| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas: looking on to the river, with two of his friends. Arrived at
the bank of the river the three men perceived that they were
followed, turned around, and looking insolently at the
Frenchmen, passed some jests from one to another.
"I don't know English, Athos," said D'Artagnan; "but you
know it and will interpret for me."
Then quickening their steps they passed the three men, but
turned back immediately, and D'Artagnan walked straight up
to the butcher and touching him on the chest with the tip of
his finger, said to Athos:
"Say this to him in English: `You are a coward. You have
Twenty Years After |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom by William and Ellen Craft: are wholly unworthy the confidence of any people.
I believe such men would, if they had the power,
and were it to their temporal interest, sell their
country's independence, and barter away every
man's birthright for a mess of pottage. Well
may Thomas Campbell say--
United States, your banner wears,
Two emblems,--one of fame,
Alas, the other that it bears
Reminds us of your shame!
The white man's liberty in types
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Barlaam and Ioasaph by St. John of Damascus: on earth and entreateth directly with God.
"This acquire thou for thyself, and strive to advance thereto,
for it is able to exalt thee from earth to heaven. But without
preparation and at hap-hazard thou shalt not advance therein.
But first purify thy soul from all passion, and cleanse it like a
bright and newly cleansed mirrour from every evil thought, and
banish far all remembrance of injury and anger, which most of all
hindereth our prayers from ascending to God-ward: and from the
heart forgive all those that have trespassed against thee, and
with alms and charities to the poor lend wings to thy prayer, and
so bring it before God with fervent tears. Thus praying thou
|
