In the royal library at Persepolis was a complete copy of the Zend-Avesta, which, by Alexander’s orders, was burned with the building containing them. The names of these books, of which there were twenty-one, remain, together with a description of them. In these books was gathered the whole religious and scientific literature of the ancient Persian empire. They treated not only of religious topics, but of medicine, astronomy, agriculture, botany, philosophy, etc. The foundation underlying all these books was given by Zoroaster. God revealed all this to him, as the Parsees have always believed, and hence all these books are inspired. The prophet was supposed to have talked with God, asking Him questions and receiving answers. These answers Zoroaster communicated to his disciples. Thus we read in the Zend-Avesta: “That I shall ask Thee, tell it me right, O Ormazd! Who was in the beginning the father and creator of righteousness? Who created the path of the sun and stars? Who caused the moon to increase and wane but Thou? This I wish to know, O Mazda! besides what I know already. “That I shall ask Thee, tell it me right, O Ormazd! Who is holding the earth and the skies above it? Who made the waters and the trees of the field? Who is in the winds and storms that they so quickly run? Who is the creator of the good-minded beings, O Ormazd? “That I shall ask Thee, tell it me right, O Ormazd! Who created the lights of good effect and the darkness? Who created the sleep of good effect and the activity? Who created morning, noon and night, reminding the priest always of his duties? “That I shall ask Thee, tell it me right, O Ormazd! What guardian angel may tell me good things to perform five times a day, the duties which are enjoined by Thyself, O Mazda? and to recite those prayers which are communicated for the welfare of all beings by the good mind? Whatever good, intended for the increase of life, is to be had, may it come to me!” The Dashers or high-priests are the only ones who are now expected to be able to understand the meaning of the Zend-Avesta; they are expected to thoroughly study it. All that remains of the Parsee Bible to-day are the following books: the Yasna, Visparad, Vendidad and twenty-four Yashts. The Yasnas are hymns used for sacrifice. They are solemnly recited before the fire. The priest takes some consecrated water, bread, butter, fresh milk, meat, the branches of the Homa plant with a pomegranate branch, the hair of an ox and a bundle of twigs. These are all placed on a marble table opposite to the fire on the hearth of the temple. Then the priest repeats the Yasnas, sometimes half-chanting, half-reciting them. Thus, “Blessed is he, blessed is every one, to whom Ormazd, ruling by his own will, shall grant the two everlasting powers, health and immortality. For this very good, I beseech Thee. Mayest Thou through Thine angel of piety, Armaiti, give me happiness, the good true things, and the possession of the good mind.