The Theoretical Brothers, or the Second Grade of the Rosicrucians

I recognize therein, said the philoso-
phical courtier, entirely the benevolent
ruler of Sheshian. Sheshian: Likely a fictional or allegorical Eastern kingdom used by the author to critique European society or illustrate Enlightenment ideals. — May God long pre-
serve Your Majesty for the welfare of your sub-
jects. —

The better-thinking part, therefore, who called
themselves Knights Templar A medieval military order; here they are depicted as seekers of wisdom rather than just warriors., joined together—
while their brothers sacrificed their fellow men
to a misunderstood zeal—with
some so-called Essenes Essenes: An ancient Jewish sect. In 18th-century lore, they were often claimed as the ancestors of secret societies like the Freemasons., who formed a unique
secret society of virtuous the-
ists and natural philosophers. They allowed themselves
to be initiated by them, and took their insti-
tutions, their intentions, and discoveries
back to Europe, where they continued to
hold together, to spread light in secret,
and to reshape the customs of
their age. Soon, however, these men rose to
a power that became fearsome to the then-reign-
ing Sultan. Though the text uses the term "Sultan" to maintain the Eastern setting, it refers to the historical conflict between the Templars and European monarchy (specifically King Philip IV of France). 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