Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 08).djvu/147

 from your Majesty's favor and protection, the religion and zeal of your Majesty are so much the more remarkable. It is sufficient to support the gospel and Christian religion in so remote lands and seas, and among such a diversity of idolatrous infidels, at so great cost to the royal estate, and at such risks and losses to your Majesty's subjects and vassals. Nevertheless, your Majesty is interested only in the glorious renown of serving God, from whom I await the beginning of the fulfilment of the great hopes that the arrangement and close position of these islands promise your Majesty for the extension of the holy Catholic faith through your royal medium.

3. To the first clause of your Majesty's instructions I do not have to respond, as it seems to be but a preamble of the orders thereby given me. I can only express to your Majesty my desire to serve you faithfully, and to render a good account of my obligation as your Majesty's born vassal, and as your servant and creature, to pay that debt with all diligence and zeal.

4. Under the second clause your Majesty orders me to bring about the maintenance of the pacified district in these islands, and to increase its extent as far as possible. In answer I will say that I am promptly attending to that, as your Majesty will see by every clause and subject separately. [Marginal note: "It is well."]

5. I am ordered by the third clause to expend, in the construction and erection of the cathedral church of Manila, twelve thousand ducats, to be apportioned in three parts—namely, between your Majesty, the encomenderos, and the Indians; two thousand ducats of your Majesty's share to be advanced from the royal