In the church of Passi,
which is of stone, and was then just roofed, all the upper part fell,
and it sank in many places. Many rivers changed their course, as that
of Aclan, which abandoned its former bed. Mountains were opened, and
there were innumerable other terrible occurrences during that awful
earthquake. At last it was the Lord's will that it should cease, and
with it the fears of all. In Ilocos the shocks were also exceeding
great, but not so severe in Manila. The Lord allows all this, so
that we may recognize His power; and, recognizing it, love Him; and,
loving Him, not offend Him.
During these years, the Dutch enemy did not discontinue coming to the
coasts of Manila, where they robbed the Chinese and did all the harm
possible. They tried to capture the ships carrying aid [from Mexico],
so that without war they were growing rich, and disabling the people
of Manila. In this emergency the pilots carried sealed orders, which
they were to open on the return voyage and learn the port where they
had to go, thus defeating the designs of the Dutch enemy, and freeing
themselves from the secret spies who were in Manila--who, as it was
said, were not lacking.
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