Secret History of a Rosicrucian

Preface

He has entrusted his papers to my faithful hands. I will preserve them, and in due time deposit them in a public library. There is still much within them that can be of use to our contemporaries and descendants. — I did not wish to have the original letters of the persons involved in this history printed. In the 18th century, "printing letters" often caused public scandal, and Albrecht is likely protecting the identities of other high-ranking members of secret orders. — I shall carefully observe how many a person behaves toward Cedrinus.

I still had much to say to the public in this preface; but I must break off. At this very moment, Cedrinus lies dangerously ill. Perhaps he will not live to see his own history fully in print. — Oh! Honest man, wherever you live, whatever you do: beware of societies that shun the light! original: "Gesellschaften, die das Licht scheuen." This phrase was a common Enlightenment-era critique of secret societies (like the Rosicrucians or the Illuminati), suggesting their secrecy was a cover for superstition or political manipulation rather than enlightenment.

Hamburg in May
1792.