obliged to obey the laws of the Apostolical Roman Catholic Church, received in this kingdom, with respect to the Consanguinity and Relationship of parties making marriage contracts.
24th.— Likewise, those of the said religion shall pay all customary dues for the offices and employments conferred upon them, without being obliged to take part in any ceremony contrary to their said religion: and being called upon to take an oath they shall not be required to do more than hold up the hand, swear, and promise before God to speak the truth: shall not be obliged also to take a dispensation from the oath given by them, in making contracts and agreements.
25th.—We desire and command that all of the said pretended Reformed Religion, and others who have joined their party, of whatsoever rank or condition, shall be obliged and compelled in all proper and reasonable ways, and under the penalties contained in this edict, to pay tithes to the pastors and other clergy, and to all others entitled to them according to established usage.
26th.—Disinheriting or depriving of property, whether during life, or by will, solely from hatred or religious animosity, shall be null and void, for the past as well as the future.
27th.—In order the better to promote that union which we wish to see prevail amongst our subjects, and to take away all cause of complaint, we declare that all those who have made or shall make profession of the pretended Reformed Religion shall be eligible for all public offices or employments, whether Royal, Manorial, or Civic, in all parts of our dominions, and shall be impartially appointed thereto, our Courts of Parliament confining themselves in the matter to inquiries as to the piety, morality, and integrity of those nominated for offices, as much those of one religion as the other, without requiring from them any other oath than that they will faithfully serve the King and obey the laws. In case of vacancies occurring in any of said offices in our disposal, we shall without partiality appoint capable persons to such offices. Let it also be understood, that those of said pretended Reformed Religion can be admitted and received into all Councils, Assemblies, and Meetings, which follow from the aforesaid offices, without rejection on account of said religion.
28th.—We command our Officers and Magistrates, and the Commissioners appointed for the execution of the present Edict, in all the towns, &c., of the kingdom, to provide promptly convenient
