110 HISTORY AND ETHNOLOGY. 



and tlie interdict, and subsequently, the Inquisition, tliat dreadful tribunal 

 for all manner of heresy, Avbich invented cruelties from which the anoient pa- 

 gans, as well as the most savage tribes of the new world, would have turned 

 away in disgust and horror. The feelings revolt at the thoughts of the 

 refined barbarities perpetrated by Christians, nay, by Christian priests. By 

 means of pis. 30, and 31, the e3^e can realize some of the horrors connected 

 with the Inquisition, which we should despair of fully conveying by de- 

 scription. 



The Inquisition owes its institution to Pope Innocent III., in 1138, who es- 

 tablished a tribunal for the suppression of some rapidly increasing sects, as 

 the Arnoldists, Waldenses, and Albigenses. To this work the Dominican monks 

 were judged competent. This tribunal, however. Only attained to a decided 

 rank and celebrity under Gregory IX. In 1228 it was located at Toulouse, 

 and was placed under the superintendence of the papal legate, one spiritual, 

 and three temporal vice-presidents. At that time it directed its energies es- 

 pecially against the Albigenses. 



At first the power of the inquisitors was quite limited, and they operated 

 indirectly upon the objects of their displeasure. Instead of punishing the 

 heretics, they endeavored to engage princes and magistrates in this Avork, 

 while they confine;! themselves to lectures against the sects. It was also a 

 part of their business to record the number, names, common avocations, and 

 success of the dissenters, the activity of the bishops and other clergy in ar- 

 resting the sectarian spirit, and to transmit the result of their observations to 

 the Holy See. The poAvers of the institution, however, were soon enlarged, 

 and in due time its officers were permitted to dispense indulgences and to 

 preach in favor of crusades. The}^ received letters of safe conduct, the right 

 of investigating charges of heresy, of passing sentence upon those convicted, 

 and of compelling the civil authorities to execute their verdicts. If an indi- 

 vidual to whom the charge of heresy was brought home refused to abjure his 

 opinions, his punishment consisted in being burnt at the stake ; and if he 

 recanted, his doom was perpetual imprisonment. 



Venice created a court of Inquisition, independent of the pope, but em- 

 ployed for president a papal nuncio, assisted by the patriarch, the inquisitor, 

 and three temporal judges. In Naples the Inquisition did not exist in its 

 true form, but in Sicily one was established under the auspices of the Span- 

 ish Inquisitor-General. Several cities in France adopted it, but the people 

 interposed, and made an energetic opposition to its remaining there ; and even 

 when the hostility Avas less decisive, the inquisitors abandoned the kingdom. 

 In Germany, Netherlands, and England, all efforts to establish its supremacy 

 failed. The theatre of its fullest sway lay in certain districts of Italy and 

 Spain. In 1536 it established itself firmly in Portugal, and even passed over 

 into both the East and West Indian colonies. 



In Spain the tribunal directed its chief efforts against the Jcavs and Ma- 

 hometans. Torquemada, confessor of Queen Isabella, induced her to 

 promise at her accession to the throne, a vigilant persecution of heretics ; 

 and as the best means to accomplish their extermination, he had sug- 

 gested the Inquisition. On her recommendation it was soon introduced 

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