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252 countries. I have told you of the great sect that was formed, and of the principles this sect adhered to and propagated. I have told you of the good this sect did in the country districts, and how the educated classes in the cities joined them. I have told you how a certain set of people in the cities opposed them for selfish motives, and I have told you how they influenced the uneducated people, and succeeded in leading them astray. The consequence was that the educated citizens, rather than give up the principles that they had adopted, left the cities and went to reside in the country, thus allowing those who remained full scope to carry out their foolish ways. The cities throughout the empire again became more and more depraved; their inhabitants seemed to again sink to the lowest depths of degradation; they went to the greatest excesses in eating and drinking; and their physical strength became lower and lower by this abuse. Anarchy again rose, and wise men saw that there were terrible times again in store for