Why does Freemasonry forbid its members

to ask their friends to become Masons?

One of the fundamental concepts of Freemasonry is that application for membership must be wholly a voluntary act.  A man must seek for himself and join “of my own free will and accord.”  Under no other formula can men unite brethren of a thousand religious and political beliefs.

Under no more constricting act could Freemasonry accomplish her only end, the building of character among men.

Men who become members of a Masonic Lodge for any other reason than their own desires can neither receive nor give to others the advantages of a wholly voluntary association.

Freemasonry is bigger than any man;
the man must seek its blessings;
it never seeks man.