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Freemasonry is described as &quota peculiar method of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols&quot, and it is to symbolism that Freemasons turn their attention to when thinking about moral standards.

Freemasons are not &quotoperative masons&quot, but &quotfree and accepted, or speculative&quot, and it is in the latter form that the operating tools are regarded as and applied. In Masonic ritual, the working tools represent a method 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 functioning 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 frequent 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, aspect in labour and refreshment, and part in serving a buddy or Brother in time of require, devoid of detriment to themselves or connections. The 24-inch gauge is thus an indication of how a Mason should spend his day.

The Widespread Gavel

A sort of hammer, the popular gavel prepares stone for the hands of craftsmen. In Masonic terms on the other hand, it represents the force of conscience, and is symbolically utilised to preserve down all vain and unbecoming thoughts in the course of their every day lives. The well-known gavel can be seen as a hammer to contemporary bathroom vanitiesporary bathroom vanities, and bad thoughts and feelings.

The Chisel

The chisel represents education, and in Masonic symbolism it illustrates the benefits of education in a civilised society. Thus, the new Mason is encouraged to pursue a great education so that he can take his spot in a often organised society.

These 3 functioning tools are the important symbols a new Mason is shown at his initiation. The first, the 24-inch gauge, shows how a Mason really should spend his day. The second, the frequent gavel, indicates that bad thoughts and feelings are unproductive, and the third, the chisel, encourages Masons to continue the procedure of education.

To outsiders, the operating tools of an Entered Apprentice appear just like ordinary tools, but to a Mason, they are symbols employed to direct his attention to a code of conduct and a set of ethics.

Hyperlinks:

English Freemasonry: The functioning tools of a Fellowcraft Freemason.

English Freemasonry: the working tools of a Master Mason.

Supply:

Emulation Lodge of Improvement (Lewis Masonic Publishers 8th ed. 1986)