Ceremonial observance is the most primitive kind of government, and the kind from which the political and religious governments have differentiated.

Of spiritual religion, indeed, the lower millions of Chinese have now but little conception; their nearest approach to any supernaturalism is the worship of deceased ancestors, and their religious observances are the grossest formalism.

He may, in his discretion, exclude all trade, or admit it with limitation or restriction, or impose terms the observance of which will be the condition of carrying it on.

" "Yes, a good many are; but then there is, as you know, a great unwritten English Constitutioncertain great fixed principles which from time to time have been observed, through many ages, until their observance has become a law, from which the government cannot depart, and they take the form of maxims and rules.

Even the partial observance of this law was the cause of the supremacy of Rome being established over the finest portions of the ancient world.

The observance of birthdays is an island fashion that is followed by every one.

Its observance is an acknowledgment of the sovereign rights of God over us.

The observance of a due proportion between preparation and result is a matter of great moment.