son, which are the twenty-four-inch gauge
and common gavel; they are thus explained: The twenty-four-inch gauge
is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to measure and lay
out their work, but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, make use of it
for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. The
twenty-four inches on the gauge are emblematical of the twenty-four
hours in the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal
parts, whereby we find eight hours for the service of God and a worthy
distressed brother; eight hours for our usual vocations; and eight for
refreshment and sleep; the common gavel is an instrument made use of
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, 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 and lively stones for that
spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the
Heavens. I also present you with a new name; it is CAUTION; it teaches
you, as you are barely instructed in the rudiments of Masonry, that
you should be cautious over all your words and actions, particularly
when before the enemies of Masonry. I shall next present you with
three precious jewels, which are a LISTENING EAR, a SILENT TONGUE, and
a FAITHFUL HEART. A listening ear teaches you to listen to the
instructions of the Worshipful Master, but more especially that you
should listen to the cries of a worthy distressed brother. A silent
tongue teaches you to be silent while in the Lodge, that the peace and
harmony thereof may not be disturbed, but more especially that you
should be silent before the enemies of Masonry, that the craft may not
be brought into disrepute by your imprudence. A faithful heart teaches
you to be faithful to the instructions of the Worshipful Master at all
times, but more especially that you should be faithful, and keep and
conceal the secrets of Masonry, and those of a brother when given to
you in charge as such, that they may remain as secure and inviolable
in your breast as his own, before communicated to you. I further
present you with check-words two; their names are TRUTH and UNION, and
are thus explained: Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of
every virtue; to be good and true is the first lesson we are taught in
Masonry; on this the