rasmus looked back and saw the monastery, where he had spent ten
arduous years, fade from view.

It was the happiest moment he had ever known. The world lay beyond.

* * * * *

The Bishop of Cambray introduced Erasmus to a mode of life for which he
was eminently fitted. It consisted in traveling, receiving honors,
hospitality and all good things in a material way, and giving his
gracious society in return. Doors flew open on the approach of the good
Bishop. Everywhere he went a greeting was assured. He was a
Churchman--that was enough. Erasmus shared in the welcomes, for he was
handsome in face and figure, had a ready tongue, and could hold his own
with the best.

Europe was then dotted with monasteries, nunneries and other church
institutions. Their remains are seen there yet--one is really never out
of sight of a steeple. But the exclusive power of the Church is gone,
and in many places there are only ruins where once were cloisters,
corridors, chapels, halls and gardens teeming with life and industry.

The "missions" of California were founded on the general plan of the
monasteries of Europe. They afforded a lodging for the night--a
resting-place for travelers--and were a radiatory center of
education--at least all of the education that then existed.

In California these "missions" were forty miles apart--one day's
journey. In France, Italy and Germany they were, say, ten miles apart.
Between them, trudged or rode on horseback or in carriages, a
picturesque array of pilgrims, young and old, male and female. To go
anywhere and be at home everywhere, this was the happy lot of a church
dignitary.

The parts in church institutions were interchangeable; and by a system
of migration, life was made agreeable, and reasonable honesty was
assured. I have noticed that certain Continental banking institutions,
with branches in various cities, keep their cashiers rotating. The idea
was gotten from Rome. Rome was very wise--her policies were the
crystallizations of the world-wisdom of centuries. The church-militant
battle-cry, "The world for Christ," simply means man's lust for
ownership, with Christ as an excuse. If ever there was a man-made
institution, it is the Church. To control mankind has been her desire,
and the miracle is that, with a promise of heaven, a threat of hell, and
a firm grip on temporal power--social and military--she was ever induced
partially to loosen her grip. To such