Rough and Perfect Ashlar?

[Sir.Mike]

What is it and how does it pertain to Masons, Operative and
Speculative?

[btg...@charter.net]

read your Ritual Manual and think of yourself in its rood and imperfect state. And think of how the Gavel is used and for what purpose. I think you will find answer quite easily. If not tell me, I will explain to you how I see it as it pertains to me.

[btg...@charter.net]

Better than that Sir Mike, come to the Lodge of Instruction this evening and we will talk about it.

[Snuff]

I guess I should have asked if the answer to the question was
something you needed or was it aimed to search the minds of others and
if it was something you desired or needed answered and have not yet
done so then let me know. I will be more than happy to put my two
cents,worth only half that, in on the subject.

[Sir.Mike]

It was aimed toward the discussion of the symbolism of the ashlars and
what it means, not only the given definition but also how it's
perceived by each Mason.

> > Speculative?- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[btg...@charter.net]

Ah, my Brother, the trap set and bait taken. This being the case then I will ask of you the answer to your own question, as you are indeed a MM and I am sure have an interesting view on such a matter.

[Sir.Mike]

Masons are reminded that, as Operative Masons erected Solomon's Temple
in accordance with the rules and designs laid down on the trestle-
board of the master-workman, so should he erect that spiritual temple,
of which the material is a type, in obedience to the rules and
designs, the precepts and commands, laid down by the Grand Architect
of the Universe in that Guiding Light which constitutes the trestle-
board of a Freemason; constructing that Spiritual Temple in our
hearts, pure and spotless, fit for a dwelling place for Him who is the
author of purity – where God is to be worshiped in spirit and in
truth, and whence every evil thought and unruly passion is to be
banished, as the sinner and Gentile were excluded from the Sanctum
Sanctorum of this Temple erected to God.

Operative Masons required materials to construct such a Temple. There
was the Rough Ashlar - the stone in its rude and natural state -
unformed and unpolished, as it had been lying in the quarries of Tyre
from the foundation of the earth. This stone was to be hewed and
squared, to be fitted and adjusted, by simple but appropriate
elements, until it became the Perfect Ashlar, or well-finished stone,
ready to take its place in the building.

Before we as Speculative Masons can build such a spiritual temple, we
must ready ourselves by doing away of our natural state - ignorant,
uncultivated, immoral, etc.- and shape those pieces of our lives -
squaring our actions, holding true to morality and brotherly love,
etc. - so that they are polished and well fitted to be placed into the
building of that temple.