Ten Great Religions: An Essay in Comparative TheologyClarke, James Freeman
Islamic
Ten Great Religions: An Essay in Comparative Theology
Clarke, James Freeman
Christianity and other religions; Religions
The Emperor Tai-Tsoung illustrated the Empire. He opened the
revolution, and governed men in holiness. In his time there was a man
of high virtue named Olopen, who came from the kingdom of Ta-Thsin.
Directed by the blue clouds, he bore the Scriptures of the true
doctrine; he observed the rules of the winds, and traversed difficult
and perilous countries
In the ninth year of Tching-Kouan (636) he arrived at Tehang-ngan. The
Emperor ordered Fang-hi-wen-Ling, first minister of the Empire, to go
with a great train of attendants to the western suburb, to meet the
stranger and bring him to the palace. He had the Holy Scriptures
translated in the Imperial library. The court listened to the doctrine,
meditated on it profoundly, and understood the great unity of truth. A
special edict was promulgated for its publication and diffusion.
In the twelfth year of Tching-Kouan, in the seventh moon, during the
autumn, the new edict was promulgated in these terms:--
The doctrine has no fixed name, the holy has no determinate substance;
it institutes religions suitable to various countries, and carries men
in crowds in its tracks. Olopen, a man of Ta-Thsin, and of a lofty
virtue, bearing Scriptures and images, has come to offer them in the
Supreme Court. After a minute examination of the spirit of this
religion, it has been found to be excellent, mysterious, and pacific.
The contemplation of its radical principle gives birth to perfection
and fixes the will. It is exempt from verbosity; it considers only good
results. It is useful to men, and consequently ought to be published
under the whole extent of the heavens. I, therefore, command the
magistrates to have a Ta-Thsin temple constructed in the quarter named
T-ning of the Imperial city, and twenty-one religious men shall be
installed therein.
* * * * *
10. Sou-Tsoung, the illustrious and brilliant emperor, erected at
Ling-on and other towns, five in all, _luminous_ temples. The primitive
good was thus strengthened, and felicity flourished. Joyous solemnities
were inaugurated, and the Empire entered on a wide course of
prosperity.
11. Tai-Tsoung (764), a lettered and a warlike emperor, propagated the
holy revolution. He sought for peace and tranquillity. Every year, at
the hour of the Nativity (Christmas), he burnt celestial perfumes in
remembrance of the divine benefit; he prepared imperial feasts, to
honor the _luminous_ (Christian) multitude.
* * * * *
21. This stone was raised in the second year of Kien-Tchoung of the
great dynasty of Thang (A.D. 781), on the seventh day of the moon of
the great increase. At this time the devout Ning-Chou, lord of the
doctrine, governed the luminous multitude in the Eastern country.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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