The Enlightened Men

by Bro. John George Gibson
(from The Builder, April, 1917)

Does the square that you wear mean the test by your God 

Of the work that you do, and the word that you speak,

Of the will of your mind, the thought of your heart,

Of the Past that is gone, of the Future you seek?

 

The Compass you wear, does it mean that you move 

Within the true bound appointed and sure,

Restricted desire, pleasure defined,

A yielding of self to the bonds that endure?

 

The Triangle too — great emblem of Him

Who is Maker, and Master, Beginning and End, —

Do you wear it to show that He is to you

The Source and the Aim that all others transcend?

 

What means the gold Trowel that hangs at your chain?

Does it tell of the mortar of Love that you spread?

Of the joint well cemented with fine brotherly love?

Of the stones that now lie in the well-mortared bed?

 

If ’tis not so, then take the poor jewels away;

The meaningless bauble will only deceive

Yourself and the others you meet on your way

As meaningless lies which none ever believe.