Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-10-01
,SoRDER OF HEPTAsoPns.

SssslssInS last Sundays issue of the Nir-
sSSglnian-Pil Hot In the fraternity column
tan s.,article appeared on the order OF
sSHeptasophs or Seven Wise Men, giving
3SsonleS Id ca of the nature and tendency
80 1.-The order, and as a desire has been
on the part OF many OF the
.SMntnlt.ated to learn more about it the
SSfoll0wlng Information is given FOR their
u tnstruction:
The original order OF Heptasophs or
VI M, dates far back--inio the twi.
light of legend and tradition clustering
Ia bout the Magi OF the East. The Magl
eTantedate the Drtiids of Gaul and Briton.
q Tile celebrated Masonic historian, Mr..
sSst5 sindell in his work admits that they
seSfsted prior to the Masons of Judea
Xxx x5 The first and most authentic record
sig iyen: OF the Seven Wise Men is found
SIN Persian history, coupled with the
sYname of the first Zorouster, 1lOi years
Nabefofe Christ. j was at that date he
Y IS at the head of the Magi of Persia
n ssI Twas from these Magi the Persian
sssising s&bad TO receive instruction in the
AZ art of reigning q S well as in worship
Before they were allowed to ascend the
st throne and from the most illustrious
IS OF their numbers the king had TO select
six Wise Men as counsellors. who with
NJ the monarch. constituted the ccle-
VI brated Council OF the Seven.
5sfEass9 HI tory records that in n sub.crranean
SEcaYern% beneath the royal palace at Is
ss pahan,th the seat OF the Persian dynasty,
ssiWass thetonly spot where ii was laWfui
to impart the most occult mysteries
5y{ Of the Seven, and TO which the heir Of
1.-THE throne was admitted for merit ana
.aEnots of right.
sS From whatever mental soil these
teachings may have sprung the germs
i of philosophy and wisdom were waited
Re- from Persia to Greece, and finding a
4 q mi in In ina
9Nfructifled into broader and grauder pro-
sisportlons than had been known on their
astnatiYe soil, and though the present or
g8ders tnherits It's name from two of The
mos illustrious nations in ancient
syS tim esT-Persia and Greece--it especially
IS cherishes the higher advancement a.
1.-THE Seven Wise Men of Greece.
s3sss.s s. an order it knows no creed. sect
S Or dogmaS lin religion. It's leading mot
;sast o is SfIn$God We Trust" and While il
s5iisexcludes all men who do not recognize
Ssst n existence OF and responsibility to
sYgSt he Supreme Being from whom lie and
5}s3 q l;Sits blessings flow, it admits both
81 81 JeW and Genlile to a full fraternity
when living in harmony and
q ..sls staining mutual human obligations
,s5sl Is CHIEF sobpect Is to supply common
lgsigraund In practical life upon which
81 ID y 4 hHInan. reatures can join on n
PIX s. basis 70 $nutunl dependence mutual
IS Import and universal brotherhood un.
der the therhood OF God. 1t en-
beavers tosinocula te sin5the lives of It's
ZEN hers the! principles of wisdom.
ssssist III { a md Sbene volenc zee, which are tho
.sSl ead Ing 4 Of y Is Esl ancient and eminent
ss,pTed ecessor rough whose Illustrious
@ssSl iYes9 and achlng s SO many millions
s B ne past y gen erations of the earth
vs. naye n g, be 4 and In which the
sgs cry mi osoph OF human relations
3$snTE2 red M NJ nv ~ ar ji,s IL o,,n