spotless as this fair emblem which I place in your hands; and when your
trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before the Great White
Throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds done while here in the
body, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge
Supreme the welcome words: "Well done, good and faithful servant! Thou
hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many
things! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

* * *

Working Tools.

The Working Tools of Entered Apprentice 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 use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our
time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of
the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into
three equal parts, whereby are found eight hours for the service of God
and a distressed worthy brother, 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 use it for the
more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences
of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our minds,
as living stones, for that spiritual building--that house not made with
hands--eternal in the heavens.

[Illustration]

* * *

Reinvested.

Northeast Corner.

* * * an upright man and Mason, and I give it you strictly in charge
ever to walk and act as such before God and man.

SECOND SECTION.

This section accounts, rationally for the ceremonies of initiation.
Containing almost entirely esoteric work, it cannot be written. The
Master should not only familiarize himself with it, but he should also
diligently learn and explain to the candidate each truth symbolized by
each step of the ceremonies through which he has just passed.

* * *

Offensive or Defensive.

At the building of King Solomon's Temple there was not heard the sound
of axe, hammer or any tool of iron. The question naturally arises, How
could so stupendous an edifice be erected without the aid of those
implements? The stones were hewn, squared and num