Page:The astral world, higher occult powers; (IA astralworldhighe00tiff).pdf/162

 *ternal force to hold the elements of the tree or rock together, nor to hold together the organs of the animal.

Individualization is the result of an inward power which attracts one part to cohere with its fellow. Nature is very careful to observe the law of affinity; and the moment you bring any element which should not enter an organism, repulsion immediately operates to prevent its entrance.

Hate is at times defined to be a less degree of love, and love sometimes is very negative. Repulsion is also defined to be a less degree of attraction. A stone thrown into the air is drawn to the earth by the power of gravitation. But the balloon which is subject to the same law, instead of coming toward the earth's center, rises. It does not rise because the earth does not attract it, but because the atmosphere, for which the earth has a greater affinity than for the balloon, causes the balloon to recede and make room for it. The case of the balloon illustrates the law of excretion. The position which each particle is to assume in the system is determined by the vital affinities imparted to it in the stomach. If any particle loses its vital affinities, it occupies the position needed by some other particle; and the new particle accordingly displaces the old. But I wish to impress upon the mind the fact, that Nature's law of individualizing is that of affinity, and that Nature does not apply external force to build up her individuals. However, before any particle can be taken into an organization by the law of affinity, it must receive a peculiar impress or affinity, and an affinity suited to the particular organization into which it is to enter. It receives that affin