Freemasonry is described as "a peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols", and it is to symbolism that Freemasons turn their attention to when considering moral standards.
Freemasons are not "operative masons", but "free and accepted, or speculative", and it is in the latter form that the working tools are considered and applied. In Masonic ritual, the working tools represent a system of morals and ethics.
There are three degrees in Freemasonry, numbered first, second and third. The first degree Mason is called an Entered Apprentice, the second a Fellowcraft, and the third a Master Mason. Each degree has its own set of working tools.
When a Freemason is initiated, at the ceremony he is directed to a presentation of the working tools of the first degree. The tools he is shown are the 24-inch gauge, the common gavel, and the chisel.
The 24-inch Gauge
The 24-inch gauge in operative terms, is a measuring device, but to a Freemason it represents the 24 hours of the day. Part of this day is 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 themselves or connections. The 24-inch gauge is therefore an indication of how a Mason should spend his day.
The Common Gavel
A type of hammer, the common gavel prepares stone for the hands of craftsmen. In Masonic terms however, it represents the force of conscience, and is symbolically used to keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts during their daily lives. The common gavel can be seen as a hammer to vanity, and bad thoughts and feelings.
The Chisel
The chisel represents education, and in Masonic symbolism it illustrates the advantages of education in a civilised society. Thus, the new Mason is encouraged to pursue a good education so that he can take his place in a regularly organised society.
These three working tools are the major symbols a new Mason is shown at his initiation. The first, the 24-inch gauge, shows how a Mason should spend his day. The second, the common gavel, indicates that bad thoughts and feelings are unproductive, and the third, the chisel, encourages Masons to continue the process of education.
To outsiders, the working tools of an Entered Apprentice seem just like ordinary tools, but to a Mason, they are symbols used to direct his attention to a code of conduct and a set of ethics.
Links:
English Freemasonry: The working tools of a Fellowcraft Freemason.
English Freemasonry: the working tools of a Master Mason.
Source:
Emulation Lodge of Improvement (Lewis Masonic Publishers; 8th ed. 1986)
Richard Aitkins - Richard Aitkins is a freelance writer and tutor from Hertfordshire, England. He has a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Humanities with ...
