| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James: kiss him, etc. When I am taking Holy Communion at the altar, I
try to get with him and generally feel his presence."
I let a few other cases follow at random:--
"God surrounds me like the physical atmosphere. He is closer to
me than my own breath. In him literally I live and move and have
my being."--
"There are times when I seem to stand in his very presence, to
talk with him. Answers to prayer have come, sometimes direct and
overwhelming in their revelation of his presence and powers.
There are times when God seems far off, but this is always my own
fault."--
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Reason Discourse by Rene Descartes: I still continued, however, to hold in esteem the studies of the schools.
I was aware that the languages taught in them are necessary to the
understanding of the writings of the ancients; that the grace of fable
stirs the mind; that the memorable deeds of history elevate it; and, if
read with discretion, aid in forming the judgment; that the perusal of all
excellent books is, as it were, to interview with the noblest men of past
ages, who have written them, and even a studied interview, in which are
discovered to us only their choicest thoughts; that eloquence has
incomparable force and beauty; that poesy has its ravishing graces and
delights; that in the mathematics there are many refined discoveries
eminently suited to gratify the inquisitive, as well as further all the
Reason Discourse |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from King Henry VI by William Shakespeare: YORK.
If York have ill demean'd himself in France,
Then let him be denay'd the regentship.
SOMERSET.
If Somerset be unworthy of the place,
Let York be regent; I will yield to him.
WARWICK.
Whether your grace be worthy, yea or no,
Dispute not that; York is the worthier.
CARDINAL.
Ambitious Warwick, let thy betters speak.
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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 Barlaam and Ioasaph by St. John of Damascus: and worship lifeless and dumb idols, but one God do I acknowledge
and confess, in three persons glorified, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, but in one nature and substance, in one glory and
kingdom undivided. He then is in three persons one God, without
beginning, and without end, eternal and everlasting, increate,
immutable and incorporeal, invisible, infinite, incomprehensible,
alone good and righteous, who created all things out of nothing,
whether visible or invisible. First, he made the heavenly and
invisible powers, countless multitudes, immaterial and bodiless,
ministering spirits of the majesty of God. Afterward he created
this visible world, heaven and earth and sea, which also he made
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