Brethren, to wit, speak not of the Union in the places where
they reside, nor of a Society, nor of enlightening the people;
but they assemble, and act together in every quarter, merely
as a LITERARY SOCIETY, bring into it all the lovers of reading
and of useful knowledge; and such in fact are the _Ordinary
Brethren_, who only know that an Association exists in their
place of residence for the encouragement of literary men, but
by no means that it has any connection with any other similar
Society, and that they all constitute one whole. But these
Societies will naturally point out to the intelligent Brethren
such persons as are proper to be selected for carrying forward
the great work. For persons of a serious turn of mind are not
mere loungers in such company, but show in their conversation
the interest they take in real instruction. And the cast of
their reading, which must not be checked in the beginning in
the smallest degree, although it may be gradually directed
to proper subjects of information, will point out in the most
unequivocal manner their peculiar ways of thinking on the
important subjects connected with our great object. Here,
therefore, the active Brethren will observe in secret, and will
select those whom they think valuable acquisitions to the sacred
Union. They will invite such persons to unite with themselves in
their endeavours to enlighten the rest of mankind, by calling
their attention to profitable subjects of reading, and to
proper books. Reading Societies, therefore, are to be formed in
every quarter, and to be furnished with proper books. In this
provision attention must be paid to two things. The taste of
the public must be complied with, that the Society may have any
effect at all in bringing men together who are born for somewhat
more than just to look about them. But the general taste may,
and must also be carefully and skilfully directed to subjects
that will enlarge the comprehension, will fortify the heart,
and, by habituating the mind to novelty, and to successful
discovery, both in physics and in morals, will hinder the timid
from being startled at doctrines and maxims which are singular,
or perhaps opposite to those which are current in ordinary
society. Commonly a man speaks as if he thought he was uttering
his own sentiments, while he is only echoing the general sound.
Our minds are dressed in a prevailing fashion as much as our
bodies, and with stuff as little congenial to sentiment, as a
piece of woollen cloth is to the human skin. So careless and
indolent are men, even in what they call serious conversation.
Till reflection becomes a habit, what is really a thought
startles, however simple, and, if really uncommon, it astonishes
and confounds. Nothing, therefore, can so powerfully tend to
the improvement of the human character, as well-managed Reading
Societies.
"When these have been established in different places, we must
endeavour to accomplish the following intermediate plans: 1.
To introduce a general literary Gazette or Review, which, by
uniting all the learned Brethren, and combining with judgment
and address all their talents, and steadily proceeding according
to a distinct and precise plan, may in time supplant every other
Gazette, a thing which its intrinsic merit and comprehensive
plan will easily accomplish. 2. To select a secretary for our
Society, who shall have it in charge to commission the books
which they shall select in conformity to the great aim of the
Association, and who shall undertake to commission all other
books for the curious in his neighbourhood. If there be a
bookseller in the place, who can be gained over and sworn into
the Society, it will be proper to choose him for this office,
since, as will be made more plain afterwards, the trade will
gradually come into the plan, and fall into the hands of the
Union.
"And now, every eye can perceive the progressive moral influence
which the Union will acquire on the nation. Let us only conceive
what superstition will lose, and what instruction must gain by
this; when, 1. In every Reading Society the books are selected
by our Fraternity. 2. When we have confidential persons in every
quarter, who will make it their serious concern to spread
such performances as promote the enlightening of mankind, and
to introduce them even into every cottage. 3. When we have the
loud voice of the public on our side, and since we are able,
either to banish into the shade all the fanatical writings
which appear in the reviews that are commonly read, or to warn
the public against them; and, on the other hand, to bring into
notice and recommend those performances alone which give light
to the human mind. 4. When we by degrees bring the whole trade
of bookselling into our hands, (as the good writers will send
all their performances into the market through our means) we
shall bring it about, that at last the writers who labour in
the cause of superstition and restraint, will have neither a
publisher nor readers. 5. When, lastly, by the spreading of our
Fraternity, all good hearts and sensible men will adhere to us,
and by our means will be put in a condition that enables them to
work in silence upon all courts, families, and individuals in
every quarter, and acquire an influence in the appointment of
court-officers, stewards, secretaries, parish-priests, public
teachers, and private tutors.
"Remark, That we shall speedily get the trade into our hands,
(which was formerly the aim of the Association called the
_Gelehrtenbuchhandlung_) is conceivable by this, that every
writer who unites with us immediately acquires a triple number
of readers, and finds friends in every place who promote the
sale of his performance; so that his gain is increased manifold,
and consequently all will quit the booksellers, and accede to us
by degrees. Had the above named Association been constructed in
this manner, it would, long ere now, have been the only shop in
Germany."
The book called _Fuller Information_, &c. gives a more particular
account of the advantages held forth to the literary manufacturers
of Germany by this Union _for God's work_. The Class of literary
Brothers, or writers by trade, was divided into _Mesopolites_,
_Aldermen_, _Men_, and _Cadets_.
The MESOPOLITES, or Metropolitans, are to be attached to the
archive-office, and to be taken care of in the Union-house, when
in straits through age or misfortune. They will be occupied in the
department of the sciences or arts, which this Association profess
principally to cherish. They are also Brethren of the third degree
of Scotch Free Masonry, a qualification to be explained afterwards.
The Union-house is a building which the ostensible Founder of the
Union professed to have acquired, or speedily to acquire at ----,
through the favour and protection of a German Prince, who is not
named.
ALDERMEN are persons who hold public offices, and are engaged to
exercise their genius and talents in the sciences. These also are
Brothers of the third rank of Scotch Free Masonry, and out of their
number are the Diocesans and the Directors of the Reading Societies
selected.
The members who are designed simply MEN, are Brothers of the second
rank of Masonry, and have also a definite scientific occupation
assigned them.
The CADETS are writers who have not yet merited any particular
honours, but have exhibited sufficient dispositions and talents for
different kinds of literary manufacture.
Every member is bound to bring the productions of his genius to
market through the Union. An Alderman receives for an original work
80 per cent. of the returns, and 70 for a translation. The member
of the next class receives 60, and the Cadet 50. As to the expence
of printing, the Alderman pays nothing, even though the work should
lie on hand unsold; but the _Man_ and the _Cadet_ must pay one-half.
Three months after publication at the fairs an account is brought
in, and after this, yearly, when and in what manner the author shall
desire.
In every Diocese will be established at least one Reading Society,
of which near 800 are proposed. To each of these will a copy of
an _Alderman's_ work be sent. The same favour will be shown to
a dissertation by a _Man_, or by a _Cadet_, provided that the
manuscript is documented by an Alderman, or formally approved by him
upon serious perusal. This _imprimatur_, which must be considered
as a powerful recommendation of the work, is to be published in the
_General Review_ or _Gazette_. This is to be a vehicle of political
as well as of literary news; and it is hoped that, by its intrinsic
worth, and the recommendation of the members, it will soon supplant
all others. (With respect to affairs of the Union, a sort of cypher
was to be employed in it. Each Diocesan was there designed by a
letter, of a size that marked his rank, and each member by a number.
It was to appear weekly, at the very small price of five-and-twenty
shillings.)--But let us return to the plan.
When every thing has been established in the manner set forth above,
the Union will assume the following republican form, (the reader
always recollecting that this is not to appear to the world, and to
be known only to the _managing_ Brethren.
* * * * *
Here, however, there is a great blank. The above-named sketch of
this Constitution did not come to the hands of the person who
furnished the bookseller with the rest of the information. But we
have other documents which give sufficient information for our
purpose. In the mean time, let us just take the papers as they stand.
No. IV. Contains a list of the German Union, which the sender
received in manuscript. Here we find many names which we should not
have expected, and miss many that were much more likely to have
been partners in this patriotic scheme. There are several hundred
names, but very few designations; so that it is difficult to point
out the individuals to the public. Some however are designed, and
the writer observes that names are found, which, when applied
to some individuals whom he knows, accord surprisingly with the
anecdotes that are to be seen in the private correspondence of the
Illuminati, and in the romance called Materials for the History
of Socratism (Illuminatism)[13]. It is but a disagreeable remark,
that the list of the Union contains the names of many public
teachers, both from the pulpit, and from the accademic chair in all
its degrees; and among these are several whose cyphers show that
they have been active hands. Some of these have in their writings
given evident proofs of their misconception of the simple truths,
whether dogmatical or historical, of revealed religion, or of their
inclination to twist and manufacture them so as to chime in with
the religion and morality of the Sages of France. But it is more
distressing to meet with unequivocal names of some who profess in
their writings to consider these subjects as an honest man should
consider them, that is, according to the plain and common sense of
the words; whereas we have demonstrative proofs that the German
Union had the diametrically opposite purpose in view. The only
female in the list is the _Grafin von der Recke_, the Lady who gave
Dr. Stark of Darmstadt so much trouble about his _Tonsure_. This
Lady, as we have already seen, could not occupy herself with the
frivolity of dress, flirtation, or domestic cares. "_Femina fonte
patet, vir pectore._" She was not pleased however at finding her
name in such a Plebeian list, and gave oath, along with Biester at
the centre, that she was not of the Association. I see that the
public was not satisfied with this denial. The Lady has published
some more scandal against Stark since that time, and takes no
notice of it; and there have appeared many accounts of very serious
literary connections between these two persons and the man who was
afterwards discovered to be the chief agent of the Union.
[13] This, by the by, is a very curious and entertaining work, and,
had the whole affair been better known in this country, would have
been a much better antidote against the baneful effects of that
Association than any thing that I can give to the public, being
written with much accuteness and knowledge of the human mind, and
agreeably diversified with anecdote and ironical exhibition of the
affected wisdom and philanthropy of the knavish Founder and his
coadjutors. If the present imperfect and desultory account shall be
found to interest the public, I doubt not but that a translation of
this novel, and some other fanciful performances on the subject,
will be read with entertainment and profit.
No. V. is an important document. It is a letter addressed to the
sworn members of the Union, reminding the beloved fellow-workers
that "the bygone management of the business has been expensive, and
that the XXII. do not mean to make any particular charge for their
own compensation. But that it was necessary that all and each of the
members should know precisely the object of the Association, and the
way which mature consideration had pointed out as the most effectual
method of attaining this object. Then, and not till then, could the
worthy members act by one plan, and consequently with united force.
To accomplish this purpose, one of their number had composed a
Treatise _on Instruction, and the means of promoting it_.[14]" This
work has been revised by the whole number, and may be considered
as the result of their deepest reflection. They say, that it would
be a signal misfortune should this Association, this undertaking,
so important for the happiness of mankind, be cramped in the very
beginning of its brilliant progress. They therefore propose to print
this work, this Holy Scripture of their faith and practice, by
subscription. (They here give a short account of the work.) And they
request the members to encourage the work by subscribing, and by
exerting more than their usual activity in procuring subscriptions,
and in recommending the performance in the newspapers. Four persons
are named as Diocesans, who are to receive the money, which they beg
may be speedily advanced in order to purchase paper, that the work
may be ready for the first fair (Easter 1788.)
[14] _Ueber AUFFKLARUNG und deren Beforderungs-Mittel._ The
only proper translation of this word would be, _clearing up_ or
_enlightening_. _Instruction_ seems the single word that comes
nearest to the precise meaning of _Auffklarung_, but is not
synonymous.
No. VI. is a printed paper (as is No. V.) without date, farther
recommending the Essay on Instruction. No. VII. is in manuscript,
without date. It is addressed to "a worthy man," intimating that
the like are sent to others, to whom will also speedily be forwarded
an improved plan, with a request to cancel or destroy the former
contained in No. III. It is added, that the Union now contains,
among many others, more than two hundred of the most respectable
persons in Germany, of every rank and condition, and that in the
course of the year, (1788,) a general list will be sent, with
a request that the receiver will point out such as he does not
think worthy of perfect confidence. It concludes with another
recommendation of the book _on Instruction_, on the returns from
which first work of the German Union the support of the secretary's
office is to depend.
Accordingly No. VIII. contains this plan, but it is not entitled
_The Improved Plan_. Such a denomination would have called in
doubt the infallibility of the XXII. It is therefore called the
_Progressive_ (vorlaufig) plan, a title which leaves room for
every subsequent change. It differs from the former only in some
unimportant circumstances. Some expressions, which had given offence
or raised suspicions, are softened or cancelled. Two copies of
this, which we may call A and B, are given, differing also in some
circumstances.
"The great aim of the German Union is the good of mankind, which is
to be attained only by means of mental illumination (_Auffklarung_)
and the dethroning of fanaticism and moral despotism." Neither paper
has the expression which immediately followed in the former plan,
"that this had been the aim of the exalted founder of Christianity."
The paper A refers, on the present subject, to a dissertation
printed in 1787, without a name, _On the freedom of the Press and
its Limitation_. This is one of the most licentious pieces that
has been published on the subject, not only enforcing the most
unqualified liberty of publishing every thing a man pleases, but
exemplifying it in the most scandalous manner; libelling characters
of every sort, and persons of every condition, and this frequently
in the most abusive language, and expressions so coarse, as shewed
the author to be either habituated to the coarsest company, or
determined to try boldly once for all, what the public eye can bear.
The piece goes on: "The Union considers it as a chief part of its
secret plan of operation, to include the trade of bookselling in
their circle. By getting hold of this, they have it in their power
to increase the number of writings which promote instruction, and
to lessen that of those which mar it, since the authors of the
latter will by degrees lose both their publishers and their readers.
That the present booksellers may do them no harm, they will by
degrees draw in the greater part of them to unite with them."--The
literary newspaper is here strongly insisted on, and, in addition
to what was said in the former plan, it is said, "that they will
include political news, as of mighty influence on the public mind,
and as a subject that merits the closest attention of the moral
instructor. For what illumination is that mind susceptible of, that
is so blinded by the prejudice created and nursed by the habits of
civil subordination, that it worships stupidity or wickedness under
a coronet, and neglects talents and virtue under the bearskin cap
of the boor? We must therefore represent political transactions,
and public occurrences, not as they affect that artificial and
fantastical creature of imagination that we see every where around
us wheeled about in a chariot, but as it affects a MAN, rational,
active, free born man. By thus stripping the transaction of all
foreign circumstances, we see it as it affects, or ought to affect,
ourselves. Be assured that this new form of political intelligence
will be highly interesting, and that the Gazette of the Union will
soon supersede all others, and, of itself, will defray all our
necessary expences."
This is followed by some allusions to a secret correspondence
that is quick, unsusceptible of all discovery or treachery, and
attended with no expence, by which the business of the secret plan
(_different from either of those communicated to the sworn Brethren
at large_) is carried on, and which puts the members in a condition
to learn every thing that goes on in the world, for or against their
cause, and also teaches them to know mankind, to gain an influence
over all, and enables them effectually to promote their best
subjects into all offices, &c. and finally, from which every member,
whether statesman, merchant, or writer, can draw his own advantages.
Some passages here and in another place make me imagine that the
Union hoped to get the command of the post-offices, by having their
Brethren in the direction.
It is then said, that "it is supposed that the levy will be
sufficiently numerous in the spring of the ensuing year. When this
takes place, a general synod will be held, in which the _plan of
secret operations_ will be finally adjusted, and accommodated to
local circumstances, so as to be digested into a law that will
need no farther alteration. A proper person will set off from
this synod, with full powers to visit every quarter where there
are sworn Brethren, and he will there establish a Lodge after the
ancient simple ritual, and will communicate verbally the _plan of
secret operation_, and certain instructions. These Lodges will then
establish a managing fund or box. Each Lodge will also establish
a Reading Society, under the management of a bookseller residing
in the place, or of some person acquainted with the mechanical
conduct of things of this nature. There must also be a collector and
agent, (_Expediteur_,) so that in a moment the Union will have its
offices or _comptoirs_ in every quarter, through which it carries
on the trade of bookselling, and guides the ebb and flow of its
correspondence. And thus the whole machine will be set in motion,
and its activity is all directed from the centre."
I remark, that here we have not that exclusion of Princes and
ministers that was in the former plan; they are not even mentioned.
The exclusion in express terms could not but surprise people, and
appear somewhat suspicious.
No. IX. is a printed circular letter to the sworn Brethren,
and is subscribed "by their truly associated Brother Barthels,
_Oberamtsman_ (first bailiff) for the King of Prussia, at Halle on
the Saal."
In this letter the Brethren are informed that "the XXII. were wont
to meet sometimes at Halle, and sometimes at Berlin. But unavoidable
circumstances oblige them not only to remain concealed for sometime,
but even to give up their relation to the Union, and withdraw
themselves from any share in its proceedings. These circumstances
are but temporary, and will be completely explained in due time.
They trust, however, that this necessary step on their part will not
abate the zeal and activity of men of noble minds, engaged in the
cause by the conviction of their own hearts. They have therefore
communicated to their worthy Brother BARTHELS all necessary
informations, and have unanimously conferred on him the direction of
the secretary's office, and have provided him with every document
and mean of carrying on the correspondence. He has devoted himself
to the honourable office, giving up all other employments. They
observe that by this change in the manner of proceeding, the
Association is freed from an objection made with justice to all
other secret societies, namely, that the members subject themselves
to blind and unqualified submission to unknown superiors."--"The
Society is now in the hands of its own avowed members. Every thing
will soon be arranged according to a constitution purely republican;
a Diocesan will be chosen, and will direct in every province, and
report to the centre every second month, and instructions and other
informations will issue in like manner from the centre.
"If this plan shall be approved of by the Associated, H. Barthels
will transmit to all the Dioceses general lists of the Union, and
the PLAN OF SECRET OPERATION, the result of deep meditation of the
XXII. and admirably calculated for carrying on with irresistable
effect their noble and patriotic plan. To stop all cabal, and put
an end to all slander and suspicion, H. Barthels thinks it proper
that the Union shall step forward, and declare itself to the world,
and openly name some of its most respectable members. The public
must however be informed only with respect to the _exterior_ of the
Society, for which purpose he had written a sheet to be annexed as
an appendix to the work, _On Instruction_, declaring that to be
the work of the Society, and a sufficient indication of its most
honourable aim. He desires such members as choose to share the
honour with him, to send him their names and proper designations,
that they may appear in that Appendix. And, lastly, he requests
them to instruct him, and co-operate with him, according to the
concerted rules of the Union, in promoting the cause of God and the
happiness of mankind."
The appendix now alluded to makes No. X. of the packet sent to the
Bookseller Goschen of Leipzig, and is dated December 1788. It is
also found in the book _On Instruction_, &c. printed at Leipzig in
1789, by Walther. Here, however, the Appendix is dated January 1789.
This edition agrees in the main with that in the book from which I
have made such copious extracts, but differs in some particulars
that are not unworthy of remark.