lic rules. The
fifth part of the said rules, which treats of degrees, was not received
by the Spanish provinces, who dissembled with it. The generals have
heard that, and not only have they not said anything about it, but
have even neglected it, so that the fifth part is now not binding.

In what pertains to the visitors, they are elected in the province,
and have a vote in the provincial and intermediary chapters. But our
most reverend father generals have dispensed with their making visits
the third year, on account of the inconveniences that have been found
to result from the visit.

Therefore, according to these new rules, the fathers assembled
in the Manila convent, and cast their votes for father Fray Diego
Munoz, although he had not reached the age of thirty years. That
was a sufficient argument for his ability, since his so great lack
of years was dispensed with, and since a province which was founded
with so great devotion chose to select a man so young. But in truth,
he was a person of so excellent erudition and rare virtue that that
dignity was the least thing that he merited. His election was very
well-received, and his person was judged to be very suitable for
the office. He was a son of the house of Mejico; and that fortunate
house has been one of great learning and virtue, as is proved by its
numberless illustrious sons who have gone forth from it.

He came to the islands at the completion of his studies, eager for
the salvation of souls, and thinking that there were many laborers
for Nueva Espana and a lack of them for these islands. In the islands,
he so conducted himself, during the period of his residence in them,
that he was always ascending to higher planes, until he became
provincial. In that office he showed himself no less devoted than
previously to whatever arose for the welfare of his order, which was
not little. Nor did he show a halting courage in it, as will be told
in due season. He was commissary of the Holy Office in the islands,
which he administered with the greatest of prudence and wisdom,
and not less to the satisfaction of the inquisitors.

He, also, added to the luster of the province by founding new
convents. Among them was that of Apalit, in Pampanga. Apalit is
located on the river of Candaba (of which we have before spoken),
very near to Macabebe. It had many Indians formerly, but now it has
very few, scarcely three hundred, I believe. [139] This house has
no vote. One relig