We, as well as those Wise Ones, are aware that during incalculable lapses of time, Infinite, Intelligent Law brings order out of chaos and formless aggregations of atoms become observable bodies of incandescent matter. That cycles upon cycles elapse, during which cooling and condensation proceed, and these gaseous bodies contract to the measurable dimensions of globes. In this manner Mars, and much later Earth came into the family of our Solar System, and in the course of time about either Planet a crust was formed, encompassing their super-heated masses. Numberless cycles added unrecognized years to the ages of the infant Planets. Continuously their confined energies burst forth with tremendous force, rending the gradually thickening crust and casting into space masses of incandescent matter, some of which formed satellites of the Planets. Others, not projected with sufficient force, were drawn back within the mass of such Planet as had cast them forth. No, I do not mean to say that all satellites of Planets have their origin in this manner, and at another time I shall speak to you of this matter. Backward, as the ages flew, the surfaces of Mars and Earth were upheaved into mountain chains, anon these were engulfed within fiery abysses whose measureless energies tumultuously threatened to burst asunder the entire surfaces of the young Worlds. But time flies on tireless wings, and at last atmospheres for them become possible; not beneficent atmospheres, but such as heralded the possibilities of a later time, when dew and rain would, like blessings, fall upon the hot bosoms of the new Worlds. The lapse of time from the beginning of the formation of a Planet to a period when the crust has cooled and thickened sufficiently to have become somewhat stable, when natural forces have made it possible for, so to say, the _generation_ of an atmosphere, is inconceivable, and quite as inconceivable is the time that must elapse ere the cooling of the atmosphere and consequent condensation and deposition of moisture shall have made life conditions possible; truly, my friend, only the Infinite Mind is equal to such a conception. Understand, please, that I am not indulging in mere speculation. In a simplified and perspicuous manner I am trying to convey to you such facts as may furnish brief replies to your questions. I wish you to learn that World building is not only a process of bygone ages, but that far off in the depths of space innumerable Worlds are now being formed, just as this Planet and Earth have been formed. As the primitive history of one corresponds with the primitive history of the other, I shall say that in the earlier ages strange conditions prevailed. Geographically the surfaces of the two Planets changed, as change the forms in the kaleidoscope. Oceans and Seas were being deposited, and from their depths Continents were upheaved, only to disappear beneath unquiet billows, leaving isolated