We are introduced to the working tools of Masonry ever so briefly. We hear about them in the degrees, but rarely after that. An explanation of the tools is to be found in the Monitor, but I think it to be incomplete. I think that a more thorough exploration is in order. As such, I think I will try to work through the working tools as my first endeavors into this blog. Let’s start with the common gavel.
The monitor states:
The common gavel is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to break off the rough and superfluous parts of stones, the better to fit them for the builder’s use. 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 superfluities of life; thereby fitting our minds as living stones for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
What does this mean to us? How are we, as Masons, to use the gavel? What are some of the superfluities of which we are to divest our hearts?
Mackey, in his Lexicon of Freemasonry, also explores the use of the gavel by the master in running the lodge. Here is what he had to say:
Hence, too, we see the propriety of adopting the gavel as the instrument for maintaining order in the lodge. For, as the lodge is an imitation of the temple, and each member represents a stone thereof, so, by the influence of the gavel, all the ebullitions of temper, and the indecorum of frivolity are restrained, as the material stones of that building were, by the same instrument, divested of their asperities and imperfections.
I like his interpretation and it makes sense. The master is using the gavel to divest the lodge of vices and superfluities. But what about outside of the lodge? What are we as Masons to do outside of the lodge to help ourselves remember the gavel? Let me know what you think – post some comments!
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I also see the Common Gavel as representing the brute will of man. When applied correctly, with thoughfulness and focus, it can achieve transformational results. However, if applied inappropriately it can cause irrevocable damage (i.e. scar or even split our spiritual stone). Like everything, it has two sides. So, it is in moderation and in conjunction with the other workings tools that I believe the Common Gavel is best applied.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of applying the Common Gavel outside of the Lodge setting, here is my personal experience. I believe that the the Common Gavel is best applied by first identifying a specific character trait that is unwanted. Once that character trait is identified one must contemplate the nature of this trait and how it might be changed. This is critically important and must be done prior to applying the Common Gavel. Once contemplation is finished and it is resolved to actually make a change then with the help of the Common Gavel, channeling the strength of the focused will, it is possible to begin that transformation. By addressing each unwanted character trait in this fashion it is possible to actually change your character permanently and thus fit "our minds as living stones for that spiritual building".
DK
Excellent!!! Thank you for your thoughtful contribution, my brother.
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