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CHAPTER XIV.
ROSICRUCIANISM IN FRANCE.
WHEN the documents of the Fraternity were first pub-
lished, Professor Buhle tells us that France " had greatly
the start of Germany and England " in general illumina-
tion, that she was consequently protected against the
delusion of her neighbours, and that Rosicrucianism " never
had even a momentary success " therein. On the other
hand, Gabriel Naude published in 1623 his "Instruction
a la France sur la verite de PHistoire des Freres de la Roze-
Croix," which opens by asserting, without apology of any
kind, that the French by their disposition are quick to
embrace and to follow every species of novel and ridicu-
lous opinion. They are accused of excessive credulity, and
are the laughing-stock of more sober nations. They have
credited every absurdity from Postel the resuscitated and
mere Jeanne to the rejuvenating Fountain of Borico and the
immortality and return of Paracelsus. The history of the
Brethren R. C. is declared to be the most outrageous of all ;
their books are useless and completely incomprehensible,
even when stripped of their enigmas. None but impostors
have claimed to be initiated members, and the false reports
spread abroad by the society are prejudicial to all king-
doms, and all forms of government.
This book, though dull and verbose, was undoubtedly
instrumental in preventing the spread of the new doctrines.