Sire:
As Chinese matters are so worthy of being known, I have thought best
to give your Majesty an account of them in a special letter, although
all I say will be but little in comparison with the facts. Before I
undertake to relate what God through His mercy has chosen to unfold to
us concerning the affairs of that kingdom which were so hidden to us,
I must, in order to ease my conscience, and die without this scruple,
undo an error into which I had fallen for a while. Under that error I
wrote to your Majesty as I felt then; and, although what I wrote was
true, according to the information received, I have learned since that
the contrary is the fact. As soon as I began to see the error, I wrote
to your Majesty; but it was not done with the necessary effectiveness,
for I was not yet completely undeceived. Now that I am, it would
be a very serious matter if I did not try to undo the deception. As
at that time I wrote to your Majesty what I felt, under an erroneous
impression, I shall write what I feel, now that I am fully undeceived;
for one ought always to present the entire and naked truth, with no
confusing elements, to all men, and much more to your Majesty.
Before reaching these islands, I heard that no foreigner could without
danger of death set foot in the kingdom of China unless he received
special permission from those having that kingdom in charge; and that
the native who took a foreigner into the land without permission would
be executed, and the foreigner sent to prison for life. When I reached
these islands, I first interviewed some Portuguese who came here,
and I heard them declare and affirm the same thing which I had heard
before. Since I had that impression at my coming, I easily believed
what the Portuguese told me, and persuaded myself that it was true that
no foreigner could enter China without risk of losing his life. For
a long time I have had the conversion of that kingdom at heart, and
with that thought I came to these islands. One of the reasons which
made me accept this bishopric was the fact that these islands were
very near China, and that many Chinese had come to live here. Being
grieved over the thought that by not allowing foreigners to set foot
in that land the preaching of the gospel there might be hindered, I
drew up a report signed by many Portuguese witnesses from Macan and
Yndia who were here. In this report, which I sent to your Majesty,
I gave evidence that the rulers of China, who are styled "mandarins,"
allowed no one to enter the kingdom without their permission; and that
for this purpose they kept large fleets to guard the coast, and to kill
or arrest all who land there. Relying upon the information given me by
the Portuguese, I wrote to your Majesty, asserting that it would be
justifiable for your Majesty to send your fleet to that kingdom, and
in case the preachers were denied entrance, to open a way by force,
and make the Chinese receive them--it being understood that this
opposition was from the mandarins alone, and that the common people
offered no resistance and would receive them well. While all those in
the islands, including myself, held this view, it pleased our Lord to
reveal this deception and to deliver us from this error. It so happened
that a ship left these islands for Mexico, and reached the coast of
China in distress. At first the crew were somewhat ill-treated by the
soldiers who guard the coast, because the latter had taken them for
thieves or spies; but as soon as they were brought before the mandarin
governor and it was learned that they had set out from the Lugones,
as they call these islands, the governor treated them well, gave
orders to return what the soldiers had taken from them, and punished
those who had taken it. They sent the Spaniards in peace to Macan,
whence they came to this city. The captain of the ship is living here
at the present day, as well as two Augustinians who were on board;
and they have told me all that happened to them.
From this time I began to be undeceived, and to understand that
the kingdom of China was not so inaccessible as the Portuguese had
represented it. Then I wrote to your Majesty the aforesaid letter,
asserting that the ill-report concerning the mandarins of China was
rather an invention of the Portuguese than a true report. Later on, my
belief in this truth was confirmed by certain persons, both religious
and laymen, who have gone to China from these islands. When these
persons arrived there the Chinese arrested them, in order to find out
whence they came and what they were seeking; and when it was learned
who they were, they were allowed to return in peace and were even
given supplies for the journey. While writing this, I have met two
Franciscan friars who tell me that, as soon as they reached China,
they were arrested and taken, handcuffed, before the mandarin. When he
learned who they were he gave orders to set them free, and to provide
for their support until they could return here. What fully confirms
me as to the truth of all this is the report which I received of the
kind reception given in the province of Chincheo to a ship which
the viceroy then governing Nueba España sent to Macan, and whose
captain was Lope de Palacios, the brother of the auditor Palacios,
auditor of Mexico. This ship was driven to Chincheo under stress
of weather, and there everyone in her was well received, when the
inhabitants of Chincheo learned that they were coming to trade in
China. They persuaded them to go no farther, saying that they would
give them a cargo there for their ship; but God, who had chosen to
punish those who by that means sought to destroy this land against
the wish of your Majesty, blinded them, so that they would not take
the most salutary advice that could have been given them. The three
Dominican religious who were on board the ship were well received and
lovingly treated by the mandarin of that province. He took them to
the city and lodged them in his own house, giving them an apartment
where they could celebrate mass. This they did with as much quiet
and safety as if they had been at your court. The mandarin kept
them with him for one week, after which he allowed them to go to
their ship and proceed to Macan. I had this relation from the very
religious who were there. At present I am entertaining at my house a
man who came from Mexico in that ship, and who, being an eyewitness,
has told me of all the occurrence; but, since this account and other
events which occurred were reported to your Majesty two years ago,
and I am sure that the report reached its destination, I shall not
detain you with a more detailed account of those matters.
I have said all this in order to correct the wrong opinion held
about the rulers of China; and although it is true that they are
cautious and suspicious, prudently seeking to protect their nation
against the entrance of foreigners who might harm and disturb the
land, still, without any question, what has been said against them
is a false accusation; for until now we know of no person whom they
have killed for setting foot in their land, nor do we know of any
one whom they have thrown into prison for life, as the Portuguese
reported. If any of the Spaniards who went to that land received
ill-treatment at the hands of the Chinese, it was due to the evil
reports of us which the Portuguese spread among them, warning them
to beware of Castilians as a people addicted to stealing and seizing
foreign kingdoms; and who, as they had become masters of Nueva España,
Peru, and the Philipinas, would strive likewise to obtain China. The
people of that kingdom, being the most cautious people in the world,
believed quite readily what the Portuguese told them of us; and in
consequence they ill-treated the Castilians who went there. What I
say here is a well ascertained fact, known by people who have seen
themselves in great danger of being killed in China, just because the
Portuguese had pointed them out to the Chinese as spies. One of the
Franciscan religious whom I mentioned above has affirmed to me that
he himself had heard it said that the Portuguese had reported them
as spies, and that for this reason they had been handcuffed. Were
I not sure that this was so, I would not dare to affirm it to your
Majesty, for these are serious matters which do not speak well for the
Portuguese. Although it is not to be believed that all of them say
these things of us, still it needs only a few of them to speak such
words in order to persuade the Chinese; and those few have caused
no little harm, for, had not God provided a remedy, they would have
greatly hindered the gospel from ever entering that kingdom. However,
since the Chinese have experienced the contrary of what had been told
them, and the Chinese or Sangleys (which mean the same thing) who go
there from here tell them of the fairness with which we treat them
here, and of the freedom that they enjoy among us, they have regained
confidence, and are not offended at seeing us there, as is proved by
those two ships which were driven on their shores. Doctor Sanctiago
de Vera told me last year that he intended to make arrangements with
the mandarins of Chincheo by which they might give us an island not
far from that coast where the Castilians might settle and establish
their commerce; he added that this plan met with no great opposition
on the part of the Sangleys. But this was not carried out, and I do
not know who was the cause of the failure. To corroborate the fact
that the mandarins do not keep the gates of that kingdom so tightly
closed as the Portuguese affirmed, something else has occurred quite
recently which shows it clearly. When the Portuguese expelled all the
Castilian religious from Macan and ordered them to go to Yndia, and
not to return here, two friars fled secretly to the city of Canton,
and thence they went to Chincheo by land, covering a distance of
about one hundred leagues, without receiving any harm whatever; on
the contrary, they were well treated, and the mardarin of Chincheo
sent them back to this city in one of his own ships. The captain
who brought them has visited me several times, and I have thanked
him. At present these religious are in this city, and have spoken to
me of what occurred to them on the journey from Macan to Chincheo,
and of the presents which the captain who brought them here from
Chincheo gave them. From all the aforesaid we infer that what has been
reported of the refusal of the Chinese kingdom, and of its rulers,
to permit entrance to foreigners has been invention and slander by the
Portuguese, who did this for their own private interests, fearing that
their commerce with the Chinese would cease if the Castilians gained
an entrance there. We who live here have attributed this slander to
that cause--or, more properly speaking, it has been the cunning of
the devil, who has tried in this way to hinder the results which we
hope to obtain by introducing the gospel into that great kingdom,
in such manner as Jesus Christ, our Lord, commanded his disciples
and apostles to preach it throughout the whole world, not trusting in
their own strength, or in human wisdom or power, but only in the power
of God. For He, when it pleases Him, smoothes out all difficulties
which may arise; and if at times He allows his ministers to suffer,
it is for their best good, in order that the perfection and power of
God may shine forth with more brilliancy. Therefore, I say that if
once I thought it possible to make war on China because of the false
report given me of the hindrance and obstacles offered by the rulers
of that kingdom to the preaching of the gospel, by not allowing those
who could preach it to enter the land, now that I know the truth,
I declare that one of the worst offenses which could be committed
against God, and the greatest possible obstacle and opposition to the
spread of the gospel, would be to go to China with the mailed hand,
or to use any sort of violence. For we have had at no time, nor do
we have, any cause, right, or reason to enter that kingdom by force
of arms; for it is evident that we have not told them, nor do they
know, our intention. On the contrary they take us for people whose
only aim is to usurp foreign kingdoms; and, since they think thus,
it is well for them to guard against us. In order to correct the
wrong opinion which they entertain of us, we should not go there
with large fleets and armies equipped, because the only result would
be to vex and offend the greatest and best kingdom in the world;
but if we go there in the way that God commands and desires, and at
the time appointed by His Divine Majesty (for we men cannot know),
we shall make one of the largest conversions ever seen since the time
of the primitive church. This is what the devil tries to hinder by
spreading abroad the notion that the only way by which China can
be entered is by force of arms. The truth is, that until now no
people has been discovered so ready to receive the gospel as this,
or of whom can be entertained such hope of great results by going
to preach the gospel as our Lord Jesus Christ commanded; and if any
one, be he even an angel from heaven, were of a different opinion,
may your Majesty consider him an agent of the devil, who tries to
convince people that the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be preached
with zeal and not with knowledge, with violence and force of arms,
like the alcoran of Mahoma. This is a principle which may God remove
from the minds of all Christian princes, and from all men who are well
acquainted with the law of God and evangelical truth. I am confident
that, when your Majesty learns the truth, you will not allow anything
to be done contrary to the will of God.
Now I shall speak of the Sangleys, of whom there would be much to
say had I not in the past given to your Majesty an account of many
things concerning them. Therefore I shall be brief, in order not to
make this account longer than is necessary.
When I arrived in this land, I found that in a village called
Tondo--which is not far from this city, there being a river
between--lived many Sangleys; of whom some were Christians, but
the larger part infidels. In this city were also some shops kept
by Sangleys, who lived here in order to sell the goods which they
kept here from year to year. These Sangleys were scattered among
the Spaniards, with no specific place assigned to them, until Don
Gongalo Ronquillo allotted them a place to live in, and to be used
as a silk-market (which is called here _Parián_), of four large
buildings. Here, many shops were opened, commerce increased, and more
Sangleys came to this city. Anxious for the conversion of this people,
I soon cast my eyes upon them, and took precautions that they be well
treated, for in that way they would become attached to our religion--as
I was aware that this was your Majesty's desire. Considering that,
wherever Spaniards are to be found, there will always be some unruly
ones, who, forgetting the good example which they ought to give
these infidels, ill-treat them at times, I began on this account to
protect and to assist the Chinese, reproaching those who maltreated
them. I took care to have their grievances removed so as to give them
freedom to attend to their mercantile interests, and to sell their
goods. In this there has been very much abuse in this city by those
who were under obligation to furnish a remedy for it. For this reason
the Sangleys began to have much love for me, for they are the most
grateful people I have ever seen. Gradually commerce has so increased,
and so many are the Sangley ships which come to this city laden with
goods--as all kinds of linen, and silks; ammunition; food supplies,
as wheat, flour, sugar; and many kinds of fruit (although I have not
seen the fruits common in Spaña)--and the city has been so embellished,
that were it not for the fires and the calamities visited upon her
by land and by sea, she would be the most prosperous and rich city
of your Majesty's domains. As I have written to your Majesty in
other letters, this city has the best possible location for both
its temporal and spiritual welfare, and for all its interests, that
could be desired. For on the east, although quite distant, yet not
so far as to hinder a man from coming hither, with favorable voyage,
lie Nueba España and Perú; to the north, about three hundred leagues,
are the large islands of Japón; on the northwest lies the great and
vast kingdom of China, which is so near this island that, starting
early in the morning with reasonable weather, one would sight China on
the next day; on the west lie Conchinchina, the kingdoms of Sián and
Patany, Malaca, the great kingdom of Dacheu (the ancient Trapobana),
and the two Xavas [Javas], the greater and the smaller; [35] and on
the south lie the islands of Maluco and Burney. From all these regions
people come to trade in this city; and from here we can go to them,
for they are near. As to spiritual advantages, if we had preachers
of the gospel to send thither, these regions all stand open to us,
and we could gain good results from it, because Franciscan religious
have gone to some of these places and have been well received, although
on account of many wars and the lack of interpreters they were forced
to return. It is not so certain that they would be received in China
as they are elsewhere; but up to this time no one of those who went
thither has been killed or thrown into prison.
When I came, all the Sangleys were almost forgotten, and relegated to
a corner. No thought was taken for their conversion, because no one
knew their language or undertook to learn it on account of its great
difficulty; and because the religious who lived here were too busy with
the natives of these islands. Although the Augustinian religious had
charge of the Sangleys of Tondo, they did not minister to or instruct
them in their own language, but in that of the natives of this land;
thus the Sangley Christians living here, were Christians only in name,
knowing no more of Christianity than if they had never accepted it. I
was much grieved that a nation of such renown should lack priests to
teach and instruct them in their own language. This led me to make
arrangements with Don Goncalo Ronquillo for a special location to be
assigned to them for their own use, and priests were to be given them
who should learn their language and teach them in it. When this had
been all arranged, and a priest had been appointed, the whole thing was
undone through obstacles which arose at that time. Then I appealed to
all religious orders to appoint some one of their religious to learn
the language and take charge of the Sangleys. Although all of them
showed a desire to do so, and some even began to learn it, yet no one
succeeded; and the Sangleys found themselves with no one to instruct
them and take up their conversion with the necessary earnestness,
until, in the year eighty-seven, God brought to these islands the
religious of St. Dominic. Their coming was for the welfare of the
Sangleys, as the result proved, and as I shall relate further on. God
soon showed us that the religious had come by His will, to take charge
of the Sangleys. This city, being built on a narrow site with the sea
on one side and a river on the other, was all occupied, and there
seemed to be no place where the Dominicans could settle; but there
was soon discovered a site of which no one had thought until then,
and which now is the best in the city. The site adjoins the Parian
of the Sangleys, and that gave the religious of that order occasion
to begin to hold intercourse with them, and for the religious and
Sangleys to become mutually attached to one another. For, whenever
the Sangleys come and go from the Parián, they pass by the church of
Sancto Domingo, and, being a very inquisitive people, they often stop
and watch what is taking place there. When the confraternities of the
Rosary and of the Oaths, which are founded in that house, hold their
processions, a great many Sangleys come out to watch them. They live
so near the monastery that in the night they hear the religious sing
matins, and are not a little edified by it; for they also have their
own form of religion, and there are among them religious men who lead
a very austere life and claim to live in profound meditation. When
it shall please God to enlighten them, Christianity will undoubtedly
profit much by this characteristic.
I said above that the monastery of Sancto Domingo stands close by
the Parián of the Sangleys, which is built in a marshy place on the
border of this city between its northern and southern sides. The
Sangleys were transferred thither by Diego Ronquillo, during his
governorship, because the Parián which Don Gonzalo Ronquillo had built
was destroyed by fire. At first it seemed absurd to think that human
habitations were to be built in that marsh, but the Sangleys, who are
very industrious, and a most ingenious people, managed it so well
that, in a place seemingly uninhabitable, they have built a Parián
resembling the other, although much larger and higher. According to
them it suits them better than the other, because on the firm ground
where the four rows of buildings are located they have built their
houses and the streets leading through the Parián, a separate street
for each row of buildings.
There are long passages and the buildings are quadrangular
in shape. This Parián was also destroyed by fire on account of
the houses being built of reeds; but through the diligence of the
president and governor, Doctor Vera, much better houses were built,
and covered with tiles for protection against fire. This Parián has
so adorned the city that I do not hesitate to affirm to your Majesty
that no other known city in España or in these regions possesses
anything so well worth seeing as this; for in it can be found the
whole trade of China, with all kinds of goods and curious things
which come from that country. These articles have already begun to be
manufactured here, as quickly and with better finish than in China;
and this is due to the intercourse between Chinese and Spaniards,
which has enabled the former to perfect themselves in things which
they were not wont to produce in China. In this Parián are to be found
workmen of all trades and handicrafts of a nation, and many of them
in each occupation. They make much prettier articles than are made in
España, and sometimes so cheap that I am ashamed to mention it. If we
Castilians were as cautious as the Portuguese in trading with them,
these articles would be much cheaper, and the Chinese would still
gain by it. For goods are sold at a very low cost in China; and,
no matter how little profit they make there, when these objects are
sold here they yield large profits. But no restraint can be put upon
the Castilians, nor can they be regulated--the consequence of which
is that everything is going to ruin; for the Sangleys, who were not
born as fools, begin to understand the Spaniards' disposition, and
to take advantage of their lack of prudence, thus becoming richer
than they would did the latter observe moderation.
This Parián is provided with doctors and apothecaries, who post in
their shops placards printed in their own language announcing what
they have to sell. There are also many eating-houses where the Sangleys
and the natives take their meals; and I have been told that these are
frequented even by Spaniards. The handicrafts pursued by Spaniards
have all died out, because people buy their clothes and shoes from
the Sangleys, who are very good craftsmen in Spanish fashion, and make
everything at a very low cost. Although the silversmiths do not know
how to enamel (for enamel is not used in China), in other respects
they produce marvelous work in gold and silver. They are so skilful
and clever that, as soon as they see any object made by a Spanish
workman, they reproduce it with exactness. What arouses my wonder
most is, that when I arrived no Sangley knew how to paint anything;
but now they have so perfected themselves in this art that they have
produced marvelous work with both the brush and the chisel, and I
think that nothing more perfect could be produced than some of their
marble statues of the Child Jesus which I have seen. This opinion is
affirmed by all who have seen them. The churches are beginning to
be furnished with the images which the Sangleys make, and which we
greatly lacked before; and considering the ability displayed by these
people in reproducing the images which come from España, I believe
that soon we shall not even miss those made in Flandes. What I say of
the painters applies also to embroiderers, who are already producing
excellent embroidered works, and are continually improving in that art.
What has pleased all of us here has been the arrival of a book-binder
from Mexico. He brought books with him, set up a bindery, and hired a
Sangley who had offered his services to him. The Sangley secretly, and
without his master noticing it, watched how the latter bound books,
and lo, in less than [_blank space in Retana_] he left the house,
saying that he wished to serve him no longer, and set up a similar
shop. I assure your Majesty that he became so excellent a workman
that his master has been forced to give up the business, because the
Sangley has drawn all the trade. His work is so good that there is
no need of the Spanish tradesman. At the time I am writing, I have in
my hand a Latin version of Nabarro bound by him; and, in my judgment,
it could not be better bound, even in Sevilla.
There are many gardeners among the Sangleys, who, in places which
seemed totally unproductive, are raising many good vegetables of the
kinds that grow in España and in Mexico. They keep the market here
as well supplied as that of Madrid or Salamanca. They make chairs,
bridles, and stirrups of so good a quality and so cheaply that some
merchants wish to load a cargo of these articles for Mexico.
Many bakers make bread with the wheat and fine flour which they bring
from China, and sell it in the market-place and along the streets. This
has much benefited the city, for they make good bread and sell it at
low cost; and although this land possesses much rice, many now use
bread who did not do so before. They are so accommodating that when
one has no money to pay for the bread, they give him credit and mark
it on a tally. It happens that many soldiers get food this way all
through the year, and the bakers never fail to provide them with all
the bread they need. This has been a great help for the poor of this
city, for had they not found this refuge they would suffer want. The
Sangleys sell meat of animals raised in this country, as swine,
deer, and carabaos (a kind of Italian buffalo, whose flesh is equal
to beef). They also sell many fowls and eggs; and if they did not
sell them we all would suffer want. They are so intent upon making
a livelihood that even split wood is sold in the Parián. The city
finds most of its sustenance in the fish which these Sangleys sell;
they catch so much of it every day that the surplus is left in the
streets, and they sell it at so low a cost that for one real one can
buy a sufficient quantity of fish to supply dinner and supper for
one of the leading houses in the city.
In the remaining space within the four fronts of the Parián is a
large pond, which receives water from the sea through an estuary. In
the middle of the pond is an islet, where the Sangleys who commit
crimes receive their punishment, so as to be seen by all. The pond
beautifies the Parián and proves to be of great advantage, because
many ships sail into it through the aforesaid estuary at high tide,
and bring to the Parián all the supplies, which are distributed thence
all over the city.
Among the benefits which this city receives from the intercourse
with the Sangleys, by no means the least important is that, while in
España stone-masonry is so expensive and difficult to produce, here,
through the diligence and industry of the Sangleys, we are able to
build fine houses of hewn stone at a low cost; and in so short a
time that in one year a man has been able to complete a house, all
ready for habitation. It is wonderful to see with what rapidity many
sumptuous houses, churches, monasteries, hospitals, and a fort are
being built. The Sangleys also made very good bricks and roof-tiles
at low cost. At first, lime was made with stone as in España; but now
the Sangleys are using a kind of pebble, called "white corals," which
they find on this coast; and also shells of large oysters, of which
there is a large quantity. At the beginning this lime did not seem to
be of good quality; but the kind produced ever since has been so good
that no other kind of lime is being employed in this city. It came to
be sold at so low a price that for my house as well as for others we
bought a cahiz [36] of lime for four reals, and one thousand bricks
for eight--although this is not the fixed price, for it fluctuates
according to the money which comes from Mexico. The Sangleys know how
to take advantage of the right time; they sell their goods dearer when
they know that there is money to buy them, but they never raise the
price so as to make it unreasonable. They agree to bring all the lime,
bricks, and tiles to the house of the purchaser, thus saving him a
great deal of labor. It is of great advantage also to have the Sangleys
construct the building; they agree on so much per braza, including the
cutting of stones and the carrying of the sand. If they are given the
lime, they will furnish all the rest, and will thus deliver the house
or work without any trouble to the owner. The day's wage of a Sangley,
when he does not work by the job, is one real, and he provides his own
food. The Sangleys are hard workers and very greedy for money. The
number of those who have come to this city is so large that another
large Parián is being built by the side of the above-mentioned one,
resembling it in shape. Many Sangleys have built their houses in it,
and it would be filled with people by this time had not the bricks of
Mexico failed us last year through the Marquis de Villa-Manrrique--who,
according to report, prevented the shipment of the bricks to us, thus
causing no little injury and loss to this city and to the Sangleys. He
shall give an account to your Majesty, and a more exact one to God,
of the injuries and loss that he has caused to this land. Had not your
Majesty set matters right by sending a successor to him, [37] and so
good a one as you did send, he would have brought ruin upon this land;
and, even so, he leaves it sufficiently harassed and afflicted.
The Sangleys who live in this Parián number ordinarily between three
and four thousand, not counting the two thousand and more who come
and go in ships. These, together with those residing in Tondo, and
the fishermen and gardeners who live in this neighborhood, number,
according to the Dominican fathers who have them in charge, from six
to seven thousand souls. Four religious of that order are engaged in
their conversion and instruction.
I have mentioned many small matters here, and it does not seem very
considerate to write so long a letter to one who is so occupied in
affairs of moment as your Majesty is; but my great zeal deserves
forgiveness. For, considering how far distant these regions are, and
how extraordinary are these people--of whom we have known so little
hitherto, on account of the opposition shown by the Portuguese to our
gaining any knowledge of them--it seemed right for me to send your
Majesty a relation and more specific news concerning the matter, so
that your Majesty may know what exists and occurs here in his realms,
and may enjoy through experience what was denied to his predecessors
to hear even through report. Had I not already given your Majesty
news of many other things which occur here, I would not dare to omit
them now, even if I might be considered prolix.
This was the condition and disposition of the Sangleys in temporal
matters, when the Dominican religious came to these islands in May,
eighty-seven. I have already sent to your Majesty an account of what
took place from the time of their arrival until the following year. I
reported the singular change which had taken place among the Sangleys
after the Dominican religious took charge of them, and the results
which began to be obtained among them; and that they willingly began
to accept Christianity, in which they have persevered until now. I
will not here reiterate that, although there are many things worthy of
being known, and for which many thanks are due to God, who shows how
wonderful is His power when it pleases Him. What is left for me to
relate, is the departure of the Dominican religious for China; and,
although we do not know how it has fared with them, as they set out
so recently, still the beginnings give us reason to hope that with
the help of our Lord, they will be very successful.
Of the Dominican religious who came to these islands, four are
engaged in ministering to the Sangleys. Two of these four officiate
in the church of Sant Gabriel, which, together with the house where
the religious live, stands close to the Parián. Another church with
its house is on the promontory of Bay-bay, near Tondo--which a river
divides, separating it from Manila. Two of the four have learned
the language of the Sangleys so well, and one of these two how
to write also (which is the most difficult part of the language),
that the Sangleys wonder at their knowledge. The opportunity which
the infidels of both towns had to hear the sermons preached by the
fathers to the Christians, made them acquainted with many matters
relating to our faith, and some of them desired to be baptized. But
when they saw that, by becoming Christians, they would not be allowed
to return to their own country, on account of the danger which the
faith encounters in a country where the people are all idolaters,
they said that our religion was too severe, since in embracing it one
has to forsake his native country, and to deprive himself of father,
mother, wife, children, and relatives. The arguments that they set
forth were such that it seemed as if they wished to persuade us to
baptize them without cutting off their hair, and without forbidding
them to return to their own country. We saw that it was not advisable
to do as they desired, and left matters as they stood. The Sangleys
themselves told us to send fathers to their country to preach to them,
saying that there they would become converted without so much risk as
here. After due consideration of the matter, the Dominican fathers
and myself decided that it was necessary to go to China; for, if
God permitted the religious to remain in that land, we could baptize
the Sangleys here without cutting off their hair, or preventing them
from returning to their country to rejoice in their children, wives,
and property. The Sangleys were much pleased at this decision; but
there were differences of opinion regarding the manner in which the
religious should go. The president thought that it would be best for
them to go in a fragata accompanied by Spaniards: but the Chinese said
that the friars should go alone, and not in the company of Spaniards;
thus many arguments were presented on both sides. Two or three times
I saw our endeavors thwarted, because the devil was laboring with
all his might to prevent them. A fragata had already been bought,
the captain and the men who were to take the friars over had been
chosen, and almost everything was ready for their setting sail, when
the plan was defeated I know not whence or how. My disappointment and
the great sadness which I felt in seeing the defeat of an expedition
which I so much desired, and for whose fulfilment had not sufficed his
Holiness's permission and the special ordinance from your Majesty,
made me think that this was the will of God; thus I was forced to
abandon the attempt. But God, whose plans do not depend upon the
advice of men, arranged matters better than I could have hoped, for
He moved the hearts of the Sangley Christians, Don Francisco Zanco, a
Christian and the governor of the Sangleys, and Don Tomás Syguán. The
latter I baptized about two years ago, without cutting his hair,
for I thought that God was to accomplish some great work through him,
as well as through the other--who, being one of the oldest Christians
in this island, also wore his hair long. When these two saw that the
Spaniards were not going to China, and that the friars remained here
because there was no one to take them over, they went to Fray Juan
Cobo, one of the two friars acquainted thoroughly with the language,
and who has charge of, the Sangleys of the Parián, and manifested to
him their grief at seeing how little they were trusted. They said that
since the fathers remained here because no Spaniards went to China,
they who were Christians and natives of that land would take them over
in more safety; they added that there should be no hesitation to accept
their company, for they would lose their own lives before any harm
should befall the religious. This we understood as an inspiration of
the Holy Spirit, because until then we had never heard that a Sangley
would dare to take any Spaniards to China; accordingly, we decided
to send the friars with the Chinese. When this was announced in the
Parián, all the friendly Sangleys, of whom there are many among the
infidels, were much pleased. One of the Sangley Christians had not
taken a mouthful of food for two days, through grief at seeing us
abandon the expedition; but when he heard that it was going to be
made, and how it was going to be carried out, his joy knew no bounds,
and he declared that it was just as he had hoped, and that it was
the necessary method to pursue. I called two Sangley infidels--who,
although without the faith, are endowed with all the qualities of
good men, and who, I hope, through God's blessing will soon become
Christians--and asked them what was their opinion concerning the
expedition. They answered that they were very glad to see the way in
which the religious were going; for, if they went with Spaniards,
all would be lost. Thus we decided upon the departure, sending at
present no more than two religious: Fray Miguel de Benavides, [38]
who was the first to learn the language of the Sangleys; and Father
Juan de Castro, who came as vicar of the religious, and who was made
provincial here. We preferred these two, as one is well acquainted
with the language, and the other is much loved and esteemed by the
Sangleys on account of his venerable gray locks and blessed old
age; and we know that in that land old people are much respected
and revered. As our Lord sent His disciples, so went these fathers,
stripped of all human support, and carrying nothing with them except
their own persons, their breviaries, and Bibles, for in this manner,
and not with encompassing soldiers, should the gospel be preached.
I give many thanks to God that this expedition, so much desired by
me, started under the best auspices which could be desired; for it is
being undertaken by special permission of the Pope and by a decree of
your Majesty, and with the consent of the governor, of myself, and
of the auditors of this Audiencia. This enterprise has caused great
happiness to all the religious orders, and to all the inhabitants of
this city; and many demonstrations of rejoicing on the part of all the
Sangleys. May it please the divine Majesty that the end be as we all
desire. Another event occurred at the time of the expedition, which
gave us a great deal of pleasure, and kindled in us the hope that
God was really about to open the gates of that great kingdom. The
aforesaid captain who brought the two Franciscan friars to this
city received a letter, which they call _chapa_, for the president,
in which the latter is entreated to do justice to the captain who
brought the letter, so that he might collect some money which was due
him in this city; in the letter, he anxiously entreats the two great
fathers Juan and Miguel, who know the language, to help the captain,
for they are known in that country to favor the Sangleys. Their names
occur twice in that chapa, the first letters of the two names being
written in red ink, which is considered a mark of veneration among
the Chinese. A Sangley woman who lives in Chincheo wrote a letter to
Fray Juan Cobo, thanking him for having helped her husband in a matter
of business. These were the first indications by which we knew that
this expedition was starting under the guidance of God. So on Tuesday,
the twenty-second of May, of this year ninety, I went to the church of
the Parián, and said mass there; after which the two Sangleys who had
offered their services went through a ceremony worthy of notice. They
knelt down before the altar where I said mass, and remained there
for the space of two _credos_, speaking to one another in their own
language and holding each other's hands; after that they embraced one
another, and I learned afterwards that they had sworn to each other
friendship and fidelity. From that place the fathers went to embark,
and I went with them, accompanied by many Sangleys. On account of a
contrary wind, the ship in which they were going could not set sail;
and there were sent, to tow it out, four champans, which are the
small boats of the Sangley ships. They gladly pulled it out to sea,
for more than a league, where we left them under God's protection,
and returned to the city. The captains of two Sangley ships who are
about to follow in the same course have asked me for letters for the
religious, promising me to place them in their own hands, and I shall
not fail to write to them.
In conclusion, I must announce to your Majesty that a hospital has been
built by the Dominican friars who have charge of the Sangleys of the
Parián, which is close by their house. The hospital takes care of sick
Sangleys and subsists on no other income than what the fathers gather
as charity, and what the Sangley infidels contribute towards it. This
fact has been so rumored in China, that the whole country feels very
kindly towards the fathers, knowing of the friendly reception given
to their countrymen here. About a year ago a prominent Sangley was
converted. He was a doctor and an herbalist; but, forsaking all other
worldly interests, he has offered and devoted himself to the service
of the hospital. He cures the sick, bestowing upon them much love and
charity, and prescribing for them his purges and medicines. In short,
it was God who led him thither for the welfare of that hospital, and,
to make the fame thereof more widely spread throughout China. Therefore
I humbly beg your Majesty to be pleased to order that this hospital be
endowed, so that the sick may be cared for. Moreover, if your Majesty
attend to this personally, that fact will be very well received in
China and will be of more benefit than the presents which your Majesty
ordered to be sent to the king.
Doctor Vera, who is now president, on seeing the good will with which
those two Sangley Christians, Don Francisco Canco and Don Tomás Siguán,
offered their services for taking the fathers to China, exempted them,
in the name of your Majesty, from paying taxes for the use of a ship
for six years. I entreat your Majesty to be pleased to confirm this
grant, and to extend it for life; for they certainly performed a great
deed, and one considered of much importance by all the inhabitants
of this city, both Spaniards and Sangleys. They deserve this favor
from your Majesty, even if we should not gain the desired result,
because they for their part have offered what they could.
Fray Juan Cobo, the Dominican religious--who, as I have said before,
knows the language of the Sangleys and their writing, and who is
most esteemed by them--is sending to your Majesty a book, one of a
number brought to him from China. This intercourse which is taking
root between them and ourselves is not a bad beginning for the object
we have in view. The book is in Chinese writing on one half of the
leaf, and Castilian on the other, the two corresponding to each
other. It is a work worthy of your Majesty, and may it be received
as such, not because of its worth, but because it is so rare a work,
never seen before in the Parián, or outside of China. According to
my judgment, it contains things worthy of consideration, by which
is seen the force of the human reason; since without the light
of the faith those things approach so near to those taught us by
the Christian religion. From this your Majesty will see how much in
error is the person who pretends that in kingdoms like that of China,
where such things are taught, we should enter by force of arms to
preach to them our faith. It is clear that with a people like this,
the force of reason has more power than that of arms. May our Lord
direct this affair according to His will; and may He be pleased that
within the days of your Majesty we may see these kingdoms converted
to the faith, and that your Majesty may enjoy this reputation first
on earth and then in heaven. Amen. Manila, June 24, 1590.
_Fray Domingo_, Bishop of the Philipinas.