The Masonic Square

Anti-Mason Greg Lambert wrote, "This symbol is composed of a compass on top and a square on the bottom framing the letter G. Similar to the point within a circle, Masonic ritual teaches that the square represents 'squaring our actions' and the compass represents 'circumscribing our desires and keeping our passions within bounds'." (Masonic Symbolism Explained, page 9)

Grand Lodge of Maine, "The Square is a symbol of morality, truthfulness and honesty." (Grand Lodge of Maine, General Information Regarding Masonry)

"Since the try-square was used to prove the angles were right, it naturally became an emblem of accuracy, integrity, rightness. As stones are cut to fit into a building, so our acts and thoughts as built together into a structure of Character, badly or firmly, and must be tested by a moral standard of which the simple try-square is a symbol." (The Square, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. II, No. 4, April, 1924, page 5)

Allen Roberts wrote, "The Square symbolizes morality. It also is a symbol of righteousmess. It keeps us in touch with God, for morality and righteousness cannot be separated from Him." (The Craft and Its Symbols, page 23)

Allen Roberts wrote, ". . . the square . . . It stands for virtue. Virtue should guide you in all your transactions with your fellow man. No man who cheats or defrauds another can be a Freemason in his heart. He may be able to hide his actions from man, but he can't from God.
The Square . . . has another virtue added -- Morality. . . . When you 'act upon the square,' you are telling the truth, as you see it. You are giving the other fellow an 'honest deal'." (The Craft and Its Symbols, page 43)

". . . among Speculative Masons, the tiny try-square has always been a symbol of morality, of the basic rightness which must be the test of every act and the foundation of character and society." (The Square, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. II, No. 4, April, 1924, page 5)

"In all lands, in all rites where Masonry is true to itself, the Square is a symbol of righteousness, and is applied in the light of faith in God." (The Square, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. II, No. 4, April, 1924, page 5)

"Square. Symbol of the Master; of rectitude of life and conduct; or morality, truthfulness, honesty." (Pocket Encyclopedia of Masonic Symbols, The Masonic Service Association, page 52)

Albert Mackey, "Square. . . . a significant emblem of morality. As, by the application of the square, the stone is tried and proved, so, by the application of the principles of morality, each action of human life is judged, and approved or condemned, as it coincides with, or deviates from, those eternal and immutable principles. As as the stone, that on inspection with the square does not prove 'true and trusty,' is rejected or its defects amended, so each action that is not consistent with the dictates and rules of morality is carefully avoided by him who wishes to erect a mental structure of virtue, that shall afford him honour in life and repose in death." (Lexicon of Freemasonry, pages 450-451)

"'Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh rigtheousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.' It is the first obligation of a Mason to be on the Square, in all his duties and dealings with his fellow men, and if he fails there he cannot win anywhere." (The Square, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. II, No. 4, April, 1924, page 9)


Anti-Mason Greg Lambert wrote, "The Scripture tells us that only God can 'circumscribe our desires' or 'keep our passions in bounds' by His mercies. 'I beseech you therefore, brethern, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God,' (Romans 12:1-2)." (Masonic Symbolism Explained, page 10)

Romans 12:1-2 does not teach what Lambert claims. Romans 12:1-2 is clear in its teaching, we as Christians, are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. In other words, we are to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions in bound. Exactly as Masonic ritual teaches.

Romans 12:1-2 is also clear in its teaching that we are not to be conformed to the world, exactly as Masonic ritual teaches.


October 24, 2007