"One of the things which was the most strongly impressed (by whom?)
upon the mind of the Egyptians, was the love of their country....
_Nobody was allowed_ to be useless to the State; the law assigned
to every one his employment, which descended from father to son. No
one was permitted to have two professions, nor to adopt another....
But there was one occupation which _was obliged_ to be common to
all,--this was the study of the laws and of wisdom; ignorance of
religion and the political regulations of the country was excused
in no condition of life. Moreover, every profession had a district
assigned to it (by whom?).... Amongst good laws, one of the best
things was, that everybody was taught to observe them (by whom?).
Egypt abounded with wonderful inventions, and nothing was neglected
which could render life comfortable and tranquil."
Thus men, according to Bossuet, derive nothing from themselves;
patriotism, wealth, inventions, husbandry, science--all come to them by
the operation of the laws, or by kings. All they have to do is to be
passive. It is on this ground that Bossuet takes exception, when
Diodorus accuses the Egyptians of rejecting wrestling and music. "How is
that possible," says he, "since these arts were invented by
Trismegistus?"