THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS FIFTH Meanwhile, a great change was taking place. In Europe, Napoleon had forced the King of Spain to abdicate. In Venezuela the people felt no longer bound in loyalty to the Spanish Crown. Miranda’s teachings had made an impression. The seeds of Patriotism which he had sown were taking root. The Patriot Party in Venezuela grew strong. Young Simon Bolivar, a fiery Patriot, was sent on a mission to England. While there, he sought out Miranda. He invited him to return to Venezuela and help the Patriot cause. So Miranda returned. On the Fifth of July, 1811, a Congress representing the Venezuelan People, assembled and voted in the name “of the all-powerful God” a Declaration of Independence of the United Provinces of Venezuela, which by right and act became a free, sovereign, and independent State. Miranda was one of the signers. It was a great and glorious _Fifth_--like our _Fourth_--when Liberty enlightened that land. For it was the first Declaration of Independence in all Spanish America. And the brave delegates, who put their names to it, did so at the greatest risk of their lives; for Spain was still strong in Venezuela. On that same day, the Venezuelan Congress adopted a flag for the Republic--the tri-colour, the Red, Yellow, and Blue, which Miranda had flown from the _Leander_. Miranda was made Commander-in-Chief of the Patriot Army of Venezuela, and led it against the Spanish forces. A TERRIBLE THING But the struggle against Spain was only just begun. Her armies were large. Her General, Monteverde, was treacherous, crafty, and cruel. Much of Venezuela yet groaned beneath the heel of Spain. Miranda and his soldiers fought valiantly, now defeated, now victorious. It began to seem as though the Patriot cause might triumph in the end. Then a terrible thing happened. An earthquake--frightful, tremendous--shook the land. The earth heaved like the sea in all directions. Churches, houses, and barracks swayed, and fell with a roar. Men, women, and children were crushed and killed. The Patriot arms and supplies were buried under mountains of débris. In the City of Caracas, the ruins were awful. The frantic people ran screaming into the great square. The hearts of the bravest were frozen with terror. But the earthquake had scarcely passed away, before Friars, who were loyal to Spain, were mounted on a table in the midst of the frightened multitude. “The earthquake is the judgment of God,” they cried, “and his curse on all who are trying to cast off their virtuous King, the Lord’s Anointed!” The people listened in horror. A religious panic spread from Caracas throughout Venezuela. People forgot that earthquakes had often happened before in many parts of the world, casting cities into ruins. They believed that God Almighty had condemned their struggle for Independence.