Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ...t" The younger man thought long and carefully, and looked through the papers again and again. There must be something uncanny behind it all; but for the life of him he could not make out what it was. The subjects seemed natural, and properly worded, and they were certainly full of interest. Mr. Li, the foreigner, was well known by reputation, living in the city only ten miles away. To be sure, the reports about him were strangely conflicting. Some maintained that he was a doer of good deeds and a man of great benevolence, while others could find no words strong enough in which to express a contrary opinion. But in any case there would be no occasion to come into personal contact with the foreigner. To study and write quietly in one's own room could surely do no harm. So, by degrees, Hsi made up his mind that he would go in for the competition, and at the same time do his neighbours a good turn by writing four essays instead of one, reserving, of course, the best for himself. This determination reached, Hsi had to begin work in real earnest, reading up the literature that accompanied the theses. Something of the old scholarly enthusiasm seemed to return to him that autumn evening, and, even in spite of himself, as he read on, he could not help being interested. Had he met with such teachings long before, how different his life might have been. But now it was too late to change, even if the new doctrine were true. After all, it was easy enough to talk about the Eight Way and the Regulation of the Heart; but, practically, who could attain it? Prayer might be right enough for those who had the favour of the gods: they might be able to avoid hell and aspire to the happiness of heaven; but what could he, a helpless opium-smoker, expect--in this...
