| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Large Catechism by Dr. Martin Luther: the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the remission
of sins: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.
Here also we do not wish to enter into controversy and contend with the
traducers and blasphemers of this Sacrament, but to learn first (as we
did regarding Baptism) what is of the greatest importance, namely that
the chief point is the Word and ordinance or command of God. For it has
not been invented nor introduced by any man, but without any one's
counsel and deliberation it has been instituted by Christ. Therefore,
just as the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Creed retain
their nature and worth although you never keep, pray, or believe them,
so also does this venerable Sacrament remain undisturbed, so that
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Psychology of Revolution by Gustave le Bon: afterwards despised.
Having no part whatever in their victories, the men of the
Convention contented themselves with legislating at hazard
according to the injunctions of the leaders who directed them,
and who claimed to be regenerating France by means of the
guillotine.
But it was thanks to these valiant armies that the history of the
Convention was transformed into an apotheosis which affected
several generations with a religious respect which even to-day is
hardly extinct.
Studying in detail the psychology of the ``Giants'' of the
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Salammbo by Gustave Flaubert: Narr' Havas would elevate his chin to mark his disdain; there was not
a measure he did not consider fatal; and he had ceased to smile. Sighs
would escape him as though he were thrusting back sorrow for an
impossible dream, despair for an abortive enterprise.
While the Barbarians deliberated in uncertainty, the Suffet increased
his defences: he had a second trench dug within the palisades, a
second wall raised, and wooden towers constructed at the corners; and
his slaves went as far as the middle of the outposts to drive caltrops
into the ground. But the elephants, whose allowances were lessened,
struggled in their shackles. To economise the grass he ordered the
Clinabarians to kill the least strong among the stallions. A few
Salammbo |
The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: "Once upon a time, there were four girls, who had enough to eat
and drink and wear, a good many comforts and pleasures, kind friends
and parents who loved them dearly, and yet they were not contented."
(Here the listeners stole sly looks at one another, and began to sew diligently.) "These girls were
anxious to be good and made many
excellent resolutions, but they did not keep them very well, and were
constantly saying, `If only we had this, ' or `If we could only do
that, ' quite forgetting how much they already had, and how many
things they actually could do. So they asked an old woman what spell
they could use to make them happy, and she said, `When you feel
discontented, think over your blessings, and be grateful.'" (Here Jo
Little Women |
