Of a Decree for the Introduction of the Inquisition, in the Year 1550

It appears that at this time the bitterness of the Romish clergy increased and broke out more and more against those who sought to follow the evangelical doctrine of Jesus Christ; so that they prevailed upon the Emperor, through decrees, to revive the inquisition over the consciences of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, which for a time had seemingly abated, and to introduce it with greater rigor than before; which was accordingly done in the manner prescribed, which caused great dissatisfaction and sorrow to the common people of these countries. In regard to this, a certain author writes as follows:

"Though many severe decrees had been published before at different times, for the oppression of the evangelical believers, whereby many thousands were miserably put to death for the faith in the Netherlands, yet the hatred and ill will of the people increased to an unusual degree in the year 1550, as a result of the decree concerning the inquisition, issued by Emperor Charles the Fifth at Brussels on the 29th of April; for by this it was declared that the intention was, from that time forward, to introduce the spiritual inquisition publicly, but nevertheless to have the cruel and bloody mandates rigorously executed by the secular power." Chron. van den Ondergang, page 11.29, column 1, compared with Eman. de Met., book 1. Pieter Bor., book 1. Oorspronch der Nederlantsche Beroerten, old edition, folios 5 and 6. [n709-1]

Further Observation. Though the writer says in the sequel that some magistrates would not publish this decree concerning the inquisition, and that some, by humble petitions to the Emperor, obtained a mitigation, yet it had gone so far that actual means were secretly employed to carry out this purpose through the inquisitors; as a result of which the minds of the people became still more agitated and disaffected, so that many emigrated from the cities of Brabant, particularly from West Flanders. See the authors cited.