THE LECTURE XXIII. WORKING TOOLS. "Tools and implements of architecture, symbols the most expressive, are selected by the fraternity, to imprint on the memory serious and solemn truths; and thus the excellent tenets of the institution are transmitted unimpaired under circumstances precarious, and even adverse, through a succession of ages."-PRESTON. "If a fractious member should be imposed on the Lodge, it might spoil the harmony of the brethren, or hinder their freedom, or even break and disperse the Lodge; which ought to be avoided by all good Masons."-ANCIENT REGULATIONS. "A proper application of the 24-inch gauge, so that we may be able to measure out and husband our time to the best of purposes."-SECTIONAL CHARGE. In our progress through the First Degree we find a multitude of triads all of which are of the greatest significance, but time will only permit me to notice them briefly; and, indeed, a restricted explanation will be as much as some of them require. The triads that will be introduced into the present Lecture are of prominent interest to the newly-initiated candidate; and it is presumed that their illustration will be found invested with sufficient Masonic lore to make them acceptable to the Craft at large. The duties of an E. A. P. are indeed of the utmost importance, as the entire Masonic life will be influenced by the manner in which they are discharged. The first triad which suggests itself to our notice comprises the Working Tools of an E. A. P.; viz., the Mallet-Chisel-Rule. They are the first instruments placed in the hands of an Apprentice, whether operative or speculative. The Rule, commonly called the 24-inch gauge, is applied by the former to measure his work; the Mallet, or common Gavel, in connection with the Chisel, are used to model and shape the rough stones of the quarry, that they may be prepared for use, as no structure could be rendered proportionate or perfect without their assistance. All this is evident enough; but when a speculative candidate, who possesses some scientific knowledge, is presented with these working tools he is necessarily at a loss to understand either their typical use or their appropriate signification until both are intelligibly explained by the W. Master. He is told that this triad represents Knowledge, Industry, Perseverance. The twenty-four divisions of the Rule symbolize the twenty-four hours of the day, which are assigned by the Most High for the solace and happiness of His creatures, by being apportioned to labour, refreshment, sleep, each accompanied by prayer and thanksgiving. And as the Rule measures everything by a straight and undeviating line, so the strict line of duty to God, our neighbour, and ourselves, ought ever to be observed for the regulation of our morals. "Est modus in rebus; sunt certi denique fines Quos ultra citraque nequit consistere rectum." The Mallet and Chisel teach exertion and perse verance, without which no beneficial progress can be made either in physical labour or moral perfection; for there is no state in which a man can be placed in this world but these qualities are essential, and will undoubtedly contribute to its improvement. The Second Degree, in like manner, is distinguished by a triad of working tools, called Square, Level, Plumb, which represent Morality, Equality, Integrity. But as these instruments constitute the moveable jewels of Masonry, it will be unnecessary to trouble you with any particular observations on their arcane reference here, as they will be fully exemplified in a future Lecture. There is also a triad of the same character attached to the Third Degree, which also consists of implements of operative labour; viz., the Skirret-Pencil-Compasses; and another which admits of a diversity of practice in different Lodges,some making it consist of Rule-Square-Heavy Beetle; while others affirm it to be Rule-LevelCommon Gavel. The reference, however, in either case is the same. It will be unnecessary to enter on an explanation of particulars, because the Third Degree is not under discussion at present, and the Lodge disquisitions on the subject are full and copious, and embrace a series of admonitions which include topics of the most interesting nature that can engage the attention of a Brother on this side the grave. There is, however, a triad in the Degree under our consideration to which it may be useful to refer, because it suggests the value of Masonic courtesy, and the duties of regularity, self-government, and obedience. I mean Chalk-Charcoal-Clay; emblematical of Freedom-Fervency-Zeal. The laws of Masonry, with great propriety, enjoin that at all our regular Lodge meetings the Brethren shall preserve the strictest order and decorum, that harmony may characterize its proceedings, and business be conducted in peace, harmony, and brotherly love. On the observance of this ancient and indispensable ordinance, the prosperity-nay, the very existence of the society depends. To preserve its integrity, and to keep it pure and unsullied, laws have been enacted and penalties denounced. By these statutes the Brethren in open Lodge are enjoined to obey their Masonic superiors, or, in other words, the W. Master and his officers, and treat them with due deference and respect; to guard against any violation of the rules of good breeding, by refraining from all unbecoming language in derogation of the sacred name of God, or the corruption of good manners; to avoid all religious and political disputes, or other irreverent behaviour, while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and important; and diligently to apply themselves to the work of Masonry, that they may become proficients therein, as well for their own benefit as for the honour of the Brethren and the dignity of the Craft; for it would be better never to tread the consecrated floor of the Lodge, than to be careless and indifferent to the work of Masonry. These prudent principles, however, are not inconsistent with an independent expression of opinion on any subject which is regularly submitted to the Lodge. Freedom of discussion is indeed a privilege, and a right, in a democratic institution like Freemasonry, provided it be kept within the bounds of propriety. But it affords no license to the evil practice of converting questions which relate to the general interests of the society into engines of personal dispute and hostile recrimination; for, although a judicious and manly opposition, temperately conducted, may contribute materially to the general welfare of the community, and in certain cases it is absolutely necessary for the purpose of maintaining the true balance of parties, and preserving the free institutions of the Craft, yet systematic or factious divisions are pretty sure to produce discontent if not disorganization. For instance, we will suppose the Lodge to contain a Brother and there are many such-who is of a restless and uncertain temper, and shows a disposition to make himself disagreeable and troublesome, and to disturb the Brethren with motions and disputes on the most trifling subjects, until by a pertinacious perseverance in evil he has induced others to lend a sanction to his insubordination; for such an obtrusive individual will become the leader of a party, how small soever it may be in numbers, who will be ever ready to abet and sanction his schemes of mischief, some from a sheer love of opposition, and others from purer motives, because they are always introduced under the plausible pretext of the good of Masonry and the benefit of the Lodge, although carrying disaffection and ruin in their train. And supposing the W. Master to be a weak-minded, or a quiet, good-tempered man, who without any abso H |