Thought and action are the jailers of Fate - they imprison, being base. They are also the angels of Freedom - they liberate, being noble. Not what he wishes and prays for does a man get, but what he justly earns. His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions. It means that a man is continually revolting against an effect without, while all the time he is nourishing and preserving its cause in his heart.
Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves.
They therefore remain bound. The man who does not shrink from self-crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set. This is as true of earthly as of heavenly things. Here is a man who is wretchedly poor. He is extremely anxious that his surroundings and home comforts should be improved.