Nor this only, but showing themselves, in public places, with men, where paintings and sculpture, and things here only seen by men alone, are exhibited! And, often, so dressed as to cause even the man to blush!
Why, the face of social life is completely altered. Instead of gravity, dignity, and an undivided attention to the duties of daily life, everything is rendered restless, confused; there seems to be no natural order, nor scarcely natural (cultured) decorum.
But we must not be misled. Nature is too strong to be pushed aside—and with cultivation, even though imperfect, the moral instinct lives and saves. Habit, too, "is a second nature;" (as our divine Confutzi says); and what would be so overwhelming, if at once done, being usual, necessarily has been subordinated to some rule—and made, at least, tolerable.
And now, in drawing these Observations to an end, perhaps, I may add, in respect of my poor and unworthy thoughts, that if I have said amiss, and which offends, I beg our Illustrious will pardon. To our Literati, exalted in wisdom, there is but little to which they may curiously look—but to our people, if any there be with whom some discontent may have been caused by too close intimacy with Missionaries in our ports; by these let my poor Observations be studiously pondered—that they may praise the Sovereign Lord of Heaven, who has given them to live in the Central and Illustrious Kingdom; where a true morality and a true worship are known; and where due ORDER AND PEACE, resting upon the unchangeable Heavenly order and peace, are established!
Here, are no brutal worship of Force, and admiration of bloody plunders. Content to the due ordering of affairs, and with peace within, our Illustrious Realm seeks no aggrandisement, dreams of no conquests; and wishes to do nothing but good. It has no fears for its own position, nor jealousy of others. It is simply calm, strong, wise, and self-poised. It demands no more from others abroad than that it may peacefully live; and be treated with that respect which it accords to those who practise moderation and virtue.
FINIS.
Barrett, Sons & Co., Printers, 21, Seething Lane, London, E.C.