New members make solemn promises concerning their conduct in the lodge and society. 

These promises are similar to those taken in court or upon entering many other organisations. 

Each member also promises to keep confidential the traditional methods of proving he is a Freemason which he would use when visiting a lodge where he is not known. 

The much publicised 'traditional penalties' for failure to observe these undertakings have been removed from the promises in the rituals of the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy. They were always symbolic not literal and refer only to the pain any decent man should feel at the thought of violating his word. 

Members also undertake not to make use of their membership for personal gain or advancement; failure to observe this principle or otherwise to fall below the standards expected of a Freemason can lead to expulsion.