INTRODTJCTIOTST. XI 



Freemasonry has, likewise, formerly been used as a cover forpolitical coujurations in England; C 1 ) 

 and there are surely pevverted and bad people amongsfc masons too. We have, however, not to 

 discuss at present what the Chinese Hungleague lias done or does; but what it ought to do 

 according to its ovvn tenets and teachings: that war and revolt is not its proper object the 

 brotherhood itself acknovvledges. In the lOth question of their Catechism the master asks: 

 //There is a great and a petty Heaven and Earth-league; do you know that?" whereupon the 

 Vanguard answers : ,/I do: the petty league originated at the waters of San-ho; the great 

 league is contained in the principle of Heaven." ( 2 ) 



The folio wing discourse which we find at the head of two copies of the handbook of this 

 league, gives us a better idea of its tendency. It is entitled: //Excellent words of exhortation," 

 and says: ,/A great man easily establishes his house; the truenoblehas no difficulties in fixing 

 bis will. They always retreat a step and are, therefore, in peace and rest; they always yield 

 some points and, therefore, have no troubles. They suffer insults and, therefore, are calm and 

 composed; they restrain themselves some moments and, therefore, are happy as the Gods above. 



The blue mountains do not care for man's affairs, 



Nor did the green waters ever wash away right or wrong. 



If some one asks you the affairs of the Hungleague; 



Shake your head and answer: „I don't know." 

 I have also heard people say: 



Make righteous profits and gains and fulfil your duties; 



Do not act wrongly and confuse right and wrong. 

 z/Drink pure and clear water, but do not touch the wine of brothels. Converse with vir- 

 tuous friends and renounce heartless companions. If people insult you, injure you, revile you, 

 abuse you, — how ought you to take it? You ought to bear it, suffer it, endure it, and forgive 

 it. Don't ask immoral people to drink wine with you. Don't believe those who are righteous 

 with their rnouths and unrighteous in their hearts. Do not frequent people who turn you a 

 cold shoulder, and are without lieart or faith. 



Do not despise people whose fortune has turned; for you will only be for a few years a 

 lamb and an inferior. ( 3 ) Always remember in your actions the fundamental principles of 

 Heaven, of Earth and of yourself. ( 4 ) 



l 1 ) Symb. d. Freim. II. Introduction, p. VII. 



(;) /h f ï H » *, ^ f S ^ 



(■ j This sentence contains the prornise that they will be free in a few years. 



C) ~^C ^ • ^lii ^fe i Éf 2f£ » ^ ue fundamental principle, or the intrinsic virtue of Heaven is con- 

 tained in these f'our words: jpQ "£jf ^}j jË Which givcs existcnce, incrcase, perfection, and 



consummation. Heaven, therefore, is Perfect I p|1 j||| l, 



The fundamental principle, or intrinsic virtue of Earth is to produce mountains and rivers, trees and 

 grains, animals and birds, in short, all which is imposing, grand, and useful. Hence it is called Majedic. 



(ft JU). 



