佛祖歷代通載 16.57

16.57

論曰。唐新舊史唯宣宗朝事實相反特甚。唯舊史與資治通鑑皆合。新史貶之。謂宣宗以察為明。無復仁恩之意。嗚呼斯言莫知何謂也。大凡人君寬厚長者。必責以優游無斷。至於精勤治道。則謂以察為明。然則從而可乎。孟子曰。盡信書不如無書。蓋誠然也。

The appraisal says: "In the Old and New Histories of the Tang, only regarding the reign of Xuanzong are the accounts of facts particularly contradictory. Only the Old History and the Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government are in agreement. The New History disparages him, saying that Xuanzong took scrutiny as discernment, having no further intention of benevolence and kindness. Alas, one knows not what such words mean! Generally, if a ruler is broad-minded and generous, critics will surely reprove him for being indecisive; when he is diligent in the way of governance, they say he takes scrutiny as discernment. If so, how can one ever be deemed right? Mencius said: 'To believe all of a book is not as good as having no book at all.' How true indeed!"