This little work does not teach reincarnation, but its teaching is
based on a belief that man, in reality, is a spiritual being, a Divine
Spark from the Sacred Fire. Spirit being immortal has no beginning
or end therefore always lives. This present life is one of countless
experiences, each one of which helps to build up character. There
is no death, but only changes from one vehicle to another. There is
no beginning, or end, or time in reality, these are mere limitations
of the human mind. It is impossible for man to die: he can only leave
his body. He cannot kill himself, try how he will: he can only force
himself out of his body. Man must always go on, whether he likes it
or not: he proceeds through the ages, _reaping exactly as he sows_.

We have already seen that man cannot avoid or fight successfully
against fate, but that he can become free from the wheel of fate by
living a life in harmony with Divine Law. [5] At this point it is
necessary to point out that most of man's troubles are not caused
by fate at all, but are due to his fighting against or trying to
resist the great plan. If the experiences of life are resisted, or
an attempt is made to evade its discipline, troubles and difficulties
will repeat, becoming more painful and insistent until their lesson
is learnt and the life changed accordingly. Therefore man has it in
his power greatly to improve his present life, as well as to create
a far better future, simply by living his life to-day in harmony with
Divine Law. Further, it is necessary to point out that all thought
and action have an _immediate_ as well as a far reaching effect. It
is true that the full effect of life here is not reaped until after
our little course on this plane has been run, but great differences
are effected in the present life nevertheless. The way a youth makes
use of, or throws away his opportunities, either makes or mars, to