During this same time, I mean in 1628, the house of our convent of Bisayas was burned--the one which I had built with so much trouble. It was the best in the province. It is suspected that the rebellious Indians burned it, as it was not the time when fires are wont to happen, for it was Christmas, when it is always rainy.
During the triennium of our father Fray Juan Enríquez, the church and house of Dumangas were burned. They were fine edifices. Both fires occurred during the night, so that it was a miracle that the religious escaped; for they were asleep, a sign that the fire was set on purpose.
During this triennium the Manila Parián was burned. It was a miracle that the city was not burned; and the interests that were ruined were very large. Although the church of the Parián was so near to the houses, and entirely of wood, it did not burn, whereat all the Sangleys were much surprised. They said afterward in their broken language, "Here St. Mary great" [_aqui Sta. Maria grande_]. The walls and supports were aglow with the fire and brightness, or rather, were ablaze, as they were so hot that the hand could not be placed upon them. This made the wonder all the greater, and the Sangleys became more attentive to the consideration of our truths. The Parián was rebuilt better; its houses were roofed with tile, so that it is very sightly; and, with the point adjoining it on the river, which has been finished, it has added glory and honor to the city. All was done, as I have said, at the cost of the Sangleys. But they cause the Castilian to pay it, by raising prices universally.
[The chapter closes with several miraculous occurrences and pious observations that emphasize the grandeur of the Christian religion. These marvels are interspersed with other matter as follows:]
During the triennium of our father Fray Alonso de Méntrida, the sending of a religious to Maluco was discontinued, and the convent of Cavite was completely abandoned. It must have been the opinion of grave fathers that that was not of importance. Many things are kept, which although they are of no use at the present time, are at least preserved for the hopes which are entertained that they will be useful in the future, and that they will prove of advantage. No notice was taken of that, for four eyes are worth more than two; and what has appeared in one way to me may appear to others in an entirely different light. Hence I shall leave the discussion of this matter.