaos and confusion within, and are sooner or later therefore, lead to chaos and confusion within, and are sooner or later actualized in the outward circumstances as

actualized in the outward circumstances as disease, failure, anddisease, failure, and misfortune, coupled with grief, pain, and

misfortune, coupled with grief, pain, and despair.despair.

Whereas love, gentleness, good-will, purity, are

Whereas love, gentleness, good-will, purity, are cooling airs whichcooling airs which  breathe peace upo

 breathe peace upon the soul that woes them, n the soul that woes them, and, being in harmonand, being in harmonyy with the Eternal Law, they become actualized in the

with the Eternal Law, they become actualized in the form of health,form of health, peaceful surroundings, and undeviating success and good fortune. peaceful surroundings, and undeviating success and good fortune.

A thorough understanding of this Great Law which permeates the A thorough understanding of this Great Law which permeates the universe leads to the acquirement of that state of

universe leads to the acquirement of that state of mind known asmind known as obedience.

obedience.

To know that justice, harmony, and love are supreme in

To know that justice, harmony, and love are supreme in the universethe universe is likewise to know that all

is likewise to know that all adverse and painful conditions are theadverse and painful conditions are the result of our own disobedience to that Law.

result of our own disobedience to that Law.

Such knowledge leads to strength and power, and it is upon such Such knowledge leads to strength and power, and it is upon such knowledge alone that a true life and

knowledge alone that a true life and an enduring success andan enduring success and happiness can be built.

To be patient under all circumstances, and to accept all conditions as To be patient under all circumstances, and to accept all conditions as necessary factors in your training, is to rise superior to all

necessary factors in your training, is to rise superior to all painfulpainful conditions, and to overcome them with an overcoming which is sure, conditions, and to overcome them with an overcoming which is sure, and which leaves no fear of their

and which leaves no fear of their return, for by the power of obediencereturn, for by the power of obedience to law they are utterly slain.

to law they are utterly slain.

Such an obedient one is working in harmony with

Such an obedient one is working in harmony with the law, has in fact,the law, has in fact, identified himself with the law, and whatsoever he conquers he

identified himself with the law, and whatsoever he conquers he conquers for ever, whatsoever he builds can never be destroyed. conquers for ever, whatsoever he builds can never be destroyed.

The cause of all power, as of

The cause of all power, as of all weakness, is within; the secret of all weakness, is within; the secret of allall happiness as of all misery is likewise within.

happiness as of all misery is likewise within.

There is no progress apart from unfoldment within, and no sure There is no progress apart from unfoldment within, and no sure foothold of prosperity or peace except

foothold of prosperity or peace except by orderly advancement inby orderly advancement in knowledge.

knowledge.

You say you are chained by

You say you are chained by circumstances; you cry out for bettercircumstances; you cry out for better opportunities, for a wider scope, for

opportunities, for a wider scope, for improved physical conditions,improved physical conditions, and perhaps you inwardly curse the fate that binds you

and perhaps you inwardly curse the fate that binds you hand and foot.hand and foot.

It is for you that I write; it is to you that I speak. Listen, and let my It is for you that I write; it is to you that I speak. Listen, and let my words burn themselves into your heart, for that which I

words burn themselves into your heart, for that which I say to you issay to you is truth:

truth:

You may bring about that

You may bring about that improved condition in your outward lifeimproved condition in your outward life which you desire, if you will unswervingly resolve to improve your which you desire, if you will unswervingly resolve to improve your inner life.

I know this pathway looks barren at

I know this pathway looks barren at its commencement (truth alwaysits commencement (truth always does, it is only error and delusion which are at

does, it is only error and delusion which are at first inviting andfirst inviting and fascinating,) but if you undertake to walk

fascinating,) but if you undertake to walk it; if you perseveringlyit; if you perseveringly discipline your mind, eradicating your weaknesses, and

discipline your mind, eradicating your weaknesses, and allowing yourallowing your soul-forces and spiritual powers to unfold themselves, you will be

soul-forces and spiritual powers to unfold themselves, you will be astonished at the magical changes which will be

astonished at the magical changes which will be brought about inbrought about in your outward life.

your outward life.

As you proceed, golden opportunities will be strewn across your path, As you proceed, golden opportunities will be strewn across your path, and the power and judgment to properly utilize them will spring up and the power and judgment to properly utilize them will spring up within you. Genial friends will come unbidden to you; sympathetic within you. Genial friends will come unbidden to you; sympathetic souls will be drawn to you

souls will be drawn to you as the needle is to the as the needle is to the magnet; and booksmagnet; and books and all outward aids that you

and all outward aids that you require will come to you unsought.require will come to you unsought.

Perhaps the chains of poverty hang heavily upon you, and you Perhaps the chains of poverty hang heavily upon you, and you areare friendless and alone, and you long with an intense longing that your friendless and alone, and you long with an intense longing that your load may be lightened; but the

load may be lightened; but the load continues, and you seem to beload continues, and you seem to be enveloped in an ever-increasing darkness.

enveloped in an ever-increasing darkness.

Perhaps you complain, you bewail your lot; you blame your birth, Perhaps you complain, you bewail your lot; you blame your birth, your parents, your employer, or the unjust Powers who have

your parents, your employer, or the unjust Powers who have  bestowed upon you

 bestowed upon you so undeservedly poso undeservedly poverty and hardship, verty and hardship, and uponand upon another affluence and ease.

another affluence and ease.

Cease your complaining and fretting; none of these things which you Cease your complaining and fretting; none of these things which you  blame are the cause o

 blame are the cause of your poverty; the cause is witf your poverty; the cause is within yourself, andhin yourself, and where the cause is, there is the remedy.

The very fact that you

The very fact that you are a complainer, shows that you deserve yourare a complainer, shows that you deserve your lot; shows that you lack that

lot; shows that you lack that faith which is the ground of all faith which is the ground of all effort andeffort and progress.

progress.

There is no room for a complainer in a

There is no room for a complainer in a universe of law, and worry isuniverse of law, and worry is soul-suicide. By your very attitude of mind you are strengthening the soul-suicide. By your very attitude of mind you are strengthening the chains which bind you, and are drawing about y

chains which bind you, and are drawing about you the darkness byou the darkness by which you are enveloped, Alter your outlook upon life, and your which you are enveloped, Alter your outlook upon life, and your outward life will alter.

outward life will alter.

Build yourself up in the faith and knowledge, and make

Build yourself up in the faith and knowledge, and make yourselfyourself worthy of better

worthy of better surroundings and wider opportunities. Be sure, firstsurroundings and wider opportunities. Be sure, first of all, that you are making the best of what you have.

of all, that you are making the best of what you have.

Do not delude yourself into supposing that you can step into

Do not delude yourself into supposing that you can step into greatergreater advantages whilst overlooking smaller ones, for if you could, the advantages whilst overlooking smaller ones, for if you could, the advantage would be impermanent and you would quickly fall back advantage would be impermanent and you would quickly fall back again in order to learn the lesson which you

again in order to learn the lesson which you had neglected.had neglected.

As the child at school must master

As the child at school must master one standard before passing ontoone standard before passing onto the next, so, before you can

the next, so, before you can have that greater good which you sohave that greater good which you so desire, must you faithfully employ that which you already possess. desire, must you faithfully employ that which you already possess.

The parable of the talents is

The parable of the talents is a beautiful story illustrative of this truth,a beautiful story illustrative of this truth, for does it not plainly show that

for does it not plainly show that if we misuse, neglect, or degrade thatif we misuse, neglect, or degrade that which we possess, be it ever so

which we possess, be it ever so mean and insignificant, even that littlemean and insignificant, even that little will be taken from us, for,

will be taken from us, for, by our conduct we show that we by our conduct we show that we areare unworthy of it.

Perhaps you are living in a

Perhaps you are living in a small cottage, and are surrounded bysmall cottage, and are surrounded by unhealthy and vicious

unhealthy and vicious influences.influences.

You desire a larger and more sanitary residence. Then you must fit You desire a larger and more sanitary residence. Then you must fit yourself for such a residence by first of

yourself for such a residence by first of all making your cottage as all making your cottage as farfar as possible a little paradise.

as possible a little paradise.

Keep it spotlessly clean. Make it look as

Keep it spotlessly clean. Make it look as pretty and sweet as yourpretty and sweet as your limited means will allow. Cook your plain food with all

limited means will allow. Cook your plain food with all care, andcare, and arrange your humble table as tastefully as

arrange your humble table as tastefully as you possibly can.you possibly can.

If you cannot afford a carpet, let

If you cannot afford a carpet, let your rooms be carpeted with smilesyour rooms be carpeted with smiles and welcomes, fastened down with the nails of kind

and welcomes, fastened down with the nails of kind words driven inwords driven in with the hammer of patience. Such a carpet will not

with the hammer of patience. Such a carpet will not fade in the sun,fade in the sun, and constant use will never wear it

and constant use will never wear it away.away.

By so ennobling your present surroundings you will rise above them, By so ennobling your present surroundings you will rise above them, and above the need of them, and at the right time you will pass on and above the need of them, and at the right time you will pass on into the better house and surroundings which have all along been into the better house and surroundings which have all along been waiting for you, and which you have

waiting for you, and which you have fitted yourself to occupy.fitted yourself to occupy.

Perhaps you desire more time for thought and effort, and feel that Perhaps you desire more time for thought and effort, and feel that your hours of labor are too hard and

your hours of labor are too hard and long. Then see to it long. Then see to it that you arethat you are utilizing to the fullest possible extent what little

utilizing to the fullest possible extent what little spare time you have.spare time you have.

It is useless to desire more time, if

It is useless to desire more time, if you are already wasting what littleyou are already wasting what little you have; for you would only g

you have clothed them in your own weaknesses, and the

you have clothed them in your own weaknesses, and the evil that youevil that you see in them is really in

see in them is really in yourself.yourself.

Endeavor to fully and completely realize that in so far

Endeavor to fully and completely realize that in so far as you shapeas you shape and mould your mind, you are the maker of

and mould your mind, you are the maker of your destiny, and as, byyour destiny, and as, by the transmuting power of self-discipline you realize this more and the transmuting power of self-discipline you realize this more and more, you will come to see that

more, you will come to see that these so-called evils may be convertedthese so-called evils may be converted into blessings.

into blessings.

You will then utilize your poverty for the cultivation of patience, hope You will then utilize your poverty for the cultivation of patience, hope and courage; and your lack of time in

and courage; and your lack of time in the gaining of promptness ofthe gaining of promptness of action and decision of mind, by seizing the

action and decision of mind, by seizing the precious moments as theyprecious moments as they present themselves for your acceptance.

present themselves for your acceptance.

As in the rankest soil

As in the rankest soil the most beautiful flowers are grown, so in thethe most beautiful flowers are grown, so in the dark soil of poverty the choicest flowers of humanity have developed dark soil of poverty the choicest flowers of humanity have developed and bloomed.

and bloomed.

Where there are difficulties to

Where there are difficulties to cope with, and unsatisfactorycope with, and unsatisfactory

conditions to overcome, there virtue most flourishes and manifests its conditions to overcome, there virtue most flourishes and manifests its glory.

glory.

It may be that

It may be that you are in the employ of you are in the employ of a tyrannous master ora tyrannous master or mistress, and you feel that you are harshly

mistress, and you feel that you are harshly treated. Look upon thistreated. Look upon this also as necessary to your training. Return your employer's unkindness also as necessary to your training. Return your employer's unkindness with gentleness and forgiveness.

with gentleness and forgiveness.

Practice unceasingly patience and self-control. Turn the disadvantage Practice unceasingly patience and self-control. Turn the disadvantage to account by utilizing it for

strength, and by your silent example and influence you will

strength, and by your silent example and influence you will thus bethus be teaching your employer, will be helping him to grow ashamed of his teaching your employer, will be helping him to grow ashamed of his conduct, and will, at the same time, b

conduct, and will, at the same time, be lifting yourself up to thate lifting yourself up to that height of spiritual attainment by which you will be

height of spiritual attainment by which you will be enabled to stepenabled to step into new and more congenial surroundings at the time when they are into new and more congenial surroundings at the time when they are presented to you.

presented to you.

Do not complain that you are a

Do not complain that you are a slave, but lift yourself up, by slave, but lift yourself up, by noblenoble conduct, above the plane of slavery. Before complaining that you are conduct, above the plane of slavery. Before complaining that you are a slave to another, be sure that you are not a slave to self.

a slave to another, be sure that you are not a slave to self.

Look within; look searchingly, and have no mercy upon yourself. Look within; look searchingly, and have no mercy upon yourself. You will find

You will find there, perchance, slavish thoughts, slavish desires, andthere, perchance, slavish thoughts, slavish desires, and in your daily life and conduct slavish habits.

in your daily life and conduct slavish habits.

Conquer these; cease to be a

Conquer these; cease to be a slave to self, and no man slave to self, and no man will have thewill have the power to enslave you. As you overcome self, you

power to enslave you. As you overcome self, you will overcome allwill overcome all adverse conditions, and every difficulty will fall before you.

adverse conditions, and every difficulty will fall before you.

Do not complain that you are oppressed by the

Do not complain that you are oppressed by the rich. Are you sure thatrich. Are you sure that if you gained riches you would not be

if you gained riches you would not be an oppressor yourself?an oppressor yourself?

Remember that there is the Eternal Law which is

Remember that there is the Eternal Law which is absolutely just, andabsolutely just, and that he who

that he who oppresses today must himself be oppresses today must himself be oppressed tomorrooppressed tomorrow;w; and from this there is no

and from this there is no way of escape.way of escape.

And perhaps you, yesterday (in some former existence) were rich and And perhaps you, yesterday (in some former existence) were rich and

Dwell constantly in mind upon the

Dwell constantly in mind upon the Eternal justice, the Eternal Good.Eternal justice, the Eternal Good. Endeavor to lift yourself above the personal and the transitory into the Endeavor to lift yourself above the personal and the transitory into the impersonal and permanent.

impersonal and permanent.

Shake off the delusion that you are b

Shake off the delusion that you are being injured or oppressed byeing injured or oppressed by another, and try to realize, by

another, and try to realize, by a profounder compreha profounder comprehension of yourension of your inner life, and the laws which govern that

inner life, and the laws which govern that life, that you are only reallylife, that you are only really injured by what is within you. There is

injured by what is within you. There is no practice more degrading,no practice more degrading, debasing, and soul-destroying than that of self-pity.

debasing, and soul-destroying than that of self-pity.

Cast it out from you. While

Cast it out from you. While such a canker is feeding upon your heartsuch a canker is feeding upon your heart you can never expect to grow into a

you can never expect to grow into a fuller life.fuller life.

Cease from the condemnation of others, and begin to

Cease from the condemnation of others, and begin to condemncondemn

yourself. Condone none of your acts, desires or thoughts that will not yourself. Condone none of your acts, desires or thoughts that will not  bear comparison wit

 bear comparison with spotless purity, or h spotless purity, or endure the light of siendure the light of sinlessnless good.

good.

By so doing you will be

By so doing you will be building your house upon the rock of thebuilding your house upon the rock of the Eternal, and all that is required

Eternal, and all that is required for your happiness and well-being willfor your happiness and well-being will come to you in its

come to you in its own time.own time.

There is positively no way of permanently rising above

There is positively no way of permanently rising above poverty, orpoverty, or any undesirable condition, except by eradicating those selfish and any undesirable condition, except by eradicating those selfish and negative conditions within, of which these are the reflection, and by negative conditions within, of which these are the reflection, and by virtue of which they continue.

virtue of which they continue.

The way to true riches is

The way to true riches is to enrich the soul by the to enrich the soul by the acquisition ofacquisition of virtue. Outside of real heart-virtue there is neither prosperity nor virtue. Outside of real heart-virtue there is neither prosperity nor