10° Elect of Fifteen

Prologue

As in the 9° the drapes are black but in this, the 10°, the adornments are tears rather than flames. Again there is no VSL. The fifteen lights on the Altar are arranged in three groups of five, the lights in each group forming a Tau, the symbol of a Craft Past Master.

Having, by the practice of the precepts of the preceding degrees, cultivated the virtues of life, we now  should seek to eliminate all that mars our character that is hindering us from further advancement on the road that leads to light. That this is no easy task, involving as it does, search of our hearts in all directions and with the issues obscured, not to be accomplished without hardship and actual suffering is amply illustrated by the dramatic description of the searches depicted in this degree.

 In fact, it would appear to be very much by chance that the culprits were discovered at all. Even so with us, many of our faults are not consciously known to us, though they may seem apparent to others. We are apt to cover up our mistakes with excuses and so lull conscience to sleep. Often hidden deep within us, are defects, which horrify us when, brought into the light. Further, not only the search but the apprehension may prove dangerous to us.

During the degree there is a supplementary scene known as the cave scene represented here by a curtain in the South East corner of the room. It is meant to portray the search in the mountains by a team of searchers, one of whom is the candidate, the detection of the fugitives hiding in a cave and their capture after a short struggle.

There are two officers in the degree whose titles are of interest, Seneschal and Hospitaller. Seneschal. In the Middle Ages, lord would have a Seneschal to whom command of the castle would be entrusted during his absence. He was a competent and experienced soldier, probably too old or disabled to take the field, but reliable and whose advice the lord would occasionally seek. He plays a small part in thse ceremonies, but you will appreciate his moral support is important.

Hospitaller. This position is analogous with the Almoner, the brother who has charge of the funds for charity and their distribution. The origin goes back to the Hospitallers of Jerusalem, who in the eleventh century assisted in hospitals in Jerusalem tendering to the poor and sick pilgrims. They were later known as Knights of Malta.

In the ceremony, the outer guard permits the traveller to approach the door, but it is the Hospitaller who admits him into the Lodge, to receive the benefit and assistance of Masonic and spiritual support.

The story of the pursuit of the two as yet uncaptured fugitives continues, with the searching party increased from nine in the ninth degree to fifteen in this degree. The title confirming the number Elect of Fifteen. The remaining two murderers are finally apprehended, completing the task of bringing the three ruffians to justice.

Epilogue

To summarise, the murderers, symbolically our faults and vices, have been recognised and eliminated. Justice has been done and the majesty of the law vindicated.

Having by the practice of the precepts of the preceding degrees cultivated certain good qualities, we adopt the philosophy of this degree to overcome and eradicate faults in ourselves.

None of us is likely to think that he is without blemish in his character, but looking ahead, this degree represents a stage of progress towards full enlightenment. We must look constructively forward, realising the Power, Majesty and Glory of God’s Law.

Return to Home Page