roffered treasures of kings would not compare with
a single drop of the waters of knowledge, and mountains of gold and silver
could not outweigh the successful solution of a difficult problem. To
them, the delights that lie outside their work are only toys for children,
and the cumbersome load of unnecessary possessions is only good for the
ignorant and base. Content, like the birds, they give thanks for a handful
of seeds, and the song of their wisdom dazzles the minds of the world's
most wise.

Again, there are sagacious leaders among the people and influential
personalities throughout the country, who constitute the pillars of state.
Their rank and station and success depend on their being the well-wishers
of the people and in their seeking out such means as will improve the
nation and will increase the wealth and comfort of the citizens.

Observe the case when an individual is an eminent person in his country,
zealous, wise, pure-hearted, known for his innate capacity, intelligence,
natural perspicacity--and is also an important member of the state: what,
for such an individual, can be regarded as honor, abiding happiness, rank
and station, whether in the here or the hereafter? Is it a diligent
attention to truth and righteousness, is it dedication and resolve and
devotion to the good pleasure of God, is it the desire to attract the
favorable consideration of the ruler and to merit the approval of the
people? Or would it, rather, consist in this, that for the sake of
indulging in feasts and dissipations by night he should undermine his
country and break the hearts of his people by day, causing his God to
reject him, and his sovereign to cast him out and his people to defame him
and hold him in deserved contempt? By God, the mouldering bones in the
graveyard are better than such as these! Of what value are they, who have
never tasted the heavenly food of truly human qualities, and never drunk
of the crystalline waters of those bounties which belong to the realm of
man?

It is unquestionable that the object in establishing parliaments is to
bring about justice and righteousness, but everything hinges on the
efforts of the elected representatives. If their intention is sincere,
desirable results and unforeseen improvements will be forthcoming; if not,
it is certain that the whole thing will be meaningless, the country will
come to a standstill and public affairs will continuously deteriorate. "I
see a thousand builde