Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

4
iLLuaciKiM. 385
enlightened sages not to reject it on account of its abuse.
' This should have been the secret -of Masonry, and have led
lis to our object Meanwhile despotism strengthens daily,
though liberty universally keeps pace with it It was neces*
eaxy then to unite the extremes. We therefore assert here,
that Christ did not establish a new religion, but that his intention
was simply to reinstate natural religion in its rights;
that by giving a general bond of union to the world, by
diffusing the light and wisdom of his morality, and by
dissipating prejudices, ?us intention was to teachus the means
of governing ourselves, and to re-establish, without the vUh
lent means of revolutions, the reign of liberty and equality
among men. This was easily done by quoting certain texts
from scripture, and by giving explanations of them,4rif* or
false is of little consequence, provided each one finds a
sense in these doctrines consonant with his reason. We
add, that this religion, so simple in itself, was afterwards defaced
; but that fry means of inviolable secrecy, it has been
transmitted in purity to us through Free Masonry." " Sparta-
£us (Weishaupt) had collected many materials for this, and
I added my discoveries in the instruction for these two degrees.
Our people, therefore, being convinced that we
alone are possessed of the real secrets of Christianity, we
have but to add a few words against the clergy and princes.
In the last mysteries we have to unfold to our adepts
this pious fraud, and then by writings demonstrate the origin*
of all religious impositions, and their mutual connexion
with the other."
(R. p. 169.) Again, Philo says," I have been at unwearied
pains to remove the fears of some, who imagine that
our superiors want to abolish Christianity;, but by and by
their prejudices will wear off, and they will be more at their
ease. Were I to let them know that our General holds
all religion to be a he, and uses Deism, only to lead men by
the note—-"
These things require no comment; the reader cannot
foil to reflect upon them.