CHINA 



be said that the Chinese have endeavoured to lead the votaries of sensuality farther on the 

 road to ruin by putting immorality under the protection of a god or goddess. It may also 

 be remarked that it is no easy matter for Europeans to understand the Chinese religion. 

 The people appear to entertain such indefinite ideas on the real character of their ceremonies, 

 and to hold such varied opinions on religious matters, that the inquirer finds it difficult to 

 obtain clear and consistent accounts on this subject. 



Confucianism would be more accurately described as a system of moral philosophy than 

 as a religion. But the belief in a Supreme Power always underlies its teachings, though it 

 is not so pointedly and persistently expressed as in other systems. The State worship of 

 "Heaven," or "God," was, and still is, confined to the Emperor in his double capacity of 

 father and priest of the people. It is held that the will of God is to be learned from the 

 moral principles of man's nature. Government is ordained by God for the good of the people; 

 and when the sovereign ceases to promote the popular good, his government is antagonistic 

 to the divine ordinance, and therefore he has forfeited his right to the throne. Thus it is 

 that revolutions and changes of dynasty are always referred to as "the will of Heaven." 

 Associated with the worship of Heaven was the worship of heaven and earth and the powers 

 of nature, but they were always regarded as subordinate to God, and fulfilling His will for the 

 good of men. Both Emperor and people worship their ancestors. This worship is universally 

 practised in China. It is a perpetuation of " the duty which every one owes to his parents 

 the first and chief of all virtues." On this Confucius laid the greatest stress, endeavouring 

 to derive all other virtues from it. 



Taoism derives its name from a treatise composed by Lao-Tsze, a contemporary of 

 Confucius. It is called "The Tao," or "The Way and its characteristics." The "Way" is the 



Photo by Mr. Afony] 



CHINESE MANDAKI.NS, CANTON 



