The Plumb

Joseph Newton, ". . . the Plumb is a symbol of rectitude of conduct, integrity of life, and that uprightness of moral character which makes a good and just man." (Short Talks on Masonry, page 47)

Joseph Newton, "What is meant by an upright life each of us knows, but it has never been better described than in the 15th Psalm, which may be called the religion of a gentleman and the design upon the Trestleboard of every Mason: 'Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whoes eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved'." (Short Talks on Masonry, page 48)

Albert Mackey, "As the building which is not erected on a perpendicular line, but leans either one way or the other, becomes, insecure, and must eventually fall, by the force of gravity, to the ground, so he, whose life is not supported by an upright course of conduct, but whose principles are swayed by the uncertain dictates of interest or passion, cannot long sustain worthy reputation, and must soon sink beneath the estimation of every good and virtuous citizen. But the just, the upright, the unwavering man, who bends not beneath the attacks of adversity, nor yields to the temptations of prosperity, but still pursues the 'even tenor of his way,' will stand erect amid the fiercest tempests of fortune, and, like a tall column, lift his head above the frowns of envy and the slanders of malignity. To the man thus just and upright, the sacred Scriptures attribute as necessary parts of this character, kindness and liberality, temperance and moderation, truth and wisdom . . ." (Lexicon of Freemasonry, page 360)


September 29, 2007