[457] These associations were to be divided into six grades: Adolescent, Man, Elder, Mesopolite, Diocesan, and Superior. A ritual was provided and the low initiation fee of one _thaler_ imposed. The system, never fully developed, conveys the impression of crudeness and absurdity. [458] Mounier, pp. 201 _et seq._ Forestier makes the added suggestion that Bahrdt saw in the formation of the Union a chance to further his own literary ambitions and pecuniary interests. _Cf._ Forestier, p. 627. [459] _Ibid._, pp. 629, 630. [460] _Ibid._ [461] Mounier, p. 186. [462] “Die merkwürdigste, aber auch gleichzeitig groteskeste Beschuldigung, die jemals dem Illuminatenorden nachgesagt worden ist, war die, dass er die französische Revolution zur Explosion gebracht habe. Es gehörte recht viel Kombinationsvermögen und Taschenspielerei in der Logik dazu, um den Beweis für diese wundersame Behauptung zusammenzuleimen, aber in jener Zeit wurde tatsächlich alles geglaubt, sobald es sich darum handelte, dem Illuminatismus eine neue Schurkerei aufzuhalsen.” (Engel, pp. 402, 404. _Cf._ Mounier, pp. 124, 215 _et seq._) [463] Published anonymously at Munich, in 1794. [464] Title in full: _Illuminatus Dirigens oder Schottischer Ritter. Ein Pendant zu der nicht unwichtigen Schrift: Die neuesten Arbeiten, etc._, Munich, 1794. [465] The grades of Priest and Regent were reproduced in the first of these two works. The most objectionable principles of the order were reserved to these two grades. [466] Forestier brings into connection with the publication of these pamphlets the appearance of certain brochures of Knigge’s, wherein he espoused with great ardor the cause of the French Revolutionists. The special import of this requires no comment. _Cf. ibid._, pp. 636 _et seq._ [467] Hoffman had himself been a member of the Illuminati, at Vienna. _Cf._ Forestier, _op. cit._, p. 646. [468] The date was early in 1792 (!). _Cf. ibid._, p. 646. [469] Forestier, whose treatment at this point is characteristically thorough, gives the titles, or otherwise refers to not less than fourteen pamphlets or brochures, in addition to numerous magazine articles. _Cf. ibid._, pp. 649–658. [470] Forestier, _op. cit._, pp. 649–658. [471] Johann Joachim Christoph Bode (1730–1793), by no means a distinguished representative of the German literati of his period, occupied a fairly important rôle in the history of the Order of the Illuminati. After Weishaupt’s flight to Ingolstadt he was the most active leader in the ranks of the persecuted order. _Cf._ Forestier, pp. 543 _et seq._ He was profoundly interested in Masonry. In 1790 he projected a plan for the union of all the German lodges of Masonry. The effort proved futile. [472] The _Philalèthes_ were conspicuous among French Freemasons for their unequalled devotion to alchemy and theurgy. The order was founded about 1773.