| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians by Martin Luther: love God with all our heart. True enough. But because God commands it, it
does not follow that we do it. If we could love God with all our heart we
should undoubtedly be justified by our obedience, for it is written, "Which if
a man do, he shall live in them." (Lev. 18:5.) But now comes the Gospel and
says: "Because you do not do these things, you cannot live in them." The
words, "Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God," require perfect obedience, perfect
fear, perfect trust, and perfect love. But where are the people who can render
perfection? Hence, this commandment, instead of justifying men, only
accuses and condemns them. "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness
to every one that believeth" (Romans 10:1.)
How may these two contradictory statements of the Apostle, "Ye knew not
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Foolish Virgin by Thomas Dixon: at the mechanical genius he displayed in its
construction. He had taken a month's instruction at a
cabinet maker's in Asheville and the bed, bureau,
tables and chairs which he had turned out were
astonishingly beautiful. Their lines were copied from
old models and each piece was a work of art. The iron
work was even more tastefully and beautifully wrought.
He had toiled day and night with an enthusiasm and
patience that gave the physician a new revelation in
the possibility of the development of human character.
His friend came at last with a cheering message.
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Outlaw of Torn by Edgar Rice Burroughs: he motioned toward the King. Henry came toward
him.
"Thou hast won thy sovereign's gratitude, my man,"
said the King, kindly. "What be thy name?"
The old fellow tried to speak, but the effort brought
on another paroxysm of coughing. At last he managed
to whisper.
"Look--at--me. Dost thou--not--remember me? The
--foils--the--blow-twenty-long-years. Thou--spat--upon
--me."
Henry knelt and peered into the dying face.
The Outlaw of Torn |
