CLC - ENTERED APPRENTICE - 05.22.17

Gauge, Twenty-four Inch. Symbol of time as wealth; one of the working tools of Freemasonry. (See Scythe, symbol of the shortness of human time.) The twenty-four inch gauge infers the importance of the allotment of time for various activities. Time is the substance of life. Wisely used, carefully budgeted, it goes far and does much. Carelessly used, wasted, allowed to slip away, it becomes an expression of a useless and wasted life. Gavel (Common). Symbol of means of perfecting; one of the working tools of Freemasonry. As the common gavel is used to breaking off the corners of rough stones, gradually making the rough ashlar into a perfect ashlar, the common gavel is used symbolically to divest the character of the vices and superfluities of life. The stonemason’s common gavel has a short handle and a head which is hammer-like on one end and chisel sharp on the other. This form is the correct Masonic “common gavel.” The term gavel may have come from its shape, being that of the gable end of a house. The round-head gavel with a turned handle, often used by the presiding officer at meetings, is not symbolic although this form is commonly used in Masonic lodges. The round-hear gavel could not break off the corners of rough stones. Great Architect or Great Artificer of the Universe. Under these titles, Freemasonry refers to Deity. As Freemasonry is nonsectarian, any man of any religion may offer his devotions to the Deity he reveres, no matter what name he may use in his mind. The use of the term Great Architect of the Universe (or any of its variations)

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