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Ancient Classics -> Shang Shu -> Zhou Shu -> Great Plan -> 7

v. 'Fifth, of royal perfection.
The sovereign, having established (in himself) the highest degree and pattern of excellence,
concentrates in his own person the five (sources of) happiness,
and proceeds to diffuse them, and give them to the multitudes of the people.
Then they, on their part, embodying your perfection,
will give it (back) to you, and secure the preservation of it.
Among all the multitudes of the people
there will be no unlawful confederacies,
and among men (in office) there will be no bad and selfish combinations;
let the sovereign establish in (himself) the highest degree and pattern of excellence.
Among all the multitudes of the people
there will be those who have ability to plan and to act, and who keep themselves (from evil)
- do you keep such in mind;
and there will be those who, not coming up to the highest point of excellence,
yet do not involve themselves in evil
- let the sovereign receive such.
And when a placid satisfaction appears in their countenances,
and they say,
。』 "Our love is fixed on virtue,"
do you then confer favours on them;
those men will in this way advance to the perfection of the sovereign.
Do not let him oppress the friendless and childless, nor let him fear the high and distinguished.
When men (in office) have ability and administrative power,
使 let them be made still more to cultivate their conduct;
and the prosperity of the country will be promoted.
All (such) right men,
having a competency, will go on in goodness.
使 If you cannot cause them to have what they love in their families,
they will forthwith proceed to be guilty of crime.
As to those who have not the love of virtue,
although you confer favours (and emoluments) on them,
they will (only) involve you in the guilt of employing the evil.
Without deflection, without unevenness,
Pursue the royal righteousness.
Without selfish likings,
Pursue the royal way.
Without selfish dislikings,
Pursue the royal path.
Avoid deflection, avoid partiality;
Broad and long is the royal way.
Avoid partiality, avoid deflection;
Level and easy is the royal way.
Avoid perversity, avoid one-sidedness;
Correct and straight is the royal way.
(Ever) seek for this perfect excellence,
(Ever) turn to this perfect excellence.
He went on to say,
'This amplification of the royal perfection contains the unchanging (rule),
and is the (great) lesson;
yea, it is the lesson of God.
All the multitudes of the people,
instructed in this amplification of the perfect excellence, and carrying it into practice,
天子 will thereby approximate to the glory of the Son of Heaven,
and say,
天子 "The Son of Heaven is the parent of the people,
天下 and so becomes the sovereign of all under the sky."'


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