Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice (Emulation)

Winter

I've been here before
The Greatest History book ever written ... of course ... it lays on your Holy Alter. ... there is no other known historical reference which give a count.

see 1 Kings, chap 5, v 13-18 and 2 Chronicles, chap 2, v 17 & 18

Also, you might want to review this:
http://encyclopediaoffreemasonry.com/w/workmen-at-the-temple/

And according to the Talmud, Solomon enslaved a Demon to aid in the construction of the Temple (if I recall, it had to do with making the stones to exact measurements but I have to find the tractate) so I think it is safe to assume that we should not be using religious texts for historical accounts. They were never intended for that purpose anyway. Rav Shimon bar Yohai, the author of the Zohar, says whoever reads the Bible literally is a fool and it would have been better if such a person had never been born. Taking Masonic ritual just as literally is equally as silly.
 

edwmax

Active Member
Yes, I have supervised projects and I get what you are saying. But you still will not address my point that the Emulation Ritual includes working tools that stress higher education while the American Rite does not. Your answer is to say that they are there, which I disagree. The larger issue is why did they add/subtract working tools when creating our rituals. …
I disagree about your assertion the American Rites does not stress ‘education’ because it does. If you are attempting to make a difference between ‘education’ & ‘higher education’; then the use the ‘higher’ is by you. It is not in the Emulation ritual.

The lecture used in my GL has the following: “but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices and excesses of life, thereby fitting our minds as living stones for that spiritual building, that “house not made with hands; eternal in the heavens.”

The Emulation Ritual lecture you are referencing states: “ … the common Gavel to knock off all superfluous knobs and excrescences, and the Chisel to further smooth and prepare the stone and render it fit for the hands of the more expert workman. But, as we are not all operative Masons, but rather free and accepted or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals. In this sense, the 24-in Gauge represents the twenty-four hours of the day, part 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 ourselves or connections. The common Gavel represents the force of conscience, which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts which might obtrude during any of the aforementioned periods, so that our words and actions may ascend unpolluted to the Throne of Grace. The Chisel points out to us the advantages of education, by which means alone we are rendered fit members of regularly organized Society. …”

In the Emulation Ritual the two statements of the Chisel appear to be disconnected logically. The chisel is described as completing the work of the Common Gavel; ie… ‘to further smooth’. The Common Gavel is described as ‘representing the force of conscience’ to ‘keep away’ or remove the superfluities (vices). Therefore the Chisel is a continuation of that representation, but the jump to the Chisel “points out to us the advantage of education” is not logical. There is not connection here, other than the self-contained statement.

Doing a little research, the Chisel as a separate tool doesn’t seem to appear in the English rituals until about 1801. This is from the William Preston’s ‘Illustrations of Freemasonry” which is commentary on the Ritual of the Grand Lodge of England from 1772 to 1812. In 1801 the Chisel is first mentioned and described as: “The Chisel demonstrates, the advantages of discipline and education. The mind, like the diamond, in its original state, is unpolished; but as the effects of the chisel on the external coat, soon presents to view the latent beauties of the diamond; so education discovers the latent virtues of the mind, and draws them forth to range the large field of matter and space, to display the summit of human knowledge, our duty to God, and to man.” … This is a much more coherent description than the singular statement presented in the current Emulation Ritual and this is the apparent source of that abridged statement.

Now back to your question of education. Other than the inclusion of an addition Chisel tool in the Emulation Ritual, both lectures say the same thing. The Common Gavel in both is allegorically used by the one’s conscience to removed vices; and thus render on fit for an education. … To educate someone with many excess vises or who is sinful is a waste of time. He would not be of any benefit to Freemasonry.

The statement in my paper was “Although the allegory is slightly different, both the US Ritual and the Emulation Ritual convey the same message of divesting our selves of vices, the excesses of life and preparation of the mind to receive an education (material & spiritual), which is to follow in the Fellowcraft degree and life.


Now a further note: The lecture as used in the US appears to be from the Grand Lodge of Scotland and not from the English rituals. The Scottish ritual lecture is near word for word as the US lecture. It might be the Grand Lodge of England from 1717 to 1801 used the same lecture since Dr & Rev. James Anderson was also Scottish Mason; and Dr. & Rev. Desaguliers did research and based the English ritual upon that use by the Scottish Lodges.
 

edwmax

Active Member
And according to the Talmud, Solomon enslaved a Demon to aid in the construction of the Temple (if I recall, it had to do with making the stones to exact measurements but I have to find the tractate) so I think it is safe to assume that we should not be using religious texts for historical accounts. They were never intended for that purpose anyway. Rav Shimon bar Yohai, the author of the Zohar, says whoever reads the Bible literally is a fool and it would have been better if such a person had never been born. Taking Masonic ritual just as literally is equally as silly.
That is up to you if you do not want use these facts when there is no other historical reference. Further, the lack of other historical reference and the difference of the count is noted in the reference "Workmen of the Temple" cited above.
 

Gary2112

Troll Stomper
Staff member
That is up to you if you do not want use these facts when there is no other historical reference. Further, the lack of other historical reference and the difference of the count is noted in the reference "Workmen of the Temple" cited above.
Just to interject... The bible is not completly fact. A vast majority of it is hear say and allegory, and has been heavily edited by man to suit his biases over the centuries. Case in point, I cite the myth of Noah's ark. The epic of Gilgamesh is identical, and was written way before the bible was even thought of. Coincidence? My point being, that you can't cite the bible as undisputable fact when such discrepancies exist. even if you were to cite the bible, which version is accurate?

There has got to be another historical account of operative masonry to support or refute the views in this discussion. Ancient Egypt maybe? I'm just throwing that out there as a possibility.
 

edwmax

Active Member
Just to interject... The bible is not completly fact. A vast majority of it is hear say and allegory, and has been heavily edited by man to suit his biases over the centuries. Case in point, I cite the myth of Noah's ark. The epic of Gilgamesh is identical, and was written way before the bible was even thought of. Coincidence? My point being, that you can't cite the bible as undisputable fact when such discrepancies exist. even if you were to cite the bible, which version is accurate?

There has got to be another historical account of operative masonry to support or refute the views in this discussion. Ancient Egypt maybe? I'm just throwing that out there as a possibility.
So your are saying that King Solomon's Temple did not exist?
 

Winter

I've been here before
Brother Ed, your arguments above actually prove my point.

The American ritual:

The lecture used in my GL has the following: “but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices and excesses of life, thereby fitting our minds as living stones for that spiritual building, that “house not made with hands; eternal in the heavens.”

Says nothing about education. The Gavel (in both workings) teaches us to get rid of our vices so we are prepared for the afterlife. There is no interpretation in this that speaks to education. Only about preparing our minds for our place in Heaven by removing vices.

Whereas, the Emulation ritual, concerning the chisel, states:
The Emulation Ritual lecture you are referencing states: “ … the common Gavel to knock off all superfluous knobs and excrescences, and the Chisel to further smooth and prepare the stone and render it fit for the hands of the more expert workman. But, as we are not all operative Masons, but rather free and accepted or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals. In this sense, the 24-in Gauge represents the twenty-four hours of the day, part 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 ourselves or connections. The common Gavel represents the force of conscience, which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts which might obtrude during any of the aforementioned periods, so that our words and actions may ascend unpolluted to the Throne of Grace. The Chisel points out to us the advantages of education, by which means alone we are rendered fit members of regularly organized Society. …”
Quite plainly that we are to seek out education to become better men in this world. The parts you have highlighted yourself prove my point.

Common Gavel: Remove Vices = Fit minds for Heaven (In both Rituals)
Chisel: Education = Fit member of society (Emulation Only)

And your quote from 1801:
“The Chisel demonstrates, the advantages of discipline and education. The mind, like the diamond, in its original state, is unpolished; but as the effects of the chisel on the external coat, soon presents to view the latent beauties of the diamond; so education discovers the latent virtues of the mind, and draws them forth to range the large field of matter and space, to display the summit of human knowledge, our duty to God, and to man.”
Proves my use of the term "Higher" education since the topics in this statement are not part of a Primary or Secondary education but rather a continuing education found chiefly in the universities and such.

Your stance that I can chose not to accept that the biblical account is factual is absurd since the biblical account of the construction of the Temple of Solomon does not meet the burden of proof for a factual account. The fact the we do not currently have reliable material concerning the organizational structure of the workmen means just that. We are left to conjecture and speculate with the information we have. As is your question about the existence of the Temple since we have archaeological evidence that it did exist through several preserved writings, artifacts and investigation.
 

Gary2112

Troll Stomper
Staff member
So your are saying that King Solomon's Temple did not exist?
No, Im saying the source you are citing may not be considered a completely factual document. More citings are needed from other sources to validate the claim.

Solomons temple did indeed exist. It was destroyed twice. Other sources can verify that.
 

CoachN

Builder Builder
...The American ritual:...Says nothing about education.
This is where a good Mentor and Coach would point out that such statements show that the person making such remarks has not done the Work that the Ritual points men toward or he wouldn't be making comments that have no basis in fact. American Rite continually points toward preparation for Education, learning how you must educate yourself and ultimately educating both yourself and others.
...The Gavel (in both workings) teaches us to get rid of our vices so we are prepared for the afterlife. There is no interpretation in this that speaks to education. Only about preparing our minds for our place in Heaven by removing vices.
If you have made any effort to do this Work, you know from experience that it is an Education in and of itself, one that is foundational for any worthwhile further education. Those skipping it are known as empowered monstrosities. The allegorical application of the Working Tool clearly indicates this is a specific and necessary educational process required of you not just before you die but before you take upon yourself any other educational quests.
...Common Gavel: Remove Vices = Fit minds for Heaven (In both Rituals)
Chisel: Education = Fit member of society (Emulation Only)
If you do not do the divesting Work, not just vices but also superfluities from both your heart and mind, you ARE truly unFIT as a member of Society, and more specifically an educational society!

One thing that is perfectly clear, the Working Tools are not the only things that point toward education. To focus solely upon them as justification for education is simply absurd!
 

Winter

I've been here before
My argument is that the American Workings do not contain a working tool that promotes further education and that assigning meaning to a working tool not found in the ritual does not qualify. My statement was meant in that context. Not that the entire American working is lacking in this.

Claiming I have not done the work in the ritual and my comments have no basis in fact because it was taken out of context is insulting.

Please attack my argument and not me. Thank you, Coach. That comment was unbecoming of you.
Moderators, please feel free to lock this thread.
 

edwmax

Active Member
Brother Ed, your arguments above actually prove my point.

The American ritual:




Says nothing about education. The Gavel (in both workings) teaches us to get rid of our vices so we are prepared for the afterlife. There is no interpretation in this that speaks to education. Only about preparing our minds for our place in Heaven by removing vices.

Whereas, the Emulation ritual, concerning the chisel, states:


Quite plainly that we are to seek out education to become better men in this world. The parts you have highlighted yourself prove my point.

Common Gavel: Remove Vices = Fit minds for Heaven (In both Rituals)
Chisel: Education = Fit member of society (Emulation Only)

And your quote from 1801:


Proves my use of the term "Higher" education since the topics in this statement are not part of a Primary or Secondary education but rather a continuing education found chiefly in the universities and such.

Your stance that I can chose not to accept that the biblical account is factual is absurd since the biblical account of the construction of the Temple of Solomon does not meet the burden of proof for a factual account. The fact the we do not currently have reliable material concerning the organizational structure of the workmen means just that. We are left to conjecture and speculate with the information we have. As is your question about the existence of the Temple since we have archaeological evidence that it did exist through several preserved writings, artifacts and investigation.
No where in the above is education described in the terms you used. This just shows you are applying a modern day definition & preconceived concept of education to ritual lecture descriptions that were from the 1400 -1500s England. You are forgetting the context of the lecture is to an Entered Apprentice who is a 13-14 year old boy and indenture to his Master for 7 years. Thus a man when his apprenticeship is completed at 20 or 21 yo. The education the EA receives is the basic rudimentary education from on-the-job training and his Master.

Yes, the context of education could be perceived by a modern Candidate in terms as you used, BUT since the 1717 the speculative context of education of our Ritual has been in terms of 'spiritual enlightenment'.
 

CoachN

Builder Builder
My argument is that the American Workings do not contain a working tool that promotes further education and that assigning meaning to a working tool not found in the ritual does not qualify. My statement was meant in that context. Not that the entire American working is lacking in this.

Claiming I have not done the work in the ritual and my comments have no basis in fact because it was taken out of context is insulting.

Please attack my argument and not me. Thank you, Coach. That comment was unbecoming of you.
Moderators, please feel free to lock this thread.
It was not intended to insult. Much like you pointed out about the out of context taking, you have done the same with what I posted. My argument is sound. You are not the target. What is being stated reflects what I wrote. The W tools of the FC (Sq, L, P) are all reflective of the educational Work of the EA of which if not done would not exist. So is the Trowel reflective of the EA Work. When you do the actual Work, you come to know this.

So I am truly clear on this, do you know what the Work of the EA actually is my Brother?
 

edwmax

Active Member
After checking through Preston's Illustrations of Freemasonry, I do not find the working tools lectures were even used before 1792 by the Lodges of the GL of England; at least between the years 1772 to 1792. The first appearance of the Working Tools seems to be 1792 and it included the 'Chissel' ... I stated above about 1801 the chisel was first used, but my word search didn't show up the change in spelling. ... The tools listed are: rule, line, Trowel, Chissel (Chisel), Plumb, Level, Square, Compasses, and Mallet ... Note today's Emulation Ritual dropped the Trowel and added the Pencil. The Mallet has been exchanged for the Common Gavel.

So the American Working Tool lectures are from the Scottish Rituals.
 

Gary2112

Troll Stomper
Staff member
Great website, thanks Winter. Thats one I haven't come across before.

Speaking as a novice to the Fraternity, The only input I can add is that IMHO, it doesn't matter who's right or wrong, THIS thread alone is very educational. It reminds me that there are some very learned minds in this forum. Thats why it's my favorite.
I learned a bit too. But then, I'm not the sharpest pencil in the pack. Any time I want to feel inferior, I just post a topic like this, and I rapidly find out what I don't know.
 

Bob Franks

Past District Deputy Grand Lecturer
Got me thinking, what are the working tools used by various lodges? I was hoping that everyone could list the ones used by their lodge. I'll start.

In Alabama:
EA: 24 inch gauge, and common gavel
FC: plumb, square, and level
MM: the trowel is mentioned but also all the implements of Masonry.
Ditto for NC [AF&AM]

S&F
 

edwmax

Active Member
I learned a bit too. But then, I'm not the sharpest pencil in the pack. Any time I want to feel inferior, I just post a topic like this, and I rapidly find out what I don't know.
Darn, I can't even find a pencil with a good spell checker. Which packs should I look for?
 
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