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132 decision given in 1648. On the 27th of May 1653 a new brief was issued by Innocent confirming the preceding one, and enjoining perpetual silence upon both parties. A royal cédula of June 30, 1653, ordered an exequatur to be issued by the council of the Indies. A semi-official letter of Cardinal Spada to Palafox, dated December 17, 1652, while gently rebuking the prelate, acknowledges him to be in the right on the whole question; but the Jesuits would not accept their defeat, and made extracts from the briefs and cédulas apparently terminating the matter in their favor, though the final triumph of the bishop is beyond question.

On his arrival in Spain Palafox had yet to realize the implacable character of his enemies. Having reached his native country after a tiresome voyage of nine months, he expected in vain the honors which had been promised him. The king had intended to promote him to the see of Cuenca, one of the most important in Spain, but was dissuaded, owing to the intrigues of the prime minister, prompted by the Jesuits. Years elapsed, and it was not until 1653 that the bishopric of Osma, one of the least in importance, was offered him. He took possession the following year and labored with his usual zeal. Though his straitened means were a great drawback to the later years of his ministry, he gained the love and esteem of his flock, and universal grief was expressed when his decease occurred on the 1st of October,