Page:Book of the Dead.djvu/32

28 the practices in vogue amongst ancient operative brethren, and that each symbolizes, in this modern day, some great, everlasting and moral precept.

The Egyptian apron, with which you are clothed, is of goat hide. It is divided into four principal parts, namely, the Bib, the Body, the Border, and the Binding String, and are thus explained:

The Bib, being an appendage, or rudimentary part of the apron, represents the beginning, or infancy.

The Body represents completion, or man in the fullest estate of his achievements.

The Border represents the superficial adornments that surround and ornament this earthly life, and are given to us by the Grand Architect for rightful use, else otherwise they would become a superstition and idolatry.

The Binding String is made use of to bind the whole of the apron to the body, indicating that man must need have something to hold fast to him those immortal truths inculcated by our Order, representing man's dependence upon the higher power.

As an Apisic Ramesian postulant, you will wear your apron thus: The Body of the apron is ripped off and annexed to the rear of your body at its middle portion. You are invested with the Bib only, it being tied with the Binding String thrice around your collarless neck. This is to teach you that before entering upon your present hazardous endeavors, you must be stripped of all those honors that achievement and years have heaped upon you; of that pride that success has instilled in you, and that you must have them so placed that they even be for your derision and humility.