LIII. Those laws should be abrogated which relate to protect-

ing the condition of religious orders and their rights and duties ; nay, the civil government may give assistance to all those who
249
may wish to quit the religious life which they have undertaken, and to break their solemn vows; and in like manner it may altogether abolish the said religious orders, and also collegiate churches and simple benefices, even those under the right of a patron, and subject and assign their goods and revenues to the administration and free disposal of the civil power.