the Divine Ideal.
[3] In addition to the "fate" or "future" which every thought and
action builds, there is, behind all evolution, a gigantic plan.
This wonderful plan that embraces all, from the stupendous
conception of a limitless universe down to the smallest
electron, is being worked out through the ages with absolute
precision. Nothing can prevent this plan from being brought
into manifestation. It gathers up our past and weaves it into
our present life, just in the same way that it is busily
gathering up our present life and weaving it into future fate.
It works it all into the big plan, somehow, and with infinite
skill. The plan is bound to be followed (this, too, is fate)
but HOW we follow it, either with willingness and happiness,
or opposition or woe, rests with us (this is free will).
Those who have studied the Occult sciences may say "what about
planetary influences?" They will point out that, according to the
ancient science of astrology, a man's life is determined by the "star"
under which he is born. This is true, if he gives in to the influences
around his path. At different times in his life man meets with
influences that are sometimes "favourable" and at other times,
adverse. These influences are, however, only influences after all,
and one who will stand firm during periods of adversity and refuse
to give in, relying upon the great Power within to carry him through,
will find that he can weather all storms of life and come out of his
trials greatly strengthened. He cannot prevent these influences from
coming around his path of life, but he can rise superior to them.
He will meet with failures and set-backs but he will make of these,
stepping-stones to success. He will experience griefs and
bereavements, but out of these he will build a finer character and
rise to higher things. One, however, who gives in to these things,
refusing to rise again and reconstruct his life, condemns himself
to further suffering, thus making utter shipwreck of his life.
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