Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-01-29
HEpTASOpHS, OR s. ". NJ.
Origin and History of This Benev-
client Order.
Founded on Teachings ofScvcn Wise
Men OF Pcrsin nnd Greece IIO4
Years Before Christ-Grnnd Lodge
Meets I'm Norfolk.


der in the United States derives its
name, dates far back into the twilight
OF legend and tradition, clustering
about the Magi of the East, and known
as the famous Seven Wise Men of Per-
sian history. The order now could
justly claim its origin at that remote
period. but has preferred td adopt the
many wise maxims and principles of
these celebrated men as Il basis to erect
its Heptasophian work on, and to en-
deavor TO teach and inculcate in the
lives of its members their wise and
useful lessons
Inc order does not claim n strict sue
cession from its ancient predecessors In
ritual formula. &c, but 1t is the pur-
pose of the present organization to
carry into practice its great teachings.
THE MAGI.
The NIagi antedate the Druids OF
Gaul. Mr.. Findel, the Masonic hsto-
rlan. admits that they existed prior 10
the Masons OF Judea. The first and
most authentic record given of the
Seven Wise Men is found in Persian
history, and is coupled with the name
OF the first Zorolster. ll04 years before
Christ. 1t was at that date he was at
the head of the Magi of Persia, and
from these Magi the Persian Kings.
had to receive instructions in the art
of relgning. as we'll as in worship. be-
fore they We're allowed to ascend the
throne, and from the most ilustr.ou,
of their numbers. the King had to Sc
iect Sin wise men as ccuusellois. who.
with the Monarch, constituted the cell
ebrated Council Of the Seven
SEATS IN ~ CAVERN.
1t is recorded in ancient history that
IN subterranean cavern, beneath the
royal palace ut lspahan. the seat of the
Persian Dynasty was the only spot
where it was lawful TO impart the most
occult i4sss-stcries of the Seven. and to
which the heir on the throne was nd
mitted for merit and not of rignt.
In y. D. 6SS Yczdeiird was CONQUERED
by Mohammcd then STYLED as the
camel Driver of Mecca." and with his
downfall persisted the influence OF the
seven Wise Men OF Persia. They. how
ever. left the impress of their philos-
ophy and wisdom upon the history of
That country. running through a sue
cession OF centuries. rendering their
Kingdom glorious and it's subjects
happy by their devotion to Justice ana
the incubation of Wisdom. Truth ana
Bcnevolencc" long before the brighter
and grandeur glories OF Greece had
dawned.
THE ORDER IN THIS COUNTRY.
The order in this country was organ
lZed in the City OF New Orleans in
1901 ana has numbered among its mem
oers men who have adorned the bright
est pages or history, among them mem
DeIs or Congress, Supreme and State
Judges and others Who were attracted
10 IL by its sublime teachings.
IN VIRGINIA.
1t was started in Virginia in 1865. and
mas maintained its existence ever since
Us record in the field of benevolence in
Nortolk Is unparalleled in that time.
one OF It's conclaves in this city, Friend
snip. NO. ?. having expended for chart
table purposes in twenty-nine wears
over $4,000. Its sister conclavc. Vir-
ginia. No. l. can also show n splendid
record along this line.
CULTIVATION OF INTELLECT.
The order as 1t exists now holds rs
most important the proper cultivation
or the intellect of its members. which
It considers an essential element In
making them wise and better fitted TO
contend against the adverse currents
Of life. and TO enable them to cope with
others in the great struggle for an hon
orAble existence. It's supreme duty Is
the unselhsh assistance OF each other
in the path of life, and the promotion
OF general love of ali mankind. hold
Ing as a. sound doctrine the Aposto-
Lie Injunction. lido rra0a unto all men.
and especially to those of the house
hold of faith"
THE GRAND CONCLAVE.
The Grand Conclcve of the State will
convene In its fourteenth annual ses-
sion in this city, at Odd Fellows Hall
Opera House building, on the second
Tuesday in February next. at o n. M.
and VIII be called to order by the grand
archon. a. c. Ward. of Norfolk.
Delegates from other cnctione a.
jurisdiction will reach here on Monday
night, and viii he provided for by tho
order In this city. at one of the hotels
They VIII also be rendered n BANQUET
during the session of the Grand body.
Much business will claim the atten-
ton of The Grand Conclavc in the way
of q revision of the grand laws. and
1t IS probable that n recommendation
viii be sent up TO the Supreme Con-
ciave. which meets in Baltimore next
May. for revision of the present cap
itation tex on subordinate conclaves in
the way Of n reduction.
There are about twenty candidates to
receive the past archon's degree one
OF the most beautiful and interesting
degrees in the order. with the exception
OF the patriarch's degree. which is con-
ferred by the Supreme Concfave.
The Grand body will be in session
three days.
GRAND OFFICERS.
The following are the present officers
of the Grand Conclavo:
Grand CHANCELLOR. w. Rollins, Of
York county.
Grand Provost-H. n. Glitter. of
Portsmouth Oiled reccntly.)
Grand Prelate-Dr. r. NJ. Jordan. Of
Nansemond.
Grand scribe-c. E. outten, of Ports
mouth.
Grand Trcasurcr-Willam Raw!ins.
of Norfolk.
Grand Inspector General-George w.
Deans. Norfolk
Grand Herald-J. NJ. Hartlove. Ports