18, c.

22.
Padre Mariana, also a venerable Jesuit and the most renowned historian of Spain, considers the past domination of the Moors a scourge inflicted on the Spanish nation for its iniquities, but the conquest of Granada the reward of Heaven for its great act of propitiation in establishing the glorious tribunal of the Inquisition! No sooner (says the worthy father) was this holy office opened in Spain than there shone forth a resplendent light.

Then it was that, through divine favor, the nation increased in power, and became competent to overthrow and trample down the Moorish domination.* * Mariana, Hist.

Espana, lib.

25, c.