There once was a traveling Master Mason that helped build many temples and performed countless good deeds in the name of Masonry. Once while passing through Groton, he was received by Peter Gower. He asked, "What merit is there in my good works?"
Peter Gower replied, "None at all."
The Master Mason then asked, "What is the essential meaning of the Lost Word?"
Peter Gower answered, "Emptiness."
The Master Mason then queried, "Then who is this confronting me?"
"I don’t know," was Peter Gower's reply. Since the Master Mason did not understand, he left Peter Gower and continued on his way.
Later, the Master Mason related this conversation to the Master of a lodge he was visiting. The Master admonished him to remember that Peter Gower was a great teacher and possessed of the highest truth. The traveling Master Mason, filled with regret, said that he would send a message to ask Peter Gower if he might consult with him again. But the Master of the lodge warned, "Even if all the Masons in the land made this request on your behalf, that will never happen again."