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 Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use 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. [Illustration] * * * Reinvested. Northeast Corner. * * * an upright man and Mason, and I give it you strictly in charge ever to walk and act as such before God and man. SECOND SECTION. This section accounts, rationally for the ceremonies of initiation. Containing almost entirely esoteric work, it cannot be written. The Master should not only familiarize himself with it, but he should also diligently learn and explain to the candidate each truth symbolized by each step of the ceremonies through which he has just passed. * * * Offensive or Defensive. At the building of King Solomon's Temple there was not heard the sound of axe, hammer or any tool of iron. The question naturally arises, How could so stupendous an edifice be erected without the aid of those implements? The stones were hewn, squared and numbered in the quarries where they were raised; the timbers were felled and prepared in the forests of Lebanon, conveyed in floats by sea to Joppa, and thence by land to Jerusalem, where they were set up by the aid of wooden implements prepared for that purpose; so that every part of the building, when completed, fitted with such exact nicety that it resembled the handiwork of the Supreme Architect of the Universe more than that of human hands. * * * Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or honors; it is therefore the internal and not the external qualifications of the man that recommend him to become a Mason. * * * In the fourth chapter of the book of Ruth we read: "Now this was the manner in former times concerning redeeming and changing; for to confirm all things, a man plucked off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor; and this was a testimony in Israel." * * * Cable----. * * * Hood----. * * * K--no--ks. * * * "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you." * * * Before entering upon any great or important undertaking, we ought always to invoke the aid of Deity. * * * Trust in God. * * * The Left Side. * * * The Right Hand, by our ancient brethren, was deemed the seat of fidelity. The ancients worshiped a deity named Fides, sometimes represented by two right hands joined, at others by two human figures holding each other by the right hand. * * *