rds there is much fear of an invasion by
the Chinese, in revenge for the late slaughter of their countrymen in
Luzon. Yet the cupidity or laxity of the officials has permitted the
number of Chinese resident in the islands to increase beyond proper
limits; and the archbishop of Manila endeavors to secure strict
enforcement of the laws against this dangerous immigration. The
leading officials of the Augustinian order complain (1605) of their
provincial as unscrupulous and overbearing, and ask for relief and
the suitable adjustment of the affairs of their province.
Chirino's narrative of the Jesuit missions (here concluded) narrates
events from 1598 onward. In June of that year Father Vera goes to
obtain more missionaries from Europe. In Mexico he meets orders from
the general of the Jesuit order that Diego Garcia shall go with a
reenforcement of laborers to the Philippines. In Manila, during that
year, the Jesuits meet much success in their ministries--especially
in the confessional, in public preaching, and in various benevolent
works. They also accomplish much in private affairs, reconciling
enemies, preventing lawsuits, and checking licentious conduct. The
annals continue with the progress of the Antipolo mission during
1598. The mountain-dwellers continue to come to the mission, of whom
many are baptized--among these some of the heathen priests. Among
the converts are formed confraternities which most efficiently aid
the labors of the missionaries. The people have given up their pagan
practices, and display great piety and devotion as Christians.
At Cebu the bishop has greatly favored the Jesuits, who have opened
a school for his clergy and the sons of some citizens. Their labors
are chiefly among the Visayan natives and the Chinese, and meet
much success. The writer relates some instances of especial virtue
and piety among these converts; there, as in missions elsewhere,
the women are distinguished in those respects. No less important
are the labors of the Jesuits among the Spaniards of Cebu, among
whom they exercise great influence, even the bishop depending upon
their advice; and they often preach in the cathedral. The bishop,
"in imitation of Manila," introduces the practice of flagellation at
Lent, and himself leads the "procession of blood."
In the island of Bohol the infant church continues to grow. The
converts have entirely abandoned idolatry; and certain miraculous
cures have kindled in them a most fer
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