The history of modern Europe from the fall of Constantinople Volume 3; in 1453, to the war in the Crimea, in 1857

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1864 Excerpt: ... 512 SUPERSTITION OF JOHN V. OF PORTUGAL. book TI. John V. had annihilated all hope of progress, by throwing his kingdom entirely into the hands of the clergy; and this circumstance is the best justification of PombaPs harsh and arbitrary proceedings against the order. Amidst the enlightenment of the 18th century, the conduct of John might have befitted the most benighted period of the dark ages. Among other instances of his extravagance, may be mentioned the foundation of the royal convent of Mafra, at an expense of forty-five million crusades, or near four million sterling. In one wing of this building, 300 lazy Franciscans were lodged in regal splendour; their church occupied the centre, and the other wing formed the king's palace! John founded a patriarchate in Lisbon, and towards the end of 1741, caused at least a hundred houses to be pulled down in that city, in order to build a patriarchal church and palace. In 1744, after recovering from an attack of sickness, he summoned to his court four and twenty prebendaries, whom he had instituted, gave all a cap, violet stockings, red shoes, a golden hat-band, and a cardinal's staff; conferred upon them ducal rank, with an income of 2000 crusades apiece, and on the following day enjoyed the spectacle of seeing them perform divine service in their new attire. The civil government was also under ecclesiastical control, and promulgated the strangest regulations. Thus, for instance, the importation of costly manufactures in gold, silver, silk, fine stuffs, &c., was suddenly prohibited, except such as were to be used by the clergy, and in the churches. The liberty to display his whims and caprices in church matters was bought by John at a high price from the Court of Rome, and no country was more profitable to the ...