Sidor som bilder
PDF
ePub

CHAPTER XII.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CANDI

DATE..

THE FORM OF A PETI

TION TO BE PRESENTED BY HIM FOR INITIATION. WHAT IS REQUIRED OF HIM. HIS RIGHT OF KNOWING WITH WHOM HE IS TO BE CONNECTED, AND THEIR LAWS.

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 meeting of the 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 fra

ternity, which petition should be kept on file by the secretary.

PETITION..... To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of

Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons....

The petition of the subscriber respectfully showeth.... That, having long entertained a favourable opinion of your ancient institution, he is desirous of being admitted a member thereof, if found worthy. His place of resi. his age

dence is.

years; his occupation

(Signed)

A. B.

After this petition is read, it is generally required, that the candidate must be proposed in form, by a member of the lodge, who is acquainted with him, and the proposition seconded by another member. A committee is sometimes appointed to make inquiry relative to his character and qualifications.

The brother who proposes a candidate shall, at the same time, deposit

such a sum of money for him as the rules or bye-laws of the lodge may require; which is forfeited to the lodge if the candidate should not attend according to his proposal; but is to be returned to him if he should not be approved or elected. In case he be elected, he is to pay, in addition to his deposit, such further sum as the laws of the lodge may require, for the benefit of the craft, and of distressed members.

The candidate has a right, before his admission, to desire his friend to show him the Warrant, or Dispensation, by which the lodge is held; which, if genuine, he will find to be an instrument written, or printed, on parchment, and signed by some Grand Master, his Deputy, the Grand Wardens, and Grand Secretary; sealed with the Grand Lodge seal; consti, tuting particular persons, therein named, as Master and Wardens, with full power to congregate and hold a lodge at such a place, and therein make and admit Free Masons, according to the most ancient and honourable etrstom

of the royal craft, in all ages and na tions throughout the known world, with full power and authority to nominate and choose their successours, &c.

He may also request the perusal of the bye-laws; which being short he may read in the presence of his friend, and be shown a list of the members of the lodge by all which he will better be able to judge whether he could associate with them, and render a ready conformity to their rules.

[ocr errors]

CHAPTER XIII.

DECLARATIONS ΤΟ BE ASSENTED TO BY A CANDIDATE IN AN ADJOINING APARTMENT, PREVIOUS TO INITIATION.

Do you seriously declare, upon your honour, before these gentlemen, (the Deacons or Stewards of the lodge) that, unbiassed by friends, and uninfluenced by unworthy motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry? Ans. I do.

Do you seriously declare, upon your honour, before these gentlemen, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry, by a favourable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow creatures? Ans. I do.

Do you seriously declare, upon your honour, before these gentlemen, that you will cheerfully conform to all

« FöregåendeFortsätt »