Chapter II: Part 2

On the day on which I arrived in this city, I called on San Martin, and delivered him the letters of introduction which I had brought from Chile. He opened one of the letters, and observing its purport, said “Mr. Thomson! I am extremely glad to see you;” and he rose up, and gave me a very hearty embrace. He would not, he said, be lavish in compliments, but would assure me of his great satisfaction at my arrival; and said, that nothing should be wanting on his part to further the object which had brought me to Peru. Next day as I was sitting in my room, a carriage stopped at the door, and my little boy came running in crying, San Martin! San Martin! In a moment he entered the room, accompanied by one of his ministers. I would have had him step into another apartment of the house more suited to his reception; but he said the room was very well, and sat down on the first chair he reached. We conversed about our schools, and other similar objects for some time; and in going away he desired me to call on him next morning, and said he would introduce me to the Marquis of Truxillo, who is at present what is called the Supreme Deputy or Regent. I called on him accordingly next morning, and he took me with him and introduced me to the Marquis, and to each of the ministers.

From all the members of the government I have received great encouragement. On the 6th current an order was issued relative to our schools, and published in the Lima Gazette of the same date. I am going to write Mr. Millar to-morrow, and shall give him a translation of this order or decree, a copy of which will of course be sent you. By this order one of the convents is appropriated to the schools, and is now in our possession. I believe the convents here will decrease in number as the schools multiply. There is no contest or balancing of powers between the civil and ecclesiastical powers in this place. The former has the latter entirely at their nod. The case in regard to this convent is a proof of what I have said. The order for the friars to remove was given on Saturday, on Monday they began to remove, and on Tuesday the keys were delivered up.

From all I have seen during the short time I have been here, I cannot doubt of the great benefits which this country will derive from the new state of things. San Martin and his first minister, (and also the others) seem truly anxious to characterize the times by improvements—by solid improvements. They wish to encourage foreigners, and to improve the state of the country in every point of view. I have already mentioned to you my representation made to the Chilian government just before leaving that place, regarding the bringing out of tradesmen and farmers. I showed a copy of this representation to San Martin; he read it very carefully over, and concluded by saying, “Excellent!” He then told me what was his opinion on the subject, and proposed a plan for carrying it into effect, much more likely to succeed than the one I had stated. I am to draw up this plan in order, and to present it to him, that it may be sanctioned and carried into effect. I therefore consider this matter, so far as regards Peru, as fairly begun. The particulars of the plan I may send you afterwards. In the mean time, that you may see that in these matters I am not losing sight of my chief object, I shall mention to you one sentence of the representation referred to. It is this, “The men who will be most useful to South America, are men truly religious and of sound morality.” The minister of Chile, upon reading this sentence, said, “That is very true;” and San Martin expressed himself in a similar manner upon my stating the same thing to him.

What an immeasurable field is South America; and how white it is to the harvest! I have told you this repeatedly, but I have a pleasure in telling it to you again. I do think that, since the world began, there never was so fine a field for the exercise of benevolence in all its parts. The man of science, the moralist, the christian, have all fine scope here for their talents. God, who has opened such a door, will surely provide labourers.

My present intention is to continue here about six months, and then to move on northwards. I may, however, be kept longer here than I intend, but I am anxious to get to England as soon as possible. My stay here will depend much on the facility or difficulty of obtaining good masters for the school. This I find, from experience, a matter of so great importance, that I intend to pay every attention to it; and I have it now in my power more than ever to do so, having represented to the government the necessity of encouragement, by offering employment and a good salary to those who thoroughly study the system, and are able to put it in practice; and this encouragement I am authorised to give.

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_Lima, 12th July, 1822._

My last letter to you was written a few days before my leaving Chile. I then apprized you of the state of things there at that time, and of my intention of setting out for this place. Through the blessing of God, I arrived safely in this country on the 28th of last month, and have now to state to you how things look here, in reference to that truly important object—EDUCATION.

I believe I told you, some time ago, that from various circumstances I expected every encouragement would be given to our object here by San Martin. I have not been disappointed in this. My expectations have all been fulfilled, and more than fulfilled. San Martin is most _decidedly_ a friend to general, to universal education. I hope none of the members of the Committee of the British and Foreign School Society will be offended, but rather gratified, when I say, that they are not more friendly to this object than San Martin. Because I have come to Peru to promote this object, I have received from him every mark of respect and personal attention, as well as every encouragement to proceed in this work. The Marquis of Truxillo, and each of the ministers of government, feel deeply interested in the same object. Blessed be God for this encouragement. In his hand are the hearts of all, and he inclineth them to whatsoever he will. Surely the days draw nigh, when ignorance shall be ashamed to walk about any where in open day. May the glorious war now waged against her be a war of extermination. It will I trust be so, and when this enemy of mankind shall be slain, the British and Foreign School Society shall be clothed with her spoils, and be crowned with never fading laurel. Is it wrong to indulge pleasing prospects of the future amelioration of mankind? Is it sinful to cherish the hope of better times for this poor unfortunate world? I think it is not. If it is right to pray “Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven,” it cannot be wrong to expect that this prayer, daily reiterated from the mouth of thousands, will one day be heard, and be answered in all its extent; and when the will of God is done in this world, as it is done above, then shall the felicity on earth resemble the felicity of heaven.

The following is a translation of a decree of this government relative to the Schools, and which was published in the Lima Gazette of the 6th current.

“Preamble.—Without education there is properly speaking no society. Men may indeed live together without it, but they cannot know the extent of the duties, and the rights which bind them one to another, and it is in the right knowledge of these duties and rights that the well being of society consists. The bringing of education to any degree of perfection, is, from the nature of the thing, slow. To accomplish it, time is required, and some degree of stability in the government, as well as some other circumstances, both natural and moral. All these must combine, in order that the education of the people may become general, and that thus a foundation may be laid for the continuance of those Institutions which may be established among them. Of the various improvements which the government has been desirous of making, none has been more earnestly and constantly kept in view since the moment of its commencement, than the reformation of public education. In those intervals of tranquillity which have been enjoyed from the clamour of arms, this object has occupied their attention; and though the sun has not stood still, they have found in activity the secret of doubling the length of the day.

“It has already been announced, in various decrees of the government, that the introduction of the Lancasterian system in the public schools, was one of the plans in meditation. It is not yet possible to calculate the revolution which will be produced in the world by this system of mutual instruction, on its becoming general throughout the civilized world. When this shall take place, ignorance shall come to an end, or at least shall be reduced to certain limits, beyond which it shall never be allowed to pass. The time is now arrived for setting this system agoing in this place, and the commencing of it is worthy of the month of July—a month in which posterity will record many events of importance; and we trust they will do us the justice to declare, that we have desired to make this time memorable by deeds which philosophy applauds, and which spring from the noblest principles of all human actions, namely, the love of glory, founded on promoting the prosperity and happiness of mankind. The above are the reasons on which the following decree is founded.

“The Supreme Deputy, with the advice of the Privy Council,
decrees—

“1. There shall be established a central or principal school,
according to the Lancasterian system, under the direction of
Mr. Thomson.

“2. The convent or college of St. Thomas shall be appropriated
to this purpose. The friars at present residing in it shall
remove to the large convent of St. Dominic, leaving only so
many as are necessary for the service of the church attached to
it.

“3. In this establishment the elementary parts of education
shall be taught, together with the modern languages. The
teachers necessary for this purpose shall be appointed
agreeably to the arrangements which will be pointed out in the
plan for the National Institute of Peru.

“4. At the expiration of six months all the public schools
shall be shut, which are not conducted according to the system
of mutual instruction.

“5. All the masters of the public schools shall attend the
central school with two of their most advanced pupils, in order
to be instructed in the new system; and in studying it they
shall attend to the method prescribed by the director of the
establishment.

“6. As soon as the director of the central school shall have
instructed a sufficient number of teachers, these shall be
employed, with competent salaries, in establishing public
schools on the same principles in the capital city of each
province of the state.

“7. At the first public examination which shall take place in
the central school, those masters who have been most attentive
in learning the system, and shall have made such progress as to
be able to conduct schools according to it, shall receive the
reward of a gold medal, to be ordered for that purpose by the
Minister of State.

“8. For the preservation and extension of the new system
the Patriotic Society of Lima is particularly requested and
commissioned to take such measures as may be considered
necessary for these purposes; and they are desired to make
known to the government those things in which its co-operation
may be required, in order effectually to carry forward this
important object.

“9. In order that the advantages of this system of education
may be extended to the female sex, which the Spanish government
has always treated with culpable neglect, it is particularly
recommended to the Patriotic Society to take into consideration
the most likely means for establishing a central school for the
instruction of girls.

“10. The salary of the director, and the other expenses
necessary for this establishment, shall be defrayed by the
government. The Minister of State is authorized to issue all
the orders necessary for the punctual fulfilment of this decree.

“Given in the government palace in Lima, 6th July, 1822.

(Signed)

“TRUXILLO.

“By order of his Excellency, countersigned,

“B. MONTEAGUDO.”

As we go on in our operations, I shall communicate to you the result.

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_Lima, 4th September, 1822._

The _first_ of September has returned, and has gone by. I have not, however, failed in seizing an opportunity of writing you according to our agreement. You know, I dare say, that we have not a post that leaves Lima every morning for England. A vessel goes now and then from Callao to Valparaiso, and through these two places, and across the Andes, and through Buenos Aires, my letters to you are now obliged to travel. No vessel has sailed for Chile since the 1st current; but in a few days the French frigate lying here is to sail for Valparaiso.

I have now been upwards of two months in this city, and have all the while enjoyed my health very well. I am inclined to think this climate is better than I was led to expect from the accounts I had heard of it. The tertian ague, however, is a disease very common, especially during summer. Of the Englishmen I know here, three have had it since my arrival. The general opinion, I think, is, that with great regularity of living, this place is not unhealthy; but that the effects of irregularity in the general mode of living, is more hurtful here than in most other places. A good police would certainly contribute greatly to the healthiness of this city. This will be enjoyed, I believe, in due time; but the Government has so many things at present to do, that some time may elapse before that improvement takes place. This is the largest city I have yet seen in South America, and I believe there is none larger in it. I do not, of course, include Mexico, which is in North America. The houses here, and the general appearance of the city, have a more commanding and richer aspect than what is met with in Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile. The general appearance of the population, however, I think, is considerably inferior to what is seen in these two places, particularly in the latter. One thing which contributes to this difference, is the considerable proportion of slaves here. In Buenos Aires, there are a good many of this class of our fellow-men, but fewer than in Lima and Santiago; and in Chile, in general, there are very few; and this is one thing which inclines me to prefer the general appearance of Santiago to the other two cities I have mentioned.

About three weeks after my arrival here, San Martin set out for Quito, to have an interview with Bolivar. They met in Guayaquil, as the President of Colombia had left Quito, and reached that place before San Martin landed. The interview was, I dare say, interesting, and I trust it will be productive of good effects for the two countries of which they are the Governors, and also for South America in general. A good understanding, I trust, will be kept up between the nations of this continent, and war in it I hope will be a thing as rare, and rarer than peace has been in Europe. San Martin returned a few days ago, and has since re-assumed the reins of Government, as “Protector of the liberty of Peru.” Every exertion is making here for the formation of a congress. The greater part of the representatives are already elected. All the liberated provinces elect their own members for congress freely; the right of voting is, I believe, much the same as in the United States. Representatives are chosen for those provinces still under the dominion of the Spanish army, from among the inhabitants of those places at present residing in Lima. A fair representation seems to be desired and sought for, and I hope will be attained in a considerable degree. All acts emanating from such a body will, of course, give more general satisfaction, than if the representation were partial. I do not trouble you with my views of governments, whether monarchical or republican. Certainly, on this subject, “much may be said on both sides.” Without fixing my mind for or against this or that form of government, I am strongly in the opinion of Pope, where he says, “Whate’er is best administered is best.” I do not think, however, that all are fools, (as he insinuates) who, “for forms of government contest.” The sum of the matter and the truth is, that honesty and uprightness are more required, and have been less found in all governments than any thing else. Wisdom, therefore, requires, that such measures should be taken in arranging the form of government, as may secure good conduct in governors, in the greatest possible degree.

There were some suspicions, some time ago, and some flying words, which, if true, would have led one to suppose that San Martin wished to form Peru into a monarchy. Who was to be king according to these reports, I need not inform you, as I suppose you will find no difficulty in guessing it at the first trial. The prime minister was of course in the secret, if there was any such thing in hand. With this individual, on other grounds, there was a good deal of dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction openly broke out a few weeks ago, on account of his interfering in the election of representatives for this city. The consequence was, that a petition was presented to the Marquis of Truxillo, requesting that the minister might be immediately dismissed. This petition was signed by so many of the respectable and powerful inhabitants of the place, and presented with such firmness, that it had the desired effect. The minister resigned before the petitioners left the palace, and in a few days after, he was sent off by sea to Panama. All this took place in San Martin’s absence, and the leaders in it were the republican party. San Martin has very wisely fallen in with these measures since his return, and has confirmed the new minister in his situation. A republic, I think, is the general wish of the people, and as the form of government is to be determined by the Congress, I have little doubt of what the result will be.

You know, I dare say, that Colombia is free. The longest and severest struggle of South America has been in that quarter. The first news I heard on casting anchor in Callao, was that Quito had fallen into the hands of the patriots. I think Bolivar, who has been the chief instrument in the Colombian contest, is a great man. I was not at the interview between him and San Martin, that I might take their comparative dimensions at one view; but I may observe, that the general opinion, from a view of the operations of both, is in favour of the Northern Chief. As far as my own information and knowledge of each extends, I fall in with this opinion. I do so, not from any dissatisfaction with San Martin. He is to me, and has been uniformly, more than I could have expected, and I may say, all I could wish. I believe both of these men are most sincerely desirous of the real welfare of the countries which they respectively govern, and of South America. There is no unholy alliance yet formed in this country, and I think there never will. On all hands, light and information are encouraged, sought after, and promoted. Knowledge, rich with the spoils of time, has just unrolled her ample page in this city, in a public library. This public institution is very respectably got up, and already possesses a number of the best works in the various branches of literature. It is inferior to the similar institution in Buenos Aires; but superior, if we consider the short reign of civil, literary, and religious freedom in Peru. Every individual is free to attend this library every week-day, from 8 to 1, and from 4 to 6, without expense; and every book in it is at his command during that time. This one view of the present state of things here, shows at once the immense advantages gained here by the revolution, and the blessings that tread in the steps of liberty. I shall add one thing more to confirm what I have just said. The Bible is now publicly sold at a short distance from the place where used to sit the dreadful Inquisition. Perish all unrighteousness from the earth! May the knowledge and love of God every where abound!

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_Lima, 9th Nov. 1822._

A considerable time has now elapsed since I last wrote you, and a much longer time has intervened since I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you. Although I have not communicated with you directly during this time, yet I suppose you are well acquainted with my various circumstances in this part of the world, through means of my letters sent from time to time to my friends in Edinburgh. Since my leaving my native country, I have experienced much of the gracious goodness of our heavenly Father, in directing my steps, in making darkness light before me, and crooked things straight. The encouragements I have met with in my endeavours to forward the Lord’s cause in South America, have been much greater than could have been expected before the trial was made. I think a door has been opened here which will never be shut, but which will, I trust, from one year to another, open wider and wider, until it become, in the Apostle’s language, “great and effectual.” Should I say, there are no adversaries, and that all goes on prosperously, without any difficulty or discouragement from any quarter,—should I say this, it would be nearly the same as telling you, that a great miracle had taken place here, and had changed the nature of man. You, of course, expect no such wonderful accounts. At the same time, it is a gratifying thing to be able to state, that far less opposition has been met with than was expected. Difficulties, I believe, of whatever kind, will grow fewer and weaker as Time runs on, bearing in his hand the torch of heavenly light; whilst, on the other hand, means and opportunities of doing good will greatly increase. It is surely a gratifying sight to see darkness fleeing away, and the light of heaven breaking forth. You know there is no fellowship, in any sense, between light and darkness, the one must give place to the other. Wherever, then, darkness prevails, let the people of God look to him who said, “Let there be light, and there was light;” and let them use those means which he has appointed, under the full assurance, that midnight shall give place to the dawning light, and that again to noon day. That a great and happy change is about to take place in our hitherto unfortunate, unhappy world, the Scriptures predict; and the days in which we live say, “Lift up your heads, for this happy period draweth nigh.” You who live in the land of Israel, whence the word of the Lord is sounding out on all sides, see these things better than I can do in this far distant country. From every corner of the earth messengers are daily landing on your happy shores with tidings of joy. One says, Babylon is fallen; another cries, the gods of the heathen are famished; whilst a third shouts aloud, Satan falls like lightning to the ground. I almost envy this felicity of yours; yet I would not exchange conditions with you. Solitary and alone as I am here, I would not wish myself elsewhere, because I believe I am placed where God would have me to be; and, I trust, his work, in one shape or another, is all my concern. I do, however, wish myself otherwise circumstanced. I should be glad to have with me one or more with whom I could always communicate in the ways and work of the Lord, and whose counsels and labours might prove a blessing to me and to many. You, my dear brother, who dwell in Mount Zion, have never experienced the disadvantage of being _thus_ alone. Should I come into your thoughts when you bow your knees unto the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to pray that grace, and mercy, and peace may be multiplied unto me, and that the Lord’s work may prosper in South America.

In my letters to Edinburgh since my arrival in this city, I have stated the favourable reception I met with here from San Martin, and from others in the government. Since that time, the state of affairs here, in regard to politics, has considerably changed. San Martin has resigned his authority in all its parts in this country, and is gone to Chile. The Congress was installed on the 20th September, into whose hands he delivered all the concerns of the government, and next morning, at four o’clock, he set off for Chile. When he took the reins of government into his own hands, under the title of “Protector of the Liberty of Peru,” he promised to resign his authority as soon as a general Congress could be assembled; and by his resignation at the time proposed, he justified his sincerity in the eyes of the world. During the time he was in power, reports were current that he was desirous to make himself king of Peru. His conduct, however, has shown, that these reports were without foundation. As far as my own affairs here are concerned, I should have been glad that he had remained longer in the country, and, if I am not mistaken, Peru would have been benefited by his stay. San Martin is an intelligent and liberal-minded man. He is very desirous of promoting the progress of South America in knowledge, and he is free from those prejudices which hinder its advancement. The Congress has now been assembled for several weeks, and has been occupied with various concerns relative to the government of the country. From their own number they have chosen three to discharge the duties of the executive government. This triumvirate is to continue until a constitution be drawn up, and a new Congress assembled, composed of representatives chosen in every province of Peru. This complete representation of the country cannot be obtained whilst the Spaniards are in possession of a considerable part of it, as they actually are at this moment. At present there is great distress felt here by the government, for want of money to carry forward the operations of the war. This appears to be the chief obstacle in preventing the general independence of Peru. Troops are not wanting, as, in addition to those brought by San Martin, and those who have since been raised in the country, General Bolivar has sent about 2,000 well-experienced troops from Quito, as affairs in that part have now been brought to a favourable conclusion. The English merchants here have just given the government a loan of 70,000 dollars, by way of helping them out of their difficulties. An expedition sailed some weeks ago for Arica, and we anxiously look for the result. All that part of the country is in possession of the Spaniards, as well as nearly all the best provinces of the kingdom. Notwithstanding the possessions which Spain still holds in Peru, the independence of the country is not at all doubtful. It may, indeed, by the mismanagement of the Congress, or by some other misfortune, be retarded, but it must ere long completely prevail. I believe there are no remains of the Spanish arms now existing in America, except those in our neighbourhood, and about 1500 men in the isles of Chiloe. What a change, in this respect, has taken place within these few years past! And let not this revolution be considered as a small matter by the man of benevolence and the Christian. The interests of religion and of humanity are very closely connected with it. That once dreadful, now innoxious house, the Inquisition, reminds me, as I daily pass it, of the happy change which has taken place. True it is, that the Spaniards have now put down the Inquisition throughout their dominions; still, however, there are many inquisitorial things yet subsisting in Spain that do not exist in the independent states of South America. Every effort has been used by Spain to retard the progress of knowledge in America. These days, however, have now gone by, and light of every kind begins to dawn on these countries. My own opinion is, that the nations of South America in a few years will far outstrip many of the nations of Europe. The people here, to a certain extent, are conscious of their ignorance, and are desirous of wiping out that stain which Spain has left upon them.

I have hitherto been speaking of the progress of knowledge in general in South America, and its probable results. I shall now say something of the progress making in the knowledge of religion. You know, of course, that the Roman Catholic religion is the only religion professed in this Continent—as it once was the only one in Great Britain. Many are beginning to see through this system, and to find out its inconsistencies. I wish I could also say, that all who see thus far, have attained to the knowledge of the true religion, as laid down in the New Testament. This, however, is not the case. On the contrary, I am sorry to say, that deistical principles are espoused by the greater part of those who get out of the trammels of popery. A good many in the higher ranks, particularly in the army, are of this way of thinking. This state of things need not surprise us. It is perhaps the natural result, or transition, in those places where no other religion is known than the one professed in this country. A man begins to see the absurdity of the Catholic system, and from his infancy all that is religion with him has been connected with it. In giving up this system, he gives up with religion itself, as considering popery and it the same thing. From these circumstances, I conceive this to be the most favourable time for introducing, as far as can be done, the holy religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. The present is the time for labouring in this field, by introducing the Scriptures, and by every other means which prudence may dictate. Prejudice is growing less every day, and this is the result of the revolution. There is even a perceptible difference between the different parts of this Continent in regard to the decrease of prejudice. In Chile there is less than in Lima, because it has been longer independent. Again, there is still less in Buenos Aires than in Chile, for the same reason. Having mentioned Buenos Aires, I cannot leave it without eulogizing it, in almost the highest degree, in regard to the progress it is making. One reform succeeds another in rapid succession. They are just about to put a stop to monachism, and to take the church property into their own hands, paying the clergy out of the public treasury. It is said also, that they are about to pass a law for religious toleration. In every respect Buenos Aires now holds the first rank among the cities and countries of South America. To have one place thus stepping forward by way of pattern to the rest is of immense advantage. There are several periodical works of a superior kind issuing from the presses in that city. In these every subject is freely discussed, prejudices attacked, and reforms proposed. The liberty of the press is enjoyed and acted upon there in the same manner as it is in England. The articles published in the Buenos Aires papers and magazines find their way gradually into the papers of Chile and Peru, and thus prepare the way in these places also for following up, ere long, the same reforms and arrangements that are now going forward in the pattern city I have mentioned. In this city, also, the liberty of the press is enjoyed to a considerable extent. This, however, only commenced about two or three months ago, upon the dethronement of the principal Secretary of State. This individual, though a great friend to reform himself, and from whom I met with every encouragement, wished to keep these things in his own hand, at least for some time, and to grant the freedom of the press by degrees. The plan of ecclesiastical reform published in Buenos Aires was also published in the public paper of this city. Various other things of a similar nature are thus indirectly brought under the consideration of the people of Peru; and coming from Buenos Aires, they are better received than they would be, coming from any part of Europe, especially from a Protestant country. We had also an attack upon the friars of Lima the other day, in one of the publications of this city, whose editor is one of the Secretaries of Congress. These things you will consider as the fruits of the revolution in South America; and the time fast approaches, when we shall see still more abundant fruits, and those too of the best kind. The Lord reigneth, let the earth be glad!

With respect to the climate of this place, you know, we are here fairly within the torrid zone, the latitude of this city being 12° 2′ 51″ S. A few days ago we had the sun vertical here, as he passed us on his way to the southward. Notwithstanding our proximity to the equator, we enjoy a very agreeable temperature. In the winter the sun but seldom makes his appearance; in spring he shows himself more frequently; and in summer he throws off reserve, and from his vertical throne looks down in all his magnificence. From ten o’clock till two, it is pretty hot, but about this hour a refreshing breeze springs up from the south, which is very agreeable. It is generally said, that it never rains in Lima. This, however, is not quite correct. It does rain a very little in the winter season; but the drops, when they can be recognised as such, seem to have passed through the finest rain sieve. It is, in short, rather a kind of mist than rain, although at times it may be called by the latter name; and when it is so, the people of Lima call it a heavy shower. Before I came here I frequently heard this climate denominated unhealthy. The tertian ague prevails a good deal, but on the whole I do not consider this an unhealthy place. For my own part, I never enjoyed better health than I have done since my coming to this city. Blessed be God for this precious blessing!—There is one thing of a rather terrifying nature to which this place is subject, I mean earthquakes. There is no place, I suppose, more subject to them than this city. We have had several shocks since I came to it; the greatest was on the 14th September. I was awaked at a quarter past three o’clock in the morning by a _most dreadful_ noise. I was at no loss to know what this noise was, considering the part of the world I was in. This noise continued for a few seconds, and increased. The shock then followed, and made all the house shake, as if the whole were coming to the ground. A loud hollow noise followed this for a few seconds, and on its ceasing all was tranquil as before it commenced, and those who had fled out of their houses quietly returned. These phenomena are of frequent occurrence. There are, I believe, about thirty earthquakes here in the course of a year. Those, however, which throw down houses and produce other ravages are rare. Once in fifty years seems to be about the period of those terrible visitations, and with considerable regularity Lima has suffered severely at the return of this fatal period. The city of Quito to the north, and of Arequipa to the south, have also their periodical visitations.

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_Lima, 2d December, 1822._

Some weeks ago a Committee of the Congress was entrusted to draw up the _outlines_ of a political constitution for the country. This has been accomplished, has been presented to Congress, and ordered to be printed. The Congress is just now engaged in discussing it, article by article. A good deal of interest is thus excited and kept up regarding the subject, and, in consequence, the Congress-hall is daily well attended by all classes. The discussion of the article on the form of government, and that on religion, have excited the most attention. The form of government has been unanimously declared to be republican, agreeably to what I hinted to you in one of my late letters.—In “the outlines,” the article on religion runs thus: “The religion of the state is the Catholic Apostolic Church of Rome.” One of the members of the committee wished to add the word _only_ or _exclusive_, but the rest not agreeing to it, he entered his protest. On this account, as well as from the general interest of the subject, the matter was keenly discussed. I went, as you may well suppose, to hear what should be said on both sides, and to see the result. The first who ascended the tribune to speak was a clergyman, carrying in his hand a book about the size of a New Testament. He began by stating, that it was his sincere desire that all men might be of the Roman Catholic church. He then stated that the only proper way, in his opinion, of bringing men into the church was, not by force, nor by persecution in any shape, but solely by persuasion, by the force of reason. After speaking a few minutes to this effect, he went on to treat of the article as stated in the “outlines.” He regretted the divisions among Christians, and the distinctive names one body and another had taken. He then opened the book he had in his hand, which I now found to be one of the Bible Society’s New Testaments, in Spanish. He read the 12th and 13th verses of the first chapter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians, and proceeded to make some remarks upon the passage, and to apply it to the article in question. It appeared to him, he said, very like the divisions censured by the Apostle Paul, to see the article stated in the words, _Roman_, _Catholic_, _Apostolic_. Having done this, he proposed that the article should be stated in this manner:—“The religion of Jesus Christ, is the religion of the state.” He then made some observations upon the propriety of stating it in this way, in preference to the way in which it stands in the outlines, and so concluded. As might have been expected, this alteration or amendment was opposed. My memory is not so faithful as to give you the various speeches upon the subject, but a great deal was said on both sides of the question. In particular, the member of the Committee who had protested, defended what he had done in a long speech, in which he paid but little respect and fewer compliments to us foreigners. He concluded his long story by saying, that he was so full of matter upon this subject, and felt so much interest in it, that he could still speak four whole days upon it. Another speaker got up with a volume of the Bible in his hand. He turned to two passages in the law of Moses, where the children of Israel were admonished to deal kindly towards strangers and foreigners, and concluded by a short comment upon the passages in reference to the subject in hand. In a country like this, where all the natives are of the Roman Catholic Church, every thing that is said upon toleration has a direct reference to foreigners, for it is never for a moment supposed that any of the natives will leave the Roman Catholic Church to become Protestants. The introduction of foreigners into the country, and the consequent advantages and disadvantages of it, entered deeply into the debate. I shall refer only to one speech more upon the subject. An aged member, and a clergyman, rose up and said, “Gentlemen, this is the first time I have risen to speak in this house, and it is not my intention to detain you long. I understand,” said he, “that the grand and principal features of our religion are these two:—To love the Lord with all our heart and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. We must then take care,” continued he, “that our zeal for the _first_ of these two commandments does not make us overlook the _second_. Now I ask, whether foreigners residing among us are to be considered our neighbours or not. If they are, then we ought to love them. Gentlemen, I have nothing further to add.” After being fully discussed, the votes were taken. First, whether the article should stand as stated in the outlines, or be altered. It was carried that it should remain as stated. The next question was, if the word exclusive should be added, and it was unfortunately carried in the affirmative. The article now stands thus:—“The Roman Catholic Apostolic Religion is the religion of the state, and the exercise of every other is excluded.”

We are not to be surprised that the matter has ended in this manner; perhaps we should rather wonder that there was any one of the members of the Congress disposed to speak, or even to think on the side of toleration. The members who are friendly to religious liberty, may amount to one third of the whole, or, perhaps, somewhat more than one third, and they are men of influence and respect in the country. These made a less vigorous stand for toleration at the present time, from the consideration that what is done now in regard to the sanctioning of the basis of the constitution, is only provisional. The Spaniards, at present, possess many of the best provinces of Peru, and these provinces have, strictly speaking, no representatives in the Congress. The manner of proceeding, in reference to these provinces, was this:—The natives of each province, residing in Lima, met and chose members from among themselves to represent the province, until such time as the enemy be dislodged, and they have freedom to choose their own representatives. As soon then as the country is free, the present Congress will dissolve itself, and a general Congress will be immediately elected, and the outlines now under consideration will be presented to the new Congress to be examined, and, if judged necessary, altered. There is, therefore, still some hope, that toleration may have a place in the Peruvian constitution. During the interval, the press may forward the good cause, as there is perfect freedom for speaking and printing any thing upon the subject, on both sides of the question. We may, indeed, call this freedom of speaking and writing upon the subject, a kind of toleration; at all events, it is a prelude to it.

Pamphlets of every shape, size, and name, are issued from the press. In these every subject is handled, and abuses and prejudices are attacked with freedom and courage. The poor friars are not overlooked in these; almost every body is against them, and none seems to rise up in their defence. One of the members of Congress has made a motion for the reformation of the Convents. The bill he is about to bring in, contains four articles. The first is to allow all those to leave the Convents who wish to do so. The second is to allow no one in future to become a friar. The third is, that the government should take possession of all their property, and allow them out of it what is necessary for their support. The fourth article is, to make them all live in _one_ convent, instead of occupying _fourteen_, as they now do. This you see is a bold proposition, and, if carried into effect, will be a great step in reformation.

At the time the article on religion was under consideration, a certain individual went about with a paper containing a petition to Congress, praying that the Roman Catholic religion might be the religion of the state, _and the only one tolerated in the country_. The last part of the petition was the object he had in view. He obtained a number of signatures to the petition, and without loss of time laid it before the Congress. It was, however, not allowed to be read, and several were for calling this individual to account for his officiousness. This medical gentleman (for he is of that profession) has been sadly handled in the pamphlets of the day for this conduct; so much so, I think, as to keep him from being forward to engage a second time in such an undertaking. I have already mentioned how freely all matters are discussed in these pamphlets. One of them has just begun to give a history of the Popes. From the specimens already published, this history promises not to be very honourable to the personal character of the Popes, neither does it appear intended to strengthen their pontifical authority and influence, but quite the contrary. There was a monthly magazine published in London, during the despotic reign of the present Ferdinand. In this work there was given a history of the Popes, and I believe what is publishing here just now is copied from the work I have mentioned. This magazine was called El Español Constitucional. It was written by one of those who had fled from Ferdinand’s despotic hands. He was a liberal man, and writing in London he felt himself under no restraint in speaking of the abuse of the Church of Rome. There was another periodical work in the Spanish language, published some years before it, called El Español. This was also printed in London, and was written with the same liberality and spirit. Both these works have reached South America, and have been a good deal read; and, as you may suppose, they have served considerably to enlighten the people of these countries.

I have mentioned, in some of my late letters, the very gratifying circumstances of the rapid sale in this city of 500 Spanish Bibles, and 500 New Testaments. These were all sold off in _two days_, and as many more could have been sold in the two days following, but there were no more, and thus many were disappointed. From this cheering circumstance, I am daily looking with great anxiety for a considerable number of both Bibles and Testaments, expected from the Bible Society. The above-mentioned circumstance is truly encouraging, as no desire at all comparable to it, has yet been manifested in any other part of South America for the Holy Scriptures. From this, and some other occurrences, I am led to anticipate that the word of God will, indeed, have free course in this place, and let us pray that it may not be circulated only, but that it may be glorified also. I have another thing to relate to you, perhaps more cheering still. It is this: the nearly confident expectation of getting the New Testament introduced throughout Peru as a school book. I trust this expectation will not be disappointed, but verified in due time. Every thing promises fair at present for its accomplishment.

As soon as the Bibles got into circulation as above-mentioned, there was some ferment excited from reports that it was not fairly printed from the Spanish version of Scio, as indicated in the title page. This report was raised, or at least increased, by the discovery of a typographical error or two. An honest priest actually burned the Bible he had bought on the discovery of one of these oversights in the printing. The consequence of this stir was an examination of the Bible Society’s edition, by comparing it with the edition printed in Spain. The result of this examination was highly satisfactory, as the London edition was found to be an exact reprint from the latest Spanish edition, with the exception of some slight oversights in passing through the press. About the time this matter was under consideration, the deputy Archbishop (for there is no Archbishop here at present) having learned that a certain priest was likely to say something from the pulpit against the reading of the Bibles from London, sent a message to him, telling him “not to preach any thing against the reading of the English Bibles.” By English Bibles he meant Bibles from England, for the Bibles were in the _Spanish_ language.

A curious little piece, in the poetic form, appeared about a fortnight ago in one of the newspapers of this city. There is a great deal of truth and force in it, and as it is but short, and will not occupy much room, I shall give you a translation of it. To do it justice it should be put in poetic dress, but as you know I am neither poet nor rhymester, you will please accept of it in plain prose. “_Simon possessed a fishing bark_, and just a fishing bark, nothing more he left to his sons. They however were great fishers; they caught much and grew rich, and could no longer be content with their small bark, but got a larger one. This bark afterwards became a brig, and then a ship. At last it grew into a man-of-war, and frightened the world with its cannon. How wonderfully is this ship of war now changed! how different now to what it was in former times! This great ship is now grown old, and, shattered by the storms it has encountered, it now lies rotting in the harbour. A thousand times has it been repaired, but at last it must be laid aside altogether, and its owners must once more be content with _Simon’s fishing bark_.” You will find no difficulty, I dare say, in applying this little piece, and, I believe, you will join with me in wishing that the concluding part may be verified as exactly as the preceding parts have.

There is a great revolution going forward in South America. I speak not of the revolt from under the Spanish yoke, for that in the present day may be said not to be going forward, but accomplished. The revolution I speak of, is a moral one. Those who have eyes to see this goodly prospect, and those who have ears to hear the harmony of this moral change, meet on every hand with indications of its approach. You will not understand me as saying, that South America has become like the land of Eden, like the garden of God. No. But a change has been begun, a happy change. Let us put our hand to this work. Let us bear it onward, and God Almighty will consummate it in due time.

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_Lima, 28th January, 1823._