_a_) disclose the pious fraud and (_b_) reveal from all writings
the origin of all religious lies and their connexion....[555]

So admirably did this ruse succeed that we find Spartacus writing
triumphantly:

You cannot imagine what consideration and sensation our Priest's
degree is arousing. The most wonderful thing is that great
Protestant and reformed theologians who belong to (*) [Illuminism]
still believe that the religious teaching imparted in it contains
the true and genuine spirit of the Christian religion. Oh! men, of
what cannot you be persuaded? I never thought that I should become
the founder of a new religion.[556]

It is on the "illuminized" clergy and professors that Weishaupt counts
principally for the work of the Order.

Through the influence of the Brothers [he writes], the Jesuits have
been removed from all professorships, and the University of
Ingoldstadt has been quite cleansed of them....[557]

Thus the way is cleared for Weishaupt's adepts.

The Institute of Cadets also comes under the control of the Order:

All the professors are members of the Illuminati, ... so will all
the pupils become disciples of Illuminism.[558]

Further:

We have provided our clerical members with good benefices,
parishes, posts at Court.

Through our influence Arminius and Cortez have been made professors
at Ephesus.

* * * * *

The German schools are quite under [the influence of] (*) and now
only members have charge of them.

The charitable association is also directed by (*).

* * * * *

Soon we shall draw over to us the whole Bartholomew Institute for
young clergymen; the preparations have already been made and the
prospects are very good, by this means we shall be able to provide
the whole of Bavaria with proper priests.[559]

But religion and Freemasonry are not the only means by which Illuminism
can be spread.

We must consider [says Weishaupt], how we can begin to work under
another form. If only the aim is achieved, it does not matter under
what cover it takes place, and a cover is always necessary. For in
concealment lies a great part of our strength. For this reason we
must always cover ourselves with the name of another society. The
lodges that are under Freemasonry are in the mea