to our province, because no
religious went from these kingdoms from the year 1692 until that of
1710, during which time Archbishop Camacho was attempting to bring
about the subjection. That is a precedent which induces the strong
suspicion that no one could be found who would voluntarily submit to
correction by a strange prelate, and at times be accused and denounced
in a foreign jurisdiction as he had only promised obedience to his own
superiors. Grant that some would be allured, but those would be the
least capable who would be incited by the perverse desire for greater
freedom. As a rule, when a mission for those islands is now proclaimed,
those who volunteer in their desire for the conversion of souls are
so many that one may choose laborers of excellent qualifications; for
their zeal for the propagation of the gospel and for the spiritual
health of those poor Indians impels them. But were that subjection
inaugurated, what timorous religious after that would leave his cell
(a safe port whither to escape during storms) only to serve in the
employ of cura? That is, any change is accompanied by a very great
alteration; and he who attempts to introduce it must be responsible for
all the consequences, in order to prevent and forestall them. Nor is
it prudent not to oppose oneself to the foregoing, when one foresees
the sequel of conclusions so fatal. Therefore, our holy order opposes
itself to the innovation of this subjection, for it considers the
inevitable injuries that must result. In view of that and many other
losses, it acts most holily in abandoning the missions, in order that
they may remain in the full charge of the bishops.

[Chapter iii deals with the life of certain Recollect religious,
of whom the following labored in the Philippines. Jacinto de San
Fulgencio, the son of Vicente Francisco Claramonte, was born in
Cocentayna, and was received in the convent of Valencia January 17,
1614. He joined the mission to the Philippines which was organized
in 1619; and on his arrival at Manila began to study the languages,
becoming fluent in the Tagalog, Zambal, Bisayan, and Calamian. In 1622
he was sent with Juan de San Nicolas to Caraga, where he worked to
good effect. Later, accompanied by one religious and some converts,
he ascended the river for fifty leguas to Linao, where his labors
were crowned successfully. He was appointed prior of the convent of
San Joseph in Butuan in 1624, where he continued his work, wit