Let it not be said that this would be placing an Apprentice on too great an equality with Master Masons.  His rights are dear to him; he has paid for them.  No man would become an Apprentice unless he expected, in time, to be made a Fellow Craft, and then a Master.  He is, therefore, morally and legally wronged when he is deprived, without sufficient cause, of the capacity of fulfilling that expectation.  It is the duty of the Grand Lodge 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 before his election,” and in the ancient manner of constituting a lodge,