dians, and the obligation which rests upon
me to further it. As these are matters important to conscience and
reduced to two points, I directed that, for the consideration of them,
certain theologians, grave and eminent persons, should meet with the
president and members of my Council of the Yndias. What they agreed
upon was reported to me, and I now give you its substance and the
conclusion which has been reached. The first difficulty was whether
the faith must be preached to the heathen by poor preachers, provided
only with the support of God according to the gospel, and what has
been provided by the ordinances concerning discoveries; or whether
the said preachers must enter escorted by soldiers bearing arms. And
the question on the second point was, whether tribute should be levied
upon the infidels who are not opposed to the preaching of the gospel
and are not enemies; nor is there any other just cause for waging war
against them, except solely to maintain the Spaniards. "Supposing that
these tributes are imposed and levied primarily with the obligation of
giving instruction, and maintaining justice to those who are subjected,
they should not be levied on those who are not subjects and have not
received the faith." Having examined the said ordinances, it appears
that what is provided in them is in conformity with the precepts
of the gospel and with the justice necessary to the service of
our Lord, and to the promulgation of His faith in newly-discovered
countries. The bishop admits this, merely complaining of the lax
execution of the decree, and the great liberty which the captains
and soldiers take in interfering with the Indians and taking from
them their liberty and property. Since my will has always been and is
that the said ordinances should be observed, and whoever has violated
or acted contrary to them in the past has displeased me, I order
you that from now on you shall see to it that they be observed and
carried out, inviolably. And to this end I have ordered to be sent
to you--printed, and on separate sheets--the clauses which treat of
the order to be observed in preaching in newly-entered countries, and
how the tributes are to be levied; and the care with which, in both
matters, you are to proceed--all being directed toward the good and
contentment of the Indians, and their best condition, preservation,
and civilization. And this you shall again cause to be published,
adding penalty of death, perpetual ban