Some Original Writings of the Order of the Illuminati (pp. 26-43)

NB: Superscripted endnotes are my own, while parenthesized footnotes (when encountered) are from the original editors of the collection, c. 1786/87. – Terry Melanson

VII
Reform of the Statutes of the 1st class

1. All statutes, constitutions and previous privileges, whatever name they have received, are subject to change as circumstances warrant and, in so much as [p. 27] they fundamentally oppose these present ordinances, are hereby overruled.

2. Notwithstanding, as in the past, the goal that the Order proposes for the future remains the same: to render unto man the importance of the perfection of reason and his moral character; to develop social and humane sentiments, to oppose the wicked designs in the world, to assist against the injustice suffered by the unfortunate and the oppressed, to encourage men of merit, and in general to facilitate the means of knowing and science. Assurance is here given, in a sacred and faithful manner that this is the sole goal — not just supposed — of the Order (1).

   On the contrary, the Order offers nothing more, therefore candidates will increase in due time; this will prove to be more beneficial, as they realize that, in opposition to the practice of other societies, we possess more than what we had promised.

   A member who is thrust upon entering the Order with the hope of gaining greater power and wealth would not be welcomed.

   (1) Fistula dulce canit volucrem dum decipit Auceps [“The shepherd's pipe sings sweetly to the bird, while the fowler ensnares it”; or “The bird-catcher plays sweetly on the pipe when he beguiles the winged creature”]

   [p. 28] To achieve such a goal of understanding and confidence between all members, and in accordance with these views, only accepting those external conditions for the betterment of the Order, all members must:

    

3. Have respect for the Order, refrain from hatred and jealousy toward other members; they must regard one another, for their own good, as beloved dear friends, like colleagues with the same grand objective that cannot be achieved otherwise.

4. The Order therefore demands sacrifice of liberty, not generally, but only in view of the grand objective. They have always known that the higher [order of the] superiors dedicate themselves toward this goal, because superiors see further and more profoundly into the system, and for no other reason than they are superior.

5. Each newly proposed member offers to those who have received him, a Revers de Silentio.¹

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