for the rules prohibit him who presides from becoming provincial. He
reached Méjico, although without that so notable ship-load, which
he failed to bring, because of various casualties; with him came,
however, one who was sufficient to render that vessel glorious, and
even the entire province. This was the holy martyr, Fray Hernando de
San José. [7] Together with him came father Fray Hernando de Morales,
father Fray Felipe Gallada, father Fray Pedro del Castillo, father
Fray Martín de San Nicolás, [8] all from Méjico, and brother Fray
Andrés García. The heads of the Inquisition in Méjico appointed him
[_i.e._, Lorenzo de León] commissary for the islands. With these
honorable titles and honors he came to Manila, one year before the
chapter was held. He gladdened by his coming all the sons [of the
order], and all the others, for the order knows no distinction,
but embraces us all with the same love and charity. His prudence,
his good government, and his great devotion were remembered; and
since he bore letters ordering him to be obeyed as vicar-general,
therefore the number of prelates was increased. Thus presiding in
the following chapter, in 1605, he received votes as provincial,
in rivalry with father Fray Estéban Carrillo [9]--one of the most
eloquent preachers in the islands; and the best loved by all, both
great and small, who has ever been known. Finally the astuteness,
or rather, the diligence of certain ones prevailed, and father Fray
Lorenzo de León became provincial _pro secunda vice_ [_i.e._, "for
the second time"].




CHAPTER XXXI