Charles V. of Spain in that year; but the actual beginning was not made until two years later, and then in temporary buildings. The institution could not have known a prosperous infancy, for it had no home of its own for nearly another half-century. The building which now bears its name was not put up for nearly two centuries later. Very little trustworthy information can be procured concerning its founders. It was a child of Salamanca, and Salamanca in the middle of the sixteenth century was in its glory as the exponent and defender of Thomas Aquinas. His latest biographer, speaking of the Christian Fathers, says, "They did not veil themselves away from the sight of men when they took up their pens to write; but on the contrary, with beautiful frankness and simplicity, they wove their own portraits in amongst their teachings, and that with a grace and an unconsciousness of self which are amongst the most charming characteristics of single-minded genius."[1] The pioneers of Christian learning in Mexico did not follow their example, but nevertheless they were brave and devoted, as well as erudite and pious,
- ↑ Saint Thomas of Aquin. By the Very Rev. Roger Bede Vaughan.
