The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 28 of 55 / 1637-38 / Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25930

Title

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 28 of 55 / 1637-38 / Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume compiles primary sources detailing the religious and ecclesiastical landscape of the Philippines from 1637 to 1898. Featuring documents on missionary laws, the Augustinian campaign in Jolo, and surveys by Jesuits and secular observers, it offers an impartial look at the political power, economic influence, and spiritual conditions of the Spanish colonial church.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume XXVIII of *The Philippine Islands, 1493–1898* offers a comprehensive examination of the archipelago's religious and ecclesiastical landscape between 1637 and 1899. The volume opens with two pivotal documents from 1637–38: a remonstrance by Augustinian officials regarding internal disputes over the *alternativa* system of appointments, and a detailed Jesuit account by Juan de Barrios of the Spanish campaign against the Moros in Jolo. This narrative describes the siege, the surrender of the Moro stronghold due to starvation, and the subsequent flight of the enemy. The core of the text consists of extensive extracts from standard authorities, beginning with the *Recopilación de las leyes de Indias*. These laws strictly regulated missionaries, prohibiting them from engaging in commerce, traveling to other countries without permission, or entering Japan without specific authorization. The volume then presents detailed surveys of the religious estate by various orders. Francisco Colin (1656) cataloged Jesuit missions and colleges, while Juan Francisco de San Antonio (1738) sketched the history of Manila Cathedral and the jurisdictions of the various orders. Juan J. Delgado (1751) provided a statistical overview, noting a Christian population exceeding one million and detailing the vast tribute system supporting the clergy. Later accounts introduced critical perspectives on the friars' power. Guillaume le Gentil (1781), a French scientist, described the friars as absolute sovereigns who governed provinces, suppressed indigenous languages, and administered corporal punishment to natives who missed mass. Sinibaldo de Mas (1843) and Feodor Jagor (1873) continued this debate; while Mas defended the friars' charity and patience, Jagor noted their extensive control over civil affairs. The volume concludes with specific reports on the Augustinian Recollects' work in provinces like Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, and Mindoro, detailing their convents, conversions, and tributes. It also covers the arrival of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Capuchins, and Benedictines in the late 19th century. Through these diverse voices, the book provides a contentious yet comprehensive view of the Catholic Church's role, its relationship with civil authorities, and its profound impact on native society.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• History
• Travel
• Philippines