9° Elect of Nine

Prologue

The drapes in the east are black strewn with flames. The flames of retribution. The elect are degrees of vengeance.
The Lodge is still in mourning for Hiram Abif.
There is no VSL, the first occasion in the series that it is not used. The lights on the Altar are arranged in the form of an octagon, emblematical of the eight beatitudes, sufficient dressing for the administration of an obligation.

The ninth degree, Elect of Nine, like its companion the tenth, Elect of Fifteen is not part of the mainstream of the degrees comprising the Lodge of Perfection. It is incidental to it, describing the pursuit, capture and punishment of one of the three murderers of Hiram Abif. Matters also mentioned, of course, in the Master Masons degree.

This degree may be taken as symbolically pointing to the eradication of faults in our character.

Having by the practice of the precepts of the preceding degrees cultivated the virtues of life, we should seek now to eliminate all that mars our character, and is hindering us from further advancement on the road that leads to light. That this is no easy task, involving as it does a thorough search of our hearts with the issues obscured, and 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 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 the capture of one of them after a short struggle.

There are two officers in the degree whose titles are of interest, Seneschal and Hospitaller.

Seneschal . In the Middle Ages, the lord had 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 these 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 legend of Hiram Abif continues. It still remains to bring the murderers to justice. The ceremony amply presents the story.

I draw your attention particularly to the narrative in the opening ceremony. The Sovereign asks the Senior Warden, “How do you know yourself to be a Knight Elect?” The reply is rather cryptic but there is no further amplification or explanation of it. I suggest it will provide an interesting field for your own consideration as to its significance.

Epilogue

To summarise, the murderers, symbolically our faults and vices, have been recognised and eliminated.

Having by the practice of the lessons 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 forward constructively, realising the Power, Majesty and Glory of God’s Law.

Return to Home Page