Q. How could so stupendous a fabric be erected without the sound of
axe, hammer, or any other metal tool? A. All the stones were hewed,
squared, and numbered in the quarries where they were raised, all the
timbers felled and prepared in the forests of Lebanon, and carried
down to Joppa on floats, and taken from thence up to Jerusalem and set
up with wooden mauls, prepared for that 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.