What must the candidate affirm about his preparation before entering the Lodge?

The correct response emphasizes the importance of being deemed well-qualified and vouched for before entering the Lodge. In Masonic tradition, the integrity and background of a candidate are crucial, as it ensures that individuals who seek to join the fraternity have been properly vetted and supported by existing members. This vetting process often involves having a sponsor or mentor who can affirm the candidate's character, intentions, and fitness for membership.

The affirmation of being well-qualified and vouched for ensures that the Lodge maintains its standards and protects its members from those who may not fully understand or respect Masonic principles. This step is pivotal because it creates a foundation of trust among members, reflecting the organization's commitment to moral and ethical standards.

While having studied Masonic texts, participating in community service, and completing prior initiations may be beneficial and might even be expected of members later on, those aspects are not prerequisites for a candidate's initial entry into the Lodge. The focus at this stage is primarily on the candidate's qualifications and the endorsement they receive from current members.