The Theoretical Brothers, or the Second Grade of the Rosicrucians

I recognize in this, said the philoso-
phical courtier, entirely the benevolent
ruler of ScheschianA fictional kingdom often used in 18th-century German allegorical literature (notably by C.M. Wieland) to discuss enlightened governance.. — May God long pre-
serve Your Majesty for the well-being of your sub-
jects. —

The better-thinking portion, therefore, who
called themselves TemplarsThe Knights Templar. The text reflects Enlightenment-era lore suggesting the order preserved secret, rationalist wisdom., joined together—
while their brothers were sacrificing their
fellow men to a misunderstood zeal—with
certain so-called EssenesAn ancient Jewish sect; here they are depicted as precursors to modern secret societies and scientific thinkers., who
formed their own secret society of virtuous
theistsThose who believe in a creator God through reason rather than religious dogma. and natural philosophers,
allowed themselves to be initiated by them, and took
their institutions, their intentions, and
discoveries back to Europe, where they
continued to hold together, to spread
light in secret, and to re-
shape the customs of their age.
Soon, however, these men rose to
a power that became fearsome to the
Sultan reigning at that time Though called a "Sultan" in this Scheschian allegory, this refers historically to King Philip IV of France, who suppressed the Templars..
The riches accumulated through the
diligence of these knights also piqued
the greed of the despot, and so he
decreed their downfall.
Some villains among them (and where