https:// archive. org/details/1802ProofsOfIlluminismPayson

For those who find the history of the Illuminati of some interest, here is a book published in 1802, that traces the change in Masonry in France, from the influence of Voltaire, into Germany and the adoption of Illuminism into the general order of Masonry.

The book is most enlightening through Chapters 1-5. The preface is basically forming a foundation of truth about what is told of this history.

My take on what is here:

Masonry moved from England into Europe. Members were enticed by ideas of discovering the magic of alchemy of metals, and raising ghosts, and finding the "Philosopher's Stone" – and "adventurers" would feed this interest regularly, only to disappoint.

The Masonic phrase "liberty and equality" came to mean - under the French (of which there were 266 improved lodges) "freedom from religion"

I am tending to see the "hidden hand" of the Jewish/Talmud in the design of the Masons. And especially the evolving of the socialist manifesto, and the destruction of Christianity.

"If you ask me what are the necessary qualities to enable a Mason to arrive at the center of real perfection, I answer, that to attain it, mast have crushed the head of the serpent of worldly ignorance, and have cast off those prejudices of youth concerning the mysteries of the predominant religion of his native country. 'All religious worship being only invented in hopes of acquiring power, and to gain precedency among men; and by a Slotb?? which covets, under the false pretence of piety, its neighbor's riches.' This, my dear brother, is what you have to combat; such is the monster you have to crush under the emblem of the serpent. 'It is a faithful representation of that which the ignorant vulgar adore, under the name of religion."