2. In
regard to the matter of the Jews We must express our concern, which causes Us
to cry aloud: "the best color has been changed." Our credible experts
in Polish affairs and the citizens of Poland itself who communicated with Us
have informed Us that the number of Jews in that country has greatly increased.
In fact, some cities and towns which had been predominantly Christian are now
practically devoid of Christians.
The Jews have so replaced the
Christians that some parishes are about to lose their ministers because their
revenue has dwindled so drastically. Because the Jews control businesses
selling liquor and even wine, they are therefore allowed to supervise the
collection of public revenues. They have also gained control of inns, bankrupt
estates, villages and public land by means of which they have subjugated poor
Christian farmers. The Jews are cruel taskmasters, not only working the farmers
harshly and forcing them to carry excessive loads, but also whipping them for
punishment. So it has come about that those poor farmers are the subjects of
the Jews, submissive to their will and power. Furthermore, although the power to
punish lies with the Christian official, he must comply with the commands of
the Jews and inflict the punishments they desire. If he doesn't, he would lose
his post. Therefore the tyrannical orders of the Jews have to be carried out.
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