"There is another unity much more important to establish. I wish to speak of a unity of purpose for the labours of Christians, for those of all the human race. It is a purpose very clear, very decisive, very material, which you ought to present to men, that you may make Christianity preponderate over Mahometanism, over the religion of Foé, over the religion of Brahma, in fine, over all religions, as well as over all temporal institutions.
"The general object which you ought to present to mankind in their labours, is the amelioration of the moral and physical condition of the most numerous class; and you ought to form a system of social organization, tending to give encouragement to this order of labours, and to insure their preponderance over all others, of whatsoever importance they appear to be.
"To ameliorate most speedily, the condition of the poorest class, the most favourable circumstances would be those, in which there is a great quantity of labour to execute, and where this labour requires the greatest development of human intelligence. You ought to create these circumstances; now that the dimensions of our planet are known, cause your men of science, your artists, and your men of industry, to draw out a general plan of works to render the territorial possession of the human race the most productive possible, and the most agreeable to inhabit in all respects.
"The immense number of works which you will immediately order to be executed, will contribute more efficaciously to the amelioration of the condition of the poor, than could the most abundant donations of the charitable; and by this means, the rich, far from being impoverished by pecuniary sacrifices, will be enriched as well as the poor.
"Hitherto, the clergy have given to the faithful, for the employment of their lives, only a metaphysical object—a celestial paradise;—hence it followed, that ecclesiastics have invested themselves with a power
