p. 7 | The Inquisition of Mexico by GEO. M. BROWN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 28, 1906

The Inquisition of Mexico

By GEO. M. BROWN

GEO. M. BROWN

The publishing house of Ch. Bouret, of Paris and Mexico, has recently brought out an interesting book under the above title. It consists of official records of the tribunal of the Inquisition as it existed in Mexico.

Among other heretics condemned by the “Holy Office” were some denominated New Christians, descendants of the Jews, who kept the Sabbath. They are also charged with observing the dead law of Moses, and with refusing to eat pork or lard. In the records which

I have read, all these New Christians were from Portugal.

At first thought it might appear that these persons were Jews, as they are said to have been descendants of the Jews, and to have kept the law of Moses; but this could hardly have been true, as they are distinguished from the Jews condemned at the same time, by the designation of New Christians. In the sentence against a Lutheran who was condemned for heresy at that time it is charged that he, too, kept the law of Moses. From this it appears that this expression does not mean that they kept the ceremonial law, but rather that they observed some of the commandments which were not observed by the Catholic Church; evidently it was used to heap opprobrium upon the heretics.

I would like to hear from any one who has read of this class of New Christians, who were Sabbath-keepers, either in history or in the records which are accessible in the libraries of Europe.

Avenida 20, Num. 1426, Tacubaya, D. F., Mexico.