Royal Commissioners,

Appointed June 28th, 1847, To Enquire into the State of the Lawrelating to Marriages of Affinity.

"Some persons contend that these marriages are forbidden expressly, or inferentially, by Scripture. If this opinion be admitted, cadit quæstio. But it does not appear from the evidence that this opinion is generally entertained.

"We do not find that the persons who contract these marriages, and the relations and friends who approve them, have a less strong sense than others of religious and moral obligation, or are marked by laxity of conduct." "These marriages will take place when a concurrence of circumstances gives rise to mutual attachment; they are not dependent on legislation."—Report signed by the Bishop of Lichfield, Mr. Stuart Wortley, Dr. Lushington, Mr. Blake, Mr. Justice Williams, and Lord Advocate Rutherford.