NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



129 



which they have, it naturally follows that the Colony must be deeply 

 sunk in ignorance. The detail of the different classes of its society has 

 proved an almost invariable display of this fact, and it has already been 

 strongly illustrated by examples taken from the higher ranks. Let one 

 other instance of this sort sufRce. 



Walking with a friend in front of the Chapel of the Franciscan 

 Convent, we were joined by two Military Officers, who appeared to be 

 men of rank in their profession. They asked many questions about 

 England, and some which were probably suggested by the scen& imme- 

 diately before us. They even inquired what was the Religion of our 

 country, and were greatly surprised to hear that we knew any thing of 

 Jesus Christ, and embraced his doctrines. "Have you any churches?" 

 We mentioned the number in London alone. " Are they splendid 

 edifices ?" We gave them some description of St. Paul's, and compared 

 its size and magnificence with those of the Franciscan Chapel. " Have 

 you Sacraments ?" " Two only," was the reply, " Baptism and the 

 Lord's Supper." " What, then, are you baptized ?" " Surely, we are." 

 " What ! baptized with water as we are ; and have you priests authorised 

 to administer this Sacrament ?" Our answers to these inquiries seemed 

 to stagger them ; we supposed that they accounted our information 

 utterly unworthy of credit, for they addressed a few words to each other, 

 in a low tone of voice, and abruptly bade us adieu. 



This anecdote, and the others of a similar nature, which have been 

 before given, have not been descriptions of the low state of knowledge 

 among a few individuals of the different classes. There may be, in all 

 of them, a small number too prudent to expose themselves so egregi- 

 ously ; but the generality are not better informed, nor are they more 

 shy of exhibiting their ignorance. If it be thus with the superior ranks 

 of Brazilian society what must be the case with the common people? 

 Every one may easily decide the point ; and scarcely can it be decided in 

 a way too unfavourably. It is hardly conceivable that any country, 

 long partaking of civilization, should fall beneath the real state of the 

 Colony in this respect. 



