Chapter I: 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 information on this subject, to obtain which otherwise, the 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 unnecessary 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.

CHAPTER I.

Persecution for religious opinions, opposed to the spirit
of Christianity, and to the sentiments of the primitive
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
regulars—birth and education of St. Dominic—his erection 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 indifferent
countries—letter of Pope Gregory IX. to the Inquisitors—successful
resistance of several states against the erection of these Courts, 9

CHAPTER II.

Rise and progress of the Inquisition in Spain—new privileges
conferred on the Inquisitors—their proceedings—sketch of the
government of the ancient Spanish Inquisition—dreadful persecution
of the Jews and Moors at Seville in 1481—they are exposed to
similar persecutions in the other provinces of Spain—Torquemada
appointed Inquisitor-general—he frames laws for the government
of the different tribunals—his audacity and cruelty—proceedings
of his successors Deza and Ximenes—the Reformers' works
proscribed—zeal of the Emperor Charles V. in behalf of the
Inquisition—his son Philip II. is still more superstitious
and intolerant—horrid cruelty of that infatuated monarch—his
efforts to establish the Inquisition in every part of his
dominions—ignorance of the Inquisitors—ludicrous trial of the
famous Galileo before the "Holy Tribunal," 25

CHAPTER III.

Appointment of the Inquisitors in Spain—their extensive
privileges—they pretend to have jurisdiction over the subjects
of other states—imprisonment of Thomas Maynard—dignity
and splendour of the Inquisitors—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 violate in the least their unjust
orders—citing of the witnesses—apprehension of the person
accused—his imprisonment—prisons of the Inquisition—examination of
a culprit—artifice and injustice practised by the judges to induce
a person to criminate himself—striking example of their duplicity
and barbarity, 56

CHAPTER IV.

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
cruelty—barbarous usage of Johanna Bohorques—different
punishments inflicted by the Inquisition—description of an
auto-da-fé—procession which accompanies the celebration of that
ceremony—burning of heretics—account of the splendid auto-da-fé
which took place at Madrid in 1680—penitential habits which are
worn by the criminals—hypocritical manner in which the Inquisitors
deliver over a culprit to the civil power, 79