m 
But if we were to say to the weal- 
thy, put your riches in common, 
they would call us knaves. 
IF we were to say so to the igno- 
rant, they might call us fools. If 
to rulers and powerful men, they 
would forbid us to repeat it. 
What is then to be done? Let 
us labor in silence and by our ex- 
ample. A time will come, when it 
will be safe to speak openly the 
truth. 
Real equality will then be under- 
stood, and effectually established. 
It consists in every individual be- 
ing equally enlightened, wealthy and 
happy, according to his wish and ca- 
pability. 
Natural equality is not fit for the 
mob nor the ignorant; they could 
not enjoy it a single day without 
mischief. 
But let us work to make them fit 
for it in time. 
Our good and bad qualities pro- 
ceed from our education. 
Let us reform this essential branch 
of human economy. , 
The reform of mankind is a la- 
bor for ages, it will be subject to 
many relapses; but we must not de- 
spair to achieve it. 
, Let nothing disgust us and thwart 
us in this noble and eminent under- 
taking. 
Those who feel a passion for the 
love of truth and wisdom will never 
sink under it. 
Let us transmit the means and 
knowledge from age to age, from na- 
tions to nations. 
Let us nurse with care in our bo- 
soms, this last hope of mankind ; and 
when its appointed time will come, 
let us present it to their eyes. 
But let us beware to give guilty 
bearings to any eternal truths. 
Meantime let us improve ourselves 
and increase our wisdom and knowl- 
edge. 
Let us beware of our senses, they 
often deceive us. 
Our secret senses are our intern- 
al sight and feeling. 
We must not judge of things by 
mere appearances, nothing is more 
deceitful. 
Let us study their essential and 
real qualities and faculties. 
There is often no better ground 
for an opinion than plausibility. 
If a thing is possible, it may be 
believed. To believe we must be- 
gin by doubting. Doubt is the man- 
tle of wisdom. 
The nature of bodies results from 
the mixture and separation of ele- 
ments. 
The elements emanate from God, 
The sun is the mirror of God. 
The light of God shines on our 
minds as the light of the sun on our 
eyes. 
It delights to brighten a good mind. 
Ignorance is the night of the mind; 
errors are its clouds. 
Happiness is the general pursuit of 
mankind. 
Harmony is the universal chain of 
happiness. 
Let us imitate on earth, the har- 
mony of the heavens. 
The same order ought to rule over 
men and societies, as over worlds 
and things. 
Let wisdom unite itself to labor, 
and genius to strength, as the earth 
is united to the skies. 
Nature is a republic. It is indi- 
visible, imperishable; all the mem- 
bers thereof act in eternal harmony. 
Nations! you are all the children 
of nature; imitate your mother. 
Men! in ail your thoughts and ac- 
tions, think of God. 
When we wish to become wise, 
we must not be satisfied with what 
is good, but ever strive to reach 
what is better still. 
This is the complement of wisdom. 
Let us improve forever. 
But the past has been for us a 
mixture of good and evil. 
Such will be futurity. Never 
fear evil, but conquer it. 
If we expect every thing, nothing 
shall surprise us. 
When danger shall threaten us, 
let us warn them by the brazen 
shield of wisdom. 
