Having gone so far, we can see that the promptness and energy of an action, whether of the differentiated voluntary system or not, depends in great measure on the power of the stimulus, and the consequent necessity of giving great attention, in practice, to that particular feature of the problem.

It is left us to determine how to bring the stimulus to bear with the best effect.

Now, let us go a step further.

I have attempted to show that the cardinal elements of success, anywhere, and everywhere, are Desire and Faith. I have attempted to show that WILL is really the dynamic principle in the whole process.

Now, how are we to reconcile these apparent contradictions?

My idea is that the potential elements, Desire and Faith, become dynamic or active, in WILL. For example, we earnestly desire health, and as earnestly believe that we shall have it; or, better still, we believe that it is essentially ours. Having gone so far, the energies of Desire and Faith unite to express themselves in Will, which reaches forth and takes the object sought. We can desire a thing and believe that we shall have it, to the end of time. The object of our desire and faith recedes before us as does the horizon before the traveler. It is only when the energies of Will are invoked that the whole process comes to a climax.

Let us form a diagram of this mental conception. I will write "Desire," and beneath it, at a little distance, I will write "Faith." Then, over at the right, at a point midway between Desire and Faith, I will write "Will." Then, since both Desire and Faith focus in Will, I draw converging lines fron.

THE ROLE OF WILL.

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them to Will, thus plainly indicating the mental idea.

DESIRE

WILL

FAITH

Jesus and his disciples furnished conspicuous examples of this very action. Weeping had Jesus come to the grave of Lazarus. He had declared to his disciples that Lazarus was not dead, but sleeping, and it appeared that he was about to prove the truth of his claim. At the tomb the critical moment arrives.

The waiting multitude stand expectant.

It is evident that there is something about to be done.

There is to be a great victory or an ignominious defeat.

Jesus does not pray for power, for his psychic energy was tremendous and he knew it.

He had been groaning in spirit because of the pent-up forces impatient to break forth into expression.

The climax approaches; and how is it reached? There is no petition for help, no waiting for energy to adjust itself.

Listen!

In intense, but subdued, tones, he says, "Father, I thank thee that Thou hast heard my prayer; I knew that Thou always hearest me; but I say this for the sake of the people standing near, so that they may believe that Thou hast sent me as Thy Messenger."

The stone had been rolled away from the mouth

of the tomb, at Jesus' command, and the people stood in breathless silence.

Then, behold, there leaped upwards, like the flame of an explosion, the irresistible WILL, as he shouted aloud the command which vorced that tremendous soul energy, and fell with effect on the dull ears of the sleeper, "LAZARUŠ! COME OUT!" and behold the dead walked forth in life.

It was always thus in the work of this great healer. He spake "as one having authority," and in like manner must we, as healers both of ourselves and others, think and speak, if we would get the best results.

The Way to Attainment.

To be sure assurance, faith, self-reliance and will are to be acquired but slowly. It takes time to build a structure that is substantial and imposing. In our early experiences we need, as does the child, support, encouragement and instruction; but psychic power once acquired enables us to command with success. Why should one who is seeking mastery, passively solicit? Let him speak the healing word with power and

assurance.

There are those among my readers who have not risen to the height of command over themselves and the unpleasant influences about them, owing to the fact that they have been holding the attitude of submission instead of authority.

I have no sympathy with the passivity which makes of man a mere plaything of the forces about him. He was made to COMMAND.

We have to do something besides sitting and

AN ELEMENT OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT.

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dreaming: there has to be resolute TAKING of what we want. Said Jesus, "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." This utterance has puzzled theologians. A paraphrase of it would read, "The kingdom of the unseen is open to invasion by the resolute, and the resolute take it." Jesus said this with evident approval, and it indicates the most effectual method of getting what we want.

But remember that he who would command, must have commanding qualities.

Will as An Element

in Self-Development.

What I have said of will as a factor in cure applies as well to ourselves as to others. It is the most efficient kind of auto-suggestion.

As strong men and women we should stand, not in the attitude of suppliants, but of masters. Self is first to be brought into subjection and then do we become well fitted to set in motion the healing energies of those who apply to us for aid.

I commend to you what I myself have practiced. Many a time, when in the throes of a personal struggle, have I calmly awaited an intimation of the wise course, and then, when it came, even though its execution appeared to involve difficulty and danger, have I paced the floor with clinched fist and set lips, indicative of the intensity of my feelings, and audibly declared, "It shall be done! I will prevail !"

"When you have tried and tried and tried
"A thousand times and then once more,
"And still must humbly stand aside,
"Defeated, battered and heart-sore,

"Think not that you have done your best, "And do not yet permit despair

"To find an entrance to your breast;
"Let hope be still imprisoned there.
"God gives us WILLS to do or die,
"He sets the tasks we must assail;
"And though a thousand times we try
"And though a thousand times we fail,
"Our best is never done

"Till we have fairly won."