and then death at the hands of the people, who prove hostile.  However, forty days after leaving Babuyanes, they reach Japan, on June 20.  Shortly begins their journey toward Nangasaqui, which they reach October 14, 1623, noting Japanese customs on the way.  There it is reported that disguised priests are in the city, and an edict published by the emperor banishes all the Spaniards from the country.  Both the fathers, however, escape the banishment.  A section on the life of Father Juan de la Madre de Dios, a noted laborer in the missions of Mindanao, and who was buried at the fort of Caragha, follows; and the chapter closes with a reference to affairs at large connected with the order, and the obtaining of certain papal decrees.]

Chapter Fourth

The first provincial chapter is celebrated in Filipinas in the convent of Manila; and in Espana the first intermediate general chapter of Portillo.  Certain servants of God finish their lives happily.

Sec.  I

Election of the first provincial of Filipinas, at the convocation of the first chapter of that province Year 1624

The religious of those islands had been governed since the time of their arrival there by vicar-provincials, either elected by the priests who were in the convents or missions, or appointed by the superior prelate of Espana, according to the letters and patents which father Fray Pedro de la Madre de Dios and father Fray Rodrigo de San Miguel had obtained for it.  The first vicar-provincial was the venerable father Fray Juan de San Geronimo, who governed until the year 1608.  Father Fray Geronimo de Christo followed him, but, as he died very soon, the chapter was convoked; and, in the following year of six hundred and nine, the same father Fray Juan de San Geronimo was elected.  When the latter returned to Espana, the chapter was convoked in the year six hundred and ten, and father Fray Andres del Espiritu Santo elected.  He governed until the year twelve, when father Fray Pedro de la Madre de Dios came from Espana with the appointment.  But, his patents having expired, the chapter was convoked, in which the said father was elevated to the same office, and he ruled until the year 15.  That year, the chapter having been convoked, father Fray Andres del Espiritu Santo took the government a second time, until the year of eighteen, when father Fray Rodrigo de San Miguel came from Espana with the appointment.  He had it in charge until the year twenty-two, when, as he returned to Espana, he was succeeded by the said father, Fray Andres del Espiritu Santo, who had come that same year from Espana with religious.  He governed until the year twenty-three, in which father Fray Pedro de la Madre de Dios came from Espana, having been appointed by the venerable father vicar-general.  He convoked a chapter, in order that a separate provincial might be elected in that province, as was done in the others.  The patents were as follows.