The-papacy-its-history-dogmas-genius-and-prospects-wylie

446 INFLUENCE OP POPERY ON GOVERNMENT.permitted these triumphs to such a power.But it becomesus to bear in mind that, but for these six centuries, we nevershould have known the true character of Popery ; or ratherwe never should have known the fearful malignancy andblood-thirstiness of that principle of idolatry set up bySatan in the world, which appeared so tolerant in earlytimes, and whose true character has been fully developedonly in these latter days.Nor, but for this violence, shouldwe ever have known the mighty power of Grod intruth from her grave,—restoringbringingChristianity anew by thepreaching of Luther and his co-reformers, after its confessors,almost to a man, had been cut off.We must here notice, however briefly, the Inquisition.Not content with being able to wield the swords of the Catholicprinces, the Church of Rome erected a tribunal ofher own, that she might the more summarily and effectuallywreak her vengeance upon heretics. This is a thoroughlyecclesiastical court, and forms, therefore, a correct illustrationof the true spirit and genius of the Papacy. It waserected by the Pope, sanctioned by councils, has been allalong supported and governed by ecclesiastical authority,was wrought solely for ecclesiastical ends, and managed bypriests and friars. In all the countries in which it was setup,—and it was introduced into most of the countries ofEurope,—it caused unspeakable terror. Its victims wereapprehended commonly at midnight. The familiars of theHoly Office surrounded the door of the house, whispered thename of the tribunal on whose errand they had come, andthe inmates, transfixed by thedreadful words, delivered uptheir dearest relatives without pity or remorse. The personapprehended was consigned to a dungeon, generally belowground ; he knew not his accuser ; he was not told evenof what crime he was suspected ; he was often desired todivine the cause of his apprehension ; and when he refusedto criminate himself, the most horrible tortures were employedto extort confession. He was not confronted withthe witnesses against him ; their depositions even were not