Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1896-12-18

that gold and silver could not pur-
chase. In every case that has been
recorded those Mascns who have
been tested in this way, have proved
themselves worthy Of the confidence
reposed in them. They have been
unwavering in their fidelity, aud un
fiinching in their devotion to tie
principles they had been taught.
One of the most noted cases of
prosecution was that of John Cous.
toe, Freemason in Lisbon in 1743.
Coustos was boru at Berne, Switzer-
land IL i716 he emigrated with his
father IL England, where he became
naturalize subject. In 1743 he re
moved to Lisbon, where he engaged
in business as a dealer in precious
stones.
Masonic Lodges in Spain were
held in private residences. aud not in
public halls, as iu England and other
countries. This was owing to the
bull of Pope Clement XII. denounc
ing the fraternity. Coustos a
jealous Mason was Master of his
lodge. A female revealed the fact
OF the existence of this lodge and its
place OF meeting. The Inquisition
ordered the arrest of Coustos and
objected that he receive the tender
care of the Holy Office" lie was
accordingly seized one night in q
coffee house, charged with stealing a
diamond, on which another jeweler
had been falsely accused, and pre-.
viously arrested. The jewellers name
was Moulton, n member and Senior
Warden of Coustos' Lodge The
chare of theft against both men, was
OF course, false. Their crime WAS
membership in that hated Society
OF Ereemasons.
Custos was confined in cell whose
horrors were heightened by the com.
plants, the dismal cries and groans
OF other prisoners. The next day
after his arrest he was lead, bare
headed before the inquisitors. He
was made to tell under oath, his.
name, age. time of residence in Lis
bon, his religious belief, and other
things, after which he was ordered
to confess all of his crimes he had
committed during his lifetime. This
he refused 10 do, saying that from
his infancy he had been taught to
make confession to God, and rot to
man. He was sent back to his lone.
~ dungeon, where he was expressly
forbidden to speak aloud or knock
against the walls, or make any noise
or sign of distress. After en1uring
the tOrtures of confinement for three
days longer he was again brought
before the Inquisitors. ind at this
examination his crime of "being a
Mason" wat revealed After MANY
searching questions. and the prison.
ers refusal to reveal the secrets of
the fraternity, he was remauded to Il
deeper and more horrible dungeon.
and there confined for three weeks.
He was repeatedly brought befor.
the lnqnisitors, and every time was
hrm in his fidelity to his obligations
your oath is nothing before u.s.
they told him, we will absolve Won
from it,"
"Your lordships are very gracious"
Coustos replied, "but 1 am frml,
persuaded that it is not tie power of
any being on earth to free me from nv
oath, and L am firmly determined
never to violate it."
asS& WHO ludB seem
almost incredible. He was conde,u
ned to the torture of the eHoly Of
tice." What supreme mockery! He
was taken to the torture room, where
no light appeared but what was af-
forded by two candles. First thew
put around the unfortunate mans
neck color of iron which was fas
tened to the scaffold; they then fixed
ring TO each foot and stretched his
limbs with all their might. They
next wound two ropes around each
arm, and two around each thigh.
which ropes passed under the scat
fold. These ropes, about as large
as ones little finger, were drawn
tightly by four men, and cut through
the flesh, quite TO the bone, making
the blood gush out at eight different