Among millions of Masons, for hundreds of years, it was not lawful to invite a friend to apply for membership. Our code of conduct prevented it. Thus, no faithful Mason could invite you to join. Hence, to be one, you have to ask one.

     You must first ask yourself if you're suitably prepared to enter the "gentle craft of Masonry" . . . to become a brother in the world's most exclusive fraternal order. Few men are intellectually or spiritually prepared to understand or appreciate even the most apparent meanings of   Masonry.

     Do you reflect on the nature of man's purpose in life and will you make obligations to God, your family, and yourself?

    If such ethical and moral questions hold little interest for you, then you will gain little benefit from the teachings of the Craft. But if you seek a more meaningful quality of life - and the spirit of charity and good fellowship which flow from it - then Freemasonry has much to offer.
 
    We want the world to know what we believe, how we act, and what we do . . . and, then, should you  become a Mason, we want you to be proud of our Fraternity and to participate in our work. Only those who desire membership because of their favorable impression of us should seek a petition to join.

-- Source:  Blue Hill Lodge A.F & A.M.