Description of the Illuminati

...the [Regen]t himself, along with his ministry, to join in the persecution—these are the people who write the printed lampoons Pasquille Anonymous satirical writings or pamphlets used for political character assassination. about the government, who wish to annihilate the House of Wittelsbach The ruling royal family of Bavaria at the time., who oppose the exchange of territories A reference to the "Bavarian-Austrian Exchange," a plan to trade Bavaria for the Austrian Netherlands, which the Illuminati were accused of undermining., who seek to master all thrones, surround every ruler with their own people, and keep them in a shameful state of dependence.

If these allegations seem too exaggerated and ridiculous to many, and therefore find no credence, then one feels compelled to lower the tone—to moderate the accusations to such a degree that they are intended to arouse mere contempt for the Society. Now the members cease to be atheists, traitors to the country, and the like. The whole thing is presented as a mere administrative institution Policey-Anstalt In the 18th century, 'Policey' referred to the general administration, social regulation, and public order of the state.; the matter itself is nothing but the vain swindling Beutelschneiderey of an officer. Entire families were ruined, parents and guardians were cheated and deceived: and yet, spirits of the highest caliber were among them, and despite all their greatness of mind, they noticed the fraud [not]... The sentence concludes on the following page; the catchword "nicht" suggests they did "not" notice the deception despite their intelligence.