were called "the constitutional clergy." Many in the liberal party sided enthusiastically with them. Some church buildings were put at the disposal of the "constitutional clergy," but they, after struggling against poverty, the novelty of their position, their ignorance of what steps they ought to take to establish a reformed church, and the many difficulties and persecutions that they encountered, concluded to await a more favorable opportunity to carry out their plan.
One of their number however determined to work on, and he succeeded in gathering a small congregation around him in the capital, mostly from the poor. I am told by an English gentleman, long a professor of English in this city, who knew him well, that he died from the debility brought on by want. Shortly before passing away he said to some friends who surrounded his dying bed—"in this solemn moment when there is no further possible earthly interest to bind me to falsehood, I want to testify before you all, that so long as I remained connected with the Roman church my soul was ill at ease, and full of self-reproach: since breaking away from it I have had peace of mind." To a friend he said that his trust, and all his trust was in Jesus. He felt very sadly about leaving his congregation, not knowing what they would do without him. He died with his Bible in his hand. They bore him to his grave with deepest sorrow. His congregation yet continue to meet, and have done much for the cause of the gospel in the republic.
During the French intervention many leading liberals, and among them some of the constitutional presbyters, visited the United States. I made the acquaintance of the latter and became interested in the cause they represented. Specially invited by Mexicans to come to this city and assist them to establish the gospel and gospel churches in this republic, I have spent nearly a year by their sides assisting them. Through the dark, threatening clouds that hang heavily in the night of Mexico's misery, some stars are shining that relieve the gloom and inspire hope. About forty Mexican evangelical congregations now meet weekly in this republic. Many leading men, editors, lawyers, and some former Roman Catholic presbyters take an
