This section accounts, rationally for the ceremonies of initiation.
Containing almost entirely esoteric work, it cannot be written. The
Master should not only familiarize himself with it, but he should also
diligently learn and explain to the candidate each truth symbolized by
each step of the ceremonies through which he has just passed.
* * *
Offensive or Defensive.
At the building of King Solomon's Temple there was not heard the sound
of axe, hammer or any tool of iron. The question naturally arises, How
could so stupendous an edifice be erected without the aid of those
implements? The stones were hewn, squared and numbered in the quarries
where they were raised; the timbers were felled and prepared in the
forests of Lebanon, conveyed in floats by sea to Joppa, and thence by
land to Jerusalem, where they were set up by the aid of wooden
implements prepared for that purpose; so that every part of the
building, when completed, fitted with such exact nicety that it
resembled the handiwork of the Supreme Architect of the Universe more
than that of human hands.
* * *
Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or honors; it is therefore
the internal and not the external qualifications of the man that
recommend him to become a Mason.
* * *
In the fourth chapter of the book of Ruth we read: "Now this was the
manner in former times concerning redeeming and 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." * * *
Cable----.
* * *
Hood----.
* * *
K--no--ks.
* * *
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it
shall be opened unto you."
* * *
Before entering upon any great or important undertaking, we ought always
to invoke the aid of Deity.
* * *
Trust in God.
* * *
The Left Side.
* * *
The Right Hand, by our ancient brethren, was deemed the seat of
fidelity. The ancients worshiped a deity named Fides, sometimes
represented by two right hands joined, at others by two human figures
holding each other by the right hand.
* * *
The Lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence. The
lambskin is therefore to remind you of that purity of life and conduct
which is so essentially necessary to your gaining admission to the
Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe
presides.
Northeast Corner.
It is customary at the erection of all Masonic edifices to lay the first
or foundation stone in the northeast corner of the building. The first
instructions which the candidate receives symbolizes the cornerstone,
and on it he constructs the moral and Masonic temple of his life.