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disturb itself about the ideas and consciences of its subjects and
people? All are the subjects of the king, and are under the
shadow of the royal protection. Everyone who hears and obeys
should be undisturbed and unmolested, while everyone who
is rebellious and disobedient deserves punishment at the
hands of his Majesty the King. Above all, the times are
completely changed, while principles and institutions have
undergone alteration. In all countries such actions hinder
development and progress, and cause decline and deterioration.
Of the violent agitation which has befallen the supports
of Oriental government the chief cause and principal factor
are in truth these laws and habits of interference; while that
state the seat of whose dominion over the Atlantic and the
Baltic is in the furthest regions of the North has, by reason of
equal dealing with its different subjects and the establishment
of the uniform political rights of diverse nationalities, acquired
extensive colonies in each of the five continents of the
world. (49) Where is this little island in the North Atlantic, and
where the vast territory of the East Indies? Can such extension
be obtained save by equal justice to all peoples and classes? At
all events, by means of just laws, freedom of conscience, and
uniform dealing and equity towards all nationalities and peoples,
they have actually brought under their dominion nearly
all of the inhabited quarter of the world, and by reason of these
principles of freedom they have added day by day to the
strength, power, and extent of their empire, while most of the
peoples on the face of the earth celebrate the name of this state
for its justice. As regards religious zeal and true piety, their
touchstone and proof are firmness and steadfastness in noble
qualities, virtues, and perfections, which are the greatest blessings
of the human race; but not interference with the belief of
this one or that one, demolition of edifices, and cutting off of
the human race. In the middle ages, whereof the beginning