Proofs of a Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe: carried on in the secret meetings of Free Masons, Illuminati, and reading societies.Robison, John
History
Proofs of a Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe: carried on in the secret meetings of Free Masons, Illuminati, and reading societies.
Robison, John
Freemasonry -- Early works to 1800; Illuminati -- Early works to 1800
It was now discovered, that Weishaupt was the head and founder of
the Order. He was deprived of his Professor's chair, and banished
from the Bavarian States; but with a pension of 800 florins, which
he refused. He went to Regensburgh, on the confines of Switzerland.
Two Italians, the Marquis Constanza and Marquis Savioli, were also
banished, with equal pensions, (about L. 40,) which they accepted.
One Zwack, a counsellor, holding some law-office, was also banished.
Others were imprisoned for some time. Weishaupt went afterwards into
the service of the D. of Saxe Gotha, a person of a romantic turn of
mind, and whom we shall again meet with. Zwack went into the service
of the Pr. de Salms, who soon after had so great a hand in the
disturbances in Holland.
By destroying the papers, all opportunity was lost for
authenticating the innocence and usefulness of the Order. After
much altercation and paper war, Weishaupt, now safe in Regensburg,
published an account of the Order, namely, the account which was
given to every _Novice_ in a discourse read at his reception.
To this were added the statutes and the rules of proceeding, as
far as the degree of _Illuminatus Minor_, included. This account
he affirmed to be conformable to the real practice of the Order.
But this publication did by no means satisfy the public mind. It
differed exceedingly from the accounts given by the four professors.
It made no mention of the higher degrees, which had been most blamed
by them. Besides, it was alleged, that it was all a fiction, written
in order to lull the suspicions which had been raised (and this was
found to be the case, except in respect of the very lowest degree).
The real constitution was brought to light by degrees, and shall
be laid before the reader, in the order in which it was gradually
discovered, that we may the better judge of things not fully known
by the conduct of the leaders during the detection. The first
account given by Weishaupt is correct, as far as I shall make use of
it, and shows clearly the methods that were taken to recommend the
Order to strangers.
* * * * *
The Order of ILLUMINATI appears as an accessory to Free Masonry. It
is in the Lodges of Free Masons that the Minervals are found, and
there they are prepared for Illumination. They must have previously
obtained the three English degrees. The founder says more. He says
that his doctrines are the only true Free Masonry. He was the chief
promoter of the _Eclectic System_. This he urged as the best method
for getting information of all the explanations which have been
given of the Masonic Mysteries. He was also a _Strict Observanz_,
and an adept Rosycrucian. The result of all his knowledge is worthy
of particular remark, and shall therefore be given at large.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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