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Vohuman's functions. He was one of the bearers of religion from the Deity to Siamak, the son of the first human pair.^[1] He co-operates with Tishtar in pouring down rain on the earth.^[2] He, as a divine aid, helps man to perform meritorious deeds.^[3] It is the duty of Vohuman to record the doings of men three times every day, and to keep account of their thoughts, words, and deeds.^[4] As the recorder of the actions of mankind in the material world, he naturally appears in connection with the celestial assize which takes account of the doings of the souls when they proceed to the next world after death.^[5] When the pious soul approaches heaven he welcomes it, and assigns its place and reward in paradise.^[6] Vohuman gives reward to him who practises virtue, and teaches mankind to refrain from sin.^[7] It is Vohuman who pictures the final good at the Renovation to children if they turn out to be righteous, and it is for this reason that children who are innocent are always cheerful.^[8] At the time of the renovation of the universe man will profit through the friendship of Vohuman,^[9] and it is Vohuman who ushers in the Messianic benefactors, and brings Hoshedar, Hoshedarmah, and Soshyos into conference with Ormazd.^[10] Vohuman will smite forever his adversary Akoman, the demon of evil thought, at the final restoration of the world.^[11]

Goodness and wisdom abound in man when he welcomes Vohuman as his guest. Ormazd tells Zaratusht that the one who welcomes Vohuman learns the distinction between the ways of good and of evil.^[12] Reverence for Vohuman brings submission to virtue, and man thereby detects his inner tendency to evil and sin.^[13] Through the possession of Vohuman he comes to a better understanding of good and evil,^[14] and the possession of Vohuman serves to explain to him Vohuman's true nature.^[15] The man who loves Vohuman and his wisdom learns the dis-