Page:Horrid Mysteries Volume 1.djvu/17

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TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.
vii

to be done in a public manner, or that insurmountable obstacles are thrown into the way of the zealous promoter of the general good, before one has a right to create a secret and peculiar compass of activity that is not sanctioned by Government. Benevolence needs no mysterious veil; friendship must originate in a free choice; and sociability does not require being promoted by secret means.

"These secret associations also produce baneful consequences to the world. They are noxious to the public; because all secret transactions are justly liable to suspicion; because the executive power can, with justice, demand being informed of the purpose of every activity for which individuals associate; because dangerous plans, and noxious doctrines, may be concealed behind the veil of secresy, as well as noble views and higher knowledge; because not all members are informed of such dangerous designs, which frequently are hidden by the most beautiful external ap-pearance;

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