Читать книгу History of the Inquisition from Its Establishment Till the Present Time - William Sime - Страница 5

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[1] A History of the Waldenses having been already published, the author considers it unnecessary to give here any particular account either of the history or doctrines of that interesting people, more especially as that work contains a full account of the crusades against the Albigenses, and of the persecutions carried on by the Popish Church against their brethren in Piedmont.

[2] Although Dominic was both the projector of the Inquisition, and the first Inquisitor, historians differ as to the year when that iniquitous court was first erected; some fixing the date of its establishment so early as in 1208, others in 1212, and not a few in the year above mentioned. This, however, can be but of little moment. It was in the beginning of the thirteenth century, "in an evil hour," to use the words of a late eminent and lamented author, "and under some planet of malignant aspect and of disastrous influence," that St. Dominic, the father of the Inquisition, arose.

[3] On this privilege enjoyed by the civil magistrate, Dr. Jortin humorously remarks, that "the priest was the judge, and the king was the hangman!" A third part of the property of heretics, was, however, allowed to belong to the magistrate for the benefit of the community; but out of this again he had to defray the expenses of keeping up the prisons and supporting the prisoners.