What are the principles of the Order of the Secret Monitor?

While Craft Masonry seeks to form a tie of brotherhood among men generally, the Order of the Secret Monitor creates a closer tie among Masons themselves 3. It is devoted to the practical elucidation of Brotherly Love 1, fostering a mutual devotion modelled on the friendship between David and Jonathan as recorded in the First Book of Samuel 13.

Its teachings inculcate a lesson of unfaltering friendship that the prospect of danger cannot appall and the hour of adversity cannot betray 1. Within the Order, the ritual charges brethren to maintain complete and perfect confidence in one another. Members are required to dismiss all hidden jealousies, secret rancour, or feelings of bitterness, and to extend open forgiveness and the right hand of confidence to their fellow members 3.

In practical terms, the Order functions as a system of mutual aid and support 2. To maintain these personal bonds between regular meetings, it utilizes an arrangement derived from old Scottish lodge practice: every brother is assigned to the care of a Deacon, who acts as an intender 2. The Deacon's duty is to stay in touch with the brother, report on his well-being to the Conclave, and offer practical assistance whenever difficulties arise 2.