perfect character, either by believing in a creed or through dying,
but by attainment. God helps those who help themselves, and those
people who will not strive after better things cut themselves off
from all the glorious and wonderful possibilities of attainment.

Before, however, thinking about such lofty things as entering the
Path of Attainment, and becoming changed into, and modelled after
the Divine Image, the average person may wish to know how to overcome
bad habits and weaknesses of character which are keeping him down
in life, and, possibly, undermining his health. Most people are
conscious of some wrong habits that ought to be overcome, and
weaknesses of character which should be eradicated. Possibly they
have fought against their habits or weaknesses for years, prayed until
they are tired of praying, made innumerable attempts at turning over
a new leaf, yet all in vain, for they are as firmly in the toils as
ever. Many people give up the struggle and endeavour to lead a sort
of Jekyll and Hyde existence, being outwardly a Christian or righteous
person, but inwardly something quite different. Yet they find no
satisfaction in this dual life, for they know that they are drifting
towards an abyss.

Yet there is a way of escape that is open to all. The Infinite One
has provided man with powers that are apparently unlimited: powers
which can be used either to build up the life and character or to
destroy them. These powers are those of the sub-conscious mind. This
mind is a reservoir of unlimited, tireless forces, and becomes, if
we use it aright, our best friend, or, if we mis-use it, our worst
enemy.

Every time a bad action is indulged in, wonderful changes take place
in the nervous system, and energy becomes stored up in certain cells,
so as to make it easier to do the wrong act on a future occasion.
It is equally true that every time a good action is done, similar
changes, but in a reverse direction, take place, that make the doing
of the same action easier in the future. This explains the tremendous
power of habit. Our body, brain and nervous system become changed,