The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Large Catechism by Dr. Martin Luther: sensibility, still believe the Scriptures, which pronounce sentence
upon you. And, in short, the less you feel your sins and infirmities,
the more reason have you to go to the Sacrament to seek help and a
remedy.
In the second place, look about you and see whether you are also in the
world, or if you do not know it, ask your neighbors about it. If you
are in the world, do not think that there will be lack of sins and
misery. For only begin to act as though you would be godly and adhere
to the Gospel, and see whether no one will become your enemy, and,
moreover, do you harm, wrong, and violence, and likewise give you cause
for sin and vice. If you have not experienced it, then let the
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Ferragus by Honore de Balzac: beautiful there than she was before the world; a woman just refreshed
in water, whose only artifice consisted in being whiter than her
muslins, sweeter than all perfumes, more seductive than any siren,
always loving and therefore always loved. This admirable understanding
of a wife's business was the secret of Josephine's charm for Napoleon,
as in former times it was that of Caesonia for Caius Caligula, of
Diane de Poitiers for Henri II. If it was largely productive to women
of seven or eight lustres what a weapon is it in the hands of young
women! A husband gathers with delight the rewards of his fidelity.
Returning home after the conversation which had chilled her with fear,
and still gave her the keenest anxiety, Madame Jules took particular
 Ferragus |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Hidden Masterpiece by Honore de Balzac: "Paf! paf! paf! that is how we butter it on, young man. Ah! my little
pats, you are right; warm up that icy tone. Come, come!--pon, pon,
pon,--" he continued, touching up the spots where he had complained of
a lack of life, hiding under layers of color the conflicting methods,
and regaining the unity of tone essential to an ardent Egyptian.
"Now see, my little friend, it is only the last touches of the brush
that count for anything. Porbus put on a hundred; I have only put on
one or two. Nobody will thank us for what is underneath, remember
that!"
At last the demon paused; the old man turned to Porbus and Poussin,
who stood mute with admiration, and said to them,--
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