The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman of the English Factory at Lisbon, to his correspondent in LONDON, dated November 3.

There is a most astonishing change here within a short time, with respect to religious matters. The Pope has lost all his influence, and the Inquisition dare not exert theirs. A book has been lately published here, wherein it is plainly set forth that whenever the Pope deviates from his hierarchical dignity, the government of the Church devolves upon the Bishops, as to their respective dioceses; and there are many insinuations, in this piece, that his Holiness has been very fallible in this respect. In a word, it would not be at all surprising to see a reformation here in a short time, and the Portuguese, from a bigotted, ignorant, superstitious people, become an enlightened, philosophical race; for they are not naturally dull, but are lulled to this state of insensibility by mere priestcraft. This would be a very fortunate change for the English nation in general, and the Factory here in particular.