procession.  The whole fleet took part in it, and carried the best ornaments that they could.  The most holy Child was carried in this procession to our house, and placed on an altar as decently adorned as was possible in that early period.  The first mass of those islands was celebrated there, with more spirit and devotion, than music and splendor.  At its conclusion, all took a vow to celebrate annually the feast of the finding of that relic—­the twenty-eighth of April, when, as above stated, the feast of St. Vidal is observed.  A fraternity of the Most Sacred Name of Jesus was then established, with the same rules as that of St. Augustine in the City of Mejico.  This was the beginning of that religious province, this its first stone, and this the first foundation—­which, beyond all doubt, began from that very moment to promise very great increase.  Because of this rock being hewn out of the mountain of its eternity, it fell to the earth with so small an appearance to the eyes, that it seemed a mere pebble.  But so great was it in its efficacy, that it has increased so much, that it became a mountain, which occupied no less a space than the whole earth.  Hence did those holy religious trust that the foundations of that small stone would increase so much that, within a short time, they would be extended throughout the islands, and that the islands would become subject to the worship of the true God; while everything pertaining to the demon, who held those islanders deceived with innumerable impurities and indecencies, would be wholly cast out from them.  These deceits were of such a nature, that had it not been for the feeble intellect of the natives, they would have themselves withdrawn the latter from their blindness.

In the afternoon of the same day, it appeared that the Lord began to take account of the service rendered Him; for he brought ambassadors from the chief, requesting an audience of the commander for the morrow.  The commander consented to receive him, and sent the chief a white cloth in token of safe conduct, and that he would be immune from harm.  Before Tupas’s arrival, the governor—­for he was already given this title—­called a council to discuss whether it would be expedient to grant the natives general pardon for the killing of Captain Hernando de Magallanes; and whether they should recognize the king of Espana as their sovereign, and pay some tribute as acknowledgment.  Our men decided upon the first two, but left the third for a better occasion, in order not to exasperate those who were showing signs of obedience.  But truly there was little to scruple over, since, with good reason, it was quite proper that the Indians should aid somewhat in an expense so great, as it was being made in their behalf.  For up till then four expeditions had been despatched, and the Spaniards who have come here since then are without number.  Accordingly, since the government is now established, when the profit accruing from the islands is considered, as well as their expense