Bruno—Be at peace, Gentola̤. We have neither anticipated or desired that you should more than offer your impressions of the scene and of this object which the Entoans believe represents the form of this planet. The seven diamond stars symbolize the seven divisions of Astranola̤, but the Entoans do not venture to conjecture as to what the abode of Andûmana̤ or those of their deities may be like.
Presently we will show you a marvellous piece of mechanism which is an embodiment of vibratory energy. These wires form a connection between it and this globe, and through its measureless energy this and all the mechanical apparatus of the great Galarēsa̤ may be set in motion. On Ento, for many purposes, vibratory energy has superseded electrical energy, yet, in a sense, vibratory energy is an expression of electrical force, which is the basic principle of all energy. It permeates every atom of the universe, and its expressions are so manifold that, though its presence may not be apparent, its ever present energy is a fact. Ento is but one of many planets whose inhabitants understand and apply both electrical and vibratory energy, and, ere long, in the advancement of civilization on our own planet, it will become a tremendous factor.
The Ento name for this object is esploina̤, and it conveys the Ento idea of latitude, longitude, the equator and zones. The colored outlines indicate the natural divisions of land and water, which, as you perceive, are not nearly equal. The revolution of the planet on its axis is recognized as producing day and night, but the idea of a very pronounced concavity at its extremities, or, as we would say, at its poles is, of course, a conjectured absurdity. How did such an erroneous idea originate? Inidora̤ says that in the Sacred Writings there are intimations of the form of the planet, and it would be a bold adventurer who would dare to dispute such infallible authority.
I grow impatient for the ushering in of the coming revelation when this grand civilization shall leap to the level of its evolution. And it is coming, it is quickly coming. Even these youths and maidens shall share in the splendor of Ento's religious freedom, which, like a radiant sun, shall dissipate the shadows of its long Spiritual night. When that long-hoped-for period shall have arrived, and Ento's peoples shall dare to investigate in all directions, they soon will arrive at correct conclusions concerning two sciences which to them are as unread books. Of astronomy they are ignorant, of geology nearly so, their religious beliefs deterring them from arriving at logical conclusions, lest they might incur the displeasure of Andûmana̤ and His Messengers. You may recall the Professor's dilemma over the fossilized saurian, and in the record of the rocks they yet will learn equally startling lessons.
Yes, we are informed as to all important affairs of Earth, and we are aware that daring minds contemplate the possibility of establishing communication between Earth and Ento. Altogether a futile idea, as you now must perceive. Why, the Entoans do not even dream of the existence of a world other than their own. Inidora̤, is not this true?
Inidora—Quite true. Ento's Sacred Writings, which are believed to be infallible, make no mention of Andûmana̤ having created any other world than Ento, but historians have written that antecedent to the establishment of Ento's Religion there was a powerful nation south of the equator which was in a very advanced state of civilization. This nation was known as the Avalano nation. Zēnon Avados, one of their learned men, who at this time is a Teacher in one of our Spirit Realms, declares that he and other scientists of his time demonstrated to their entire satisfaction that Ento was but one of many similar worlds. They also made other astronomical discoveries, all of which they made known to the people. Unfortunately, this nation grew very rich and consequently very corrupt, and an inevitable decadence came upon them. Their civilization lapsed into chaotic conditions, their learned ones passed away, and thus to the Entoans a knowledge of facts was lost, which, when again presented, they will be prepared to accept.
Bruno—Already you have learned that in many directions Ento's scientific discoveries equal or surpass those of our own Planet. That art, in its various expressions, has attained surpassing excellence. That the luxuries and refinements of living are within the reach of all. That constant and untiring effort is being put forth to elevate the entire peoples. And that want and crime are so nearly minimized as to seldom demand attention. Thus the soil is prepared to receive the seed which soon will be sowed, and which surely will yield a bounteous harvest. Ah, the demonstration is concluded and the Instructor is about to address the class.
Instructor—This lesson demonstrates that as a cherished child rests upon the bosom of its mother, so Ento, beloved of Andûmana̤, rests upon the bosom of space. Afar off, in Diafon Evoiha̤, is the glorious abode of Him who is the Creator of all things. When we, His children, have done well He smiles, and Diafon Evoiha̤, golden and glowing, sheds its life-giving beams over our beautiful world. He smiles and fruits and grains multiply, that His children may have sustenance. He smiles, and bûd, bloom and verdure cover as with a mantle the home of all His creatures, for are not all living things precious in the sight of their Creator? From the lowest to the highest expression of His love all find their allotted places. All act in accordance with His Divine Will. This esploina̤ not only conveys a correct idea of the form of Ento, but also it illustrates how we are encompassed by the abodes of Andûmana̤'s Messengers, whose ever-watchful eyes discern our inmost thoughts, our most secret acts. Even as the Divine Ones guard the Sacred Mysteries may we, O Andûmana̤, guard ourselves against wayward thoughts and unhallowed desires and may we ever reverently adore Thee that Thou didst create this World so fair and a people so blest as are the children of Ento.
De L'Ester—Leaving this Instructor and his pupils to a discussion of their odd mixture of science and religion, we will ascend to the second floor. Yes, truly their religious beliefs dominate the lives of the Entoans. Fear of consequences, quite as much as love of Andûmana̤ and His messengers, occasions in them a constant watchfulness. Genessano has related a droll occurrence which illustrates this very point. Once, in his childhood, a falling meteorite attracted his attention, and he ran to his parents shouting: "A god has fallen out of bed! a god has fallen out of bed and broken his lamp." Both father and mother were horrified at his irreverent exclamation, and in terror, lest harm might befall their thoughtless lad, they hastened with him to the Istoira̤ to lay upon the altar a propitiatory offering.
Gentola—Genessano, you will pardon me for saying that the contrast between the advanced civilization and the peculiar religious beliefs of your people still surprises me. That they are intellectual and generally highly cultivated is very apparent, and it seems remarkable that they yield obedience to a creed so utterly at variance with common sense. Have they never believed in a continuity of existence? Have they never had clearer conceptions relating to the ego than they now have?