“Don’t buy groundless praise.” “Don’t kill and cook domestic animals except in accordance with the rites.” “Don’t destroy or throw away the five kinds of grain.” “When you see others covered with glory and honor, don’t desire to see them exiled from the country.” “A handsome figure excites the admiration of the world, but it does not deceive Heaven.” “Don’t laugh at the deformities of others.” “Don’t bury the effigy of a man to inflict an incubus upon him.” [This refers to the practice of burying a wooden figure of a man to charm away his life, much in the same way that lately, in Shanghai and elsewhere, men were accused of making paper men which suffocated people in their sleep.] “Don’t deceive the innocent and set snares for them.” “Live in harmony with your wife.” “Wives, respect your husbands.” “Wives, be not wanting in your duties toward your father and mother-in-law.” “Don’t treat with contempt the souls of your ancestors.” “Wells and hearths are presided over by certain spirits, and if you leap over them, not only do you insult the gods, but you show that you have forgotten the two things which are the foundation of the life of men.” “A good man is virtuous in his words, looks and actions. If each day he practices these three virtues, at the end of three years Heaven will pour down blessings upon him. The wicked man is vicious in his words, looks and actions. If each day he practices these three vices, at the end of three years Heaven will send misfortune upon him.” [Illustration: CEREMONIES IN A TAOIST TEMPLE.] THE BOOK OF SECRET BLESSINGS. This book contains a number of moral injunctions, and while it is a Taoist book there is no reference to Taoist doctrines in it. It consists of 540 words. Some of its leading maxims are given below.