ntime the most
suitable cloak for our high purpose, because the world is already
accustomed to expect nothing great from them which merits
attention.... As in the spiritual Orders of the Roman Church,
religion was, alas! only a pretence, so must our Order also in a
nobler way try to conceal itself behind a learned society or
something of the kind.... A society concealed in this manner cannot
be worked against. In case of a prosecution or of treason the
superiors cannot be discovered.... We shall be shrouded in
impenetrable darkness from spies and emissaries of other
societies.[560]

In order to give a good appearance to the Order, Weishaupt particularly
indicates the necessity for enlisting esteemed and "respectable"
persons,[561] but above all young men whom he regards as the most likely
subjects. "I cannot use men as they are," he observes, "but I must first
form them."[562] Youth naturally lends itself best to this process.
"Seek the society of young people," Weishaupt writes to Ajax, "watch
them, and if one of them pleases you, lay your hand on him."[563] "Seek
out young and already skilful people.... Our people must be engaging,
enterprising, intriguing, and adroit. Above all the first."[564]

If possible they should also be good-looking--"beautiful people,
_caeteris paribus_...."

Such people have generally gentle manners, a tender heart, and are,
when well practised in other things, of the greatest use in
undertakings, for their first glance attracts; but their spirit
_n'a pas la profondeur des physiognomies sombres_. They are,
however, also less disposed to riots and disturbances than the
darker physiognomies. That is why one must know how to use one's
people. Above all, the high, soulful eye pleases me and the free,
open brow.[565]

With these novices the adept of Illuminism is to proceed slowly, talking
backwards and forwards:

One must speak, first in one way, then in another, so as not to
commit oneself and to make one's real way of thinking impenetrable
to one's inferiors.[566]

Weishaupt also insists on the importance of exciting the candidate's
curiosity and then drawing back again, after the manner of the Fatimite
_dais_:

I have no fault to find with your [methods of] reception
["Spartacus" writes to "Cato"], except that they are too quick....
You should proceed gradually in