go in Manila,
in which is to be studied the teaching of our father, St. Thomas,
which is pure and righteous. This enterprise has been so thoroughly
approved in this city that several of the citizens, even before the
walls of the college were finished, began to endow scholarships of a
hundred pesos of income each per annum, wherewith the students may
be supported and clothed, and the more virtuous and worthy can be
selected. As a copy of the rest of the reasons will accompany this,
I do not choose to set them down here, lest I tire your very reverend
Paternity, whose time is so fully occupied.

The fathers of the Society of Jesus some years ago established another
college, which is of no use for the public good; since those who
enter it to study have to clothe themselves at their own expense,
and give a hundred pesos a year for their board, which only the very
rich can do. Accordingly, though many have entered, thus far none have
been ordained priests and ministers; for all turn to the fleshpots of
Egypt. These blessed fathers, it is understood, have made opposition
to our college, and have caused his Majesty to issue a decree to his
governor, Don Juan de Silva, to give information as to whether it is
desirable to continue further the said college. This knight is very
much opposed to the order, because its religious have done their duty
by preaching the truth, and persuading to observance of the royal
decrees of his Majesty, which he has with so much wisdom issued for
the good government of these islands. And even I have suffered a part
of the persecution, because I preached the same thing at the feast
of the Rosary, in the year 612; they took from me my stipend for a
year, and the archbishop sent the sermon to his Majesty. Just now two
other copies are being sent for examination, for he persecutes the
preachers and bishops; accordingly, we may dread information from
the governor--although, on the other hand, the truth has so great
power that I think he will utter it, and particularly as at present
we have peace, thanks be to the Lord. Your very reverend Paternity
should be informed that although this governor is a good soldier,
in matters of government he lacks the best qualification, which is
executive ability and exemplary conduct. Accordingly this country is
in a wretched condition, and he is rich indeed who has the means to
stop the mouths of all that complain.

This province is in great need of religious, as they