E P I S T L E.

Born of the royal blood of the Chinese Emperors, they call him Confucius; by the unanimous consent of the Chinese, he is held to be the wisest of all who ever flourished among them, and the Master and Oracle of both Moral and Political Philosophy.

Just as three thousand disciples once hung upon his every word, so now is that most vast empire governed by his sayings. Laws are established, the customs of the nation and civil duties are composed by them; finally, the only hope and method for attaining the highest honors of the State and the rank of Magistrate This refers to the Imperial Examination system, where mastery of Confucian texts was the sole requirement for becoming a government official (Mandarin). is contained in the thorough learning of his doctrine. All the Chinese hold his memory, his books, and his very name in marvelous reverence; even the Emperors themselves do not disdain to frequent his temples—which are preserved as sanctuaries of wisdom—and his schools with great veneration. Nor is this without merit; for they have learned from so great a Master to adore and fear the Highest Emperor of Heaven original: "Summum cæli Imperatorem." The Jesuits used this term to translate the Chinese concept of 'Shangdi' or 'Tian', arguing that ancient Chinese religion acknowledged a single Supreme Deity similar to the Christian God. (as he himself called Him), the ruler and judge of all kingdoms and empires. They have learned to rule the people subject to them with great equity and charity, to foster the arts, and finally to govern the Chinese world—which has flourished for so many years in both peace and war—by the most sacred institutions and laws.

Here, therefore, that very Confucius presents himself to you, GREAT KING, carried as it were into France original: "Gallias" by your cares and Royal generosity. He approaches, prostrating himself at Your Majesty's feet, openly to admire your wisdom. He comes to confess that his own wisdom—though celebrated among his own people with incredible fame and esteem—nevertheless yields to yours, no differently than the stars give way to the Sun.

He will stand transfixed, I believe, at the first approach and sight, fixed by both wonder and joy, having found for himself at last