al chapter
held at Manila in 1650 is compiled a list of the Recollect convents
in Mindanao and Calamianes, with the number of families attached to
each. The writer goes on to relate some of the trials, hardships,
and dangers experienced by the Recollect missionaries in their work,
several being martyrs to their zeal. In 1624 is held the first chapter
meeting of the new Recollect province of Filipinas; Fray Onofre de
la Madre de Dios is chosen provincial, and certain regulations for
the conduct of the religious of the order there are adopted.

With these earlier narratives may be compared that of Juan de la
Concepcion, in his _Historia_ (vols. iv and v), which contains some
matter additional to the others, although his account is largely drawn
from these. The Recollects, like the Jesuits, form "reductions" of
their scattered converts, in order to carry on their instruction more
advantageously. The difficulties between the observantine and reformed
branches of the Augustinian order are recounted with some fulness. A
singular epidemic of demoniacal obsession at Cavite is dispelled by
the religious services held at the new Recollect church there. At the
request of the bishop of Cebu, the discalced Augustinians extend their
work--a reenforcement of missionaries having arrived from Spain--to
the Visayan Islands and to Mindanao (1622); some account of their
successes in the latter region is given. They also push forward into
the Calamianes Islands and Paragua (1622). Of these islands the writer
presents an interesting account, describing their principal products
and natural resources, as well as the character and religious beliefs
of the natives. Among these people, unusually brutal and fierce, go
the undaunted Recollects, and soon establish flourishing missions,
collecting the people in "reductions." Then they send to Manila a
request that Spanish soldiers come and take possession of Paragua,
which is done. The missions spread farther, and a large part of the
island is subdued to the Christian faith and the crown of Spain.

_The Editors_

October, 1904.

DOCUMENTS OF 1624

Ecclesiastical affairs of the Philippines. Miguel Garcia Serrano,
and others; 1574-1624.
Conflict between civil and religious authorities in
Manila. [Unsigned and undated; 1624?]
Seminary for Japanese missionaries. Alvaro de Messa y Lugo,
and others; July 23-August 5.
Extract from letter to Felipe IV. Migue