ere is one supreme essence,
invisible and incomprehensible, named "_Zeruane Akerene_" which
signifies "unlimited time," or "the eternal." From him emanated
_Ormuzd_, the "King of Light," the "First-born of the Eternal One," &c.
Now, this "First-born of the Eternal One" is he by whom all things were
made, all things came into being through him; _he is the
Creator_.[249:1]

A large portion of the _Zend-Avesta_--the Persian Sacred Book or
Bible--is filled with prayers to Ormuzd, God's First-Born. The following
are samples:

"I address my prayer to Ormuzd, _Creator of all_ things; who
always has been, who is, and who will be forever; who is wise
and powerful; who made the great arch of heaven, the sun, the
moon, stars, winds, clouds, waters, earth, fire, trees,
animals and men, whom Zoroaster adored. Zoroaster, who brought
to the world knowledge of the law, who knew by natural
intelligence, and by the ear, what ought to be done, all that
has been, all that is, and all that will be; the science of
sciences, _the excellent word_, by which souls pass the
luminous and radiant bridge, separate themselves from the evil
regions, and go to light and holy dwellings, full of
fragrance. _O Creator_, I obey thy laws, I think, act, speak,
according to thy orders. I separate myself from all sin. I do
good works according to my power. I adore thee with purity of
thought, word, and action. I pray to Ormuzd, who recompenses
good works, who delivers unto the end all those who obey his
laws. Grant that I may arrive at paradise, where all is
fragrance, light, and happiness."[249:2]

According to the religion of the ancient _Assyrians_, it was _Narduk_,
the Logos, the WORD, "the eldest son of Hea," "the Merciful One," "the
Life-giver," &c., who created the heavens, the earth, and all that
therein is.[249:3]

_Adonis_, the Lord and Saviour, was believed to be the Creator of men,
and god of the resurrection of the dead.[249:4]

_Prometheus_, the Crucified Saviour, is the divine forethought, existing
before the souls of men, and the creator Hominium.[249:5]

The writer of "The Gospel according to St. John," has made Christ Jesus
_co-eternal_ with God, as well as Creator, in these words:

"In the beginning was the _Word_, and the Word was with God."
"The same was in the beginning with God."[249:6]

Again, in praying to his Father, he makes