How are the three great lights explained?

• A. The Holy Bible is the Great Light; The Square governs our virtue; The Compasses circumscribe our desires.
• B. The Holy Bible, the Great Light in Masonry, is the rule and guide to our faith and practice; The Square to square our actions by the square of virtue; The Compasses teach us to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds.
• C. The Sun and Moon are the Great Lights and the Master follows.
• D. The Square is the Great Light and the Compass guides action.

Answer: (B)

In Masonry, the three great lights symbolize guiding principles for a Mason’s life. The Holy Bible is the Great Light and serves as the rule and guide to our faith and practice. The Square points us to virtue, helping us shape our actions by the square of virtue. The Compasses teach us to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds. This combination shows how faith, conduct, and self-control work together to direct a Mason’s thoughts and behavior. Other options mix up the roles—such as naming the Sun and Moon as Great Lights or assigning the Square the status of the Great Light—so they don’t fit the traditional explanation.