Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

1. Force Requires Regulation by Intellect and Law

The blind Force of the people is a Force that must be economized, and also managed, as the blind Force of steam, lifting the ponderous iron arms and turning the large wheels, is made to bore and rifle the cannon and to weave the most delicate lace.

Unregulated force is destructive. The book emphasizes that raw, untamed power, like gunpowder burned in the open air, is wasted and can even be self-destructive. It uses the analogy of Polyphemus blinded, striking wildly and falling due to his own blows, to illustrate the dangers of unregulated force.

Intellect as the guiding force. To harness the power of the people, intellect is essential. Just as a compass guides a ship, intellect provides direction and purpose to the force of the people. This guidance is necessary to attack the "citadels built up on all sides against the human race by superstitions, despotisms, and prejudices."

Law and order as regulators. The book stresses the importance of "jus et norma," the law and rule, within which public force must operate. Without these constraints, the force of the people, symbolized by a steam-hammer, can crush all machinery to atoms. The ultimate goal is to achieve liberty, equality, and fraternity, all regulated by law.

2. Masonry as a Successor to Ancient Mysteries

Masonry, successor of the Mysteries, still follows the ancient manner of teaching.

Symbols as the language of instruction. Masonry, like the ancient Mysteries, relies on symbols to convey knowledge. These symbols are not merely decorative; they are the primary means of instruction, requiring study, interpretation, and personal development.

Imperfect image of ancient brilliance. While Masonry shares roots with the Mysteries, it is presented as an "imperfect image of their brilliancy," a system that has undergone changes and adaptations over time. It is not a perfect replica but rather a Roman palace built on Etruscan foundations, incorporating stones from various historical periods.

The role of the initiate. The book emphasizes that understanding the lectures is not enough. The initiate must actively engage with the symbols, research their meanings, and develop their own interpretations to become an accomplished Mason.

3. Man's Supremacy Over Institutions: A New Truth

MAN IS SUPREME OVER INSTITUTIONS, AND NOT THEY OVER HIM.

A revolutionary concept. The book highlights the relatively recent emergence of the idea that individuals are superior to institutions. This truth, though seemingly simple, was a significant development in human thought, challenging the long-held belief that people exist to serve established systems.

Institutions for man, not vice versa. This new understanding imposed new duties on individuals, including the responsibility to seek and maintain freedom. Tyranny and usurpation became enemies of the human race, and free thought, conscience, and speech became inalienable rights.

The dangers of perversion. The book acknowledges that this truth, like many others, can be perverted into falsehoods. It warns against the gospel of anarchy and emphasizes the need for balance and regulation to prevent the abuse of freedom.

4. Reason, Love, and Faith: Guiding Principles

In your studies as a Fellow-Craft you must be guided by REASON, LOVE and FAITH.

Reason as a guide. Reason is presented as a crucial tool for navigating the complexities of life, especially in political science. It helps to identify institutions that secure freedom and to understand the importance of impartial justice and the accountability of public officers.

Love as a companion to reason. The book emphasizes that reason alone is insufficient. Love, or loving-kindness, must accompany reason to prevent fanaticism, intolerance, and persecution.

Faith in self and others. Faith in oneself, in one's fellows, and in the people is essential to overcome discouragement and maintain ardor. It is a necessary ingredient for scaling the heights of morality and becoming a force for good in the world.

5. Genius, Force, and Wisdom: The Motors of Progress

It is GENIUS that gets Power; and its prime lieutenants are FORCE and WISDOM.

Genius as the ultimate power. The book asserts that genius, not wealth or military might, is the true source of power. Genius, combined with force and wisdom, can unveil hidden mysteries, resolve complex problems, and rebuild crumbled ruins.

The role of intellect in leadership. In a free country, cultivating the intellect of the electorate is crucial for securing wise and capable rulers. The book suggests that ordinary men can be legislators, but extraordinary times require genius at the helm.

The power of the spirit. The book contrasts the power of the spirit with that of the purse or the sword, arguing that the former is far more potent and enduring. The mastery of mind over mind is the only conquest worth having, as it resembles the dominion of the Creator.

6. Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity: The Masonic Heritage

Masonry was the first apostle of EQUALITY.

The threefold heritage. Masonry is presented as a champion of liberty, equality, and fraternity, building upon the Christian doctrine of brotherhood by adding the crucial element of political equality.

Equality as a foundation. The book clarifies that equality does not mean uniformity but rather equal opportunity for all aptitudes, equal weight for all votes, and equal rights for all consciences.

The organ of equality. The book identifies gratuitous and obligatory instruction as the key to achieving equality. It emphasizes the importance of providing primary education to all and offering higher education to those who seek it.

7. The Symbolism of Numbers and the Heavenly Bodies

The Sun is the ancient symbol of the life-giving and generative power of the Deity.

Sun as a symbol of the Deity. The Sun, as the source of light and life, is presented as an ancient symbol of the life-giving and generative power of the Deity. Light is seen as the essence of God, manifested as flame, light, and splendor.

Moon as a symbol of nature. The Moon is presented as a symbol of the passive capacity of nature to produce, representing the female principle. It is associated with goddesses like Isis, Astarte, and Artemis.

The Master of Life. The "Master of Life" is the Supreme Deity, manifested through both the Sun and the Moon. This concept is embodied in figures like Zeus, Horus, and Dionysus.

Symbolism of numbers. The book delves into the symbolism of various numbers, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12, connecting them to ancient beliefs, deities, and aspects of the universe.

8. The Dangers of Symbolism and the Importance of Interpretation

Though Masonry neither usurps the place of, nor apes religion, prayer is an essential part of our ceremonies.

Symbolism as a double-edged sword. The book acknowledges the potential pitfalls of symbolism, including the risk of mistaking the symbol for the thing signified and falling into superstition or irreligion.

The need for interpretation. The book stresses the importance of correctly interpreting symbols, warning against superficial or fanciful explanations. It emphasizes the need for intellectual rigor and a deep understanding of ancient traditions.

The role of intellect and conscience. The book asserts that intellect and conscience are the compass and rudder by which we must navigate the ocean of the unknown. It cautions against blindly accepting dogma or surrendering to irrational beliefs.

9. The Soul's Journey: From Light to Darkness and Back

To study and seek to interpret correctly the symbols of the Universe, is the work of the sage and philosopher. It is to decipher the writing of God, and penetrate into His thoughts.

The soul's origin in light. The book presents the ancient belief that the soul originates in a sphere nearer the Deity, a realm of light and purity. It suggests that the soul's longing for immortality stems from this divine origin.

The soul's descent into matter. The book describes the soul's journey into the material world as a process of degradation, where it becomes entangled with earthly desires and passions. This descent is symbolized by the soul passing through various spheres and elements.

The path of purification and return. The book emphasizes the need for the soul to purify itself of earthly stains in order to return to its divine source. This purification is achieved through virtue, knowledge, and the practice of Masonic principles.

10. The Decalogue of Masonry: A Moral Compass

But the great commandment of Masonry is this: "A new commandment give I unto you: that ye love one another! He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, remaineth still in the darkness."

Ten Commandments of Masonry. The book outlines a decalogue of Masonic principles, emphasizing virtues such as reverence for God, the pursuit of knowledge, the practice of charity, and the importance of self-control.

Love as the ultimate commandment. The book highlights the commandment to love one another as the greatest of all Masonic principles. It emphasizes that hatred and animosity are incompatible with true enlightenment.

The duty to elevate society. The book asserts that Masonry has a duty to assist in elevating the moral and intellectual level of society. This includes promoting knowledge, encouraging the growth of the mind, and working to create a more just and harmonious world.

11. The Sword as Symbol: Speech, War, and the Soldier

The Sword is also, in the Bible, an emblem of SPEECH, or of the utterance of thought.

The sword as a symbol of speech. The book connects the sword to the power of speech and the utterance of thought, citing biblical passages where words are likened to sharp swords. This emphasizes the responsibility that comes with the ability to communicate and influence others.

The sword as a symbol of war. The book acknowledges the necessity of war in certain circumstances, viewing it as a means of purifying stagnant atmospheres and restoring equilibrium. It emphasizes the importance of duty, honor, and sacrifice in warfare.

The soldier as a symbol of action. The book presents the soldier as a symbol of action and courage, urging Masons to emulate their bravery in combating evil and upholding justice. It also cautions against the dangers of military power when it is not subordinate to civil authority.

12. The Imperative of Justice and the Consequences of Wrongdoing

Justice, divorced from sympathy, is selfish indifference, not in the least more laudable than misanthropic isolation.

Justice as a fundamental principle. The book emphasizes the importance of justice in both individual conduct and national affairs. It asserts that unjust states are doomed to calamity and ruin, and that injustice inevitably leads to negative consequences.

The limitations of legal justice. The book cautions against relying solely on legal definitions of justice, arguing that true justice must be tempered with sympathy and compassion. It suggests that strict adherence to legal rules can lead to inhospitable and even hellish outcomes.

The eternal consequences of wrongdoing. The book stresses that wrongdoing cannot be undone and that its consequences are eternal. It emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and striving to make amends for any harm caused.

Last updated: April 4, 2025