《宋史·列传·卷一百六十》
大臣守法则小臣廉洁，身居高位的人以身作则，那么州县小吏凭什么敢胡作非为？ 又论说治理内政和外患，分辨君子和小人，大概是：执政、侍从、台谏、给舍的选用，和任命三衙、京尹，都是朝廷的大事，因此选用的人一定是君主亲自提拔的，这样大权不交给臣下。
大臣法则小臣廉，在高位者以身率下，则州县小吏何恃而敢为？ 又论内治外患，辨君子小人，大略谓： 执政、侍从、台谏、给舍之选，与三衙、京尹之除，皆朝廷大纲所在，故其人必出人主之亲擢，则权不下移。
Ministers abide by the law and petty officials are honest, with those in high positions acting as role models. Then why would the lower officials in the states and counties dare to act recklessly? He also discussed governance of internal affairs and foreign threats, distinguishing between gentlemen and villains: The selection and appointment of government personnel, attendants, court advisors, givers and takers, and the appointment of the three Yamen and the metropolitan governor are all important matters in the imperial court. Therefore, those selected must be personally promoted by the Monarch, so great power is not given to officials.