(This article reveals the VERY RELIGIOUS nature of Freemasonry especially as it centers around the lambskin apron.)

All of this information is reproduced from A MASON WEBSITE!

http://www.masonicworld.com/education/files/artoct02/lambskin_apron.htm

THE LAMBSKIN APRON

SHORT TALK BULLETIN - Vol.V November, 1927 No.11

In Masonic symbolism the Lambskin Apron holds precedence. It is the initial gift of Freemasonry to a candidate, and at the end of life’s pilgrimage it is reverently placed on his mortal remains and buried with his body in the grave.

Above all other symbols, the Lambskin Apron is the distinguishing badge of a Mason. It is celebrated in poetry and prose and has been the subject of much fanciful speculation. Some Masonic writers have contended that initiation is analogous to birth, or our advent from prenatal darkness into the light of human fellowship, moral truth and spiritual faith. Much ancient lore has been adduced in an effort to show that the Lambskin Apron typifies regeneration, or a new life, and this thought of resurrection may be the cause of its internment with the body of a deceased brother.

At least it will serve until a better reason is advanced for this peculiar custom in the Masonic burial service. The association of the lamb with redemption and being born again is expressed by John, the Apocalyptic Seer, who had a vision on the Isle of Patmos, and beheld the purified and redeemed “Of All Nations, Kindreds, People and Tongues.” Of them it was said, “These are they which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

By many it has been regarded as a great religious symbol. In our present conception there are three parts of man; body, soul and spirit; what the body is to the soul, the soul to the spirit; namely, a house or habitation, but in oriental thought there are seven parts of man; four earthly and three heavenly; four physical and three spiritual. The four sides of the square symbolize the four physical and the three sides of the flap, or triangle, symbolize the three spiritual parts of man. The apex of the triangle, or point of the flap, stood for the Atma, and which means the eternal spark, the Divine Flame, the indestructible spirit of the living God in every human being. In this aspect it means that:

God is not a looker on At the Life of anyone;

God is under every man, God is part of every man.

(ALL LIES OF SATAN from the GARDEN! - my comments)

A badge is either good or bad by reason of that for which it stands. Aside from mysticism, I believe there are five distinct things of which the Lambskin Apron is a badge.

Firstly, in its use, it is a badge of service. In his recent book on “Symbolical Masonry,” Brother H.L. Haywood has an interesting chapter on “The Apron wherein the Builder Builds,” and says it “was so conspicuous a portion of the costume of an operative Mason that it became associated with him in the public mind and thus gradually evolved into his badge.” By it Speculative Freemasonry seeks to distinguish the builder and place upon the brow of labor the laurel wreath of dignity and honor.

Secondly, made of lambskin, it is in its fabric a badge of sacrifice. The lamb in all ages has been not only an emblem of innocence, but also a symbol of sacrifice, and he who wears this Apron with understanding must be prepared for the time when hard things are to be done, when trials are to be endured, and fortitude glorified.

Thirdly, in its color it is a badge of purity. White is the clean color that reflects most light.

(My Comments - The Lambskin represents the "purity" of the Mason - given only to him through Freemasonry membership. The TRUTH is that our purity comes to us only in a born again relationship with Jesus Christ. At every Masonic funeral the Mason is said to be in "The Celestial Lodge Above" with the "Grand Archetict of the Universe" - in other words he is in heaven because..."he was a true and faithful Mason." The Lambskin, at the funeral, is the symbol that the Mason is now in heaven... Yet they claim that they are NOT a religion?)

The Apron is symbolises rite of investure or purification; that is, the presentation of the Apron. In a qualified way it bears the relationship to the Lodge that ++++ baptism ++++ does to some Churches, it is the external symbol of an inner purification. The Psalmist asked:

“Who shall ascend into the Hill of The Lord?” and answering his own question said, “He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.” The Apron when correctly understood is the pledge of a clean life, the testimony that a candidate means to live pure, speak true, right wrong and reverence conscience as king. (Shouldn't Jesus and the Word be KING - what about the seared Conscience and the sin nature?)

Freemasonry is in striking contrast to such conceptions. It stands for the dissipation of discord and dissension, for the promotion of peace, the pursuit of knowledge and the practice of brotherhood, for untrammeled conscience, equality of opportunity and the Divine right of liberty in man, for devotion to duty, the building of character and rectitude of life and conduct. Its symbolical supports are wisdom, strength and beauty; the principal rounds of its theological ladder are faith, hope and charity. Its primary tenets are brotherly love, relief and truth; its cardinal virtues are fortitude, prudence and justice.

Its Temple is erected to the Master Builder, its Great Light is the Word of Revelation and at its center is an Altar of high and Holy purpose. Like the shadow of a rock in a weary land, like a shining light in a window of a home, like a mother’s kiss on a trouble brow and the breath of her prayer in the hour of despair, is the spirit of Freemasonry, calling men from the circumference of life to find God at the center of the individual soul. “SO MOTE IT BE”

(God is not found in each individual's soul but through his word and through Jesus Christ! Jn 14:6)