does the things that appear supernatural, the man
who by virtue of his realization of the higher powers transcends the
majority and so stands out among them. But any power that is possible
to one human soul is possible to another. The same laws operate in
every life. We can be men and women of power or we can be men and
women of impotence. The moment one vitally grasps the fact that he can
rise he will rise, and he can have absolutely no limitations other than
the limitations he sets to himself. Cream always rises to the top. It
rises simply because _it is the nature of cream to rise_.

We hear much said of "environment." We need to realize that
environment should never be allowed to make the man, but that man
should always, _and always can_, condition the environment. When we
realize this we will find that many times it is not necessary to take
ourselves out of any particular environment, because we may yet have a
work to do there; but by the very force we carry with us we can so
affect and change matters that we will have an entirely new set of
conditions in an old environment.

The same is true in regard to "hereditary" traits and influences. We
sometimes hear the question asked, "Can they be overcome?" Only the
one who doesn't yet know himself can ask a question such as this. If
we entertain and live in the belief that they cannot be overcome, then
the chances are that they will always remain. The moment, however,
that we come into a realization of our true selves, and so of the
tremendous powers and forces within,--the powers and forces of the mind
and spirit,--hereditary traits and influences that are harmful in
nature will begin to lessen, and will disappear with a rapidity
directly in proportion to the completeness of this realization.

"There is no thing we cannot overcome;
Say not thy evil instinct is inherited,
Or that some trait inborn makes thy whole life forlorn,
And calls down punishment that is not merited.

"Back of thy parents and grandparents lies
The Great Eternal Will! That too is thine
Inheritance,--strong, beautiful, divine,
Sure lever of success for one who tries.

* * * * * *

"There is no noble height thou canst not climb;
All triumphs may be thine in Time's futurity,
If, whatso'er thy fault, thou dost not faint or halt;
But lean upon the staff of God's security.

"Earth has no claim the soul cannot contest;
Kno