THE INQUISITION UNMASKED: BEING AN HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL ACCOUNT OF THAT Tremendous Tribunal, FOUNDED ON AUTHENTIC DOCUMENTS; AND EXHIBITING THE NECESSITY OF ITS SUPPRESSION, AS A MEANS OF REFORM AND REGENERATION. WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED AT A TIME WHEN THE NATIONAL AND J. BOOTH, DUKE-STREET, PORTLAND-PLACE. ΤΟ HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER, &c. &c. &c. THE exalted manner in which Your Royal Highness has ever been distinguished as the active friend of humanity, and the zealous advocate of liberal principles in every quarter of the globe, has made me desirous of obtaining Your Royal Highness's patronage for the English edition of a work which most contributed to overthrow the Inquisition in Spain-an occurrence more remarkable, if not so interesting, as the abolition of the Slave Trade in our own country; for though the victims of the one were fewer, its theory and practice were no less shocking to humanity than opposed to the moral acquirements of the day. No one would have rejoiced more cordially than Your Royal Highness if that triumph had been lasting: still the annals of the event, and the means by which it was achieved, are subjects of the deepest interest to every one, and must be particularly so to Your Royal Highness. This consideration alone has induced me to solicit the present honour, which, whilst it confers on me an obligation, affords me the opportunity of expressing the profound respect and veneration with which I am YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS's Most obedient and humble Servant, WILLIAM WALTON. Oct. 1, 1816. |