undergo,
when they are transmitted through three or four hands only. Hence it
is easy to conclude, that the history and inventions of past
ages, recorded by these perplexed symbols, must frequently prove
unintelligible; and consequently the learning and boasted antiquity of
the nation most, in numerous instances, be extremely problematical.

But we are told by some of the missionaries, that though the skill
of the Chinese in science is indeed much inferior to that of the
Europeans, yet the morality and justice taught and practised by them
are most exemplary. And from the description given by some of these
good fathers, one should be induced to believe that the whole empire
was a well-governed affectionate family, where the only contests were,
who should exert the most humanity and beneficence: But our preceding
relation of the behaviour of the magistrates, merchants, and tradesmen
at Canton, sufficiently refutes these jesuitical fictions. And as
to their theories of morality, if we may judge from the specimens
exhibited in the works of the missionaries, we shall find them solely
employed in recommending ridiculous attachments to certain immaterial
points, instead of discussing the proper criterion of human actions,
and regulating the general conduct of mankind to one another on
reasonable and equitable principles. Indeed, the only pretension
of the Chinese to a more refined morality than their neighbours is
founded, not on their integrity or beneficence, but solely on the
affected evenness of their demeanour, and their constant attention
to suppress all symptoms of passion and violence. But it must be
considered, that hypocrisy and fraud are often not less mischievous to
the general interests of mankind, than, impetuosity and vehemence
of temper, since these, though usually liable to the imputation of
imprudence, do not exclude sincerity, benevolence, resolution,
nor many other laudable qualities. And perhaps if this matter were
examined to the bottom, it would appear that the calm and patient
turn of the Chinese, on which they so much value themselves, and which
distinguishes the nation from all others, is in reality the source of
the most exceptionable part of their character; for it has been often
observed by those who have attended to the nature of mankind, that
it is difficult to curb the more robust and violent passions, without
augmenting at the same time the force of the selfish ones: So that the
timidity, diss