A Mason is taught that the purpose of the level is for proving horizontals (horizontal lines). We usually think of using a level to check to see if a surface is flat. This was the purpose of the Level in Operative Masonry, and still applies in construction work today.

Freemasonry has a different application for the Level. First of all, it is considered one of the immovable jewels in the Lodge. It is the ensign of the Senior Warden because when the Craft is at labor he will preside over them on a basis of equality. Albert Mackey said "the level teaches us that all men are equal, subject to the same infirmities, hastening t the same goal, and preparing to be judged be the same immutable law."

Masonry uses the Level in the symbolic sense of testing to see if we are on a level playing field with our Masonic brethren, and beyond that, our fellow man. We are told in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal. When the framers of our nation (many who were Masons) made the pronouncement of equality for all, they were echoing a basic Masonic belief. Believing that all men are created equal does not mean that every man is the same. God has put us on this earth with many different abilities and disabilities. Regardless of our station in life all men will walk on Level of time until they draw their last breath.

Masons do not claim that everyone is equal in life, but we do assert that every man has the right to develop himself and use what talent he has without being oppressed or treated unjustly. The Declaration of Independence not only declared that all men are created equal, but it also contents that we have a right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." No one should be hindered from pursuing these goals, and in doing so we all are walking on the Level.


Albert Pike, one of the great giants in Freemasonry, believed very strongly that Masonry was "the first apostle of equality in the true sense." No other nation in the history of world has attained the freedoms that we enjoy today. Whether some people like it or not, Freemasonry had a very prominent part in bringing this to pass.

In a Masonic Lodge every member has a voice. The rich are not better than the poor, or the educated over the uneducated. His creed or politics are on an equal basis in the Lodge.

 

 

We meet upon the Level and we part upon the Square:

What words of precious meaning those words Masonic are!

Come, let us contemplate them! they are worthy of thought;

In the very walls of Masonry the sentiment is wrought.

We meet upon the Level, though from every station come,

The rich man from his palace and the poor man from his home;

For the rich must leave his wealth and state outside the Mason's door,

And the poor man finds his best respect upon the Checkered Floor.

We act upon the Plumb,--'tis the orders of our Guide,

We walk upright in virtue's way and lean to neither side;

Th' All-Seeing Eye that reads our hearts doth bear us witness true;

That we still try to honor God and give each man his due.

We part upon the Square, for the world must have its due:

We mingle with the multitude, a faithful Band and true;

But the influence of our gatherings in memory is green,

And we long upon the Level to renew the happy scene.

There's a World where all are equal,--we are hurrying towards it fast,

We shall meet upon the Level, there, when the gates of Death are passed:

We shall stand before the Orient, and our Master will be there,

To try the blocks we offer with His own unerring Square.

We shall meet upon the Level there, but never thence depart;

There's a Mansion,--'tis all ready for each trusting, faithful heart;--

There's a Mansion, and a Welcome, and a multitude is there

Who have met upon the Level, and been tried upon the Square.

Let us meet upon the Level, then, while laboring patient here;

Let us meet and let us labor, though the labor be severe;

Already in the Western Sky the signs bid us prepare

To gather up our Working Tools and part upon the Square.

Hands round, ye faithful Brotherhood, the bright fraternal chain,

We part upon the Square below, to meet in Heaven again!

What words of precious meaning those words Masonic are,--

We meet upon the Level and we part upon the Square.


THE LEVEL AND THE SQUARE

by Rob Morris