An artilleryman went below decks to apply fire to a piece with which he had fired several shots.  He applied the fire to it three times, although on similar occasions it was wont to catch without that, but it would not go off.  The artilleryman was surprised and approaching to ascertain what was the matter found the piece open.  Had it taken fire, it would have caused a very great disaster, and perhaps have burned the ship.  Whence one could clearly see that the Virgin, our Lady, was not slothful on that occasion.  Neither was the city of Manila slothful, for they carried our Lady of Guidance, which is outside the walls, in solemn procession to the cathedral, whose advocacy is of the immaculate conception; and all the people confessed and took communion.  Having exposed the most holy sacrament, all accompanied it during all those days, making many prayers to God and to His blessed mother, which were also answered.  May He be blessed forever.  Amen.

Part Second, Which Treats of the Importance of the Filipinas and of the Means for Preserving Them

Chapter I. Of the importance to your Majesty of preserving that country.

For many reasons, which those who do not possess thorough information in regard to the Filipinas ignore, but which show how important to your Majesty is the preservation and increase of those islands, I shall insert them here as clearly as possible.

The first is the increase and extension of the holy gospel and the glory and honor of God, which is so incumbent upon your Majesty—­in the first place, because your Majesty has inherited from your blessed father and glorious ancestors this pious and holy zeal for spreading and extending the holy Catholic faith, by reason of which your Majesty enjoys the wealth of the Indias; in the second place, because it is so suitable to the greatness of your Majesty’s sovereignty and your reputation.  For to leave this work when begun would be a great scandal before the world, and the occasion of much complaint to all its nations—­and especially to the heretics, who would say that your Majesty was influenced not by the glory of God, nor the preservation of the Indias, but by private interest, since where you had not that you allowed Christianity to perish.

The second concerns the peace of your royal conscience, if you should not preserve those islands while possible.

The third is for causes of state; for it would amount to giving your enemies arms and forces against your Majesty, and encourage others to the same enmity who are envious of your Majesty’s greatness.  It may well be inferred that since the enemy are attempting this with so great expense and labors, they have understood its importance to themselves.  The possibility of this can be easily understood, for they could not persevere so long with their own forces only, if they were not privily incited by the secret enemies of