Masonic Definition Of A Square.

MASONIC DEFINITION OF A SQUARE .

Short Paper by Bro . Wm . Anderson P . M . St . Andrew ' s Lodge , No . 16 ( Canada ) , read before the Toronto Past Masters Association . A T the last regular meeting of this association we were favoured with a criticism from the pen of Bro . Matthieu

Williams , of Quatuor Coronati Lodge , of London , England , on portions of our Masonic ritual . I took exception at the time to his strictures on the Masonic definition of a square , as given in the following quotation :

" My next criticism applies to a more ambiguous expression , viz ., the Masonic definition of a square—an angle of ninety degrees or the fourth part of a circle . " As the Craftsman , to whom this definition is specially entrusted , is charged to make a special study of the science of

geometry , which is established as the basis of our art , his primary geometrical effort should be beyond suspicion . But the plain English reading of this definition involves the statement that a square is part of a circle and that an angle . is part of a circle . "

Brother Williams appears to think that the mathematical definition of a square is the only correct one , namely , " a figure having four equal sides and four equal angles . " Our critical Brother has evidently in his mind a figure or tool of this description , whereas the Masonic square is something entirely

different ; not a four-sided figure , but a two-sided instrument , the two sides enclosing an angle of ninety degrees . In defining the term square , as it occurs in the ritual , why should

we be limited to the definition selected by Brother Williams ? When we find that a word has several definitions we naturally select the one best adapted to meet the requirements of the case . It would be absurd to confine ourselves to the

mathematical definition of the words point and line . In geometry a point is that which has no parts or no magnitude , a purely imaginary thing , having no material existence . A line is length without breadth , something equally intangible . If we must use only the mathematical definition of a square it ma ]''

also be claimed that point and line should be similarly treated . Instead of being limited to one " definition of a square , howevei ; our dictionaries supply us with fourteen , and there is no difficulty in selecting the proper one . Here it is from Worcester ' s unabridged : " A rule or instrument by which workmen

ascertain whether an angle is a right angle or not . " This is the square of the ritual . The two sides of the workingman ' s square contain an angle of ninety degrees . The right angle being the all important part , the two sides are not mentioned ; for it is the right angle the operative Mason has constantly in

mind when he uses the term . Brother Williams says , " the Masonic definition involves the statement that a square is part of a circle and that an angle is part of a circle . " From an operative or practical standpoint ( and , as I have shown , this is the proper point of view ) , this statement may be considered

substantially correct ; and as a right angle ( or in operative phrase , the square ) contains 90 degrees and the circle 360 degrees , a square must be the fourth part of a circle , ' the error arises from losing sight of the fact that the working tools used in speculative Masonry are the same as employed by the

operative Mason , and that they are described in the phraseology of the practical workman , not in the exact language of mathematical science . It is surprising that a Brother , having the intelligence and Masonic knowledge undoubtedly

possessed by the author of the criticism I have briefly reviewed , should have overlooked the practical application of the language employed in describing a tool symbolising one of the most important principles embodied rin our system of morality .

The Active Brother.

THE ACTIVE BROTHER .

IN each Lodge there is at least one active member , who is always at the head and front of every movement . He is a true Mason , completely imbued with the ardour of the original Masonic spirit and inspired with a devotion to its precepts . If an anniversary is to be celebrated or any social reunion whatever , under the auspices of the Lodge , the active Brother

is the prime mover and without his unquenchable fire and persistent efforts the whole affair would be a complete failure . He is always in his place in the Lodge and in the absence

of any of the Officers he is always ready and willing to occupy whatever chair may be vacant . If any question is discussed , he is the principal speaker , not because he is pleased with the sound of his own voice , nor because he thinks he knows more

The Active Brother.

than his associates on the question , although he , perhaps , has given more time and study to Lodge subjects . If a Committee is appointed to execute certain work , naturally he is the first one recognised by the presiding Officer , and he is generally left to execute the whole commission , which he does effectually .

T Tpon his shoulders is always laid the charge that is presented and thus it is the active Brother soon becomes the pack-horse of the institution , and , as a rule , what thanks does he generally receive for all this ? If his many activities are mentioned , the reply is : " Oh , he likes to do it , " and the members who

do nothing pride themselves on their goodness in permitting this Brother to occupy himself so affectionately in their service . Is it any wonder that after a time the active Brother becomes tired ? Then there is no one to take his place , and the last state of the Lodge with the one active Brother becomes deplorable .

Not only is the diligent Brother not appreciated at his true worth , but it is a common thing that the Brothers who do nothing frequently find fault with and criticise his actions , and oftentimes say that he only takes an active part on account of the prominence it gives him , or that it panders to his

selflove , and even sometimes assert that m some manner he only uses this to advance his private business . Supposing these insinuations were true , why do not the fault-finders take hold also and gain some of this supposed shower of gold and

grandeur , tor all those who desire it could imitate the example of the active Brother . The facts of the case are they do not want to do the work that is to be done and when their consciences accuse them of being lazy and inactive they justify themselves by impugning the motives of the active Brother .

Every member of a Lodge should be an active member , as far as his time and capabilities permit , and the good example set by one active member ought to be followed by all . No doubt many join Masonry seeking influence instead of light , and when these unworthy members find that they do not

receive as large an amount of praise or financial results for what they do , they soon become weary of well doing . Masonry should be sought'for its teachings , and , not for avaricious reasons or desire of bettering one ' s own individual interests . Nor does it cause surprise that the introduction , occasionally ,

of such unworthy seekers brings demoralisation on the Lodge they join . Such individuals never become Masons and such influences have done much to mar the brilliant escutcheon of pure Masonry , introducing ideas into the sacred precincts where Masonic virtue should reign supreme , and drawing down

dishonour on the Fraternity in the eyes of the outside world . Such members do not possess the moral qualifications to breathe in the moral atmosphere that surrounds them . We should look to it that such persons should not be admitted , and live up to the ancient rule when character and moral

strength were the proofs of merit . To do this there must be more than one active member in the Lodge . All who have the true interest of Masonry at heart should take hold of such work as comes in their way and do it heartily and to the best of their ability , with self-abnegation , and also cultivate the brotherly

spirit of true Masonry , giving each Brother the . credit ' . ' his good actions and , "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works , and glorify your Father which is in heaven . " These were the words of Christ to his disciples , and they are as applicable to us now as to them then . — " American Tyler . "

Responsibility Of A Freemason.

RESPONSIBILITY OF A FREEMASON .

E VERY Mason is obligated to be a good citizen . This obligation can only be fulfilled by an earnest activity in everything that vitally concerns the welfare of the individual as represented in good government . It is well for us now and again to stop our boasting and , roused from our selfish complacency , remember how much our' civil and religious

liberties have cost in treasure and blood . Freemasonry owes it to itself and to humanity to put a stop to the glaring sins that invite the certain forfeiture of that heritage . The work of sin has ever been to destroy law , order , harmony . Lawlessness and sin are identical , and mean bondage .

Freemasonry has become rich and powerful and vain . " Pride goeth before a fall " we are told . It is true , because the proud man becomes giddy at his height and is no longer safe in his

moral vision . So with the Institution . Marching under the banner of the only true God , in the blazing light of His Word yet it proclaims a gospel so vague and uncertain that its novitiates stumble in doubt and uncertainty into the dark ditch