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122 to bring about a rupture, which was to be felt throughout New Spain.

Palafox retaliated, prohibiting Father Juan de San Miguel from preaching, and complaining to the general of the order. The main issue was taken, however, on ash-Wednesday, the 6th of March, 1647, when his provisor and vicar-general, Juan de Merlo, suspended the licenses of the Jesuit fathers to preach and to confess, until recognized and ratified by the bishop. A term of twenty-four hours was granted to obtain the confirmation. The members of the order were no less provoked than surprised at this edict, and regarded it as an inroad on their privileges. True they had not the exequatur of the India Council, but they were, or at least thought themselves, protected by their office from the wrath of the prelate, who, moreover, as visitador and viceroy had rendered them all possible assistance. The pending dispute about the payment of tithes became now a secondary matter; the great question was whether they should comply with the edict of the vicar-general. Two priests were sent to the bishop to inform him of the society's exemption from procuring or exhibiting licenses and privileges; but this measure made no impression on Palafox, who as a former member of the India Council, and one well acquainted with the entire system of colonial legislation, enjoined the Jesuits either to prove their rights by presentation of the alleged documents, or obtain the necessary licenses after previous examination as to their ability. Having thus failed, they strove to gain time, claiming that they were subject