Western  world  these  things  have  now  become  purely
commemorative  ;  nor —

"  Can  honour's  voice  provoke  the  silent  dust

Or  flattery  soothe  the  dull  cold  ear  of  death  ; "

whereas,  in  China,  the  images,  the  tablets,  the  annual
offerings  of  flowers,  the  Gazette  notifications,  are  actually
intended,  according  to  their  popular  meaning,  for  the
gratification  of  illustrious  spirits,  and  to  conciliate  them
by  compliments.  But  as  worship  and  wonder-working
react  upon  and  stimulate  each  other,  the  promotion  of  a
notable  spirit  to  be  a  demi-god,  and  thence  to  the  full  rank
of  a  divinity  in  charge  of  some  great  human  interest,  is
found  to  be  a  simple  matter  of  notoriety,  popular  credit,
and  court  favour.
