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An Example of Stonemasons' Working Tools in Freemasonry
Perhaps one of the most eloquent example of the metaphorical
application of stonemasons' tools in Freemasonry is
when an "Entered Apprentice" progresses from
the 1st Degree to become a "Fellowcraft Freemason"
in the 2nd Degree. This can be found in the Masonic
book of Emulation Ritual - ISBN 0 85318 209 4
In the ceremony of his "passing" into the
higher degree, he is presented with the "Working
Tools" of a Fellowcraft Mason - and the following
narrative is recounted to him with great feeling, from
memory, by a member of the Lodge.
The Second Degree Working Tools
"I now present to you the working tools of a Fellowcraft
Freemason. They are the Square, Level and Plumb-rule.
"The Square is to try and to adjust rectangular
corners of buildings, and assist in bringing rude matter
into due form; the Level to lay levels and prove horizontals;
the Plumb-rule to try and to adjust uprights while fixing
them on their proper bases.
"But as we are not all operative Masons but rather
free and accepted, or speculative, we apply these tools
to our morals.
"The Square teaches us to regulate our lives and
actions according to the Masonic line and rule, and
to harmonise our conduct in this life so as to render
us acceptable to that Divine Being from whom all goodness
springs and to whom we must give an account of all our
actions.
"The Level demonstrates that we are all sprung
from the same stock, partakers of the same nature and
sharers in the same hope; and although distinctions
among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet
ought no eminence of situation make us forget that we
are Brothers, for he who is placed on the lowest spoke
of fortune's wheel is equally entitled to our regard,
as a time will come - and the wisest of us knows not
how soon - when all distinctions, save those of goodness
and virtue shall cease and death, the grand leveller
of all human greatness, reduce us to the same state.
"The infallible Plumb-rule which, like Jacob's
ladder, connects heaven and earth, is the criterion
of rectitude and truth. It teaches us to walk justly
and uprightly before God and man, neither turning to
the right nor left from the paths of virtue; not to
be an enthusiast, persecutor, or slanderer of religion,
neither bending towards avarice, injustice, malice,
revenge, but giving up every selfish propensity which
might injure others.
"To steer the barque of this life over the seas
of passion without quitting the helm of rectitude is
the highest perfection to which human nature can attain;
and as the builder raises his column by the Level and
the Plumb-rule, so ought every Mason to conduct himself
towards this world, to observe a due medium between
avarice and profusion, to hold the scales of justice
with equal poise, to make his passions and his prejudices
coincide with the just line of his conduct, and in all
his pursuits to have eternity in view.
"Thus the Square teaches us morality, the Level
equality, and the Plumb-rule, justness and uprightness
of life and actions.
"Thus by square conduct, level steps, and upright
intentions we hope to ascend to those immortal mansions
whence all goodness emanates."- End.
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