The people of the Philippines, their religious progress and preparation for spiritual leadership in the Far East,

104 THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES
most powerful insurrectionary body in the Islands. The
"Katipunan" was modeled somewhat after Masonry, but
differed radically from all previous secret societies in many
respects. Instead of confining itself to the educated and the
rich, it included the masses. It replaced Romanism as the
religion of tens of thousands of Filipinos. Many fine ideals
were taught to the neophyte as he made his way into the mysteries of the Katipunan, of which the following will serve as
illustrations:
The life which is not consecrated to the cause of justice is a
tree without shade, even though it may not have a poisonous
root.
Good practices solely for personal benefit, and not from a
desire to do good, are worthless.
The true holiness is charity, love for others, and adjusting
one's acts according to the good and the reasonable.
All men are equal, regardless of the color of their skin.
One may have more than another in riches, wisdom, or
beauty, but in manhood all are equal.
Always preserve a high sense of honor, for the word of an
honorable man is sacred.
Waste not time; riches lost may be recovered, but time, once
lost, never returns.
Defend the weak and fight the oppressor.
In life's thorny road, the man is the guide of his wife and
children, and if he teaches them evil, evil will they practice.
The greatest man is not the king nor he with a high-bridged
nose, nor white skin, nor the priest who represents God; but
he is really noble who, born in the forest, possesses no language
save his native tongue, and yet is moderate in speech and
careful to uphold his dignity and his honor. This man is a
patriot and knows how to defend his country.
When this country is radiant with the light of liberty and
we are all united as brothers, then will the pains of the past be
rewarded.
But the primary purpose of the Katipunan was to secure
separation from Spain. Andres Bonifacio, its founder, was