Among millions of Masons, for hundreds of years, it was not lawful to
invite a friend to apply for membership. Our code of conduct prevented it. Thus,
no faithful Mason could invite you to join. Hence, to be one, you have to ask
one.
You must first ask yourself if you're suitably prepared to enter the "gentle craft of Masonry" . .
. to become a brother in the world's most exclusive fraternal order. Few men are
intellectually or spiritually prepared to understand or appreciate even the most
apparent meanings of Masonry.
Do you reflect on the
nature of man's purpose in life and will you make obligations to God, your
family, and yourself?
If such ethical and
moral questions hold little interest for you, then you will gain little benefit
from the teachings of the Craft. But if you seek a more meaningful quality of
life - and the spirit of charity and good fellowship which flow from it - then
Freemasonry has much to offer.
We want the world to know what we
believe, how we act, and what we do . . . and, then, should you become a Mason,
we want you to be proud of our Fraternity and to participate in our work. Only
those who desire membership because of their favorable impression of us should
seek a petition to join.