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religious of China are three; viz., the systems of Confucius, Laou-tsze, and Buddha. Of these, the first is the most honoured, both by the government, and the learned: the works of Confucius constitute the class books of the schools, and the ground work of the public examinations; hence all who make any pretensions to literature, pride themselves in being considered the followers of that philosopher. The religion of Laou-tsze, is equally ancient with the favoured sect, and has a great hold upon the minds of the people. It has now and then been honoured with imperial patronage; and during those golden opportunities has exerted a wider