The Persecution Of Dr Aegidio


Dr. AEgidio was educated at the university of Alcala, where he took his

several degrees, and particularly applied himself to the study of the

sacred scriptures and school divinity. The professor of theology dying,

he was elected into his place, and acted so much to the satisfaction of

every one, that his reputation for learning and piety was circulated

throughout Europe.



AEgidio, however, had his enemies,
and these laid a complaint against him

to the inquisitors, who sent him a citation, and when he appeared to it,

cast him into a dungeon.



As the greatest part of those who belonged to the cathedral church at

Seville, and many persons belonging to the bishopric of Dortois highly

approved of the doctrines of AEgidio, which they thought perfectly

consonant with true religion, they petitioned the emperor in his behalf.

Though the monarch had been educated a Roman catholic, he had too much

sense to be a bigot, and therefore sent an immediate order for his

enlargement.



He soon after visited the church of Valladolid, did every thing he could

to promote the cause of religion, and returning home he soon after fell

sick, and died in an extreme old age.



The inquisitors having been disappointed of gratifying their malice

against him while living, determined (as the emperor's whole thoughts

were engrossed by a military expedition) to wreak their vengeance on him

when dead. Therefore, soon after he was buried, they ordered his remains

to be dug out of the grave; and a legal process being carried on, they

were condemned to be burnt, which was executed accordingly.



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