It has come to our attention that a number of Danish books, printed in unknown places and printed rather incorrectly, have been imported into our realm and made available to the public, where they have attracted attention. Some of them deal with certain aspects of our Christian faith and religion, others with all sorts of loose and inappropriate subjects, and many of these books are used and read. They may, in time, spread misrepresentations and delusions harmful to our Christian faith and good customs and to public order. In accordance with the prohibitions issued by our beloved Father and ourselves, these books should be sensibly abolished, so that such problems may be prevented once and for all.

We continue, as before, to forbid the possession, sale or distribution of these Danish books, from this day forth, by all persons at home and abroad, unless they intend, individually or collectively, to act against Us and the Crown, whereupon they shall be held accountable and punished if they act against these issued letters and mandates. It is our wish that our bailiffs, mayors and all other persons in their counties, towns and cities be diligently and graciously aware that this is a serious prohibition and mandate without exception. We hereby jointly invite and command our superintendents to make proper inspections in their respective districts, and to assist the existing provosts and priests, so that everyone in their dominions and parishes, both in the merchant towns and in the countryside, may diligently supervise that no such books are kept, sold or distributed. And should any person take it upon himself to act against this prohibition, our bailiffs and others in authority

are to be informed immediately. Those in possession of such books must be punished accordingly [unless they wish to present themselves to us as those who neglect and despise our writs and commands]. Given at our castle Skanderborg January 23 1617.