Ever since the Revival in 1717, for it is found in the earliest lectures, it was taught that Apprentices served their Masters with "Freedom, Fervency, and Zeal"; and the symbols of the first two of these virtues were Chalk and Charcoal. In the oldest instructions, earthen pan, was designated as the symbol of Zeal; but this was changed to Clay probably by Preston, and so it still remains. The instruction of the Operative Mason to serve his Master with freedom, fervency, and zeal — to work for his interests willingly, ardently, and zealously — is easily understood. Its application to Speculative Freemasonry, for the Masters of the Work we substitute the Grand Architect of the Universe, and then our zeal, like our freedom and our fervency, is directed to a higher end. The zeal of a Speculative Freemason is shown by advancing the morality, and by promoting the happiness of his fellow-creatures.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
