[Marginal note:  “Ecclesiastical government.  You mention some things in this section which it is advisable for you to understand thoroughly because of their gravity and for their better management, as follows.  What you say of the good treatment of the natives, and of the burdens and evils that come upon them, is excellent.  Endeavor that what you think best be carried out in regard to their services, relieving, consoling, and comforting them by good works, equity, and administration of justice, taking their cause ex officio against the more influential and powerful who [MS. holed:  oppress?] them.  This, being to the service of our Lord and good government, will give a most effective example and method for the reduction of the rest of the natives of those islands, and their incorporation into the Catholic church and our government.  Accordingly endeavor to do what you have so thoroughly understood, and live with the prudence that the matter necessitates.  Inform yourself by all means of what is being done, and of the fruit that results from it.  No church or convent, not even a chapel, ought to be, or can be, founded unless concurrent with your permission, and that of the Audiencia, together with that of the ordinary.  You shall demolish and reduce to its former state what should be done in violation of this, for the contrary is disobedience, spoliation, and offense; and it is not proper that reward, or permission to contradict what is proper, should follow from such assumptions, and that the insolent shame by their license those who are obedient and modest.  The number of churches that you mention seems great, and there is excess in that, about which it is proper to be cautious.  For few churches, well served and endowed, are advisable and are sufficient, while from a great number of them signal disadvantages arise.  You shall take note of all this, for religious zeal, when unaccompanied with the knowledge and prudence necessary, becomes excess and disorder, and a matter for troubles, which will be avoided by seeing that the churches are established in the manner above mentioned.”]

42d.  One of those of this profession, named Pedro Leussara, has been arrested on the petition of parties whom he has greatly offended, by word and writing, in the most vital part of their honor—­and without proof, as will be seen by the writ.  In this matter, if natural inclination frees from guilt, he will have to remain free.

[Marginal note:  “It is well.”]

43d.  A ship just now in from Malaca brings as news that it was known there that the Dutch and English were already allied; but when the relief that we are awaiting arrives, I hope, with Divine favor, for better results.  May our Lord give them to us, as He is able; and may He preserve the royal Catholic person of your Majesty, as Christendom needs.  Manila, August 15, 1620.

[Marginal note:  “War.  It is well.  You have already been advised concerning this.”]