Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 08).djvu/152

 thereof are not converted. The encomenderos will be glad to pay their share of the expense for the support of the instruction, which they do not have in their encomiendas on account of the lack of ministers. Therefore I send herewith to your Majesty an exact account of the districts in this country where ministers are needed. And I beseech your Majesty kindly to provide ministers, to give instruction, as this is the principal royal purpose. In case of entrances and of taking possession of lands for your Majesty, the lack of instruction is one of the greatest troubles; for it is important to the service of God and of your Majesty that there be religious present when said entrances are made and possession is taken by your Majesty. They should be there to attend to the instruction, as the principal object, so that everything may be carried on according to the intention and obligation of your Majesty—that is, that the conversion of these souls may be brought to pass. It should be taken into consideration that, of those friars who are sent here, some die before reaching their destination and others after their arrival; while others grow infirm, and none are born. [Marginal note: "Friars are sent herewith; and care shall be taken that provisions be made according to the advices received."]

9. Besides the cessation of the preaching of the gospel for lack of ministers, as has been stated above, which is the principal danger affecting the spiritual good, there is another question of no little consideration touching temporal welfare. In the present condition of things here, where there is no instruction (even should there be justice) the entire tribute cannot be raised, according to the statement of the theo-