EAM

The Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice Mason are the Twenty-four-inch Gauge and the Common Gavel.

The Twenty-four-inch Gauge is an instrument used by operative masons to measure and lay out their work; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. Being divided into twenty-four equal parts, it is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts; whereby we have eight hours for the service of God and distressed worthy Brethren, eight for our usual vocations, and eight for refreshment and sleep.

The Common Gavel is an instrument used by operative masons to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of this life, thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that spiritual building-that house not made with hands-eternal in the heavens.

FCM


The Working Tools of a Fellowcraft Mason are the Plumb, Square and Level.
The Plumb is an instrument used by operative masons to raise perpendiculars; the Square, to square their work; and the Level, to lay horizontals; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious purposes. The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, squaring our actions by the Square of Virtue, and remembering that we are traveling upon the Level of Time to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.

MM


The Working Tools of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry, indiscriminately, but more especially the Trowel.

The Trowel is an instrument used by operative masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one common mass; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection-that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree.