The Taoists have long been in the habit of printing by subscription, and circulating as a matter of religious duty, the collection of maxims known as the _Book of Rewards and Punishments_. Each maxim is followed by a gloss or commentary, and in almost every case elucidated by appropriate tales and anecdotes. The high repute in which this volume stands is further indicated by the circumstance that the authorship has in modern times been attributed to Lao-tsze himself, in his capacity of deified and venerable Prince or incarnation of Tao. “Every wise man,” writes a commentator, “ought to be full of respect for this book: he ought to believe sincerely all the maxims it delivers, and ought to practice them faithfully, regardless of all obstacles, and without suffering the zeal he had evinced at the commencement to diminish at the close of his career. He ought every morning to read it aloud, and to meditate on every phrase with serious attention. Let him redouble his efforts to perform good works, and his anxiety and ardor to correct past failings. Then will happiness spring up within himself to recompense his merits; and his end will be advancement to the rank of the immortals.” While the general tone of this production harmonizes with the older treatise, it bears frequent witness also to the presence of a more eclectic and accommodating spirit. So highly is this book esteemed as a guide and instructor that its distribution is considered to be a religious duty. Edition after edition appears from the local presses at the demand of the charitable subscribers, who give them to the poor. SOME SELECTIONS FROM THE BOOK OF REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS. “Advance along the right way, and retreat from the evil way.” “Do not betray the secret of the household.” “Be humane to animals.” “Rectify yourself and convert men.” “Have pity for orphans, and show compassion to widows.” “Rejoice at the success of others, and sympathize with their reverses, even as though you were in their place.” “Do not expose the faults of others.” “Bestow favors without expecting recompense.” “Give willingly.” “A man who does these things is called virtuous. All men respect him. Providence protects him. Good fortune and office attend him. The demons flee from him. The godlike spirits guard him. He succeeds in all that he lays his hand to, and to him is given the hope of immortality.” “He who wishes to become an immortal of Heaven must do a thousand and three hundred good works. He who wishes to become an immortal of earth must do three hundred good works.” “He who inflicts an injury in broad daylight, will be punished by men; but he who inflicts an injury in secret will be punished by demons.” “Don’t take advantage of the ignorance of men to deceive them with lying words.” “Never divulge the faults of your parents.” “Don’t rank faults as crimes.” “Don’t shoot at birds, nor hunt animals.” “Don’t drive insects from their holes, nor frighten roosting birds.”