One evening a new Entered Apprentice and a Senior Deacon were sitting outside their lodge just after a refreshing rain. In the lodge that evening the EA had been assisted by the Senior Deacon in studying the questions and answers of the first degree. As they enjoyed the beauty of the evening, the EA said, "Thank you for your time and attention, brother. This is why I came to the fraternity, to learn about the wisdom, strength and beauty of our Craft."
The Senior Deacon responded, "It is an honor to serve you, but if you wish to learn about our Craft you must first awaken from your dream of its wisdom, strength, and beauty."
EA: "I'm not sure I understand. What will I find if I awaken from this dream?"
SD: "The Blazing Star of Truth."
EA: "Won't these questions and answers help me find the Blazing Star of Truth?"
SD: "Maybe, maybe not. The questions and answers of Masonry are like a long and winding path leading to the top of a very tall mountain. Even if you reach the peak, you still will not be able to grasp the stars."
EA: "Then how am I to grasp the Blazing Star of Truth?"
The Senior Deacon pointed down to a pool of rainwater. "What do you see in that pool?"
EA: "Oh! I see the stars reflected in it."
SD: "Make yourself as clear and still as that pool and you will grasp the Blazing Star of Truth."
EA: "And once I grasp the Blazing Star, what then?"
SD: "Wisdom, strength and beauty."