Page 266 - 《中庸》中·英对照版

?中
庸

under his government. However excellent may have
been the regulations of those of former times, they
cannot be attested. Not being attested, they cannot
command credence, and not being credited, the
people would not follow them. However excellent
might be the regulations made by one in an inferior
situation, he is not in a position to be honored.
Unhonored, he cannot command credence, and not
being credited, the people would not follow his rules.

Therefore the institutions of the Ruler are
rooted in his own character and conduct, and
sufficient attestation of them is given by the masses
of the people. He examines them by comparison
with those of the three kings, and finds them without
mistake. He sets them up before Heaven and Earth,
and finds nothing in them contrary to their mode
of operation. He presents himself with them before
spiritual beings, and no doubts about them arise. He
is prepared to wait for the rise of a sage a hundred

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