GENERAL PREFACE.

...heretics, exercising against them JUSTICE (a) as Judges appointed on God's behalf, and showing them MERCY and PEACE as Ambassadors of Jesus Christ. Undoubtedly, it is in their capacity as Ministers of God and of Mercy and Peace that they refrain from spilling the blood of those deserving punishment who fall into their hands; which is why they content themselves only with burning them The author is being deeply ironic here, referring to the "Relaxatio ad curiam secularem"—the practice where the Inquisition handed over "unrepentant" heretics to secular authorities for execution to avoid the Church technically "spilling blood.". The Inquisition is of a Holy invention, authorized by the Popes, and is praiseworthily carried out under the governance of the Cardinals. Finally, it is a subject that truly depends on Religion, although some countries, which are otherwise very devout in the Roman Religion, reject and condemn it.

These Historical Memoirs original: "Gedenkstukken" are noteworthy; the Author has collected many interesting matters therein, but he has described them in a writing style of an inconsistent nature. We trust, however, that the Reader will be somewhat forgiving regarding the style in favor of the subject matter. The Treatise that follows contains observations on these Memoirs, whether to improve them or to serve as a supplement. It also refutes those who have made a defense for some of the irregular legal proceedings of this Tribunal, etc.

After this subject has concluded the second Volume, we shall proceed to the third Volume, in which the modern Temple Service, Ceremonies, and Customs of the Idolatrous Heathens In the 18th century, "Heathen" was a standard term for non-Abrahamic religions, including those of Asia and the Americas. will be treated, and concerning the content of that subject, we shall then further inform the Reader for that Volume in a continuation of this Preface.

Besides what has been said here in general, we have deemed it very useful and helpful in the translation, to enable the Reader to make better use of this Work, to [arrange] the subject matter of each Treatise—

(a) For the Banner of this Inquisition contains this Motto: JUSTICE and MERCY The coat of arms of the Spanish Inquisition featured a cross flanked by a sword (symbolizing Justice) and an olive branch (symbolizing Mercy)..