The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols 147
The setting maul is also said to be a symbol of untimely death 417 , since it was
one of the tools with which the three ruffians murdered Grand Master Hiram
Abiff.
To show the literary use of Masonic working tools as metaphors, we would
like to quote a description taken from Sickels' The General Ahiman Rezon, dated
1885, which proves again the abundance of technical terms in the Masonic
language and how they are to be interpreted:
The Rule, the Square, and the Compasses, are emblematical of the
conduct we should pursue in society. To observe punctuality in all our
engagements, faithfully and religiously to discharge those important
obligations which we owe to God and our neighbor; to be upright in all
our dealings; to hold the scales of Justice in equal poise; to square our
actions by the unerring rule of God's sacred word; to keep within
compass and bounds with all mankind, particularly with a brother; to
govern our expenses by our incomes; to curb our sensual appetites; to
keep within bounds those unruly passions which oftentimes interfere
with the enjoyments of society, and degrade both the man and the
Freemason; to recall to our minds that, in the great scale of existence,
the whole family of mankind are upon a level with each other [...]. 418
4.2.3 The Trowel
As a symbol of the Third Degree, the trowel is presented to the candidate;
however, ritualistically it is not so much stressed as is the Square, which is the
Master's jewel, or other symbols like the compass. According to Coil's Masonic
Encyclopedia, "its symbolism is usually said to be that of spreading the cement
which binds the brethren together." 419 As Oliver puts it, "[t]he Lodge is strongly
cemented with love and friendship, and every brother is duly taught secrecy and
prudence, morality and good fellowship." 420
Some trowels are finely decorated with Masonic symbols, of which the
following is an example.
417 Scottish Rite Masonic Museum of Our National Heritage, Bespangled Painted & Embroidered, p. 119.
418 Sickels, p. 81. Bold print added.
419 CME, p. 659.
420 GHCD, p. 454.