Masonry 1st Degree Section 2
Why were you divested of all metals when made a Mason?
For two reasons: First, that. I should carry nothing offensive or defensive into the lodge with me. Second, at the building of King Solomon's Temple, there was not heard the sound of axe, hammer, or any tool of iron.
How could a building of such s stupendous magnitude be erected without the aid of some iron tool?
Because the stones were all hewn, squared and numbers in the quarries where they were raised; the tiinbers felled and prepared in the forest of Lebanon, and carried by sea in floats to the Joppa, and from thence by land to Jerusalem, where they were set up by wooden maul prepared for that purpose; and when the building was erected, its several parts fitted with such exactness, that it had more the appearance of being the handiwork of the Supreme Architect of the Universe than that of human hands
Why were you neither naked nor clothed?
Because Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or honors; it was, therefore, to show that it was the internal and not the external qualification of a man that should render him worthy to be a Mason.
Why were you neither barefoot nor shod?
This was according to an ancient Israelites custmn. We read in the book of Ruth, that this was the n1anner in former times concerning redeeming and concerning changing for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor, and this was a testimony in Israel. This, therefore, was done to show the sincerity of our intention in the business we were then engaged upon.
Why were you neither barefoot nor shod?
This was according to an ancient Israelites custmn. We read in the book of Ruth, that this was the n1anner in former times concerning redeeming and concerning changing for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor, and this was a testimony in Israel. This, therefore, was done to show the sincerity of our intention in the business we were then engaged upon.
Why were you hoodwinked and cable-tow about your neck?
For three reasons: First, that as I was then in darkness, so should I keep the world without in future as relates to the secrets of Masonry, until they should obtain the, as lawfully as I was then about to do; Second, that my heart should be taught to conceal before my eyes beheld the beauties of Masonry; third, should I have refused to the forms and ceremonies of Masonry, being found unworthy to be taken by the hand as a brother, by the help of the cable-tow, be conducted out of the Lodge without being allowed to discover even the form thereof.
Why were you caused to give three distinct knocks?
For two reasons: First to alarm the Lodge and inform the Worshipful Master that I was prepared of initiation; second, to remind of a certain text in Scripture, "Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."
How did you apply that text to your then situation?
I asked the recommendation of a friend to be made a Mason; through his recommendation I sought initiation; I knocked at the door of the Lodge, and it was opened unto me.
Why were you received on the point of a sharp instrument?
It was to signify that as an instrun1ent of torture to the flesh, so should the remembrance thereof be to my conscience, should I ever to presu1ne to reveal any of the secrets of Masonry.
Why were you caused to kneel and attend prayer?
Because no n1an should ever enter upon any great undertaking without first invoking the blessing of Deity.
Why were you asked in whom you put your trust?
Because, agreeable to an ancient Masonic custom, no Atheist could be a Mason; it was, therefore, necessary that I should profess my belief in Deity, otherwise no oath would be binding upon me.
Why were you taken by the right hand, ordered to arise, follow your guide, and fear no danger?
It was to show that although at that tiine I could neither foresee nor prevent danger, I was in the hands of a trusty friend, in whose fidelity I might with safety confide.
Why were you conducted once about the altar?
That the brethren might see I was duly and truly prepared.
Why were you caused to meet with several obstructions on your passage?
Because in every regular and well governed Lodge there is a representation of King Solomon's Temple, in which we learn there were guards stationed at the South, West, and East gates to see that none passed or repassed but such as were duly qualified and had their permission. It was therefore necessary that I should meet with these several obstructions, in order that I might be duly examined before I could be made a Mason.
Why were you caused to kneel on your naked left knee?
Because the left was supposed to be the weaker part of man; it was, therefore, to show that it was the weaker part of Masonry I was then entering upon, it being that of an Entered Apprentice.
Why were you caused to lay your right hand on the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses?
Because the right hand was supposed by our ancient brethren to be the seat of fidelity, which was said sometimes to be represented by two hands joined, and others by two human figures holding each other by the right hand. The right hand therefore was made use of as a token of our sincerity, and a pledge of our fidelity on the business we were then engaged upon.
Why were you presented with the Lambskin Apron, which is the true badge of a Mason?
Because the lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence; he, therefore, who wears the lambskin as a badge of Maso my, is thereby continually reminded of that purity of life and conduct which is essentially necessary to his gaining adn1ission into that celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.
Why were you requested to deposit something of a metallic kind?
It was to remind me of my then extremely poor and penniless situation, should I ever afterwards meet a friend, more especially a brother, in like circumstances, that I should contribute as liberally to his relief as I could do without any inconvenience to myself.
Why were you placed in the Northeast corner, as the youngest Entered Apprentice?
Because in operative Masonry the first stone of a building is usually placed in the Northeast corner, I was therefore placed there to receive those first instructions upon which to build my future moral and Masonic edifice.