Title-page of _Labor evangelica_, by Francisco Colin (Madrid, 1663); photographic facsimile from copy in library of Edward E. Ayer, Chicago 79 Title-page of vol. i of San. Antonio's _Chronicas de la apostolica provincia de S. Gregorio_ (Manila, 1738); photographic facsimile from copy in Harvard University Library 105 View at Naga, Cebu; from photograph procured in Madrid 155 Title-page of Le Gentil's _Voyages dans les mers de l'Inde_ (Paris, 1781); photographic facsimile of copy in library of Wisconsin Historical Society 193 PREFACE The present volume is, with the exception of one document, devoted to the religious and ecclesiastical affairs of the Philippines--mainly in extracts from standard authorities on the religious history of the islands, combined in an appendix. Beginning with the laws which concern missionaries to the Philippines (1585-1640), we present accounts of the ecclesiastical machinery of that colony, the status of the various religious orders, the missions conducted by them, and other valuable information--showing the religious condition of the islands at various times, from 1656 to 1899. These are obtained from Jesuit, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Recollect chronicles, and from secular sources--the French scientist Le Gentil, the Spanish official Mas, and the German traveler Jagor--thus enabling the student to consider the subject impartially as well as intelligently. Only two documents appear here in the usual chronological sequence; they belong to the years 1637-38. The officials of the Augustinian order in the islands inform the king (September 9, 10, 1637) that the archbishop is making trouble for them over the question of the "alternativa" in appointments to offices within the order; and ask the king not to believe all the reports that may reach him about this matter. They add a memorial on the difficulties which Gregory XV's decree establishing that alternativa have caused in the Philippines; and relate their action in regard to the faction in their order who insist that an insignificant minority shall have equal rights to offices with the better-qualified majority.