The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Research Magnificent by H. G. Wells: but I lie awake at night thinking of that messenger as he turned
away. . . . Trying to stop him. . . .
"I didn't send those dollars. So fifty or sixty people were killed
and many wounded. . . . There for all practical purposes the thing
ends. Perhaps it will serve to give me a little charity for some
other fool's haste and blundering. . . .
"I couldn't help it, White. I couldn't help it. . . .
"The main thing, the impersonal thing, goes on. One thinks, one
learns, one adds one's contribution of experience and understanding.
The spirit of the race goes on to light and comprehension. In spite
of accidents. In spite of individual blundering.
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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 Augsburg Confession by Philip Melanchthon: Although the Church properly is the congregation of saints and
true believers, nevertheless, since in this life many
hypocrites and evil persons are mingled therewith, it is
lawful to use Sacraments administered by evil men, according
to the saying of Christ: The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in
Moses' seat, etc. Matt. 23, 2. Both the Sacraments and Word
are effectual by reason of the institution and commandment of
Christ, notwithstanding they be administered by evil men.
They condemn the Donatists, and such like, who denied it to be
lawful to use the ministry of evil men in the Church, and who
thought the ministry of evil men to be unprofitable and of
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