You have been elected by unanimous ballot to receive the Mysteries of Freemasonry. In your petition soliciting this honor you stated you had a favorable opinion of our Institution - a statement which we have accepted; but a few words concerning the Fraternity may help you to better understand its design.

    Freemasonry is an organized society of men symbolically applying the principles of operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building. Our purpose is to make men, to build character, to bind men together in bonds of brotherly love and friendship.

    You should approach Masonry clean in body and heart, and in a receptive mind with an eagerness to learn the significance of the Institution - for only in this state can your preparation be worthy of what you are about to receive. Be assured there is nothing of a light or trifling character in the degrees. Any intimation you may have had to the contrary is false. There is a profound meaning in every step of your progress.

    The symbolism of Freemasonry deals only with the intellectual, moral and spiritual values of life. If you were biased by improper solicitation of friends: influenced by mercenary motives: if you cannot cheerfully conform to the ancient established usages and customs of the Fraternity or be prepared to give to it your steady and undivided loyalty, it is better then, you remain outside its ranks. You may say we are insisting upon this in advance of your full knowledge of the Institution; but we were likewise assuming much in your behalf when we accepted your petition thus admitting our obligations to you in advance of actual fraternal association. We have no doubt that the principles of the Order will command your loyal, active and sincere cooperation in furthering the interest of Freemasonry in general and this Lodge in particular.