1841.
Illustrations of Men and Things in China.
49
to those who hate us. Its acts are all unequivocal, and as salutary as they are powerful. And if moulded and adorned according to the precepts and rules of the Christian code, it is man's best safeguard and his richest ornament.
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The observance of the Sabbath—last, not least-would we rècom- mend with the utmost earnestness and becoming deference. The great Author of our being, knowing the infirmities of our nature, doubtless saw that man needed the rest which this day affords from the excitements of ordinary business and pleasure, with the opportu- nity also which it gives for more undivided attention to spiritual and eternal interests, and therefore ordained the Sabbath for man's bene- fit. On this high ground, we recommend its observance. Careful recognition of Jehovah's government, cheerful obedience to his laws, are most suitable for such worms as we are. The nations are all his; and he exalteth and abaseth when and whom he pleaseth. Plague, pestilence, stormy winds, and volcanic fires, are all his ministers and fulfill his pleasure. And shall not we fear him, bow submissive to his will, and hallow his Sabbath? Judge, ye who have understand-, ing. Judge ye.
B.
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ART. VII. Illustrations of men and things in China: popular
tions and allusions to the powers of nature.
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THE few sentences here given will exhibit some of the most current notions of the Chinese upon the heavens, and metaphors drawn from them! The explanations are also those of the Chinese. Few people relish racy sayings and neatly turned allusions better than this people,' and few use them more frequently.
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1. When the primeval chaos was first separated, then the dual powers began to be fixed,
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The idea of chaos is expressed by bubbling, turbid water; heaven and earth are the dual powers; before the chaos was separated, these two powers were mingled 'and 'pent up as a chick in ooo; but when the renowned Pwankoo appear- ed, who was the offspring of these powers, then their distinction and operation were apparent. Pican means a basin or receiver, referring to the shell of the engi
kòb' usually means'antient; But here 'it means (we are told) solid, to secure, intending to show how the first man Pwänkoo was hatched from the'primeval chau's by Mid dial powers wh then settled and exhibited the arrangement of the
VOL. X. NO. I. loud que plus
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