The Common Gavel

Joseph Newton, ". . . the Gavel is an emblem of power. It is an emblem of the power for good or ill in the hands of each man, being the commonest of tools; and also of the power of the Lodge in the hand of the Master. If wielded roughly, it means ruin.If wielded weakly, it means failure. If wielded wisely, and in the spirit of brotherly love, it is a wand of magic and a scepter of good will. Man is tempted and tested by power as by nothing else. Few are the men able to use it and not abuse it. No man is a Master Mason, or fit to be the Master of a lodge, until he has learned to use the Gavel with dignity, self-control and gentle skill." (Short Talks on Masonry, page 53)

Robert Macoy, "The common gavel . . . we as free and accepted masons, are taught to make use of it for the . . . purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices and superfuities of life . . ." (The Masonic Manual, pages 21-22)


October 5, 2007