l the religious
systems that divide you, one alone shall this day be preferred; all the
others, all this multitude of standards, of nations, of prophets, shall
be condemned to eternal destruction. This is not enough: among the
particular sects of the chosen system, one only can be favored; all
the others must be condemned: neither is this enough;--from this little
remnant of a group I must exclude all those who have not fulfilled the
conditions enjoined by its precepts. O men! to what a small number of
elect have you limited your race! to what a penury of beneficence do you
reduce the immensity of my goodness! to what a solitude of beholders do
you condemn my greatness and my glory!

"But," said the legislator rising, "no matter you have willed it so.
Nations! here is an urn in which all your names are placed: one only is
a prize: approach, and draw this tremendous lottery!" And the nations,
seized with terror cried: "No, no; we are all brothers, all equal; we
cannot condemn each other."

"Then," said the legislator, resuming his seat: "O men! who dispute
on so many subjects, lend an attentive ear to one problem which you
exhibit, and which you ought to decide yourselves."

And the people, giving great attention, he lifted an arm towards heaven,
and, pointing to the sun, said:

"Nations, does that sun, which enlightens you, appear square or
triangular?"

"No," answered they with one voice, "it is round."

Then, taking the golden balance that was on the altar:

"This gold," said the legislator, "that you handle every day, is it
heavier than the same volume of copper?"

"Yes," answered all the people, "gold is heavier than Copper."

Then, taking the sword:

"Is this iron," said the legislator, "softer than lead?"

"No," said the people.

"Is sugar sweet, and gall bitter?"

"Yes."

"Do you love pleasure and hate pain?"

"Yes."

"Thus, then, you are agreed in these points, and many others of the same
nature.

"Now, tell us, is there a cavern in the centre of the earth, or
inhabitants in the moon?"

This question caused a universal murmur. Every one answered
differently--some yes, others no; one said it was probable, another said
it was an idle and ridiculous question; some, that it was worth knowing.
And the discord was universal.

After some time the legislator, having obtained silence, said:

"Explain to us, O Nations! this problem: we have put to you several
questions which you have answered w