Francis Bacon and his secret society - Grand Lodge of Colorado

216 FRANCIS BACON
3. They were to have secret names, but to pass in public by
their own names.
4. To wear the dress of the country in which they resided.
5. To profess ignorance, if interrogated, on all subjects connected
with the society, except the Art of Healing.
6. To cure the sick gratis (sickness and healing seem to have
been terms used, metaphorically, for
or knowledge).
ignorance, and instruction
7. In all ways and places to oppose the aggressions and unmask
the impositions of the Romish church — the Papacy.
8. To aid in the dissemination of truth and knowledge
throughout all
countries.
9. Writings, if carried about, were to be written in ambiguous
language, or in " secret writing."
(Query, in cipher?)
10. Rosicrucian works were, as a rule, not to be published
under the real name of their author. Pseudonyms, mottoes, or
initials {not the author's own) were to be adopted.
11. These feigned names and signatures were to be frequently
changed. The " imperator " to change his name not less
frequently than once in ten years.
12. The places of publication for the " secret writiugs " to be
also periodically changed.
13. Each jnember was to have at least one " apprentice " to
succeed him and to take over his work. (By which means the
secret writings could be passed down from one hand to
until the time was ripe for their disclosure.)
another
14. The Brethren must suffer any punishment, even to death
itself, sooner than disclose the secrets specially confided to them.
15. They must apply themselves to making friends with the
powerful and the learned of all countries.
16. They must strive to become rich, not for the sake of money
itself,
for they must spend it broadcast for the good of others,
but for the sake of the advantages afforded by wealth and position
for pushing forward the beneficent objects of the society. 1
l The working of this rule is observable throughout the whole of Bacon's life
and writings.
It accounts for the diametrically opposite accusations which have
been levelled against him and which his enemies have delighted to magnify, of
meanness and lavishness. " .Riches," he says, "are for spending, and spending