has flourishing missions at Orizaba, Cordova, Pachuca, Miraflores, and other places, and in the city itself, where it has four missions as well as its central quarters. So that from the seed-germ of Consul Black, fifty years ago, watered and replenished by the American war, and nurtured by the martyrs who suffered unto death not ten years ago, there has sprung already a goodly harvest, while promises of yet greater harvests beckon the Church to yet greater sacrifices. It is reported that sixty-nine churches are already organized and flourishing throughout that land. It is probable that this number is less than the facts will warrant.
The state, meanwhile, is progressing in the ideas of a proper distribution of the powers and prerogative of itself and its co-ordinate, the Church. Getting clear of the terrible tyranny that so long held it down, and striking blind blows at all ecclesiasticism, in its efforts to free itself, it is settling down calmly and strongly to a proper discrimination of its own functions. It has protected the new Church in many places from danger, and will not do less, but more, in that direction in the future, if need shall be.
Meantime, the enemy rages and rises at times into ferocity of hatred. At Toluca it assailed with riotous bands the little conregation, shouting "Death to the Protestants!"[1] At Tirajaen a gang set on fire the house of a family, while all were sleeping, and wounded the father severely with the sword. At Cuernervaca a Romanist stabbed one of the brethren with a poniard, and killed him. At Capulhuac they killed one and wounded three. At the capital, earlier in the movement, one was assassinated. At Acapulco a mob killed and wounded a dozen. It was suppressed by volleys discharged into its midst by the commandant of the place, which resulted in several deaths. Other persecutions have occurred, and may occur: for the country has hardly yet been penetrated, and the pagan, which is the village population, may rise fiercely on the teachers and preachers of a better faith. But rise and grow that faith will. The labors of Riley, the martyrdoms
- ↑ See Appendix D.
