CHAPTER XIII.--CONFISCATION

Origin in the Roman Law 501

The Church Responsible for its Introduction 502

Varying Practice in Decreeing it 504

Degree of Criminality Entailing it 507

Question of the Dowers of Wives 509

The Church Shares the Spoils in Italy 510

In France they are Seized by the State 513

The Bishops Obtain a Share 514

Rapacity of Confiscation 517

Alienations and Obligations Void 522

Paralyzing Influence on Commercial Development 524

Expenses of Inquisition, how Defrayed 525

Persecution Dependent on Confiscation 529