ASPR Journal, V14 - Iapsop.com

48 Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research.
for reading the future is not altogether incompatible with a considerable
power of choice.
The foreknowledge which makes it possible for higher intelligences
to predict the future may be an extension of the faculty
which enables some intuitive minds even here to forsee the issue
of present events, an issue which may not always be absolutely
assured, but may be capable of being modified by human action.
And even if we assume that certain events are absolutely preordained,
this does not prove that all events are equally so. It is
conceivable that there is in the main a definite destiny for every
man and all races of men, and yet that there may be abundant
opportunity (within certain limits) for the exercise of liberty of
choice, for the development of individual character, for hiQ.dering
or helping the great purpose of the universe.
If our belief in predeterminism with regard to some things is
based on experience, so also is our conviction as to our own responsibility,
our profou!td assurance that we can each say 'Yes' or
'No,' and that there are times when nothing can exonerate us from
making this choice. There is something very inspiring in Professor
James's words: 'Who knows whether the faithfulness of individuals
here below to their own poor over-beliefs may not actually
help God, in tum, to be more effectively faithful to His own greater
tasks?'
In any case we must beware of surrendering one conviction
based on experience, for another conviction, even though that, too,
be based on experience. It is experience which leads us to believe
that we can decide some matters, can say 'Yes' or 'No' to good
and evil. It were surely a great folly to abandon that conviction
because, in a Jess degree, other experiences give us grounds for
believing that many events in our lives are foreseen and some are
definitely predetermined.
Personally, the fulfilment of small predictions has made on me
an impression which strengthens confidence and quiets fear, removing
anxiety concerning future events, and inducing a sense of
repose in the assurance that we are not the victims of chance, but
that even apparently untoward events are an ordered part of our
spiritual education.
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