On their advice, the king sent a proposal to Rome for certain modifications in the constitutions of the order.

Father Ricci, general of the Jesuits, answered haughtily, "Let them be as they are, or not be" (_Sint ut sunt, aut non sint_).

Their enemies in France accepted the challenge.

On the 6th of August, 1762, a decree of the Parliament of Paris, soon confirmed by the majority of the sovereign courts, declared that there was danger (_abus_) in the bulls, briefs, and constitutions of the Society, pronounced its dissolution, forbade its members to wear the dress and to continue living in common under the sway of the general and other superiors.

Orders were given to close all the Jesuit houses.