THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

to see that not even the humblest member of the craft shall have his
rights unjustly invaded; and it is therefore bound, as the conservator
of
the rights of all, to inquire into the truth, and administer equity.
Whenever, therefore, even an Entered Apprentice complains that he has
met
with injustice and oppression, his complaint should be investigated and
justice administered.
The question next occurs--What number of black balls should prevent an
Apprentice from passing to the second degree? I answer, the same number
that would reject the application of a profane for initiation into the
Order. And why should this not be so? Are the qualifications which
would
be required of one applying, for the first time, for admission to the
degree of an Apprentice more than would subsequently be required of the
same person on his applying for a greater favor and a higher honor-that
of being advanced to the second degree? Or do the requisitions, which
exist in the earlier stages of Masonry, become less and less with every
step of the aspirant's progress? Viewing the question in this light-and,
indeed, I know of no other in which to view it--it seems to me to be
perfectly evident that the peculiar constitution and principles of our
Order will require unanimity in the election of a profane for
initiation,
of an Apprentice for a Fellow Craft, and of a Fellow Craft for a Master
Mason; and that, while no Entered Apprentice can be expelled from the
Order, except by due course of trial, it is competent for the lodge, at
any time, on a ballot, to refuse to advance him to the second degree.
But,
let it be remembered that the lodge which refuses to pass an
Apprentice,
on account of any objections to his moral character, or doubts of his
worthiness, is bound to give him the advantage of a trial, and at once
to
expel him, if guilty, or, if innocent, to advance him when otherwise
qualified.
Chapter III.
Of the Rights of Fellow Crafts.
In ancient times there were undoubtedly many rights attached to the
second
degree which have now become obsolete or been repealed; for formerly
the
great body of the fraternity were Fellow Crafts, and according to the
old
charges, even the Grand Master might be elected from among them. The
Master and Wardens of Subordinate Lodges always were. Thus we are told
that no Brother can be Grand Master, "unless he has been a Fellow Craft