THE BUILDER February 1918

THE TROWEL

BY BRO. ALFRED S. EICHBERG, 33d HON., GEORGIA

THE working tools of a Master Mason comprise all the tools of the
Craft, but more especially the Trowel. The trowel is used by
operative masons to spread the cement which unites the stones of a
building into a substantial structure; but we, as Free and Accepted
Masons, are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious
purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love, which unites us
into one close bond of brotherhood, in which no contention can ever
exist, except that noble emulation of who can best serve and best
agree.

But the trowel has in addition a deeper significance. Numerical
values receive especial attention in Masonry, possibly because
mathematics was the first of the sciences to help civilize the
human race. Geometry is regarded as chief among the seven liberal
arts and sciences,--its initial blazes before you. The 47th problem
of Euclid is an important symbol in this degree.

The series, three, five and seven, occurs frequently among the
symbols of Masonry, but the number three is most frequent; the
three great lights, three lesser lights, three degrees in the Blue
Lodge, three stations in the lodge, three stages of human life,
three knocks and many other instances, which you will recall. The
reason for this prominence is that three is the symbol of
Stability.

Geometry teaches that three points are always in one plane and are
always in equilibrium.

And this is the philosophic interpretation of the trowel. It
presents three points. It is the principal working tool of the
Master Mason, not only because it spreads the cement of brotherly
love, but also because the close bond of brotherhood so constructed
must always be in equilibrium and is firmly founded on Stability.

But there is yet another reason; the trowel in the hands of the
operative mason is frequently required to remove from the bearing
surfaces of the stone, such foreign substances as may have become
attached to it while it lay among unclean surroundings and which
would interfere with its perfect bonding.

The irregular block of stone came out of the quarry,--that is, the
outer world; it entered the Apprentice degree, where by aid of the
common gavel and the twenty-four inch gauge, it was shaped into a
rough ashlar. It was then passed to the Fellowcrafts, who, by use
of their working tools made it plumb, square and level and
fashioned it into a perfect ashlar.

However perfect an ashlar it may have been, when it received the
commendation of the Grand Master, through contact with the world,
it superficially acquired vices and faults, which unfit it for a
perfect union.

The trowel in this relation may be regarded as referring to the
three jewels of the Master degree, Friendship, Morality and
Brotherly Love, which when worthily worn, so cleanse and purify,
that the stone is in every respect fitted to be raised to its
permanent place in the walls of the Temple of Masonry.

THE WORK

BY BRO JOHN EDMUND BARSS, CONN.

Scarce two-score years had passed him; and they cried, 
"See how the mists of dawn have kept their rose !
Linger and dream a little." But he said,
"Nay, I must do a man's work in the world," 
And passing, left them.
And the years flowed by, 
Bringing him opulence of goods and fame, 
Enriched with wife, and children, and success. 
Then some besought him: "Rest a little now, 
And mark the glory of thy noon-tide sun." 
But he, "Not yet: these hours are best for toil, 
And I must do a man's work in the world."

Then old age came and walked with him, and one 
Whispered, "At last rejoice in thy great deeds; 
Take time for satisfaction: Be content." 
"And still not yet!" he answered; "all my years 
At length have taught me justice, and at length 
I know that kindness is man's greatest due 
To man: I crave one moment to be kind 
To him who was mine enemy long since." 
Then out of all the world, in sore distress, 
Returned his enemy; and at the last 
He gave him succor, and the coals of hate 
Died to white ashes, whiter than his hair; 
And there sprang up and blossomed for a day 
The rose of love between them, like the dawn. 
Then death came; and he smiled, "Now may I rest, 
For I have done a man's work in the world."

