The Jesuit missionaries from Europe leveraged their superior understanding of subjects such as astronomy, mechanics, and physics to heighten their social standing in China. They were very successful at mingling with the elite and penetrating exclusive social circles. As trusted members of society, the missionaries were tasked with assisting the Imperial Observatory. Their accuracy in predicting solar eclipses allowed the emperor to determine the precise date for performing certain rituals.

In 1689, Father Jean-François Gerbillon (张诚, 1654–1707), a French Jesuit, and Father Thomas Pereira (徐日升, 1645–1708), a Portuguese Jesuit, travelled to Nerchinsk (尼布楚) in the Russian Empire. They served as translators for China in the negotiation of the Treaty of Nerchinsk (尼布楚條約), the first-ever treaty between the Russian Empire and the Great Qing; this helped to boost trade relations significantly.

The Jesuits' knowledge about western military technology was also tremendously beneficial to the ruling class, interested in integrating European-styled artillery into their arsenal.

The content of the Edict:

The Europeans, great admirer of religion, came here after travelling over ten thousand li (里) by sea. Now, they serve the government in the implementation of law, the effective use of military, manufacturing of artillery and canons; they even travel to the Russia Empire to help with diplomacy; they are loyal and they have achieved much. The Europeans who are living in each of our provinces, did not behave badly, did not disturb the people, or cause any abnormalities. The temples of the Lammas the monks allow people to go in, walk around and burn incense. The Europeans did not violate any law, yet we prohibit them, this sounds unreasonable. All the temples of the Lord of Heaven must be preserved in their original status, all the people who wish to go in to worship or burn incense, must be allowed and no prohibited. From the day of the Edict, all provinces and counties must obey.

The original Edict in Chinese:

查得西洋人，仰慕圣化，由万里航海而来。现今治理历法，用兵之际，力造军器、火炮，差往俄罗斯，诚心效力，克成其事，劳绩甚多。各省居住西洋人，并无为恶乱行之处，又并非左道惑众，异端生事。喇嘛、僧等寺庙，尚容人烧香行走。西洋人并无违法之事，反行禁止，似属不宜。相应将各处天主堂俱照旧存留，凡进香供奉之人，仍许照常行走，不必禁止。俟命下之日，通行直隶各省可也。