of the universe,
we realize that the axis around which life revolves is love, while the
axis around which death and destruction revolve is animosity and hatred.
Let us view the mineral kingdom. Here we see that if attraction did not
exist between the atoms, the composite substance of matter would not be
possible. Every existent phenomenon is composed of elements and cellular
particles. This is scientifically true and correct. If attraction did not
exist between the elements and among the cellular particles, the
composition of that phenomenon would never have been possible. For
instance, the stone is an existent phenomenon, a composition of elements.
A bond of attraction has brought them together, and through this cohesion
of ingredients this petrous object has been formed. This stone is the
lowest degree of phenomena, but nevertheless within it a power of
attraction is manifest without which the stone could not exist. This power
of attraction in the mineral world is love, the only expression of love
the stone can manifest.

Look now upon the next highest stage of life, the vegetable kingdom. Here
we see that the plant is the result of cohesion among various elements,
just as the mineral is in its kingdom; but, furthermore, the plant has the
power of absorption from the earth. This is a higher degree of attraction
which differentiates the plant from the mineral. In the kingdom of the
vegetable this is an expression of love, the highest capacity of
expression the vegetable possesses. By this power of attraction, or
augmentation, the plant grows day by day. Therefore, in this kingdom,
also, love is the cause of life. If repulsion existed among the elements
instead of attraction, the result would be disintegration, destruction and
nonexistence. Because cohesion exists among the elements and cellular
attraction is manifest, the plant appears. When this attraction is
dispelled and the ingredients separate, the plant ceases to exist.

Then we come to the animal world, which is still higher in degree than the
vegetable kingdom. In it the power of love makes itself still more
manifest. The light of love is more resplendent in the animal kingdom
because the power of attraction whereby elements cohere and cellular atoms
commingle now reveals itself in certain emotions and sensibilities which
produce instinctive fellowship and association. The animals are imbued
with kindness and affinity which manifests itself among those of the