With the decline of cathedral building, the guilds or lodges became purely social societies and began accepting members who had neve been stoneworkers, and called them Speculative Masons. In 1717, four fraternal lodges united under the Grand Lodge of England. The Masons of today consider the formation of the Grand Lodge of England to be the beginning of their society. Throughout its history, Masonry has brought together men of varied beliefs and opinions. It does not sponsor any political, economic creeds or particular denomination of faith.
Masonry refrains from solicitation of members.
All who enter must do so of their own free will and accord. To be eligible for membership, the petitioner must be a man, twenty-one years of age, of good moral character and believe in a Supreme Being. Masonry impresses its members, through ritual, with the duties they owe to their God, their country, their family, their neighbors and themselves. Truth is Masonry's objective and freedom is its goal. The original author is unknown.