The Fruits of the Saving Sign

Much could be said about this saving Sign by those who are skilled in the mysteries of our divine religion. For it is truly the symbol of salvation, wonderful to speak of and more wonderful still to think about. Its appearance on earth has cast the fictions of every false religion since the beginning into the deepest shade. It has buried superstitious error in darkness and forgetfulness, and it has revealed to all that spiritual light which enlightens human souls, the knowledge of the only true God. That is the source of the change for the better everywhere, which leads people to spurn their lifeless idols, to trample underfoot the lawless rites of their demon gods, and to laugh to scorn the time-honored follies of their fathers. That, too, is why schools of sacred learning have been set up in every place. There people are taught the commands of saving truth. They no longer dread the created things that the natural eye can see, and they no longer gaze in wonder at the sun, the moon or the stars. Instead they acknowledge the one who is above all these, the invisible Being who is the Creator of them all, and they learn to worship him alone. Such are the blessings this great and wonderful Sign has brought to humankind. By its power the evils that once existed are now no more, and virtues unknown before shine everywhere, radiant with the light of true godliness.

Discourses, precepts and appeals to a virtuous and holy life are proclaimed in the hearing of every nation. Indeed, the emperor himself proclaims them. And it is truly a marvel that this mighty prince raises his voice in the hearing of the whole world, like an interpreter of the will of the Almighty Sovereign, and invites his subjects in every land to the knowledge of the true God. The babbling of godless men is no longer heard in the imperial palace, as it was in former times. Instead, priests and devout worshipers of God join together in celebrating his majesty with royal hymns of praise. The name of the one Supreme Ruler of the universe is proclaimed to all. The good news joins the human race to its Almighty King, and declares the grace and love of the heavenly Father to his children on earth. His praise is sung everywhere in triumphant strains. The voice of mortal man blends with the harmony of the angel choirs in heaven, and the reasoning soul uses the body that clothes it as an instrument for sounding forth fitting praise and worship to his name. The nations of the East and the West are taught his precepts at the same moment. The peoples of the North and the South join with one accord, under the same principles and laws, in pursuing a godly life, in praising the one Supreme God, and in acknowledging his only Son, their Savior, as the source of every blessing, and our emperor, together with his devout sons, as the one ruler on earth.

The emperor himself, like a skillful pilot, sits high at the helm of state and steers the ship on an unerring course, bringing his people, as if with a favoring wind, to a safe and quiet harbor. Meanwhile God himself, the great Sovereign, stretches out the right hand of his power from above to protect him. He gives him victory over every enemy and establishes his rule for a long span of years, and he will give him still higher blessings and confirm the truth of his own promises in every deed. But we may not dwell on these things now. We must wait for the change to a better world, for it is not given to mortal eyes or ears of flesh to grasp the things of God fully. [a]