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278 comfort: it is not to be doubted that divers of these were known of old, and used as engines of fraud and deceptive power. The pursuer of science was formerly as eager to conceal, as he is now desirous of blazoning his discoveries. No: I would circulate information as widely as possible; but it should be rather practical than theoretical. There are many books which we do not wish children to read till their judgment is matured. The ignorant are as children. I would with them use similar caution." "Does it not appear to you that this fashion of universal education arises out of the fallacious system of universal equality? We give rather out of our abundance than our discretion, too little remembering that, if knowledge is power, it is what all cannot tell how to manage. Apollo would have been wise if, before he trusted his son with the reins of his chariot, he had given him a few lessons in driving." "True," replied Lord Mandeville. "Now, the steps I would take in giving the lower classes education would be, first, to furnish them with religious, and secondly with practical, information. From religion, and that only, can they learn the inherent nature of good