The Three Working Tools
Click each tool to learn its operative and speculative meanings.
The Square
Operative: To try, and adjust rectangular corners of buildings, and assist in bringing rude matter into due form.
Speculative: Teaches morality.
The Level
Operative: To lay levels and prove horizontals.
Speculative: Teaches equality.
The Plumb Rule
Operative: To try, and adjust uprights while fixing them on their proper bases.
Speculative: Teaches justness and uprightness of life and actions.
Complete Script
I now present to you the working tools of a Fellow Craft Freemason, they are the Square, Level and Plumb Rule.
Indicates tools as they are named.The Square is to try, and adjust rectangular corners of buildings, and assist in bringing rude matter into due form; the Level to lay levels and prove horizontals; the Plumb Rule to try, and adjust uprights while fixing them on their proper bases.
But as we are not all operative Masons, but rather free and accepted, or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals.
In this sense, the Square teaches morality, the Level equality, and the Plumb Rule justness and uprightness of life and actions.
Thus by square conduct, level steps, and upright intentions we hope to ascend to those immortal mansions whence all goodness emanates.
Question 1
Match the Tools to Their Meanings
Click a tool on the left, then click its matching speculative meaning on the right.
Tools
Speculative Meanings
Practice Mode
Select difficulty to hide words. Click hidden words to reveal them. Try to recite from memory!
Word Order Challenge
Click words to arrange them in the correct order.
Your Learning Progress
Study Tips
1. Remember the Pattern: Square = Morality, Level = Equality, Plumb Rule = Justness/Uprightness.
2. Key Phrase: "Square conduct, level steps, and upright intentions" - this summarises the speculative meanings.
3. Destination: "Immortal mansions whence all goodness emanates" - the ultimate goal.
4. Operative to Speculative: Physical building tools become moral guidance tools.