Page:Logic Taught by Love.djvu/164

 just touched on in both Hebrew and Christian ritual. Its essence is preserved in the myth of the three Fates, called in the Odin-Legends Urda, Verdendi, and Skelda; or Was, Is-Becoming, and Shall-Be. The student who takes an equal interest in the History of the Past, the development of the Present, and the destinies of the Future, keeps his mind balanced. If any one of them be neglected, the fates become furies who avenge; or Vampires who suck away the student's life-blood and make of him an evil fate to other men. If the balance is duly kept by remembering all three equally in religious meditation, the three Fates become three Graces.

This dual aspect of the three Fates is made more intelligible by reference to the dual form of the Legend of the Birds who feed Seers with wisdom. These birds are now doves, now ravens. They inspire peaceful doctrines, or prompt to deeds of darkness and cruelty, according as the Prophet does, or does not, unify their several inspirations. The true Prophet is he to whose head both birds come.

CHAPTER XXI STUDY OF ANTAGONISTIC THINKERS "Audi Alteram Partem."

a Law of Nature is ignored, it asserts itself as a destructive agent. The remedy is not to rail at the Law, but to study it and enlist its action into our service. The savage prays his Manitou not to send storms; the civilized man puts up a lightning-conductor