Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

THE TENDENCY OF SECRET ASSOCIATIONS. 349
Also, the disposition which some good Masons discover
to imitate Dermott, Hardie, and others, in calling the royal
arch, " the holy royal arch" is too nearly resembling the
Minerval church to be encouraged or countenanced.
Should the Minerval retain what the chiefs call religionist
opinions and inclinations, he is never permitted to advance
higher, but receives a Sta Bene.* Those who improve
under their tutors, have yet seven degrees to climb.
We will not follow them in their mad ascent, nor yet leave
unnoticed their frequent assertions, and ample proofs, that
" they make use of secret societies as the only.and indispensable
means of accomplishing their unhallowed ends."
(B. 101.)
It is astonishing what clear views Weishaupt takes of
the advantages offered to his schemes by mysterious associations;
it requires only a small share of sense to perceive,
that associations ministering largely to the wants of this
fiend, can have no inherent difficulty in serving a multitude
of spirits less disciplined to vice.
" Here," says the AbM Barruel, (p. 126.) " let magistrates,
the chiefs of nations, every man who still retains any
regard for the support of laws and empires, and of civil
society, let them, I say, read, and meditate on these advantages.
The lesson is of the utmost importance. Whoever
you are; all honest citizens, whether Free Masons, Rosicrucians,
Mopses, Hewers of Wood, Knights ;t all you who
thirst after the mysteries of the lodges, cease to accuse me
of conjuring up chimerical dangers. 1 am not the man
who speaks; it is he who of all others has been the best acquainted
with your associations, and has known what advantages
could be drawn from them by able and patient
conspirators.—Read, and tell us which is the most impressive
on your mind, the pleasures you may find in your lodges,
* Stop, my good fellow.
t Names of secret fraternities in Europe.