we are not half so concerned about it as about the far more
interesting details of taste in attire. Still, we have grown used
to our doctrine, and some of us will fight with each other for the
difference of a word respecting it,--and as it contains within
itself many seeds of discord and contradiction, such dissensions
are frequent, especially among the priests, who, were they but
true to their professed vocation, should be able to find ways of
smoothing over all apparent inconsistencies and maintaining peace
and order. Of course we, in union with all civilized communities,
worship the Sun, even as thou must do,--in this one leading
principle at least, our faith is universal!"

Theos bent his head in assent. He was scarcely conscious of the
action, but at that moment he felt, with Sah-luma, that there was
no other form of Divinity acknowledged in the world than the
refulgent Orb that gladdens and illumines earth, and visibly
controls the seasons.

"And yet--" went on Sah-luma thoughtfully,--"the well-instructed
know through our scientists and astronomers (many of whom are now
languishing in prison for the boldness of their researches and
discoveries) that the Sun is no divinity at all, hut simply a huge
planet,--a dense body surrounded by a luminous, flame-darting
atmosphere,--neither self-acting nor omnipotent, but only one of
many similar orbs moving in strict obedience to fixed mathematical
laws. Nevertheless this knowledge is wisely kept back as much as
possible from the multitude,--for, were science to unveil her
marvels too openly to semi-educated and vulgarly constituted
minds, the result would be, first Atheism, next Republicanism, and
finally Anarchy and Ruin. If these evils,--which like birds of