182 REV. J. N. PKADENBURGH, PH.D., D.D., LL.D., 



of his nature and pointing out to him the road to 

 fortune." 



This work of Ptahhotep, notwithstanding the subtlety of 

 some of its thoughts, the strangeness of some of its precepts, 

 the obscurity of its style, and the nature of the subjects 

 treated, is well worthy of the high reputation to which it has 

 attained. Ptahhotep gives this wise advice to a prefect 

 when he sits as a judge and listens to the explanations of the 

 parties to a suit : " When thou art a leader of peace, listen 

 well to the words of the petitioner. Be not abrupt with 

 him ; that would trouble him. Do not say to him ' thou hast 

 already said this.' Indulgence will encourage him to do 

 that for the sake of which he is come. As for being abrupt 

 with the plaintiff, because he describes what happened when 

 the injury was done instead of complaining of the injury 

 itself, let it not be. The way to obtain a clear explanation 

 is to listen with kindness." 



Since the precepts seem to have been addressed only to 

 the learned, the range of subjects is limited. They are such 

 practical maxims as would help the officer of government, 

 the father of a family, and the well-to-do citizen, each to 

 fill his place with respectability and honour ; while they 

 would encourage the subordinate and dependent to continue 

 happy in their lot and not become restive under that pro- 

 vidence which has ordained ranks in society. 



A person high in authority is warned against unprofitable 

 flattery : it will harm but not help. When an opinion is 

 asked in the council of a lord, it should be given frankly 

 and without reticence. A man should deport himself with 

 circumspection in the presence of women. Inspire men with 

 love not with fear — " this is the Avill of God." Everything, 

 indeed, should be done with reference to God. It is He who 

 gives increase to the flocks and fields; the agriculturist 

 gathers of His bounty and the rich man is but His " steward." 

 Four arguments are used for the enforcement of good con- 

 duct ; it pleases God, it secures a good place for the docile 

 and laborious student, it attracts good domestics for the 

 family, and it tends to long life. Great importance is at- 

 tached to the education of children. The mind of the young 

 should be well stored with "the sayings of former days." 

 The family is recognised as the foundation of society, and 

 paternal authority must be maintained. " If thou art a wise 

 man, bring up a son Avho shall be pleasing to God. If he 

 conforms his conduct to thy way and occupies himself with 



