My Library

Now it must be remembered that along with the matter of his astral body a man picks up the corresponding elemental essence, and that during his life this essence is segregated from the ocean of similar matter around, and practically becomes for that time what may be described as a kind of artificial elemental, Thjs has temporarily a definite separate existence of its own, and follows the course of its own evolution downwards into matter without any reference to (or indeed any knowledge of) the convenience or interest obthe ego to whom it happens to be attached— thus causing that perpetual struggle between the will’of the flesh and the will of the spirit to whjch religious writers so often refer. Yet though it is"a law of the members warring against the law of the mind,” though if the man obeys it instead of controlling it his evolution will be seriously hindered, it must not be thought of as in any way evil in itself, for it is still a Law—still an outpouring of the Divine power going on its orderly course, though that course in this