Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. II.djvu/183

Rh Of the questions and replies that passed between us I shall merely give the following:—

Question.—What is the meaning of your dancing? Is it symbolical or is it for discipline?

Answer.—Both one and the other. We dance because we cannot help it; because we cannot otherwise give expression to the feelings of our hearts. Our dance is so arranged that it may represent to us our duty and our faith, and thus become to us a vitalising sermon both to soul and body.

Question.—You say you represent something quite new in the world; nevertheless, I must observe, that sects which separated themselves from the world, forsaking all its pleasures, in order to lead a holy life, may be found in all ages. How do you distinguish your community from those orders of monks and nuns which were formed immediately after the introduction of Christianity, and which are yet to be met with in many countries?

Answer.—There is the greatest difference in the world. These orders will that the human being shall attain perfection by the separation of man and woman, whom God created for a spiritual oneness. We, on the contrary, maintain that it is only through this spiritual union between man and woman, that the perfected human being can be produced. Question.—The fundamental idea of your community is then that of spiritual marriage?

Answer.—We do not call it marriage. We merely say that men and women cannot become good and perfected human beings, excepting by means of reciprocal spiritual union and daily intercourse, conformably with the intention of God, whereby they aid each other in the attainment of a perfect life.

Question.—But if all the world were to be of your way of thinking; and all the world, that is to say, our world, were to become a community such as yours,