How does “importance” differ from “import” in context? Does this mean that, at least in Middle English, most verbs could be used as nouns without needing a suffix?

..., because suffering, injustice, cruelty and the welfare of society were matters of sacred import.

Question

How does “importance” differ from “import” in context? Does this mean that, at least in Middle English, most verbs could be used as nouns without needing a suffix?
 
..., because suffering, injustice, cruelty and the welfare of society were matters of sacred import.

Answer

'Import' and 'importance' are essentially  synonyms. But 'import' here is not a verb being used as a noun by the way. 'Import' as a noun has two meanings - 'importance' and 'something brought in'. They look the same and sound the same but they are two totally different words. This is very common in English. Only the second 'import' has a verb form - to import / to bring in.

Answer

I believe they mean the same thing, but using IMPORT this way is antiquated.