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308 BOOK OF THE A. AND A. RITE.
The Cordon is yellow and blue, for reasons already
set forth in describing the apron.
The Jewel, also, is described by the representation
on the area of the apron.
I now present you with this Gavel, as a symbol of
a Grand Master of all Symbolic Lodges of our Or-
der : remembering you are a Master Ad Vitam, or
for life—that is, during your mortal existence and
your correct Masonic deportment in life— you are
entitled to assume the gavel in all Symbolic Lodges
of the Ancient and Accepted Eite, providing there
are none present superior to you in rank ;
but never
fail to keep in mind the three requisites of a Master
—Toleration, Justice, and Truth. As the presiding
officer of a Lodge, it will be your particular duty to
dispense light and knowledge to the brethren. That
duty is not performed—nor is that which the old
charges require, that, at opening and closing, the
Master shall give, or cause to be given a lecture, or
part of a lecture, for the instruction of the brethren
—by asking and receiving the answers to three or
four merely formal and trivial questions. On the
contrary, that duty is far higher and more impor-
tant ; and it behooves the Master to be prepared to
perform it. Nor should any one accept the office of
Master, until, by acquaintance and familiarity with
the history, morals, and philosophy of Masonry, he
is fitted to enlighten and instruct his brethren. That