While cleaning the lodge, an old steward entered the library to find a young EA intently pouring through a large stack of books. He asked the EA what he was seeking. The EA replied, "I have been told that the new EA is like the cornerstone of the lodge. I'm trying to learn more about cornerstones so I can understand this better."
The steward asked if there was some particular question with which he might help. The EA said, "This allegory seems a little confusing to me. A real cornerstone should be laid before a lodge is built; yet a new EA comes into an already existing lodge. What could this mean?"
The steward replied, "Before a cornerstone is finished, what is it?"
"Just a rough stone," said the EA.
"Yes. It is a rough ashlar. Do you recall what you were taught about the ashlar?"
"That it represents the mind and conscience."
"Very well then, pay careful attention. The stone is the Mason and the Mason is the stone. Beyond the Mason there's no stone, and beyond the stone there's no Mason. You can't know the beauty and strength of the cornerstone as long as you deceive yourself and a lifeless form enthralls you. Break off your self-deceptions and you will find that the lodge is not a building, not necessarily even a gathering of men, and that the cornerstone is always there waiting to be revealed."
The EA responded, "Thank you. I see that I have much to think about."
The steward said, "Follow the lessons you have been taught. Use the power of your spirit like a gavel, and don't be obsessed with piling up rubble and dust. Some men take great pride in such waste as a sign of their labors, but a true craftsman does not allow himself to become distracted in that way."
The EA began closing his books. "I see that too many words and too many ideas are cluttering my lodge."
"Perhaps," replied the steward, "but don't forget that adornment of the temple is also part of our art. However, a temple can become so gaudy with sculptures, paintings, and other embellishments that one can forget the temple's essential nature. Thus the words and ideas that adorn your mind are fitting so long as they tend to remind you of its essential nature."
Nodding, the EA said, "Brother, you have shown me that the art of Masonry is both simpler and more complex than I knew. This light will never go out."