Preface.

Since I made the decision to write the secret history of the upright Cedrinus, Cedrinus is a fraternal name or pseudonym, a common practice in 18th-century secret societies to protect members' identities and signify their spiritual rank. I have spared no effort, above all else, to get to know the man himself as intimately as possible. He is of an open character. One gets to know him quickly. But the history of a man's spirit is not so quickly learned; and this was my study. I have seen the man in manifold situations. I have observed him in joy and in sorrow. I am proud to call him my friend.

What Cedrinus did, in deciding to make known his secret history within such an order as that of the Gold and Rosy Cross The Order of the Gold and Rosy Cross (Gold- und Rosenkreuzer) was an influential 18th-century German secret society that blended alchemy, mysticism, and traditional Lutheranism.—to make it known according to the strict truth, without sparing his own weaknesses—truly, that is no ordinary thing!

How much was required for this decision, those may judge who know secret societies of that kind from their own experience.