University of Virginia Library

*12. Chap. III. Ch`u-ping [OMITTED] (Heaven's Original Gift).

Destiny comes down upon man already in his embryonic state,
not later on during his life. It becomes mind internally and body
externally. This law governs all organisms. Heaven never invests
virtuous emperors, because it is pleased with them, for this would
be in opposition to its principle of spontaneity and inaction. Utterances
of the Classics that Heaven was pleased and looked round,
etc. are to be taken in a figurative sense. Heaven has no human
body and no human qualities. Lucky omens are not sent by Heaven,
but appear by chance.