Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

126 ORIGIN OF FREE MASONRY.
murmuring, or mutiny; and not desert the master till the
lord's work is finished," &c; matter enough to prepare the
reader for the proof yet to be given of the very recent origin
of the *Noachidae and the science M»«ptti»: I am in
the midst of heaven.
It is evident that their emblems were derived, with their
ceremonies, and charge, and aprons, from the men who
work in brick and stone and mortar.
This truth beautifully illustrates another which has been
charged to the vanity of the craft, viz. that the lamb skin,
or white leather apron, the badge of Masons, is more ancient
than the golden fleece or Roman eagle, more honourable
than the star and garter, &c.
" Our leather aprons we compare
" With garters red and blue;
44 Princes and kings our brothers are,
" While they our rules pursue."— Preston^ p. 396.
We may say with Teresa to her loving spouse, Sancho
Panza, " What covers, discovers thee." Substitute sheep
skin, for lamb skin apron, (the badge of a stone Mason, no
* Ahiman Rezon, p. 24, says: " A Mason is obliged by his tenure to observe
the moral law, as a true Noachida," which he explains in a note,
" Sons of Noah, the first name of Free Masons." And in this he is followed
by the New Monitor, p. 109. I am bold to follow so high masonic authority,
notwithstanding a trifling dilemma in which it seems involved; not
unlike that of the origin of the royal arch degree. Masonic history
asserts, that Adam and his sons were Free Masons; it would seem absurd,
then, to say that Noachida, was the first name of Free Masons. But,
doubtless, that Mesourania, which unites men of the most opposite tenets
in one sacred band, can reconcile this discrepance with perfect harmony.
" TIB Masonry unites mankind;
" To generous actions forms the soul;
" In friendly converse all conjoined,
" One spirit animates the whole."—OW Song.