Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. INQUISITION AT GOA. A56o' Not long after the death of Francis Xavier, the Inquisition was introduced at Goa. This ex fedient for maintaining the cause of Rome in ndia was very different from the self-denying labours and voluntary sufferings of that devoted missionary, whose life we have just reviewed. This tribunal was established in Europe as early as the twelfth century, by one Dominic, a friar, assisted by his brethren. They were sent throughout the papal dominions, by Pope Innocent III., to denounce the vengeance of the Church against all heretics, and to stir up the sovereigns of the countries wherever they went, to inquire minutely into the characters and circumstances of all persons suspected of disaffection to Rome, and to transmit a faithful account of them to the 'Holy Office, ' with a view to their extirpation. Hence this horrid tribunal was called the Inquisition; and in a few years it was established in almost all the kingdoms under the Pope's domination. The Waldenses were among its first victims, many thousands of them being put to death by fire and sword. Dominic sent forth a vast number of persons, wearing crosses, to* execute this work of destruction, and caused the friars of his order to promise plenary indulgences to all A. D. who should assist in the diabolical crusade. 156 His myrmidons, the cross bearers, deluged many countries with blood, and burnt alive great numbers of those whom they had apprehended. In the year 1557, John III., King of Portugal, erected the Inquisition in his dominions, after the model of that which had long existed in Spain; and three years after, in 1560, Cardinal Henry, Inquisitor general of Portugal, caused it to be established at Goa. At first, both in Europe and India, ...
