The Final Fate of the Masonic Order

But, my brothers! after so many splendid arrangements by Baron Knigge Adolph Freiherr Knigge (1752–1796), the primary recruiter and organizer for the Illuminati. for the founding and expansion of the Covenant of the Illuminati, you surely desire to finally hear me present the most important service he performed! This consisted of the recruitment of Bode, known in the Strict Observance A system of Masonry that claimed a direct line to the Knights Templar. under the name à Lilio Convallium original: "of the Lily of the Valleys." This was Bode's "Order Name" within the Strict Observance.; and this unspeakably important acquisition occurred in the year 1782 on the occasion of the Convent of Wilhelmsbad A major international Masonic congress held to resolve disputes over the origins of Freemasonry.. Oh! my brothers! where shall I begin, where shall I end, when speaking of this man, who received the name Amelius The secret name given to Johann Joachim Christoph Bode within the Illuminati. among the Illuminati (*)? Judge for yourselves the importance of this service, as Bode had for many years been involved in a multitude of Masonic connections and had played a significant role at most congresses; since he knew how to press himself upon the great ones—whom he deeply despised in his heart—with the persistence of a Jew The author employs a common anti-Semitic trope of the period to characterize social ambition and doggedness.; since he, despite all the clumsiness of his body, knew how to worm his way in with the ladies and, by acting the man of feeling and the wit with them, knew how to lead them captive; since as a writer and former bookseller, he could exert influence from this side as well, partly himself and partly through others; and possessed enough insolence to pass critical judgment on everything and set the tone, under the outward

(*) Supplement p. 206–221, where Knigge's most remarkable negotiation with Bode is recounted in detail.