In Summary:
The 6th-degree “Intimate Secretary” in the southern jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, as described in “Morals and Dogma” by Albert Pike, is focused on the idea of the importance of being a responsible and trustworthy individual. It teaches the importance of keeping secrets and being faithful to one’s obligations. The degree emphasizes the importance of maintaining trust and confidentiality in relationships, both in personal and professional settings. The degree also teaches that a person should be an “Intimate Secretary” to their conscience, always acting in accordance with their moral and ethical principles. More information on the specific teachings and symbolism of this degree can be found in the book “Morals and Dogma” by Albert Pike.

Initial Note:
[A good Mason is one who] can equally despise riches when he hath them and when he hath them not; … that can look upon another man’s lands with equanimity and pleasure as if they were his own; …
[Masonry] is Philanthropic; for it recognizes the great truth that all men are of the same origin, have common interests, and should cooperate together to the same end.
The hope of success, and not the hope of reward, should be our stimulating and sustaining power. Our object, and not ourselves, should be our inspiring thought.

Regalia Notes:
The apron is of white lambskin bordered in bright crimson; on the flap is an embroidered equilateral triangle. The designs on the flap are Phoenician letters; (𐤉𐤄) which are on the apron of the 5th degree. Three additional letters These are the initials of the words (in English: ‘B’, ‘N’ and ‘Sh’) ‘Berit’, ‘Neder’ and ‘Shelemot’, meaning “a covenant, agreement or Divine Law”; “a promise or vow”; and, “completion, performance, an offering in the accomplishment of a vow, perfect, salvation.”

The Phoenician characters serve to remind us that Master Hiram, though of a Jewish mother, was himself considered a Phoenician. He served a Phoenician king and presumably worshipped the Phoenician expression of the Deity.

The jewel is a triple-delta superimposed upon an equilateral triangle of gold. Each delta has a center design composed of one of the astrological or alchemical signs, signifying the Sun or Gold, the Moon or Silver, and Mercury or Quicksilver. All three represent sources of light or truth.

To the Ancients, the Sun was a ‘masculine’ (active) symbol, as well as the source of the light which the ‘feminine’ (passive) Moon reflects, while Mercury ‘harmonies’ or reconciles them (i.e., thesis antithesis and synthesis). Thus understood, Mercury (also called Hermes), the messenger of the gods, is a symbol of dynamic equilibrium, an apt symbol for the Master of the Lodge, who illuminates his Brethren with good and wholesome instruction. As explained in the degree summary, the form of the jewel is utterly derived from Pike’s favorite source of Masonic symbolism, the Pythagorean Tetractys.

The cordon is a broad watered crimson ribbon, worn from right to left, or a collar of similar material, with the jewel suspended from it.

Duties are:
• Be zealous, faithful, disinterested, and benevolent. Act as a peacemaker.

For Reflection:
• Why act as a peacemaker?

Lessons:
• Zeal and fidelity to duty are always rewarded.

Important Symbols:
• Triple-delta, King Solomon, King Hiram, the color crimson.

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Additional Notes:
We read in the Holy Writings:
Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with Gold, according to all his desire, that then King Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him, and they pleased him not (1 Kings 9:11-12).

Although the biblical account ends as above, the story is allegorically extended here to provide certain lessons. The focus of the story is an argument over this agreement between King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre.

Sources:
Purchase ‘A Bridge To Light‘ by Rex R. Hutchens
Purchase ‘Morals & Dogma‘ by Albert Pike.