52 CHKISTIANITY IN CHINA, ETC. 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 track.* 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 con- structed in the quarter named I-ning of the imperial city, and twenty-one religious men shall be installed therein.' " The virtue of the venerable dynasty of Tcheou was extinct ; the Blue Chariot had passed to the West4 The wisdom of the dynasty of Thang having shone forth, a luminous ray has penetrated to the East. The magistrates have received orders, and a genuine writing of the sovereign has been traced on the wall of the temple. A Ce- lestial beauty, with splendid colouni, has made the Luminous Gatef to shine. This sacred testimony of the Emperor has been a source of felicity ; it will eternally lighten the universe.
- These words show clearly that the Emperor Tai-Tsoung tole-
rated all religions, and was consequently likely to give a favourable reception to the Christian. ■f That is to say, the quarter " of Justice and Mercy."
Lao-Kiun, or Lao-tse, a celebrated Chinese philosopher, the
contemporary of Confucius, and author of "the Tao-Te-King," — the book of Virtue and Reason, — translated into French by M. Stanislas Julien. He was the founder of the sect of Doctors of Reasons. (See " Chinese Empire," ch. xi.). § Men(j*&te) is often used in Chinese to designate a religion. Thus, King-Men, the Luminous Gate, is the synonyme of Luminous Religion, and in the monument of Si-ngan-Fou, is used for Chris- tianity.
