Genuine faith rarely wavers or changes, because it is an evolution, a "growth of the soul," a spiritual experience, and it becomes the "dominant chord" in the symphony of life, determining Harmony. It is in this deliberate and discriminative sense that I have used the term _conviction_ in relation to the Master and his "Great Work." He never dogmatizes, nor undertakes to "indoctrinate." In answer to a question on some deep and perplexing problem of the soul or of the spiritual plane, he replies, "So far as we _know_, it is so and so." "A new experience, or an added light, may alter our conclusion." The average individual scarcely realizes what absolute sincerity, with no motive save Love of Truth, and beneficence to man guided by clear intelligence, and dominated by the rational Will, means, or can accomplish. These are the natural powers of the human soul. There is nothing mysterious or miraculous about them, more than in the art of music of a Beethoven or a Paganini, or in gymnastics and the winner of the Marathon. "To _shape_ and _use_, arise and fly, The reeling Faun, the sensual feast, Move upward, working out the beast, And let the ape and tiger die." My _conviction_ is strong, and my Faith unwavering. "The great and peaceful ones live, regenerating the world like the coming of spring: and having themselves crossed the ocean of embodied existence, help those who try to do the same thing without personal motive." ("Crest Jewel of Wisdom.") CHAPTER XVI THE NEW AVATAR From all the foregoing general considerations it may be discerned that the "New Avatar" is strictly that of _Scientific Demonstration_. As we use terms in vogue at the present day, it pertains to the field of Natural Science. This does not imply that it is irreligious, nor unreligious, nor sacrilegious. When it is clearly apprehended it will be found to be the only thing that harmonizes--not the Institutions of man--but Science, Philosophy, and Religion _per se_, as departments in human intelligence. Man will thus discern "the rational order that pervades the universe." The purpose and result of such knowledge to man are Harmony, Enlightenment, Courage, and Hope. Man _is_ the arbiter of his own destiny. He may _become_ the Master of his own Fate. Such are the _Illuminati_, the "Masters of the Great White Lodge," the Benefactors of the whole human race, the members of the "School of Natural Science." What would I have my readers do? I answer, _Investigate_! Study! Think! Wait! Hope! Anticipate!