The Parliament, still agitated and anxious, had at last enregistered the edict relating to non-Catholics.

Public opinion, like the government, supported it eagerly; the principles of tolerance which had prompted it were henceforth accepted by all; certain bishops and certain bigots were still trying to hinder this first step towards a legal status for a long while refused to Protestants.

M.d'Espremesnil, an earnest disciple of the _philosophe inconnu,_ the mystic St.Martin, just as he had been the dupe of Mesmer and of Cagliostro, was almost single-handed in the Parliament in his opposition to the registration of the edict.

Extending his hand towards the crucifix, he exclaimed with violence: "Would you crucify him a second time ?" The court was a better judge of Christian principles, and Protestants were permitted to be born, to marry, and to die on French territory.

The edict did not as yet concede to them any other right.
The contest extended as it grew hotter; everywhere the parliaments took up the quarrel of the court of Paris; the formation of the provincial assemblies furnished new centres of opposition; the petty noblesse made alliance with the magistracy; the antagonism of principles became every day more evident; after the five months elapsed since the royal session, the Parliament was still protesting against the violence done to it.
"I had no need to take or count the votes," said the king's reply; "being present at the deliberation, I judged for myself without taking any account of plurality.