of Macan,
are enclosed. They should be examined together in the Council, and the
Council should advise me of their opinion regarding the whole matter."]

[One signature, evidently that of the king, follows].

_Report from the Council of State_

Sire:

Conformably to what your Majesty was pleased to order, there were
examined in the Council the reports and papers which are returned
with this, and opinions were expressed as follows:

The chief comendador of Leon said that from the accounts and
investigations which the reports from the Council of Portugal
disclose, it is gathered that in the preaching of the gospel which is
being carried on by those of the Society who reside in Japon, they
practice, contrary to its spirit, worldly artifice; for it is said,
on the one hand, that they are preaching in secret, and, on the other,
that they maintain a ship in trade and traffic for their support. He
considers it very unsuitable that the gospel should go in disguise,
and believes that those who preach it should emulate the poverty
of the apostles, and should carry on no manner of trade or profit,
so that they may attract and convert by the example of the purity of
their lives, with no worldly ostentation. This is very fitting for
the reputation of the faith and those who preach it, that those who
oppose it may not say that they trade. If they adopt this plan, and
are so numerous that they can attend to all parts of the country where
it is necessary, the going of other orders thither might be dispensed
with. But if they are not sufficient to attend to all parts, and that
king begs that Franciscan friars should go, the comendador knows no
reason why they should not be sent; and the bishops of the Filipinas
should be charged to send such religious as are fit for the ministry
of preaching. The governor of those islands should be ordered to send
them in small vessels, which should only take sufficient provisions
for their support, expressly prohibiting that they carry any kind
of merchandise, and the trade of the Filipinas with Japon should
cease entirely; for in this way would be obviated the difficulties
which are represented on the part of the Portuguese, and the desired
end of the conversion of souls would be better attained. It would
be an easy thing to obtain from the Pope that he should revoke the
restriction that none could go except by way of Portuguese Yndia,
leaving to the choice of your Majesty all that conc