religious, leaving his cause in the hands of God.  I leave it likewise; for, if we glance at the definitorio which assembled there, there is no doubt that it was one of the most sober-minded councils ever assembled in the province.  And even were there none other in it than our father Fray Pedro de Arce, who presided in it, he was sufficient to ensure that; but it was much more creditable, for the others were very erudite.  Father Fray Juan Bautista de Montoya was the most notable man in laws and moral causes that has been in the islands, and was no less a very great theologue.  Father Fray Esteban Carrillo, as we have said already, was a great orator, and the other fathers were very learned.  On the part of our father provincial, it was known that he was very devout, very punctual in attending to his obligations and that his first term was considered as most successful.  Hence, without taking from anyone what belongs to him, we leave this matter with God, who has already judged it, and He has been pleased to take all those concerned in it.  Bishop Fray Pedro de Agurto was at his bishopric in Sugbu at this time.  He was desirous of remedying what was already becoming established, and even left his city for that purpose.  But when he reached Manila, he found that there was no remedy.  He sorrowed greatly over this blow at the order, for, as the true religious that he was, he felt, as keenly as death, whatever misfortune came upon the order.  In the world this proceeding was discussed with the charity that is exercised in other things; but, when everything was over, it was also erased from memory—­and more, as the government of our father Fray Pedro de Arce followed immediately, who exercised the office of rector-provincial for that one and one-half years, and his fame and well-known virtue filled everything with fragrance and good-will.

[The order of discalced Augustinians in Spain petition for leave to go to the islands in 1605.  The petition granted, a number of them set out; and, after waiting at Sevilla for some time for vessels, reach Mexico, where they are entreated to found a convent.  Refusing this request, however, they continue on their journey, reaching the Philippines, in 1606, under the leadership of Juan de San Jeronimo.  “They were given a house outside the city in a garden [11] that had belonged to Don Pedro de Acuna, who governed these islands....  But those who treated the said fathers most generously were Ours, for we gave them our best and brightest jewel, namely, San Nicolas, allowing them to found their convent in his name.  This meant wholly to enrich them and to leave us poor.”  Further, a layman named Don Bernardino, captain and castellan of the port of Manila, builds a convent for the new order “sufficient for forty religious.”  At death he and his wife also leave money to continue the work, and the new order begins to multiply.]