| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Augsburg Confession by Philip Melanchthon: Being justified by faith, we have peace with God. This whole
doctrine is to be referred to that conflict of the terrified
conscience, neither can it be understood apart from that
conflict. Therefore inexperienced and profane men judge ill
concerning this matter, who dream that Christian righteousness
is nothing but civil and philosophical righteousness.
Heretofore consciences were plagued with the doctrine of
works, they did not hear the consolation from the Gospel. Some
persons were driven by conscience into the desert, into
monasteries hoping there to merit grace by a monastic life.
Some also devised other works whereby to merit grace and make
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from At the Sign of the Cat & Racket by Honore de Balzac: no concern with business, she exclaimed:
"Really, monsieur, you are so weak with your daughters! However----"
The sound of a carriage, which stopped at the door, interrupted the
rating which the old draper already quaked at. In a minute Madame
Roguin was standing in the middle of the room, and looking at the
actors in this domestic scene: "I know all, my dear cousin," said she,
with a patronizing air.
Madame Roguin made the great mistake of supposing that a Paris
notary's wife could play the part of a favorite of fashion.
"I know all," she repeated, "and I have come into Noah's Ark, like the
dove, with the olive-branch. I read that allegory in the /Genie du
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