Webb's Masonic Monitor
By Thomas Smith Webb,
1771-1819.Edition 1865
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
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.
The petition of the subscriber respectfully showeth that, having long entertained a favorable opinion of your ancient institution, he is desirous of being admitted a member thereof, if found worthy.
His place of residence is --; his age, -- years; his occupation, --.
(Signed) A. B.
* * *
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:
a committee is then appointed to make inquiry relative to his character and qualifications.
DECLARATION
To 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.
Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, before these gentlemen, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow creatures? I do.
Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, before these gentlemen, that you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of the Fraternity? I do.
*) The Stewards of the Lodge are usually present.
After the above declarations are made and reported to the Master, he makes it known to the Lodge, in manner following, viz.:
BRETHREN:
At the request of Mr. A. B., he has been proposed and accepted in regular form; I therefore recommend him as a proper candidate for the mysteries of Masonry, and worthy to partake of the privileges of the Fraternity; and, in consequence of a declaration of his intentions, voluntarily made, I believe he will cheerfully conform to the rules of the Order."
If there are then no objections made, the candidate is introduced in due form.
