hat Spain did with
the Jews, who gave all Europe a Book, a religion and a God! Let us not
ask what Spain has done with the Arabic people who gave her culture,
who were tolerant in religion and who reawakened in her a pure national
love, fallen into lethargy and almost destroyed by the domination of
Romans and Goths. Let us omit all that. Do you say that these orders
have given us the Faith and have saved us from error? Do you call those
outward ceremonies, faith? Do you call that commerce in straps and
scapularies religion? Do you call those miracles and stories which we
hear every day truth? Is that the law of Jesus Christ? To teach such
a faith as this it was not at all necessary that a God should allow
himself to be crucified. Superstition existed long before the friars
came here; it was only necessary to perfect it and to raise the price
of the traffic. Will you tell me that although our religion of to-day
is imperfect, it is better than that which we had before? I will agree
with you in that and grant it; but we have purchased it at too high
a price if we have had to renounce our nationality and independence
for it; when for it, we have given to the priests our best towns,
our fields, and still give them our little savings in order to buy
religious objects. A foreign industry has been introduced among us;
we pay well for it, and are in peace. If you speak of the protection
they have afforded us against the civil governors of the provinces,
I would reply that through them we fall under the power of these
governors. However, I recognize that a true Faith, and a true love
for humanity guided the first missionaries who came to our shores. I
recognize the debt of gratitude which is due those noble hearts. I
know that in those days Spain abounded in heroes of all kinds, as well
in religion as in politics, as well in civil life as in military. But
because the forefathers were virtuous, should we consent to the abuses
practiced by their degenerate descendants? Because a great good has
been done for us, are we guilty if we prevent ourselves from being
harmed? The country does not ask for abolition of the priesthood; it
only asks for reforms which new circumstances and new needs require."

"I love our country as you love it, Elias. I understand to some
extent what you desire. I have heard with attention what you have
said; yet, despite all of that, my friend, I believe we are looking
upon it with a little prejudice. Here, le