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.