not go off. The artilleryman was surprised and approaching to
ascertain what was the matter found the piece open. Had it taken fire,
it would have caused a very great disaster, and perhaps have burned
the ship. Whence one could clearly see that the Virgin, our Lady,
was not slothful on that occasion. Neither was the city of Manila
slothful, for they carried our Lady of Guidance, which is outside
the walls, in solemn procession to the cathedral, whose advocacy is
of the immaculate conception; and all the people confessed and took
communion. Having exposed the most holy sacrament, all accompanied it
during all those days, making many prayers to God and to His blessed
mother, which were also answered. May He be blessed forever. Amen.

Part Second, Which Treats of the Importance of the Filipinas and of
the Means for Preserving Them

Chapter I. Of the importance to your Majesty of preserving that
country.

For many reasons, which those who do not possess thorough information
in regard to the Filipinas ignore, but which show how important
to your Majesty is the preservation and increase of those islands,
I shall insert them here as clearly as possible.

The first is the increase and extension of the holy gospel and the
glory and honor of God, which is so incumbent upon your Majesty--in
the first place, because your Majesty has inherited from your blessed
father and glorious ancestors this pious and holy zeal for spreading
and extending the holy Catholic faith, by reason of which your Majesty
enjoys the wealth of the Indias; in the second place, because it
is so suitable to the greatness of your Majesty's sovereignty and
your reputation. For to leave this work when begun would be a great
scandal before the world, and the occasion of much complaint to all
its nations--and especially to the heretics, who would say that your
Majesty was influenced not by the glory of God, nor the preservation
of the Indias, but by private interest, since where you had not that
you allowed Christianity to perish.

The second concerns the peace of your royal conscience, if you should
not preserve those islands while possible.

The third is for causes of state; for it would amount to giving your
enemies arms and forces against your Majesty, and encourage others
to the same enmity who are envious of your Majesty's greatness. It
may well be inferred that since the enemy are attempting this with
so great expense and labors, they ha