the said council: I signed the said paper
at the meeting, on account of the relation that was made then in the
absence of the said fathers of the Society. But afterward, having been
informed of the truth, and that the fathers had very just reasons
for not attending such meeting, I declare for the discharge of my
conscience, that my opinion given then is null and void, and that
the action taken in the said document is not just. On the contrary,
I think that the said fathers of the Society are worthy of praise and
reward for their great devotion, holy doctrine, and excellent method of
procedure--of which it is not proper to deprive the faithful, by taking
from them the fruit that is received from their sermons and admirable
instruction everywhere. In order that this my sentiment and opinion may
be apparent for all time, I affixed my name to this present document
in Manila, October eighteen, one thousand six hundred and thirty-five.

Fray Pedro, bishop of Santissimo de Jesus.

His most reverend Lordship signed in my presence and I witness thereto,
and know him.

_Juan Soriano_, notary-public."

Following the decree enacted by the archbishop, another point
was discussed in the assembly, which concerned the attempt of the
governor to have Don Pedro de Monrroy go to the island of Hermosa
as its chaplain. In this regard they resolved to offer effective
opposition; and the archbishop, at the advice of the assembly, wrote
the following letter to the governor:

"I have read the letter written by your Lordship to my provisor, and
his answer, and the resolution of your Lordship to send him to the
island of Hermosa. As I desire peace and harmony with your Lordship,
I entreat you to receive his excuse, since it, and my need of his
person, are well known. Besides this, I ask your Lordship to note
that the appointment of a vicar, or the granting of ecclesiastical
authority and jurisdiction, or the administration of sacraments,
is the prerogative of the ecclesiastical prelates, and not of the
civil government. Therefore, I request your Lordship to refrain from
making similar appointments in this regard. I write all the above to
your Lordship by the advice of the bishop of Zibu and of the orders,
so that your Lordship may see that I am not moved by passion, but by
reason and justice; and that I do not trust to my own opinion, but to
that of many. I entreat your Lordship to form another like opinion
in making your decisions, an