Thus, it is fitting that the final working tool presented to the Master Mason is the trowel to spread the cement of Brotherly Love and Friendship. Looking to explore the history behind more common Masonic symbols?
We invite you to read our educational blogs on Masonic Coins , Operative vs. Speculative Masons , and the Cornerstone. A few Masonic working tools, including a compass, level, and square. Posts you may like:. Irving Berlin. Thomas Cole. If we let conscience guide us, and are prompt to heed it, we will find its voice becoming stronger and clearer with every day of our lives; but, if we fail to heed it, failure becomes a habit, and its voice will eventually become so weak that it is barely audible, so that finally there is no warning at all and its owner becomes a really evil person.
Conscience, like the Gavel, will "knock off all superfluous knobs and excrescence's" so that the rough stone of our character will become the Perfect Ashlar fit for the Temple. The Chisel is the last of the three working tools of the First Degree, and rightly so, because the Chisel should never leave our hand. As our ritual tells us: "the Chisel points out the advantages of education, by which means alone we are rendered fit members of every civilised society".
There we are exhorted to extend our researches into the hidden mysteries of nature and science. As the workman, with the aid of a chisel gives form and regularity to the shapeless mass of stone, so education by cultivating ideas and polishing rude thoughts transforms the ignorant savage into the civilised being. The Chisel furthermore demonstrates the advantages of discipline. The mind like the diamond in its original state is unpolished, but by grinding away the external coat we are enabled to discover the latent beauty of the stone.
Thus education discovers the latent beauties of the mind, and draws them forth to range over the field of matter and space in order to display the summit of human knowledge, our duty to God and man. After drawing the candidate's attention to the Chisel, we then exhort him to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.
He is then ready for the Second Degree. The tools of the Fellowcraft -- the Square, Level and Plumb Rule are amply explained in a previous chapter, so I will here content myself with several additional remarks. The Square, of course, is one of the most important tools in Freemasonry for, besides being the first working tool in the Second Degree, it is also the Second Great Light. The true Level is the surface of a fluid at rest, and we shall find the true Freemason when we find a man who has passions and desires like our own, but who is master of his own soul, who can endure the worst calamities of misfortune and not become bitter, and who can meet the greatest good fortune and still keep his feet on the ground; as Rudyard Kipling said: "and treat those two impostors just the same".
Men differ in nature, heredity and opportunity, but above all, in the ability to make full use of their talents or to overcome their disabilities. We can all, however, do our best with what means we have; the greater a man's wealth, or the greater his intelligence and ability, then the greater his responsibility. We must work with the full length of our cable tow. So Masonry teaches us equality of regard.
On the floor of the Lodge all men are equal and brothers - equal in our regard, and brothers in the great brotherhood of man. The Plumb Rule is the emblem of integrity, and with the man of integrity we can entertain no doubt. We know how he will act, and what he will do, because he stoops to nothing mean or petty, a debt of a few cents is just as sure to be paid as one of a thousand dollars; where his attendance is expected there he will be.
The man of integrity is ruled by duty and loyalty, and will never take an unfair advantage. In a society so widely extended as Freemasonry, the branches of which are spread over the four quarters of the globe, it cannot be denied that we have many members of rank and opulence; neither can it be concealed that among the thousands who range under its banners, there are some who, perhaps from circumstances of unavoidable calamity and misfortune, are reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress.
On their behalf it is our usual custom to awaken the feelings of every new-made Brother by such a claim on his charity as his circumstances in life may fairly warrant.
Whatever, therefore, you feel disposed to give, you will deposit with the JD; it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied. JD moves to a position in front of WM and facing Candidate, holds out alms-dish and makes appeal: Have you anything to give in the cause of Charity? Candidate: … JD lowers alms-dish and, if Candidate does not answer quickly, proceeds with second question: Were you deprived of everything valuable previously to entering the Lodge?
Candidate gives affirmative. JD: If you had not been so deprived would you give freely? JD turns right and faces WM, takes Step and gives EA-Sign which he holds, and retains wand in crook of right shoulder: Worshipful Master, our new-made Brother affirms that he was deprived of everything valuable previously to entering the Lodge or he would give freely.
Cuts Sign and resumes position on right of Candidate. WM: I congratulate you on the honourable sentiments by which you are actuated; likewise on the inability which in the present instance precludes you from gratifying them.
Believe me, this trial was not made with a view to sport with your feelings; far be from us any such intention. It was done for three especial reasons: first, as I have already premised, to put your principles to the test: secondly. JD takes Candidate's right hand and places him in front of WM, in a position as close as convenient to pedestal and releases it..
The inch Gauge is to measure our work, the common Gavel to knock off all superfluous knobs and excrescences, and the Chisel to further smooth and prepare the stone and render it fit for the hands of the more expert workman. But, as we are not all operative Masons, but rather free and accepted or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals.
In this sense, the in Gauge represents the twenty-four hours of the day, part to be spent in prayer to Almighty God, part in labour and refreshment, and part in serving a friend or Brother in time of need, without detriment to ourselves or connections.
The common Gavel represents the force of conscience, which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts which might obtrude during any of the aforementioned periods, so that our words and actions may ascend unpolluted to the Throne of Grace. The Chisel points out to us the advantages of education, by which means alone we are rendered fit members of regularly organised Society. As in the course of the evening you will be called on for certain fees for your initiation, it is proper you should know by what authority we act.
This is our Charter or Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England opens and shows Warrant of Lodge to Candidate which is for your inspection on this or any future evening. This is the Book of Constitutions hands Candidate a copy and these are our By-laws hands Candidate a copy both of which I recommend to your serious perusal, as by one you will be instructed in the duties you owe to the Craft in general, and by the other in those you owe to this Lodge in particular.
You are now at liberty to retire in order to restore yourself to your personal comforts, and on your return to the Lodge, I shall call your attention to a Charge, founded on the excellences of the Institution and the qualifications of its members. Here he wheels Candidate clockwise so as to face East, halts and releases hand.
JD takes Can by right hand, makes an anti-clockwise wheel and conducts him to the door. IG goes to door in front of JD and opens it, closing and locking it again after Candidate has gone out.
JD and IG resume seats. Outside Lodge Candidate resumes his ordinary dress with EA badge. IG holds Sign. JW seated gavels once. IG cuts Sign, goes to door, opens it, and looks out without speaking. Tyler: The Candidate on his return. IG makes no reply, closes and locks door, returns to position in front of his chair, takes Step and gives EA-Sign which he holds: Worshipful Master, the Candidate on his return.
WM: Admit him. IG cuts Sign, awaits arrival of JD and goes to door. JD follows IG to door. IG opens door and admits Candidate. IG when JD has received Candidate, closes and locks door, returns to chair and sits. Ancient no doubt it is as having subsisted from time immemorial, and honourable it must be acknowledged to be, as by a natural tendency it conduces to make those so who are obedient to its precepts. Indeed, no institution can boast a more solid foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests; the practice of every moral and social virtue.
And to so high an eminence has its credit been advanced that in every age monarchs themselves have been promoters of the art, have not thought it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the trowel, have patronised our mysteries and joined in our assemblies.
As a Freemason, let me recommend to your most serious contemplation the Volume of Sacred Law; charging you to consider it as the unerring standard of truth and justice and to regulate your actions by the divine precepts it contains. Therein you will be taught the important duties you owe to God, to your, neighbour and to yourself. To God, by never mentioning His name but with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his Creator, by imploring His aid in all your lawful undertakings, and by looking up to Him in every emergency for comfort and support.
To your neighbour, by acting with him on the square, by rendering him every kind office which justice or mercy may require, by relieving his necessities and soothing his afflictions, and by doing to him as in similar cases you, would wish he would do to you. And to yourself, by such a prudent and well-regulated course of discipline as may best conduce to the preservation of your corporeal and mental faculties in their fullest energy, thereby enabling you to exert those talents wherewith God has blessed you, as well to His glory as the welfare of your fellow creatures.
As a citizen of the world, I am to enjoin you to be exemplary in the discharge of your civil duties, by never proposing or at all countenancing any act that may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society, by paying due obedience to the laws of any State which may for a time become the place of your residence or afford you its protection, and above all, by never losing sight of the allegiance due to the Sovereign of your native land, ever remembering that nature has implanted in your breast a sacred and indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived your birth and infant nurture.
As an individual, let me recommend the practice of every domestic as well as public virtue: let Prudence direct you, Temperance chasten you, Fortitude support you, and Justice be the guide of all your actions. Be especially careful to maintain in their fullest splendour those truly Masonic ornaments, which have already been amply illustrated; Benevolence and Charity. Still, as a Freemason, there are other excellences of character to which your attention may be peculiarly and forcibly directed: amongst the foremost of these are Secrecy, Fidelity and Obedience.
Secrecy consists in an inviolable adherence to the Obligation you have entered into; never improperly to disclose any of those Masonic secrets which have now been, or may at any future period be, entrusted to your keeping, and cautiously to avoid all occasions which may inadvertently lead you so to do.
Your Fidelity must be exemplified by a strict observance of the Constitutions of the fraternity, by adhering to the ancient landmarks of the Order, by never attempting to extort or otherwise unduly obtain the secrets of a superior degree, and by refraining from recommending anyone to a participation of our secrets unless you have strong grounds to believe that by a similar fidelity he will ultimately reflect honour on your choice.
Your Obedience must be proved by a strict observance of our laws and regulations, by prompt attention to all signs and summonses, by modest and correct demeanour in the Lodge, by abstaining from every topic of political or religious discussion, by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the brethren, and by perfect submission to the Master and his Wardens whilst acting in the discharge of their respective offices. And as a last general recommendation, let me exhort you to dedicate yourself to such pursuits as may at once enable you to be respectable in life, useful to mankind, and an ornament to the society of which you have this day become a member; to study more especially such of the liberal Arts and Sciences as may lie within the compass of your attainment, and without neglecting the ordinary duties of your station, to endeavour to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.
From the very commendable attention you appear to have given to this charge, I am led to hope you will duly appreciate the value of Freemasonry. JD leads Candidate to seat beside SD and resumes his seat. Closing Before finally closing the Lodge at the end of a regular meeting, there are three risings according to the following formula: WM gavels once, repeated by SW and JW. WM: Brethren.
I rise for the first or second or third time to ask if any Brother has aught to propose for the good of Freemasonry in general or of this Lodge … in particular. On each rising such business is transacted as is customary in the Lodge. WM: Brethren, assist me to close the Lodge. JW: To prove the Lodge close tyled. IG goes to door, gives EA-knocks and returns to position in front of his chair. Cuts Sign. SW: To see that the Brethren appear to order as Masons.
All take Step with EA-Sign. SW: As the sun sets in the West to close the day, so the Senior Warden is placed in the West to close the Lodge by command of the Worshipful Master, after having seen that every Brother has had his due.
WM: Brethren, before we close the Lodge. WM: Brother Senior Warden, the labours of the evening being ended, you have my command to close the Lodge. Gives EA-knocks with left hand. SW gives EA-knocks and lowers Cn. JW: And it is closed accordingly until …day of …, emergencies excepted, of which every Brother will have due notice. Gives EA-knocks and raises Cn.
IG goes to door, gives EA-knocks and returning tot position in front of his chair. Immediate Past Master, meanwhile, removes Square and Compass. Junior Warden - Which you please, and begin.
B Junior Warden - gives second letter. O Junior Deacon - gives third letter Candidate Repeats. A Junior Warden - gives fourth letter. Z Junior Deacon - gives first half Candidate Repeats. BO Junior Warden - gives second half.
AZ Junior Deacon - gives whole word Candidate repeats. Junior Deacon - rests butt of wand on floor with the top resting against right shoulder, Step. And takes wand in his right hand again. Junior Deacon - instructs Candidate in whisper to take Step. Senior Warden - What is that? Senior Warden - Do you bring anything else? Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - I do Candidate repeats. Senior Warden - To what does it allude? Candidate repeating. Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - I have Candidate repeats.
Senior Warden - rises, faces Candidate, takes Step and offers hand. Junior Deacon - places Candidate' s right hand in that of Senior Warden and with left hand adjusts grip from above. Senior Warden - gives grip after Junior Deacon has adjusted Candidate's right thumb and retains grip throughout the whole of the colloquy - What is this?
Senior Warden - What does it demand? Senior Warden - Give me that word. Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud quickly and if necessary by phrases - At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; I will letter or halve it with you Candidate repeats in phrases. Senior Warden - Which you please, and begin.
Here the word is halved Junior Deacon - gives first half aloud Candidate repeats. BO Senior Warden - gives second half. Senior Warden - The import of the word? Junior Deacon - takes Candidate by right hand to N. He then makes an anti-clockwise wheel, places Candidate's right hand in left hand of Senior Warden and lining up on left of Candidate ensures they are both facing E. Senior Warden - cuts Sign, releases Candidate's hand and with Candidate facing him, puts on him badge of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
Junior Deacon - assists if necessary. Senior Warden - picks up lower right hand corner of badge with his left hand to Candidate - Brother It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Garter or any other Order in existence, being the badge of innocence and the bond of friendship.
I strongly exhort you ever to wear and consider it as such; and further inform you that if you never disgrace that badge - strikes badge of Candidate with his right hand ALL Brethren strike theirs simultaneously - it will never disgrace you - with his left hand restores right hand of Candidate to left hand of Junior Deacon and sits.
Junior Deacon - takes Candidate's right hand from Senior Warden and positions himself on right of Candidate, both facing E; and releases hand. But if, unfortunately, your differences be of such a nature as not to be so easily adjusted, it were better that one or both of you retire than that the harmony of the Lodge should be disturbed by your presence. Junior Deacon - takes Candidate's right hand and leads him up N. Both face S.
Junior Deacon releases hand. Junior Deacon - to Candidate : - Left foot across the Lodge, right foot down the Lodge; pay attention to the Worshipful Master - ensures Candidate forms square with his foot. Worshipful Master - It is customary, at the erection of all stately and superb edifices, to lay the first or foundation stone at the N. You, being newly admitted into Masonry, are placed at the N.
I need not here dilate on its excellences; no doubt it has often been felt and practised by you. Suffice it to say, it has the approbation of Heaven and earth, and like its sister, Mercy, blesses him who gives as well as him who receives.
On their behalf it is our usual custom to awaken the feelings of every new-made Brother by such a claim on his charity as his circumstances in life may fairly warrant.
Whatever, therefore, you feel disposed to give, you will deposit with the Junior Deacon; it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied. Junior Deacon - lowers hand or alms-dish and, if Candidate does not answer quickly, proceeds with second question - Were you deprived of everything valuable previously to entering the Lodge? Candidate - gives affirmative. Junior Deacon - If you had not been so deprived, would you give freely?
Believe me, this trial was not made with a view to sport with your feelings; far be from us any such intention. Junior Deacon - takes Candidate's right hand and places him in front of Worshipful Master, in a position as close as convenient to pedestal and releases hand.
Worshipful Master - I now present to you the working tools of an Entered Apprentice Freemasonry: they are the in.
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