but too much the interest of the lower orders of the Clergy, to direct the attention of their flocks, rather to a scrupulous observance of the forms of the Catholic Church, than to its moral or spirit, from which their revenues derived but little advantage.
The Table No. I., annexed to this Section, presents a general view of the number of the Secular Clergy in the different Bishopricks in the year 1827.
No. II. contains a curious comparison, between the clergy of Old and New Spain, which Mr. Ramos Arizpe, from his long residence in the Peninsula, was well qualified to draw up; and by which it will be seen, that the number of Prebends alone in Spain, exceeds, by Nine hundred and ninety-six, the total amount of the whole Mexican Secular Clergy of every degree. Spain has Sixty-three Cathedrals, and One hundred and seventeen Collegiate Chapters: Mexico, Ten Cathedrals and One Collegiate Chapter: and the Church of Saragossa alone, in Spain, contains Thirty-three more Canons and Prebends than there are at present in the whole Mexican Republic.
The Table No. III., presents a statement of the number of Convents in Mexico: the Orders and Provinces to which they belong; the number of individuals contained in each; distinguishing those who have professed, during the last five years;—the Parishes, and Missions, under their charge, and the amount of their property both in lands and in capitals, lent upon mortgage.
