m rise and salute
the Junior and Senior Wardens, and convince them that he is an
obligated Master Mason, and is in possession of the pass-grip and
word. While the Wardens are examining the candidate, the Master
returns to the East and gets an apron, and as he returns to the
candidate, one of the Wardens (sometimes both) says to the Master,
"Worshipful, we are satisfied that Brother ---- is an obligated Master
Mason." The Master then says to the candidate, "Brother, I now have
the honor to present you with a lamb-skin, or white apron, as before,
which, I hope, you will continue to wear with credit to yourself, and
satisfaction and advantage to the brethren; you will please carry it
to the Senior Warden in the West, who will teach you how to wear it as
a Master Mason."
The Senior Warden ties on his apron, and lets the flap fall down
before in its natural and common situation.
The Master returns to his seat, and the candidate is conducted to him.
Master to candidate, "Brother, I perceive you are dressed; it is, of
course, necessary you should have tools to work with; I will now
present you with the working tools of a Master Mason, and explain
their uses to you. The working tools of a Master Mason are all the
implements of Masonry indiscriminately, but more especially the
Trowel. The Trowel is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to
spread the cement which unites a 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 can
best work, or best agree. I also present you with three precious
jewels; their names are Humanity, Friendship, and Brotherly Love.
Brother, you are not yet invested with all the secrets of this degree,
nor do I know whether you ever will, until I know how you withstand
the amazing trials and dangers that await you. You are now about to
travel to give us a specimen of your fortitude, perseverance, and
fidelity, in the preservation of what you have already received; fare
you well, and may the Lord be with you, and support you through your
trials and difficulties." [In some Lodges they make him pray before he
starts.] The candidate is then conducted out of the Lodge, clothed,
a
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