20 Nov. 1954 PREFACE. AMONG the numerous and varied methods which the Popish Church has adopted, to maintain its usurped sway over the minds and bodies of men, none has been more effectual than the erection of the Inquisition. Established for the purpose of taking cognizance of what it styles heresy, many are the victims which this tribunal has doomed to the rack and the flames, for endeavouring to regulate their faith and worship agreeably to the unerring standard of revealed truth. For many ages, its procedure was comparatively unknown, the conduct of its ministers having been wrapt up in that mysterious secrecy by which all its transactions are characterized. What was long concealed is, however, now unfolded, by the productions of many unexceptionable writers, not a few of whom were themselves connected with the "holy office," and are consequently well fitted to give an impartial account of its iniquitous acts and deeds. The design, accordingly, of this little volume, is to give a succinct and connected view of the rise, progress, and present state of that infamous tribunal, more especially in Spain. Such a work, the writer conceives, will not be without use, notwithstanding the many detailed accounts that have been given of an institution, which has been, and still is, an outrage on humanity. To those whose avocations allow only of an occasional perusal of books, the following sheets will afford infor mation on this subject, to obtain which otherwise, the Wor iii reading of many large works would be necessary; and to the young student, it is hoped, they may pave the way for future research, excite an early abhorrence of tyranny and bigotry, and nurture the spirit of Christian philanthropy and liberality. It has been the aim of the writer to condense as much information within a small compass as possible. Not a few cases of well-attested individual suffering have also been introduced, illustrative of the various topics brought forward in the course of the work. It may also be mentioned, that the utmost care has been taken to insure the authenticity of the statements which are advanced; though it was deemed inexpedient to enlarge the volume by notes of reference to the writers whence it is compiled, these for the most part being embodied in the text. To enumerate all the authors whose writings have been consulted, is as unneces sary as it would be tedious. But it may be of importance to state, that among others whose names will be found in the work itself, materials have been collected from Limborch, Baker, Hurd, Montanus, Salgado, Father Paul, Gavin, Dellon, Buchanan, Puigblanch, Llorente, Blanco White, and Don Juan Van Halen. EDINBURGH, July, 1834. CONTENTS. Persecution for religious opinions, opposed to the spirit of Christianity, and to the sentiments of the primi- tive fathers-it increases with the growth of the Papal authority-edicts of the synod of Tours and of the Roman Pontiff against the Waldenses-the foundation of the Inquisition laid by Regnier and Guy-Innocent III. institutes two new orders of regu- lars-birth and education of St. Dominic-his erec- tion of the Inquisition, and thirst for human blood- procedure of the first Inquisitors-difficulties which had to be surmounted previous to the establishment of the Inquisition-edicts of Frederick II. against heresy-erection of Inquisitorial tribunals in different countries---letter of Pope Gregory IX. to the Inquisi- Rise and progress of the Inquisition in Spain-new pri- vileges conferred on the Inquisitors-their proceed- ings-sketch of the government of the ancient Span- ish Inquisition---dreadful persecution of the Jews and Moors at Seville in 1481-they are exposed to similar persecutions in the other provinces of Spain-Tor- quemada appointed Inquisitor-general-he frames laws for the government of the different tribunals-- his audacity and cruelty---proceedings of his succes- sors Deza and Ximenes-the Reformers' works pro scribed-zeal of the Emperor Charles V. in behalf of the Inquisition-his son Philip II. is still more Inquisition in every part of his dominions--ignorance Appointment of the Inquisitors in Spain-their exten- sive privileges-they pretend to have jurisdiction over the subjects of other states--imprisonment of Thomas Maynard-dignity and splendour of the In- quisitors--other officers belonging to the Inquisition --procedure of the tribunal of the "Holy Office"- eagerness of the Inquisitors to preserve secrecy in all their transactions---their manner of receiving and interrogating informers--their rigorous proceedings towards any of their servants who may dare to vio- late in the least their unjust orders--citing of the witnesses---apprehension of the person accused--- his imprisonment-prisons of the Inquisition-exami- nation of a culprit-artifice and injustice practised by the judges to induce a person to criminate him- Examination of the accused by torture-its different degrees---Puigblanch's description of this inhuman practice-it is sometimes inflicted on those who are condemned to death---sufferings of William Lithgow -innocence no protection against Inquisitorial cru- elty---barbarous usage of Johanna Bohorques-differ- ent punishments inflicted by the Inquisition-descrip- tion of an auto-da-fé-procession which accompanies the celebration of that ceremony---burning of heretics ---account of the splendid auto-da-fe which took place at Madrid in 1680---penitential habits which are worn by the criminals--hypocritical manner in which the In- quisitors deliver over a culprit to the civil power. 79 Auto-da-fé celebrated at Seville in 1560-the Inquisitor |