Page 23 Prerequisites for a Candidate.BY a late regulation adopted by most of the Grand Lodges in America, no candidate for the mysteries of Masonry can be initiated without having been proposed at a previous regular meeting of the |
Page 24 Lodge, in order that no one may be introduced without due inquiry relative to his character and qualifications. All applications for initiation should be made by petition in writing, signed by the applicant, giving an account of his age, quality, occupation, and place of residence, and that he is desirous of being admitted a member of the Fraternity; which petition should be kept on file by the Secretary.
FORM OF A PETITION,To be Presented by a Candidate for Initiation.
TO the worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of -- Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. * * * After this petition is read, the candidate must be proposed in form by a member of the Lodge, and the proposition seconded by another member: |
Page 25 a committee is then appointed to make inquiry rela, tive to his character and qualifications.
DECLARATIONTo be assented to by a Candidate, in an adjoining apartment, previous to Initiation.
DO you seriously declare, upon your honor, before these gentlemen,*) that, unbiased by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry? I do. *) The Stewards of the Lodge are usually present. |
Page 26 After the above declarations are made and reported to the Master, he makes it known to the Lodge, in manner following, viz.:
BRETHREN: If there are then no objections made, the candidate is introduced in due form. |