mpression at Rome, Molinos and his followers were given out to be
heretics. Books were also written by some of the Jesuits against Molinos
and his method; but they were all answered with spirit by Molinos.

These disputes occasioned such disturbance in Rome, that the whole
affair was taken notice of by the inquisition. Molinos and his book, and
father Petrucci, with his treatises and letters, were brought under a
severe examination; and the Jesuits were considered as the accusers. One
of the society had, indeed, approved of Molinos' book but the rest took
care he should not be again seen at Rome. In the course of the
examination both Molinos and Petrucci acquitted themselves so well, that
their books were again approved, and the answers which the Jesuits had
written were censured as scandalous.

Petrucci's conduct on this occasion was so highly approved, that it not
only raised the credit of the cause, but his own emolument; for he was
soon after made bishop of Jesis, which was a new declaration made by the
pope in their favour. Their books were now esteemed more than ever,
their method was more followed, and the novelty of it, with the new
approbation given after so vigorous an accusation by the Jesuits, all
contributed to raise the credit, and increase the number of the party.

The behaviour of father Petrucci in his new dignity greatly contributed
to increase his reputation, so that his enemies were unwilling to give
him any further disturbance; and, indeed, there was less occasion given
for censure by his writings than those of Molinos. Some passages in the
latter were not so cautiously expressed, but there was room to make
exceptions to them; while, on the other hand, Petrucci so fully
explained himself, as easily to remove the objections made to some parts
of his letter.

The great reputation acquired by Molinos and Petrucci, occasioned a
daily increase of the Quietists. All who were thought sincerely devout,
or at least affected the reputation of it, were reckoned among the
number. If these persons were observed to become more strict in their
lives and mental devotions, yet there appeared less zeal in their whole
deportment as to the exterior parts of the church ceremonies. They were
not so assiduous at mass, nor so earnest to procure masses to be said
for their friends; nor were they so frequently either at confession, or
in processions.

Though the new approbation given to Molinos' book by the inquisition h