two friars acquainted thoroughly with the language, and who has charge of, the Sangleys of the Parian, and manifested to him their grief at seeing how little they were trusted.  They said that since the fathers remained here because no Spaniards went to China, they who were Christians and natives of that land would take them over in more safety; they added that there should be no hesitation to accept their company, for they would lose their own lives before any harm should befall the religious.  This we understood as an inspiration of the Holy Spirit, because until then we had never heard that a Sangley would dare to take any Spaniards to China; accordingly, we decided to send the friars with the Chinese.  When this was announced in the Parian, all the friendly Sangleys, of whom there are many among the infidels, were much pleased.  One of the Sangley Christians had not taken a mouthful of food for two days, through grief at seeing us abandon the expedition; but when he heard that it was going to be made, and how it was going to be carried out, his joy knew no bounds, and he declared that it was just as he had hoped, and that it was the necessary method to pursue.  I called two Sangley infidels—­who, although without the faith, are endowed with all the qualities of good men, and who, I hope, through God’s blessing will soon become Christians—­and asked them what was their opinion concerning the expedition.  They answered that they were very glad to see the way in which the religious were going; for, if they went with Spaniards, all would be lost.  Thus we decided upon the departure, sending at present no more than two religious:  Fray Miguel de Benavides, [38] who was the first to learn the language of the Sangleys; and Father Juan de Castro, who came as vicar of the religious, and who was made provincial here.  We preferred these two, as one is well acquainted with the language, and the other is much loved and esteemed by the Sangleys on account of his venerable gray locks and blessed old age; and we know that in that land old people are much respected and revered.  As our Lord sent His disciples, so went these fathers, stripped of all human support, and carrying nothing with them except their own persons, their breviaries, and Bibles, for in this manner, and not with encompassing soldiers, should the gospel be preached.

I give many thanks to God that this expedition, so much desired by me, started under the best auspices which could be desired; for it is being undertaken by special permission of the Pope and by a decree of your Majesty, and with the consent of the governor, of myself, and of the auditors of this Audiencia.  This enterprise has caused great happiness to all the religious orders, and to all the inhabitants of this city; and many demonstrations of rejoicing on the part of all the Sangleys.  May it please the divine Majesty that the end be as we all desire.  Another event occurred at the time of the expedition, which gave us a great deal of pleasure, and kindled