INTRODUCTION* 



lization to the Indians^ the protectors and friends of 

 the persecuted and injured, and the patrons of 

 science. They were viewed with dislike by the 

 powerful Spaniards in America, because they were a 

 constant check upon their cruelty and avarice. And ' 

 finally, became the victims of the jealousy of the 

 Spanish and Portuguese kings. But for their con- 

 duct in America, which did not suit these monarchs, 

 it is not likely that the Jesuits would have been put 

 down in Europe.^ In making these observations 

 I have been actuated by a regard for truth and justice, 

 and not through any partiality to the Jesuits, as such, 

 neither am I disposed to say that they were not ac- 

 tuated by the same ambition in America as elsewhere. 

 1 speak of facts that are well attested, not of supposed 

 intentions which are only matters of conjecture. The 

 colleges before enumerated were established at a pe- 

 riod, when there was less dread that the Americans 

 might conceive the design of throwing off their alle- 

 giance; and it is questionable, whether at a later pe- 

 riod, the establishment of these institutions would 

 have been permitted at all. Little or no improvement 

 was permitted in the method of study, so as to keep 

 pace with the march of science. It is notwithstanding 

 admitted, that the American seminaries were conduct- 

 ed on a more liberal plan than those of Spain, the cre- 

 dit of which is due to the Jesuits. In spite of these 



* "The Jesuits must be attacked in Europe," was the expres- 

 sion of the marquis de Pombal, when through the fathers a check 

 was put to the practice of reducing the Indians to slavery. The 

 missions of Paraguay were an eyesore to the Brazillians. Justice 

 is now beginning to be done to the laudable exertions of the Jesuits 

 in America. 



