A SIMILE 179 



another the ship is completely isolated, and 

 therefore self-dependent. In fine weather and 

 foul weather the vessel continues to maintain 

 a true course, and ultimately reaches the haven 

 of her destination. 



This achievement is the result of the com- 

 bined labour of many hands in various capa- 

 cities. But these hands (members of the crew) , 

 who bring the ship safely into harbour, have 

 no will of their own in this matter. They are 

 neither supposed nor required to think ; simply 

 and automatically they obey orders trans- 

 mitted by the Captain, who has in his mind — 

 or should have — ^the whole working system of 

 the ship in minutest detail. Any inclination 

 to reflect on the part of these human units 

 tends only to obstruct the proper conduct and 

 management of the vessel. 



In regard to the actual undertaking, all 

 hands are imbued with the same object, viz., 

 to bring the ship to the port of her destination. 

 But it is immaterial that these hands shall 

 know the name of the port, or even the in- 

 tention of the undertaking. But as to the work 

 in hand all the members of the crew, in what- 

 ever capacity, are of the same mind, i.e., one 

 mind which is open and free to receive thoughts 

 (verbally transmitted in this case) emanating 

 from the Master-Mind, the Captain of the ship. 



