are the best
ministers, and on account of their vow of poverty are best liked
by the Indians, and those who are most desired; but it seems that
the Council is deliberating whether to give permission for them to
come. As all we who are bishops are informing his Majesty, those
from whom that permission could with justice be taken away are the
calced Augustinian friars; for this province of that order is very
lax, and all who come from there become inactive, and most of them
become traders, and skin the natives. There is a Master Solier there
[_i.e._, in Espana]--who, it is said, is confessor to the president
of the Indias, Marques de Salinas--who is said to have carried [from
here] more than thirty thousand pesos, and to be claiming a great
bishopric. May God free His church from such prelates. This year
there goes from these islands, sent by the governor on his affairs,
another friar of the Augustinians, named Fray Diego de Gevara,
who has been confessor to the said governor, to the great scandal
of this community. He also made visitation of this his province,
and it is public report that he visited the purses. I believe it is
beyond doubt that he is taking letters very favorable to himself,
and he is so kind a man that he promises bishoprics. I write this to
your very reverend Paternity for the relief of my conscience, for I
know that this matter of the bishoprics must rest in your hands; and
bishops may cause great injury here if they are not very exemplary,
fathers of the poor, and free from all avarice.

Father Fray Diego Duarte went to that court as procurator for this
province to bring religious here, which he did in the manner of a
messenger of God. Now, after he had come with the second reenforcement
of them to help carry the burdens of this province, at the command of
his obedience he is returning again to bring more religious; for his
virtue is already recognized in that court, and he too is acquainted
with those who have influence there. I beseech your very reverend
Paternity to receive him as one recommended, and favor him on any
occasions that may arise. May our Lord protect your very reverend
Paternity for many long years, for the good of His church, with many
gifts from His divine favor. Manila, August 15, 1613.

_The Bishop of Nueba Segobia_ [67]

LETTER FROM FELIPE III TO SILVA

The King: To Don Juan de Silva, knight of the Order of Santiago, my
governor and captain-general of the Philipina