church
521–525 |
| But the authority of the church had so enfeebled the national intellect, that the people, immersed in ignorance, remained inert |
525–543 |
| Government attempted to remedy this ignorance by calling in foreign aid |
534–545 |
| The influence of foreigners in Spain was displayed in the expulsion of the Jesuits, in 1767 |
545–546 |
| And in the attacks made on the Inquisition |
547–548 |
| It was also displayed in the foreign policy of Spain |
548–550 |
| All this was promoted by the authority and high character of Charles III. |
552–554 |
| But it was of no avail; because politicians can do nothing, when the spirit of the country is against them |
534–555 |
| Still, Charles III. effected great improvements, from which, on a superficial view, permanent benefit might have been expected |
555–568 |
| Summary of what was accomplished for Spain, by the government, between the years 1700 and 1788 |
568–570 |
| Inasmuch, however, as these ameliorations were opposed to the habits of the national character, a reaction was inevitable |
570–571 |
| In 1788, Charles III. was succeeded by Charles IV., and the new king, being a true Spaniard, the reaction began |
571–573 |
| In the nineteenth century, political reformers again endeavoured to improve Spain |
574 |
| For the reasons already stated, their efforts were fruitless, notwithstanding the early establishment in that country of municipal privileges, and of popular representation |
575–576 |
| In this way, general causes always triumph over particular actions |
577–578 |
| Those general causes predetermined the country to superstition, and it was impossible for individuals to make head against them |
578–583 |
| Nothing can weaken superstition but knowledge |
583 |
| Such failures are the more observable, because Spain enjoys immense natural advantages |
583–585 |
| And has possessed great patriots and great legislators |
585 |
| The Spaniards have, moreover, long been celebrated for honour, courage, temperance, humanity, and religious sincerity |
585–588 |
| So far, however, as national progress is concerned, these noble qualities are useless, while ignorance is so gross and so general |
588–592 |
| This it is, which, isolating Spain from the rest of the civilized world, keeps alive that spirit of superstition, that reverence for antiquity, and that blind and servile loyalty, which, as long as they last, will render improvement impossible; and which must last until ignorance is removed |
592–597 |
HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION IN ENGLAND.
CHAPTER I.
