The Mastery of Destiny by James Allen

The discovery of the law of Evolution in the material world has prepared men for a knowledge of the law of cause and effect in the mental world. Thought is not less orderly and progressive than the material forms which embody thought ; and not alone cells and atoms, but thoughts and deeds are charged with a cumulative and selective energy.

In the realm of thought and deed, the good survives, for it is “fittest”; the evil ultimately perishes.

To know that the “perfect law” of Causation is as all-embracing in mind as in matter, is to be relieved from all anxiety concerning the ultimate destiny of individuals and of humanity

“For man is man and master of his fate” and the will in man which is conquering the knowledge of natural law will conquer the knowledge of spiritual law; the will which, in ignorance, chooses evil, will, as wisdom evolves and emerges, choose good. In a universe of law, the final mastery of evil by man is assured.

His lesser destinies of separation and sorrow, defeat and death, are but disciplinary steps leading to the Great Destiny of triumphal mastery.

He himself is unconsciously building, albeit with lacerated hands and labourbowed form, the Temple of Glory which is to afford him an eternal habitation of peace.

In this volume I have tried to set down some words indicative of this Law and this Destiny, and the manner of its working and its building; and have so arranged the subject-matter as to make the book a companion volume to The Life Triumphant.

The first six, and the last, chapters first appeared in Bibby’s Quarterly and Bibby’s Annual, and it is by kind permission of the Editor, Mr.

Joseph Bibby, that they are now brought together and published in volume form, the other three chapters having been added to make the book consecutive and complete.