The Symbolisms of the Apron

Today in Masonic History we present The Symbolisms of the Apron by Rob Morris.

This fair and stainless thing I take
To be my badge for virtue's sake;
Its ample strings that gird me round
My constant cable-tow are found;
And as securely they are tied
So may true faith with me abide;
And as I face the sunny South
I pledge to God my Mason's truth,
That while on earth I do remain
My Apron shall not have a stain.

This fair and stainless thing I raise
In memory or Apprentice days,
When on the checkered pavement wide,
With gauge arid gavel well supplied,
I keep my garments free from soil
Though laboring In a menial toil;
And as I face the golden West,
I call my Maker to attest
That while on earth I do remain
My Apron shall not have a stain.

This fair and stainless thing I lower,
Its 'Prentice aid I need no more;
For laws and principles are given
The Fellow-craft direct from heaven;
To help the needy,-keep a trust,
Observe the precepts of the just:
And as I face the darkened North
I send this solemn promise forth,
That while on earth I do remain,
My Apron shall not have a stain.

This fair and stainless thing I fold,
A Master-Mason now behold!
A welcome guest ln every land
With princes and with kings to stand;
Close tyled within my heart of hearts
I keep all secret arts and parts,
And try to walk the Heavenly Road
In daily intercourse with God;
And as I face the mystic East,
I vow by Him I love the best,
That while on earth I do remain,
My Apron shall not have a stain.

This fair and stainless thing I doff;
But though I take my Apron off
And lay the stainless badge aside,
Its teachings ever shall abide,
For God has given Light Divine
That we may walk opposed to sin;
And sympathy and brotherly love
Are emanations from above;
And life itself is only given
To square and shape our souls for Heaven,
The glorious temple in the sky
The grand Celestial Lodge on high.