Page:Manual of the Lodge.pdf/84

Rh it is intended to remind the candidate of his ignorance, which Masonry is to enlighten; of his evil nature, which Masonry is to purify; of the world, in whose obscurity he has been wandering, and from which Masonry is to rescue him.



Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.—Matthew vii. 7.



In the ancient initiations the candidate was never permitted to enter on the threshold of the temple or sacred cavern in which the ceremonies were to be conducted, until by the most solemn warning he had been impressed with the necessity of caution, secrecy, and fortitude.