In all Spanish and
Portuguese America the relations between the church and state are
abnormal, and exceedingly hurtful to both. Religion is in a
wretched condition, and politics in a worse condition still.
There is no effectual remedy for either but in religious freedom,
now impracticable, and to be rendered practicable by no European
intervention, for that subjects religion to the state, the very
source of the evils that now exist, instead of emancipating it
from the state, and leaving it to act according to its own
constitution and laws, as under the American system.
But the American people need not trouble themselves about their
exterior expansion. That will come of itself as fast as
desirable. Let them devote their attention to their internal
destiny, to the realization of their mission within, and they
will gradually see the Whole continent coming under their system,
forming one grand nation, a really catholic nation, great,
glorious, and free.
End of Project Gutenberg Etext The American Republic, by O. A. Brownson
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