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iv.
the diffusion of knowledge, and the existence of conflicting opinions, weakens the force of authorities; and makes it incumbent on the professor to demonstrate the truth of every thing he advances.
There can be little doubt of the antiquity of the greater number of Maxims contained in this Volume. Their abstract truth or falsehood is a matter of no consequence to the European reader, to whom they are offered merely as specimens of national literature. As the Chinese, however, generally quote them with respect, and as the greater portion have a moral tendency, I have not scrupled to bestow on the collection the title of 賢文書 Hien-wun-shoo, 'A book of virtuous lore.'
Macao, 1823.
