In the name of the Great Architect of the Universe and by command of the Worshipful Master, I now present to you the working tools of an Entered Apprentice Freemason: They are: -
The 24-inch Gauge,
The Common Gavel, and the Chisel.
The 24-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 24-inch 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.
These, my Brother are the working tools of an EA Freemason duly explained and moralised upon.
The Chisel points out to us the advantages of education
by which means alone we are rendered fit members of regularly organised Society.
These
my Brother are the working tools of an EA Freemason duly explained and moralised upon.