Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 441

1843

Sketch of the Life of Confucins

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commented upon the Li K1, or Book of Rites, and compiled the Sh King, or Book of Odes. He composed the Shú King or Book of Records, and the Chun Tsau or Spring and Autumn Annals, so call- ed, some say, because the commendations contained therein are life- giving like spring, and the reproofs are life-withering like autumn. These books are collectively called the Wú King or Five Classics. The Hiáu King or Memoir on Filial Duty, the Chung Yung or Truc Medium, the Tái Hioh or Superior Lessons, and the Lun Yii or Conversations of Confucius, are all considered by the Chinese as con- taining the doctrines of the sage; the first one is sometimes ascribed to his own pen.

The last three, with the work of Mencius, consti- tutes the Sz' Shu or Four Books, and were arranged on their present form by Ching fútsz' about 800 years ago.

The leading features of the morality of Confucius are subordina- tion to superiors, and kind upright dealing with our fellow-meu. From the duty, honor, and obedience owed by a child to his parents, he proceeds to inculcate the obligations of wives to their husbands, of subjects to their prince, and of ministers to their king, while he makes the head also amenable to heaven. "These principles are perpetually inculcated in the Confucian writings, and are embodied in solemn ceremonials, and apparently trivial forms of mere etiquette. And probably it is this feature of his ethics which has made him such a favorite with all the governments of China for many centuries past and at this day. These principles and these forms are early in- stilled into young minds and form their conscience; the elucidation and enforcement of these principles and forms is the business of stu- dents who aspire to be magistrates or statesmen; and it is in all likelihood owing in great part to the force of these principles on the national mind and habits, that China holds together the largest asso- ciated population in the world." Every one is interested in uphold- ing doctrines which give him power over those under him; and as the instruction of his own youthful days has given him the habit of obedi- ence and respect to all his superiors, so now when he is a superior he exacts the same obedience from his juniors, and public opinion accords it to him. The observance of such principles has tended to consoli- date the national mind of China to that peculiar uniformity which has been remarked by those who have known them best. It has also tended to restram all independence of thought, and keep the mind, even of the most powerful intellects, under an mcubus which, while it wa prevented by outward creamstances from getting at the know ledge of other land, was

was too great for then nessisted energie:

tr.