Note 18 — Chapter VII
Reading edition
The unquestioned obedience which is rendered to Chinese parents by their children, and the respectful reverence that is manifested for the aged by all classes of the people, are the most remarkable characteristics of the nation. In fact, the Chinese unwittingly keep that commandment to which is annexed the promise, and it has been questioned by many, whether their great antiquity and long-continued existence as a prosperous nation, may not be owing to the honor they pay their parents.