Statue of an "Entered Apprentice contemplating The Rough Ashlar"
Pictured
above is an original statue created by MARBLECast® Products, Inc. It
teaches Freemasons in the Entered Apprentice Degree that The Rough Ashlar, or
stone in its rude and unpolished condition, is emblematic of man in his natural
state--ignorant, uncultivated, and vicious. But when education has exerted
its wholesome influence in expanding his intellect, restraining his passions,
and purifying his life, he then is represented by the Perfect Ashlar, which,
under the skilful hands of the workman, has been smoothed, and squared, and
fitted for its place in the building. In the older lectures of the
eighteenth century the Perfect Ashlar is not mentioned, but its place was
supplied by the Broached Thurnel.
Pictured in
the left hand of this statue is the chisel which is one of the working tools
of the Entered Apprentice and also has the same reference to the advantages of
education. Preston (Illustrations of Masonry, 1812, page 86) thus
elaborates its symbolism as one of the implements of Freemasonry:
"The chisel demonstrates the advantages of discipline
and education. The mind, like the diamond in its original state, is
unpolished; but as the effects of the chisel on the external coat soon present
to view the latent beauties of the diamond, so education discovers the latent
virtues of the mind and draws them forth to range the large field of matter
and space, in order to display the summit of human knowledge, our duty to God
and man."
Pictured in
the right hand of this statue is The Common Gavel which is also one of the
working tools of the Entered Apprentice Mason. It was made use of by the
Operative Mason to break off the corners of the rough ashlar, and thus fit it
the better for the builder's use, and is therefore adopted as a symbol in
Speculative Masonry, to admonish us of the duty of divesting our hearts and
consciences of the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our minds
as living stones for that spiritual building, that house made not with hands,
eternal in the heavens.
Made of marble material, this beautifully sculpted
original is signed and numbered by the artist. It is currently in
limited production, only 500 statues will be made and is available now for
$119.00 plus $32.00 shipping/handling (within the 48 contiguous United
States).
The statue measures 8" tall by 4" wide. The wood base it sits on is 10" wide
by 6" deep. The
shipping weight is approximately 10 lbs.
To order:
Please make all checks or money orders payable to:
MarbleCast Products, 947 Folsom Avenue West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84104. To pay by credit card we accept PayPal payments to: mrc@statues.com
Utah residents add 5.95% state sales tax. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
We ship via FedEx so include your physical address. No P.O. Boxes
please!
