dday towards the
Truth. Twenty-seven books have been left. He has enlarged the springs
of mercy, that men might be converted. The baptism by water and by the
Spirit is a law that purifies the soul and beautifies the exterior. The
sign of the cross unites the four quarters of the world, and restores
the harmony that had been destroyed. By striking upon a piece of wood,
we make the voice of charity and mercy resound; by sacrificing towards
the east we indicate the way of life and glory.

Our ministers allow their beards to grow, to show that they are devoted
to their neighbors. The tonsure that they wear at the top of their
heads indicates that they have renounced worldly desires. In giving
liberty to slaves we become a link between the powerful and weak. We do
not accumulate riches, and we share with the poor that which we
possess. Fasting strengthens the intellectual powers, abstinence and
moderation preserve health. We worship seven times a day, and by our
prayers we aid the living and the dead. On the seventh day we offer
sacrifice, after having purified our hearts and received absolution for
our sins. This religion, so perfect and so excellent, is difficult to
name, but it enlightens darkness by its brilliant precepts. It is
called the Luminous Religion.

5. Learning alone without sanctity has no grandeur, sanctity without
learning makes no progress. When learning and sanctity proceed
harmoniously, the universe is adorned and resplendent.

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