(Michael), a Spanish priest, who endeavoured to spread new doctrines in Italy. He was born in the diocese of Saragossa in 1627; and entered into priest's orders, though he never held any ecclesiastical benefice. He was a man of good sense and learning, and his life was exemplary; though, instead of practising austerities, he gave himself up to contemplation and mystical devotion. He wrote a book intitled, Il Guida Spirituale, containing his peculiar notions, which was greedily read both in Italy and Spain. His followers are called Quietists; because his chief principle was, that men ought to annihilate themselves in order to be united to God, and afterwards remain in quietness of mind, without being troubled for what shall happen to the body. He was taken up in 1687; and his 68 propositions were examined by the pope and inquisitors, who decreed that his doctrine was false and pernicious, and that his books should be burned. He was forced to recant his errors publicly in the Dominican church, and was condemned to perpetual imprisonment. He was 50 years old when he was taken, and had been spreading his doctrine 22 years before. He died in prison in 1692.