wo bodies. And what is
true of the body in this sense, is also true of the sameness or magnetism
of the mind. Hence, _by the laying on of hands_, or by the association of
the minds of individuals, we reach the same result as when a combination is
produced in any department of nature. Where this sameness of affinity
exists, there will be a blending of forces, which has a tendency to build
up vitality.

4. A PROOF.--As a proof of this position, how often have you found the
society of strangers to be so repulsive to your feelings, that you have no
disposition to associate. Others seem to bring with them a soothing
influence that draws you closer to them. All these involuntary likes and
dislikes are but the results of the _animal magnetism_ that we are
constantly throwing off from our bodies,--although seemingly imperceptible
to our internal senses.--The dog can scent his master, and determine the
course which he pursues, no doubt from similar influences.

5. HOME HARMONY.--Many of the infirmities that afflict humanity are largely
due to a want of an understanding of its principles, and the right
applications of the same. I believe that if this law of magnetism was more
fully understood and acted upon, there would be a far greater harmony in
the domestic circle; the health of parents and children might often be
preserved where now sickness and discord so frequently prevail.

6. THE LAW OF MAGNETISM.--When two bodies are brought into contact with
each other, the weak must naturally draw from the strong until both have
become equal. And as long as this equality exists there will be perfect
harmony between individuals, because of the reciprocation which exists in
their nature. {472}

7. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.--But if one should gain the advantage of the
other in magnetic attraction, the chances are that through the law of
development, or what has been termed the "Survival of the Fittest"--the
stronger will rob the weaker until one becomes robust and healthy, while
the other grows weaker and weaker day by day. This frequently occurs with
children sleeping together, also between husband and wife.

8. SLEEPING WITH INVALIDS.--Healthy, hearty, vigorous persons sleeping with
a diseased person is always at a disadvantage. The consumptive patient will
draw from the strong, until the consumptive person becomes the strong
patient and the strong person will become the consumptive. There are many
cases on record to prove this state