Nor to the Traveller alone is the contemplation of Spain, in her fallen greatness, a source of interest and instruction. The Philosopher, the Statesman, the Philanthropist, and the _Patriot_, may all draw from it serious matter for reflection. Who amongst them could have foreseen, but half a century back, that Spain would, in the course of a few years, be reduced to her present abject condition? Who can _now_ foresee the day that, phoenix-like, she may arise from her ashes? Who can fully answer the yet more simple questions--What _led_ to the downfall of Spain? What keeps her--gifted as she is by nature with all the germs of prosperity--in her present state of degradation? Did the extraordinary influx of the precious ores, consequent on the discovery of America, occasion her gradual downfall? Did the impolitic expulsion of the Jews and Moors from her territory lead to it? Does the blighting influence of Popery reply to the two-fold query? Does the vacillating rule of Despotism solve the problem? All, probably, have had a share in effecting this lamentable change. The great influx of money led to the neglect of the resources of Spain herself, and induced habits of indolence in all classes of society. The expulsion of the Jews deprived the country of its principal capitalists--that of the Moors, of its most industrious inhabitants. The bigotry and intolerance of its Church have kept its population in ignorance, whilst most other nations of Europe have become enlightened. The numerous religious houses, endowed with the richest lands in the country, and swarming with unprofitable inmates, have preyed upon its resources. The rule of a weak and bigoted race of sovereigns--themselves governed in turn by profligate favourites and ambitious priests--has sapped the monarchy to its foundation; finally, the crude and hasty innovations of wild theorists are undermining its remaining strength, and preparing to effect its utter downfall. But, whilst many of these causes still operate most fatally in keeping the country in its present state of degradation, the last named is that which is likely to inflict upon it the greatest amount of _misery_. Catholicism--such as it is in Spain at least--is incompatible with free institutions; and Catholicism has too firm a hold of the _mass_ of the Spanish people to be easily eradicated. _Atheism_, it is true, has made great progress in some quarters; and between it and Popery lies the contest now carrying on. Many persons are apt to think that the struggle is between _Superstition_ and "_liberal Catholicism_"--between a Despotism and a limited Monarchy. But those who know Spain intimately, are aware that such is far from being the case; they know, on the contrary, that the contest must end (_when_ it would be difficult to say) either in the restoration of an absolute throne, or the establishment of a Democratic Republic.