Secret History of a Rosicrucian

First Chapter.

Initiation into Freemasonry. — Heightened Expectations.

A secret society derives its greatest advantages from the very circumstance that, in all probability, should be most detrimental to it. Who would want to hide without cause? And so stubbornly! This striking circumstance usually dictates judgments about secret societies more than the judge themselves realizes. It prompts them to reflect on a matter for which they entirely lack the knowledge and the means to obtain it. Thus, they imperceptibly form prejudices while believing they are judging with great composure.

Among all those who become Freemasons original: "Freymaurer", it is likely precisely those who take this step with the greatest deliberation who have been most misled by some prejudice—one which, in earlier years and under favorable circumstances, the acquaintance with worthy men,