what result those warlike confusions and rumors permitted him. The aged and holy Fray Juan de Alba, who had previously been stationed in the river Alaguer, in the island of Panay, had come with father Fray Diego de Herrera. Although one would think that his advanced years would excuse him from learning like a child, yet, to the end that he might serve our Lord, whose work it was, he endeavored to become young, even making it his duty. And what is more, while the struggle was in progress, and a general stampede was looked for daily, he descended to the hostile natives, contrary to the advice of many, preached to them, taught them, and exhorted them to peace, without on that account being in any evident danger, for the Lord protected him as another prophet Elias. [The religious hold an important position in the colony. In 1571 two vessels bring an increase of six fathers: Alonso de Alvarado, [46] one of the Villalobos expedition; Geronimo Marin, [47] who afterward goes to China, and transacts affairs in Mexico and Spain; Francisco de Ortega, [48] who dies as bishop of Camarines; Agustin de Alburquerque, [49] who becomes provincial; Francisco Merino; [50] and Juan de Orta. [51] All of these die in the islands. The first fruit of these religious is the old Raja, who is baptized while sick. At his death he is interred with Christian rites. Father Alvarado, filled with zeal, fearlessly ascends the Pasig River and preaches in Laguna de Taguig and Taytay, where he is peaceably received. The Tagals are soon convinced of the good intentions and mildness of the Spaniards, and begin readily to receive the faith. Medina continues:]