A Masons Working Tools James Cole Simser

A tool resting upon a shelfCan do nothing by itself.But if taken up with purpose pureIt can build and shape for sure The Mason’s tool will help him growIf he looks inside to learn and knowThe tool has a greater message for eachAs life’s important lessons it does teach. That tool in his hands can change his life.Raise him above mortal strifeUsed with purpose and with careHe can build a temple fair. Some tools give a standard true,To measure our lives through and throughWhile others shape a character fairAs we learn their lessons there. The compass around us a circle drawsIn which we overlook our flawsWith the plumb line and the level we meet others.Upright and true we travel with our brothers The gavel governs and teaches all alikeThat our rough edges from us we should strikeSmoothing and shaping as a block of stoneReady to stand before God’s holy throne. With a twenty-four inch gaugetime is divided into work and rest,Service to God and to our fellow man -measured and laid out – drawn by the best. A trowel binding into a sacred groupspreads the cement of brotherly loveMasons building, learning and growing -guided with light from above. We use our tools most sublime.And take them up our lives to shapeTools for learning – tools for growingTools for building – tools for knowing. And when at last our journey endsAnd from our hands the tools fallWhen tis time to “Part upon the square”May it be said of each and of all They knew the lessons which were taughtAnd with those lessons hard they foughtTo build a character so sublimeOne noble, upright, pure and fine.