Page 9 - EA_Class-2020
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Q. Why were you caused to meet with the several obstructions on your passage?

               A. Because there were guards placed at the south, west, and east gates of the courts of King
               Solomon's Temple, to see that none passed or repassed but such as were duly and truly
               prepared and had permission; it was therefore necessary that I should meet with these several
               obstructions, that I might be duly examined before I could be made a Mason.


               Q. Why were you caused to kneel on your naked left knee?

               A. Because the left side is considered to be the weakest part of man; it was therefore to show
               that it was the weaker part of Masonry I was then entering upon, being that of an Entered
               Apprentice.

               Q. Why were you caused to rest your right hand on the Holy Bible, square, and compasses?


               A. Because the right hand was supposed by our ancient brethren to be the seat of fidelity, and
               so they worshipped Deity under the name of Fides, which was supposed to be represented by
               the right hands joined, and by two human figures holding each other by the right hand; the
               right hand, therefore, we masonically use to signify in the strongest manner possible the
               sincerity of our intentions in the business in which we are engaged.


               Q. Why were you presented with a lambskin or white linen apron, which is the badge of a
               Mason?

               A. Because the lamb, in all ages, has been deemed an emblem of innocence; he, therefore, who
               wears the lambskin as a badge of a Mason is thereby continually reminded of that purity of life
               and conduct which is essentially necessary to his gaining admission into that celestial Lodge
               above, where the Supreme Architect of the universe presides.

               Q. Why were you requested to deposit something of a metallic kind?


               A. To remind me of my extremely poor and penniless state, and that, should I ever meet with a
               friend, more especially with a brother, in like destitute circumstances, I should contribute as
               liberally to his relief as his circumstances demanded, without any material injury to myself.

               Q. Why were you conducted to the northeast corner of the Lodge, as the youngest Entered
               Apprentice, and there caused to stand upright like a man, your feet forming a square--receiving
               at the same time a solemn charge ever to walk and act uprightly before God and man?

               A. Because the first stone of a building is usually laid in the northeast corner. I was therefore
               placed there to receive my first instructions where to build my future Masonic and moral
               edifice.
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