Electa. The second epistle of John is addressed to "the elect lady and her children." Tradition delineates her as a lady who lived in the days of St. John the Evangelist. Her charity, benevolence, and generous hospitality to the poor entitled her to great distinction.
Having been reared a Pagan and afterwards becoming a convert to the Christian religion, she was subjected to severe trials and the most bitter persecution. An edict was issued by the Roman emperor that all followers of the Christ should renounce their faith under penalty of death. She was visited by a band of soldiers, one of whom handed her the cross, with a command to trample it under foot. Electa, looking him steadily in the face, received the cross—precious emblem of her Saviour's blood—pressed it with ardor to her bosom, and cast her eyes upward as a testimony of her love and loyalty to her Christian faith. As Electa I represent this historical heroine, and commend to you the sublime virtue she exemplified through her life, "that we love one another." You may not be called upon to suffer in the same degree from the hand of persecution—but there is always need of loyalty to Truth, and, alas, there is too often persecution.
My sister, be loyal to your convictions of truth, and murmur not at another's loyalty. Let truth be spoken, and let it shine through your life. If persecution comes, bear it with heroic endurance, and despair not of the final triumph of Truth.
The sign of this degree is given by—
Repeat from secret work. (15.)
The pass. (16.)
The color appropriate to this degree is red: a symbol of that fervency which should actuate all who are engaged in the service of Truth.
The cup is an emblem of charity and hospitality, and teaches us to extend generous aid to the victims of poverty and distress.
Sister Conductress, you will present this sister to the Worthy Patron for further instruction.
The candidate is conducted around Electa's chair, leaving the chair to the right, then across the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, around Esther's chair, leaving the labyrinth between Adah and Electa, then to the right once around the Altar, outside the Star to the Worthy Patron.