[1] A person wishing to become a Mason must get some one who is a Mason to present his petition to a Lodge, when, if there are no serious objections, it will be entered on the minutes, and a committee of two or three appointed to inquire into his character, and report to the next regular communication. The following is the form of a petition used by a candidate; but a worthy candidate will not be rejected for the want of formality in his petition.
To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Lodge No. ——, of Free and Accepted Masons.
The subscriber, residing in ——, of lawful age, and by occupation a ——, begs leave to state that, unbiassed by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, he freely and voluntarily offers himself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry, and that he is prompt to solicit this privilege by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to his fellow-creatures. Should his petition be granted, he will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of the Fraternity.
(Signed) A. B.
[2] In many Lodges this is put in the form of a question, thus: "Are you willing to take an obligation upon you that does not affect your politics or religion?" The promise "to conform," made before entering the Lodge, the "assurance that the oath is not to interfere with their political or religious principles" and the manner the obligation is administered, only two or three words being repeated at a time, consequently not fully understood, are among the reasons which have led many great and good men to take oaths incompatible with the laws of God and our country.
[3] Literally a rope several yards in length, but mystically three miles; so that a Master Mason must go on a brother Master Mason's errand whenever required, the distance of three miles, should he have to go barefoot and bareheaded. In the degrees of knighthood the distance is forty miles.
[4] In some Lodges the Master takes the candidate by the Master's grip and says, "Brother, you will please rise," assisting him.
[5] There is much diversity of opinion among Masons respecting this word; some insist that Giblem is the right word; others, that Gibelum is the right word; the latter word was rejected, because it was used by "Jachin and Boaz."
[6] This charge is frequently omitted when conferring the degree on a candidate, but never when really installing a Master of a Lodge.
[7] Here the brethren divest themselves of their jewels, sashes, aprons, etc.