Duncan's Ritual of Freemasonry.pdf - FatimaMovement

worldly wealth or honors; it is the internal, and
not the external qualifications of a man that
should recommend him to be made a Mason.
Q. Why were you neither barefoot nor shod?
A. It was in conformity to an ancient Israelitish
custom: we read in the book of Ruth, that it was
their manner of changing and redeeming; and to
confirm all things, a Mason plucked off his shoe
and gave it to his neighbor, and that was
testimony in Israel. This then we do in
confirmation of a token, and as a pledge of our
fidelity; thereby signifying that we will renounce
our own will in all things, and become obedient
to the laws of our ancient institution. 1
Q. Why were you hoodwinked, and a cable-tow
put about your neck?
A. For the reason, first, as I was then in
darkness, 2 so I should keep the whole world in
darkness so far as it related to the secrets of Free-
Masonry. Secondly: in case I had not submitted
p. 49
to the manner and mode of my initiation, that I
might have been led out of the Lodge, without
seeing the form and beauty thereof.
Q. Why were you caused to give three distinct
knocks?
A. To alarm the Lodge, and inform the
Worshipful Master that I was prepared for
Masonry, and, in accordance to our ancient
custom, that I should ask. "Ask, and ye shall
receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you."