CHAPTER VIL

.J

'Observations on the Degree of Elected ^ranJ^
Master, or Illustrious Elected ofPyteem.., ^

THIS lodge represents Solomon's apartmetof
mnd is to be decorated in the same manner a^ thai
x>f the Nine Elect* There are two wardens; the
iaemor is called In^ctor.

Aft

279 TREEMASON'S MONITOR.

' This lodge should consist of only fifteen mem-
bers ; but should there be more at a time of recep-
tion, they must attend in the antichamber.

The apron peculiar to this degree is white^ and
bordered with black; and on the flap^ three beads
OY spikes in form of a triangle ; the jewel is the
tame as that of the Nine Electa only on that part
of the black ribbon which crosses the breast^ ther«
should be the same device a:s upon the aproa*

History of this Degree*

; About six months after the execution of the
traitor mentioned in the preceding degree of
fleeted knights, Bengabee, an intendant of Solo^
mon^ in thi^ country of Cbeth, which was tributary
to him, caused diligent inquiry to be made if any
person had lately taken shelter in those parts,
who might be supposed to have fled from Jerusa-
lem : he published at the same time a particular
description of all those traitors who had made
their escape: shortly after, he received informa-
tion tnat several persons answering tiis descrip*
tion'fiad liately arrived there, and, believing them-
derives perfectly secure, had begun te work in the
f odfry. of Bendaca.

r As 4K>on as Solomon was made acquainted with
this circumstance, he wrote to Maacha, king of
£!heth^ to assist in appnehending them^ and jt#

FABEMASON'S MONITOR. ft79

ffiuse them to be delivered to persons that he
should appoint^ to secure them^ and have th^m
brought to Jerusalem^ to receive the punishment
due to their critiies.

. Solomon then elected ftfteen roasters, in whom
he could place the highest confidence^ find among
whom were those who had been in the cavern^
and sent them in quest of the villains, and gave
them an escort of troops. Five days were spent
in the search, when TerbaJ, who bore Solomon'9
letter to Moriha and Eleham^ discovered them,
cutting stone in the quarry; they immediately
seized them and bound them in chains. Whea
they arrived at Jerusalem^ they were imprisoned
in the tower of Achizer,. and the next moaning a
puishment was inflicted aa them adequate ta
their crimes.

Lodge 18 closed by 3 times §»^