� � � By application of the "working tools" to our inner being we are engaged in a type of labor or work. This type of labor is the noblest of all because our spiritual improvement resulting therefrom will not only make us wiser, better, and happier -- but those around us as well.

� � � We are taught that knowledge is attaind by degrees, or that Masonry is a progressive science. By this we understand that each day affords the opportunity for the attainment of knowledge and that the "working tools" of all the Degrees can be continuously and progressively applied in the life of the true Master Mason.

� � � In Masonic terms, the "working tools" of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry.

� � � Let us now review the "working tools" of Masonry and their significance to us.

� � � The Entered Apprentince Degree teaches us that the Twenty Four Inch Gauge"is an implement used by operative masons in laying out their work", and that we make use of it in the proper expenditure of our time; that brief, precious gift of the Creator. The Twenty Four Inch Gauge is divided into twenty-four equal parts for measurement and it symbolizes the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts. We should endeavor to give eight hours to the service of God and distressed worthy Brethren, eight hours for our usual vocations, and eight hours for refreshement and sleep.

� � � As we think about the utilization of this "working tool" in our lives, let us ask ourselves if we are making the highest and best use of our time, our twenty-four hours. Are we working too much or not enough? Are we sleeping too much or too little? Are we spending too much time pursuing recreational activities? Are we giving enough attention to our Masonic duties and obligations? Have we maintained the proper balance in life? All of these questions, and many more, arise when we contemplate the use of the Twenty Four Inch Gauge.

� � � The Common Gavel is an implement used by the operative mason to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to meet the needs of the builder. By the use of this "working tool" we are enabled to break off the rough edges of our lives; those vices and superfluities that prohibit us from being what God, the Master Builder of the Universe, has intended us to be.

� � � In exercising the use of the Common Gavel we are reminded that we carry many vices and superfluities through life as excess "baggage." These vices limit us and retard our growth in wisdom and knowledge. For instance, think about the use of profanity. Certainly we can be brighter examples to others by the elimination of this vulgarity in our everday language. Think about the use of tobacco; it diminishes our health and takes precious time away from our lives. Think about the intemperate use of alcohol; it deadens our minds. The mind and our ability to think and reason is truly a gift from God. Let us not put our minds to sleep, but use them to the fullest extent. Think about the times when we have spoken in the negative about someone instead of keeping silent or saying something positive. These vices and superfluities can be broken off from our lives by the proper application of the Common Gavel, thus making us better enabled to pursue our spiritual labors.

� � � The plumb was used operatively to raise perpendiculars. By the Plumb we are admonished to walk uprightly in every station before God and man. To walk uprightly signifies that we are just, equitable, moral, genuine, and true. The Plumb projects a straight and true lie which demonstates the line or our duty.

� � � The square was used by the Operative Craft to square their work; the Speculative Mason squares his actions by the Square of Virtue. The law of the Square is that unless we live in obedience to the moral laws of God in the order of things, our lives will fall and end in a wreck. A man can construct his house in any manner he likes, but if his expectation is for it to stand and be his home, he must adjust his structure to the laws and forces that rule the material world.

� � � In the Great Light of Masonry the question was asked: "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle, who shall dwell in thy Holy Hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart." The Mason's first obligation is to be on the SQUARE, in all his dealings with mankind. The following poem speaks eloquently fo being "on the square."

� � � The Level was used operatively to lay horizontals, but we are taught by it that we travel upon a level or course of time, to that Eternal Realm from which no one returns. We can be assured of only one aspect of this level of time; the present moment. We cannot consume our time thinking or worrying about past occurrences, we can't change the past. Nor is it prudent to be overly concerned with the future, for in mortal life it is promised to none. The Level teaches us to use the present moment constructively.

� � � The level also teaches us that in the Lodge we meet as equals; no rich or poor, high nor low, but as Brothers under the Fatherhood of God. The Level demonstrates that all men are created from the earth and will return to it; that we have an immortal soul which shall survive the grave; a house not made with hands. Every Mason is equal to every other as long as he does good, true, and square work, the work necessary for the building of the Temple; all together experiencing the joy of seeing the edifice rise in the midst of our labors.

� � � The Trowel was used by the Master Builder to spread the cement that unites the stones of a building into one common mass. The fraternity is bound together by the cement of Brotherly Love and affection, uniting the living stones, or Brethren, into a magnificent, stately, and honorable institution. How sad when those within our ranks exchange the trowel of Brotherly Love for the wrecking bar of distrust, suspicion, disagreeableness, and jealousy. Have you ever watched a wrecking ball crash into a building and rip the bricks apart. The same can happen, and has happened within the Order of Masonry. We must be ever vigilant in guarding against intruders of human frailty and error.

� � � My Brethren, we are in possession of the finest cement, may we spread it always with the great "working tool" given for that purpose -- The Trowel.

� � � Let us shake off the cloak of weariness and fatigue, and be renewed, revived, and refreshed in the practice of Freemasonry. Let us dust off the Working Tools and begin this moment to redouble our efforts in being all that we can truly be, following always the designs upon the trestle board left by The Great Architect of the Universe.