Renata of Este; A Chapter from the History of the Reformation in France and Italy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1872 Excerpt: ... HE reader may have anticipated, from the conclusion of the last chapter, that the delightful days at Ferrara would soon come to an end, and that sorrows and afflictions would take their place. The ecclesiastical reaction was soon in full progress, and its path was marked by imprisonment and blood. During the reign of Paul III (1534-49), or at least during the first part of it, men of wavering disposition had received influential ecclesiastical positions, and had even been invested with the dignity of cardinal. One of them, Contarini, was present as Papal Legate at the Imperial Diet at 127 Ratisbon, in the year 1541, so that it was hoped that in some measure a satisfactory agreement would be arrived at. But this was not the case. It soon became clear that not a hair's-breadth of concession could be expected from the Pope. Even the little which Contarini had yielded did not meet with his approval. The stricter party became stronger and stronger, and they never ceased to insinuate to the Pope that it was just by those men of Protestant leanings that the Reformation was nourished and the enemies of the Papacy strengthened. The approaching change soon showed itself. All the more mildly disposed persons lost their influence, and some inclined once more to strict Catholicism. In the year 1542, the Catholic zealots obtained the introduction of the Inquisition for the suppression of heresy on both sides of the Alps. The inquisitors received the power to examine every one at pleasure, without reference to position, honor, sex, or age, to throw the suspected into prison, and to punish the guilty with the confiscation of their property, or even with death. From the year 1534, no book was allowed to be printed without permission of the Inquisition. Moreover, all heretic...