would at least be fitting for the Christians to gain what is gained by the heathen from year to year in these islands and state, in their damaging trades and occupations.  Thus would a great part of the poverty and necessity of the Christians be done away with, and they would be relieved, maintained, and aided.  They could live more comfortably, and there would be avoided the inconveniences of discontent, murmuring, and offense, which exist when the people see themselves so little favored, helped, and appreciated.  They become discouraged with the condition of affairs when they see that the heathen are much more favored and treated more kindly by us than they themselves, solely for the advantage arising from what they give, and greed for it.  They carry on their pretensions and business with us while we ourselves fail in many respects to give an example of Christian charity which should be observed, and to show the zeal and consideration which is due to the service of God our Lord and the common good.  The evils which may result from trading are very common, and these heathen secure many things which they desire, and obtain by means of payment and reward.  In doing this, although they are exceedingly avaricious, yet in behalf of their vices, unchastity, and abominations, and for their wishes and desires, for the sake of gain and profit, they do not stop at trifles; nor are they stingy and careless, but open-handed and generous, and endeavor and negotiate in a thousand ways to procure what they purpose and desire.  The Spaniards themselves favor, intercede and negotiate for them for the sake of their own private interest and their gain in doing so.  This manner of carrying on affairs has been continued until they are now accustomed to it and perhaps confident therein because of their experience in conducting business in this way.  In addition to this, there has been negligence and laxity in enforcing decrees in their cases, thereby causing the heathen to hold the orders given them in but little estimation, and with good reason to mock and jest, and make sport of our mode of government and our decrees.  It is almost impossible, or exceedingly difficult, to enforce or execute the latter, or to remedy the very great inconveniences which result and are caused by these heathen, because of the many defenders whom they have and find for their pretensions.  Two things in regard to these people are most worthy of consideration.  One is that, as these people mingle so freely and at large among the natives in these islands for their trading and business, they can very easily under this pretext and appearance with all safety, security, and freedom, investigate and note the ports, islands, and settlements; they can also see how careless and negligent the forces have become, and can observe the lack of troops, forces, and defense from which we suffer.  Thus they may dare to interfere, and can bring to these islands any enemy or enemies whatsoever, who are covetous