light on your opinions, and the habit of encountering and
vanquishing temptation must inspire you with fortitude. Till this
be done, you are unqualified for that post, in which you will be
invested with divine attributes, and prescribe the condition of a
large portion of mankind.

Confide not in the firmness of your principles, or the
stedfastness of your integrity. Be always vigilant and fearful.
Never think you have enough of knowledge, and let not your caution
slumber for a moment, for you know not when danger is near.

I acknowledged the justice of his admonitions, and professed
myself willing to undergo any ordeal which reason should prescribe.
What, I asked, were the conditions, on the fulfilment of which
depended my advancement to the station he alluded to? Was it
necessary to conceal from me the nature and obligations of this
rank?

These enquiries sunk him more profoundly into meditation than
I had ever before witnessed. After a pause, in which some
perplexity was visible, he answered:

I scarcely know what to say. As to promises, I claim them not
from you. We are now arrived at a point, in which it is necessary
to look around with caution, and that consequences should be fully
known. A number of persons are leagued together for an end of some
moment. To make yourself one of these is submitted to your choice.
Among the conditions of their alliance are mutual fidelity and
secrecy.