Accordingly, on my arrival in the City, I obtained a copy; and then, with all possible haste, I made my way home, and, throwing myself in a chair, sat down to read it.
I did not cease reading until I had finished what I regarded then, and still regard, as one of the finest religious novels of the age.

This may seem to many extravagant praise; but when I remember the influence it had on my life, I feel inclined to hold to my opinion.
Putting aside the other parts of the book, that in which I was so fearfully interested might be briefly stated thus:-- Mesmerism and animal magnetism may be regarded as human forces.

Those possessing them, and thereby having the power to mesmerize, may subjugate the will of those who are susceptible to mesmeric influences, and hold them in a complete and terrible slavery.

The oftener the victim yields to the will of the mesmerist, the stronger will his power become.
There is only one means by which the person under this influence can be free.

This is by obtaining a strength superior to that of the mesmerist, which is only to be realized by being in communion with a Higher Life, and participating in that Life.