tle of
chief preacher was not to be given to anyone, as it tended to destroy
the democratic principles of the order. A section on the founding of
the college of Caudiel in Spain follows, and then the last section
of this chapter, which is also the last of this volume _in re_
the Philippines.]

_Foundation of the convent of Cabite_

Inasmuch as we have left our religious busily occupied in the lofty
ministry of the conversion of the infidels, it will be advisable for us
to turn our attention to them, on the present occasion, praising their
great zeal. Much more must we do so, since they advanced with so few
workers to do all that their forces were able, both in the preaching
of the gospel, and in the spread of their houses, in order that they
might serve with energy in the no small toil that was theirs. That
convent of Cabite seemed to be necessary; and they did not deceive
themselves, for, although only two leguas distant from Manila, it
is of considerable consequence for the conversion of many souls,
as Cabite is a port where men of not a few Asiatic nations assemble
for the sake of its commerce, which is remarkable. Hence that place
comes to be the largest one in the Philippinas Islands after the said
metropolis, and all the seamen live there, in order to be conveniently
near to its traffic and its trade. With such a motive, that convent
was founded by father Fray Andres del Espiritu Santo, and under so
good auspices that it has been of use to the service of God and to
the credit of the Reform, because of the spiritual blessing that it
has obtained, as well as by the esteem in which it has been held,
as the various people who come there from the most remote and distant
kingdoms have experienced the example and instruction of Ours. Divine
Omnipotence has there made illustrious, for the feeding of hearts, a
devout image of our Lady of Rule [_Nuestra Senora de Regla_]--modeled
from the one that protects and defends the Andalusian shores between
Cadiz and San Lucar--especially favoring through her means the poor
sailors in the continual dangers of their fearful duty. So many are
the vows that attest her miracles, that it would be a digression to
have to mention them.

While the useful foundation of that convent was being directed in
Philippinas, father Fray Rodrigo de San Miguel was in Espana, working
carefully and diligently in order to get the necessary despatches
to conduct helpers suitable for the prosecution of