A rough and perfect Ashlar are stones which symbolize mans moral and spiritual life. Rough Ashlar: Like man, each Rough Ashlar begins as an imperfect stone. With education, cultivation and brotherly love, man is shaped into a being which has been tried by the square of virtue and encircled by the compasses of his boundaries, given to us by our Creator. Perfect Ashlar: As the Freemason "smooths" his rough edges, internally and externally; he becomes a better man and, therefore, a better Freemason. Once a man has perfected his ashlar to the best of his ability,... as Brothers to all mankind, it is his duty to help others become better men and better Freemasons.