_ 190 _ continuous labour and incalculable expense. However, we believe that these deeds were absolutely sent from God and that He did not hold it good that other men should do them. Perhaps they have desisted from what they had begun because they were frightened by such things, or else distracted by the great profits of trade, have neglected the exaltation of the true holy catholic faith. Not without cause did almighty God entrust these deeds to us, because following the footsteps of our predecessors we desire to spend to spread the faith not only the riches and profit that come to us lawfully through our trade but we offer also the revenues of our kingdoms and patrimonies and the property of our subjects and what is most dear to us. To accomplish these things we spare nothing, but desire to devote all our property, and our own life until death, in such pious work of such merit. These things, Holy Father, that pertain to Your Holiness we say with clear words and open mouth, seeing and knowing the state of India where with the help of almighty God we have experience of the condition of the infidel barbarians, who from this time on will have no force or resistance. The contrary will be true of us because we are catholics and seek the exaltation of the true Christian faith. In these matters Your Holiness will easily realise that because we have this desired aim we do not affirm these
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