T he language of Masonry is symbolism. It at once preserves her mysteries inviolate from the profane and indelibly stamps them upon the minds and hearts of those members of the Craft who are earnestly seeking f or light. The very word badge is full of mystic meaning. The dic- tionary says that a badge is a mark, sign, token or symbol to denote the occupation, allegiance, association or achievements of the person by whom it is worn.
What, then, is the Badge of a Mason?
The uninitiated will doubtless reply that it is the square and compasses. As illustrative of the ex- tent to which these instruments are known as symbols of Masonry, it will be recalled that in 1873 the Commissioner of Patents denied the ap- plication of a flour manufacturer for permission to use them as a trade - mark. He gave as his rea- son the fact that "there can be no doubt that this device, so commonly worn and employed by Masons, has an established mystic significance, universally recognized as existing. Whether comprehended or not, is not material to the is- sue." And we know that this device is appropri- ately so worn and employed by members of this great Fraternity, for it is the proper Masonic em- blem of their profession. But we know that the Badge of a Mason is not some device wrought in precious metals, set per- haps with costly jewels. To us the simple Lamb Skin, or White Leather Apron, the emblem of in- nocence, is the distinguished Badge of a Mason. The apron is the oldest article of apparel of which we have any record. We are told that our first parents made for themselves aprons of fig leaves when they were in the Garden of Eden.
Some of us believe in the story literally, while in this day of modernism some may perhaps regard it as merely a beautiful allegory. But however we may accept it, we should not fail to grasp one great truth that it teaches - that the obligation to work accompanies the wearing of the apron. Aside from the Scriptural story of the Garden of Eden, there are evidences without number as to the antiquity of the apron. Archeologists delve back into the remote periods of time before the written history of man began and bring to light from far beneath the soil crude carvings and en- gravings showing man clad in aprons of various materials and patterns. Later, when records begin to assume al more systematic form, we find his- tory replete with references to the apron. From this information we learn that this humble gar- ment of the working man has been used as a mystic symbol or vesture by' practically all the peoples of the earth from the earliest times. It ap- pears in various forms - sometimes very similar to its lowly prototype, in some cases transformed
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