Sixteen Questions

For three reasons; first, that I might not be able to comply with the demand for a small coin or piece of metal; second, that I might bring nothing of an offensive or defensive nature into the lodge; third, at the building of King Solomon's temple, of which every lodge is a representation, there was not heard the sound of axe, hammer or other tool of iron

This was to teach me that masonry regards no man for worldly wealth or honor. It is the internal and not the external qualifications that recommend a man to masonry

Now this was the manner in former time in Israel 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 Isreal. This I did thereby testifying my sincerity in the pursuit in which I was engaged.

For three reasons; first, as I was then in total darkness so should I ever keep the world in total darkness regarding the secrets of freemasonry; second, that my mind might conceive before my eyes beheld the forms thereof; third, had I proven refractory or unwilling to comply to the usual requirements of the fraternity, I could by means of my cable-tow have been conducted from the lodge before my eyes had beheld the beauties therein.

This was to remind me of that passage of scripture which says, "Ask: and it shall be given you, seek: and ye shall find, knock: and it shall be opened unto you"

I asked a friend to recommend me to masonry; through that recommendation I knocked and the door of masonry was opened unto me.

This was to teach me that as it might become an instrument of torture to the flesh, so should the recollection thereof ever be to my mind and conscience should I unlawfully reveal any of the secrets of freemasonry

It was the custom of our ancient brethren, before engaging in any great or important undertaking, to invoke the blessing of Diety. This was to teach me that I should never engage in any undertaking on which I could not invoke the blessing of Diety

No irreligious libertine or atheist can be made a mason. It was therefore necessary that I place a belief in, and accountability to, a Supreme Being, otherwise no oath or obligation would be binding upon me.

As in my darkened condition I could not see nor avoid danger, it was necessary that I have a conductor on whom I could with confidence rely.

For two reasons: first, that the worshipful master, wardens, and brethren might see that I was duly and truly prepared; second; at the building of King Solomon's temple, guards were stationed at the south, west, and east gates to permit none to pass but those duly qualified

In all ages, the left side, apparently for a well- known physical reason, has been determined inferior to the right. This was to remind me that I was then receiving only the first degree of freemasonry.

In all ages, the right hand has been deemed an emblem of fidelity. The ancients worshiped Diety under the name Fides or Fidelity, which was represented by two right hands joined, or two human figures holding each other by the right hand. This I did, thereby pledging my Fidelity to the oath or obligation which I was about to assume.

In all ages the lamb has been deemed an emblem of innocence; he, therefore, who wears the lambskin as a badge of masonry is continually reminded of that purity of life and conduct which is necessary to obtain admittance into the celestial lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

This was to teach me that should I in after life find a poor, distressed human being, more especially a brother mason, pity should flow from my heart and coin from my purse as freely as it was given me on this occasion

The cornerstone of all sacred and masonic edifices is usually placed in the northeast corner. I, being the youngest entered apprentice mason, was placed in the northeast corner of the lodge as a place whereon to receive instruction on which to erect my future moral and masonic edifice.