Order of The Secret Monitor

The Masonic Order of The Secret Monitor

The Masonic Order of the Secret Monitor, also known as the Order of the Secret Monitor or simply the Secret Monitor, is a Masonic organization that is not recognized by all Masonic jurisdictions. It is considered a "side degree" in Freemasonry, meaning that it is an additional degree beyond the three degrees of the Blue Lodge (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason). The degree explores the friendship between David and Jonathan

The origins of the Order of the Secret Monitor are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been founded in England in the early 19th century. The order's ritual involves the use of allegory and symbolism to teach moral lessons, and it is said to focus on the idea of "brotherly love, relief, and truth." The order is structured around a system of "Conclaves," which are similar to lodges in other Masonic organizations.

One of the distinguishing features of the Secret Monitor is its use of a "monitor," which is a book that contains the ritual and teachings of the order. The monitor is considered to be a central part of the Secret Monitor's teachings and is used to guide members through the initiation and degree ceremonies.

The Order of the Secret Monitor has spread to a number of countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States, and various parts of Europe. However, it is not recognized by all Masonic jurisdictions, and some Masons view it as a form of "irregular" or unrecognized Masonry.

David and Jonathan

The Biblical story of the friendship between David and Jonathan can be found primarily in the Book of Samuel, Chapters 18-20, 22, and 23. The story depicts a close, loyal friendship between David, a young shepherd who would eventually become the king of Israel, and Jonathan, the son of King Saul.

According to the story, David had gained fame as a skilled warrior after he killed the Philistine giant Goliath with a slingshot. This caught the attention of Jonathan, who was impressed with David's bravery and faith. The two quickly became close friends and made a covenant with each other, pledging loyalty and support to each other in all circumstances.

However, the friendship between David and Jonathan was complicated by the fact that Jonathan's father, King Saul, became jealous of David's success and popularity. Saul's jealousy turned into a fierce hatred, and he sought to kill David. Jonathan, torn between his loyalty to his father and his love for his friend, warned David of his father's intentions and helped him escape.

Despite the danger, David and Jonathan remained loyal to each other, and their friendship continued to grow. In one particularly touching scene, Jonathan gives David his own royal robe and weapons as a sign of his loyalty and support.

Tragically, Jonathan was eventually killed in battle along with his father Saul. When David learned of their deaths, he mourned deeply and composed a moving tribute to his fallen friend, saying, "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women."

Adaptations

The story of David and Jonathan has been referenced and retold in many works of literature. Here are a few examples:

• In Herman Melville's novel "Moby Dick," the friendship between Ishmael and Queequeg has been compared to that of David and Jonathan.

• Shakespeare's play "Henry V" includes a scene in which King Henry and his friend Bardolph share a similar moment of friendship and loyalty as David and Jonathan.

• In John Steinbeck's novel "East of Eden," the relationship between Adam Trask and his servant Lee has been compared to the friendship of David and Jonathan.

• The friendship of David and Jonathan has also been referenced in the work of poets such as Robert Frost and Walt Whitman.

The story has also been adapted into various forms of media, including films, television shows, and even comic books.