y religious in order that the latter may leave
the islands, without showing a special order from his Majesty, from
the governor, bishop, or any one else whom (or, in Manila--_Madrid
MS._) his Majesty may consider a suitable person.

6. _That the religious come from Espana and Mejico for the islands,
and for no other place._ Sixth: His Majesty should order that, now and
henceforth--since all the mainland is so closed, and there is, on the
other hand, in the islands a very wide open gate for the increase of
Christianity and of his kingdoms--the religious coming from Espana and
Mexico shall come assigned for the Philippinas Islands, where there
is the greatest abundance of souls. Many who are already baptized,
are yet without instruction or ministers; many others pacified,
and yet to be baptized, are daily asking for baptism; and there are
an infinite number of others to be pacified, who have no knowledge
of God--all for lack of ministers; and it is a most serious error
that, while this land is so ready, all thought is centered on China,
which is wholly averse to the faith; and its doors are closed against
it. This is the, art of Satan, so that neither the one nor the other
may be effected. [43]

The Proposed Entry Into China, In Detail

First: The person who is sent as an eye-witness will give his Majesty
a brief relation of the vastness of China, of the abundance of its
fruits and provisions, of the richness of its merchandise, and the
great quantity of gold and silver, quicksilver, copper, iron, and
other metals; of the immensity and certainty of the treasures, and
the infinite amount and variety of the products of the handicrafts
and of human industry; and, above all, the endless things that may
be said about the people and their life, health, peace, and plenty;
and how, with and by all this, there is offered to his Majesty the
greatest occasion and the grandest beginning that ever in the world
was offered to a monarch. Here lies before him all that the human mind
can desire or comprehend of riches and eternal fame, and likewise all
that a Christian heart, desirous of the honor of God and his faith,
can wish for, in the salvation and restoration of myriad souls,
created for Him, and redeemed by His blood, and now deluded and
possessed by the devil, and by his blindness and wickedness.

Second: If we, who are here, and see and hear these things, should
neglect for any consideration whatsoever--either to escape the