Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 336

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war.

Biographical Notice of Mencius.

JUNE,

ces into which China was at that time divided, were not capable of re- storing tranquillity to the empire, continually disturbed by leagues, divi- sions, and intestine wars. For them, the true science was the art of Mencius might well boast to them of the government and the virtues of Yaou, of Shun, and of the founders of the three first dynas- ties; but perpetual wars broke out on every side, and extending themselves wherever he went, destroyed the good effect of his teaching, and thwarted all his plans. At length, convinced of the impossibili- ty of doing any good to princes such as these, he returned to his own country; and there, in concert with Wan-chang, and others of his disciples, he employed himself in arranging the Book of Odes, and the Shoo King, following in this the example of Confucius, and an- xious to execute the task in the spirit of the great philosopher. He composed also, at this' time, the work in chapters which bears his name. He died about 314 years before Christ, aged 84 years.

The book of which I have just spoken is Mencius' chief claim to reputation: always united to the three works on morals which contain the exposition of the doctrine of Confucius, it forms with these, what is distinguishingly called the Sze Shoo, or the Four Books. It is of itself longer than the other three united, nor is it less esteemed, or less worthy of being read. In the words of a Chinese author; 'Mencius has gathered in the heritage of Confucius, developed his principles, as Confucius did those of Wán wang, of Woo wang, and of Chow kung; but at his own death no one was found to do the like for him. Not one of those who came after him can be compared with him, not even Seun tsze, and Yang tsze.' I will not transcribe, even briefly, the pompous eulogies which this author, and a hundred others, have emulously bestowed on our philosopher. Let it suffice to say, that by unanimous consent he has been honored with the title of A Shing, which signifies, the Second Saint, Confucius being regarded as the first. He has also been honored, by public act, with the title of Holy Prince of the Country of Tsow; and in the great tem. ple of the literati, they pay him the same honors as to Confucius. A portion of this distinction, according to Chinese custom, has been transmitted to the descendants of Mencius, who bear the title of Masters of the Traditions concerning the classic Books, in the impe- rial academy of Hanlin.

The kurd of merit which has procured for Mencius so great celebrity, would not be regarded as of much value-in the eyes of Europeans; but he has others which, if his book were adequately translated, would procure him favor. His style, less dignified and less