The question is always brought, "Is there a power which rules the universe and controls all our actions? Or, are we free to do what we please, and are our situations the result of our good or bad deeds? Or are our actions and situations governed by the influence of the planets?" In answer to this, I will say first the contradiction of each. If God makes us act, then we are not responsible. Then it is all God, and we have no responsibility. If we are quite free, then, I will say, you are your own well-wisher. No one will be his own ill-wisher. Then, whatever you wish for, success or riches, or whatever it is, you will have it. But it seems that it is not so. If happiness and good fortune were the result of good actions, then everyone would be good, no one would be bad. And we see that many very wicked people are very fortunate. Every day a wicked deed, and every day a good fortune. And many very good people are always unfortunate and in difficulties. Christ had so many difficulties, and all the prophets and saints have had great adversities.