Chapter VIII: Part 8

Mirabeau had a large portion of that self-conceit which distinguishes his countrymen. He thought himself qualified not only for any high office in administration, but even for managing the whole affairs of the new King. He therefore endeavoured to obtain some post of honour. But he was disappointed, and, in revenge, did every thing in his power to make those in administration the objects of public ridicule and reproach. His licentious and profligate manners were such as excluded him from the society of the people of the first classes, whom it behoved to pay some attention to personal dignity. His opinions were in the highest degree corrupted, and he openly professed Atheism. This made him peculiarly obnoxious to the King, who was determined to correct the disturbances and disquiets which had arisen in the Prussian states from the indifference of his predecessor in those matters. Mirabeau therefore attached himself to a junto of writers and scribblers, who had united in order to disseminate licentious principles, both in respect of religion and of government. His wit and fancy were great, and he had not perhaps his equal for eloquent and biting satire. He was therefore caressed by those writers as a most valuable acquisition to their Society. He took all this deference as his just due; and was so confident in his powers, and so foolish, as to advise, and even to admonish, the King. Highly obnoxious by such conduct, he was excluded from any chance of preferment, and was exceedingly out of humour. In this state of mind he was in a fit frame for Illumination. Spartacus had been eyeing him for some time, and at last communicated this honour to him through the intermedium of Mauvillon, another Frenchman, Lieutenant-Colonel in the service of the Duke of Brunswick. This person had been most active during the formal existence of the Order, and had contributed much to its reception in the Protestant states--he remained long concealed. Indeed his Illumination was not known till the invasion of Holland by the French. Mauvillon then stepped forth, avowed his principles, and recommended the example of the French to the Germans. This encouragement brought even Philo again on the stage, notwithstanding his resentment against Spartacus, and his solemn declaration of having abjured all such societies.--These, and a thousand such facts, show that the seeds of licentious Cosmopolitism had taken deep root, and that cutting down the crop had by no means destroyed the baneful plant.--But this is not all--a new method of cultivation had been invented, and immediately adopted, and it was now growing over all Europe in another form.

I have already taken notice of the general perversion of the public mind which co-operated with the schisms of Free Masonry in procuring a listening ear to Spartacus and his associates. It will not be doubted but that the machinations of the Illuminati increased this, even among those who did not enter into the Order. It was easier to diminish the respect for civil establishments in Germany than in almost any other country. The frivolity of the ranks and court-offices in the different confederated petty states made it impossible to combine dignity with the habits of a scanty income.--It was still easier to expose to ridicule and reproach those numberless abuses which the folly and the vices of men had introduced into religion. The influence on the public mind which naturally attaches to the venerable office of a moral instructor, was prodigiously diminished by the continual disputes of the Catholics and Protestants, which were carried on with great heat in every little principality. The freedom of enquiry, which was supported by the state in Protestant Germany, was terribly abused, (for what will the folly of man not abuse?) and degenerated into a wanton licentiousness of thought, and a rage for speculation and scepticism on every subject whatever. The struggle, which was originally between the Catholics and the Protestants, had changed, during the gradual progress of luxury and immorality, into a contest between reason and superstition. And in this contest the denomination of superstition had been gradually extended to every doctrine which professed to be of divine revelation, and reason was declared to be, for certain, the only way in which the Deity can inform the human mind.

Some respectable Catholics had published works filled with liberal sentiments. These were represented as villainous machinations to inveigle Protestants. On the other hand, some Protestant divines had proposed to imitate this liberality by making concessions which might enable a good Catholic to live more at ease among the Protestants, and might even accelerate an union of faiths. This was hooted beyond measure, as Jesuitical, and big with danger. While the sceptical junto, headed by the editors of the _Deutsche Bibliothek_ and the _Berlin Monatschrift_, were recommending every performance that was hostile to the established faith of the country, Leuchtsenring was equally busy, finding Jesuits in every corner, and went about with all the inquietude of a madman, picking up anecdotes. Zimmerman, the respectable physician of Frederick King of Prussia, gives a diverting account of a visit which he had from Leuchtsenring at Hanover, all trembling with fears of Jesuits, and wishing to persuade him that his life was in danger from them. Nicholai was now on the hunt, and during this crusade Philo laid hands on him, being introduced to his acquaintance by Leuchtsenring, who was, by this time, cured of his zeal for Protestantism, and had become a disciple of Illuminatism. Philo had gained his good opinion by the violent attack which he had published on the Jesuits and Rosycrucians by the orders of Spartacus.--He had not far to go in gaining over Nicholai, who was at this time making a tour through the Lodges. The sparks of Illumination which he perceived in many of them pleased him exceedingly, and he very cheerfully received the precious secret from Philo.

This acquisition to the Order was made in January 1782. Spartacus was delighted with it, considered Nicholai as a most excellent champion, and gave him the name of _Lucian_, the great scoffer at all religion, as aptly expressing his character.

Nicholai, on his return to Berlin, published many volumes of his discoveries. One would imagine that not a Jesuit had escaped him. He mentions many strange schismatics, both in religion and in Masonry--But he never once mentions an _Illuminatus_.--When they were first checked, and before the discovery of the secret correspondence, he defended them, and strongly reprobated the proceedings of the Elector of Bavaria, calling it vile persecution.--Nay, after the discovery of the letters found in Zwack's house, he persisted in his defence, vindicated the possession of the abominable receipts, and highly extolled the character of Weishaupt.--But when the discovery of papers in the house of Batz informed the public that he himself had long been an _Illuminatus_, he was sadly put to it to reconcile his defence with any pretensions to religion[11].----Weishaupt saved him from disgrace, as he thought, by his publication of the system of Illuminatism--Nicholai then boldly said that he knew no more of the Order than was contained in that book, that is, only the two first degrees.

[11] He impudently pretended that the papers containing the system
and doctrines of Illuminatism, came to him at Berlin, from an
unknown hand. But no one believed him--it was inconsistent with
what is said of him in the secret correspondence. He had said the
same thing concerning the French translation of the Letters on the
Constitution of the Prussian States. Fifty copies were found in his
ware-house. He said that they had been sent from Strasburg, and that
he had never sold one of them.--Supposing both these assertions to
be true, it appears that Nicholai was considered as a very proper
hand for dispersing such poison.

But before this, Nicholai had made to himself a most formidable enemy. The history of this contest is curious in itself, and gives us a very instructive picture of the machinations of that _conjuration des philosophes_, or gang of scribblers who were leagued against the peace of the world. The reader will therefore find it to our purpose. On the authority of a lady in Courland, a Countess von der Recke, Nicholai had accused Dr. Stark of Darmstadt (who made such a figure in Free Masonry) of Jesuitism, and of having even submitted to the _tonsure_. Stark was a most restless spirit--had gone through every mystery in Germany, Illuminatism excepted, and had ferreted out many of Nicholai's hidden transactions. He was also an unwearied book-maker, and dealt out these discoveries by degrees, keeping the eye of the public continually upon Nicholai. He had suspected his Illumination for some time past, and when the secret came out, by Spartacus' letter, where he boasts of his acquisition, calling Nicholai a most sturdy combatant, and saying that he was _contentissimus_, Stark left no stone unturned till he discovered that Nicholai had been initiated in all the horrid and most profligate mysteries of Illuminatism, and that Spartacus had at the very first entrusted him with his most darling secrets, and advised with him on many occasions[12].

[12] Of this we have complete proof in the private correspondence.
Philo, speaking in one of his letters of the gradual change which
was to be produced in the minds of their pupils from Christianity to
Deism, says, "Nicholai informs me, that even the pious Zollikofer
has now been convinced that it would be proper to set up a deistical
church in Berlin." It is in vain that Nicholai says that his
knowledge of the Order was only of what Weishaupt had published; for
Philo says that that corrected system had not been introduced into
it when he quitted it in 1784. But Nicholai deserves no credit--he
is one of the most scandalous examples of the operation of the
principles of Weishaupt. He procured admission into the Lodges
of Free Masons and Rosycrucians, merely to act the dishonourable
part of a spy, and he betrayed their secrets as far as he could.
In the appendix to the 7th volume of his journey, he declaims
against the Templar Masons, Rosycrucians, and Jesuits, for their
blind submission to unknown superiors, for their superstitions,
their priesthoods, and their base principles--and yet had been five
years in a society in which all these were carried to the greatest
height. He remains true to the Illuminati alone, because they had
the same object in view with himself and his atheistical associates,
His defence of Protestantism is all a cheat; and perhaps he may be
considered as an enemy equally formidable with Weishaupt himself.
This is the reason why he occupies so many of these pages.

This complete blasting of his moral character could not be patiently borne, and Nicholai was in his turn the bitter enemy of Stark, and, in the paroxysms of his anger, published every idle tale, although he was often obliged to contradict them in the next Review. In the course of this attack and defence, Dr. Stark discovered the revival of the Illuminati, or at least a society which carried on the same great work in a somewhat different way.

Dr. Stark had written a defence against one of Nicholai's accusations, and wished to have it printed at Leipzig. He therefore sent the manuscript to a friend, who resided there. This friend immediately proposed it to a most improper person, Mr. Pott, who had written an anonymous commentary on the King of Prussia's edict for the uniformity of religious worship in his dominions. This is one of the most shameless attacks on the established faith of the nation, and the authority and conduct of the Prince, that can be imagined. Stark's friend was ignorant of this, and spoke to Pott, as the partner of the great publisher Walther. They, without hesitation, undertook the publishing; but when six weeks had passed over, Stark's friend found that it was not begun. Some exceptionable passages, which treated with disrespect the religion of Reason, were given as the cause of delay; and he was told that the author had been written to about them, but had not yet returned an answer. This was afterwards found to be false. Then a passage in the preface was objected to, as treating roughly a lady in Courland, which Walther could not print, because he had connections with that court. The author must be entreated to change his expressions. After another delay, paper was wanting. The MS. was withdrawn. Walther now said that he would print it immediately, and again got it into his hands, promising to send the sheets as they came from the press. These not appearing for a long time, the agent made enquiry, and found that it was sent to Michaelis at Halle, to be printed there. The agent immediately went thither, and found that it was printing with great alterations, another title, and a guide or key, in which the work was perverted and turned into ridicule by a Dr. Bahrdt, who resided in that neighborhood. An action of recovery and damages was immediately commenced at Leipzig, and after much contest, an interdict was put on Michaelis's edition, and a proper edition was ordered immediately from Walther, with securitty that it should appear before Bahrdt's key. Yet when it was produced at the next fair, the booksellers had been already supplied with the spurious edition; and as this was accompanied by the key, it was much more saleable ware, and completely supplanted the other.

This is surely a strong instance of the machinations by which the Illuminati have attempted to destroy the Liberty of the Press, and the power they have to discourage or suppress any thing that is not agreeable to the taste of the literary junto. It was in the course of this transaction that Dr. Stark's agent found people talking in the coffee-houses of Leipzig and Halle of the advantages of public libraries, and of libraries by subscription, in every town, where persons could, at a small expence, see what was passing in the learned world. As he could not but acquiesce in these points, they who held this language began to talk of a general Association, which should act in concert over all Germany, and make a full communication of its numerous literary productions by forming societies for reading and instruction, which should be regularly supplied with every publication. Flying sheets and pamphlets were afterwards put into his hands, stating the great use of such an Association, and the effect which it would speedily produce by enlightening the nation. By and by he learned that such an Association did really exist, and that it was called the GERMAN UNION, for ROOTING OUT SUPERSTITION AND PREJUDICES, AND ADVANCING TRUE CHRISTIANITY. On enquiry, however, he found that this was to be a Secret Society, because it had to combat prejudices which were supported by the great of this world, and because its aim was to promote that general information which priests and despots dreaded above all things. This Association was accessible only through the reading societies, and oaths of secrecy and fidelity were required. In short, it appeared to be the old song of the Illuminati.

This discovery was immediately announced to the public, in an anonymous publication in defence of Dr. Stark. It is supposed to be his own performance. It discloses a scene of complicated villiany and folly, in which the Lady in Courland makes a very strange figure. She appears to be a wild fanatic, deeply engaged in magic and ghost-raising, and leagued with Nicholai, Gedicke, and Biester, against Dr. Stark. He is very completely cleared of the facts alledged against him; and his three male opponents appear void of all principle and enemies of all religion. Stark however would, in Britain, be a very singular character, considered as a clergyman. The frivolous secrets of Masonry have either engrossed his whole mind, or he has laboured in them as a lucrative trade, by which he took advantage of the folly of others. The contest between Stark and the Triumvirate at Berlin engaged the public attention much more than we should imagine that a thing of so private a nature would do. But the characters were very notorious; and it turned the attention of the public to those clandestine attacks which were made in every quarter on the civil and religious establishments. It was obvious to every person, that these reading societies had all on a sudden become very numerous; and the characters of those who patronised them only increased the suspicions which were now raised.

The first work that speaks expressly of the German Union, is a very sensible performance "_On the Right of Princes to direct the Religion of their Subjects_." The next is a curious work, a sort of narrative _Dialogue on the Characters of Nicholai, Gedicke, and Biester_. It is chiefly occupied with the contest with Dr. Stark, but in the 5th part, it treats particularly of the German Union.

About the same time appeared some farther account, in a book called _Archives of Fanaticism and Illuminatism_. But all these accounts are very vague and unsatisfactory. The fullest account is to be had in a work published at Leipzig by Goschen the bookseller. It is entitled, "_More Notes than Text, or the German Union of XXII, a new Secret Society for the Good of Mankind_," _Leipzig_ 1789. The publisher says that it was sent him by an unknown hand, and that he published it with all speed, on account of the many mischiefs which this Society, (of which he had before heard several reports,) might do to the world, and to the trade, if allowed to go on working in secret. From this work, therefore, we may form a notion of this redoubtable Society, and judge how far it is practicable to prevent such secret machinations against the peace and happiness of mankind.

There is another work, "_Further information concerning the German Union_ (Nahere Beleuchtung der Deutsche Union,) _also showing how, for a moderate price, one may become a Scotch Free Mason_." _Frankford and Leipzig_, 1789. The author says that he had all the papers in his hands; whereas the author of _More Notes than Text_ acknowledges the want of some. But very little additional light is thrown on the subject by this work, and the first is still the most instructive, and will chiefly be followed in the account which is now to be laid before the reader.

The book _More Notes than Text_ contains plans and letters, which the Twenty-two United Brethren have allowed to be given out, and of which the greatest part were printed, but were entrusted only to assured members.

No. I. is the first plan, printed on a single quarto page, and is addressed, _To all the Friends of Reason, of Truth, and of Virtue_. It is pretty well written, and states among other things, that "because a great number of persons are labouring, with united effort, to bring Reason under the yoke, and to prevent all instruction, it is therefore necessary that there be a combination which shall work in opposition to them so that mankind may not sink anew into irrecoverable barbarism, when Reason and Virtue shall have been completely subdued, overpowered by the restraints which are put on our opinions."----"For this noble purpose a company of twenty-two persons, public instructors, and men in private stations, have united themselves, according to a plan which they have had under consideration for more than a year and a half, and which, in their opinion, contains a method that is fair and irresistible by any human power, for promoting the enlightening and forming of mankind, and that will gradually remove all the obstacles which superstition supported by force has hitherto put in the way."

This address is intended for an enlisting advertisement, and, after a few insignificant remarks on the Association, a rix-dahler is required along with the subscription of acquiescence in the plan, as a compensation for the expences attending this mode of intimation and consent.

Whoever pays the rix-dahler, and declares his wish to join the Association, receives in a few days, No. II. which is a form of the Oath of secrecy, also printed on a single 4to page. Having subscribed this, and given a full designation of himself, he returns it agreeably to a certain address; and soon after, he gets No. III. printed on a 4to sheet. This number contains what is called the Second Plan, to which all the subsequent plans and circular letters refer. A copy therefore of this will give us a pretty full and just notion of the Order, and its mode of declaration. It is intitled,

_The Plan of the Twenty-Two_,

and begins with this declaration: "We have united, in order
to accomplish the aim of the exalted Founder of Christianity,
viz. the enlightening of mankind, and the dethronement of
superstition and fanaticism, by means of a secret fraternization
of all who love the work of God.

"Our first exertion, which has already been very extensive,
consists in this, that, by means of confidential persons, we
allow ourselves to be announced every where as a Society united
for the above-mentioned purpose; and we invite and admit into
brotherhood with ourselves every person who has a sense of the
importance of this matter, and wishes to apply to us and see our
plans.

"We labour first of all to draw into our Association all
good and learned writers. This we imagine will be the easier
obtained, as they must derive an evident advantage from it. Next
to such men, we seek to gain the masters and secretaries of the
Post-offices, in order to facilitate our correspondence.

"Besides these, we receive persons of every condition and
station, excepting princes and their ministers. Their
favourites, however, may be admitted, and may be useful by their
influence in behalf of Truth and Virtue.

"When any person writes to us, we send him an oath, by which
he must abjure all treachery or discovery of the Association,
till circumstances shall make it proper for us to come forward
and show ourselves to the world. When he subscribes the oath,
he receives the plan, and if he finds this to be what satisfies
his mind as a thing good and honourable, he becomes our friend
only in so far as he endeavours to gain over his friends and
acquaintances. Thus we learn who are really our zealous friends,
and our numbers increase in a double proportion.

"This procedure is to continue till Providence shall so far
bless our endeavours, that we acquire an active Brother and
coadjutor in every place of note, where there is any literary
profession; and for this purpose we have a secretary and proper
office in the center of the Association, where every thing is
expedited, and all reports received. When this happy epoch
arrives, we begin our second operation." That is to say,

"We intimate to all the Brotherhood in every quarter, on a
certain day, _that_ THE GERMAN UNION _has now acquired a
consistence_, and we now divide the fraternised part of the
nation into ten or twelve _Provinces_ or _Dioceses_, each
directed by its _Diocesan_ at his office; and these are so
arranged in due subordination, that all business comes into the
UNION-HOUSE as into the center of the whole.

"Agreeably to this manner of proceeding there are two classes
of the Brotherhood, the _Ordinary_ and the _Managing_ Brethren.
The latter alone know the aim of the association, and all the
means for attaining it; and they alone constitute the UNION, the
name, and the connection of which is not intended to be at all
conspicuous in the world.

"To this end the business takes a new external form. The
Brethren, to wit, speak not of the Union in the places where
they reside, nor of a Society, nor of enlightening the people;
but they assemble, and act together in every quarter, merely
as a LITERARY SOCIETY, bring into it all the lovers of reading
and of useful knowledge; and such in fact are the _Ordinary
Brethren_, who only know that an Association exists in their
place of residence for the encouragement of literary men, but
by no means that it has any connection with any other similar
Society, and that they all constitute one whole. But these
Societies will naturally point out to the intelligent Brethren
such persons as are proper to be selected for carrying forward
the great work. For persons of a serious turn of mind are not
mere loungers in such company, but show in their conversation
the interest they take in real instruction. And the cast of
their reading, which must not be checked in the beginning in
the smallest degree, although it may be gradually directed
to proper subjects of information, will point out in the most
unequivocal manner their peculiar ways of thinking on the
important subjects connected with our great object. Here,
therefore, the active Brethren will observe in secret, and will
select those whom they think valuable acquisitions to the sacred
Union. They will invite such persons to unite with themselves in
their endeavours to enlighten the rest of mankind, by calling
their attention to profitable subjects of reading, and to
proper books. Reading Societies, therefore, are to be formed in
every quarter, and to be furnished with proper books. In this
provision attention must be paid to two things. The taste of
the public must be complied with, that the Society may have any
effect at all in bringing men together who are born for somewhat
more than just to look about them. But the general taste may,
and must also be carefully and skilfully directed to subjects
that will enlarge the comprehension, will fortify the heart,
and, by habituating the mind to novelty, and to successful
discovery, both in physics and in morals, will hinder the timid
from being startled at doctrines and maxims which are singular,
or perhaps opposite to those which are current in ordinary
society. Commonly a man speaks as if he thought he was uttering
his own sentiments, while he is only echoing the general sound.
Our minds are dressed in a prevailing fashion as much as our
bodies, and with stuff as little congenial to sentiment, as a
piece of woollen cloth is to the human skin. So careless and
indolent are men, even in what they call serious conversation.
Till reflection becomes a habit, what is really a thought
startles, however simple, and, if really uncommon, it astonishes
and confounds. Nothing, therefore, can so powerfully tend to
the improvement of the human character, as well-managed Reading
Societies.

"When these have been established in different places, we must
endeavour to accomplish the following intermediate plans: 1.
To introduce a general literary Gazette or Review, which, by
uniting all the learned Brethren, and combining with judgment
and address all their talents, and steadily proceeding according
to a distinct and precise plan, may in time supplant every other
Gazette, a thing which its intrinsic merit and comprehensive
plan will easily accomplish. 2. To select a secretary for our
Society, who shall have it in charge to commission the books
which they shall select in conformity to the great aim of the
Association, and who shall undertake to commission all other
books for the curious in his neighbourhood. If there be a
bookseller in the place, who can be gained over and sworn into
the Society, it will be proper to choose him for this office,
since, as will be made more plain afterwards, the trade will
gradually come into the plan, and fall into the hands of the
Union.

"And now, every eye can perceive the progressive moral influence
which the Union will acquire on the nation. Let us only conceive
what superstition will lose, and what instruction must gain by
this; when, 1. In every Reading Society the books are selected
by our Fraternity. 2. When we have confidential persons in every
quarter, who will make it their serious concern to spread
such performances as promote the enlightening of mankind, and
to introduce them even into every cottage. 3. When we have the
loud voice of the public on our side, and since we are able,
either to banish into the shade all the fanatical writings
which appear in the reviews that are commonly read, or to warn
the public against them; and, on the other hand, to bring into
notice and recommend those performances alone which give light
to the human mind. 4. When we by degrees bring the whole trade
of bookselling into our hands, (as the good writers will send
all their performances into the market through our means) we
shall bring it about, that at last the writers who labour in
the cause of superstition and restraint, will have neither a
publisher nor readers. 5. When, lastly, by the spreading of our
Fraternity, all good hearts and sensible men will adhere to us,
and by our means will be put in a condition that enables them to
work in silence upon all courts, families, and individuals in
every quarter, and acquire an influence in the appointment of
court-officers, stewards, secretaries, parish-priests, public
teachers, and private tutors.

"Remark, That we shall speedily get the trade into our hands,
(which was formerly the aim of the Association called the
_Gelehrtenbuchhandlung_) 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
sale of his performance; so that his gain is increased manifold,
and consequently all will quit the booksellers, and accede to us
by degrees. Had the above named Association been constructed in
this manner, it would, long ere now, have been the only shop in
Germany."

The book called _Fuller Information_, &c. gives a more particular account of the advantages held forth to the literary manufacturers of Germany by this Union _for God's work_. The Class of literary Brothers, or writers by trade, was divided into _Mesopolites_, _Aldermen_, _Men_, and _Cadets_.

The MESOPOLITES, or Metropolitans, are to be attached to the archive-office, and to be taken care of in the Union-house, when in straits through age or misfortune. They will be occupied in the department of the sciences or arts, which this Association profess principally to cherish. They are also Brethren of the third degree of Scotch Free Masonry, a qualification to be explained afterwards. The Union-house is a building which the ostensible Founder of the Union professed to have acquired, or speedily to acquire at ----, through the favour and protection of a German Prince, who is not named.

ALDERMEN are persons who hold public offices, and are engaged to exercise their genius and talents in the sciences. These also are Brothers of the third rank of Scotch Free Masonry, and out of their number are the Diocesans and the Directors of the Reading Societies selected.

The members who are designed simply MEN, are Brothers of the second rank of Masonry, and have also a definite scientific occupation assigned them.

The CADETS are writers who have not yet merited any particular honours, but have exhibited sufficient dispositions and talents for different kinds of literary manufacture.

Every member is bound to bring the productions of his genius to market through the Union. An Alderman receives for an original work 80 per cent. of the returns, and 70 for a translation. The member of the next class receives 60, and the Cadet 50. As to the expence of printing, the Alderman pays nothing, even though the work should lie on hand unsold; but the _Man_ and the _Cadet_ must pay one-half. Three months after publication at the fairs an account is brought in, and after this, yearly, when and in what manner the author shall desire.

In every Diocese will be established at least one Reading Society, of which near 800 are proposed. To each of these will a copy of an _Alderman's_ work be sent. The same favour will be shown to a dissertation by a _Man_, or by a _Cadet_, provided that the manuscript is documented by an Alderman, or formally approved by him upon serious perusal. This _imprimatur_, which must be considered as a powerful recommendation of the work, is to be published in the _General Review_ or _Gazette_. This is to be a vehicle of political as well as of literary news; and it is hoped that, by its intrinsic worth, and the recommendation of the members, it will soon supplant all others. (With respect to affairs of the Union, a sort of cypher was to be employed in it. Each Diocesan was there designed by a letter, of a size that marked his rank, and each member by a number. It was to appear weekly, at the very small price of five-and-twenty shillings.)--But let us return to the plan.

When every thing has been established in the manner set forth above, the Union will assume the following republican form, (the reader always recollecting that this is not to appear to the world, and to be known only to the _managing_ Brethren.

* * * * *

Here, however, there is a great blank. The above-named sketch of this Constitution did not come to the hands of the person who furnished the bookseller with the rest of the information. But we have other documents which give sufficient information for our purpose. In the mean time, let us just take the papers as they stand.

No. IV. Contains a list of the German Union, which the sender received in manuscript. Here we find many names which we should not have expected, and miss many that were much more likely to have been partners in this patriotic scheme. There are several hundred names, but very few designations; so that it is difficult to point out the individuals to the public. Some however are designed, and the writer observes that names are found, which, when applied to some individuals whom he knows, accord surprisingly with the anecdotes that are to be seen in the private correspondence of the Illuminati, and in the romance called Materials for the History of Socratism (Illuminatism)[13]. It is but a disagreeable remark, that the list of the Union contains the names of many public teachers, both from the pulpit, and from the accademic chair in all its degrees; and among these are several whose cyphers show that they have been active hands. Some of these have in their writings given evident proofs of their misconception of the simple truths, whether dogmatical or historical, of revealed religion, or of their inclination to twist and manufacture them so as to chime in with the religion and morality of the Sages of France. But it is more distressing to meet with unequivocal names of some who profess in their writings to consider these subjects as an honest man should consider them, that is, according to the plain and common sense of the words; whereas we have demonstrative proofs that the German Union had the diametrically opposite purpose in view. The only female in the list is the _Grafin von der Recke_, the Lady who gave Dr. Stark of Darmstadt so much trouble about his _Tonsure_. This Lady, as we have already seen, could not occupy herself with the frivolity of dress, flirtation, or domestic cares. "_Femina fonte patet, vir pectore._" She was not pleased however at finding her name in such a Plebeian list, and gave oath, along with Biester at the centre, that she was not of the Association. I see that the public was not satisfied with this denial. The Lady has published some more scandal against Stark since that time, and takes no notice of it; and there have appeared many accounts of very serious literary connections between these two persons and the man who was afterwards discovered to be the chief agent of the Union.

[13] This, by the by, is a very curious and entertaining work, and,
had the whole affair been better known in this country, would have
been a much better antidote against the baneful effects of that
Association than any thing that I can give to the public, being
written with much accuteness and knowledge of the human mind, and
agreeably diversified with anecdote and ironical exhibition of the
affected wisdom and philanthropy of the knavish Founder and his
coadjutors. If the present imperfect and desultory account shall be
found to interest the public, I doubt not but that a translation of
this novel, and some other fanciful performances on the subject,
will be read with entertainment and profit.

No. V. is an important document. It is a letter addressed to the sworn members of the Union, reminding the beloved fellow-workers that "the bygone management of the business has been expensive, and that the XXII. do not mean to make any particular charge for their own compensation. But that it was necessary that all and each of the members should know precisely the object of the Association, and the way which mature consideration had pointed out as the most effectual method of attaining this object. Then, and not till then, could the worthy members act by one plan, and consequently with united force. To accomplish this purpose, one of their number had composed a Treatise _on Instruction, and the means of promoting it_.[14]" This work has been revised by the whole number, and may be considered as the result of their deepest reflection. They say, that it would be a signal misfortune should this Association, this undertaking, so important for the happiness of mankind, be cramped in the very beginning of its brilliant progress. They therefore propose to print this work, this Holy Scripture of their faith and practice, by subscription. (They here give a short account of the work.) And they request the members to encourage the work by subscribing, and by exerting more than their usual activity in procuring subscriptions, and in recommending the performance in the newspapers. Four persons are named as Diocesans, who are to receive the money, which they beg may be speedily advanced in order to purchase paper, that the work may be ready for the first fair (Easter 1788.)

[14] _Ueber AUFFKLARUNG und deren Beforderungs-Mittel._ The
only proper translation of this word would be, _clearing up_ or
_enlightening_. _Instruction_ seems the single word that comes
nearest to the precise meaning of _Auffklarung_, but is not
synonymous.

No. VI. is a printed paper (as is No. V.) without date, farther recommending the Essay on Instruction. No. VII. is in manuscript, without date. It is addressed to "a worthy man," intimating that the like are sent to others, to whom will also speedily be forwarded an improved plan, with a request to cancel or destroy the former contained in No. III. It is added, that the Union now contains, among many others, more than two hundred of the most respectable persons in Germany, of every rank and condition, and that in the course of the year, (1788,) a general list will be sent, with a request that the receiver will point out such as he does not think worthy of perfect confidence. It concludes with another recommendation of the book _on Instruction_, on the returns from which first work of the German Union the support of the secretary's office is to depend.

Accordingly No. VIII. contains this plan, but it is not entitled _The Improved Plan_. Such a denomination would have called in doubt the infallibility of the XXII. It is therefore called the _Progressive_ (vorlaufig) plan, a title which leaves room for every subsequent change. It differs from the former only in some unimportant circumstances. Some expressions, which had given offence or raised suspicions, are softened or cancelled. Two copies of this, which we may call A and B, are given, differing also in some circumstances.

"The great aim of the German Union is the good of mankind, which is to be attained only by means of mental illumination (_Auffklarung_) and the dethroning of fanaticism and moral despotism." Neither paper has the expression which immediately followed in the former plan, "that this had been the aim of the exalted founder of Christianity." The paper A refers, on the present subject, to a dissertation printed in 1787, without a name, _On the freedom of the Press and its Limitation_. This is one of the most licentious pieces that has been published on the subject, not only enforcing the most unqualified liberty of publishing every thing a man pleases, but exemplifying it in the most scandalous manner; libelling characters of every sort, and persons of every condition, and this frequently in the most abusive language, and expressions so coarse, as shewed the author to be either habituated to the coarsest company, or determined to try boldly once for all, what the public eye can bear. The piece goes on: "The Union considers it as a chief part of its secret plan of operation, to include the trade of bookselling in their circle. By getting hold of this, they have it in their power to increase the number of writings which promote instruction, and to lessen that of those which mar it, since the authors of the latter will by degrees lose both their publishers and their readers. That the present booksellers may do them no harm, they will by degrees draw in the greater part of them to unite with them."--The literary newspaper is here strongly insisted on, and, in addition to what was said in the former plan, it is said, "that they will include political news, as of mighty influence on the public mind, and as a subject that merits the closest attention of the moral instructor. For what illumination is that mind susceptible of, that is so blinded by the prejudice created and nursed by the habits of civil subordination, that it worships stupidity or wickedness under a coronet, and neglects talents and virtue under the bearskin cap of the boor? We must therefore represent political transactions, and public occurrences, not as they affect that artificial and fantastical creature of imagination that we see every where around us wheeled about in a chariot, but as it affects a MAN, rational, active, free born man. By thus stripping the transaction of all foreign circumstances, we see it as it affects, or ought to affect, ourselves. Be assured that this new form of political intelligence will be highly interesting, and that the Gazette of the Union will soon supersede all others, and, of itself, will defray all our necessary expences."

This is followed by some allusions to a secret correspondence that is quick, unsusceptible of all discovery or treachery, and attended with no expence, by which the business of the secret plan (_different from either of those communicated to the sworn Brethren at large_) is carried on, and which puts the members in a condition to learn every thing that goes on in the world, for or against their cause, and also teaches them to know mankind, to gain an influence over all, and enables them effectually to promote their best subjects into all offices, &c. and finally, from which every member, whether statesman, merchant, or writer, can draw his own advantages. Some passages here and in another place make me imagine that the Union hoped to get the command of the post-offices, by having their Brethren in the direction.

It is then said, that "it is supposed that the levy will be sufficiently numerous in the spring of the ensuing year. When this takes place, a general synod will be held, in which the _plan of secret operations_ will be finally adjusted, and accommodated to local circumstances, so as to be digested into a law that will need no farther alteration. A proper person will set off from this synod, with full powers to visit every quarter where there are sworn Brethren, and he will there establish a Lodge after the ancient simple ritual, and will communicate verbally the _plan of secret operation_, and certain instructions. These Lodges will then establish a managing fund or box. Each Lodge will also establish a Reading Society, under the management of a bookseller residing in the place, or of some person acquainted with the mechanical conduct of things of this nature. There must also be a collector and agent, (_Expediteur_,) so that in a moment the Union will have its offices or _comptoirs_ in every quarter, through which it carries on the trade of bookselling, and guides the ebb and flow of its correspondence. And thus the whole machine will be set in motion, and its activity is all directed from the centre."

I remark, that here we have not that exclusion of Princes and ministers that was in the former plan; they are not even mentioned. The exclusion in express terms could not but surprise people, and appear somewhat suspicious.

No. IX. is a printed circular letter to the sworn Brethren, and is subscribed "by their truly associated Brother Barthels, _Oberamtsman_ (first bailiff) for the King of Prussia, at Halle on the Saal."

In this letter the Brethren are informed that "the XXII. were wont to meet sometimes at Halle, and sometimes at Berlin. But unavoidable circumstances oblige them not only to remain concealed for sometime, but even to give up their relation to the Union, and withdraw themselves from any share in its proceedings. These circumstances are but temporary, and will be completely explained in due time. They trust, however, that this necessary step on their part will not abate the zeal and activity of men of noble minds, engaged in the cause by the conviction of their own hearts. They have therefore communicated to their worthy Brother BARTHELS all necessary informations, and have unanimously conferred on him the direction of the secretary's office, and have provided him with every document and mean of carrying on the correspondence. He has devoted himself to the honourable office, giving up all other employments. They observe that by this change in the manner of proceeding, the Association is freed from an objection made with justice to all other secret societies, namely, that the members subject themselves to blind and unqualified submission to unknown superiors."--"The Society is now in the hands of its own avowed members. Every thing will soon be arranged according to a constitution purely republican; a Diocesan will be chosen, and will direct in every province, and report to the centre every second month, and instructions and other informations will issue in like manner from the centre.

"If this plan shall be approved of by the Associated, H. Barthels will transmit to all the Dioceses general lists of the Union, and the PLAN OF SECRET OPERATION, the result of deep meditation of the XXII. and admirably calculated for carrying on with irresistable effect their noble and patriotic plan. To stop all cabal, and put an end to all slander and suspicion, H. Barthels thinks it proper that the Union shall step forward, and declare itself to the world, and openly name some of its most respectable members. The public must however be informed only with respect to the _exterior_ of the Society, for which purpose he had written a sheet to be annexed as an appendix to the work, _On Instruction_, declaring that to be the work of the Society, and a sufficient indication of its most honourable aim. He desires such members as choose to share the honour with him, to send him their names and proper designations, that they may appear in that Appendix. And, lastly, he requests them to instruct him, and co-operate with him, according to the concerted rules of the Union, in promoting the cause of God and the happiness of mankind."

The appendix now alluded to makes No. X. of the packet sent to the Bookseller Goschen of Leipzig, and is dated December 1788. It is also found in the book _On Instruction_, &c. printed at Leipzig in 1789, by Walther. Here, however, the Appendix is dated January 1789. This edition agrees in the main with that in the book from which I have made such copious extracts, but differs in some particulars that are not unworthy of remark.

In the packet it is written, "_The Undersigned as Member and Agent of the German Union_, in order to rectify several mistakes and injurious slanders and accusations, thinks it necessary that the public itself should judge of their object and conduct."--Towards the end it is said, "and all who have any doubts may apply to those named below, and are invited to write to them." No names however are subjoined. In the Appendix to the book it is only said, "the agent of the German Union," &c. and "persons who wish to be better informed may write to the agent, under the address, _To the German Union_--under cover to the shop of Walther, bookseller in Leipzig."--Here too there are no names, and it does not appear that any person has chosen to come from behind the curtain[15].

[15] Walther is an eminent bookseller, and carries on the business
of publishing to a great extent, both at Leipzig and other places.
He was the publisher of the most virulent attacks on the King of
Prussia's Edict on Religion, and was brought into much trouble about
the Commentary by Pott which is mentioned above. He also publishes
many of the sceptical and licentious writings which have so much
disturbed the peace of Germany.

There has already been so much said about _Enlightening_, that the reader must be almost tired of it. He is assured in this performance that the Illumination proposed by the Union is not that of the _Wolfenbuttle Fragments_, nor that of HORUS, nor that of _Bahrdt_. The _Fragments_ and _Horus_ are books which aim directly, and without any concealment, to destroy the authority of our Scriptures, either as historical narrations or as revelations of the intentions of providence and of the future prospects of man. The Theological writings of _Bahrdt_ are gross perversions, both of the sense of the text, and of the moral instructions contained in it, and are perhaps the most exceptionable performances on the subject. They are stigmatised as absurd, and coarse, and indecent, even by the writers on the same side; yet the work recommended so often as containing the elements of that Illumination which the world has to expect from the Union, not only coincides in its general principles with these performances, but is almost an abstract of some of them, particularly of his _Popular Religion_, his _Paraphrase on the Sermon on the Mount_, and his _Morality of Religion_. We have also seen that the book on the Liberty of the Press is quoted and recommended as an elementary book. Nay both the work on Instruction and that on the Liberty of the Press are now known to be Bahrdt's.

But these principles, exceptionable as they may be, are probably not the worst of the institution. We see that the _outside_ alone of the Union is to be shewn to the public. Barthels felicitates the public that there is no subordination and blind obedience to unknown Superiors; yet, in the same paragraph, he tells us that there is a secret plan of operations, that is known only to the Centre and the Confidential Brethren. The author of _Fuller Information_ says that he has this plan, and would print it, were he not restrained by a promise[16]. He gives us enough however to show us that the higher mysteries of the Union are precisely the same with those of the Illuminati. Christianity is expressly said to have been a Mystical Association, and its founder the Grand Master of a Lodge. The Apostles, Peter, James, John, and Andrew, were the _Elect_, and Brethren of the Third Degree, and initiated into all the mysteries. The remaining Apostles were only of the Second Degree; and the Seventy-two were of the First degree. Into this degree ordinary Christians may be admitted, and prepared for further advancement. The great mistery is, that J---- C---- was a _Naturalist_, and taught the doctrine of a Supreme Mind, the Spectator, but not the Governer of the World, pretty nearly in the sense of the Stoics. The Initiated Brethren were to be instructed by reading proper books. Those particularly recommended are _Basedow's Practical Knowledge_, _Eberhard's Apology for Socrates_, _Bahrdt's Apology for Reason_, _Steinbardt's System of Moral Education_, _Meiner's Ancient Mysteries_, _Bahrdt's Letters on the Bible_, and _Bahrdt's Completion of the Plan and Aim of J---- C----_. These books are of the most Antichristian character, and some of them aim at shaking off all moral obligation whatever.

[16] This I find to be false, and the book a common job.

Along with these religious doctrines, are inculcated the most dangerous maxims of civil conduct. The despotism that is aimed at over the minds of men, and the machinations and intrigues for obtaining possession of places of trust and influence, are equally alarming; but being perfectly similar to those of the Illuminati, it is needless to mention them.