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Mohism -> Mozi -> Book 7 -> Will of Heaven II -> 2

天下People in the world would say:
天子
1诸侯
That the emperor is more honourable than the feudal lords
诸侯
2
and that the feudal lords are more honourable than the ministers,
we clearly see.
天子。”But that Heaven is more honourable and wise than the emperor, we do not see."
墨子 Mozi said:
天子 I know Heaven is more honourable and wise than the emperor for a reason:
天子When the emperor practises virtue
Heaven rewards,
天子when the emperor does evil
Heaven punishes.
天子疾病When there are disease and calamities the emperor will purify and bathe himself
and prepare clean cakes and wine
to do sacrifice and libation to Heaven and the spirits.
Heaven then removes them.
天子 But I have not yet heard of Heaven invoking the emperor for blessing.
天子 So I know Heaven is more honourable and wise than the emperor.
And, this is not all.
We also learn of this from the book of the ancient kings which instructs us the vast and ineffable Dao of Heaven.
It says:
"Brilliant and perspicacious Heaven on High,
。’ who enlightens and watches over the earth below!"
天子 This shows Heaven is more honourable and wise than the emperor.
But is there yet any one more honourable and wise than Heaven?
Heaven is really the most honourable and wise.
Therefore, righteousness surely comes from Heaven.

1. 于 : Inserted. 孙诒让《墨子闲诂》
2. 于 : Inserted. 孙诒让《墨子闲诂》


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