I the King
By order of the king our sovereign:
[1] This law, given by Felipe IV at Madrid, March 2, 1634, and again, November 4, 1636, is as follows: “We ask and request the archbishops and bishops to take measures and give orders in their dioceses for the curas and missionaries of the Indians by the use of the mildest means, to order and direct all the Indians to be taught the Spanish language, and to learn in it the Christian doctrine, so that they may become more capable of the mysteries of our holy Catholic faith, may profit for their salvation, and obtain other advantages in their government and mode of living.” [↑]
[2] This law was given by “Carlos I and the sovereigns of Bohemia, governors in Valladolid,” June 7, and July 17, 1550; and is as follows: “Having made special investigation as to whether the mysteries of our holy Catholic faith can be thoroughly and properly explained even in the most perfect language of the Indians, it has been seen that it is impossible without committing great discords and imperfections; and although chairs are founded, where the priests, who should have to instruct the Indians, may be taught, it is not a sufficient remedy, as the diversity of the language is great. Having resolved that it will be advisable to introduce the Castilian, we ordain that teachers be assigned to the Indians, who may teach them what they wish to learn of their own accord, in the manner that will be of least trouble to them and without expense. We have considered that this might be well done by the sacristans, just as they teach reading, writing, and the Christian doctrine in the villages of these kingdoms.” [↑]
[3] Barrantes (Instrucción primaria) remarks that this penalty was always a dead letter, whenever such a charge was made, it being only formal. [↑]