På tvende beene? Eksperiment og virkelighed - Holberg

Bjørn Andersen På tvende beene?
Sufferers to be ill used alike: for Poverty and Riches being only
such in proportion; provided men be treated like their
Neighbours, they grumble not; that which vexes the
Oppressed in most Countries, (especially the Common
People, who are more then ordinary envious) is to see their
County, their Parish, or their House taxed more in proportion
than their Neighbours: and they have reason to be
discontented at this, for it brings real Poverty upon those that
are over-taxed; it does not diminish the general Stock of the
Subjects Money, which would keep all Commodities and
Necessaries at equal and moderate Rates; but picks particular
mens Pockets, whilst it leaves others rich and able to profit by
the Necessities of the Poor. 'Tis a certain sign of an ill
Government where there are abundance of Laws; but 'tis no
certain sign of a good one, where there are but a few, as is
plain in the case of Denmark. However, this Blessing of few ...
6 - Pg. 250-252 [79/84]
The vast convenience to any Prince of having all his Subjects
of one Opinion, is visible in Denmark; where there are no
Factions nor Disputes about Religion, which usually have a
great influence on any Government; but all are of one Mind, as
to the way of Salvation, and as to the Duty they owe their
Soveraign. This cuts off occasion of Rebellion and Mutiny from
many, who otherwise would desire it, and seem to have reason
enough, because of the heavy pressures they lye under. As
long as the Priests are entirely dependant upon the Crown,
and the People absolutely governed by the Priests in Matters
of Conscience as they are here, the Prince may be as Arbitrary
as he pleases, without running any risque from his Subjects: in
due consideration of which benefit, the Clergy are very much
favoured here, and have full scope given them to be as