Advice to Those Who Seek Membership
Having expressed a desire to become a Freemason, we presume you have thoroughly considered the step you propose to take. The exact nature of our Institution being unknown to you, we consider it advisable that you should be informed on certain points, the knowledge of which might affect you decision to apply for membership.
Not all men can become Masons,
however. Masonry does not purport to make “bad men
good,” only “good
men better.” This distinction is critical in that from its
early days
the Fraternity took itself out of the
“rehabilitation” game – which is
the purview of religion and the criminal justice system. Only men of
good character are accepted into the Fraternity. Masonic lodges review
every applicant’s character – and the centuries-old
“blackball” system
is still in place; candidates for the degrees must be voted by a 100%
vote of the lodge members present.
Freemasonry
strives to teach a man the duties he owes to God, his neighbor and
himself. It has for it’s foundation the great basic
principles of the
Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, and requires a belief in
the immortality of the Soul. It interferes neither with religion nor
politics. Admission to the Institution must not be sought from
mercenary or other unworthy motives, nor from hope of personal gain or
advancement. Anyone so actuated will be disappointed, and in all
friendship we warn you.
Freemasonry is not a benefit society. We do not subscribe so much a
year to entitle us to draw financial relief or to make provision for
those we leave behind. It’s charity is intended for those Masons
who, through no fault of their own, have met with misfortune.
Freemasonry
has in all ages insisted that men shall come to it’s door
entirely of
their own free-will; not as a result of solicitation; not from feelings
of curiosity; but from a favorable opinion of the Institution and a
desire to be ranked among it’s members.
We think it is advisable
to inform you that should you be admitted, it will entail certain
financial obligations, which you should be able to afford without
detriment to yourself or those dependent on you. In addition to the
fees payable with your petition, there will be an annual subscription
for the support of your Lodge, as provided by the By-Laws of that Lodge.
We
trust you will consider these statements in the same spirit of honesty
and friendship in which they have been presented. It is of the utmost
importance to you as well as to Freemasonry that the motives and ideals
governing your daily life be in substantial accord therewith.