Thomas Jefferson [1743-1826] and Benedict Spinoza [1632-1677]

Note: In Frames, Click Here for Full Screen at 2000 C.E. at The Four Corners
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.BACON'S "SECRET SOCIETY": THE EPHRATA CONNECTION
by Linda S. Schrigner, et al

SECTION III — SLIDES AND RESEARCH ON BACON AND AMERICA
by Linda S. Schrigner

58a

In this 17th Century treatise Spinoza expressed Rosicrucian doctrines of universal laws and principles, involving metaphysics and mysticism, in a way that would have called down the Church authorities for heresy and/or unorthodoxy, even in the new Age of Enlightenment in which he lived. However, the book by its full name, Ethica ordine geometrica demonstrata, was not published until a year after his death in 1677. Spinoza also wrote other landmark papers, including Tractatus Theologico-Politicus, which also would have been a powerful influence upon 17th and 18th Century thinking behind plans for Bacon's New Atlantis. It was an explanation against the continuing civil and religious interference in individual free thought, inquiry and written or spoken expression. (Please see Spinoza article in the Bibliography)

In so many words, Spinoza's ...Ethics explained why natural laws, being immutable, inevitably supersede the arbitrary morality of societal laws, because all things must be free to pursue the expression of their true nature.

Through theological and esoteric studies, many scientists and spiritual leaders in colonial and revolutionary America had grasped an understanding of the immutability of all natural/physical laws that are universal, function unerring regardless of erroneous human opinion and belief. However, those who would likely be available to teach such deeper ethics at the University of Virginia without truly understanding the underlying universal principles involved, could not be relied upon in that which would have been taught under a general catalogue heading of "Metaphysics". So it is possibly for this reason that Jefferson approved the course of ethics and eliminated the suggestion of metaphysics from the university catalogue.

We know that, as were other founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson was a Mason, but was he also a Rosicrucian?

NEXT: 58b

Note: In Rosicrucian terms, the uninitiated, untrained would be unsuitable to teach metaphysical principles that, to be true to natural laws concerning ethics and morality or the "nature of living," must also be tied to an understanding of mysticism; metaphysics was beyond both the generally understood physical science and general spirituality of the 18th Century, even though educated people were embracing privately the writings of those great minds who wrote extensively about these things especially in previous centuries. Some were inspired to become Rosicrucians or members of leading secret societies and were great world leaders themselves; many educated people joined in the freedom movements rather because of the kind of inner conviction the writings inspired.

Spinoza was one of the giants who, because of his consistency with Rosicrucian teachings, the very manner and content of his writings, and certain events in his life, is considered by Rosicrucian leaders today to have been a Rosicrucian.

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