o the alcalde, who will quickly render them harmonious by
laughing at the matter of the quarrel. Let him handle books, but not
cards. [110] Let him [not] direct the Indians in the government of
his village, but let him leave them to those who govern them; for the
wish to command is a sort of itch in Filipinas. Consequently, let him
leave to each one the care of what God has given him. Let him check
sins, but not lawful games and amusements, since thereby other and
illicit amusements will be prevented. Let him eradicate drunkenness,
but not prohibit all use of wine to all; for, if the cura drinks wine,
why should not the Indian drink it in moderation? Let him not pour out
the wine or break the wine-jars; for who has given him any authority
for that? Because of some of these acts of imprudence, certain foolish
laymen say that the ministers who come from Europa to become martyrs,
become more than kings in their villages.

"Let him attend to the affairs of God, and not obstruct those of
Caesar. Let him be the mirror of the village, so that all may imitate
him; but not a telescope, to register foolish trifles. Let him get
from the Indian what the latter is able to give; for he who tries to
get everything loses everything. If the Indians learn that their sins
are unpardonable, many will take to the hills. If the father is very
harsh in the confessional, many sacrileges may be feared. In assigning
penance, let him incline to mildness rather than to rigor, if he wishes
the penance to be observed. Let his diligence when he preaches be not
long, but fervid; for one onza of gold is worth more than an arroba
of straw. Let him explain to the Indians what is necessary for their
salvation, and let him not play the discreet among them. Let him use
similes and examples in his sermons that they can understand, and
not plunge into depths of abstract ideas, for that is a jargon which
they do not understand; and they especially detest Latin phrases. The
statement that the Indians have no faith is a pretext of the devil,
to discourage the gospel ministers. Let him do with fervor whatever
he finds to do, that the corresponding fruit may not be lacking; and
even when there should be no fruit, God will reward his zeal. Let
him not raise difficulties in taking the sacraments to the fields,
but let it be with the reverence due. Let him insist on the presence
of the boys at the school, for the good that follows from that is
great; but let him not