The Chinese Classical Work Commonly Called the Four Books, Tr. and Illustr. with Notes by D. Collie - Softcover

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1828 Excerpt: ... CHAP. VII. 1. Mencins said, that even the quick sight of Le Low and the ingenuity of Rung Lun Tsze could not make things square and round without the compass and square, nor could the bright talent of the music master Kwang have formed the five notes, had he not used the six rules, neither can the principles of Yaou and Shun without the practice of benevolent government give peace and tranquility to the empire. Suppose a man have a benevolent heart and a benevolent character, if the people are not benefited by his favor, he cannot be an example to future ages, this is because he does rot put in practice the principles of the former kings. Hence, it is said, that empty, (or dormant) virtue is not sufficient for government, nor can dead laws reduce themselves to practice. The She says, " He who neither errs, nor forgets, is the man who accords with the ancient canons." It never has happened, that those who have followed the laws of the former kings have erred. When the sages had to the utmost exerted the strength of their eyes, they used the compass, the square, the measure and the line to make things square, round, even, and straight. These are inexhaustible in their use. When they had exerted to the utmost the strength of their ears they employed the six rules to render the five sounds correct. The use of there is inexhaustible. When they had ployed their minds to the utmost, they added compassionate government, and benevolence covered the empire. The intention of this section is to shew, that all good government mast be formed on the TOo'lelj laid down b. the ancient kings, and to reprove those who merely know and praise the principles of these worthies, but de not reduce them to practice in governing the people. Hence, it is said, that those who wish to...

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