The Plumb, The Square, The Level - Revision history

User: Add reusable topic navigation

2026-08-15T14:29:19Z

Add reusable topic navigation

User: Add article to working-tools category

2026-08-15T13:42:44Z

Add article to working-tools category

Sabine: /* The Plumb */

2023-07-19T16:52:50Z

The Plumb

Sabine: /* Biblical */

2023-07-19T16:49:08Z

Biblical

Sabine: /* Biblical */

2023-07-19T16:48:03Z

Biblical

Sabine: /* The Level */

2023-06-16T18:47:24Z

The Level

Sabine: /* Legal */

2023-06-16T18:37:54Z

Legal

Sabine: /* Legal */

2023-06-16T18:37:29Z

Legal

Sabine: /* Legal */

2023-06-16T18:32:00Z

Legal

Sabine: /* In Literature */

2023-06-16T18:27:04Z

In Literature

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:29, 15 August 2026
Line 228:		Line 228:

	Whereas the Plumb implies the astrological principles of Saturn (rules, law) for the Junior Warden, the Square implies the astrological principles of Libra (balance, fairness) for the Senior Warden.		Whereas the Plumb implies the astrological principles of Saturn (rules, law) for the Junior Warden, the Square implies the astrological principles of Libra (balance, fairness) for the Senior Warden.
		+
		+	{{Topic navigation}}

	[[Category:Working tools]]		[[Category:Working tools]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:42, 15 August 2026
Line 228:		Line 228:

	Whereas the Plumb implies the astrological principles of Saturn (rules, law) for the Junior Warden, the Square implies the astrological principles of Libra (balance, fairness) for the Senior Warden.		Whereas the Plumb implies the astrological principles of Saturn (rules, law) for the Junior Warden, the Square implies the astrological principles of Libra (balance, fairness) for the Senior Warden.
		+
		+	[[Category:Working tools]]

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 == The Plumb ==
-The plumb is a symbol commonly used in Freemasonry and represents the virtue of uprightness. It is one of the working tools used in the Entered Apprentice degree. The plumb is utilised in Masonic symbolism to remind Masons to live an upright and moral life, always standing straight and true in their dealings with others. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining balance and harmony in one's personal and professional life. The plumb is commonly depicted as a metal tool with a weight, or plumb-bob, suspended from a string or cord. In Masonic ritual, The plumb is used in the context of the construction of King Solomon's Temple and represents the significance of laying a solid foundation based on moral principles and and virtuous conduct. Overall, the plumb is a key symbol in Freemasonry, representing the principles of morality, integrity, and uprightness, all of which are regarded as essential attributes for any Mason.
+The plumb is a symbol commonly used in Freemasonry and represents the virtue of uprightness. It is one of the working tools used in the Entered Apprentice degree. The plumb is utilised in Masonic symbolism to remind Masons to live an upright and moral life, always standing straight and true in their dealings with others. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining balance and harmony in one's personal and professional life. The plumb is commonly depicted as a metal tool with a weight, or plumb-bob, suspended from a string or cord. In Masonic ritual, The plumb is used in the context of the construction of King Solomon's Temple and represents the significance of laying a solid foundation based on moral principles and virtuous conduct. Overall, the plumb is a key symbol in Freemasonry, representing the principles of morality, integrity, and uprightness, all of which are regarded as essential attributes for any Mason.
 === Etymology ===

@@ Line 117: / Line 117: @@
 '''1 Kings 5:16-18:'''
-:: 16 ''Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.''
+:: '''<sup>16</sup>''' ''Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.''
-:: 17 ''And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.''
+:: '''<sup>17</sup>''' ''And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.''
-:: 18 ''And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.''
+:: '''<sup>18</sup>''' ''And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.''
 '''Ezekiel 41:21-22:'''
-::21 The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other.''
+::'''<sup>21</sup>''' The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other.''
-::22 The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.''
+::'''<sup>22</sup>''' The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.''
 === In The Lodge ===

@@ Line 39: / Line 39: @@
 '''Isaiah 28:16-17:'''
-:: 16 ''Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.''
+:: '''<sup>16</sup>''' ''Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.''
-:: 17 ''Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.''
+:: '''<sup>17</sup>''' ''Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.''
 '''Amos 7:6-8'''
-:: 6 ''The Lord repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord God.''
+:: '''<sup>6</sup>''' ''The Lord repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord God.''
 === In the Lodge ===

@@ Line 180: / Line 180: @@
 == The Level ==
 The level is another important symbol used in Freemasonry and represents the virtue of equality.
-In Masonic symbolism, the level represents the idea that all Masons are equal, regardless of their social or economic status, race, or religion. It is a reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness, and of the need to work together in harmony and unity towards common goals.
+In Masonic symbolism, the level represents the idea that all Masons are equal, regardless of their social or economic status, race, or religion. It is a reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness and of the need to work together in harmony and unity towards common goals.
-The level is often depicted as a metal tool with a straight edge, used to determine whether a surface is horizontal or flat. In Masonic ritual, it is used to symbolize the importance of working towards a common goal and of the need to work together in a cooperative and collaborative manner.
+The level is often depicted as a metal tool with a straight edge, used to determine whether a surface is horizontal or flat. In Masonic ritual, it is used to symbolise the importance of working towards a common goal and the need to work together in a cooperative and collaborative manner.
 Overall, the level is a symbol of great significance in Freemasonry, representing the principles of equality, fairness, and unity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, and of the need to work together in harmony and cooperation in order to achieve common goals.
@@ Line 196: / Line 195: @@
 [[File:plumb.png|300px|thumb|right|The Level]]
-Medieval construction relied on the concept of the plumb in order to find level.  However, the medieval level made an advancement over its Egyptian and Roman predecessor.
+Medieval construction relied on the concept of the plumb in order to find level. However, the medieval level made an advancement over its Egyptian and Roman predecessors.
-There is pictorial evidence from the 13th century of a level which consisting of a straight edge with a raised semi-circle in the middle of the top edge from where a plumb bob was suspended.
+There is pictorial evidence from the 13th century of a level consisting of a straight edge with a raised semi-circle in the middle of the top edge from where a plumb bob was suspended.
-The `A` shaped tool of the ancient Egyptians could only be verified level by comparing the points at which the legs of the "A" frame rested.  Whereas with the design of the medieval tool, the horizontal nature of the surface could be verified along the entire length of the board (the level).  When working with smaller stones and a larger level, several stones could be checked for level simultaneously, allowing for greater efficacy and accuracy.
+The "A"-shaped tool of the ancient Egyptians could only be verified by comparing the points at which the legs of the "A" frame rested. Whereas with the design of the medieval tool, the horizontal nature of the surface could be verified along the entire length of the board (the level). When working with smaller stones and a larger level, several stones could be checked for level simultaneously, allowing for greater efficacy and accuracy.
 === Ancient Egypt ===
-The Square Level was the main levelling instrument used in both Ancient Egypt and much later in Roman and Medieval building. A precursor to the spirit level was also developed by using water-filled trenches in order to cover large distances. Smaller versions of Water Levels were developed much later.
+The Square Level was the main levelling instrument used in both Ancient Egypt and much later in Roman and Medieval building. A precursor to the spirit level was also developed by using water-filled trenches to cover large distances. Smaller versions of Water Levels were developed much later.
@@ Line 213: / Line 212: @@
 The Level is synonymous with the astrological sign of Libra. Venus is the ruling planet.
-Libra is Latin for scales and is the seventh astrological sign in the zodiac spanning 180°–210° celestial longitude. The Sun transits this sign on average between September 23 (September equinox) and October 23.
+Libra is Latin for scales and is the seventh astrological sign in the zodiac, spanning 180°–210° celestial longitude. The Sun transits this sign on average between September 23 (the September equinox) and October 23.
-The symbol of the scales is based on the Scales of Justice held by the Greek feminine goddess, Themis, the personification of divine law and custom. Themis survives today as the basis for the modern-day symbol of Lady Justice, most commonly associated with courthouses in the Western world. It is with noting that Libra is the only zodiac sign that is represented by an object rather than an animal or mythological character.
+The symbol of the scales is based on the Scales of Justice held by the Greek feminine goddess Themis, the personification of divine law and custom. Themis survives today as the basis for the modern-day symbol of Lady Justice, most commonly associated with courthouses in the Western world. It is worth noting that Libra is the only zodiac sign that is represented by an object rather than an animal or mythological character.
 === Biblical ===
@@ Line 228: / Line 227: @@
 === In The Lodge ===
-Over in the West of the lodge, the jewel of office of the Senior Warden is a level. The level represents the equality among the Craft ''when at labour'' in the Masonic Lodge.
+Over in the West of the lodge, the jewel of office of the Senior Warden is a level. The level represents the equality among the Craft ''when at labour" in the Masonic Lodge.
-Whereas the Plumb implies that of the astrological principles of Saturn (rules, law) for the Junior Warden, the Square implies the astrological principle of Libra (balance, fairness) for the Senior Warden.
+Whereas the Plumb implies the astrological principles of Saturn (rules, law) for the Junior Warden, the Square implies the astrological principles of Libra (balance, fairness) for the Senior Warden.

@@ Line 177: / Line 177: @@
 ::It will be universally understood, or misunderstood, as having a Masonic significance and, therefore, as a trade mark, must constantly work deception. Nothing could be more mischievous than to create as a monopoly and uphold by the poser of lacy anything so calculated, as applied to purposes of trade, to be misinterpreted, to mislead all classes, and to constantly foster suggestions of mystery in affairs of business.' "
-::::::::::::::::::::::::::::''''Encyclopedia of Freemasonry' by Albert G. Mackey (1873) '''
+:::::::::::::::::::::::''''Encyclopedia of Freemasonry' by Albert G. Mackey (1873) '''
 == The Level ==

@@ Line 167: / Line 167: @@
 === Legal ===
-In 1873 the Freemasonry symbol of the joined square and compass became the subject of a legal decision in the United States when a flour manufacturer made an application to the patent office to adapt the square and compass as the company's trademark. The request was refused and in the comments accompanying the decision the applicant was strongly rebuked by the Commissioner for his attempt to mislead the public. The incident was documented by author Albert G. Mackey:
+In 1873, the Freemasonry symbol of the joined square and compass became the subject of a legal decision in the United States when a flour manufacturer made an application to the patent office to adapt the square and compass as the company's trademark. The request was refused, and in the comments accompanying the decision, the applicant was strongly rebuked by the Commissioner for his attempt to mislead the public. The incident was documented by author Albert G. Mackey:
 ::"SQUARE AND COMPASSES
-::So universally has this symbol been recognized, even by the profane world, as the peculiar characteristic of Freemasonry, that it has recently been made in the United States the subject of a legal decision. A manufacturer of flour having made, in 1873, an application to the Patent Office for permission to adopt the Square and Compasses as a trade-mark, the Commissioner of Patents, J. M. Thatcher, refused the permission as the mark was a Masonic symbol.
+::So universally has this symbol been recognised, even by the profane world, as the peculiar characteristic of Freemasonry that it has recently been made the subject of a legal decision in the United States. A manufacturer of flour having made, in 1873, an application to the Patent Office for permission to adopt the Square and Compasses as a trade mark, the Commissioner of Patents, J. M. Thatcher, refused the permission as the mark was a Masonic symbol.
-::'If this emblem were something other than precisely what it is—either less known, less significant, or fully and universally understood—all this might readily be admitted. But, Considering its peculiar character and relation to the public, an anomalous question is presented. There can be no doubt that this device, so commonly worn and employed by Masons, has an established mystic significance, universally recognized as existing; whether comprehended by all or not, is not material to this issue. In view of the magnitude and extent of the Masonic organization, it is impossible to divest its symbols, or at least this particular symbol—perhaps the best known of all—of its ordinary signification, wherever displaced, either as an arbitrary character or otherwise.
+::'If this emblem were something other than precisely what it is—either less known, less significant, or fully and universally understood—all this might readily be admitted. But, considering its peculiar character and relation to the public, an anomalous question is presented. There can be no doubt that this device, so commonly worn and employed by Masons, has an established mystic significance that is universally recognised as existing; whether it is comprehended by all or not is not material to this issue. In view of the magnitude and extent of the Masonic organisation, it is impossible to divest its symbols, or at least this particular symbol—perhaps the best known of all—of its ordinary signification, wherever displaced, either as an arbitrary character or otherwise.
-::It will be universally understood, or misunderstood, as having a Masonic significance; and, therefore, as a trade-mark, must constantly work deception. Nothing could be more mischievous than to create as a monopoly, and uphold by the poser of lacy anything so calculated, as applied to purposes of trade, to be misinterpreted, to mislead all classes, and to constantly foster suggestions of mystery in affairs of business.' "
+::It will be universally understood, or misunderstood, as having a Masonic significance and, therefore, as a trade mark, must constantly work deception. Nothing could be more mischievous than to create as a monopoly and uphold by the poser of lacy anything so calculated, as applied to purposes of trade, to be misinterpreted, to mislead all classes, and to constantly foster suggestions of mystery in affairs of business.' "
-::::::::''''Encyclopedia of Freemasonry' by Albert G. Mackey (1873).'''
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::''''Encyclopedia of Freemasonry' by Albert G. Mackey (1873) '''
 == The Level ==

@@ Line 141: / Line 141: @@
 ::"''You must keep within the compass, and act upon the square with all mankind; for your Masonry is but a dead letter if you do not habitually perform its reiterated injunctions. You may boast of its beauties; (and you have just reason to do so,) you may attend its Lectures; you may be an enthusiast in its forms and ceremonies; but unless you reduce it to practice; unless its incitements be brought to bear upon your moral conduct, you can enjoy no advantage over those who are still in darkness, and the benefits of Masonry have been extended to you in vain."
-:::::::::''''Signs and Symbols Illustrated and Explained, in a Course of Twelve Lectures on Freemasonry' (p. 190) by the REV. George Oliver, D.D.'''
+::::::::''''Signs and Symbols Illustrated and Explained, in a Course of Twelve Lectures on Freemasonry' (p. 190) by the REV. George Oliver, D.D.'''
 ::"''It is hard to become a truly good man, perfect as a square in hands and feet and mind, fashioned without blame. Whosoever is bad, and not too wicked, knowing justice, the benefactor of cities, is a sound man. I for one will find no fault with him, for the race of fools is infinite. ... I praise and love all men who do no sin willingly; but with necessity even the gods do not contend."
-::::::::::::::::::::::::::::'''Simonides of Ceos (c. 556-469 BC)
+::::::::'''[https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Simonides_of_Ceos Simonides of Ceos] (c. 556-469 BC)
+::''That Fellow's on the Square''
 ::Ah, here's a phrase that stands for much,
@@ Line 165: / Line 163: @@
 ::There is no greater praise than this:
 ::"That fellow's on the square."
-::::::::::::::'''Excerpt from a poem by Joseph Fort Newton (1880-1950)'''
+::::::::'''Excerpt from a poem by Joseph Fort Newton (1880-1950)'''
 === Legal ===