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for our own knowledge and for the knowledge of all book printers, as well as the General Ecclesiastical Inspection College (General-Kirke-Inspections Collegium)) concerning the fact that books may now be printed without prior censorship and approval.
It is detrimental for the unbiased investigation of truth, and it prevents the enlightenment regarding previous delusions and prejudices, when well-meaning and honest patriots, who strive for the common good and well-being of their fellow citizens, are discouraged from writing freely according to their own insight, conscience and conviction, in order to attack abuses and expose prejudices – because of the reputation of certain persons, or their injunctions or preconceived notions.
In such a view, the King authorises in his kingdoms and countries in general an unrestricted freedom for the printers in such a way: that no one shall be obliged and forbidden to submit his books and writings, which he wants to submit for printing, to the previously arranged censorship and approval, or at the end to submit the same to be reviewed by those to whom such business has been entrusted.
Sorøe-Academie, til egen Efterretning, og Bekjendtgjørelse for samtlige Bogtrykkere, saa og til Generel-Kirke-Inspections-Collegium), ang. at Bøger maae trykkes uden Censur og Apporbation (r).
Gr. Det er saavel skadeligt for Sandheds upartiske Undersøgning, som og hinderligt i at oplyse de ældre Tiiders Vildfarelser og Fordomme, naar redeligen sindede, og for det almindelige Vel samt deres Medborgeres sande Bedste nidkjære Patrioter skulle, formedelst Persons Anseelse, Befalinger, eller forudfattede Meeninger, skrækkes fra, eller forhindres at skrive frit, efter deres Indsigt, Samvittighed og Overbeviisning, samt at angribe Misbruge, og lægge Fordomme for Dagen.
I saadan Betragtning tillader Kongen udi sine Riger og Lande i Almindelighed en uindskrænket Frihed for Bogtrykkerierne saaledes: at ingen efterdags skal være pligtig og forbuden til at lade sine Bøger og Skrivter, som han vil overgive til Trykken, underkaste den hidtil anordnede Censur og Approbation, eller til den Ende at indlevere samme til at gjennemsees af dem, som slig Forretning har være overdraget.