Thirty-Third and Last Degree: Masonry or Politics?

Albert Pike was responsible for the tremendous expansion of the Scottish Rite because of his comprehension of occult law. After his death, Christian fundamentalist Masons, repudiated his esoterism and sought to discredit his teachings. This discourse also brings up the interesting question of whether the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite should hold the office for life and what his qualifications should be. Written 1907, it addresses the same crisis that is facing Freemasonry today. Are we progressing? And in which direction? We are facing a crisis. Increase of numbers in the Order; ambition for active, life office; the building of a great Temple that shall cost nearly a million of dollars, and involve the Order hopelessly in debt for generations to come, more likely means ruin. In the meantime the real spirit, aims and ideals of Masonry are being lost in the rubbish or dying for lack of support and appreciation.