[455]. That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit; the spirit bloweth where it listeth.
[456]. We will not discuss here the reasons for the strength of the phantasy. But it does not seem difficult to me to imagine what sort of powers are hidden behind the above formula.
[457]. Lactantius says: “When all know that it is customary for certain animals to conceive through wind and breath of air, why should any one consider it miraculous for a virgin to be impregnated by the spirit of God?” Robertson: “Evang. Myth.,” p. 31.
[458]. Therefore the strong emphasis upon affiliation in the New Testament.
[459]. The mystic feelings of the nearness of God; the so-called personal inner experience.
[460]. The sexual mawkishness is everywhere apparent in the lamb symbolism and the spiritual love-songs to Jesus, the bridegroom of the soul.
[461]. Usener: “Der heilige Tychon,” 1907.
[462]. Compare W. P. Knight: “Worship of Priapus.”
[463]. Or in the compensating organizations, which appear in the place of religion.
[464]. The condition was undoubtedly ideal for early times, where mankind was more infantile in general: and it still is ideal for that part of humanity which is infantile; how large is that part!