The apparition of Zoroaster stands before them.
Immaterialized American.—“I have heard of him, but what of him?”
Immortal.—“Zoroaster or Zurdusht was a great thinker, who lived in primeval times; computed by Aristotle to be about six thousand years before the death of Plato. He was born in ancient Bactria. He was the founder of the Magian religion, which prevailed long before the Medo-Persian monarchy. His doctrines are set forth in the book called Zendavesta. The first being (according to that transcript) is denominated ‘Time without bounds;’ thus showing on the part of Zurdusht a vague perception of the Eternal One. His creed maintains that from the operation of this ‘infinite Time,’ the two active principles of the universe were produced from all eternity, Ormuzd (representing good) and Ahriman, (representing evil,) each disposed to exercise his powers of creation in different ways. The first formed man capable of virtue; the latter, changed into darkness from light, introduced evil.”
“Zurdusht taught that, at the last day, Ormuzd would triumph.”
American.—“I see. Zoroaster compared the two principles to Light and Darkness, and to each attributed creative power. And now that I reflect, I note that dual-elements of some kind, material or spiritual, and associated with the idea of good and evil, are averred in most religious creeds. It is the great mystery!”
Immortal.—“Zurdusht, speak!”
Zoroaster.—“Death further opened my finite eyes. There are not two discordant essences nor TWO CREATIVE POWERS. The One God is the One Creator. He alone can solve the inscrutability of Evil.”
The lights die out. Sounds cease. The temple disappears. Utter darkness ensues. A sudden murmured exclamation of wonder arises from countless beings, enshrouded in the night. The Heavens above have opened; an amazing glory of radiance shines through them, amid which “the great White Throne” and “He who sitteth thereon” are seen, and His resounding voice utters to the Universe: I am the Light!
PART III.
This dream had one feature in common with ordinary dreams; parts of it were confused and fitful. But its unusual length and coherence were remarkable. It consisted of a series of vivid scenes and singular events in conformity with its general character and design. These were announced (a notable fact) in its outset, and sustained throughout (still more strange) in their appropriate relations.