The history of the Inquisition, as it is exercised at Goa written in French, by the ingenious Monsieur Dellon, who laboured five years under those severities ; with an account of his deliverance ; translated into English.

CHAP. III. (Book 3)

Of the Visit which I made to the Commissary of the Inquisition to Accuse my self, and ask Advice of him.

NOtwithstanding the inviolable secrecy which the Inquisition exacteth, by Oath of all those who approach her Tribunals, I failed not to have some notice of the depositions which were made against me. The apprehension of falling into the hands of the Holy Office made me go to find out the Commissary, from whom I hoped for Counsel and Pro∣tection, because I had been recommended to him by Persons, who de∣served that consideration should be had of them; and for that all the time I had been at Daman, he had always affected to be accounted one of my friends. I therefore fairly related to him how things had passed; and praying him to instruct me in what manner I should behave my self for the future, assuring him that as I had never any ill design, so I was ready to amend my self, and even to recant, if he should judge that I had advanced any thing which was not convenient. This Father assured me, that my proceeding had given scandal to many People, that he was satisfied that my intention had not beenill, and that there was nothing in all which I had said absolutely Criminal, that nevertheless he advised me to accommodate my self a little to the fashion of the people, and not to speak so freely of these sorts of matters, and above all, of Images, which I had often said ought not to be adored, which I had en∣deavoured to prove by Citations out of the Scriptures and the Fathers. That the people were in truth in some light Errours, which passed for a true Devotion, but that it was not for me to undertake to correct and reform them.

I thanked the Commissary for the good advice which he had given me, and returned very well satisfied: Forasmuch as I knew that having accused my self before I was arrested, I could not according to the Laws of the Inquisition be any more accused. I was besides very well satisfied of the justice and integrity of this Commissary, because that having not found me guilty, he had given me all necessary advice for my future conduct with so much prudence; insomuch as I could not any longer entertain the least shadow of suspicion against my self.