At the 5th column : . . . . Naphtali believes, hopes, waits and is patient. Believes that all death is new life ; all destruction and dssolution, recombination and reproduction ; and all evil and affliction but the modes of this great genesis, that shall not be eternal. Hopes for the time when this incessant flux and change shall cease, and the new Law of Love and Light rule in all spheres and over all existences ; and waits with patience the fulfilment of the inviolable promises of God.

[ At this moment a thick cloth is flung over the Canidate’s head ; and he is immediately seized by several brothers, and hurried into a small room that is perfectly dark. Leaving the cloth so that he can remove it at pleasure, they place him sitting on the floor, in the middle of the room and retire. The room should have no furniture, and be entirely hung with black. Apertures must be so arranged, that, without admitting the least light, the voice of one speaking outside may be heard. It must also be so arranged, that, by means of electricity or otherwise, sudden and momentary flashes of light may be produced, succeeded by intense darkness. The candidate is left alone for five minutes in entire solitude and perfect silence. Then a Brother says, in his hearing ] :

1st Brother : All who will not worship the Beast with seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and the mysterious name upon his forehead, shall be slain. All men, the high and the low, the rich and the poor, freemen and slaves, shall receive upon their right hand, or on their forehead, his mark, his name, and the number of his name, which is six hundred and threescore and six ; or they shall neither buy nor sell ; for his is power, dominion, and the authority of the great dragon. Man, helpless and in darkness, wilt though receive his mark, that thou mayest emerge to light?

2nd Brother . . . Fear God ; and give glory to Him ; for the hour of his judgement is come! And worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the springs of waters ; for He alone hath the True sign. If any man worship the Beast and his image, and receive his mark on his forehead or in his hand, he shall drink the wine of God’s indignation, and be banished from the presence of the Holy Angels and of the Word that is the Redeemer. Remorse shall torture them, and they shall have no rest, who worship the Beast and his image, and receive the mark of his name.

3rd Brother . . . Have patience, oh ! thou, who, though in darkness, art still our brother! Keep the commandments of God, and thy faith in His justice and infinite goodness! Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. They rest from their labours, and their influences live after them.

There are several more pages to this – but not right now – possibly later . . .

As with the previous two “Random Thoughts” – if you know who wrote this you get at least three brownie points – and if you know which book it came out of – extra credit points for you . . .

In the old masonic rituals there were 12 perfect points of entrance – there are 12 tribes of Israel – there are 12 points to the scout law – have you ever realized that? And if you have come to that realization – you do understand that they are all related – don’t you?

Have YOU been to Lodge this week?

Have Fun! – Run the Gun! – and remember – Fish Heads are Cheap!!