Instructor--For as in it there is much that cannot be accounted for, geology affords room for speculation (and I regret to say for irreverent expression), not found in any other science. Our Sacred Writings declare that out of substances within Himself Andûman[a:] created Ento and all living creatures, into whom He breathed the breath of life and to whom He gave the power of procreation. That at death of the body the breath of life returns to Him, and again and again is breathed into the newly born. One of our most learned men, Ziro Emyd[a:]s, estimates the circumference of Ento as being koid[a:]s ferm[a:] itsa[a:] fonitû ûvon soynas (little less than 12,000 miles). No mind can realize the immensity of Andûman[a:], Who out of His personality, created Ento and all things. Ziro Emyd[a:]s intimates that after the creation of Ento, Andûman[a:] did not at once create all living things, but his deductions are somewhat illogical and by some are thought to be impious. His statement he terms the Theory of Stratification, and it is so specious that I hesitate to quote from it. Generally it is admitted that the science of geology demonstrates that the formation of Ento is stratified, and that each stratum presents an appearance peculiar to itself. For instance, here is a stone from the third stratum which largely is composed of a variety of minute shells. Here are others from the fourth and fifth strata, each varying from the others in their composition, and the same may he said of the strata nearer the surface. Phrysos, you who, to an extent, favor Ziro Emyd[a:]s's theory, dare you give utterance to what these stones indicate? Phrysos--May the gods prevent my uttering aught that may oppose the truth. At times the thought enters my mind that possibly our Priesthood may not fully comprehend the meanings of certain words of our Sacred Writings. Ziro Emyd[a:]s questions the infallibility of their interpretations. He declares that Andûman[a:] alone is infallible, and that Gods and men are but His Instruments through whom He works His will. That the Priesthood have called him to account for what they term his lack of reverence for Sacred things has not deterred him from firmly adhering to his declarations, and I confess that while my immature mind does not wholly grasp the presentation of his Theory, I greatly admire his courage and no one, I believe, questions his sincerity. I am but a beginner in this fascinating study, but already I realize that one must closely adhere to established theories else one easily may drift into unauthorized and dangerous speculations, but I, no more than yourself, question the infallibility of the Sacred Writings, and yet---- De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], place the tips of your fingers near his head, now speak to him. Phrysos--And yet--and--yet--friends, I seem to hear a voice--it speaks to--speaks to me, and I feel--a strange--sensation stealing--over--me. I--I----