GENERAL IMPRESSIONS OF BRAZIL. 497 
rence in all the large cities of Brazil. They interfere with 
the ordinary occupations, and make working days the ex- 
ception rather than the rule. It must be remembered that 
in Brazil there is no laborious, cultivated class of priests, 
such as have been an honor to ecclesiastical literature in 
the Old World ; there are no fine institutions of learning 
connected with the Church. As a general thing, the igno- 
rance of the clergy is universal, their immorality patent, 
their influence very extensive and deep-rooted. There are 
honorable exceptions, but they are not numerous enough to 
elevate the class to which they belong. But if their private 
life is open to blame, the Brazilian priests are distinguished 
for their patriotism. At all times they have occupied high 
public stations, serving in the Legislative Assembly, in the 
Senate, and even nearer to the throne ; yet their power has 
never been exerted in favor of Ultramontane tendencies. 
Independent religious thought seems, however, rare in 
Brazil. There may perhaps be scepticism ; but I think 
this is not likely to be extensively the case, for the Bra- 
zilians are instinctively a believing people, tending rather 
to superstition than to doubt. Oppression in matters of 
faith is contrary to the spirit of their institutions. Prot- 
estant clergymen are allowed to preach freely ; but, as a 
general thing, Protestantism does not attract the Southern 
nations, and it may be doubted whether its advocates 
will have a very wide-spread success. However this may 
be, every friend to Brazil must wish to see its present 
priesthood replaced by a more vigorous, intelligent, and 
laborious clergy. 
In order to form a just estimate of the present condition 
of education in Brazil, and its future prospects, we must 
not consider it altogether from our own stand-point. The 
FP 
