The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

284 THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.May the happy condition of things now existingamong us always continue, when the relations between the clergy and the people will be direct andimmediate: when Bishops and Priests will bestowupon their spiritual children their voluntary labors,their tender solicitude, their paternal affection, andpour out like water their hearts blood, if necessary ;and when they will receive in return the free-willofferings, the devotion and gratitude of a filialpeople.CHAPTER XVIII.CHARGES OF RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION.THE SPANISH INQUISITION THE MASSACRE OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW QUEEN MARY OF ENGLAND.BUT did not the Spanish Inquisition exercise enormous cruelties against heretics and Jews? I amnot the apologist of the Spanish Inquisition, and Ihave no desire to palliate or excuse the excesses intowhich that tribunal may at times have fallen. Frommy heart I abhor and denounce every species of violence, and injustice, and persecution of which theSpanish Inquisition may have been guilty.And inraising my voice against coercion for conscience sake,I am expressing not only my own sentiments, butthose of every Catholic Priest and layman in the land.