《明史·志·卷五十》
核察出入的命令，而置办其次数，其职位最亲近，其事务最重要。
稽出入之令，而辨其数，其职至迩，其事至重也。
The functions of the certificates of the censors are to allow them to verify their authority to issue orders and to keep a tally of their activities; their rank is the most exalted, and their duties are most important.