1850.
Paul Sü's Apology in behalf of the Jesuits.
123
and let a distinct treatise be prepared on each of these; and then let his majesty command the ministers of his own palace, in general as- sembly, to decide whether they are correct or erroneous. And if indeed they be subversive of the cardinal virtues and opposed to the classies, involving wicked doctrines and sinister means, then let the said courtiers be immediately dismissed and expelled; and your majes- ty's servant will willingly abide the punishment appointed for those who aid and abet the deceivers of his majesty.
2d. The words of the courtiers agreeing with those of the literati, but being at variance with those of the Budhists and Táuists; therefore all who are of those two sects, hate and detest them, and spread abroad slanderous reports, greatly to their injury. Needful it is, then, to decide which is right and which is wrong; and to beg your majesty will please command that these courtiers and the most notable of the Budhists and Táuists write in discussion, make the most thorough investigation, and strive and seek to come to an agreement. Then, as before, let his majesty direct that statesmen from among the literati, in general council, decide on the merits of the case; and if the cour- tiers are not preferred for what they have said, or if they have reasoned fallaciously, or have been nonplused; then let them be immediately dismissed and expelled, and let your majesty's servant be punished with them.
3d. As it would be difficult in the translation of their books to know where to stop, and as the Budhists and Táuists may perhaps not have the men [competent to take part in this], let your majesty's courtiers be instructed to draw up a compendium of their religion, in detail, stating its prohibitions and injunctions, with its requisitions and re- wards. Le this, with some thirty of the volumes that have been already translated, and ten or more of the original volumes, be to- gether submitted for your majesty's inspection, and if these be found contradictory, and opposed to the principles of reason, incompetent to urge men to do good, and to guard them from evil, to change and improve their manners and customs; then immediately let these cour- tiers be dismissed and expelled, and let your majesty's servant be pu- nished with them.
These are the three modes of examination (which are here suggested in order] to ascertain the truth concerning said courtiers. The three modes of surveillance are these:
ist. Regarding the item of expenditure—which has specially sub- jected your majesty's courtiers to suspicion-both those who suspect they make silver and gold, and those who suspect they are supported