re was light." At the same time, all the brethren
clap their hands and stamp on the floor with their right feet as heavy
as possible, the bandage dropping from the candidate's eyes at the
same instant, which, after having been so long blind, and full of
fearful apprehensions all the time, this great and sudden transition
from perfect darkness to a light brighter (if possible) than the
meridian sun in a midsummer day, sometimes produces an alarming
effect.

After the candidate is brought to light, the Master addresses him as
follows: "Brother, on being brought to light, you first discover three
great lights in Masonry by the assistance of three lesser; they are
thus explained: The three great lights in Masonry are the Holy Bible,
Square and Compass. The Holy Bible is given to us as a rule and guide
for our faith and practice; the Square, to square our actions, and the
Compass to keep us in due bounds with all mankind, but more especially
with the brethren. Three lesser lights are three burning tapers, or
candles placed on candlesticks (some say, or candles on pedestals),
they represent the Sun, Moon, and Master of the Lodge, and are thus
explained: As the sun rules the day, and the moon governs the night,
so ought the Worshipful Master, with equal regularity, to rule and
govern his Lodge, or cause the same to be done; you next discover me,
as Master of this Lodge, approaching you from the East upon the first
step of Masonry, under the sign and due-guard of an Entered Apprentice
Mason, as already revealed to you. This is the manner of giving them;
imitate me, as near as you can, keeping your position. First, step off
with your left foot, and bring the heel of the right into the hollow
thereof, so as to form a square." [This is the first step in Masonry.]
The following is the sign of an Entered Apprentice Mason, and is the
sign of distress in this degree; you are not to give it unless in
distress. [It is given by holding your two hands traversely across
each other, the right hand upwards, and one inch from the left.] The
following is the due-guard of an Entered Apprentice Mason. [This is
given by drawing your right hand across your throat, the thumb next to
your throat, your arm as high as the elbow, in a horizontal
position.] "Brother, I now present you my right hand, in token of
brotherly love and esteem, and with it the grip and name of the grip
of an Entered Apprentice Mason." The right hands are joined together,
as i