centration of knowledge. We went over the whole of
Mills's admirable articles in the encyclopaedia, over the more popular
works of Bentham, and thence we plunged into the recesses of political
economy. I know not why this study has been termed uninteresting. No
sooner had I entered upon its consideration, than I could scarcely tear
myself from it. Never from that moment to this have I ceased to pay it
the most constant attention, not so much as a study as an amusement; but
at that time my uncle's object was not to make me a profound political
economist. "I wish," said he, "merely to give you an acquaintance with
the principles of the science; not that you may be entitled to boast of
knowledge, but that you may be enabled to avoid ignorance; not that
you may discover truth, but that you may detect error. Of all sciences,
political economy is contained in the fewest books, and yet is the most
difficult to master; because all its higher branches require earnestness
of reflection, proportioned to the scantiness of reading. Mrs. Marsett's
elementary work, together with some conversational enlargement on the
several topics she treats of, will be enough for our present purpose. I
wish, then, to show you, how inseparably allied is the great science
of public policy with that of private morality. And this, Henry, is the
grandest object of all. Now to our present study."

Well, gentle Reader, (I love, by the by, as you already perceive, that
old-fashioned courtesy of addressing you)--well, to finish this part of
my life which, as it treats rather of my attempts at reformation than my
success in error, must begin to weary you exceedingly, I acquired,
more from my uncle's conversation than the books we read, a sufficient
acquaintance with the elements of knowledge, to satisfy myself, and to
please my instructor. And I must say, in justification of my studies and
my tutor, that I derived one benefit from them which has continued with
me to this hour--viz. I obtained a clear knowledge of moral principle.
Before that time, the little ability I possessed only led me into acts,
which, I fear, most benevolent Reader, thou hast already sufficiently
condemned: my good feelings--for I was not naturally bad--never availed
me the least when present temptation came into my way. I had no guide
but passion; no rule but the impulse of the moment. What else could have
been the result of my education? If I was immoral, it was because I was
never tau