at purpose; which, when
completed, every part thereof fitted with that exact nicety, that it
had more the resemblance of the handy workmanship of the Supreme
Architect of the Universe than of human hands.

Q. Why was you neither naked nor clothed? A. As I was an object of
distress at that time, it was to remind me, if ever I saw a friend,
more especially a brother, in a like distressed situation, that I
should contribute as liberally to his relief as his situation
required, and my abilities would admit, without material injury to
myself or family.

Q. Why was you neither barefoot nor shod? A. It was an ancient
Israelitish custom adopted among Masons; and we read in the Book of
Ruth concerning their mode and manner of changing and redeeming, and
to confirm all things, a brother plucked off his shoe and gave it to
his neighbor, and that was testimony in Israel. This, then, therefore,
we do in confirmation of a token, and as a pledge of our fidelity;
therefore signifying that we will renounce our own will in all things,
and become obedient to the laws of our ancient institutions.

Q. Why was you hoodwinked? A. That my heart might conceive before my
eyes beheld the beauties of Masonry.

Q. A second reason? A. As I was in darkness at that time, it was to
remind me that I should keep the whole world so respecting Masonry.

Q. Why had you a cable-tow about your neck? A. In case I had not
submitted to the manner and mode of my initiation, that I might have
been led out of the Lodge without seeing the form and beauties
thereof.

Q. Why did you give three distinct knocks at the door? A. To alarm the
Lodge, and let the Worshipful Master, Wardens and brethren know that a
poor blind candidate prayed admission.

Q. What do those three distinct knocks allude to? A. A certain passage
in Scripture wherein it says, "Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye
shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."

Q. How did you apply this to your then case in Masonry? A. I asked the
recommendation of a friend to become a Mason; I sought admission
through his recommendations and knocked, and the door of Masonry
opened unto me.

Q. Why was you caused to enter on the point of some sharp instrument
pressing your naked left breast in the name of the Lord? A. As this
was a torture to my flesh, so might the recollection of it ever be to
my flesh and conscience, if ever I attempted to reveal the secrets of
Masonry unlawfully.

Q. Why was