s, than by any repugnance of
their own. Last year the Jesuit fathers went thither, and they helped
in the work with their wonted labor and zeal. Now many more religious
are going, very learned and apostolic men, of the Dominican order,
who will work in that vineyard of the Lord with as great earnestness
as they display wherever they go.

Account of certain remarkable things seen in these Filipinas
Islands. Chapter XIII.

The inhabitants of these islands were accustomed to celebrate their
feasts above mentioned, and to sacrifice to their idols, at the
order of certain witches, called in their own speech _Holgoi_. These
witches were held in as great esteem among them as are priests among
Christians. They talked quite commonly with the devil, and many
times publicly; and they worked many devilish witcheries, by word
and deed. The devil himself, beyond any doubt, took possession of
them, and then they answered to all questions, although often they
lied, or told things capable of many interpretations and different
meanings. Likewise they were wont to cast lots, as has been related
in the first part of this history. They were so superstitious that
if they commenced any voyage, and at its beginning happened to see a
crocodile, lizard, or any other reptile, which they recognized as an
ill omen, they discontinued their journey, whatever its importance,
and returned home, saying that the sky was not propitious to that
journey. The evangelical law, as above stated, has driven away all
these falsities, to which the devil had persuaded them. Now there
are many monasteries of religious established in their midst, of the
orders of St. Augustine, St. Francis, and the Society of Jesus. Current
report declares that the number of souls converted and baptized in
these islands exceeds four hundred thousand--which, although a great
number, is but little in comparison with those still remaining. The
rest fail to become Christians, as I have declared, through lack of
religious workers; for although his Majesty continues to send them,
taking no account of the great expense incurred therein, the islands
are so many (and more are being discovered daily) and so distant that
it has been impossible to send the necessary aid to all of them. The
natives who are baptized receive the faith with avidity and are
excellent Christians; and they will be even better, if aided with
good examples, as is incumbent upon those who have been Christians
for