to the Lord, whose will governs all things; and man on his part does but little.  But his happiness was of short duration, for that inconstant race, with the ease already mentioned, turned about, and tried to employ war in order to relieve themselves from the yoke that had been placed on their necks—­in their opinion with little wisdom [on their part]; for without testing the ranks of the foreign enemy they had surrendered their land, where each one is a lion.  In short, they perjured themselves, after having given their word, by breaking it.  But as the Moro keeps no promise, except when to his own advantage, they made their forts and mounted therein a few small pieces obtained by exchange from Borney—­whence they obtained these things, as being related by religion.  All was already war and the din thereof, so that, necessarily, the voices of the preachers were not listened to—­although, as they were so fervent, they did not discontinue performing their duties and efforts with all, and busying themselves in learning the [native] language.  For, although nearly all the languages resemble one another in construction, yet they have so many different words that each one must be learned with special care, so that the native can better understand the father.  The Tagal language is the principal one spoken in the island of Luzon.  Father Fray Diego de Ordonez learned this language very quickly, and with it obtained what result those warlike confusions and rumors permitted him.  The aged and holy Fray Juan de Alba, who had previously been stationed in the river Alaguer, in the island of Panay, had come with father Fray Diego de Herrera.  Although one would think that his advanced years would excuse him from learning like a child, yet, to the end that he might serve our Lord, whose work it was, he endeavored to become young, even making it his duty.  And what is more, while the struggle was in progress, and a general stampede was looked for daily, he descended to the hostile natives, contrary to the advice of many, preached to them, taught them, and exhorted them to peace, without on that account being in any evident danger, for the Lord protected him as another prophet Elias.

[The religious hold an important position in the colony.  In 1571 two vessels bring an increase of six fathers:  Alonso de Alvarado, [46] one of the Villalobos expedition; Geronimo Marin, [47] who afterward goes to China, and transacts affairs in Mexico and Spain; Francisco de Ortega, [48] who dies as bishop of Camarines; Agustin de Alburquerque, [49] who becomes provincial; Francisco Merino; [50] and Juan de Orta. [51] All of these die in the islands.  The first fruit of these religious is the old Raja, who is baptized while sick.  At his death he is interred with Christian rites.  Father Alvarado, filled with zeal, fearlessly ascends the Pasig River and preaches in Laguna de Taguig and Taytay, where he is peaceably received.  The Tagals are soon convinced of the good intentions and mildness of the Spaniards, and begin readily to receive the faith.  Medina continues:]