The [square] is an instrument made use of by operative masons .........to square their work.......... but we, as Free and Accepted Masons are taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious purposes; the plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, squaring our actions by the square of virtue........ (http://www.ncdistrict39.com/index_files/Page406.htm)
The square is a simple instrument of two legs forming an angle of ninety degrees. As used in freemasonry, the square is made up of 2 legs of equal length used for testing the accuracy of angles. It is not the carpenters square where one leg is longer than the other and marked of in measurements. Operative masons used the square in order to prove that stones were cut straight in order to place them. If the stones were not square, then the structure would be weekend and possibly fall. The squareness of the stones aided in the strength of the building.
The square is arguably one of the most important symbols in masonry. It is the emblem of the master of the lodge and one of the great lights in masonry. It is one of the first thing a candidate sees when the blindfold is removed.
Symbolically the square is an instrument of morality. As we develop our thoughts and actions shape our character. We are taught to square our actions in order to live a moral life. We test each of our thoughts and actions by the square. We should strive to live honest and upright lives. We should be truthful and honest in all of our doings. We should strive to build ourselves into a man that leads a moral life. For that to happen, we must fit our thoughts and actions into a form that is strong. By measuring them on the square, they will not easily fall.
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