16. JEWS AND JEWISH PROSELYTES.--Divine prophecy declares that the Jews shall continue a distinct people, scattered among the Gentiles, until the conversion of Israel to the Messiah, while they yet shall endure persecution. The Roman Catholics, ignorant of the nature of the Gospel, have endeavoured wholly to destroy this people, or to compel them to profess the Christian faith. Edicts, the most severe and cruel, have been published against them, from time to time, by different Popes, in France and Spain. They have been oppressed, fined, and banished, unless they would turn Christians. Thousands of them, in Spain and Portugal, professed the name of Christ to escape punishment, yet, in heart, remaining Jews, abhorring the idolatry of the Papists. The inquisitors proceeded against them, therefore, as heretics and apostates. They are condemned by the inquisitors to endure various punishments, according to the nature or degree of the alleged crimes--as, privation of all intercourse with Jews, penalties, public whipping, and burning at the stake. CHAPTER XI. MINISTERS OF THE INQUISITION. Inquisition in Spain--Inquisitors--Vicars--Counsellors--Promoters-Fiscal--Notaries-- Treasurer--Executor--Familiars--Cross-Bearers--Visitors--Privileges-- Jurisdiction--Prohibition of books--Prison-keepers. Spain, Portugal, and Rome have been most notorious for cruelty, by means of the dreaded court of inquisition. The “Holy Office,” in those countries, has been the most extended, and the most complete in its arrangements; its ministers, therefore, have been most numerous. The number of officers in the Spanish Inquisition has been reckoned at about _three thousand_, and its expense to the country about _one million of pounds_ sterling per annum! District courts were formed in many places, of which it is said, “In every province of Spain there ought to be two or three inquisitors, one judge of the forfeited effects, one executor, three notaries, one keeper of the prison, one messenger, one door-keeper, and one physician. Besides these, assessors, skilful counsellors, familiars and others,” were appointed for the service of this court. These require some notice, the better to understand the character of the Inquisition. 1. INQUISITORS APOSTOLIC.--These are the chief officers, delegates from the Pope, for the special service of judging heretics. Their rank is exalted in the papacy, as each has the title of “lord,” and every inquisitor is styled “most reverend.” One among those in Spain was president of the Inquisition, and was called “inquisitor-major,” or “inquisitor-general.” The Romish cardinals, also, were inquisitors-general. 2. VICARS.--These are appointed by the inquisitors, to serve as their substitutes in case of absence or sickness, and these exercise all the power of their principals, in receiving accusations, and arresting those who may be accused.