Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 268

1850.

Precious Words to Awaken the Age.

230

Important Selections from the Work on the Principles of Physiognomy, by Doctor Chin Hi-í.

The mind is that which gives to the countenance its peculiar ex- pression. If a person diligently studies his own mind, he will himself understand his true character, whether it be good or bad; the con- duct is the acting out of the mind. Observe the conduct of an in- dividual, and you will know whether he is happy or miserable If a person does not render a due equivalent for that which he receives (i. e. is not equitable in his dealings), it will be difficult for him to protect and to support his offspring. If a person is variable and incon- stant in his speech, it will thence appear that his intentions can not be relied upon. If a man's disposition is pacific and harmonious, it is a sign that he will secure glory to himself and honor to his children. If a man's talents are depraved and his disposition obstinate, and he does not meet with some great calamity, it will be wonderful. If a man knows not how to show any expression of gratitude, he will assuredly spend his days in poverty, and his life will be prematurely cut off. If whenever you converse you reflect well upon the past, you will attain unto honor and riches and old age. If you honor the rich and despise the poor, then with whom will you be able to intrust the care of your wife and children? If you respect the aged and cherish the young, you will not fail to perceive affluence following in your steps, and glory waiting before you. If you utter with a vain tongue the language of disobedience and contention, your days will be cut short. If you forget favor and cherish a petty resentment, it will be difficult to attain to the highest degree of merit at the literary ex- aminations. If petty wealth and petty honors easily satisfy, the retri- bution of calamity will be accurately meted out; and if great wealth and great honor do not move you, then you will obtain happiness and emolument without bounds. If you are not competent for the manage- ment of affairs, you will not only come to nought yourself, you will also entail calamity upon your children. If you treat men liberally beyond what the strict claims of justice require, you will unawares be rewarded with happiness and long life. If you fraudulently or violently deprive men of their estates, your children will certainly come to shame; if you honor your teachers, then you will have sages for your sons.

He who is too severe easily accomplishes his designs, but it is difficult to preserve himself entirely free from calamity he who is too gentle with difficulty completes his undertakings, yet a calm and equable felicity he is also able quietly to enjoy. If you impose heavy