The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XXIV, 1630-34 - Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the - Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of - the Catholic Missions, As Related in Contemporaneous Books - and Manuscripts, Showi by Various
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page 14 of 305 (04%)
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of Eastern India by other routes than that of Portugal. He also warns
the religious thus sent to observe uniformity of instructions to the newly-converted heathen, "especially in matters relating to morals," and "to restrict their teaching to general principles." They must base their instruction on the Roman Catechism and Bellarmino's "Christian Doctrine." They are empowered to administer the sacraments to the Christians in Japan; and are strictly forbidden to engage in any form of trade, directly or indirectly. The superiors of orders are directed to enforce the penalties herein imposed on religious who may violate this prohibition; and disputes arising between orders are to be settled by the bishops of the respective countries, who are also directed to enforce the observance of these decrees. A Dominican at Manila, Juan García, sends (1632) to Sevilla such news as he can gather soon after his arrival in the islands. In Japan, it is said, the emperor has imprisoned many Dutchmen; and, with the decline of their influence, he has become more lenient to the Christians, sending them into exile instead of putting them to death. But any friars or preachers captured there are horribly tortured. The Dominican mission to Camboja has been unsuccessful. Formosa is being conquered by soldiers, and Dominican friars are making some conversions there. Some of these preachers have gone to China, where the field is enormous, but full of promise. Juan Cerezo de Salamanca, governor _ad interim_ between Tavora and Corcuera, sends a report to the king (August 14, 1633). The first section relates to military affairs. The forts and troops in the islands are enumerated. It is somewhat doubtful whether the occupation of Formosa should be maintained. More care should be taken in sending reënforcements to Ternate, and Heredia should be superseded |
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