1 Essay on the Sect of the Illuminati

Warning
[i] In Germany and in France, much has been written for some time about Prussia, and against Prussia. The new Government has been judged with extreme severity. In all these books, there has been the question about the Illuminati. It is a dark Sect. It has much in common with the dissolute evils of the legacy of Frederick the Great. In such circumstances, we felt it appropriate to appease the curiosity of the pubic, & give this Essay so as to reveal the Truth. The picture is exposed. Their principles are perverse. The consequences are terrible. This is why we wrote. While it is dangerous to speak, it would be perfidious to remain silent. Although Germany is the home of these fatal errors, and although there they enjoy a high protection there, they are not foreign to other nations. France is not entirely pure, and is in turmoil. The Martinists are daring. Perhaps it can not be understood, but they represent more danger when all appears calm. O my people! Believe that we do not spread false alarms. We write with great courage, and we are far from having said everything. Why? The naked truth is that these men are the most violent satyrs. The story narrated in the amazing chapter nine, the incredible mysteries disclosed in the notes, make these vast subjects for meditation. [ii] Yet, we must address even more impostures and plots, but it could not be done without indicating the stage where this takes place and [thereby] subject to ridicule men of Social Order who otherwise there is a desire to respect.

Essay on the Sect

Essay on the Sect of the Illuminati

Introduction
[iii] When I wrote this book, I did not flatter myself thinking I would be believed, and thus I will not be flattered if I convince anyone. When it comes to revealing such extraordinary things, one must resign oneself that it will cost much to make such a declamation. Once a writer has declared himself, his writings will no [longer] be discussed. But if he has the strength of an exalted intention, knowing there will be a difficult and bitter trial, and if he has the noble desire to save humanity by arming himself with eloquence against the dreadful error, and if his character is strong enough, sensing the pressure of an imminent danger, he would, as any impartial participant should, at least obey such salutary fear of a perfidous disruption of safety, so that others can judge for themselves whether these are merely chimeric concerns or whether prudence orders caution. We honestly alarm [but] sincere people doubt because the perpetrators deny it. [Yet] the wise examine [the evidence] and it is to them I call out on this day, and I shout with such zeal. It would be enough to raise contempt for this mystical machine, but no one yet believes in its existence. One can articulate the facts, enabling others to verify, naming agents and accusing impostors, producing witnesses, publishing writings, begin a process to investigate, upon which follows an inquiry. All this may be possible [iv] if the Singer-Sirens of this sect are not the first voice rising in countries where the sovereign is the Pope of this new church. I do not know by what magic the Princes, usually who enjoy their pleasures and brilliant name, were the first to join in a confederation where they can only lose. There are thirty in Europe, ruling and non-ruling, who are so imbued with such nonsense that they are unaccomodating to Reason of even the most tolerant kind. If we want to deal with them, and try to proceed by the most simple logic, they begin by selfEssay on the Sect 2

Introduction

desire and they eventually finish by distancing themselves. We see the dregs of humanity, if they are not carried away by a respected name, serve as Preachers to spread by vapid posturing the doctrine of the Illuminati. Others constitute Fanatical Protectors of a Religion which they do not comprehend and they open their lands what they call States to all scattered Adventures so that the Sect is able to achieve its ends. Most welcome them with a fanatical zeal, while bringing on the livery [the doctrines] of Swedenborg, Schrpffer etc. In France, the elements of Theosophy are absent at the Court. It takes time to develop a religious system which then rapidly moves to shake peoples minds. The Literary Corps do not care. The laboring Bourgeoisie is poorly educated and thus fortunately still find inaccessible this kind of education. But there has arisen a small anti-philosophical party, composed of women Savantes, Abbe theologians, and some so-called Wise Men. Each party has its beliefs, its wonders, its Hierophant, its [v] Missionaries, its Adept, its critics. Thus in Paris, the center of all charlataneries, all the luminaries offer Visionaries of all kinds. Each tends to explain the Bible in favor of their system, as the base to its Religion, to fill his temple, to increase its catacombs. Here Jesus Christ plays a large role; there it is the devil; also there is Nature and far away is Faith. Everywhere Reason is nullified. Science is deemed unnecessary. Experience is a chimera. Barbarian somnambulism. Cagliostro heals. Lavater consoles. SaintMartin-educates, dE * *** (i [footnote])1 is the sacred miser. All employ error to get a useful reputation; and, with the exception of Lavater - who is a mixture of the spirit and of a good man (bonhomie), they have obtained the good faith of fools. Visions are in the hands of others who clearly are working in combination with the [above-referenced] movement.

1. [De Luchet] He suffered all the horrors of exile in Saint Marguerite. Essay on the Sect 3

Essay on the Sect of the Illuminati

In Germany, the courts give an impetus to all spirits. They are stronger than refined, and are easily convinced with lies and sillogisms. Once they turned their natural bonhomie toward their idol which they call philanthropy, there is little they would not adopt. The little Princes, who have a mania to be rented out, and whose names would be obliteratedly easily by the larger interests which are continuously stirring Europe, have let go the sweet incense of their Priests of the Illuminati, prodigals who praise happiness in books that people start but never finish. [vi] Women are also in the cast. Mysticism makes them think they will resuscitate the beautiful days of their innocence. [Likewise] the class of courtiers embraces the new sect, because among the protectors & followers, there is a trade in pensions, and of presents, and of titles. [While] this class stands opposed to the initiations, the revealed mysteries and the consoling predictions [in the lodge], yet [this trade] results in a great fidelity to dogmas which remunerate. In Poland and in Russi, there are Proselites, especially in Russia where religion is open to mystic systems and anything that has enthusiasm. There [in Russia] are great apostalizing characters. And although the Empress rejects anything that comes form the foibles of the human spirit, we find [in her court] theosophists, even crazy eyed ones whom even the brave avoid. May her successor inherit the same Philosophy [as the Empress]! This vast country [surely] can not know another slavery which condemned its first masters! Do you believe that the country of England is not quite free from these beliefs? It is not a complete system, like in Germany, but there are species of brotherhoods where they dogmatise, where it is injected by the secret zeal of insiders. The progress is slower than elsewhere only because the English travel a lot, and although most travel very badly, they however learn to know the mass of men and are able to perceive those kinds who are the most vile and despicable that the most

Essay on the Sect

Introduction

[vi]

Essay on the Sect

Essay on the Sect of the Illuminati

Essay on the Sect