The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 07 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 303 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 07 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 07 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 303 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 07 of 55.

Fifth conclusion:  From the encomiendas which have received sufficient religious instruction and whose inhabitants are all, or for the most part, Christians; or when those who are not Christians have voluntarily held back from conversion—­all of the tributes may be collected, provided that care be ever taken that the infidels be persuaded and not compelled or forced to make these payments:  indeed, as much concern should be had for them as for the others.  Let it be understood that the said infidels do not refuse or be adverse to becoming Christians; for in this case the tributes may not be exacted from them—­or, at least, not all, and even then with their consent.

Sixth conclusion:  In the encomiendas where there are infidels who, through lack of adequate religious instruction, have not received baptism, taxes should not in the past nor shall they at present be collected in full, but according to the manner set down in the second clause.

Seventh conclusion:  Although all the inhabitants may be Christians, if their religious instruction has been insufficient the encomenderos are obliged to deduct from the tributes all that should be expended for a sufficient number of ministers to impart the necessary instruction.

Eighth conclusion:  In order that an encomienda may be said to possess sufficient and adequate religious instruction, the minister should not be burdened with the care of more souls than he can properly instruct and direct in spiritual matters, so that he can give to all those who are infidels suitable instruction in Christian doctrine—­not merely so that they know it by rote, but also so that they may understand (so far as they are capable of this) the signification of the words, and the mysteries contained therein.  Thus, too, he will be able to make each and every one of them understand all that is necessary for them to believe, and know, and do, in order to be good Christians.  All this should be done before baptism is conferred upon them; and like efforts should be made that no one shall die without the sacrament.  When the minister undertakes to baptize them, he must see that they know well what it is, and are prepared for it, and understand what they are receiving—­namely, that they are dead to their past life, and are commencing a new one, and from that time forth are new men.  As the inhabitants of many of these islands have received baptism without the aforesaid solicitude and preparation, many sacrileges have been committed; and, as a result, many and great misfortunes have ensued, which we can now clearly discern, and yet but poorly remedy.

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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 07 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.