Page:Horæ Sinicæ, Translations from the Popular Literature of the Chinese (horsinictran00morrrich, Morrison, 1812).djvu/43

Rh Wherefore the rules which are proper in the government of a nation, are found in the good regulation of a family.

The Ode says, “The peach-tree how delightful; its foliage how luxuriant! So is the bride going to the house of her husband, and entering upon the orderly regulation of her family.” Let there be first the orderly regulation of a family, and afterwards there will be ability to instruct and govern a nation of men.

The Ode says, “Let there be that which is suitable betwixt elder and younger brothers.” [Be it so;] and then there will be ability to teach a nation of men.

The Ode says, “The prince, whose doctrines are without error, exhibits a pattern of uprightness to the four quarters of heaven.” He fulfils the duties of father, of son, of elder and of younger brother; and then the people imitate him.

This shews that the government of a nation, consists in [the same principles as] the regulation of a family.

On the right is delivered the ninth section, and it illustrates, “the regulation