rfectly, independent in
religious matters as well as in other respects. Consequently it is
not probable that there was even in Mexico any hereditary caste of
priests.<59>

However set aside, or chosen, or elected, we have every reason to
believe that the organization of the priesthood was systematic. The
aspirant for the office had to acquaint himself with the songs
and prayers used in public worship, the national traditions, their
principles of astrology, so as to tell the lucky and unlucky days.
When admitted to the priesthood, their rank was doubtless determined by
meritorious actions. Successes in war would contribute to this result
as well as sanctity, a priest who had captured several prisoners ranking
higher than one who had captured but one, and this last higher than the
unfortunate who had taken none.<60> We must not forget that war was
the duty of all among the Mexicans. The priests were not in all cases
exempt; part of their duties may have been to care for the wounded. It
is not likely that the priests of any one god ranked any higher than the
priests of others, or had any authority over them.

This body of priests of whom we have just treated concerned themselves
a great deal with the social life of the Mexicans, and their power was
doubtless great. Their duties commenced with the birth of the child, and
continued through life. No important event of any kind was undertaken
without duly consulting the priests to see if the day selected was a
lucky one. The Nahuas were, like all Indians, very superstitious, so
there was plenty of work cut out for the priests. Into their hands was
committed the art of explaining dreams, fortune-telling, astrology,
and the explanation of omens and signs. Such as the flight and songs of
birds, the sudden appearance of wild animals; in short, any unexpected
or unusual event, was deemed of sufficient importance to require in its
explanation priestly learning. In addition there was the regular
routine of feasts.<61> We have seen what a multitude of gods the Nahuas
worshiped. Like all Indian people, they were very fond of feasts and
gatherings of that character; therefore feast days in honor of some one
of the numerous deities were almost constantly in order, and every month
or two were feasts of unusual importance. The most acceptable sacrifice
to these gods, and without which no feast of any importance was
complete, was human life.

This introduces us to the most cruel trait of