
Before the short goodie, I have compiled a lot of messages from many
sources from 1995 into text files. If I compress them all, the ZIP file is
just over 1MB, which will take about 10 minutes to transfer by e-mail
attachment.  These files are about 2.6MB uncompressed.  As an example, the
King James version of the bible is less than 2mb compressed, so you can
see there is a lot of stuff here. I will send the ZIP to anyone who
requests it--NOT to everyone!!
For more information, ask.

Also I have a ZIP file of all of the goodies that I have sent out
since starting this list. The ZIP is about 100k, so it will move
fast. If you want either or both, ask.  If you don't have a ZIP
utility, I have PK260W32.EXE which is a windows ZIP utility I can
send to you, ask.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
now for today's goodie


OUT OF THE PAST--THE NEW AGE - OCTOBER 1961   (From Hiram's Oasis)

The Speech of Count T---.

At the Initiation of His Son into Masonry

I Congratulate you on your admission into the most ancient and
perhaps the most respectable Society in the universe. To you the
mysteries of Masonry are about to be revealed, and so bright a sun
never shed its lustre on your eyes. In this awful moment, when
prostrate at this holy altar, do you not shudder at every crime,
and have you not confidence in every virtue? May this reflection
inspire you with the noble sentiments; may you be penetrated with a
religious abhorrence of every vice that degrades the dignity of
human nature; and may you feel the elevation of the soul which
scorns a dishonourable action, and ever invites to the practice of
piety and virtue!

These are the wishes of a father and a brother conjoined. Of you
the greatest hopes are raised, let not our expectations be
deceived. You are the son of a Mason who glories in the profession;
and for your zeal and attachment, your silence and good conduct,
your father has already pledged his honour.

You are now, as a member of this Illustrious Order, introduced a
subject of a new country, whose extent is boundless. Pictures are
open to your view, wherein true patriotism is exemplified in
glaring colours, and a series of transactions recorded, which the
rude hand of time can ever erase. The obligations which influenced
the first Brutus and Manlius to sacrifice their children to the
love of their country, are not more sacred than those which bind me
to support the honour and reputation of this venerable Order.

This moment, my son, you owe to me a second birth; should your
conduct in life correspond with the principles of Masonry, my
remaining years will pass away with pleasure and satisfaction.
Observe the great example of our ancient masters, peruse our
history and our constitutions. The best, the most humane, the
bravest, and most civilized of men have been our patrons. Though
the vulgar are strangers to our words, the greatest geniuses have
sprung from our Order. The most illustrious characters on earth
have laid the foundation of their most amiable qualities in
Masonry. The wisest of Princes planned our Institution, at raising
a Temple to the eternal and Supreme Ruler of the Universe.

Swear, my son, that you will be a true and faithful Mason. Know
from this moment that I centre the affection of a parent in the
name of a brother and a friend. May your heart be susceptible of
love and esteem, and may you burn with the same zeal your father
possesses. Convince the world by your new alliance you are
deserving our favours, and never forget the ties which bind you to
honour and to justice. View not with indifference the extensive
connections you have formed, but let universal Benevolence regulate
your conduct. Exert your abilities in the service of your King
and your Country, and deem the knowledge you have this day attained
the happiest acquisition of your life.

Recall to memory the ceremony of your initiation; learn to bridle
your tongue, and to govern your passions; and ere long you will
have occasion to say "In becoming a Mason I truly became the Man;
and while I breathe will never disgrace a jewel that kings may
prize."

If I live, my son, to reap the fruits of this day's labour, my
happiness will be complete. I will meet death without terror, close
my eyes in peace, and expire, without a groan, in the arms of a
virtuous and a worthy Freemason.


