improper solicitation
by R.
W. Bro. E. Morrell
July 1969
Masonry, being free, requires a perfect freedom of inclination
on the part of every candidate for its mysteries. The decision to join Masonry
must come from the candidate himself, and it should be based on a favourable
opinion preconceived of the institution, a general desire for knowledge, and a
sincere wish to render himself more extensively serviceable to his fellow
creatures.
How does a candidate get a favourable opinion of the institution? How does he
know he can secure knowledge? How does he know that Masonry can make him more
extensively serviceable to his fellow creatures? If, without any information on
what Masonry is, he answers these questions in the affirmative when they are put
to him, is he not, in effect, simply agreeing with these principles, rather than
stating that his application was predicated on these same principles. It is
possible, of course, to have a favourable opinion of Masonry before joining, but
much more than that a candidate cannot know unless the information is supplied
to him.
Which brings me to the nub of my subject, I have heard some of my brethren say,
"No one is ever asked to join the Masons." This statement simply is not true. I
was asked if I would like to join, the brother who asked me to join was asked to
join, and I have heard of many others who were approached to join the order. The
candidate agrees that he is joining the order, unbiased by the improper
solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy
motives. I believe the word "improper" in the previous sentence is used
advisedly and deliberately. I think it is an adjective referring to the "kind"
of solicitation. It may be argued that its use implies that all kinds of
solicitation are improper, but if that be the case, how much stronger the
sentence would be if the word "improper" was left out altogether, and read
"unbiased by the solicitation of friends." I am of the opinion that there is
proper solicitation and improper solicitation.
Improper solicitation may include offering special inducements to join, the
offer of speedy advancement in office, the suggestion of material gain to be
expected, and so on. If I have a friend who I believe is good material for
Masonry, and who I think would enjoy being a member, I would tell him some of
the things that may properly be told about Masonry. He must believe in a Supreme
Being who has revealed His divine will to man, a Supreme Being who rewards and
punishes; that Masonry is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue;
that it possesses great and invaluable privileges for worthy men; that it has a
philosophy of life, which if practiced by men the world over, would bring peace
and happiness that it has a beautiful system of moral instruction, and a
friendly atmosphere in which all men may find brotherly love.
I would suggest to him that he might find real pleasure in being a member of our
Order, and I would then leave it to him, "of his own free will and accord," to
come to a decision.
How much better it is, that an applicant for Masonry know definitely the kind of
institution he is joining, rather than joining in ignorance, paying his fee, and
finding after taking his first degree, that he did not get what he expected, so
we seem him no more. We have taken his money, he received nothing.
I hope I am not breaking any landmarks, customs or usages in expressing these
views, I should like to hear, through "The Tracing Board," the view of others on
this subject.
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