“Redeem the lives of animals, and abstain from shedding blood. Be careful not to tread upon insects on the road, and set not fire to the forests, lest you should destroy life. Burn a candle in your window to give light to the traveler, and keep a boat to help voyagers across rivers. Do not spread your net on the mountains to catch birds, nor poison the fish and reptiles in the waters. Never destroy paper which is written upon, and enter into no league against your neighbor. Avoid contentions, and beware not to stir up ill blood. Use not your power to discredit the good, nor your riches to persecute the poor. Love the good, and flee from the face of a wicked man, lest you fall into evil. Hide your neighbor’s faults, and speak only of their good deeds, and let your mouth utter the true sentiments of your heart. Remove stones and débris from the roadway, repair the footpaths and build bridges. Publish abroad lessons for the improvement of mankind, and devote your wealth to the good of your fellow-men. In all your actions follow the principles of Heaven, and in all your words follow the purified heart of man. Have all the sages of antiquity before your eyes, and examine carefully your conscience. What good thing will be withheld from him who practices secret benefits?” THE GODS OF THE TAOISTS. Lao-tsze had nothing to say of gods and goddesses. When Buddhism came to China it taught Lao-tsze’s disciples to have gods. As the Buddhists had deified Lakya-muni, so the Taoists now deified Lao-tsze. As the Buddhists worshiped under the form of the “Three Precious Ones,” so the Taoists worshiped Lao-tsze as _San-Tsing_, or the “Three Pure Ones.” They had an image for each one of the three, and seated them side by side. The priests generally, and but rarely the common people, worship the San-Tsing. For the common people a god was introduced, called the “Pearly Emperor Supreme Ruler.” He is the chief Taoist god. He is called the producer of all things and governor of all. To him all the gods make their reports. In times of drought, the governors, the mandarins, go to his temple to burn incense and pray for rain. They carry idols with them and make thanksgiving offerings after the rain has come. The Taoist worships the mountains, valleys, streams, rivers and stars. The Great Bear is supposed to be the palace of the goddess Tow-Mu and the god Kwei-Sing. The God of Thunder is a common object of worship, and is represented as passing through many metamorphoses and filling all regions with his assumed forms. While he discourses on doctrine his foot rests on nine beautiful birds. Thirty-six generals wait on him for orders. A certain celebrated book of instruction is said to have emanated from him. His commands are swift as winds and fire. He overcomes demons by the power of his wisdom, and he is the father and teacher of all living beings. Among other like deities are “the Mother of Lightning,” “the Spirit of the Sea,” “the King of the