The obligation prohibiting making a mason of certain categories implies which of the following?

• A. I will not be at the making of a mason of an old man in his old age, a young man in his none age, an atheist, a libertine, a madman, bonded man, woman or a fool, knowingly, nor permit it to be done if within my power to prevent it.
• B. I will sponsor every applicant regardless of age or belief.
• C. I will not be at the making of a mason of an old man in his old age, a young man in his none age, an atheist, a libertine, a madman, bonded man, woman or a fool, knowingly, nor permit it to be done if within my power to prevent it.
• D. I will only sponsor if the applicant is a Master Mason.

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding that a Mason’s obligation includes refusing to participate in or enable the initiation of anyone who falls into certain disqualifying categories, and taking steps to prevent it if you can. The wording says you won’t be at the making of a Mason who is among those listed categories (elderly, youth, atheist, libertine, madman, bonded man, woman, or fool) knowingly, and you won’t permit it to happen if you have the power to stop it. That captures both the personal restraint and an active duty to intervene to safeguard the Degrees from improper candidates.

The other options stray from this duty. One says to sponsor every applicant regardless of age or belief, which contradicts the prohibition against certain categories. Another implies sponsorship only if the applicant is already a Master Mason, which isn’t the obligation described here.