Proofs of A Conspiracy Illuminati Freemasons
Proofs of A Conspiracy Illuminati Freemasons
Proofs of A Conspiracy Illuminati Freemasons
OF A
CONSPIR AGY
AGAINST ALL THE
EUROPE,
CARRIED ON
REABING SOCIETIES,
COLLECTED FROM GOOD AUTHORITIES,
By J O HN RO B I S O N, A. M.
PHILADELPHIA:
printed FOR DOBSON, N. 4I, SOUTH SECOND
T.
STREET, AND W. COBBET, N. 25, NORTH
SECOND STREET.
1798.
J
w
SMELF N
ibO.a/
y
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
WILLIAM W Y N D H A M,
SECRETARY AT WAR, Sec &c. &c.
S IRy
its
being adopted, and a zeal for making it a general
pradice. I had been initiated in a very fplendid Lodge
at Liege, of which the Prince BiHiop, his Trefonciers,
and the chief NoblefTe of the State were members. I
cording to its
principles, and by means of its inftruc-
tions and formally requefted and obtained:
alilitance,
And, laitly, haveI(ten that this Affociation ilill ex-
ifls, fiill works in fecret, and that not only feveral
to be fmcere, and
folely becaufe they were thought
the expreiTions of the fentiments of the fpeakers if I
can fhow that this was all a cheat, and that the Lead-
ers of this AiTociation difoclieved every word th^t they
uttered, and every doclrine that they taught; and that
their real intention was to abolifb ^//religion, overturn
and make the world a general
every government,
plunder and a wreck
if I can Hiow, that the princi-
figniiicant, worthiefs,
and profligate of men; I cannot
but think, that fuch information will make my coun-
trymen hefitate a little, and receive with caution, and
even diflrufl:, addreiles and infcruftions which flatter
our felf-conceit, and which, by buoying us up with
the gay profpec^l of what feems attainable by a change,
may make us difcontented with our prefent condition,
and forget that there never was a government on earth
Vv'hcre
14 INTRODUCTION.
I
hope that I am honefl; and candid. I have been
at all pains to give the true fenle of the authors. My
knowledge of the German language is but fcanty, but
I have had the affiftance of friends whenever I was in
firll rife
among the Free Maibns, but is totally dif-
ferent from Free Mafonry. It was not, however, the
mere protection gained by the fecrecy of the Lodges
that gave occafion to it, but it arofe naturally from
the corruptions that had gradually crept into that fra-
ternity, the violence of the parry fpirit which pervaded
iti
l6 ,
INTRODUCTION.
pofielTed
of all its m.yiferious treafures, they fuppofe
Vv^hat they do not fee, and fay that they are concealed by
PROOFS
V
PROOFS
O F
A CONSPIRACY, Sec.
CHAP, L
thropic difcourfes
which were delivered in the Lodges
by one of the Brethren as an official tafl^. Brotherly
love was the general topic, and this, with great pro-
priety,
CHAP. I. FREE MA'SONRY. 23
priery,
when we confider the obje6l aimed at in thofe
addrelTes. Nor was this objedt altogether a novelty.
For while manners of fociety were yet but rude.
the
Brother Mafons, who were frequently led by their
employment far from home and from their friends,
flood in need of fuch helps, and might be greatly be-
nefited by fuch an inftituiion, which gave them in-
trodudtion and citizenfliip wherever they went, and a'
right to fharc in the charitable contributions of Bre-
thren w^ho were ftrangers to them. Other incorporat-
ed trades had fimilar provifions for their poor. But
their poor were townfmen and neighbours, v/ell known
to them. There was more perfuafion necefiarv in this
Fraternity, where the objects of our immediate bene-
ficence were not of our acquaintance. But when the
Lodges confifled of many who were not Mafons, and
who had no particular claim to good ofhces from a
ftranger, and their number might be great, it is evi-
dent that ftronger perfuafions were now neceiTary, and
that every topic of philanthropy muft now be emplo)-
cd. When the funds became confiderable^ the etFccts
naturally took the public eye, and recommended the
Society to notice andrefpedl. And now the Brethren
were induced to dwell on the fame topic, to join in
the commendations beftowed on the Society, and to
fay that univerfal beneficence v/as the great aim of the
Order. And this is all that could be faid in public,
without infringing the obligation to fecrecy. The in-
quifitive are always prying and teazing, and this is the
'^
ailertions, that it frequently was near periiliing in
*'
Britain, and that our Princes were obliged to fend
^'
to France and other countries, for leading men, to
'^
reftorc it to its former energy among us." We
fhall find by and by that it is not a point of mere hifto-
rical curiofity, but that much hinges on it.
difregard of common
decency, by their continual reii-
dence at court, and by abfolute neglecft, and even the
mod haughty and opprefTive treatment of the only part
of their order that took anv concern about the reiiiiious
lentiments of the nation, namely the Cures or parifh-
priefts. The monks appeared only as lazy drones ; but
the parifli-priefbs inflrufted the people, vifited the fick,
reconciled the ofFefider and the offended, and were the
great mediators between the landlords and their vaf-
fais, an office which endeared them m.ore to the peo-
are not very pure, and who would be glad to have the
enjoyments of the wealthy without the trouble of la-
bouring for them. Free Mafonry may be affirmed to
have a natural tendency to fofter fuch levelling wifhes;
and wc cannot doubt but that o:reat liberties are takcQ
with thvofe fubje6ls in the Lodges, efpeciaily in coun-
tries where the dillin6tions of rank and fortune are
ftar of
Hejperus^ the Europe, is obfcured by clouds^ of
incenfe, offered up by fuperftition to defpots. Who
have made themfelves f?;ods, and have rctu'ed into /the
inmoft receffes of their palaces, that they may not be
recognifed to be men, while their prielts are deceiving
the people, and caufmg them to worlliip thefe divi-
nities. This and many fimilar fentim.ents are evident
allufions to the pernicious dodrine of the book called
party in Fiance.
Thefc and obfervations fully account for the
facts
zeal with which all this
patch-work addition to the
fimple Free Mafonry of England was profecuted in
France. It furprifes us Britons, who are accuilomed
to confider the whole as a matter of amufement for
young men, who are glad ef any pretext for indulging
in conviviality. We generally confider a man ad-
vanced with hfs refpecl, if he fliows any ferious
in life
attachment to fuch things. But in France, the civil
and religious reftraints in converfation made thefe fe-
cret aiTemblies very precious ; and they were much
frequented by men of letters, v/ho there found an op-
<f
God, and have made the obje6t of religious wor-
<'
fhip. In doing fo they have fallen into grofs mif-
takes, and have created for themfelves num.berlefs
<^
<'
unfounded hopes and fears, which have been the
" fource of fuperftition and fanaticifm, the moft 6.t{'
'^
trudtive plagues that have ever afflidled the human
*"
race. The Soul of Man is feparated from the ge-
**^
neral mafs of intelligence by fome of the operations
**
of nature, which we fnall never underftand, juft as
^^
water is raifed from the ground by evaporation, or
" taken up by the root of a plant. And as the water,
**
after an unfearchable train of changes, in which it
**
Ibmetimes makes part of a flower, fomctimes part
''
of
CHAP. I. FREE MASONHy. J^
*'
of an animal^ &c. is at lafl reunited, in its
original
" form, to the great mafs of waters, ready to run over
''
the fame circle again ; fo the Soul of Man, after
" its office, and exhibiting all that train
performing
" of intelleftual that we call human
phenomena life,
*^
is fwallowed up in the great ocean of
at laft intelli-
^'
gence." The author then may fmg
*
Felix qui potuit rerum cognofcere caufas,
" Ataue metus omnes et inexorabile fatum
**
Subjecit pedibus, ftrepitumque Acheronds avari."
congra-
CHAP. I. FREE MASONRY. 45
perial eJifl: in 1731, and no.ie were intitle4 to the privileges of the
cprporation but luch as could Ihcw written indentures.
5'2 ^
THE SCHISMS IN CHAP. I.
pagating this
fyftem of Mafonry, and made a few
Knights. But he was not very a(flive.
Probably the
failure of the Pretender's attempt to recover the throne
of his anceilors had put an end to Hunde's hopes of
making a figure. In the mean time Free Mafonry
was cultivated with zeal in Germany, and many ad-
venturers found their advantage in fupporting particu-
lar fchifms.
But in 1756, or 1757, a complete revolution took
place. The French officers v/ho were prifoners at
large in Berlin, undertook, with the aflurance peculiar
to their nation, to inftrudl the fimple Germans in
every
thing that embcllifhes fociety. They faid, that the
honiefpun Free Mafonry, which had been imported
from England, was fit only for the unpolifned minds
of the Britiih but that in France it had grown into
;
a z\\ V Li w
)
60 THE SCHISMS IN CHAP. I.
the Puhlk Mind intoa Cent empt for the Religicn and Civil
It contains a hiilorical ac-
EftabliJJjments of the Empire.
count of the publications in every branch of literature
for about thirty years. The author fliows, in the mod
convincing naanner, that the prodigious change from
the former fatisfadion of the Germans on thofe fub-
jeds to their prefent difcontcnt and attacks from every
quarter, is neither a fair pi^Uire of the prevailing fen-
tmients, nor has been the iimple operation of things,
but the rcfiih of a combination of trading Infidels.
1 have here fomewhat anticipated,
(for I hope to
point out the fources of this combination,) becaufe it
helps to explain or illuflrare the progrefs of infidelity
and irrelio-ion that I was fpeaking; of It was much
And
72 THE SCHISMS IN CHAP. I.
And thus
appears, that Germany has experienced
it
the
CHAP. I. fREE MASONRY. 7J
CHAP.
[ 78 J
G H A P. II.
The lUuminati,
enmity.
The Lodge Theodore was the place where the
above-mentioned doctrines were moft zealouOy propa-
gated. But Weiiliaupt's emiifarics had already pro-
cured the adherence of many other Lodges and the ^
gers.
'^
mifTionaries been prying into our myftc-
among ns,
rics, and eager to learn from us what is true Free
''
*'
Mafonry ? It is in vain, therefore, to appeal to
judges; they are no where to be found; all claim
(C
for thcmfelves the fceptre of the Order all indeed i
f c
communion -,
gradually frees them from all religious
prejudices ; cultivates the focial virtues and ani^
;
'^
my means are cife61:ual5 and irrefifrible. Our iccret
" i^iTociation works in a
way that nothing can with-
cc
fcand, (ind man JIj allJo en he free and haffy,
'^
Thisis i?he
great obiedt held out by this AITocia-
cc
tion, and the ineans of attaining it is Illumination,
cc
enlightening the undcriianding by the fun of reafon,
(C
which v^^ill difpel the clouds of fuperftition and ofpre-
(C
judice. The proficients in this Order are therefore
cc
juPtiy named the Illuminated, And of all Illumina-
*'
tion
8S <^^HE ILLUMIN ATI. CHAP. 11.
*^
how, and by what flrong motives, are they to be
^
induced to engage in a tafk fo vaft, fo inceffant, fo
difficult, and fo laborious ? This AiTociation muft
^^
*^
be gradual. There are fome fuch perfons to be
*^
found in every fociety. Such noble minds will be
engaged by the heart-warming obje6t. The firfl taflc
^^
*^
of the AiTociation mull therefore be to form the
young members. As thefe mxultiply and advance,
cc
cc
work is now on foot, and advances with a fpecd en-
crealing every day. The flighteft obfervation fhows
cc
^'
that nothing will fo much contribute to increafe the
'^
zeal cf the members as fecret union. We fee with
*^
what keennefs and zeal the frivolous bufinefs cf
*'
Free Mafonry condudled, by perfons knit toge-
is
*'
ther by the fecrecy of their union. It is needlefs to
'*
I, N. N. hereby bind myfelf, by mine honour
'*
and good name, forfwearing all mental refervation,
cc
never to reveal, by hint, Vv'ord, writing, or in any
cc
manner v^hatever, even to my moft trufted friend,
any thing that fhall now be faid or done to me re-
cc
(C
fpe6ling my wifhed-for reception, and this whether
cc
my reception fliall follow or not, I being previoufly
" aiTured that it lliail contain nothing contrary to reli-
cc
gion, the irate, nor good manners.
I
promife, that
cc
I ihail make no
intelligible extract from any papers
" which fhall be Iliewn me nov/ or during my novi-
^^
ciate. All this I fwear, as I am, and as I hope to
continue, a Man of Honour."
^'^
'^
member. Scientific inflru6lion, being conneded
'^
by fyftem, foon communicated, and may in ge-
is
'^
neral be very completely obtained from the books
^^
which are recommended to the Novice, and acqui-
^^
red in the public fcminaries of in(lru(5lion. But
^^
of chara6ter is more multifarious and
knowledge
'^
more delicate. For this there is no college, and it
*^
muft therefore require longer time for its attainment.
Befides, this affiduous and long continued ftudy of
'^
'^
men, enables the poffeflbr of fuch knowledge to a61:
*^
with men, and by his knowledge of their character,
*^
to influence their condud. For fuch reafons this
*^
fliudy is continued, ^nd
thefe refcripts are required,
^^
during the whole progrefs through the Order, and
" attention to them is recomm.ended as the
only meaa
^^
of advancement. Remarks on Phyfiognomy in
^^
thefe narrations are accounted of confiderable va-
''
lue." So far Mr. Coffandey.
During all this which may lafl: one, two, or
trial,
three years, the Novice knows no perfon of the Order
but his own whom he has frequent
inftruclor, with
meetings, along with other Minervals. In thefe con-
verfations
94 I^HE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II,
tence,
" to make of the human race, without any
diilinftion of nation, condition, or one profcflion,
good and happy family." To this aim, demonftra-
bly attainable, every fmaller confideration mult give
way. This may fometimes require facrifices which no
man {landing alone has fortitude to make but which ;
obligation.
" N. N. proted before you, the v/orthy Pleni-
I,
*^'
and through them alfo I may lofe them. The ap-
*'
probation and confideration of my fellow-men are
^'
indifpenfably neceffary, and I mult try to maintain
*^
them by all my talents. Thefe I will never ufe to
" the
prejudice of univerfal good, but will oppofe,
" with ail
my might, the enemies of the human race,
*^
and of political fociety. I will embrace every op-
'^
portuniuy of faving mankind, by improving my un-
"
derflanding and my affedions, and by imparting all
^^
important knowledge, as the good and ftatutes of
*^
this Order require of me. I bind myfelf to
perpe-
'^
tual fiience and unihaken loyalty and fubmilTion to
*'
the Order, in the perfons of my Superiors ^ here
'^
making a faithful and complete furrender of mypri-
'^
vate judgment, my own will, and every narrow-
" minded
employment of my power and influence. I
" pledse mvfelf to account the good of the Order as
"
my ow.n, and am ready to fcrve it with my fortune,
"
my honour, and my blood. Should I, through
'
omifnon, negk6l, palTion, or wicknednefs, behave
contrary to this good of the Order, I 'fubjedt my-
^
<^
fclf to what reproof or punifhment my Superiors
*'
ihall enjoin. The friends and enemies of the Order
^'
fhall be my friends and enemies ; and with refpedl
" to both I will condu6l myfelf as directed
by the Or-
dtr, and am ready, in every lawful way, to devote
*'
*f
myfelf to its incrcafe and promotion, and thereinto
*^
employ all my ability. All this I promife, and pro-
*'
tcil, without fscret refervation, according to the
^
intention of the Society which require from m.e this
*'
engagement. This I do as I am, and as I hope to
continue, a Man of Honour."
*'
juftice.
In like manner, the chairs in the Univerfity
of Ino-olftadt were (with only two exceptions) occupied
by Illuminati.
*^
Rulers who are members mufl be
"
promoted through the ranks of the Order only in
cc the goodnefs of its
proportion as they acknowledge
cc
e;reat object, and manner of procedure. Its
objedt
ec
may be faid to be the checking the tyranny of
cc and eftabiiiliing an
princes, nobles, and pritfts,
*^
univerfal equality of condition and of religion."
**
The pupil is now informed, that fuch a religion is
'^
contained in the Order, is the perfection of Chrif-
" and v/ili be imparted to him in due time."
tianity,
Thefe and other principles and maxims of the Or-
der are partly comm.unicated by the verbal inilrudion
of the Mentor, partly by writings, which mull be
punctually returned, and partly
read by the pupil at
the Mentor's houfe, (but without taking extradts,)
in fuch portions as he fhall direCt. The refcripts by
the pupilmult contain difcuffions on thefe fubjecis,
and anecdotes and defcriptions of living charadlers;
and thefe muft be zealoufiy continued, as the chief
mean of advancement. All this while the pupil knows
only his Mentor, the Minervals, and a few others of
his own rank. All mention of degrees, or other bu-
finefs of the Order, mud be carefully avoided, even
''
in the meetings with other members: For the Or-
*^
der wifhes to be fecret, and to work in filence for;
" thus
102 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. U.
" thus it is better fccured from the opprelTion of the
*^
ruling powers, and becaufc this fccrecy gives a
''
greater zed to the whole."
This fhort account of the Noviciate, and of the
lowed of illuminati, is all we can get from the
clafs
*^
Men hut eft defaire valoir la raijon. As a fubor-
*^
dinate obje6t I fhall endeavour to gain fecurity to
" ourfclves, a backing in cafe of misfortunes, and af-
*'
fiitance from v^ithout. I fhall therefore
prefs the
*^
cultivation of fcience, efpecially fuch fciences as
*^
may have an influence on our reception in the world,
<^
and may ferve to remove obftacles out of the
way.
*^
We have to flruggle with pedantry, with intole-
'^
ranee, with divines and ftatefmen, and above all,
'^
princes and prieits are in our way. Men are unfit
**
as they are, and mufl be form.ed ; each clafs muft
^^
be the fchool of trial for the next. This will be te-
" dious, becaufe it is hazardous. In the lad claffes I
'^
propofe academ/ks under the dire6lion of the Order.
^*
This will fecure us the adherence of the Literati.
'^
Science
104 TME ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
" Science iLall here be the lure. Only thofe v,^ho are
*^
at the difcovery and extirpation of fuperllition and
''
prejudices. The inftrudlions fliall be fo conduced
''
that each fiiail difclofe what he thinks he conceals
*^
within his own bread, what are his ruling propenli-
'^
ties and paflions, and how far he has advanced in
'^
the command of himfeif This will anfwer all the
^'
purpofes of auricular confefTion. And, in particu-
cc
lar, every perfon fliall be made a fpy on another
(C
and on all around him. Nothing can efcape our
cc
fight J by thefe means we fliall readily difcover who
(f
are contented, and receive with relifli the peculiar
*'
flate-doClrines and religious opinions that are laid
*'
before them ; the trud-worthy alone
and, at laft,
cc
will be admitted participation of the whole
to a
cc
maxims and political conflitution of the Order. In
cc
a council compofed of fuch mxcmbers we fliall labour
cc
at thecontrivance of means to drive by degrees the
cc
enemies of reafon and of humanity out of the world,
cc
and to efliablifli a peculiar morality and religion fit-
cc
ted for the great Society of Mankind.
*'
But this is a tickiifla projcifi:, and requires the ut-
cc
moft circumfpeftion. The fqueam.ifli will fl:art at
cc
the fight of religious or political novelties and ;
cc
they mufl: be prepared for them. We mufl; be par-
cc
ticularly careful about the books which we recom-
*^
mendi I fhall confme them at firll to moralifl:s and
*^
reafoning hiflrorians. This will prepare for a patient
*^
reception, in the higher clafles, of works of a bolder
''
flight, fuch as Robinet's Syfterne do la Nature Fdu
"
tique Naliirelle
Fhilofophie de la Nature
Syfteme So-
'^
cial-^
CHAP. lU THE ILLUMINATI. IO5
'^
cial The writings of Mirabaiid, &c. Helvetius
'^
is fie only for the ilrongeft llomachs. If any one
*^
has a copy already, neicher praife nor iind fault with
*^
him. Say nothing on fuch fubjets to intrants, for
*'
we don't know how they will be received -tolks are
* This
Is
evidently the Myjiere da Mithrus mentioned by Barruel,
in Hillory of Jacobiniim, and had been cairied into France by
his
Bede and Bufche.
O ''
only
106 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. 11.
*'
only that x^fin which is ultimately produ6live of mif-
chief. In this cafe, where the advantap-e far exceeds
the hurt> meritorious virtue.
it is It v/ill do more
''
good in our hands than by remaining for icoo years
''
on the dufty fhelf."
There was found in the hand- writing of Zwack a
prujed: for a Sifterhood, in fubferviency to the defigns
of the likjminati. In it are the following pailages :
''
It be of great fervice, and procure us both
will
*'
much information and mo.xey^ and will fuit charm-
"
ingly the tafte of many of our trueft members, who
*5 arc lovers of the fex. It fhould confift of two clalfes,
<(
the virtuous and the freer hearted (i. e. thofe who
fly out of the common track of prudifn manners) ;
"
(but fecretly) as are flattering to their pafilons.'*
There are, in the fame hand-writing, Defcription of
a flrong box, which, if forced open, Ihall blow up and
deilroy its contents
Several receipts for procuring
abortion A
compofition which blinds or kills when
fpurted in the face
fympathetic ink
A
fliect, containing a receipt for
Tea for procuring abortion Herb^
quae haheyit qualitate?n deleieream
A method for filling
a bed-chamber withpeftilential vapours
How to take
cfr impreilions of feals, fo as to ufe them afterwards as
feals
-A collection of fome hundreds of luch imprel-
of their owners, princes, nobles,
with a lift
fions,
clergymen, merchants, &c.
K receipt ad excitandum
fiircr'eryi uterinum^ Amanufcript intitled,
''
Better than
Horus." was afterwards printed and diftributed at
It
portraits,
or chara6lers of eighty-five ladles in Munich ;
fays he,
'^
are fubjecb to errors, and the be ft man is he
" v/ho beft conceals them. I have never been guilty
'^ for proof, I appeal to
of any fuch vices or follies :
'^
beft inftru6lor of their children." In fome of his
private letters,
we learn the means which he employed
to acquire this influence among the youth, and they
are fuch as could not fail. But v/e muft not anticipate.
It is v/cll known that I have made the chair which I
*'
^^
occupied
lOS THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
^
I have
pradiitioners in the courts ot law. gone
^
throuphthe whole circle of human enquiry. I have
^
exorcifcd fpirits raifed ghofts difcovered trea-
^
fures -interrogated the Cabala batte Lcto I
'
have never tranfmuted metals." gejpielt
(A very pretty
and refpedlable circle indeed, and what ,vulgar fpirits
would fcarcely have included within the pale of their
curiofity.)
"^
The Tenor of my life has been the op-
every thing that is vile; and no man can
'
pofitc of
^
lay any fuch thing to my charge. I have reafon to
^
rejoice that thefe writings have appeared ; they are a
'
vindication of the Order and of iPiy conduct. lean
^
and muil declare to God, and I do it now in the
^
mofl folemn manner, that in my whole life I never
^
faw or heard of the fo much condemned fecrtt wri-
tings; and in particular, reipecling thefe abomina-
'
^
ble means, fuch as poiloning, abortion, &c. was it
ever known to me in any cafe, that any of my friends
*"
^
or acquaintances ever even thought of them, advif-
^
ed them, or made any ufe of them. I was indeed
^
always a fchemer and projector, but never could en-
gage much in detail. My general plan is good,
'
^
though in the ttetail there may be faults. I had mv-
^
felf to form. In another fituation, and in an a6"tive
fbation in life, I lliouid liave been keenly occupied,
*^
^
and the founding an Order would never have com.e
-
into my head. But I would have executed much
-
greater things, had not government ahvays oppofed
my exertion^, and placed others in the fituations
*''
* whic)i fuited
my talents. It was the full convi6lion
*^'
of tins and of what could be done, if every mian v/ere
placed in ih(^ ofrice for wr.ich he was fitted by nature
'-'
^^
and a proper education, v^hich iiril fuggcfted to me.
''
the
/
The
fccond difcovery of fecret correfpondence at
Sanderfdorit, the feat of Baron Batz, (Hannibal,) con-
tains Hill more intereflins; fad:s.
Spartacus to Cato.
^^
Whatfliall I do ? I am
deprived of all help. So-
cc
crates, who would infift on being a man of confe-
quence among us, and is really a man of talents,
*^
'
and of a right zvay cf thinkings is
eternally befatted.
*^
Aup-ufius worll eiliination imaorinable. Al-
is in the
'^
cibiades fits the day long widi the vintner's pretty
" wife, and there he A
fghs and pines. few days
"
ago, Corinrh, Tioerius attempted to ravilh the
at
'^
wire or Dcmocides, and her hulhand came in upon
" therh.Good heavens vvhat Areopagit^ I have got.
!
^^
When the worthy man Marcus Aurelius comes to
^' Athens, (Munich/) what will he think ? What a
<c
mectmg
no THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
*'
meeting of diiTolutej immoral wretches, whoremaf-
*^
ters, iiars, bankrupts, braggarts, and vain fools !
^'
When he fees all this, what will he think ? He will
*'
be alliamed to enter into an Afibciation," (obferve
Reader, that Spartacus writes this in Augufl 1783, in
the very time that he would have murdered Cato's iif-
'^
ter, as we fliall where the chiefs raife the
fee,)
*'
highefi expectations, and exhibit fuch wretched ex-
amples and all this from felf-will, from fenfuality.
'^
*'
Am
;
'^
and drive on like fhamelefs ralcals j and yet muft
<^
be Arecfagit^e, and interfere in every thing. In-
deed, my dearefc friend, we have only enflaved
''^
" ourfclves."
Jn another part of this fine correfpondence, Dio-
medes has had the good fortune to intercept a Q^L.
(^ibus Licet,) in which it is laid, and fupported by
proofs, that Cato had received 250 florins as a bribe
for his fentence in his capacity of a judge in a criminal
court (the end had furely fandified the micans.) In
another, a Minerval complains of his Mentor for hav-
ing by lies occafioned the difmifTion of a phyfician
from a family, by which the Mentor obtained, in the
iame capacity, the cuftom of the houfe and free accefs,
which favour he repaid by debauching the wifci and
he prays to be informed whether he may not get ano-
ther Mentor, faying that although that man had always
given him the mod excellent inftrudcions, and he
doubted
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. Hi
doubted not would continue them, yet he fek a difguft
at the hypocnfyy which would certainly diminifh the
ny, and did not much care for the Order, except in
fo far as it gave him an opportunity of
knowing and
leading fome of them, and of fceering his v/ay at
court.
I cannot help inferting here, though not the mod
proper place, a part of a provincial report from Knigo-e,
the man of the whole Aeropagit^ who lliows any rhino-
like urbanity or gentlenefs ot mind.
*'
Of my whole colony, (Wefcphalia,) the moft bril-
" liant There they work,
isClaudiopolis (Iseuwled),
" and
direct, and do wonders."
If there ever was a fpot upon earth where men may
be happy in a frate of cultivated fociety, it was the lit-
tle
principality of Ncuwied. I faw it in*
1770. The
town was neat, and the palace handfome and in pood
tafte. But the country was beyond conception delight-
fulj not a cottage that was out of repair, not a hedge
out of order j it had been the hobby (pardon me the
word) of the Prince, who made it his ^W/)'emipioymenc
to go through his principality regularly, and aiTiit eve-
To proceed :
Spartccus to Cato.
'*
By this plan we fnali dired all mankind. \x\ this
manner, and by the fimpkfl: means, we fhall {tt all
*'
*'
motion and in flames. The occupations mufi: be
in
'^
fo allotted and contrived, that v/c may, in fecretj
" influence all N. B. This al-
political tranfadions."
ludes to a part that is with-held from the public, be-
caufc it contained the allotment of the mofl: rebellious
and profligate occupations to feveral perfons whofe
common names couid not be traced. " I have confi*
(C ''
dered," lays Spartacus, evci-y thing, and fo pre-
pared it, that if the Order
day go to ruin,
lliould this
'
I fliall in a year re-eftablifh it more brilliant than
*'
ftadtwas to become the teacher of the profefibrs of
Gottingen, and of the greatefl men in Germany?"
*'
Spartacus to Catc,
'^
Send me back my degree of Illuminatus Miner ;
" it is the wonder of all men here (I may perhaps find
*'
time to give a trandation of the difcourfe of rccep-
" tion, which contains all that can be faid of this Af-
" fociation to the as alfo the two lad flieets
public) ;
*'
of my degree, which is in the keeping of Marius,
*'
and Celfus, under loo locks, which contains my
^^
hiftory of the lives of the Patriarchs." N. B. No-
thing very particular has been difcovered of thefe lives
of the Patriarchs. He fays, that there were above
fixty flieets of it. To judge by the care taken of it,
it muft be a favourite work, very hazardous, and very
catching.
In another letter to Cato, we have fome hints of the
higher degrees, and concerning a peculiar morality,
and a popular religion, which the Order was one day
to give the world. He fiys, ^' There muft (a la Je-
*^
Jiiite)
not a fmgle purpofe ever come in fight that is
^^
ambiguous, and that m.ay betray our aims againfl
^^
religion and the ftate. One miUil fpeak fbmctimes
" one and fometimes another, but fo as never to
way
" contradi6l ourfelves, and {o that, with
refped to
*'
our true way of thinking, we may be impenetrable.
" When our firongeil thino-s chance to o-ive offence,
"
they mufb be explained as attempts to draw anfwers
^*
which difcover to us the fentiments of the perfon
" we converfe with." N. B. This did not
always fuc-
ceed with him.
Spartacus fays, fpeakingof the priefls degree, One
^^
''
would almoft imagine, that this degree, as I have ma-
*^
nageo
CHAP. If. THE ILLUMINATI. II5
" nacred ir, is
genuine Chriftianity, and that its end
Jews from
*'
was to free the flavery. I fay, that Free
Mafonry concealed Chrifiianity. My explanation
is
^^
all different, for my clafs of higher myderies, in
"
comparifon with which this is but child's play; bur
'^
thefe I keep for myielf as General, to be bellowed
by me only on the BenemeritlJJimiy' (furely fuch as
'-
''
the
*
I obferve, in other parts of his correfpondence where he fpeaks
''
the religion contained in it is the true fenfe of Chrif-
''
tianity.
O man, man ! to what may'st thou
'^
NOT BE PERSUADED. Who woiild imagine thai; I
" was to be the founder of a new religion ?''
Philo to Cato,
^^
Wemuil: confider the ruling propenfities of every
^f
age of the world. At prefent the cheats and tricks
" of the priefts have roufed all men againlt them, and
^'
againft Chriftianity. But, at the fame time, fuper-
*-^
ftition and fanaticifm rule with unlimited dom.inion,
^^ and the underftanding of man really feems to be
*^
going backwards. Our taflc, therefore, is doubled.
f
We muft give fuch an account of things, that fana-
*'
tics fhouid not be alarmed, and that fhall, notwith-
^^
(landing, excite a fpirit of free enquiry. We mufl
" not throw with
avv'ay the good the bad, the child
^^ with the
dirty water; but we mud make the fecret
*^
do6lrines of Chriftianity be received as the fecrcts
^^ of
genuine Free Mafonry. But farther, we have to
^^ of Princes. This increafes
deal with the defpotifm
^^
every day. But then, the fpirit of freedom breathes
ftghs in every corner; and, by the alllftance of
<^ and
*'
hidden fchools of wifdom, Liberty and Equality,
^^
the natural and imprefcriptible rights of man, warm
glow in every breaft. We muft therefore unite
*^ and
^
thefe extremes. We proceed in this manner.
*'
Chrift eft"ablift:ied no new Religion; he
Jefus
^^ would
only fet Religion and Reafon in their ancient
" riahts.
o
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. II7.
*^
rif^hts. For this piirpofe he would uniLe men in a
" common bond. He would fie them for this
by
f a juft morality, by enlightening the un-
fpreading
deiTranding, and by affifting the mind to iliake off
<^^
^^
all
prejudices. He would teach all men, in tiie firfb
cc Rulers would then
place, to govern themfelves.
be needlefs, and equality and liberty would take
the naturval and
place without any revolution, by
" of reafon and expediency. This
gentle operation
^^ himfelf
threat Teacher allows to explain every part
*^
of the Bible in conformity to thefe purpofes and ;
typical
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATK 119
'^
how their William failed w^hen he attempted to elta-
cc
biifh a Deiftical Worfhip in London, (what can this
cc
mean ?) am
certain, that it muft have been
for, I
cc
moil; acceptable to that learned and free people. But
<c
they
I20 THE ILLUMINATI. CKAP. II.
*'
they had not the enlightening of our days." I
may
here remark, that Weilhaupt is prefuming too much
on the jofnorance of his friend, for there was a orreat
deal of this enlightening in England at the time he
fpeaks of, and if 1 am not miftaken, even this cele-
brated Profellor of Irreligion has borrowed mod of his
fchtme from this kingdom. This to be fure is nothing
in our praife. But the Pantheisticon of Toland
refembles Weifliaupt's Illumination in every thing but
its rebellion and its villainy. Toland's Socratic Lodge
is an elegant pattern for Weifliaupt, and his Triumph
of Reafon, his Philofophic Happinefs, his God, or
Anhna Mundi^ are all lb like the harili fydem of Spar-
tacus, that I am convinced that he has copied them,
{lamping them vvith the roughnefs of his own charac-
ter. But to go on j Spartacus fays of the Englifli :
''
Their poet Pope made his ElTay on Man a fyftem
'^
of pure naturalifm, without knowino- it, as Brother
"
Chryfippus did with my PrieiVs Degree, and was
cc
equally aftonidied
when this was pointed out to him.
Cliryfippus is religious, but not fupcrftitious. Bro-
(C
ther Lucian (Nicolai, of whom I have already faid
*'
fo much) fays, that the grave Zolikofer now allows
''
that it v/ould be a very proper thing to eflabliili a
I am nor afraid but
*'
Deiflical Worfhip at Berlin.
''
things will go on very well. But Philo, who was
*
entrufccd with framing tlie Prieft's Degree, has de-
^'
fcroyed it witliout any necelTity it would, forfooth,
j
*'
I always told you that Philo isfanatical and prudifli.
Spm'taais to Cato,
^'
Nothing would be more profitable to us than a
cc
rigi)t hiilory of mankind. Defpoiifm has robbed
Cc
them of their liberty. How can the weak obtain
(C
proteciion Only by union; but this is rare. No-
?
''
thing can bring this about but hidden focieties.
*'
Hidden fchools of wifdom are the means which will
'*
one day free men from their bonds. Thefe have in
all
ages been the archives of nature, and of the
rights of men and by them fhall human nature be
;
'^
ftorm all wlil be calm. Can the unhappy confe-
^*
quenccs remain w'len the grounds of dilicnfion are
*^
removedRoufe yourfelves therefore, O men af-
? !
'^
fert your rights, and then will Reafon rule with un-
" and all shall be happy.*
perceived fway j
"
Morality will perform all this; and morality is
^^
the fruit of lilumiiiation duties and rights are rcci-;
'^
to be cfdge, to be out of vmrdrnfrnf^ loh^ full
grown ^
*'
and to walk without the leading ftrhigs of prlefts and
'^
princes.''
''
Jcfus of Nazareth, theGrand Mafter of our Or-
der, appeared at a time when the world was in the
^
^^
Father's kingdom, whofe children we alfo are. Let
" us only take Liberty and Equality as the great aim
" of
*
Happy France Cradle of Illumination, where the morning
!
lleep.
124 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
" of his
dodlrines^ and Morality as the way to attain it,
" and everv
thino; in the New Teftament will be com-
'^
prehenfible and Jefus will appear as the Redeemer
;
'^
offlaves. Manfrom the condition of Li-
is fallen
cc
berty and Equality, the state of pure nature.
cc
He is under fubordination and civil bondage, arifing
from the vices of man. This is the fall, and
" ORIGINAL SIN. The KINGDOM OF GRACE is that
reftoration which may be brought about by Illumi-
cc
nation and a juft Morality. This is the new birth.
cc
When man lives under government, he is fallen, his
Cf
worth is gone, and his nature tarniflied. By (libdu-
cc
ing our paffions, or limiting their cravings, we may
Ci
recover a great deal of our original worth, and live
**
in a ftate of This is the redemption of men
'^ this
grace.
accomplillied by Morality ; and
is when this
'^
is
fpread over the world, we have the kingdom
'^
CF THE JUST.
^'
But, alas ! t\At tafk of felf- formation was too hard
for the fubjedls of the Roman empire, corrupted by
cc
every fpecies of profligacy. A
chofcn few received
cc
the doctrines in fecret, and they have been handed
c:
down to us (but frequently almofi; buried under rub-
cc
bifh of man's invention) by the Free Mafons. Thefe
cc
three conditions of human fociety are exprelTed by
ce
the rough, the fplit, and the polifhed ftone. The
cc
rough lione, and the one that is fplit, exprefs our
cc
condition under civil government \ rough by twtxy
cc
fretting inequality of condition and fplit, fince we ;
*^
are no longer one family ; and are farther divided
by differences of government, rank property, and
cc
religion but when reunited in one family, we are
;
cc
reprefented by the polifhed flone. G. is Grace -,
^'
the Flaming Star is the Torch of Reafon. Thofe
'^
who pofTefs this knowledge are indeed illuminati.
'*
Hiram is our ficliticus Grand Mailer, flain for the
*'
redemf-
CHAP. II. thI: illuminati. 125
^'
PvEDEMPTiON OF SLAVES ; the Nine Mafcers are
" Founders of the Order.
the Free Mafonry is a
'^ us to walk with-
Royal Arc, inafmuch as it teaches
'^
out trammels, and to govern ouriclves."
Reader, are you not curious to karn fomethingof
this all-powerful morality, fo operative on the heart of
the truly illuminated
0^ i\\\s> dijciplina ^rc^;/?", entrufted
only to the chofen few, and handed down to Profeffor
Weifhaupt, to Spartacus, and his aflbciates, who have
cleared of the rubbifh heaped on it by the dim-fight-
it
" am now in
I the mofr embarraOlne: ficuation it ;
'*'
robs me of all red, and makes nie unfit for every
120 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
'^
the difci^lina arcaniy) and I fee no other expedient,
" Couki I be but allured of the filence of Celfus,
(a
**
at Ingoiltadt,) he can relieve me, and he
phyfician
" Do fpeak to
promt fed me as much three years ago.
*^
him, if you tiiink he will be fiaunch. I would not Jet
*'
Cuto" (his dearell friend, and his chief or only con-
'^
fident in the fcheme of Illum.ination) know it yet,
becaufe the otherrcfpeds requires his whole
affair in
*'
damned pritfts too for the adlion is fo criminally
" accounted bv them, and fcandaiifes the blood. This
*^
makes
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. 1
2^
*^'
makes the utmofl efforts and the inoR" defperatc
''
nieafures abfoluteiy neceflai-y/'
throw {bme light on this tranfadtion if we read
It will
a letter from Spartacus to Cato about this time.
" One
thing more, my deareft friend
\ould it be
'
agreeable to you to have
me for a l>rother-in-law ?
" If this fhould be ao:reeabie, and if it can be brouofhc
^
c
about without prejudice to my honour, as I hope it
may, I am not without hopes that the connection
^^
"
may take place. But in the mean time keep it a
fecret, and only give me permiflion to enter into
'*
*^
to whom I beg you will offer my refpedlful
compli-
myfeif more fully to you
^^
ments, and I will explain
"
by word of mouth, andtell you my whole (ituation.
'^
But I repeat it the thing mud be gone about with
''
addrefs and caution. 1 would not for all the world
'^
deceive a perfon who certainly has not deferved fo
<'
of me."
What
interpretation can be put on this Cato feems
to be brother to the poor woman
he was unwittingly
?
"
HofF).
merry by a
who will be before all kings and
,
*^
becaufe I reprefented the danger of this, and by
<c
force obtained the omifTion of this picture, he be-
came my implacable enemy. abhor treachery
I
cc
and profligacy, and leave him to blow himfelfand
" his Order into the air.'*
fubjedl.
^'
The
propofal of Hercules
to eftablilh a Minerval
*'
fchool for girls is excellent, but requires much cir-
" Philo and I have long converfed on
cumfpedlion.
^'
this fubjedl. We
cannot improve the world vvith-
" out
improving women, who have fuch a mighty in-
^^
fluence on the men. But how fhall we get hold of
''
them ?
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI, IJJ
" them ? How will their rciationsj particulariy their
mothers, immerfed in prejudices, confcnc that others
''
*'
lliall influence their education ? /e muil begin with
*^
grown girls. Hercules propofes the wife of Ptoie-
*^
my Magus. I have no ohjedion ; and I have four
*'
ftep-daughters, fine girls.
The oldeft in particular
'^
is excellent. Shetwenty-four, has read much, is
is
*^
they thought that we knew of their
proceedings.
*^
Leave them to the fcope of their ov/n fancies, and
they Vv'ill foon invent myfteries which will put us to
'^
*^
this AiTociatlr.n will be durable. Yv'omen are fickle
pleafe them but hiir-
<^
and impatient. No:hing vviil
''
iVing from degree to degree, through a heap of in-
'-^
lio-niricant ceremonies, which will foon lofe their
^'
novelty and iniluence. To red fcrioufly in one
rank, and to be lliii and filent when they have found
'^
'*
out that the whole is a cheat, (hear the words of an
'^
experienced Mafon,) is a tafk of which they are in-
^^
capable. They have not our motives to perfevere
*'
for years, allowing themfelvcs to be led about, and
*'
even then to hold their tongues when they find that
"
they have been deceived. Nay there is a rifk that
**
they may take it into their heads to give things an
*'
oppofite turn, and then, by voluptuous allurements,
"
heightened by alTeded modcfty and decency, which
*'
give them an irrcfiltible empire over the beft men,
"
they may turn our Order upfide down, and in their
'^
turn will lead the new one."
Such is the information which may be got from the
private correfpondence. It is needlefs to make more
extrads of every kind of vice and trick. I have taken
Prcparacion,
NovicCj
_^_ iviiijcrvdi,
__ I Hum in. Minor.
fSym- C Apprentice,
I
iclic < Fciiow Crafty
Masonry,-^ C- Maftcr,
\ n , 7 ^ Ilhim, Mrjar, Scotch Novice
L (^
iUum. cttngenSj bcoccnKnighr.
Pricfr,
C Leffcr SP;^%^^-r
Mysteries, < o ^
> ,^
'^
i Greater ^ -
V. (_
Kex.
The
reader mufi: be almofl fick of fo much villany,
and would be difgufted with the minute detail, in which
the cane of the Order is ringing continually in his ears.
I fhall therefore only give I'uch a fnorc extraiSb as may
fix our notions of the obje6i: of the Order, and the m.o-
rality of the means employed for attaining it. We
need not go back to the lower degrees, and ihall begin
with the Illuminatus dir lgens, or Scotc?i
Knight.
After a fhort introduc^cion, teaching: us how the holy
ferret Chapter of Scotch Knights is alTembled, we have,
J. Fuller accounts and inlirucfiions
relating to ihc Vv'i.ole.
II. Infcruclions for the lower cianes of
Mafonry. III.
Inftrudlions relating to Mafjn Lodo:es in c^eneral. IV.
Account of a reception into this de?:>ree, wiih the bond
wlncli each fubfcribes before he caii be admitted. V.
Concernincr die Solemn Chai^ter for reception. VI.
Openinp; of tiie
Chapter. Vlh R ieual ot Reception,
and the Oath. VIII. Shutting of the Chapter. IX.
/ -'
136 THE ILLUMINATE CHAP. II.
cc
We queftiens.
mud endeavour to get the difpofal of the mo-
ney of the Lodges of the Free Mafons, or at lead
cc
take care that it be applied to purpofes favourable
cc
to our Order
but this mud be done in a way that
" fnall not be remarked. Above all, we mud
pufh
" forward v/ith all our
fi;iil, the plan ofEclei5tic Ma-
'^
fonry, and for this purpofe follow up the circular
" letter already fent to all the Lodges v;ith every
*'
tiling that can increafe their prcftntembarraffment."
In :hc bond of N"" IV. the candidate binds himftlf to
*^
confider and treat the liluminaii as the Superiors of
" Free
Mafonry, and endeavour in all iht Mafon
"
Lodges which he frequents, to have the Mafonry of
*'
the illuminated, and particularly the Scotch Novi-
'^
tiare, introduced into the Lodge." (This is not
very different from the Mafonry of the Chevalier de
VAigle of the Rofaic Mafonry, making the Mader's
ciegrce a fort of commemxoration of the paffion, but
v/ithout giving that character to Chridianity which is
cc
drive with fpirit, and Vv^ith addrels, for virtue, wif-
(C
dom, and liberty. I will powerfully oppofe fuper-
C(
ftition, {lander, and defpotifm ; fo that, like a true
<c
fon of the Order^ I may ferve the world, 1 'will
cc
never facrifice the general good, and the happincfs
cc
of the world, to my private intereft. I will
boldly
^'
defend brother againfl fiander, will follow ouc
my
'^
the traces of the pure and true Religion pointed out
*^
to me in my inPcructions, and in the do6i:rines of
''
Mafonry ; and will faithfully report to Su-
my
periors the progrefs I make therein."
^^
*'
love of the Brethren, with the overflowing of inno-
'^
cent and carelefs mirth reign here." (This is almofl:
verbatim from Toland.)
od^ In the middle of a bye -table is a chalice, a pot
of wine, an empty plate, and a plate of unleavened
bread All is covered with a green cloth.
S 2^> When
^v*W
IjS THE ILLUMlNATIv GHAP. H.
ing in church-hiftory
was probably very fcanty, or he
trulled that the candidates would not be very nice in
their examination of it, and he imagined chat it would
''
do well enoughj and tickle fuch as had a religious
"
hankering." Spartacus dilliked it exceedingly it
did not accord with his ferious conceptions, and he
juilly call.'^. it
Joner la Religion,
The difcourfe of reception is to be found alfo in the
fecret correfpondence ( NachtraglL Abtheilung, p. 44.)-
But it is needlefs to infcrt it here. I have given the
fubfbance of this and of all the Cofmo-political decla-
mations already in the panegeric introdudlion to the
account of the procefs of education- And in Sparta-
cus's letter, and in Philo's, I have given an abftraft of
the introdudion to the explanation given in this degree
of the fymbols of Free Mafonry. With refped to the
explanation itfelf, it is as flovenly
and wretched as can
be imagined, and Ihews that Spartacus trufted to much
more operative principles in the human heart for the
reception of his nonfenfe than the didtates
of unbialTed
reafon. None but promifing fubjccls were admitted
thus fat' fuchas would not boggle ; and their princi-
ples were already fufficicntly apparent to afTure him
that they would be contented with any thing that made
o^ame of religion, and w^ould be diverted by the feri-
oufnefs which a chance devotee might exhibit during
thefe caricatures of Chriftianity and Free Mafonry.
filly
But there is confidcrable addrefs in the way that Spar-
tacus prepares his pupils for having all this mummery
fhewn in its true colours, and oveicur ned.
Examine, read, think on thtfe fymbols. There
'*
" are many things which one cannot find out without
**
a oruide, nor even learn without infl;ru(Stion. They
'*
require ftudy and zeal. Should you in any future
*'
period think that you have conceived a clearer no-
'^
tion
140 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. 11.
^'
tionof them, that you have found a paved road,
**
declare your difcoveries to your Superiors it is -,
*^
thus that you improve your mind they expert this
CC
of you ; they know the true path ;
I.
" Arc our civil conditions in the world the defti-
" nations that feem to be the end of our
nature, or the
purpofes for which man was placed on this earth,
*^
*^
or are they not ? Do ftates, civil obligations, popu-
'^
lar religion, fulfil the intentions of men who eflablifh-
(C
ed them ? Do fecret afTociations promote inflruc-
(C
tion and true human happinefs, or are they the
<<
children of neceffity, of the multifarious wants, of
cc
unnatural conditions, or the inventions of vain and
*^
cunnincT men r"
1. What civil alTociation, what fcience do you
^'
<c
if we taught men lublime phi-
this purified religiorij
cc
lofophy, and the art of governing themfelves ? Or
(C
would not this hurt, by roufing the interefted pafTi-^
cc
ons of men habituated to prejudices, who would op-
C6
pofe this as wicked r"
*^
cf, May it not be more ad vi fable to do away thefe
"
corruptions by little and little, in filence, and for
*'
this purpofe to propagate thefe falutary and heart-
'^
confoling do6lrines in fecret ?''
" Do we not
lo. perceive traces of fuch a fecret
^'
doctrine in the ancient fchools of philofophy, in the
*^
do6lrines and inflrudlions of the Bible, which Chrift,
" the Redeemer and Deliverer of the human race,
*'
gave to his trully difciples ? Do you not obfcrve
" an education,
proceeding by fteps of this kind, hand-
" ed down to us from his time till the
prefent ?"
In the ceremonial of Reception, crowns and fceptres
are reprefented as tokens of human degradation. "The
^^
plan of operation, by which our higher degrees adl-,
" mufl v/ork
powerfully on the world, and mufl: give
'^
another turn to all our prcfen: conftitutions."
Many other queftions are put to the pupil during his
preparation, and his anfwers are given in writing.
Some of thefe refcripts are to be found in the lecret
correfpondence. Thus, How far is the poficion true,
'^
*'
that all thofe means may be ufed for a good purpofe
'^
which the wicked have employed for a bad ?" And
along with this qucflion there an injundion to take
is
" this
the reafon given v/as, that power wa5 allowed
''
to
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. 1
45
*^
to Sovereignties, for the good of the S:ate, an J
all
^*
therefore belonged to the Order, which w.is.to go-
" vern the world." '^
N. B. Vv'e muj^ acquire thf*
*^
direction of education
of church-nianaf?emerrt of
the profeflorial chair, and of the rnilpit. mud We
<c
bring our opinions into falhion by every art-fpread
them among the people by the help of youn^i; wri-
ters. We
muft preach the warmcfl concern for hu-
^'
rnanityj and make people indi^erent to all other relations,
" We mud take care that our writers be well puffed,
*^
and that the Reviewers do not depreciate them
*^
therefore we mud endeavour by every mean to gain
*^
over the Reviewers and Journalids and we mud
;
*'
aifo try to gain the bookfcllers, who in time will fee
^'
that it is their intered to fide wirh us."
I conclude account of the degree of Prefbyter
this
with remarking, that there were two copies of it Cin-
ployed occafionally. In one of them all the mod of-
fenlive things in refpe61; of church and dare were left
out. The fame thing was done in the degree of Che-
valier du Soleil of the French Mafonry. I have feea
three different forms.
In the the proceedings and indruc-
Regent degree,
tions arc conducted in the fame manner. Here, it is
faid,
'^
We mud as much
podible fele6t for this de-
as
*^
particularly fuch as have frequently declared them-
^^
felves difcontented with the ufual inditucions, and
*'
their widies to fee a better government eilablifiied."
*'
itsmembers, and thus not only prevent their doing
" milchiefj but even make them do good ?"
'^
1. Is not the objection
unjuft. That fuch a Soci-
^^
ciety abufe its power ? Do not our rulers fre-
may
^^
quently abufe their power, though we are filent ?
" This
power is not fo fecurc as in the hands of our
*^
Members, whom we train up with fo much care,
*'
and place about princes after mature deliberation
" and choice. If
any government can be harmlefs
''
which is erecSted by man, furely it mufl be ours^
''
which is founded on morality, forefight, talents, li-
^^
berty, and virtue," &c.
The candidate is prefented for reception in the cha-
ra6ter of a fiave and it is demanded of him what has
;
'^
felves into their good opinion, give them hints of
"
emancipation from the tyranny of public opinion,
" and of
itanding up for thcmfelvesi it will be an im-
'^
mcnfe
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. 14?
*^
mcnfe relief to their enflaved minds to be freed from
any one bond of reftraint, and it will fire them the
^^
*^
be indulging their own defire of perfonal admira-
" tion.
*^
We mud win the common every cor-
people in
^^
ner. This will be obtained chiefly by means of the
" fchools, and
by open, hearty behaviour, mow, con-
defcenfion, popularity, and toleration of their pre-
'*
''
The great flrength of our Order lies in its conceal-
ment let it never appear in anyplace in its own
j
**
name, but always covered by
--
another name, and
cc .u^. ^. .:::^-^-^ - - - -
In Cato's hand-writing,
^*
The number (about 600) of Members relates to
^f
Bavaria alone.
" Munich
In there is a well-conftituted meeting of
" Illuminati MajoreSj a meeting of excellent /////;;2//?^/i
Minores, a refpe6table Grand Lodge, and two Mi-
cc
cc
nerval AlTemblies. There is a Minerval AiTembly
(C
at Frcyfling, at Landfberg, at Burghaufen, at Straf-
cc
burg, at Ingollladt, and at laft at Regenfburg*.
*^
At Munich we have bought a houfe, and by cle-
(C
ver meafures have brought things fo far, that the
<c
citizens take no notice of it, and even fpeak of us
<c
with eilcem. We
can openly go to the houfe every
cc
day, and carry on the bufmels of the Lodge. This
cc
is a great deal for this city. In the houfe is a good
cc
mufeum of natural hiftory, and apparatus for ex-
cc
periments alfoa library which daily inereafes. The
:
<c
garden is well occupied by botanic fpecimens, and
cc
the Vv'hole has the appearance of a focicty of zealous
*^
naturalifts.
" We all the literary journals. We
take care,
get
" make the citizens and the
by well-timed pieces, to
Princes
* In this fmall turhulejit
city there were eleven fccret fucieties of
Mafons, Kofvcrucians^ Clair- vovants, &c.
I^O tHE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
6
ably, if Itcan be done; but, if not, then by force
" for all fubordination mult vanilh from the face of
" the earth."
The author fays further, that the German Union
was, to his certain knowledge, the work of the iUu-
minati.
The private correfpondence that has been publifhed
is by no means the whole of what was difcovered at
Landfhut and BafTus HofF, and government got a great
deal of ufeful information, which was concealed, both
out of regard to the families of the perfons concerned,
and alfo that the reft miojht not know the utmoft ex-
tent of the difcovery, and be lefs on their guard. A
third collc6lion was found under the foundation of the
houfe in which the Lodge Tbeodor vom guteyi Rath had
been held. But none of this has appeared. Enough
furely has been difcovered to give the public a very
juft idea of the dcfigns of the Society and its connect
tions.
Bart, ditto.
U Leiberhauer,
^54 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. 11^
Leiberhauer, Prieft.
Kundler, ProfeiTor.
Lowling, ProfeiTor.
Vachency, Counfellor.
Moraufl^y, Count.
Hoffftetter, Surveyor of
Roads.
Strobl, Bookfeller.
Pythagoras, Weflenrieder, Profefibr,
Babo, ProfeiTor.
Baader, ProfeiTor.
Burzes, Prieft.
Pfruntz, Prieft.
Hannibal, BafTus, Baron.
Brutus, Savioli, Count.
Lucian, Nicholai, Bookfeller.
Bahrdt, Clergyman.
Zoroafler, Confucius, Baierhamer.
Hermes Trifmegiftus, Socher, School Infpe6lor.
Dillis, Abbe.
Sulla, MeggenhofT, Paymafter.
Danzer, Canon.
Braun, ditto.
Fifcher, Magiftrate.
Frauenberger, Baron.
Kaltner, Lieutenant.
Pythagoras, (2cl,) Drexl, Librarian.
Marius, Hertel, Canon.
Dachfel.
Billing, Counfellor.
Seefeld, Count.
Gunflieim, ditto.
Morgellan, ditto.
Saladin, Ecker, ditto.
Ow, Major.
Werner, Counfellor.
Cornelius,
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. J
55
Shafteibury, Steger.
Coriolaniis^ Tropponera, Zufchvvartz,
Timon, Michel.
Tamerlane, Lange.
Liviiis, BadorfFer.
Cicero, Pfefr.
,'*
1^6 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
I57
elegance
158 THE ILLUMINATI. CHA?. If.
" that man has a childifh foul who would not as rea-
"
dily chufe the name of Spartacus as that of 0(Sta-
'*
vius Au2;u{lus.'' The names which he o-ives to fe-
veral of his gang exprefs their differences of fenti-
ments. Philo, Lucian, and others, are very fignifi-
cantly given to Knigge, Nicholai, &c. He was vain
of the name Spartacus, becaufe he confidered himfelf
as employed fomewhat in the fame way, leading flaves
to freedom. Princes and Priefts are mentioned by him
on all occafions in terms of abhorrence.
Spartacus employs powerful means. The (lyle of
the Jefuits, (as he fays,) he confiders every m.ean as
confecrated by the end for which it is employed^ and
he fays with great truth,
"
Fk^ireftneqiiecJuperoSy Acheronta movelo,^^
To fave he fcruplcs not to murder
his reputation,
his innocent child, and the woman whom he had held
in his arms with emotions of fondnefs and affedion.
But
<( iv
'
CHAP. II. THE ILLtTMINATI. l6l
doubt that makes him defperatc, fit for the full opera-
tion of fanaticifm, and he may be engaged, in the cauje
of Gody
''
to commit all kind of wickednefs and greedi-
" nefs." In this (late of mind, a man ihuts his eyes,
andrufhes on. Had Spartacus fuppofcd that he was
dealing wirh good men, his conduit would have
been
the reverfe of all this. There is no occafion for this
bond from a perfon convinced of the excellency of the
Order. But he knew them to be unprincipled, and
that the higher myfteries were fo daring, that even fome
of fuch men would ftart at them. But they mud not
blab.
therefore an alluring
thought, both to good and bad
men. By this lure the Order v;illfprcad. If they are
a6live in infmuating their members into offices, and
in keeping out others, (which the private correfpon-
dence fnews to have been the cafe,) they may have had
frequent experience of their fuccefs in gaining an influ-
ence on the world. This mud whet their 2eal. If
X Wcilliaupc
It2 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II,
**
and by their prejudices will wear off, and they will
*'
be more at their eafe. Were I to let them know
'^
that our General holds all
Religion to be a lie, and
'^
ufes even Deifm, only to lead m.en by the nofe
f
Were I to connedl myfclf again with the Free Ma-
*^
ions, and tell them our defigns to ruin their F'ra-
^^
by this circular letter (a letter to the Lodge
"
ternity
Courland) Were I but to give the leaft hint to
in
"
any of the Princes of Greece (Bavaria) No, my
^^
fl:all not carry me lo far. An Order,
*^
anger
which in this manner abufes human nature which
forfooth,
^^
will fubjedt men to a bondage more intolerable than
'^
Jrfuirifm
I could
put it on a refpe(5table footing,
'^
and the world would be ours. Should I mention
*^
our fundamental principles, (even after all the pains
*^
I have been at to
mitigate them,) lo unqueftionably
dangerous to the world, who would remain ? What
*'
-
'^
fignifies the innccf^nt ceremonies of the Prieft's de-
gree, r-s I have compofed it, in comparifon with
your m.5xim., that we m<3y ufe for agood end thofe
.means winch t-ie wicked employ for a bafe purpofe ?'
Brutus
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. 163
Brutus writes,
*'
Numenius now acquiefces in the
" mortality of* the foul; but, I fear wc fhall lofe Lu-
*^
dovicus Bavarus. He told Spartacus, that he was
*^
miftaken when he thougiu that he had fwallowcd
**
his ftupid Mafonry. No, he law the trick, and did
*'
not admire the end that 1 don't know
required it.
" what do a Sta bem would make him mad, and
to ;
^^
he will blow us all up.
" The Order muft pollefs the
power of life and
" death in of our Oarh and with pro-
confequcnce ;
^^
priety, for
the fame reafon, and by the fame right,
*'
that any government in the world poffcfTes it for :
" comes
the Order in their place, making them un-
" When
necelTary. things cannot be otherwifc, and
^^
ruin would enfue if the x^fTjciation did not emiploy
*^ this mean, the Order rnuft, as well as public rulers,
'^
employ it good of miankind therefore
for the ; fjr
*^
its own prefervati.on." (N. B. Obfcrve here vcit
" Nor will the conftitutions fuf-
cafuiftry.) political
'^
fer by this, for always thoufands equally
there are
" and able to the
ready fupply place."
We need not wcnder that Diomedes told the Pro-
^^
feflbrs, that death, inevitable death, from which no
*'
potentate couid prote6l them, awaited every traitor
" of the Order;" nor that the French Convention
propofcd to take off the German Princes and Generals
by fword or poifon, &c.
Spartacus might tickle the fancy of his Order with
the notion of ruling the world but I imagine that his
;
Suppofe it
poilible, and done in peace, the new fyftem
could not ftand unlefs every principle of a(2:ivity in the
human mind be enthralled, all incitement to exertion
and indufiry removed, and man brought into a condi-
tion incapable of improvement; and this at the ex-
pence of every thing that is valued by the beft of men
.
by mifery and devaftation by loofening all the
bands of fociety. To talk of morality and virtue in
coniun6lion with fuch fchemes is an infult to common
fenfe dilTolutenefs of manners alone can bring men to
;
think of it.
Is
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. 165
IJiould think that wife men would know that none buc
weak or bad men would fubjedt rhemfelves to fuch a
tafk. They exclude the good, the manly, the only
fit
perfons for affifting
them endeavours to in-
in their
CHAP. II.
all the tricks which had been detefted, and the impof-
fibility of the vvilhed-for difcovery had never been de-
monftrated to perfons prepoflefTed in its favour. They
iliil chcje to believe that tht fymbois contained fome
*^
tuai is a concealed myftery. The hankering of the
^'
mind is irrefiftibie and if once a man has taken it
;
*'
into his head that there is a myftery in a thing, it
that this method did not occur to the great Arcift him-
feir, nor even to the wifeft, and happieft, and beil men
tien, for this reafon alone. This was precifely the ar-
gument ufed in France for rejedling revealed religion.
It was incompatible with their Rights of Man.
It is richly worth obferving how this principle can
^^
This moft elegant frame of things could not have
cc
arifcn, unlcfs by the contrivance and the direction of
a wife and powerful Being; and if the fixed fears are
the centres of fyftems, thefe fyfbems muft befimilar;
" and all thefe, conftrudled according: to the fame
cc
plan, are fubjcct to the government of one Being.
All thefe he governs, not as the foul of the v/orld,
'*
but as the Lord of all therefore, on account of his
;
government.
174 THE ILLUMINATI. chap. li.
<c
governmcnrj he is calJed the Lord God- Pcvitckra-
" tor for God is a relative term, ajid refers to fubjecls.
;
^^
Deity is God's government, not of his own body, as
" thofc think who confider him as the ibul of the
*^
world, but of his fervants. The fupreme God is a
*'
Being eternal, infinite, abfolutely pcrfed:. But a be-
ing, however perfc6t:, without government, is not
God; for we i^a.y,my God, your God, the God of
'^
Ifrael. We
cannot fay eternal, ;;7y infinite.
f,'?)' We
"
may have fome notions indeed of his attributes, but
*^
can have none of his nature. With refped to bodies,
*'
we fee only fhapes and colour hear only founds ^
cc
worfliip him
we worfiiip him as his fervants and ,
''
and our pride has been punifhed by the groundlefs
^
fears which we have created to ourfelves. We
imagine, forfooih, that all this is for us, and that
*'
''
ourfelves on an infignificant planet, almoft imper-
^'
cepcible in the immenfity of fpace. Bun the fub-,
*^'lime difcoveries we have made richly repay this
*^
humble fituation. Let us cherifn thefe with care, as
*^
the delight of thinking beings
they have deftroyed
'^
our millakes as to our relation to the refc of the uni-
^'
verfe errors which were the more fatal, becaufe
;
^
the focial Order depends on juilice and truth alone.
*f
Far be from us the dangerous maxim, that it is fome-
times ufeful to depart from thefe, and to deceive
men, order to infure their happinefs ; but cruel
in
cc
experience has fhewn us that thefe laws are never to-
*'
rally exnin(^t.''
There can be no doubt as to the meanins: of thefe laft
words they cannot relate to ailrology this was en-
tiniially in
his rank, by cultivating thofe talents which
ciiftinguifh
and adorn it.
matlon in a rermon I
y perlons of the trade, who are
trained up to fineffe, by which tliey allure and tickle
weak minds.
.
1 acknowledge that in the preient cafe I do not ad-
drefs myfelt to the cokl hearts, who contentedly
;''' to thole who have en-
ceive it
they blefs the kindnefs that granted it, and
the hand that brings it. Such amiable ciiaradcrs
have appeared in ail ages, and in ail fituations of man-
kind. They have not in all infcances been v/ife often
have they been precipitate, and have too readily caught
at any thing which pretended to give rhem the fo much
wilhcd-
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. iSj
But I wifn not to fpeak of thefe
men, but of the good, the candid, the modest, the
HUMBLE, who know their who
love their du-
failings^
ties, but wiih to know, to perceive, and to love them
uill more. Thefe are they who think and believe that
" the
Gofpel has brought life and immortality to
*'
light," within their reach.
that is, They think it
v/orthy of the Father of mankind, and they receive it
with thankful hearts, adiTiirins: above all thinf?s the
fimplicity of its morality, comprehended in one fen-
tence,
'^
Do to another what you can reafonably wifh
" that another ihould do to
you," and that purity
OF THOUGHT AND MANNERS WHICH DISTINGUISHES
IT FROM ALL THE SYSTEMS OF MORAL INSTRUCTION
THAT HAVE EVER BEEN OFFERED TO MEN. HcFC
they find a ground of refignation under the troubles of
life, and a fupport in the hour of death, quite fuited
to the diffidence or their own character. Such men
are ready to grant that the Stoics were perfons of no~
bie and exalted minds, and that i\\^y had worthy con-
ceptions of the rank or man in the fcale of God's
works; but they confcfs that they themfeives do not
feel all that; iupport from Stoical principles which man
too
lS2 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
too frequently needs ; and they fay that they are not
fery.
*^
have (fays he) alv/ays remarked that women,
I
'^ in all countries,are civil, obliging, tender, and hu-
mane that they are ever inclined to be gay and
:
cc
frozen Lapland, rude and churlifh Finland, unprin-
cc of the wan-
cipled Rufija, and the wide fpread regions
*'
dering Tartar, if hungry, dry, cold, wet, or fick,
'^
the women have ever been friendly to me, and uni-
cc
formly fo ; and to add to(fo worthy of
this virtue,
cc
the appellation of benevolence,) thefe adlions have
'
cc
been performed in fo free and fo kind a manner, that
" if I thirlly, I drank the fweeteft draught, and
was
cc
if hungry, I ate the coarfe meal with a double
" relilli."
And
CHAP. II- THE ILLUMINATI. iSj
x'
igO THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
**
We ndo not," fald the high priefb, '^ call you to the
(C
'
c' '
fc'Ji 'Oil'' a fi.
Behold mafter-piece
'
their duties.
...
of our Illuminated philofophers, who fee no need of
iuch aiTiilances for the knowledo-e and difcharore of
"-^
**
row v/e are to die 3'* and that when they have no-
thing to truft to but the fondnefs of the men, they
will foon find themfeives reduced to flavery. The
crown which they now wear will fall tl-om their heads,
and they will no longer be the arbiters ot what is lovely
in human life. I'he empire of beauty but fhort;
is
and even in
republican France, it will not be
many
years that Madame Tallien can fafcinate the Parifian
Theatie by the exhibition of her charm.s. Man is faf-
tidious and chaneeable, he is the ihonercr animal, and
can always take his own will with refped: to w( man.
At prefent he vvith-heid by refped for her moral
is
and it is undoubtedly
here that the women have attained the highefl rank.
I may even add, that it is in that part of Europe wliere
the elTential and diftinguifhing dodtrines of Chriftian
morality are moft generally acknowledged and attended
to by tne laws of the country, that woman acls the
highefl part in general fociety. But here we muft be
very careful how we form our notion, cither of the
fociety, or of the female rank it is
furely not from
the two or three dozens who fill the highefl ranks in
the flate. Their number is too fmail, and their fitu-
ation too particular, to afford the proper average.
is
copy
CHAP. H. THE ILLUMINATI. 9f
copy with advantage ;
of ail this there is
hardly a
trace. Woman is always mentioned as an objedt of
padion. Chaftity, modeily, fbber-mindcdnefs, are
all confidered in relation to this finglc point; or fome-
times as of importance in refpe^t of economy or do-
meflic quiet. RecolleCl the famous fpeech of Metel-
tellus Numidicus the Roman people, when^, as,
to
Cenfor, he was recommendinp- marriao;e.
'^
Si fine uxore poiTemus Quirites tiTc, omncs ea
moleftia careremus. Sed quoniam ita nacura tradi-
dit, ut nee cum illis commode, nee fine ilHs ullo
modo vivi polfet, faluti perpetuse potius quam brevi
voluptati confuiendum."
Jd. Cell, No^. Att. I, 6.
and filly girl and what are the v/hole fruits of any
;
goddcfics
200 THE ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
It
CHAP. II. THE ILLUMINATI. 201
power
fpiritual
but they could not enjrAn fuch foundations.
From the fame fource we may derive the chief influ-
ence of auricular confefTion. When thefe were firmly
eftablifnedj and were venerated, almoll all the other
corruptions of Chriflianity followed of courfe. I
may
almcft add, that though it is here that Chriflianity has
fuffered the iBofl violent attacks, it is htre that the
place is
mofl tenable. Nothing tends fo much to knit
all the ties of
fociety as the endearing connediions of
family, and whatever tends to lefTen our veneration for
the marriage-contrad:, weakens them in the moil effcc-
tual manner. Purity of manners is the mod effedual
iupport, and pure thoughts are the only fources from
which pure manners can flow, I
readily grant that in
former times this veneration for perfonal purity was
carried to an extravagant height, and that feveral very
ridiculous fancies and cuftoms arofe from this. Ro-
mantic love and chivalry are flrong inftances of the
ftrange vagaries of our imagination, when carried along
by this enthufiaflic admiration of female purity and ;
<
but it is equally true.
" Gratior
it
eft pidchro veniens e corpore virtus.
^'
That fair form, which, wove in fancy's loom,
''
Floats in light vifions round the poet's head,"
Shoi Id
^04 TffiC ILLUMINATI. CHAP. II.
''
O faireft of creation 1 laft and beO:
" Of ail God's
works, creature in whom excell'd
^^
Whatever can to fight or thought be form'd,
^'
J^oiy^ divine J good^ amiable^ orjhveet !
^
Hov/ art thou loft, and now to death devote?
' '
And me with thee haft ruin'd ; for with thee
'^
Certain my refoiution is to die.''
I ^97 ]
CHAP. Ilii
thor had been written to about them, but had not yet
returned an anfvv^er. This was afterwards found to
be falfe. Then a pr.dlige in the preface was objed-
ed to, as treating roughly a
lady inCourland, v.^hich
Walther could not print,
becaufe he hadconnedlions
with that court. The author muft be entreated to
change his expreffions. /Vfter another delay, paper
was wanting. The MS. was withdrawn. Walther
now faid he v/ould print it immediately, and
that
2C be
2o6 THE GERMAN UNIONi CHAP. ilL"
in
Qo8 The GERMAN UNION* CHAP, u'l,
'
tung der Beutfche Union,) alfo JhovAng .hou\
"
for a moderate price ^ one viay become a Scotch
'*
Free
GKAP. iii* T>KE GERMAM UNION. 9,09
" Free Mfffon^ Frank ford and Lehzi^. \ 780,
The author fays th::* he had all the papers in his
hands whsfeas the a'Jthcr of More Notes titan
:
'
fliaints v^^hich are put on oar opinions.'*'
'
For this noble purpofe a company of tv.'enty-
two perfons, public inftrucStors, and men in pii-
'
vate ftations, have uhited themlelves, according
they have had under confidera-
'
to a plan v/hich
'
tion for more than a year and a half, and which,
'
in their opinion, contains a method that is fair
'
and irrcfiriible bv any human power, for pro-
motinjy the enlip-htening- and forming- of m.an-
'
'
(lades which fuperilition fupported by force
'
has hitherto put in the v>^ay."
This
21 & THE GERMAN UNION. CHAP. iii.
'
Union has now acquired a conjiflcnce^ and we
'
now divide the fraternifed part of the nation
'
into ten or twelve Provinces or Diccefcs^ each
'
direcled by its Diocefan at his ofuce ; and thefe
'
are io arranged In due fubordinaiion, that all
biilincls comes into the Union-eouse as irito
'
'
the center of the whiole.
Agreeably to this manner of proceeding there
*'
'
are twn clalTes of the Brotherhood, the Grdi-
'
'
neclion of vv'hich is not intended to be at all
in the world.
conlpicuous
'
To this end the bufinefs takes exter-
a new
nal form. The Brethren, to wit, fpeak not of
the Union in the places where thev refide, nor
.- r^C
or a bocicty, nor ot enlightening the people ;
but they ailcmble, and act together in every
quarter, merely as a Literary Society,
bring into it all the lovers of reading and of
ufefiu knowledge; and fuch in fa6 are the
*'
comes a habit, what is really a thought ftartles,
'*
however fimple, and, if really uncommon, it
" aftonidies and confounds.
Nothing, therefore,
" can fo tend to the improvement of
powerfully
''
the human character, as well-managed Read-
'*
ing Societies.
'' When thefe have been eftablilhed in different
*'
places, we mud endeavour to accomplifh the
"
following intermediate plans; i. To introduce
" a
general literary Gazette or Review, which,
"
by uniting all the learned Brethren, and com-
*'
bining with judgment and addrefs all their
"
talents, and ileadily proceeding according
to
" a diftind and
precife plan, may in time fup-
plant every other Gazette, a thing which its
*'
*'
them ; and, on the other hand, to bring into
*'
notice and recomm.end thofe performances
" alone v/hich give light to the human mind.
"
4. When we by degrees bring the whole trade
*'
of bookfelling into our hands, (as the good
'^ writers will fend all their
performances into
the market through our means) we (hall bring
*'
" it
about, that at lail: the writers who labour in
*'
the caufe of fuperfiition and redraint, will
" have neither a
publiflier nor readers. 5. When,
fpreading of our Fraternity, ali
<'
laftly, by the
good hearts and fenfible men will adhere to
*'
*'
dition that enables them to work in filence
upon ail courts, families, and individuals in
('
'*
appointment of court-ofRcers, (lewards, fecre-
'*
taries, parifli-priefts, public teachers, and pri-
*'
vate tutors.
"
Remark, That we get the trade
fnall fpeedily
*'
into our hands, (which was formerly the aim
" of the Affcciation called the Gelth'ttrihuch-
" hand
lung ) is conceivable by this, that every
writer who unites with us immediately acquires
a triple number of
readers, and finds friends
in every place who promote the fale of his
perform.ance; fo that his gain is increafed ma-
''
nifold, and confequently all will quit the book-
" aiid accede to us by degrees. Had the
fellers,
" above
^l6 TUE GERMAN UNIONT. CHAP, lil*
*'
above named Alfociation been confl:ruled in
**
this manner, it would, long ere now, have
*'
been the only fhop in Germany,"
The bookcalled Fuller Information^ &c. gives
a more particular account of the advantages held
forth to the literary manufa(iurers of Germany
by this Union for God's incrk. The
of lite- clafs
*
This, by the by,
is a
very Cdiious and entertaining work,
and, had the whole affair been better known in this
country,
would have been a much better antidote againft the baneful
efFeds of that Affociation than
any thing that I can give to
the pubh'e, being written with much accutenefs and
knowledge
of the human mind, and
agreeably diverfified with anecdote and
ironical exhibition of the affeded wifdom and
philanthropy of
the knavilli Foimder and his If the
coadjutors. prefent imper-
fed and defultory account fhall be found to intereft the I
public,
doubt not but that a transition of this novel, and fome other
fanciful performances on the will be read with entertain-
fubjcft,
ment and prcfiu
the
CHAP. iii. THE GERMAN UNION. *2 1
^
the names of many public teachers, both from the
pulpit, and from the accademic chair in all its
degrees; and among thefe are feveral whofe cy-
phers fnow that they have been active hands.
Some of thefe have in their writings given evi-
dent proofs of their mifconception of the fimple
truths, whether dogmatical or hifiorical, of re-
vealed religion, or of their inclination to twift
and manufafture them fo as to chime in with, the
religion and morality of the Sages of France. But
it is m^ore diltrefiing to meet with unequivocal
*'
pone manaeement of the bufmefs has been ex-
it
peniive, and that the XXII.
do not mean to make
any particular charge for their own compenfation.
*'
But that it was neceiTary that ail and each of the
''
members ihould know precifely the objedt of the
Aflbciation, and the way which mature confidera-
*'
J788.), \
iNo. VI. printed paper (as is No. V.) without
is a
/
CHAP. 111. THE GERMAN UNION. 221-
""
dreffed to worthy man," intimating that the like
a
are fent to others, to whom will alfo fpeedily be for-
warded an icnproved plan, with a requeil to cancel
or deflroy the former contained in No. III. It is
(I
proper perfon will fet off from this fynod, with
full
powers to vifit every quarter where there are
fworn Brethren, and he will there eftablifh a
Lodge after the ancient iimple ritual, and will
communicate verbally the plan of fecret opera^
ration^ and certain inflru(flions. Thefe Lodges
will then efiablifh a managing fund or box. Each
*'
Lodge
224 "^"^ GERMAN UNION. CHAP, ill.
(I
Lodge will alfo eflablifh a Reading Society, under
It
the management of a bookfeller refiding in the
place, or of fome perfon acquainted with the me-
chanical condud of things of this nature. There
mud alfo be a colledor and agent, (Expediteur^)
*'
fo that in a moment the Union will have its of-
''
fices or comptoirs in every quarter, through which
11
it on the trade of bookfelling, and guides
carries
the ebb and flow of its correfpondence. And thus
''
the whole machine will be fet in motion, and its
'^
adivity is all directed from the centre."
I remark, that here we have not that excluiion of
Princes and miniflers that was in the former plan ;
they are not even mentioned. The exclufion in ex-
prefs terms could not but furprife people, and ap-
pear fomewhat fufpicious.
No. IX. is a printed circular letter to the fworn
*'
Brethren, and is fubfcribed by their truly afibciat-
''
ed Brother Barthels, Oheramtfman (firfl bailiff)
" for the
King of Pruflia, at Halle on the Saal."
In this letter the Brethren are informed that '' the
*'
XXII. were wont to meet fometimes at Halle, and
*'
fometimes at Berlin. But unavoidable circum-
IC
flances oblige them not only to remain concealed
for fometime, but even to give up their relation
" to the
Union, and withdraw themfelves from anv
fliare in its proceedings. Thefe circumflances
are but temporary, and will be completely ex-
"
juftice to all other fecret focieties, namely, that
" the members
fubjedl themfelves to blind and un-
qualified fubmifiion to unknown fuperiors."
1 he Society is now in the hands of its own avow-
44
ed members. Every thing will ioon be arranged
41
according to a confliiution purelv republican ; a
44
Diocefan will be chofen, and will direct in every
44
province, and report to the centre every fecond
44
month, and inflrudions and other informations
" will ilTue in like manner from the centre.
" If this plan fhall be approved of by the Affo-
44
ciated, H. Earthels will tranfmit to all the Dio-
44
cefes general lifts of the Union, and the Plan of
(4
Secret Operation, the refult of deep medita-
*'
tion of the XXII. and admirably calculated for
<4
carrying on with irrefiftable efied their noble and
41
patriotic plan. To (lop all cabal, and put an end
C4
to all flander and fufpicion, H. Barthels thinks it
44
proper that the Union fhall flep forward, and de-
44
clare itfelf to the world, and openly name fome
b4
of its moft refpedabie members. The public
44
muft however be informed only with refpect to
44
the exterior of the Society, for which purpofe he
44
had written a fheet to be annexed as an appendix
44
to the work. On InflruSIion^ declaring that to be
14
the work of the Societv,
J
and a fufficient indica-
'
'
tion of moil honourable aim. He dtfires
its
" fuch members as
choofe to fliare the honour
*'
with him, to {^cud him their names and proper
dcfignations, that they may appear in that Ap-
pendix. Andj laUiy, he requefts them to in-
ftrudt him, and co-operate with him, according
*'
to
226 THE GERMAN UNION. ^ CHAP. Ill,
houfe
#
terms ; nor has he ever faid who are the co- XXH
adjutors. Wucherer, an eminent bookfeller at
Vienna, feems to have been one of the mofl active
hands, and in one year admitted near two hun-
dred members, among whom is his own fhoe-
maker^ He has publiQied fome of the mofl profli-
gate pamphlets which have yet appeared in Ger-
many,
The
publication of the lift of members alarmed
the nation ; perfons were aftonifhed to find them-
felves in every quarter in the midft of villains who
were plotting againft the peace and happinefs of
the country, and deflroying every fentiment of re-
ligion, morality, or loyalty. Many peribns pub-
liihed in the newfpapers and literary journals affir-
mations and proofs of the falfe iniertion of their
names. Some acknowledged that curiofity had
made them enter the AfTociation, and even conti-
nue their correfpondence with the Centre, in or-
der to learn fomething of what the Fraternity had
in view, but declared that they had never taken
haps Amen.
What themeaning of this enigmatical conclufion
is we can only guefs and our conjedures cannot be
very favourable.
The narration, of which thisvery fhort in-
is a
dex, is abundantly entertaining; but the opinion of
the mod intelligent is, that it is in a great meafure
fiditious, and that the contrivance of the Union is
moftly his own. Although it could not be legally
proved that he was the author of the farce, every
perfon in court was convinced that he was, and in-
deed it is perfedly in Bahrdt's very lingular manner.
This invalidates the whole of his ilory and he af-
terwards acknowledges the farce (at lead by impli-
cation) in feveral writings, and boafts of it.
For thefe reafons I have omitted the narration in
detail. Some
information, however, which I have
received hnce, feems to confirm his account, w-hilc
it diminiihes its importance. I now find that the
book called Fuller Information is the performance of
a clergyman
A-',
own
writings
1/
**
The more fair Virtue's feen, the more '^\t charms.
**
Safe, plain, and eafy, are her artlefs ways.
**
With face ereft, her eyes look ftrait before ;
**
For dauntlefs is her march, her Hep fecure.
**
Not fo, pale Fraud now here fhe turns, now there,
**
feeking darker fhades, fecure in none,
Still
**
Looks often back, and wheeling round and round,
**
Sinks headlong in the danger (he would ftiun.'*
Clijg
2^0 THE GERMAN UNION. CHAP. ii'l.
and No
iiades,
fon was lafe
uncommonly
ProfefTors
bitter offenfive.
Magiftrates
Clergy-
and
per-
all was now over. But Mr. Bel had got word of
it, and brought It into court the very day. that
Bahrdt was to have made fome very reverend ap-
pearance at church. In (liort, after many attempts
of his poor father to fave him, he was obliged to
fend in his gown and band, and to quit the place.
It was fome comfort, how^ever, that Madam
Godichuiky and the young Mifs did not fare much
better. They were both imprifoned. Madam G.
died lometime after of Ibme (liocking difeafe.
The court records give a very different account of
the v/hole, and particularly of the fciffle; bfeit
Bahrdt's ftory is enough.
Bahrdt fays, that his father was fevere but ac-
knovviedges that his own temperament was hafty,
(why does not his father's temperament excufe fome-
thing? Vibratiuncula will explain everything or
''
nothing. therefore (again) I fometimes forgot
myfelf. One day I laid a loaded piftol on the table,
and toid him that he (hould meet with that if he went
on fo. But I was only feventeen."
Dr. Bahrdt was, of courfe, obliged to leave the
place. His friends, and Semler in particular, 2iVi
eminent theological writer, who had formed a very
favourable
^44 "^^E GERMAN UNION. CHAP. HI,
opinions
^HAP, ill; THE GERMAN UNION. 245
"
fortunately alienate the minds of profelRng
" Chriftians from each other ?" The account
here given of Dr. Bahrdt's life feems to decide
the quellion.
But it wall be faid, that I have only related fo
many inllances of the quarrels of Prieiis and their
flavilh adherents, with Dr. Bahrdt. Let us view
him in his ordinary conduct, not as the champion
and martyr of Illumination, but an ordinaryas
citizen, a hufband, a father, a friend, a teacher
of youth, a clergyman.
When Dr. Bahrdt was a parifh-minifler, and pre-
fident of fome inferior ecclefiailicai diflrid, he u as
ic
favourable to them. They civilly offer their arm
41
and fay, '' My dear, will you give me a glafs of
l
wine." If you give them no eiKouragement, they
(I
pafs on, and give no farther trouble, I went with
&(
(I
my friend to Covent Garden, and after admiring
the innumerable beauties we faw in the piazzas,
<C
we gave our arm to three very agreeable girls, and
II
immediately turned into a temple of the Cythere-
(I
an Goddefs, which is to be found at every fecond
(I
door in the city, and were (hewn into a parlour
l
elegantly carpeted and furniflied, and lighted with
tl
wax, with every other accommodation at hand.
41
4i
My friend called for a pint of wine, and this wa5i
all the expence which we received fo much
for
CI
civility. The converfation and other behaviour
of the ladies was agreeable in the higheff degree,
l
and not a zc;(5rJ
palled that would have dillinguifti-
(I
ed them from nuns, or that was not in the higheft
We parted in the
degree mannerly and elegant.
llreetand fuch is
"
the liberty of England, that
Q I iny
2^^ THE GERMAN UNION. CHAP. UI.
bound hand and foot. Many circumilances concur
this infidious plan is
to prove that the projedor of
the Prince Salms, who {^ aifiduoufly fomented ail
the diilurbances in the Dutch and Audrian Nether-
lands.
CHAP. ilL TH GURMAN U^ION. tQl
lands. He
had, before this time, taken into his
fervice Zwack, the Gato of the Illuminati. The
it was difcovered
projed had gone fome length when
and fuppreded by the States.
Zimmerman, who had been Prefident of the Illu-
minati in Manheim, was alfo a mofl: active perfon
in propagating their dodrines in other countries.
He was employed as a miffionary, and ere^ed fome
Lodges even in Rome alfo at Neufchatel
and in
Hungary. He was frequently feen in the latter
place by a gentleman of my acquaintance,
and
preached up all the oftenfible dodrines of IHumina-
tifm in the moft public manner, and made many
profelytes. But when it v/as difcovered that the r
real and fundamental dodrines were different from
thofe which he profeffed in order to draw in profe-
lytes, Zimmerman the country in hafte.
left Some
time after this he was arreted in Pruffia forfeditious
harangues but he efcaped, and has not been heard
of fince. When he was in Hungary he boaffed of
having ereded above an hundred Lodges *n dif-
ferent parts of Europe, fome of which were in
England,
CHAP. IV.
members
CHAP. iv. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION, t6g
members whofe zeal and fufFerings ranked them
with the mod renewed heroes and martyrs of pa-
triotiiiii, were now regarded as the contemptible
now
The
tools of Ariilocracy. Parliament let, in
a fiery troubled (ley to rile no more.
Of all the barrillers in the Parliament of Paris,
the mod confpicuous for the difplay of the en-
chanting doctrines of Liberty and Equality was
Mr. Duval, fon of aft Avocat in the faixie court,
and ennobled about this time under the name of
Defpt-ernienil. He was member of a Lodge of the
^w/V Reunis at Paris, called the Contract Social^
and of the Lodge of Chevaliers Bienfaifants at
Lyons. His reputation as a barrifter had been pro-
digioufly increafed about this time by his manage-
ment of a caufe, where the defceitdant of the un-
fortunate General Laily, after having obtained
the reftoration of the family honours, was flriv-
ing to get back fome of the eftates. Mr. Lally
Tollendahl had even trained himfeir to the pro-
feffion, and pleaded his own caufe with aftonifli*
ing abilities. But Defprefmenil had near connec-
tions with the family which was in pofleffion of
the ePjates, and oppofed him with equal powers,
and more addrefs. He was on the fide whicii was
moft agreeable to his favourite topics of declama-
tion, and his pleadings attracted much notice both
in Paris and in fome of the provincial Parliaments,
I mention thefe things with fome intereil, becaufe
this was the beginning of that marked
rivalfaip
betv/een Lally Tollendahl and Defprefmenil, which
made fuch a {ignre in the Journals of ihe National
Affembly. It ended fatally for both. Lally Tol-
lendahl was obliged to quit the
Affembly, when
he faw it determined on the deitru(fdon of the
monarchy and of all civil order, and at lail to
emigrate from his country with the lofs of all his
1 L property,
27b THE FRENCH t^EVOLUTIOM. CHAP. IT*
**
of Orleans, he received it with all poffible gra-
*'
cioufnefs," {^avec toute la grace imaginable,^ Dur-
ing the conteds between the Court and the Parlia-
ment of he courted popularity with an inde-
Paris,
cency and folly that nothing can explain but a mad
and fiery ambition which blinded his eyes to all con-
sequences. This is put out of doubt by his behavi-
our
276 THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. CHAP, Wt
his
^yS THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. CHAP. iv.
preflive, and
to keep it in fuch a pofition that it
Ihould be acceffible in an inilant. (See the Depoii*-
tionsat the Chatelet, No. 177-)
But fuch was the contempt into which his grofs
profligacy, his cowardice, and
his niggardly difpofi-
1
yg2. The author was butchered in the maiTacre of
September. He fays, that on the death of a friend,
who had been very zealous Mafon, and many years
a
Mafter of a refpedable Lodge, he found among his
papers a colle6iion of Maionic writings, containing
the rituals, catechifms, and fymbols of every kind,
belonging to a long train of degrees of Free Mafon-
ry, together with many difcourfes delivered in dif-
ferent Ledges, and minutes of their proceedings.
The perufai filled himvyith ailoniihment and anxiety.
For he found that doctrines were taughc, and maxims
of conduct were inculcated, which were fubverlive ,
* Had the good man been fpared but a few montlis, his fur-
prife at this
negle6l would have ceafed. For, on the igtU of
November i
793, the Archbifhop of Paris came to the Bar of the
Alfembly, accomipanied by his Vicar and eleven other Clergymen,
who there renounced their Chriltianlty and their clerical vows ;
acknowledging that they had played the villain for many years
againft their confclences, teaching what they knew to be a lie, and
were now refolved to be honeft men. The Vicar indeed had be-
haved like a true Illuminatus feme time before, by runninof off with
another man's wife and his ftrong box.
None of them, however,
feem to have attained the higher myileries, for they were all guil-
lotined not long after.
was.
CHAP. iv. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. ^8l
*'
the Secrets of the Order, was conducS^ed to a
"
place where he faw the dead bodies of feveral
" who were faid to have fuiFered for their trea-
"
chery. He then faw his own brother tied hand
*'
and foot, begging his mercy and intercellion,
*'
He was uiformed that this perfon was about to
*'
fuffer the punifhment due to this oifence, and
" that it was referved for him
(the candidate) to
" be the inllrument of this
juft vengeance, and
" that this
gave him an opportunity of manifeil-
" that he was completely devoted to the Or-
ing
" der. It obferved that his countenance
being
gave figns of inward horror, (the perfon in
bonds imploring his mercy all the while) he
was told that in order to fpare his feelings, a
bandage fhould be put over his eyes. A dagger
il
was then put into his right hand, and being
hood-winked, his left hand was laid upon the
palpitating heart of the criminal, and he was
*'
then ordered to (Irike, He inftantly obeyed ;
" and when the
bandage was taken from his eyes,
2 N 'he
Kfe
286 THE FRENCH HfiVOLUflON. CHAP. iV
*'
he faw that it was lamb that he had {tabbed.
a
*'
Surely fiicli trials and fiich wanton cruelty are
''
fitonly for training conipirators."
Mr. Latocnaye adds, that '' when he had been
*'
initiated, an old gentleman aiked him what lie
''
thought of the whole ?" He anfwered, *' A great
'* ''
deal of noife, and much nonfenfe." Nonfenfe."
faid the other, don't judge foraflily, young man ;
*'
''
I have worked theie twenty-five years, and the
'^
farther I advanced, it intereRed me the more ;
" but I and nothing (hall prevail on
ilopped fliort,
" m.e advance In another con-
to a
ftep farther."
*'
verfation the gentleman faid, imagine that my I
''
(loppage was owing to my refufai about nine years
ago, to lift en to fome perfons who made to me,
CI
out of the Lodge, propofals which were feditious
" and
horrible; for ever fmce that time I have re-
marked, that my higher Brethren treat me vvi h a
much greater referve than they had done before,
and that, under the pretext of further inflruction;
thev have laboured to confute the notions which
''
v. Bodcy
6. Beytrage x.nr Biograpble des verjlorhenes Frey-Herr
-.1794.
Iffc- tfc.
7. Magaz'm des Ltteratur et
Kunjl, {or 1792, 3, 4?
flate
CHAP. IV. THE FRENCH REVOLUTICN. 2gl
flate for Illumination, having fhaken ofFallthe caba-^
liflical, chemical, and myilicai whims that had for-
'
fed impunity
that his majefly had unwarily
"
encouraged every fanatic to dilate to him,
" and to
fpread his poifonous fentiments, in v^hich
" the
rights of the throne were not only difre-
*'
fpecled, but were even difputed
that the rights
*'
of the higher ciaiTes in the Hate ran a great rifk
" of
being fpeedily fupprelTed, and that nothing
" would hinder the facred right of property from
being ere long invaded, and the unequal diftri-
^'
Johnjon^s Tranjlation,
29^ THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. CHAP, iv,
"
ways fiipport itfelf by the too great inflaence
" which it had
every corrupted (late. The
in
" Jaws (hoLild prevent the too great accumulation
" of it in Particular families.'' In fnort, the
counfcl was almoft verbatim what the Abbe Cof-
fandey declared to have been preached in the
meetiffgs of the Illuminali, which terrified him
and his colleagues, and made them quit the aifo-
ciation. Anarcharfis Cloots, born in Prufiian Weft-
phaiia, a keen llluminatus, carne to Paris for the
cxprefs purpofe of forwarding the great work, and
by intriguing in the (lyie of the Order, he got
himfelf made one of the Reprefentatives of the
Nation. He feems to have been one of the com-
pleted fanatics in Cofmo-politifm, and jull fuch a
tool Weifnaupt would choofe to employ for a
as
coarie and arduous job. He broke out at once in-
to all the extravagance of the unthinking
filly
herd, and his whole language is juft the jargon of
Illumination. Citizen of the world
Liberty and
Equality, the imprefcripitible Rights of Man
Morality, dear Morality Kings and Priefls are
ufelefs things
they are Defpots and Corrupters,
Sec. ^He declared himfelf an ath^ilf and zealouf-
,
it
might not be imprudent, becaufe they might ex-
ped reprifals. The Abbe Dubois engaged to poifon
the Comte d'Artois but was himfelf robbed and
poifoned by his accomplices.
;
There v;ere flrong
reafons for thinking that the Emperor of Germany
was poifoned- and that Mirabeau was thus treated
by his pupil Orleans, alfo Madame de Favras and
her fon.
This was copying the Illuminati very
carefully.
After thefe particulars, can any perfon have a
all
doubt that the Order of Illuminati formally inter-
fered in the French Revolution, and contributed
greatly to its progrefs? There is no denying the in-
folence and opprefTion of the Crown and the Nobles,
nor the mifery and flavery of the people, nor that
there were fufficient provocation and caufe for a to-
tal change of meafures and of principles. But the
rapidity with which one opinion was declared in
every corner, and that opinion as quickly changed,
and the change announced every where, and the
perfed conformity of the principles, and famenefs
of the language, even in arbitrary trifles, can hard-
ly be explained in any other It
may indeed
be faid
^'
que les
v/ay.
beaux genies fe rencontrent^ that
**
wits jump. The principles are the fame, and
*'
the condud of the French has been fuch as the
*'
Illuminati would have exhibited ; but this is all
*'
the Illuminati no longer e.xiiled," Enugh has
2 P been
302 THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. CHAP. IV.
refpedabie perfon
who will apply to him perfon-
ally. He has already given fuch convincing do-
cuments to the Emperor, and to feveral Princes,
that of the machinations occafioned by this
many
manifeiio have been deteded and (lopped ; and
41
be would hzv^ no fcruple at laying the whole be-
fore the public, did. it not unavoidably involve
feverai worthy perfon s who had fuifered them-
feives to be milled, and heartily repented of their
*'
were already aflured." One very important arti-
cle of their contents is Earnejl exhortations to eflahlijh
in every quarter ft'cret Jchools of political education^
and fchools for the public education of the children cf
the people^ under the direction of well-principled inaf-
ters ; and ofpecuniary affiftance for this purpofe^
offers
and for the encouragement of writers in favour cf the
Revolution^ and for indemnifying the patriotic hookfel
lers who Juffer by their endeavours to fupprefs publi-
cationswhich have an eppofite tendency. We know
very well that the iramenfe revenue ot the Duke of
Orleans was fcattered among ail the rabble of the
Palais Royal, Can we doubt of its being employed
in this manner? Our doubts muft vanifh, when
we fee that not long after this was publicly faid in
''
the National AfTembly, that this method was the
moft effedual for accomplilhing their purpofe of
fetting Europe in a flame."
*'
But much expence,"
iays the fpeaker,
''
will attend it, and much has al-
printing prefs,
Les Prejuges vaincus^ comaining ail
the principles, and expveded in the very words of
liluroinatifni.
iloiTmann lays, that the French Ptvpaganda had
many erniliarics in Vienna, and many friends
whom he could point oat. Mirabeau in particu-
lar had many connc^lions in Vienna, and to the
certain knowledge of Hoffmann, carried on a
great correfpondence in cyphers. The progrei? of
Illumination had been very great in the Aullrian
States, and a llatefman gave him an account of
their proceedings, ( qui font redrcfjer Its cheveux )
which makes one's hair ftand on end. *' I no lon-
" that the
Neuefts Arhei-
'
ger wonder," fays he,
*'
tung des Spartacus und Philo was forbidden.
''
O ye almighty Illumiuati^ what can you net
" accomplifn by
your ferpent like infinnation and
" This book is
'
cunning !" Your leaders fay,
" dangerous, becaufe it will teach wicked men
" the mofl: refined methods of rebellion, and it
" mud never get into the hands of the common
" people. They have faid v/ith the moil impu-
< dent face to fome Princes, who did not per-
" ceive the deeper-laid reaibn for fuppreliing the
" book. The leaders of the Illuminati are, not
** without reafon, in anxiety, left the inferior
< clalTes of their own Society Hiould make juft
'*
them by the very goodnei's of their hearts, to
'*
their final ruin and left the Free Mafons,
;
' whom
they have alfo abiifed, ihoukl think of
" revenp-inp- themfelves, when the matchlcfs vil-
^'
of inftrucling the people in the methods of fo-
*
menting
CHAf. IV. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. 305
**
meriting rebellion by this book. The aims are
" too
apparent, and even in the neighbourhood of
*'
Regeniburg, where the ilrength of the Illumi'
*'
nati lay, every pcrfon faid aloud, that the IHu-
*'
minatifni difcovered by this book was High
Treafon, and the mod unheard of attempt to
annihilate every religion and every civil go-
vernment.'' He goes on: '' In 1790 I was as
'*
well acquainted with the fpiritof the IHumina-
*'
tion-fNilem as at prefent, but only not fo docu-
" mented
by their conflitutional acts, as it is now
''
by tlic Neiiejle Arheitiing des Spartacus iind
" Philo^ Mafonic connections were formerly
*'
My
extenfive, and my publication entitled Eighteen
"
Paragraphs Concerning Free Mafonry^ procured
*'
me more acquaintance with Free Mafons of
*'
the greatefl v/orth, and of Illuminati equally
'
upright, perfons of refpeclability and knovv-
ledge, who had difcovered and repented the
''
*'
take a ferious turn The intelligent faw in the
''
open fyflem of the Jacobins the complete hid-
den fyftcm of the illuminati. Wc knew that
this fyftem included the whole world in its
*'
lar Revolution would fpeedily take place in
"
Germany.")
In the Hamburgh Political Journal, Auguft, Sep-
tember, and Os^ober 1790, there are many proofs
of the machinations of emifTaries from the Ma-
Free Ma-
fon LGdocs of Paris among the German
Tons Sec
pages 836, 963, 1087, c-'C. It appears
that a cud:) luis taken the name of Propaganda*
and meets once a week at Icaft, in the form of a
Mafon
GHAP. IV. THE FRENCH KlVOLUTlON. 307
Mafon Lodge. confiflsof perfons of all nations,
It
and under the diredlion of the Grand Mafter,
is
^*
ring the alarum bell, for infurredion and up-
*'
roar.-^ "We mufl, folemu manner, let the
in a
^*
people fee the banilhment of their tyrants and
*
privileged otherwife, the people, ac>
cafts
^*
cuflomed to their fetters, will not be able to
" break their bonds. -It will effect
nothing, mere-?
"
ly to excite a rifmg of the people
this would
"
by them,
" And
fince, in this manner, we ourfelves are
^'
the Revolutionary Adminillration, all that is
" be over-
againfl: the rights of the people muil
*' thrown at our
entry-r-We mult difplay our prln-
"
ciples by actually deftroying all tyranny ; and
" our
generals after having chafed away the ty-
*'
rants and their fatellites, mud proclaim to the
people that they have brought them happinefs;
^'
i(
you againil the vengeance of your tyrants*
&c
againfl their attacks, and againil their return.
u Therefore aboliOi from
among you the No-
bles, and every ecclefialtical and military in-
corporation. They arc incompatable with Equa-
u
Henceforward you are citizens, all equal
lity.
in rights
equally called
upon to rule^ to de-
fend, and to ferve your country. The agents
" of the French
Republic will iniirudl and affill
"
you in forming a free conftitution, and afTare
"
you of happinefs and fraternity."
This Report v^as loudly applauded, and a de-
cree formed in precife conformity to its princi-
ples. Both were ordered to be tranflated into
all languages, and copies to be furnilhed to their
General Reficdlions.
manly fliame.
But overlooked, or is kept out of lights
all this is
rage of ipeculation. We
may venture to put the
queliion to any man's confcience -whether difcon-
- tent
CHAP. iv. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. 317
tent did not precede his doubts about his own nature
and whether he has not encouraged the train of argu-
''
ment that tended degrade him ?
to Thy wifb
'*
was father, Harry, to that thought." -Should not
this make us diftruft, at leafl:, the operations of this
faculty of our mind, and try to moderate and check
this darling propeniity.
It feems a misfortune of
*'
tuated by reafon alone?" Henot without
is
*'
move temptation of Ihame^ but miifl: take care
this
*'
of the mother while ihe nurfes the child.- It is
*'
the property of the nation, and muft not be loft."
The woman all the while is confidered only as the
fhe-aniraal, the breeder of Sans Culottes. This is
ihejujl morality of Ilkmiiination. It is really amuf-
they
CHAP. iv. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. 323
*
358 THE FRENCH REVOLUTION, CHAP. iv.
eligibility of reprefentatives
and this is the beauty
of our conftitution.
JVe have not difcovered^ therefore, by this boafl-
ed Illumination, that Princes and fuperiors are
nieiefs, and mud vanifh from the earth ; nor that
the people have now attained full age, ?-nd are fit
to govern themfelves. We
want only to revel a
little on the laft fruits of national cultivation,
which we would quickly confume, and never al-
low to be railed again. No matter how this pro-
grefs began, whether from conceflion or ufurpa-
tion We pofTefs it, and, if wife, we will preferve
it, by preferving its
indifpenfable fupports. They
have
330 THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. CHAP. IV.
" and
evil, mud be extirpated from the human
*'
heart. The throne mud totter, the fubjefts
*'
mud become unmanageable and mutinous, and
''
their ruler hard-hearted and inhuman. The
"
people will be inceifantly oppreffed or in an
"
uproar."" What fervice will it be if I order
" fuch a book to be burnt,^ the author can Vv^rite
*'
another to-morrow,'' This opinion of a Prince
is unpoHQicd indetd, and homely, hut itJs juft.
Weiihaupt
CHAP. iv. TE FRENCH REVOLUTION, 33I
" there will be a terri-
Wciftiaupt grants, that
" ble
convulfion, and a ftorm but this Vvill be
" fucceeded
by a calm -the unequal will now be
"
equal
and when the caufe of difienlion is thus
removed, the world will be in peace."- True,
*'
#
33'2 TME FRENCH REVOLL'TION. CHAP. iVi
*'
faid the Prince,
"
but they were not in
True,"
*'
earned. I fee here a ferious intereft in the thing,
*'
The know what doing aie when they
church they underilaod fomething
people they
*'
go to of ir,
" and take an intereil in it." May his obfervation
be jutt, and his expedations be fulfilled
!
manity.
What fund of felf-eftimation would our
a noble
fair partners acquire to themfeives, if, by reform-
employ
CHAP. IV, THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. 33^
employ in extending their influence over mankind.
The empire of beaut}^ is but fhort, but the em-
pire of virtue is durable ; nor is there an indance
to be met with of its decline. If it be yet podible
to reform the world, it is poilible for the fair. By
the conditution of human nature, they muft al-
ways appear as the ornament of human life, and
be the objects of fondnefs and affelion ; fo that
if any thing can make head againft the felfifh and
flraCio^
where man was placed at a diftance from
the eye, that no faHc light of local fituation might
pervert the judgment or engage the paflions? Wa5
it not declared to be the mafter-piece of human
wifdom? Did not the nation confider it at leifure?
and, having it continually before their eyes, did
they not, flep by flep, give their affent to the dif-
ferent articles of their Conftitution, derived from
it, and fabricated by their moH choice Illumina-
tors? And did not this Conftitution draw the ap-
plaufes of tlie bright geniufes of other nations^
who by this time were bufy in perfuading^ each
his countrymen, that they were ignoramufes in
<
Do good,
'feek peace, and purfue it.**
jullice.
But I am
in the wroiig to adduce paternal or fi-
lial affedion in defence of
patriotifm
and loyalty,
fince even thofe natural inftinds are reprobated by
the llluminati, as hoilile to the all-comprehending
philanthropy. Mr. de laMetherie
fays, among that
the memorials fent from the clubs in England to the
National Affembly, he read two, (printed,) in which
the Affembly was requeued to eftabiifli a communi-
ty of wives, and to take children from their parents
and educate them for the nation. In full compli-
ance v^ith didate of univerfal philanthropy,
this
Beatus ille
qui procul negotils*
height, it is
frequently impoilible to tind a cure -
is moll
juilly entitled. In a former part of my life
I was pretty converlant in writings oi this kind, and
have feen aimoll every Engiifli performance of note.
I cannot exprefs the furpriie and difgufl which I felt
atthe number and the grofs indecency of the German
dilTertations which have come in mv way fince I be-
little hiftory, and
gan this many of the titles which
I obferve in the Leipzig
catalogues are fuch as I
think no Britifh writer would make ufe of. I am
told that the iicentioufnefs of the prefs has been
equally remarkable in France, even before the Re-
volution.
May this fenfe of propriety and decen-
cy long continue to
protcd us, and fupport the na-
tional
354 "^"^ FRENCH REVOLUTION. CHAP, JV,
*-
and enflaved native country." Peace be with
him.
But I grieve that he has left any of his friends
and abettors among us, who declaim, in the moil
violent and unqualified terms, againit all national
EflabliQiments of Religion, and in no friendly
terms of any ellablifliments which maintain or allow
any privileged Orders. Difcanting much on fuch
topics increafes the difiatisfaclion of the lefs fortu-
liate
part of mankind, who naturally repine at ad-
vantivges which do not arlfe from the peribnal merit
of th.^ akhoui>h thev are the natural and
pcfTeiTor,
necellary fruits of mrit in their anceflors, and of
the JLifiice and fecurity of our happy Conilitution.
No well informed and feniible man will deny that
the greateft injury was done to pure Religion v/hen
Coniiantine deciaied Chriftianity to beihe Religion
of the Empire, and vefced the Church with all the rich-
es and power of the Heathen Prieflhood. Butit is falfe
that this wasthe fourceof ail orof the woril corruptions
of Chrillianity. The mereii novice in Church Hiftory
knows that the errors of the GncHics, of the Cerin-
2 X thians.
^5^ THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. CHAP, iv^
al governiiient
No where elfe in Europe are the
claims of the different ranks in fociety fo generally
and fo candidly admitted. All feel their force, and
all allow them to others. Hence
happens that theyit
jftt/tltia
excedens terns vejligia fecii.
*'
public. mult
I entreat that it be remembered that
thefe iheets are not the work of an author deter-
mined to write a book. They were for the moft
part notes, which I took from books I had borrowed,
that I might occaiionally have recourfe to them
when occupied with Free Mafonry, the hrft cbjevft
of my curiofity. curiofity was diverted to ma-
My
ny other things as I went along,, and when the II-
luminati came in my way, I regretted the time 1
had thrown away on Free Mafonry,-But, obferving
their
\
3^4 THE FIIENCH REVOLUTION. CKAP. iv^
**
cannot but earneftly wilh for the happy conciufion of io irrs-
portant a Revolution, and, at the fame time, exprefs the ex-
**
**
trem.e fatisfaclion whiih it feels in refledting on the glorious
**
example v/hich France has given to the world." (The Reader
will remark, that in this example are contained all the horrors
which had been exhibited in France before the month of March
1790; and that before this time, the condudx of the Duke of
Orleans on the 5th and 6th of October 1789, with all the fhock-
frig
of thofe days, were fully known in England.)
atrocities
*'
The
Society refolves unanimoufly to invite all the people of
**
England to eftablifli Societies through the kingdom, to fupport
*'
the principles of the Revolution, to form correfpondence be-
" tween
themfelves, and by thefe means to ellablifii a great con-
**
certed Union of all the trueFriends of Liberty.*'
Pojlfcrlpt,
^6S FOSTCRIPT.
"
unjuil and ruinous aggrandifement of the vifto-
" rious Order."
They have the effrontery to
give the Magna Chart a as an inftance of an
ufurpation of the great feudatories, and have re-
prefented it in fuch a light as to make it the game
of their writers and of the tribunes. All this
they have done in order to reconcile the minds of
the few thinking men of the nation to the aboli-
tion of the different Orders of the State, and to
their National Convention in the form of a chao-
tic mafs of Frenchmen, one and indivifible :
*!.:
372 FOSTSCRIPfi
way,
" HeGentleman, every bit of him,"
is a
.and he is perfedtiy iinderiiood by all who hear Him
to mean, not a rank in life, but a turn of mind, a
tenor of condu6b that is amiable and worthy, and
the ground of confidence.
I /remark, with fome
queftions
of political difculTion, I would fay, that
we have ^ood reafons for giving this clafs of citizens
a great Ihare in the public deliberations. Befides
what I have already noticed of their habits of conii-
dering things general points of view, and their
in
a clofer conncdion with the nation than any
feeling
other clafs, I v/ould fay that the power and influence
which naturally attach to their being called to oftjces
of public truft, will probably be better lodged in
.rheir hands. If they are generally feleded for thefe
offices, they come of their
to confider them as parts
nary
POSTSCRIPT. 279
I
10STSCRIPT. 383
of Government. They employed writers to com-
pofe corrupting and impious books ihefe were
revifed by the Society, and corrected till
they fuited
their purpofe. A number were printed in a hand-
fome manner, to defray the expence ; and then a
much greater number were printed in the cheapefl
form poflible, and given for nothing, or at very
low prices, to hawkers and pedlars, with injunctions
to diftribute them fecretly through the cities and
villages. They even hired perfons to read them to
conventicles of thofe who had not learned to read.*
(See vol. i.
3433550
I am particularly (truckby a pofition of Abbe
" That and
Barruel, Irreligion unqualified Liberty and
*^
Equality are the genuine and original Secrets of Free
^^
Mafonry, and the ultimatum of a regular progrefs
^^
through all its degrees,'' He
fupports this re-
markable pofition with great ingenuity, and many
very pertinent fa6ls. I confcfs that now, when I
have got this impreffion, I iliall find it very difficult
to efface it. But I muft alfo fay, that this thought
never ftruck me, during all the time that I have
been
fuch did even their chief fet out, and fill his pock-
ets; witnefs his Pucelle d' Orleans ; and even after
they became the Jages of France^ they continued,
cither from coarfe taile or from fcrious principle,
for the diabolical purpofc of inflaming the palTions
of others, to interlard their graveft performances
with impure thoughts and fentiments. Nay, the
fecret of the Hotel d'Holbach fliews us that, for
any thing we know to the contrary, the vileft pro-
duclions of their prefs may have been the compofi-
tions of the o6togenary Voltaire, of the fly d'Alem-
bert, or of the author of the Fere de Famille. What
a pity it is that the Decline of the Roman Empire was
not written in England, and that its learned and
all
by no means what is
commonly afTigned to it, a
lover of knowledo-c. It is a lover of wifdom ^ and
philofophy profcffes to teach us what are the con-
ftituents of human felicity, and what are the means
of attaining it; what are our duties, and the gene-
ral rules for our conduct. The floics were philo-
fophers. The Chriflians arc alfo philofophers.
The Epicureans and the Sophifls of France would
alfo be called philofophers. I have put in my ob-
*'
:
by a mechanical phiiofopher.
^QO POSTSCRIPT.
with difdain
but we publifned his Henriade for
hj.'Ti:and, notwithftanding his repeated difappoint-
iti^Dts of the
fame kind, he durft not ofi'end his
countrymen by flandering us, but joined in the pro-
found refpcci: paid by all to Britifh fcience. Our
writers, whether on natural or moral fcience, are
and are ftudied
ftill
regarded as ftandard clafTics,
with care. Lord Verulam is acknowledged by eve-
the tirfl; juft de-
ry man of fcience to have given
out
fcription of true philofophy, pointed
its
THE END.
To the Binder.
* 2 * 2
B, and C, are to be placed before 2 B,
thcfe pages being repeated.