In 1605 the mission in Pangasinan is extended to the village of Manáoag, farther inland; and, "within a few months, there was not a heathen in the village." A chief in a neighboring village is also converted, to whom a miracle occurs. In 1607, two new churches are established in Cagayán. In Nalfotan the Indians, led by their excellent chief, build a church even before a missionary is sent to them; and all is prospering when a priestess of the old idols stirs up the people, against the new faith, and the villagers take to the hills. Later, they burn the church; but the good chief saves the missionary's life. Another revolt occurs in that province, caused by the cruelty of an encomendero. Troops are sent from Manila; their commander finds that the Indians had cause for revolt, and sends the people of Nalfotan home with their pastor. This mission prospers, and the chief is its mainstay during his life--a function long continued by his pious sister.
The provincial chosen in 1608 is Baltasar Fort. Some account is given of the persecution of Christians in Japan; they are banished from Satsuma, but many find shelter in Nagasaki. The Dominicans accomplish much in Hizen. They also extend their missionary labors among the wild mountaineers of northern Luzón, gathering many scattered hamlets into larger villages, and converting many of their heathen inhabitants. In Ituy they attempt to open a mission, but the Franciscans claim that as their territory; the Dominicans yield, but regret to see these Indians abandoned soon afterward by their Franciscan teachers. In 1609 the general of their order commands the provincials of the mission provinces to report every year the work and achievements of the missionaries, with information regarding the numbers and condition of the order in each province. Several friars die in that year, of whom biographical sketches are presented. One of these, Pedro Rodriguez, has rendered special and distinguished service in the hospital for Chinese at Manila.
HISTORIA DE LA PROVINCIA DEL SANCTO ROSARIO DE LA ORDEN DE PREDICADORES
Source: Translated from a copy of the above work in the possession of Edward E. Ayer, Chicago.
Translation: This is made by Henry B. Lathrop, of the University of Wisconsin. The present instalment covers pp. 167-384 of book i of the Historia (which will be concluded in Vol. XXXII).