head; but I cannot, it comes back in spite of me. I hear often that it is proposed to unite all men in one religion. Is it true? I know not. But if it is attempted, I declare that, instead of uniting men, they will remain divided in as many sects as ever, and the result will be more hurtful than useful. It was easy to influence men in ancient times, when they were still savage; they could then be led by a mere thread, without fear of its breaking. But to-day you may bind them with a triple rope, and you will not lead them one step, first because of their own customs, and then because they have a pride which keeps them from submitting one to another.
Found religion, however, on the primitive law, without adding strange rules, and soon all the universe will be united. Otherwise it is impossible to obtain the union you dream of.
150. From poverty to riches is but a step; inversely the distance is even less. It is the same with the general and the soldier. A man knows not when his chariot may be overturned; or, in other words, destiny may to-day give him a million, and to-morrow make him as poor as we are; to day he may be a general, and to-morrow our equal.
151. Behold, then, the path you should follow.
Hasten to teach the child, however noble may be his family, the first commandment. When he has grown up, show him by example how to labor for bread. Then, should misfortune over-
