ween the places. As for the difference
in vestments and rules of the orders, this is answered by the fact
that the Japanese have already seen them many times, and now see
these in their own country, yet with especial profit. Moreover, those
who are continually going to the Philipinas are, it is understood,
not only not scandalized by this, but even--considering that in
the diversity of religious orders and multitude of religious there
is but one confession of faith, one set of sacraments, and one law
alone, all submitting to the Supreme Pontiff as the universal head
of the Church--draw therefrom a very strong argument for the truth
of the gospel law which is preached to them, especially by people
of such ability and understanding as the very fathers who direct the
Japanese certify that they are. The emulation of holiness and virtues
among the religious orders is of great importance for their benefit
and that of the public; and this will cease where there is only one
order. The persecution against the faithful could not have taken place,
if religious from the other orders had gone there; for it is certain
that there would have been other and very severe persecutions before
this, if the fathers of the Society alone had been preaching in Japon.

The Portuguese of Yndia have great interests at stake, according to
their opinion, in this measure; for it seems to them that, as the
presence of the fathers has been a means for their trade with Japon
(which amounts each year to more than a million and a half), and
the religious from Castilla must be favorable to Nueva Espana and
the Philipinas, and as the traders of those provinces pay for the
merchandise, on account of the abundance of silver which they have,
a third more than is paid by those from India, they must either be
shut out from this trade, or buy so dearly that the profit would be
very little. Thus far, as has been said to your Majesty, it is not
known that this has happened; but in order to provide for this, and
at the same time for the principal aim which your Majesty has, the
spread of the holy gospel in regions so remote, and where experience
has shown that there is so great a disposition to receive it, and for
the preservation of the states which your Majesty holds in the Western
and Eastern Yndias, it has appeared best to the Council that your
Majesty should be pleased to order his ambassador who is present in
Rome to represent to his Holiness the reasons which