The Peril of the Republic of the United States of America - Percy T. Magan

descended like a frock down to the knees. They
were of a yellow color, embroidered with a cross,
and well garnished with figures of devils and
flames of fire, which, typical of the heretic’s
destiny hereafter, served to make him more odious
in the eyes of the superstitious multitude. In certain
cases the garment was also adorned with the
picture of the wearer, burning in flames, with
several figures of dragons and devils in the act of
fanning them.[2]
The Inquisition has existed in principle ever
since the fourth century, when Christianity became
the established religion of the Roman empire; but
acts of intolerance do not seem to have flowed
from any systematized plan of persecution until the
papal authority had risen to a considerable height.
Inquisitorial missions were first sent out by
Pope Innocent III, 1210-1215, against the
Albigenses, who dwelt under the shadow of the
lofty Pyrenees in southern France. They were a
most peaceable and polished people, and the only
national crime of which they had ever been guilty
103