of reason[1] and adjust the states, harmonizing (also) and regulating the operations (in nature) of heaven and earth[2]. These offices need not (always) be filled; there must (first) be the men for them.
'(I appoint) the Junior Master, the Junior Assistant, and the Junior Guardian. These are called the three Kû[3]. They assist the Kung to diffuse widely the transforming influences, and display brightly with reverence (the powers of) heaven and earth,—assisting me, the One man.
'(I appoint) the Prime Minister, who presides over the ruling of the (various) regions, has the general management of all the other officers, and secures uniformity within the four seas; the Minister of Instruction, who presides over the education in the states, diffuses a knowledge of the duties belonging to the five relations of society, and trains the millions of the people to obedience; the Minister of Religion, who presides over the (sacred) ceremonies of the country, regulates the services rendered to the spirits and manes, and makes a harmony between high and low[4];* the Minister of War, who presides over the (military) administration of the
- ↑ Meaning, I suppose, the courses or ways, which it was right for the king, according to reason, to pursue.
- ↑ That is, probably, securing the material prosperity of the kingdom, in good seasons, &c.
- ↑ See note 2 on the preceding page.
- ↑ The name here for 'the Minister of Religion' is the same as that in the Canon of Shun. 'The spirits and manes' are 'the spirits of heaven, earth, and deceased men.' All festive, funeral, and other ceremonies, as well as those of sacrifices, came under the department of the Minister of Religion, who had therefore to define the order of rank and precedence. This seems to be what is meant by his 'making a harmony between high and low.'
