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118 laws, if he were able to touch the chain previous to his apprehension. The natural consequence of such an "indulgence" was, that the city was periodically cursed with the most horrible atrocities—annually gorged with a plethora of abominable crimes. No matter how heinous the offence, or how brutal the offender, when he had once taken hold of the chain he was safe from punishment! Hence villains of the most abandoned character were sheltered and encouraged; while virtuous and innocent persons, whose opinions or influence had rendered them obnoxious to the Inquisition, were dragged away to secret imprisonment and cruel death.

The inquisitorial torturings and atrocities of a former period have diminished in Mexico, from the absence of any opposition to priestly rule among an ignorant people; but the nonexistence of such proceedings must not be inferred, merely because their perpetrators have the cunning to hide them from the light of day. Were the Mexicans more enlightened, the secret chambers of the Inquisition would again be filled with martyrs! and though the spectacle of an Auto-da-fe might not be exhibited in open squares and public places; as in