their responsibility. I say this on the one hand, on account of the
great satisfaction which I have in these two ministers; and on the
other hand, because they are already incumbents of those two districts,
and as such are, in equity, under obligations. Accordingly, I will not
and cannot give them to one who may tell me that he will not receive
them except as a favor, and then remain there, even though I should be
dissatisfied with him. Add to this that I have need of some clergymen
near me for the many necessities which arise, which religious cannot
supply, and in order to help in the cathedral at times; for there is
much need of this, as your Lordship has probably seen sometimes, when
you have been there. As for what they say, that the fathers of San
Augustin will take charge of those districts without having more alms
given them, I am very sorry on account of this offer of these fathers,
because I know that whatever burden is taken from the king's treasury
will fall on the Indians; and I do not wish this, neither should your
Lordship wish it. Since those fathers have, as I have said, so many
districts to provide for, let them take there what they get therefrom.

Concerning the religious of Batan and the others of this bishopric,
it seems to me that neither your Lordship nor I should interfere
with them, for they know what is suitable for the government and
preservation of their orders; and they would be great fools not to
consider themselves first rather than others, for St. Paul knew very
well what he was saying when he bade his disciple Timothy to take heed
to himself first and afterward to teaching. For the apostle knew very
well how proper it was for a minister to take heed to himself first
rather than others--and this not only for the good of the minister
himself, but also for that of those to whom he ministers. Now since
the apostle said this to a bishop, who is under so great obligations to
look after his sheep, how much better might it be said to the friars,