In Summary:
The 7th degree in the southern jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite is known as the “Provost and Judge” degree. According to “Morals and Dogma” by Albert Pike, this degree teaches the importance of justice and fairness in decision-making. It encourages the individual to be a fair and impartial judge in all matters, both within and outside of the fraternity. The degree also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the law and the importance of upholding the principles of justice. This degree is the continuation of the journey through the spiritual temple where the member is taught to be a good judge and to seek the truth.

Initial Note:
The True Mason, sincerely holding that a Supreme God created and governs this world, believes also that he governs it by laws, which though wise, just, and beneficent, are yet steady, unwavering, and inexorable.

Regalia Notes:
The apron is of white lambskin edged in red. In the center is a red-edged pocket with a red and white rosette just below the opening. This pocket holds the plans for the Temple. On the flap is embroidered a hand of justice holding a scale.

The jewel is a gold key that unlocks the ebony box seen in the ceremony. The ebony box represents the human heart where the candidate is to lock up the secrets of the order and as Mackey says, “… in the human heart are deposited the secret designs and motives of our conduct by which we propose to erect the spiritual temple of our lives” (Vol. 1, p. 307).

This key is especially emblematic of that justice and uprightness that alone can unlock for us the mysteries contained in the higher degrees and enable us to advance toward perfection.

The cordon is a broad, watered crimson ribbon, worn from right to left and from which is suspended the jewel.

Duties are:
• Let justice be the guide of your actions.

For Reflection:
• Are the duties of a judge a burden or an honor?

Lessons:
• All actions have consequences. Be just in judging others’ motives.

Important Symbols:
• Equal balance, ebony box, triangle, the color red.

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Additional Notes:
Originally called Irish Master, this degree was worked in France by Masonic Lodges claiming possession of a charter from Ireland. The members of these Irish Lodges asserted jurisdiction over ordinary lodges and maintained they had the right of inspection. The jewel of the Irish Masters was a key symbolizing this authority. When the Rite of Perfection was formed in the middle of the 18th century, this degree was incorporated as the seventh and its name was changed to Provost and Judge. The ritual was modified by Pike to teach the moral lesson of justice.

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