Page:The Philosophy of Creation.djvu/198

 of the Divine Proceeding, and hence of the Creator in a subordinate degree. The difference in individuals is from the difference in the form or interior structure of the planes of the mind, which are successive wrappings of the Inmost. These differences are caused by variance in individual affection and thought. This variance has its origin in many causes. Men are born designedly with different genius. Hereditary inclinations modify, as well as education and external surroundings. In general the form of the Natural Mind and the exercise of will determine how we shall receive influx or life-force from the Inmost, and how we shall be impressed by the forces that act upon us from without. The Natural Mind is an ultimate form, subject to the effects of education and natural surroundings, which gives shape to the operations of the life-forces within. With these considerations it may be said that the form of the mind is wrought in its interior structure by the affections and thoughts and their quality. The knowledges acquired by the senses constitute vessels receptive of influx.

The Lord acts in man from inmosts and from ultimates simultaneously to order and to regenerate intermediates; but as man acts in the ultimates, the Lord can not act except with man.