1. The answer to this question is much like the preceding one. 2There are, of course, no “unnatural” powers, and it is obviously merely an appeal to magic to make up a power that does not exist. 3It is equally obvious, however, that each individual has many abilities of which he is unaware. 4As his awareness increases, he may well develop abilities that seem quite startling to him. 5Yet nothing he can do can compare even in the slightest with the glorious surprise of remembering Who he is. 6Let all his learning and all his efforts be directed toward this one great final surprise, and he will not be content to be delayed by the little ones that may come to him on the way.
2. Certainly there are many “psychic” powers that are clearly in line with this course. 2Communication is not limited to the small range of channels the world recognizes. 3If it were, there would be little point in trying to teach salvation. 4It would be impossible to do so. 5The limits the world places on communication are the chief barriers to direct experience of the Holy Spirit, Whose Presence is always there and Whose Voice is available but for the hearing. 6These limits are placed out of fear, for without them the walls that surround all the separate places of the world would fall at the holy sound of His Voice. 7Who transcends these limits in any way is merely becoming more natural. 8He is doing nothing special, and there is no magic in his accomplishments.
3. The seemingly new abilities that may be gathered on the way can be very helpful. 2Given to the Holy Spirit, and used under His direction, they are valuable teaching aids. 3To this, the question of how they arise is irrelevant. 4The only important consideration is how they are used. 5Taking them as ends in themselves, no matter how this is done, will delay progress. 6Nor does their value lie in proving anything; achievements from the past, unusual attunement with the “unseen,” or “special” favors from God. 7God gives no special favors, and no one has any powers that are not available to everyone. 8Only by tricks of magic are special powers “demonstrated.”
4. Nothing that is genuine is used to deceive. 2The Holy Spirit is incapable of deception, and He can use only genuine abilities. 3What is used for magic is useless to Him. 4But what He uses cannot be used for magic. 5There is, however, a particular appeal in unusual abilities that can be curiously tempting. 6Here are strengths which the Holy Spirit wants and needs. 7Yet the ego sees in these same strengths an opportunity to glorify itself. 8Strengths turned to weakness are tragedy indeed. 9Yet what is not given to the Holy Spirit must be given to weakness, for what is withheld from love is given to fear, and will be fearful in consequence.
5. Even those who no longer value the material things of the world may still be deceived by “psychic” powers. 2As investment has been withdrawn from the world’s material gifts, the ego has been seriously threatened. 3It may still be strong enough to rally under this new temptation to win back strength by guile. 4Many have not seen through the ego’s defenses here, although they are not particularly subtle. 5Yet, given a remaining wish to be deceived, deception is made easy. 6Now the “power” is no longer a genuine ability, and cannot be used dependably. 7It is almost inevitable that, unless the individual changes his mind about its purpose, he will bolster his “power’s” uncertainties with increasing deception.
6. Any ability that anyone develops has the potentiality for good. 2To this there is no exception. 3And the more unusual and unexpected the power, the greater its potential usefulness. 4Salvation has need of all abilities, for what the world would destroy the Holy Spirit would restore. 5“Psychic” abilities have been used to call upon the devil, which merely means to strengthen the ego. 6Yet here is also a great channel of hope and healing in the Holy Spirit’s service. 7Those who have developed “psychic” powers have simply let some of the limitations they laid upon their minds be lifted. 8It can be but further limitations they lay upon themselves if they utilize their increased freedom for greater imprisonment. 9The Holy Spirit needs these gifts, and those who offer them to Him and Him alone go with Christ’s gratitude upon their hearts, and His holy sight not far behind.