VINTAGE 11th AUGUST 1934 Lot of 2 The WORKING TOOLS of a Social Mason The FREEMASON Article + Typewritten Manuscript MASONIC COLLECTIBLES EPHEMERA

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VINTAGE

11th AUGUST 1934

Lot of 2

The WORKING TOOLS

of a Social Mason

The FREEMASON Article +

Typewritten Manuscript

MASONIC

COLLECTIBLES

EPHEMERA

DETAILS:

1 X FREEMASON cutting

4.6 inches x 12.75 inches

1 x Typewritten Manuscript

8 inches x 13 inches

THE WORKING TOOLS OF A SOCIAL MASON

THE FREEMASON

11th AUGUST 1934

“By the Worshipful Master’s command

I now present to you the Working Tools of the Social Mason.

They are the Fork, Knife and Tumbler.

The Fork is an implement

by which even the most experienced Mason

can secure sometimes, by reaching across the table,

the most delicate and succulent morsels

which adorn our festive board

to delight the eye

and stimulate the jaded appetite.

It is further used to convey

the various portions to the aperture

which has been especially designed to receive them,

and which reduces all nutriment

to a common level.

More especially should it be used when

partaking of peas,

for if conveyed to the mouth by knife

these vegetable globules may become rather elusive.

The Knife,

when properly ground and sharpened,

can be used to dissect the anatomy

of the most venerable rooster,

divide and prepare the same into proper portions

to suit the aforementioned aperture,

and thus prevent that frequent flow of eloquence

which at all times is the special characteristic

of a convivial MASON.

The TUMBLER

enables us with accuracy and precision

to ascertain and determine

the quantity of liquid which is most conducive

to the preservation of our general joviality,

and although the Tumblers have not that mark

known as “pretty”,

yet the skilled Craftsman can measure his tot

by the two or three finger rule.

But as we have not met as speculative,

but rather as operative and energetic Masons,

it is the moral conveyed by these emblems

which we are most particularly

requested to regard.

In this sense the Fork points out

that we should not at all times sit still

and wait for that which we most desire,

but should reach out, secure, and retain it,

profiting by our opportunities

and assimilating knowledge

gained by our experience.

Nor should we forget that the little things

in life require to be looked after,

lest they elude our grasp

and be lost beyond recall,

and as the prongs of the Fork are equal

and mutually assist each other,

being bound together in one complete structure,

so we are all equal

when we met together as Masons.

The Fork should also teach us

to stand shoulder to shoulder

and practise those four qualities,

which cannot be recommended too strongly to our notice-

straightforwardness in all our dealings

with one another,

good temper in our differences of opinion,

sympathy with the failings of a Brother,

and fidelity to the sacred ties

that bind us together.

The Knife teaches us to the value of aciduity,

for as it requires to be sharp

and in good order

to cope with some of the problems which confront it,

so we are taught to take care

of our mental and corporeal faculties,

so that we may not be left behind

in the battle of life.

It further teaches us not to cut off

more than we can comfortably chew,

but to limit our desires in every stage of life,

so that rising to the eminence by merit,

we may live respected and die regretted.

The Tumbler inculcates the necessity

for moderation in all things,

for as it has no graduated scale

by which to measure its varied contents,

and the user must exercise his judgment

as to the quantity of liquor poured therein,

so we are expected to ascertain

and not exceed the limits

of our internal economy;

and as the Tumbler will hold

only a certain quantity

without detriment to its surroundings,

so we must learn our capacity,

and thus avoid overflowing

with untimely hilarity,

or confusing our mental and physical powers.

Thus, the W.T’s of a convivial Mason

teaches us to bear in mind

and act according to cardinal virtues

of prudence and temperance,

so that when we are summoned to drink

the Tyler’s toast after partaking

of all the good things which a Bountiful Providence

has provided for us,

we may arise and depart homewards

with a gratifying testimony of a contented mind,

an equal poise and a clear brain.

Thanks to the New Zealand Craftsman.”

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The W.T’s of a Social Mason: Published THE FREEMASON 11th August, 1934

THE W.T’s OF A SOCIAL MASON:
Typewritten Manuscript

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