144 The SpiritualLife.
theenjoymentofthefruit. ThisisGod'sway
of leading the world along the path of evolu-
tion. Heputsprizesbeforemen. Theystrive
aftertheprizes,andastheystrivetheydevelop
theirpowers. Andwhen theyseizetheprize,
it crumbles to pieces in their hands-always.
If we look at human life, we see how con-
tinuallythisisrepeated. Amandesiresmoney;
hegainsit,millionsarehis; andin themidstof
his millions a deadly discontent invades him,
and a weariness of the wealth that he is not
abletouse. Aman strivesforfameandwins
it; andthenhecallsit: "Avoicegoingby,to
be lost on an endless sea." He strives for
power, and whenhe has striven forit all his
lifeandholdsit,powerpallsuponhim,andthe
wearied statesman throws down office, weary
and disappointed. Thesame sequenceisever
repeated. These are the toys byholding out
whichtheFatherofallinducesHischildrento
exertthemselves, andHeHimself hideswithin
thetoyin orderto win them; for thereis no
beautyandnoattractionanywheresave thelife
ofGod. Butwhenthe toyisgrasped the life
leavesit,anditcrumblestopiecesinthe hand,
andthemanisdisappointed. Forthevaluelay
in thestruggle andnotinthe possession,inthe
puttingforthofpowerstoobtain,andnotinthe
