Albert Pike – Morals & Dogma [01]: I. Preface – Apprentice

First published in 1871, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite has become one of the most well-known yet least-read Masonic books. Written by the then Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite Mother Jurisdiction, Albert Pike (b.1809-d.1891) it contains HIS interpretations of the Scottish Rite degrees, including the Craft degrees, based on his life-long studies of ancient civilizations, philosophy and language. At the time of its writing there were only about 1,500 Scottish Rite Masons under the jurisdiction of the Mother Supreme Council, and as such was written for a specific and small audience of Masons who possessed a 19th century classical education which included extensive knowledge of The Bible, the latin and greek languages, advanced mathematics and an advanced grasp of the english language. For Pike, this book was one out of many, many longer and more complicated books he had authored. There are no “secrets” in this book as many misinformed people say, nor is this book “official” or a “masonic bible” as no one man’s opinion of Freemasonry speaks for Freemasonry as a whole. Pike merely was sharing his knowledge with people who he considered his friends and brothers who were members of the Scottish Rite in the 35 states that are under the jurisdiction of the Mother Supreme Council. Regardless of one’s personal opinions of Pike’s obvious character flaws, it cannot be doubted that the man was a genius, and his genius shows in this work.
NOTE: This is a complicated book where many words are written in their ancient script. I have attempted to place these words in the video for clarity and to show why there is a pause of silence in certain parts. For those of you who wish to read along, (which is highly recommended) here are some links to do so:
First check your local bookstore. 9 times out of 10 the only Masonic book there will be Morals and Dogma. They probably printed well over a million copies over the nearly 100 years it was in print so an old copy is not hard to come by, and any good public library or university library has a copy.

Read it online: http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/md/in…

Buy the modern english translation: http://www.morals-and-dogma.com/

Buy the newly released annotated edition: http://www.scottishritestore.org/cgi-…