Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

CROSS'S MASONIC CHART. 59
if it did not pretend to be divine; very well for those who
like it; for myself, I am glad to have been reminded of the
golden rule by all means; and, if some find a carpenter's
square a good means to call it up to their mind, let them
paper their walls with squares, and " act honestly upon the
square," without pretending any mystery in it, any Free
Masonry in it In that lies the fault. The emblems are
most of them well enough, considered merely as emblems
; and, although they fail of affecting deeply the conscience,
those who find them good are welcome to them,
claiming them only as emblems, and not as the mysterious
characters and dark hieroglyphics of a divine and " mysterious
science,"—an art u which the first Masons received
from God." I say most of them are well enough,
for I do not think they all are •, for instance, the explanation
of the lamb skin, or white leather apron: it is given thus
in Hardie*s Monitor, p. 140.
" The lamb has been in all ages considered as an emblem
of innocence and of peace. The Lamb of God who taketh
away the sins of the world, will grant to those who put their
trust in him, his peace. He, therefore, who wears the lamb
skin as a badge of Masonry, is thereby reminded of that purity
of life and conversation, which it is absolutely necessary
for them to observe, who expect to be admitted into the
Grand Lodge above; where, under the precedency of the
Grand Master of heaven and earth, they will for ever enjoy
those pleasures which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," &c*
" This lamb skin, or white apron, the person initiated is
told, is more ancient than the golden fleece, or Roman
eagle, more honourable than the star and garter, or any
other order which could be conferred upon him, then, or at
any time thereafter, by king, prince, potentate, or any other
person, except he be. a Mason; and which everyone ought
to wear with equal honour to himself, and to the fraternity."
—Hardie's Mon. chap. 17. p. 141.