The Temple of Zeus at Cyrene

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The Advancement of Truth

"Masonry felt that this Truth had the Omnipotence of God on its side; and that neither Pope nore Potentate could overcome it.  It was a truth dropped into the world's wide treasury, and forming a part of the heritage which each generation receives, enlarges, and holds in trust, and of necessity bequeaths to mankind; the personal estate of man, entailed of nature to the end of time.  And Masonry early early recognized it as true, that to set forth and develop a truth, or any human excellence of gift or growth, is to make, greater the spiritual glory of the race; that whosoever aids the march of a Truth, and makes the thought a thing, writes in the same line with MOSES, and with Him who died upon the cross; and has an intellectual sympathy with the Deity Himself."

Albert Pike
Morals and Dogma

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The Number Seven (Hebrew)

The seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet is "Zayin".  It has a numeric value of "7", and also represents a "sword" that is used to "cut up" time.

- Shabbat - the 7th day of the 7-day week
- Shavu'ot - the 49th day after Passover
- Tishri - the 7th month of the year
- Shemitah - the 7th year of rest for the land

"The number seven has always been regarded in the Jewish tradition as the number of completion, wholeness, blessing, and rest."

- www.hebrew4christians.com

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The Peppermint Men

The Peppermint Men
A poem for Ladies night.

“I’m going to be a Mason”, said my man one day at tea
“It will only mean one evening out - once a month” said he.
One evening quickly led to two, followed by three and four
And pretty soon I asked his name when he walked in the door.

He bought a jar of peppermints and put some in a tin.
“I have to hand them round”, he said, “or they won’t let me in.”
So now when friends come calling and ask, “where is he then?”
I say, “You won’t see him tonight, he’s with the Peppermint Men.”

He dines out fairly often, superb meals, mostly roast.
I sit and watch the goggle-box and eat my beans on toast.
A clean white shirt is needed, his gloves as white as snow,
His suit well brushed, his case to hand, oh dear I wish he’d go.

He’s started talking to himself, I’ve heard him in his den.
I think he’s going crackers, I blame the Peppermint Men.
“I’m going in the chair”, he said, “a position of renown.”
That’s nice, I thought, with his poor legs he’s better sitting down.

“I’ll be the Master of my Lodge” he said, “you ought to be impressed.”
I said, “I am dear – take the rubbish out as soon as you are dressed.”
“You’ll have to make a speech”, said he, “when it’s your Ladies’ Night.”
I looked at him in horror, as fear replaced delight.

I scribbled through a pad or two
as I tried hard to think.
I threw away six ballpoint pens,
when they ran out of ink.

 But now the evening has arrived, I hope you agree
That it’s been enjoyable to meet with the Peppermint Men,
To share their Company
and have a four course meal  that includes a lovely roast,
 Instead of that usual fare of a mug of tea, along with beans on toast.

- Anonymous

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Abydos, Egyptian Temple

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Into a High Mountain

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.  And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.  And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.  And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

The Book of Mark Chapter 9: v 2 - 5

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Fides

Fides is from the the Latin meaning good faith, or trust.  In the Roman religion, Fides was the Goddess of Trust.  Also, Dius Fidius was thought to be related to Fides, and he was a god of oaths (Wikipedia).

The term Bona Fide was considered to mean a "Guarantee of Good Faith".

The term Fidelity was considered to mean "Faithfulness", and ask any Marine, and they will tell you Semper Fi means always or ever faithful.

The term Affidavit (from affidare - to trust) means literally "He has stated an oath".

From this, one can extend out to Federal: covenant, league, treaty, or alliance.

Finally, we note that in the festival devoted to Fides in Rome, the priests conducted her services with their heads covered and the right hands wrapped up to the fingers to indicate absolute devotion to her and to symbolize "trust".

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