although it has not been the custom to have masters in it.  May God arrange matters in the future, for in this [capacity the archbishop] shows his devotion not a little.  As definitors were elected, in this chapter:  father Fray Hernando Guerrero; the second, father Fray Antonio de Ocampo; [47] the third, father Fray Juan de Henao; [48] and the fourth, father Fray Hernando Becerra.  The visitors were our father Fray Alonso de Mentrida and father Fray Juan de Tapia.

The chief proceeding in this chapter after the regular business—­that is, what is here regarded as most important—­the provision for offices, was the appointment of father Fray Juan de Tapia as definitor for Roma, and also to the procuratorship for the court of Espana.  He is a man of great worth, and has been very useful in the islands and labored not a little, to the approbation of all.  For he was with Don Pedro de Acuna in the taking of Maluco, and founded there a house in the name of the order; and there he was not only the father and consolation of all, but a very valiant soldier, who strove for the service of his king as well as the best.  While definitor, he was also prior of Manila, increasing that convent with many works—­as he did afterward in the convents among the natives where he was prelate, which he left notably increased.  During that triennium, while going out as visitor, he went also as prior of Manila, and on making the voyage to Espana, was very well received there.  Beyond doubt he would have secured the bishopric had he been a trifle more active, but he was always slow when his own affairs were concerned, and did not consider them as the affairs of the order, which he always managed with the greatest diligence and care.  Consequently, he brought back a fine company [of religious] as we shall see in due time.

Our father Juan Enriquez was unwilling that there should he any failure in the growth of the province during his term.  Accordingly, although it was said that it was of little advantage to have a convent in Maluco, yet the provincial kept it, sending a father there.  He also maintained the other convents, notwithstanding that he suppressed that of Cavite—­as if it were not the most important, for that place is growing daily; and although it be not for the gain, at least it may serve as a hospitium for those journeying to and fro between here and Espana.  All the orders are doing the same thing, although they can not support themselves there.

He visited all his province, although he did not come to that of Bisayas, for the sea was very much infested with enemies, and his predecessor had gone through it more than any of the other prelates had done.  At that time the province enjoyed great peace and quiet, which was due to the prudence of our father, who ever carried himself as the admirable religious that he was.