On the Order of the Illuminati

...the Illustrious and the Sublime These refer to the "Sublime Philosopher" and "Illustrious" degrees mentioned on the previous page. were accepted. Around the year 1762, a great change occurred in Germany among the Freemasons, as they removed all French degrees from Masonry without distinction. Following the level of Master, they allowed only the Scottish Master original: "Maitre Ecossais" to remain (which was, however, different from the Scottish Master of Saint Andrew) and introduced the Order of the Temple upon it. This system was called the Strict Observance original: "stricte Observanz"; a Masonic system founded by Baron von Hund which claimed that Freemasonry was a continuation of the medieval Knights Templar. and all others were called the Late Observance original: "late Observanz"; also known as the "Lax Observance," referring to lodges that did not follow the strict Templar rules of von Hund.. It spread widely and maintained itself for several years, in which prospects of personal interest played the greatest part. However, because these interests were not fulfilled, and because one particularly missed the scientific secrets In the 18th century, "science" often referred to "occult sciences" such as alchemy, theurgy, or hidden natural laws.—or the hope of possessing them, with which every Freemason had been flattered since their first entry into the Order—this system soon began to waver.

A large number therefore left the Strict Observance and introduced the Freemasonry customary in Sweden, which still pointed toward scientific secrets. In this system, the Scottish Master was followed not only by the Knight Templar, but also by a level called the Confidant of St. John original: "Vertraute St. Johannis". Others sought Magic and Kabbalah original: "Cabbala"; a form of Jewish mysticism that was adopted and adapted by Christian esotericists during the Renaissance and Enlightenment. in their Order; others sought Alchemy, to which latter group the so-called new Rosicrucians This refers to the "Order of the Golden and Rosy Cross," an 18th-century occult organization that was very influential in Prussia. belonged, who connected the enthusiasms original: "Schwärmereyen"; often used in the 18th century to describe fanatical or mystical delusions. of the old Rosicrucians with Freemasonry. Besides these, there were still