human beings; but without communicating instruction, their work was incomplete. Now, as heaven and earth could not speak, it was necessary for the sages to come to their assistance; who, settling the form of government, and teaching the principles of right conduct, aid nature in the management of the world, and thus form a triad of equal powers and importance. These sages are supposed to possess intuitive perception of all truth; to know the nature of things, instantly, and to be able to explain every principle. The following is a description of them, from one of the Four Books: "It is only the thoroughly sincere, who can perfect his own nature; he who can perfect his own nature, can perfect the nature of other men; he who can perfect the nature of men, can perfect the nature of things; he who can perfect the nature of things, can assist heaven and earth in renovating and nourishing the world; and he who thus assists heaven and earth, forms a trinity with the powers of nature." Of this class, they reckon but few; the most distinguished, are the first emperors Yaou and Shun; the celebrated Wăn-wang, and his brother Chow-kung, with Confucius. The latter is described by one of his disciples, in the following extravagant terms: "His fame overflowed China, like a deluge, and extended to the barbarians; wherever ships or carriages reach — wherever human strength penetrates — wherever the heavens cover, and the earth sustains — wherever the sun and moon shed their light, — wherever frost or dew falls — wherever there is blood and breath — there were none who did not approach and honour him; therefore, he is equal to heaven." This expression "equal to heaven," is oft repeated by the Chinese, with reference to Confucius; and there
