t four sections of the first chapter which covers the year
1671 deal with the life of the father lector, Fray Miguel de Santo
Thomas. Nothing is known of his early life, not even his birthplace
or his family name, nor the date or convent of his profession. By
some he is called Miguel de San Agustin. His life in the Philippines
was almost all spent in the province of Caraga. He shunned publicity,
although he did fill several priorates. He worked in the villages of
Bislig, Tandag, Siargao, and Butuan where he accomplished much, and
where he was greatly beloved by the natives. He endeavored to induce
industrious habits in the natives, and reclaimed many of them from
the apostasy into which they had fallen, besides strengthening old
Christians and converting heathen. He was especially devoted to the
Virgin, to St. Augustine, and to St. Nicholas of Tolentino. He is said
to have been the object of several marvelous occurrences which can be
traced to his devotion. To him also was vouchsafed at times the gift
of prophecy. He labored fearlessly in the insurrection of Linao and
surrounding districts, braving death more than once in his endeavors
to pacify the Indians. The sexual sin which was offered him failed to
move him as did all other dangers. His death occurred in Butuan and he
was buried in the church there. The remainder of this chapter does not
concern Philippine affairs. The first section of chapter ii contains a
notice of the eleventh general chapter of the order held in Calatayud
convent in 1672. Fathers Fray Alonso de la Concepcion and Fray Joseph
de la Circuncision were elected definitors for the Philippines; and
fathers Fray Manuel de San Agustin, and Fray Lucas de San Bernardo,
discreets. The remainder of chapter ii and the following chapter do
not contain Philippine matter.]

CHAPTER IV

The Catholic faith makes new progress in Philipinas through the
preaching of our religious. Death of some religious in Espana of
great reputation.

Sec. I

A great multitude of heathen Tagabaloyes who lived in the mountains
near the district of Bislig, is converted in the island of Mindanao
by the preaching of our tireless laborers.

600. [The author draws a parallel between the capture of Jericho by the
Hebrews and the evangelization of the Philippines. When God pleases,
the walls of idolatry must fall.] This maxim has followed our reformed
order in the Philipinas, and has been proved many times. For contending