to entreat the pope to reconsider
the suppression. The second section deals with the]

_Removal of the convent of Manila_

In order to divert the grief of Ours in Espana for a moment, the
need of referring to the removal of the convent of San Nicolas of
Manila from its location outside the walls (which is now the college
of San Joan Baptista, as above stated) to the other site, within the
enclosure, where now is the glorious capital of the most religious
province of the Philippinas Islands--is interpolated. The credit
acquired by the good founders in a short time was vast, by means
of their exemplary life, and the zeal that they had manifested in
the reduction and conversion of the infidels. They had shed abroad
in all directions the light and splendor of their virtues, and very
especially of their voluntary poverty and abstraction from temporal
things, contenting themselves with but very little, and coveting, at
the most, the attainment of permanent blessings and riches. They won
many persons for God in that city by means of their holy instructions,
and taught them the true way, which very few court. By that course
they made themselves so much masters of the good-will of all that
the people begged them unanimously that they should enter a more
comfortable place--but without abandoning that place, because its
preservation was so useful for the welfare of as many souls as lived
in those suburbs and environs, so that nobles and plebeians might
enjoy the spiritual food that the fathers so promptly distributed to
them. Besides, it seemed unavoidable to do that, so that they might
be more secure and better guarded, whatever happened, because of the
continual and sudden attacks of the Japanese, Chinese, and Sangley
enemies, who are wont to attack those suburbs with courage. Father
Fray Joan de San Geronimo assented to the prayers of the faithful,
and the not little convenience of his own associates; and accordingly,
aided by the alms that were given him, he bought certain small houses,
near to a site where many years ago the artillery was founded. That
site was also given him at the end of the year by Governor Don Joan de
Silva. The opposition of some was not wanting, although that convent
was so desired and applauded. However, that opposition soon ended;
and our religious endured it with signal austerity for many days,
until the very noble gentleman and master-of-camp, Don Bernardino del
Castillo Ribera y Maldonado--a n