The morals of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher who flourished above five hundred years before the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ : being one of the most choicest pieces of learning remaining of that nation.

XXXI.

I know a Man, who passes for Sin∣cere in the Peoples Mind, who was asked for something that he had not. Thou imaginest, perhaps, that he in∣geniously Confest, That it was not in his Power to grant what was ask'd of him. He ought to do it, if his Since∣rity had answer'd the report it had a∣mongst the People: But behold how he took it. He went directly to a Neighbours House; he borrow'd of him what was requested of himself, and afterwards gave it him. I cannot convince my self that this Man can be Sincere.