Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry: First Three Degrees

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Nevertheless, it remains a significant resource for Masonic scholars and those interested in the historical and philosophical aspects of Freemasonry. One of Pike's influences was the French author Éliphas Lévi, the pen name of Alphonse Louis Constant. It probably meant Active and Vivifying Energy and Force; and Boas, Stability, Permanence, in the passive sense. For whenever the door of any Degree is closed against him who believes in one God and the soul's immortality, on account of the other tenets of his faith, that Degree is Masonry no longer.

Under Claudius and under Domitian there is a deformity of baseness corresponding to the ugliness of the tyranny. To find in the BLAZING STAR of five points an allusion to the Divine Providence, is also fanciful; and to make it commemorative of the Star that is said to have guided the Magi, is to give it a meaning comparatively modern.This book was begun in Sorrento during a winter when it was given to me to pause as a wanderer pauses and look back across the broad and dangerous country my spirit had traversed up to that time. The Holy Scriptures are an entirely modern addition to the symbol, like the terrestrial and celestial globes on the columns of the portico. The ORNAMENTS of a Lodge are said to be the Mosaic Pavement, the Indented Tessel, and the Blazing Star. There are noble and mysterious triumphs, which no eye sees, which no renown rewards, which no flourish of trumpets salutes.

And it is true that a Brotherly affection and kindness should govern us in all our intercourse and relations with our brethren; and a generous and liberal philanthropy actuate us in regard to all men.Masonry should not be a mere watch-tower, built upon mystery, from which to gaze at ease upon the world, with no other result than to be a convenience for the curious. Published in 1871, Pike's work is a dense and comprehensive exploration of the rituals, symbolism, and teachings within the Scottish Rite, one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry. The Blazing Star in the centre is said to be an emblem of Divine Providence, and commemorative of the star which appeared to guide the wise men of the East to the place of our Saviour’s nativity. First published from 1872 to 1969, "Morals and Dogma" is one of the most insightful works ever prepared for Freemasonry.

It was probably pronounced Ya-kayan, and meant, as a verbal noun, He that strengthens; and thence, firm, stable, upright.

Thus the spirit of liberty and innovation is reduced by bayonets, and principles are struck dumb by cannonshot; while the monks mingle with the troopers, and the Church militant and jubilant, Catholic or Puritan, sings Te Deums for victories over rebellion.