How is the candidate positioned during the due and ancient form of the Entered Apprentice Obligation?

• A. Standing upright with hand on heart.
• B. Kneeling upon my naked left knee, my right forming a square, my left hand supporting, my right resting upon the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses.
• C. Kneeling on both knees with arms bound.
• D. Sitting with hands joined.

Answer: (B)

The due and ancient form uses a posture that expresses humility, reverence, and commitment to the craft’s ideals. The candidate kneels on the left knee, with the left knee bare, signaling humility before the obligations. The right hand is held in the form of a square, symbolizing moral rectitude and just conduct. The left hand supports, providing balance and a sign of readiness to bear the weight of the responsibilities taken on. The right hand rests upon the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, placing the pledge within the framework of faith, moral law, and the tools of the craft. This exact arrangement—the kneeling on the left knee, the right hand shaping a square, the left hand supporting, and the right resting on the Bible, Square and Compasses—best captures the traditional posture of the Entered Apprentice Obligation. The other postures listed don’t align with this ceremonial form.