Their existence depends upon this: their existence is known
only to themselves. This secrecy must be obtained by all the means
which are possible. When I have said thus much, I have informed
you, in some degree, of their existence, but you are still ignorant
of the purpose contemplated by this association, and of all the
members, except myself. So far no dangerous disclosure is yet
made: but this degree of concealment is not sufficient. Thus much
is made known to you, because it is unavoidable. The individuals
which compose this fraternity are not immortal, and the vacancies
occasioned by death must be supplied from among the living. The
candidate must be instructed and prepared, and they are always at
liberty to recede. Their reason must approve the obligations and
duties of their station, or they are unfit for it. If they recede,
one duty is still incumbent upon them: they must observe an
inviolable silence. To this they are not held by any promise.
They must weigh consequences, and freely decide; but they must not
fail to number among these consequences their own death.

Their death will not be prompted by vengeance. The
executioner will say, he that has once revealed the tale is likely
to reveal it a second time; and, to prevent this, the betrayer must
die. Nor is this the only consequence: to prevent the further
revelation, he, to whom the secret was imparted, must likewise
perish. He must not console himself with the belief that his
trespass will be unknown. The knowledge cannot, by human means, be
withheld from this fraternity. Rare, indeed, will it be that his
purpose to disclose is not discovered before it can be effected,
and the disclosure prevented by his death.

Be well aware of your condition. What I now, or may hereafter