INTRODUCTORY DECLARATION.

xiv

...hesitated to do, or should we hope that it is possible for our Chinese Epictetus original: Epictetus; the author compares Confucius to this Greek Stoic philosopher (c. 50–135 AD), who was known for his practical ethics and moral discipline. to receive applause? Unless, perhaps, Europeans—while they more attentively contemplate the gray hairs of this ancient writer—would not dare to fail in venerating such great age. Indeed, age itself often gives value even to the most common things, in such a way that even fragile pottery and bronze coins are held in high esteem by Princes original: Principibus; refers to high-ranking nobles or rulers. and those who shine no less with their own wisdom than with their royal purple. If we had brought to such men, as a small gift, older copper coins marked with the characters of the Chinese Emperors; or if we brought that magnetic instrument which long ago the Duke of Zhou original: Cheu cum; a foundational figure in Chinese history, credited with establishing the rites of the Zhou Dynasty., brother of the Chinese Emperor, gave as a gift to the ambassadors of the King of Cochinchina An ancient name for the central region of modern-day Vietnam., so that they might row back to their fatherland more safely and surely by its indication of the south toward which they were heading, we would certainly seem to have brought a great gift to those who cherish antiquity. This would be true even though that instrument might perhaps be rude and unrefined, and by now almost entirely eaten away by rust, and by no means to be compared with the shine and elegance of those instruments with which Europe now abounds. But it would certainly delight Europeans to see that which had existed in the Far East original: ultimo Oriente for two thousand four hundred years.

We ourselves cannot deny that the work of our Confucius is something rude and unpolished, if indeed it is compared with European elegance and beauty. For although Confucius was born in the year 551 before Christ, he himself repeatedly affirms that the doctrine and the politico-moral principles which he handed down to posterity are not his own, but were received from the legislators Yao and Shun original: Yao & Xun; legendary sage-kings whom Confucius regarded as the perfect models of virtue and government.. Since these Princes governed that most ancient monarchy three thousand eight hundred years ago (as the Chronological Table original: Tabula Chronologica that we have attached to this study of ours will explain to the reader), it must be fully admitted that this doctrine has long flourished among the Chinese. And so, just as we have a nearly certain hope that this study of ours will be welcomed and pleasing to the Missionaries because of the most abundant fruits they will gather from it, we also hope it will be held in at least some value among all those who venerate antiquity. Let these words suffice regarding the reasons for undertaking this work.

An ornamental woodcut tailpiece featuring symmetrical scrolling foliage and acanthus leaf motifs surrounding a central decorative element.