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. 12]

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THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

[Vol. 12

states that this decree does not show clearly, and with
the explicit statement necessary, that it was his Majesty's intention to bind strictly to an eternal punishment those on whom he imposes a pecuniary penalty;
or that by its transgression are obligations to make restitution laid, in conscience, ipso jure non expectata judicis sententia, upon the people of Mexico who trade
with the islands, or consign their property to citizens
of Manila - either goods sent in exchange for the
merchandise of the latter, or money which they remit to these - although both of these are prohibited.
If these things are conceded, they make a profit and
have the means of support. The reply thereto is incumbent upon his Majesty, from whom the decree
emanated. Until his Majesty shall make further
declaration, the decree is purely a penal ordinance,
and nothing more. It involves only the penalty and
condemnation to which the transgressor is exposed,
and does not burden the conscience with mortal sin
or restitution. For that, it is necessary that there be
an explicit declaration - one conforming to the most
lenient interpretation, which avoids fetters on men's
consciences, and constraining transgressors by only a
temporary penalty, and not by restitution or eternal
punishment.
* The religious Orders of St. Dominic and St. Francis at Manila, and the cabildo of the metropolitan
church of that city, ask that this matter be adjusted.
The religious assert an opinion contrary to the above,
saying that a mortal sin is involved. They beg that
his Majesty declare his royal will, and provide a person who shall enforce obedience to the royal decrees and punish the transgressors.
The cabildo of the church declares that no one in