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tle of chief preacher was not to be given to anyone, as it tended to destroy the democratic principles of the order. A section on the founding of the college of Caudiel in Spain follows, and then the last section of this chapter, which is also the last of this volume _in re_ the Philippines.] _Foundation of the convent of Cabite_ Inasmuch as we have left our religious busily occupied in the lofty ministry of the conversion of the infidels, it will be advisable for us to turn our attention to them, on the present occasion, praising their great zeal. Much more must we do so, since they advanced with so few workers to do all that their forces were able, both in the preaching of the gospel, and in the spread of their houses, in order that they might serve with energy in the no small toil that was theirs. That convent of Cabite seemed to be necessary; and they did not deceive themselves, for, although only two leguas distant from Manila, it is of considerable consequence for the conversion of many souls, as Cabite is a port where men of not a few Asiatic nations assemble for the sake of its commerce, which is remarkable. Hence that place comes to be the largest one in the Philippinas Islands after the said metropolis, and all the seamen live there, in order to be conveniently near to its traffic and its trade. With such a motive, that convent was founded by father Fray Andres del Espiritu Santo, and under so good auspices that it has been of use to the service of God and to the credit of the Reform, because of the spiritual blessing that it has obtained, as well as by the esteem in which it has been held, as the various people who come there from the most remote and distant kingdoms have experienced the example and instruction of Ours. Divine Omnipotence has there made illustrious, for the feeding of hearts, a devout image of our Lady of Rule [_Nuestra Senora de Regla_]--modeled from the one that protects and defends the Andalusian shores between Cadiz and San Lucar--especially favoring through her means the poor sailors in the continual dangers of their fearful duty. So many are the vows that attest her miracles, that it would be a digression to have to mention them. While the useful foundation of that convent was being directed in Philippinas, father Fray Rodrigo de San Miguel was in Espana, working carefully and diligently in order to get the necessary despatches to conduct helpers suitable for the prosecution of
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