ldo of Manila
that it shall govern in case the prelate die; because it has persons
of sufficient rank and ability for the said government. Besides,
many difficulties exist in the senior bishop coming to govern, as he
has no person to leave who is competent to direct his bishopric--as
I have experienced at this time, while I have been governing this
archbishopric of Manila, by brief of his Holiness and your Majesty's
decree.

[_In the margin_: "It is well, and what is advisable will be
provided."]

[_Marginal note_: "That it has been heard that the fathers of the
Society are urging that the orders in Japon shall depart thence;
but that it is not advisable that this be done, because of the great
harvest of souls that they have gathered, and are now obtaining,
through their instruction. [He also says] that it will be to our
Lord's service to have the consecration of father Fray Luis Otelo take
effect, since the bishop of the western part is already consecrated;
and since the king of Boso, although an infidel, is well affected to
the Christians, and the two bishops are widely separated."]

It has been heard here that the fathers of the Society are making
strenuous efforts to have the orders leave Japon. That is not at all
advisable, because of the very abundant harvest of souls that they have
gathered, and are gathering, through their instruction and example,
even giving their lives for the welfare of these souls. Accordingly,
I think it advisable for your Majesty to protect this cause, for
thereby will your Majesty perform the greatest service to our Lord. I
think it will also be to His service if the consecration of father
Fray Luis Sotelo take effect, since the other bishop, the one of
the western part, is now consecrated. I am moved to say this because
the king of Bozo, [80] although an infidel, is well affected to the
Christian religious, and has some in his kingdom. That kingdom is
very distant from those regions where the other bishop lives. It will
be advantageous to this community of Manila, for they will be able to
trade and traffic in those districts, and get food and other necessary
supplies from them for your Majesty's fleets. Nothing else occurs to
me of which to advise your Majesty, except that may our Lord preserve
for many long years the Catholic and royal person of your Majesty for
the defense and protection of His holy Church. Manila, July 30, 1619
[_sic._]

_Fray Pedro_, bishop of Santisimo Nombre