The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803; explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commericial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the beginning of the nineteenth century; [Vol. 1, no. 2]

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THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

[Vol. 2

continent and certain of the islands that lie between
the equator and the Arctic and Antarctic poles, and
below the region of the torrid zone itself - to the end
that according to right reason and the benign counsels of Christian piety, both at home and abroad as
will best seem consonant with the purpose of his royal
majesty, you may control the fleet and troops of the
Spanish army. Especially too that the most brilliant
light of faith may beam upon the populous races that
dwell in that region of the world. Through the benignity of God most holy and supreme, and your
preaching, there is hope that those benighted barbarians may cast aside the errors and more than Cimmerian darkness of idolatry for the splendor of the gospel; and that they who, so long unacquainted with
gospel truth, have been groping in the gloom of
Satanic bondage may now at last through the grace
of Christ, the common savior of all men, gaze at the
full light of truth in their knowledge of his name.
Wherefore, as it has seemed our filial and reasonable duty not to prove wanting in view of the favor
and trust granted us by his royal majesty, whereby
measures will be taken to add to the divine glory, our
homage to the king, and the safety of many mortals,
- therefore after long meditation on this matter and
mature counsel, sure as we are of your piety, deep
learning, charity, and merits, we have chosen you
for this apostolic charge, the task (with the help of
the Lord, to whom we commend you) of leading
peoples to embrace the faith. In order that greater
and richer merit may ensue from your obedience in
undergoing these very great hardships, which you
are ready to meet through your love of Christalthough we have ever found you willing and ready