y my own experience and that of
other fathers of long standing--which indeed the Indians who know
them recognize. In Nueva Espana and in Peru the same thing occurs,
to about the same extent.

415. From this result other things, in the same father ministers, that
seem also to be contradictions. For the minister of the Indians who
loves them most would like not to have anything to do with them, but
to be very distant from them; and if he succeeds in getting far away
from them, then his love for them will not suffer it and he does not
rest until he is with his Indians again. It is a providence of God, so
that instruction may never be lacking to these wretched beings. This,
I believe, appears like the discreet love with which Christ loved
Judas, for an example to men; loving persons compassionately, and
distinguishing their evil qualities, as things detestable. If all the
above-mentioned contradictions of the Indians are malicious, or arise
from their lack of understanding, let him who will examine it, for
even in this have I found new contradictions. For some actions which
appear simple are very doubly acts of malice; and quite the contrary
also occurs at other times. In short, whether malicious or simple,
their mental standpoint [genio] is incomprehensible, and consequently
the merit that belongs to the ministers of instruction very great.

416. In regard to the mind [ingenio] and understanding of these
natives, no general rules can be laid down; for there are rude and
clever ones in all parts, although it be even among Spaniards and
servants in courts. But speaking generally, all authors agree, and
experience tells us the same, that the Filipinos are more clever than
the Indians of other parts. They can learn any art at all with ease,
and imitate with exactness any beautiful production that is placed
before them. Consequently, they become so fine writers that the
accounting-rooms are filled with them, as are also the secretariats,
the courts, and the offices of private persons. But very rarely
can one find the copy of an Indian which does not need revision,
for they cannot cease lying even in writing; or else because of the
little care with which they do it. This is very mortifying to those who
dictate and correct. Some of them have been so capable that they have
become officials in the accounting-rooms, and have served ad interim
in the highest offices. Others serve as managers for alcaldes-mayor,
and they have great