S. Mill, might, for anything he knew to the
contrary, have belonged to a venerable member of the British and Foreign
Bible Society, it by no means threw light upon the question. He was not in
any way sure that Political Economy had nothing to do with the cheapest way
of procuring clothing for the army and navy, which would be certainly both
a political and economical subject.
But Bonaparte soon came to a conclusion as to the nature of the book and
its contents, by the application of a simple rule now largely acted upon,
but which, becoming universal, would save much thought and valuable time.
It is of marvellous simplicity, of infinite utility, of universal
applicability. It may easily be committed to memory and runs thus:
Whenever you come into contact with any book, person, or opinion of which
you absolutely comprehend nothing, declare that book, person or opinion to
be immoral. Bespatter it, vituperate against it, strongly insist that any
man or woman harbouring it is a fool or a knave, or both. Carefully
abstain from studying it. Do all that in you lies to annihilate that book,
person, or opinion.
Acting on this rule, so wide in its comprehensiveness, so beautifully
simple in its working, Bonaparte approached Tant Sannie with the book in
his hand. Waldo came a step nearer, eyeing it like a dog whose young has
fallen into evil hands.
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