LESSONS OF THE FOUNDATION
by
Byron E. Hams PM
THE CORNER-STONE
Now my newly made Brothers you are placed in the north-east corner of the
Lodge and in this position you become representative of a spiritual
corner-stone. And hence, to thoroughly comprehend the true meaning of this
placement, it is essential that we should investigate the symbolism of operative
and speculative masonry.
The difference between operative and speculative Masonry is simply this-that
while the former was engaged in the construction of a meterial temple, formed,
it is true, of the most magnificent materials which the quarries of Palestine,
the mountains of Lebanon, and the golden shores of Ophir could contribute, the
latter occupies itself in the erection of a spiritual house,-a house not made
with hands,-in which, for stones, cedar, gold, and precious stones, are
substituted with the virtues of the heart, the pure emotions of the soul, the
warm affections gushing forth from the hidden fountains of the spirit, so that
the very presence of Jehovah, our Father and our God, shall be enshrined within
us as his Shekinah was in the Holy of Holies of the material temple at
Jerusalem.
The Speculative Mason, then, if he rightly comprehends the scope and design
of his profession, is occupied, from his very first admission into the Order
until the close of his labors and his life,-and the true Mason's labors ends
only with his life,-in the construction, the adornment, and the completion of
this Spiritual Temple of his body. He lays its foundation in a firm belief and
an unshaken confidence in the wisdom, power, and goodness of God. This is his
first step. Unless his trust is in God, and in him only, he can advance no
further than the threshold of initiation. And then he prepares his materials
swith the Gauge and Gavel of Truth, raises the walls by the Plumbline of
Rectitude, Squares his work with the Square of Virtue, connects the whole with
the Cement of Brotherly Love, and thus skillfully erects the living edice of
thoughts, and words, and deeds, in accordance with the designs laid down by the
Master Architect of the Universe in the great Book of Revelation.
As the aspirant for Masonic Light on your very first entrance within our
sacred porch, you prepare yourself for this consecrated labor of erecting within
your own bosom a fit dwelling-place for the Divine Spirit, and thus commence the
noble work by becoming yourself the Corner-Stone on which this Spiritual Edifice
is to be erected.
In Masonry, the north has ever been esteemed the place of darkness; and in
obedience to this principle, no symbolic light is allowed to illuminate the
northern part of the Lodge. The east in Masonry is symbolic of Masonic Light or
universal knowledge.
You are in the north-east corner of the Lodge, because it is symbolic of your
relation to the Order and to the World. From the profance world you have just
emerged. Some of its imperfections are still upon you; some of its darkness is
still about you; as yet you belong inpart to the north. But you are striving for
light and truth; the pathway upon which you entered is directed towards the
East. Your allegiance, if I may use the word, is divided. You are not altogether
in darkness, nor altogether in light. If you were wholly in darkness, the north
would be the place to put you. If you were wholly in light-a Master Mason,-the
east would have received you. But you are neither; you are an Entered
Apprentice, with some of the ignorance of the world cleaving to you, and some of
the light of the Order beaming upon you. One side of you faces the north, and
the other side faces the east. You are neither wholly in one part nor wholly in
the other part. As an Entered Apprentice you are not fully developed, you are
incomplete and imperfect, and therefore rightly placed in the north-east corner
of the Lodge, the joining point of darkness and light.
The Corner-Stone, as the foundation on which the entire building is supposed
to rest, is, of course, the most important stone in the whole edifice. You, my
Brothers as Entered Apprentices are the most important Brothers here, for you
are the Master Masons of tomorrow. We, the Craft are charged with giving you all
our knowledge of Masonry that you are qualified to receive. And I stress the
word, QUALIFIED, for if you never become qualified the teachings of Masonry will
die with us. You are charged with, first becoming qualified to receive this
knowledge, second with receiving this knowledge, and third and most important
seeing that only those duly qualified receive it from you. In this manner the
teaching of Masonry have been preserved over the ages. As the Corner-Stone of
Masonry you are the link between the ones of us that have the knowledge and the
ones that will come to Masonry in the future to find the knowledge. This is why
you are placed in the north-east corner of the Lodge as the Corner-Stone of
Masonry.
My, Brothers, I have explained to you on three different levels why you are
in the north-east corner; Mentally, Physically, and Spiritually. Masonry is a
beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. We
will give you the allegory and the symbols, but only of your own free will and
accord through your own desire will you be able to remove the veils.
Brethren lease take due notice and govern yourselves accordingly. Look well
to the East.
THE WORKING TOOLS OF AN ENTERED APPRENTICE MASON
The Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice Mason are the Twenty-Four-Inch
Gauge and Common Gavel. We will cover several explanations:
The Twenty-Four-Inch Gauge is an instrument used by Operative Masons to
measure and lay out their wosrk; but we, as Entered Apprentice Masons, are
taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time.
It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the
twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal
parts, whereby are found eight hours for the service of God and a distressed
Worthy Brother, (and I stress the Importance of the word Worthy) eight hours for
our usual vocations, and eight hours for refreshment and sleep.
There is no time to be wasted. There is no time to be idle. There is no time
for waiting.
The implication is plain; the Entered Apprentice should be always ready to
use his tools. He should know that Freemasonry is not only for the Lodge room
but for life. Not to take the Twenty-Four-Inch Gauge into the profane world and
by its divisions number the hours for the working of a constructive purpose is
to miss the practical application of Masonic Labor and Masonic Charity.
To all men, time is all important. A wasted minute can't be retrieved. A
minute is precious. Time must be used productively, or nothing can be
accomplished. The man who wastes his own time or that of another squanders away
something he can't replace. You will note, too, that two-thirds of a Freemason's
time is to be spent in service and work.
The Common Gavel is an instrument used by Operative Masons to break off the
corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the Builder's use; but we,
as Entered Apprentice Masons, are taught to use it for the more noble and
glorious purpose of divesting our Hearts and Consciences of all vices and
superfuluities of Life, thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that
spiritual building-that house not made with hands-eternal in the heavens.
In the Great Light we read: "The Kindom of Heaven is within You." We are also
there taught that man is made in the image of God. The perfection is already
within. All that is required is to remove the roughness and excrescences, to
show forth the perfect man and Mason within. Thus the Gavel becomes also the
symbol of personal power.
It's a powerful instrument. When used for power alone it can be destructive.
But power that is channeled toward good purposes will result in constructive
achievement. The latter is the manner in which you, as a Mason, should use the
power that God gives you.
CHALK, CHARCOAL, AND CLAY
The Entered Apprentice Mason should serve his Master with freedom, fervency,
and zeal, which are represented by Chalk, Charcoal, and Clay.
There is nothing freer and Chalk, the slightest touch of which leaves a
trace; there is nothing more fervent than Charcoal, for to it, when properly
ignited, the most obdurate metals will yield; there is nothing more zealous than
Clay, our mother earth, for it alone of all the elements has never proved
unfriendly to man. Bodies of water deluge him with rain, oppress him with hail
and drown him with inundation; the air rushes in storms and prepares the
tempest; and fire lights up the volcano; but the earth, ever kind and indulgent,
is found subservient to his wishes. Though constantly harassed, more to furnish
the luxuries than the necessaries of life, she never refuses her accustomed
yield, spreading his pathway with flowers and his table with plenty. Though she
produces poison, still she supplies the antidote, and returns with interest
every good committed to her care; and when at last we are called upon to pass
through the "dark valley of the shadow of death" she once more receives us, and
piously covers our remains within her bosom, thus admonishing us that as from it
we came, so to it we must shortly return.
The Entered Apprentice should serve his apprenticeship with work and study,
of his own free will and accord. He should do so with fervency, eager in his
desire to do good work. His zeal if he has any, will help him prove he wants to
become a "Living Stone" in the temple of Freemasonry.
In the early days of Speculative Masonry the symbols of the Craft were drawn
on the floor of the building in which the Lodge was meeting: Chalk or Charcoal
were the instruments used. The candidate had these symbols painted out to him as
he progressed through the degree. When the Lodge was over, the tyler or
candidate erased these "secret" symbols with a mop and a bucket of water. But
when the Lodge met on "high hills" or "low vallies" earth became the carpet for
the drawings; a hoe or rake the "eraser".
It is obvious that once upon a time, Chalk and Charcoal were necessary to
"draw the Lodge". When floor cloths, and later wall charts, were used, an
explanation became necessary for these three items. So, they were given the
spiritual symbolism of Freedom, Fervency, and Zeal.
By practicing these three, you will become ready to receive further light in
Masonry.
THE COVERING OF A LODGE
The covering of a Lodge is no less than the clouded canopy, or starry-decked
heaven, where all good Masons hope at last to arrive by aid of that ladder which
Jacob in his vision saw extended from eath to heaven, the principal rounds of
which are denominated Faith, Hope, and Charity, which admonish us to have Faith
in God, Hope in immortality, and Charity to all Mankind. The Greatest of these
is Charity; for our faith may be lost in sight, Hope ends in fruition, but
Charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity.
But Masonic Charity is in reality love. While it includes gifts of money, it
is much more than that. More importantly, it is the giving of one's self. It's
sympathy to the unfortunate and suffering; the tear for the widow;
congratulations for the fortunate. Masonic Charity symbolizes the Heart of man.
Faith is the foundation of justice, the bound of amity, and the chief support
of society. We live by Faith; we walk by Faith; by Faith we have a continual
hope in the acknowledgment of a Supreme Being; by Faith we are justified,
accepted, and finally saved.
Hope is the anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and enters into that
within the veil: Let a firm reliance on the Almighty's faithfulness animate our
endeavors, and teach us to fix our Hopes within the limits of His promises.
Charity is the brightest gem that can adorn our Masonic profession. Happy is
the man who has sowed in his beast the seeds of benevolence; the produce thereof
is love and peace. The objects or true Charity among Masons are merit and virtue
in distress; persons who are incapable of extricating themselves from
misfortunes in their journey through life; industrious men who, from unavoidabe
accidents, have fallen into ruin; widows left destitute by lack of husband's
support; orphans in tender years, needing a father's care; and the aged, whose
strength is exhausted, and who are thereby rendered unable to produce for
themselves that substance necessary to nourish their declining years. This is
Charity-the keystone of our mystic institution.
Charity is now interpreted to mean "love". If we use "love" in place of
"Charity" it brings the meaning of the Ritual to life. Love is external; Charity
may end with the giving of alms.
The ladder of Jacob has other rounds. Without them the three principal ones
would be of little use in reaching Heaven. Among them are Brotherly Love,
Relief, and Truth, the tenets of Freemasonry. To these should be added
Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice, the cardinal virtues of the
Fraternity. Taken all together they symbolize perfection, something every Mason
should strive to reach.
The tenets, whether they are called Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, or, as
they are in some Jurisdictions: Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love, they
are important. All can be termed "Cardinal Virtues". Cardinal comes from the
latin "cardinalis", meaning "essential". The tenets are certainly essential to
Freemasonry.
Of the four named Cardinal Virtues, Fortitude is not mentioned as such in the
Bible, but Courage is. And Courage is another word for Fortitude, we can safely
claim that Fortitude symbolizes Courage. Fortitude, as used by Masons, doesn't
refere to physical courage only. If it did, it would put this virtue on a level
with limited intelligence. It refers to Moral Courage; the strength and ability
to make a decision and stick to it regardless of the consequences. To maintain
high principles, even if they may be unpopular for the moment. To practice out
of the Lodge what you have learned within. Fortitude is that noble and steady
purpose of the mind whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril, or
danger, when prudently deemed expedient. This virtue is equally distant from
rashness and cowardice, and should be deeply impressed upon your mind as a
safeguard or security against any attempt that may be made, by force or
otherwise, to extort from you any of those valuable secrets with which you have
been so solemnly intrusted, and which was emblematically represented upon your
first admission into the Lodge.
Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions which
renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of
vice. By practicing this virtue all Masons are required to place a restraint
upon their passions and affections. They are changed to keep their minds free
from the allurements of vice. Temperance, not merely in strong drink, but in all
things, must be their aim. This virtue should be your constant practice, as you
are thereby taught to avoid excess or contracting any licentious or vicious
habits, the indulgence of which might lead you to disclose some of those
valuable secrets which you have promised to conceal and never reveal, and which
would consequently subject you to the contempt and detestation of all good
Masons.
Prudence is a symbol of wisdom. Anciently, it was wisdom that was a Cardinal
Virtue. Changing it to Prudence doesn,t change its nature. You will find that
Freemasonry teaches the necessity of acquiring wisdom. Wisdom of Mind, Heart,
and Soul. Wisdom comes from thinking, not just from education. It is something
that brings man closer to his creator. with Wisdom comes Knowledge, Love, and
Truth. Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the
dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge and prudently
determine on all things relative to our present ass well as to our future
happiness. This Virtue should be your peculiar characteristic, not only for the
government of your conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad in the
world. You should be particularly cautious in all strange or mixed companies
never to let fall the least sign, token, or word whereby the secrets of
Freemasonry might be obtained.
Justice is that standard or boundary of right which enables us to render to
every man his just due without distinction. This Virtue is not only consistent
with divine and human laws, but it is the very cement and support of civil
society; and as Justice in a great measure constitutes the really good man, so
should it be your invariable practice never to deviate from the minutest
principles thereof. Justice, as it is practiced Masonically, symbolizes
Equality. Justice is usually pictured as a blindfolded woman holding scales and
a sword. But this is far removed from what Masonic Justice should be. Man should
govern his own actions, openly and not blindfolded. His conduct toward others
should not be aggressive. He should do what he does because he really wants to,
not because he is forced to. The Justice of a Freemason should be unselfish and
self-sacrificing.
THE THREE GREAT LIGHTS-THE HOLY BIBLE, THE SQUARE, AND THE
COMPASSES
The Holy Bible is alway referred to as "The Great Light" or "The Great Light
in Masonry", in this Country which is predominantly Christian. The practice may
be and often is different in other Lands. What is vital and unchangeable, a
Landmark of the Order is that a volume of the Sacred Law be open upon the
Masonic Altar whenever the Lodge is open. A Lodge wholly Jewish may prefer to
use only the Old Testament; in Turkey and Persia the Koran would be used as the
volume of the Sacred Law of the Mohammedan; Brahmins would use the Vedas. In the
Far East where Masonic Lodges have members of many Races and Creeds it is
customary to have several Holy Books upon the Alter that the initiate may choose
that which is to him the most sacred.
The Holy Bible, our Great Light in Masonry, is opened upon our Altars. Upon
it lie the other great lights-the Square and the Compass. Without all three no
Masonic Lodge can exist. Much less open or work. Together with the warrent from
the Grand Lodge they are indispensable.
The Bible on the Altar is more than the Rule and Guide of our Faith. It is
one of the Greatest of Freemasonry's symbols. For the Bible is here a symbol of
all Holy Books of all Faiths. It is the Masonic way of setting forth that
simplest and most profound of truths which Masonry has made so peculiarly her
own; that there is a way that men "of all creeds and of every Race" may travel
happily together, be their difference of Religious Faith what they may be. In
his private devotions a man may petition God or Jehovah, Allah or Budda,
Mohammed or Jesus; he may call upon the God of Israel or the Great First Cause.
In the Masonic Lodge he hears humble petition to the Great Architect of the
Universe, finding his own deity under that name.
A hundred paths may wind upward a mountain; at the top they meet. Freemasonry
opens the Great Light upon her Alter not as one Book of one Faith, but as all
Books of all Fathis, the Book of the Will of the Great Architect, read in what
language, what form, what shape we will. It is as all-inclusive as the symbols
which lie upon it. The Square is not for any one Lodge, any one Nation, any one
Religion-it is for all Masons, everywhere, to all of whom it speaks the same
tongue. The Compasses circumscribe the desires of Masons wheresoever dispersed;
the secret of the Square, held between the points of the Compasses is universal.
Countless references in our Ritual are taken from the Old Testament. Almost
every name in a Masonic Lodge is from the Scriptures. In the Great Light are
found those simple teachings of the Universality of Brotherhood, the Love of God
for His Children, the Hope of Immortality, which are the very warp and woof of
Freemasonry. Let it be emphasized; these are the teaching of Freemasonry in
every tongue, in every land, for those of every Faith. Freemasonry is no more a
Christian Organization than it is Jewish, or Mohammedan, or Brahmin. Its use of
the collection of Sacred Writings of the Jews (Old Testament) and the Gospels of
the New Testament as the Great Light must not confuse you so that you read into
Freemasonry a sectarian Character which is Not There.
This is so well misunderstood that it needs emphasis, to give you specific
facts as well as assertion: The Bible is First Mentioned as a Great Light in
Masonry About 1760, Whereas the First of the old charges (one of the foundation
stones on which rest the laws of Freemasonry, first published in 1723, but
presumably adopted by the Mother Grand Lodge at its formation in 1717) reads in
part as follows:
A Mason is obligated by his tenure to obey the moral law; and if he rightly
understands the art, he will never be a stupid atheist, nor an irreligious
libertine. But thought in ancient time masons were charge in every
country to be of the religion of that country or nation, whatever it was, yet
it's now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion n which
all men agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves; that is, to be
good men and true, or men of honor and honesty, by whatever denominations or
persuasions they may be distinguished; whereby becomes the center of union and
the means of conciliating true friendship among persons that must have
remained at a perpetual distance.
Perhaps never before has so short a paragraph had so profound an effect,
setting forth the non-sectarian, non-doctrinal character of Freemasonry, making
Religion, not a certain Religion, the important matter in the Ancient Craft.
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