What you say about ceasing to maintain a room, separate from the other collegiates, in the college of San Josef (which is under charge of the fathers of the Society), for the instruction of the Japanese in our holy faith, is approved for the present, as communication with that kingdom has ceased.

The other sections of the said letter were examined, but there is nothing to answer to them at present.  Madrid, December 31, 1630.

I the King By order of the king our sovereign:  Don Francisco Ruiz de Contreras

LETTER TO FELIPE IV FROM THE BISHOP OF CEBU

Sire: 

July 26, 1631, I received three decrees from your Majesty, in which your Majesty granted me the favor to advise me of the birth of the prince, [86] our sovereign, whom may God preserve.  I feel especial joy and satisfaction at the favor that our Lord has shown toward Espana, in giving us a successor to your Majesty.  In regard to the thanks that your Majesty orders me to give to God, I shall take especial pains to do as your Majesty orders.

In the second decree of your Majesty, your Majesty orders that the natives of these islands be treated gently, and that they be relieved as far as possible from injuries and too heavy burdens.  I have always done my utmost, so far as I am concerned, in regard to this; and now and henceforth, I shall do it more carefully, since your Majesty has ordered it.

In your third decree, your Majesty orders that the governor appoint an ecclesiastical person to assist him in the examinations in what concerns the royal patronage, because of the troubles that have occurred in the vacant see.  What I can tell your Majesty in perfect truth is, that I have always tried to have benefices given to the most praiseworthy, and to those most suitable to minister to the Indians; but if your Majesty judges an agent advisable, I shall willingly obey what your Majesty orders.

Your Majesty has appointed the archdean of the church of Cebu, Don Alonso de Campos, to the dignity of schoolmaster in this church of Manila.  He has not been graduated in any science, and in this regard he is not possessed of the qualities that the council of Trent demands, nor those which the dignity of this church demands, for he is not a bachelor of arts.  He who now exercises that office ad interim is Don Alonso Ramirez Bravo.  He has been graduated in both kinds of law, and is a man of good qualities, who is at present provisor and vicar-general of this archbishopric.  He has had in charge the bishoprics of Cubu and Camarines.  He is a most praiseworthy person, in whom are found the necessary qualifications.  Will your Majesty grant him the favor of this dignity? for he merits it, and is serving in it by appointment of the governor of these islands.