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 in shaking hands, and each sticks his thumb nail into the third
joint or upper end of the forefinger; the name of the grip is BOAZ,
and is to be given in the following manner and no other: The Master
gives the grip and word, and divides it for the instruction of the
candidate; the questions are as follows: The Master and candidate
holding each other by the grip as before described, the Master says,
"What is this?" Candidate--"A grip." Master "A grip of what?"
Candidate--"The grip of an Entered Apprentice Mason." Master--"Has it
a name?" Candidate--"It has." Master--"Will you give it to me?"
Candidate--"I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it."
Master--"What will you do with it?" Candidate--"Letter it, or halve
it." Master--"Halve it and begin." Candidate--"You begin."