The Illuminati.—Ii.

been by turns corrupted , purified , reformed , and finally perfected . The natural constancy of the English Masons has made them obey the same laws for many centuries . The Frenchman , always seeking pleasure , must mix some trivial gaiety with the most holy matters . The Gorman , more solid , has endeavoured to carry the institution to a more sublime hei ght . But Freemasonry has sometimes been abused

by outrageous dissipation , as an asylum for fanaticism , and has often lent its system , its temples and its orators , to the sect of the Illuminati . It is desirable to pu-eserve this benevolent institution , and to prevent the abuse of it ; to imitate rather the Emperor Joseph , Avho fostered it with modifications , than the King of Naples who suppressed it . Would it not even be possible to direct the energies of the Freemasons

( he asks ) against the Illuminati , by demonstrating that , whereas they labour to preserve harmony in society , the Illuminati arc everywhere sowing the elements of discord , ancl even preparing the destruction of Masonry ? Frederic the Second , hacl he but known what evil clays were- in store would have laid the axe to the root of the tree itsellj instead of lopping off the parasites ivhich infested it . Masons

, lie considered , would remedy some great errors if they would abolish the mysterious chapters and assemblies of the hi gh grades ; if they ivould suppress all unnecessary contributions ancl expenses ; if they would obtain from the governments of their various countries the suppression of the Eclectic , Zinzendoil ' , and Reformed Eites ; lastly , if they would choose for their orators men known to possess a little

philosophy combined with sound knowledge , ivho could unmask when necessary the the hypocritical practices of the Illuminati . If Freemasonry cannot exist with such modifications , it ought not to be preserved ; the good the Masons do , is otherwise overpowered by the evil ivhich they occasion .

A fifth means of combating the Illuminati is , by the drama ancl satire , to throw an air of ridicule over the proceedings . A Bourdaloue would he less effective than a Molierc . All these means , he confesses , are feeble and uncertain , but may bo augmented and assisted by good citizens ivho do not despair of their country . The great bod y of the human race ( he gravely declares , and we can quite agree with him ) , are not aware of the existence of this scourge which they suffer . As soon as they shall be convinced of it the death blow will be given to the sect .

A . bombastieal rhapsody concludes the "Essay , " in which the goddess of Fame is invoked and requested to do a vast number of things which must very much astonish her , since they clearly do not belong to her department of the management of this world ' s affait-s , This address fizzes , sparkles , ancl bangs , like a display of fireworks at the conclusion of a aAfete at St , Cloud Or our more lebeian Yauxhall .

p and ends with an entreaty to Fame , that " she will spread a thick veil over the odious intrigues woven by men who have conspired to achieve the disgrace of sovereigns , ancl to effect manoouvrcs which will leave honest services without reward , virtue without honour ,