[In the margin:  “It is well, and what is advisable will be provided.”]

[Marginal note:  “That it has been heard that the fathers of the Society are urging that the orders in Japon shall depart thence; but that it is not advisable that this be done, because of the great harvest of souls that they have gathered, and are now obtaining, through their instruction. [He also says] that it will be to our Lord’s service to have the consecration of father Fray Luis Otelo take effect, since the bishop of the western part is already consecrated; and since the king of Boso, although an infidel, is well affected to the Christians, and the two bishops are widely separated.”]

It has been heard here that the fathers of the Society are making strenuous efforts to have the orders leave Japon.  That is not at all advisable, because of the very abundant harvest of souls that they have gathered, and are gathering, through their instruction and example, even giving their lives for the welfare of these souls.  Accordingly, I think it advisable for your Majesty to protect this cause, for thereby will your Majesty perform the greatest service to our Lord.  I think it will also be to His service if the consecration of father Fray Luis Sotelo take effect, since the other bishop, the one of the western part, is now consecrated.  I am moved to say this because the king of Bozo, [80] although an infidel, is well affected to the Christian religious, and has some in his kingdom.  That kingdom is very distant from those regions where the other bishop lives.  It will be advantageous to this community of Manila, for they will be able to trade and traffic in those districts, and get food and other necessary supplies from them for your Majesty’s fleets.  Nothing else occurs to me of which to advise your Majesty, except that may our Lord preserve for many long years the Catholic and royal person of your Majesty for the defense and protection of His holy Church.  Manila, July 30, 1619 [sic.]

Fray Pedro, bishop of Santisimo Nombre de Jesus.

[Endorsed on back:  “Seen and decreed within.”]

[In the margin:  “Have a copy of this clause sent to the governor, as to what pertains to the religious leaving Japon, so that he may investigate it.  What is advisable in the other matters will be provided.”]

[Appended to this document is the following:]

Testimony of the resolution by the royal officials Ordinance. I, Gaspar Alvarez, scrivener-in-chief of the administrative and war departments of these Philipinas Islands for the king our sovereign, do certify truthfully to all who may see this present that, in a general meeting held by the president and auditors of the royal Audiencia and Chancilleria of these islands for the government, together with the fiscal of his Majesty and the judicial officials of the royal treasury of the islands, on the fifth of this present month and year of the date of this present, among certain matters and questions discussed and determined in the said meeting, was the following.