Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/150

130 Pope Innocent X. A brief of the 14th of May 1648 contains the resolutions adopted by a congregation of cardinals and prelates, to whom the investigation of the complaints made by Palafox had been transferred by the holy see. The society was placed under the jurisdiction of the bishop in all the disputed points, although at the same time lenient measures were recommended to Palafox; general absolution was granted him; and all rights and privileges conflicting with this decision declared null and void.

With proud satisfaction the prelate sent a copy of the brief to the Jesuit fathers of the colleges at Puebla, and however great their reluctance might be, they could not openly disregard the pontifical orders. After deliberating about the matter, they expressed their willingness to obey, and on October 23d exhibited their licenses, which were not only ratified by Palafox but supplemented with new ones, A short time afterward an episcopal decree revoked all the previous censures and restrictions. While the Jesuits submitted they protested, however, against the pope's brief in so far as it had arrived without the exequatur of the India Council, and so well they knew how to avail themselves of their influence that although this necessary requisite was later formally issued, years elapsed before it could be ordered by the audiencia that the papal brief should take effect. On the advantage thus obtained all their subsequent opposition was founded, for they had always sufficient friends,