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 that the sun-goddess and the creator-god are sometimes unable to restrain them; much less are human beings able to resist their influence. The prosperity of the wicked and the misfortunes of the good, which seem opposed to ordinary justice, are their doing. The Chinese, not possessing the traditions of the divine age, were ignorant of this truth, and were driven to invent the theory of “Heaven’s decrees.”

The eternal endurance of the dynasty of the Mikados is a complete proof that the ‘way’ called Kami no michi or Shintô infinitely surpasses the systems of all other countries.

The “Holy Men” of China were merely successful rebels. The Mikado is the sovereign appointed by the pair of deities, Izanagi and Izanami, who created this country. The Sun-goddess never said, ‘Disobey the Mikado if he be bad,’ and therefore, whether he be good or bad, no one attempts to deprive him of his authority. He is the immoveable ruler who must endure to the end of time, as long as the sun and moon continue to shine. In ancient language the Mikado was called a god, and that is his real character. Duty therefore consists in obeying him implicitly, without questioning his acts, During the middle ages such men as Hôjô Yoshitoki, Hôjô Yasutoki, Ashikaga Takauji and others violated this duty (michi), and took up arms against him. Their disobedience to the Mikado is attributable to the influence of Chinese learning.

This ‘way’ was established by Izanagi and Izanami, and delivered by them to the Sun-goddess, who handed it down, and this is why it is called the “way of the gods.” The nature of this “way” is to be learnt by studying the Kojiki and ancient writings, but mankind have been turned aside from it by the Spirits of Crookedness to Buddhism and Chinese philosophy.

The various doctrines taught under the name of shintô are without authority.

Human beings having been produced by the spirit of the two Creative Deities, are naturally endowed with the