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.

Such is the translation of the famous inscription found at Si-ngau-Fou,
in 1625. On the left of the monument are to be read the following words
in the Syriac language: "In the days of the Father of Fathers,
Anan-Yeschouah, Patriarch _Catholicos_." To the right can be traced,
"Adam, Priest, and Chor-Episcopus"; and at the base of the inscription:
"In the year of the Greeks one thousand nine hundred and two (A.D.
781), Mar Yezd-bouzid, Priest and Chor-Episcopus