The Three Working Tools
Click each tool to learn its operative and speculative meanings.
The Skirret
Operative: An implement which acts on a centre pin, whence a line is drawn to mark out ground for the foundation of the intended structure.
Speculative: Points out that straight and undeviating line of conduct laid down for our pursuit in the Volume of Sacred Law.
The Pencil
Operative: With the Pencil the skilful artist delineates the building in a draft or plan for the instruction and guidance of the workmen.
Speculative: Teaches us that our words and actions are observed and recorded by the Almighty Architect, to Whom we must give an account of our conduct through life.
The Compasses
Operative: Enable him with accuracy and precision to ascertain and determine the limits and proportions of its several parts.
Speculative: Remind us of His unerring and impartial justice, Who, having defined for our instruction the limits of good and evil, will reward or punish as we have obeyed or disregarded His Divine commands.
Complete Script
I now present to you the working tools of a Master Mason. They are the Skirret, Pencil and Compasses.
Indicates tools as they are named.The Skirret is an implement which acts on a centre pin, whence a line is drawn to mark out ground for the foundation of the intended structure. With the Pencil the skilful artist delineates the building in a draft or plan for the instruction and guidance of the workmen. The Compasses enable him with accuracy and precision to ascertain and determine the limits and proportions of its several parts.
But as we are not all operative Masons but free and accepted, or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals.
In this sense, the Skirret points out that straight and undeviating line of conduct laid down for our pursuit in the Volume of Sacred Law; the Pencil teaches us that our words and actions are observed and recorded by the Almighty Architect, to Whom we must give an account of our conduct through life; the Compasses remind us of His unerring and impartial justice, Who, having defined for our instruction the limits of good and evil, will reward or punish as we have obeyed or disregarded His Divine commands.
Thus the working tools of a Master Mason teach us to bear in mind, and act according to, the laws of our Divine Creator, that, when we shall be summoned from this sublunary abode, we may ascend to the Grand Lodge above, where the world's Great Architect lives and reigns for ever.
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
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Word Order Challenge
Drag or click words to arrange them in the correct order.
Your Learning Progress
Study Tips
1. Learn the Structure: The script follows a pattern: Introduction → Operative meanings → Bridge → Speculative meanings → Conclusion.
2. Associate Tools with Concepts: Skirret = Line of conduct, Pencil = Recording of actions, Compasses = Divine justice.
3. Key Phrases: "Free and accepted, or speculative", "Volume of Sacred Law", "Almighty Architect", "Grand Lodge above".
4. Practice Regularly: Use the Practice mode with increasing difficulty as you improve.