CHAPTER XIV.--THE STAKE.

Theoretical Irresponsibility of the Inquisition 534

The Church Coerces the Secular Power to Burn Heretics 536

Only Impenitent Heretics Burned 541

Relapse.--Hesitation as to its Penalty.--Burning Decided upon 543

Difficulty of Defining Relapse 547

Refusal to Submit to Penance 548

Probable Frequency of Burning 549

Details of Execution 551

Burning of Books 554

Influence of Inquisitorial Methods on the Church 557

Influence on Secular Jurisprudence 559

APPENDIX 563

THE INQUISITION

BOOK I.

ORIGIN AND ORGANIZATION.