If the attainment of actual Initiation, as distinct from ceremonial advancement and

nominal Mastership, is the main object of the Craft, we Freemasons are obviously

required to develop special qualifications of mind and intention, for in order to be

"properly prepared" Candidates, we must indeed be, as the word "CANDIDUS" itself

means, "WHITE MEN", i.e. white within, even as we have been symbolically invested

without with the Badge of our Order, a white Lambskin, the ancient emblem of purity

and innocence, and also wear white gloves in token of our fidelity. Let us not forget that

in addition to the traditional form of our preparation, which took place in "a convenient

room adjoining the Lodge," we have each testified that we were "first prepared to be

made a Freemason" in our own hearts. This is the true explanation of the reason why

as Fellowcraftsmen we greet, the Worshipful Master after his Installation with the age-old

mystic sign of BREAST, HAND, BADGE, for this salutation, as we learn in the Second

Degree, is the "HAILING SIGN", and with it we acclaim one who is representative of a

"Master" of the Science, while, in the words of an old Masonic Ode, we pray:-

"May wisdom from on high

Bind fast our mystic tie,

So moto it be.

May we united stand,

And join throughout the land,

With Apron, heart and hand,

So MOTO, not LOTO, not O.T.O it be".