Attamen recentes ac instantes expositiones quse ad nos
his proximis temporibus, omnibus ex locis, missas fuere,
nobis notam reddunt urgentem necessitatem (Tpponendi
potentem molem animo intolerantias, sectae, schismatis et
anarchise, quem inter fratres nuperi novatores adsciscere
conantur, spectantes ad consilia plus minusve restricta, in-



While approving of these desires, which have been shared
by us ever since our complete initiation into the mysteries
of the Free Art of Stone Masonry, still we have not been
able to conceal from ourselves either the number or nature
or real magnitude of the obstacles, that must be removed,
in order that those desires may be accomplished. We con-
templated the initiation of measures to effect the object de-
sired, by taking counsel with the wisest and most eminent
Brethren of the Fraternity, in all regions of the world, as'
to the expedients best fitted to attain that desirable result,
without violence to the free will of any one, or in any way
encroaching upon the genuine liberty of Masons, especially
upon that freedom of opinion, which is, of all liberties, the
first and most sacred, and exceedingly quick to take offence.
Hitherto, our royal duties, greater than common, to us,
and the very many and grave events that have marked the
course of our reign, have made this our intention ineffect-
ual, and have deterred us from that undertaking. The com-
pletion and perfection of a work so great and excellent
so just and necessary, belong hereafter to the leisure, wis-
dom, knowledge and study of the brethren, who are to
come after us. To them we commit that task and we



224 CONSTITUTIONS ET REGLEMENS.
