Final answer:
The Edict of Nantes, issued by Henry IV in 1598, granted limited religious toleration to Huguenots in France, allowing them the freedom of conscience and worship. This contrasted with the later Revolutionary Settlement in England, which imposed strict restrictions on Catholics and ensured the Protestant succession of the English throne.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decree you are referring to is the Edict of Nantes, issued by Henry IV of France in 1598. This historic edict granted limited religious toleration in France, specifically to the Huguenots, who were French Protestants influenced by the writings of John Calvin. The edict notably provided the Huguenots with the liberty of conscience and the liberty of worship, which allowed them to practice their religion without interference from the state, although their rights to worship were restricted to specific areas and under certain conditions.
It is important to note that while the Edict of Nantes was groundbreaking for its time in advancing religious toleration, it was not a blanket guarantee of religious freedom. For example, the Revolutionary Settlement that occurred in England much later placed heavy restrictions on English Catholics, such as prohibiting them from bearing arms or worshiping freely. It also required that the kings of England be Protestants and prevented members of the royal family from marrying Catholics, with an Act of Toleration enabling freedom of worship to all sects except Catholics.