r formed a
very promising school. Some of the youngest children were exceedingly
bright; and it was indeed a marvel to see the mass served, with grace
and address, by a child who was scarce able to move the missal. Many of
these children also helped us greatly in catechizing and instructing
their elders and in preparing them, and even urging them, to receive
holy baptism. This was done by a little child of only four years,
who seeing his father somewhat lukewarm in this respect, urged and
incited him with such energy that he aroused the father, and caused
him to entreat us urgently for baptism. They not only fulfilled this
office with their parents but even interceded with us in their behalf,
urging that we should not delay granting this favor. An incident befell
one of these children which in its very childishness gave token of the
esteem with which our holy gospel faith takes root in these tender
little hearts. He found himself among some heathens who were eating
meat on a Friday, and, without thought of wrong, began to eat with
them. Upon taking the first mouthful he was reminded of the day; and,
spitting it out, descended from the house and came in haste to Ours
in great sorrow at having committed a sin. Our fathers reassured him
and sent him away consoled; and were themselves greatly edified and
pleased at such a specimen of Christian faith, although so young and
so recently planted. Nearly all of those people were converted to
Christianity without much difficulty; but there was one man who was
much troubled on account of having three wives--all, like himself of
high rank. Although the thought of renouncing two of them was painful
to him, his greatest consideration was the dowry which he must thus
lose. The good father saw his predicament, and was greatly concerned
lest this man, for at slight temporal interest, might lose eternal
gain. Inspired by God our Lord, he formed a plan, and went to talk with
the woman who was most beloved by the man, hoping to persuade her to
receive baptism. Much persuasion, however, was not necessary; for she
herself desired it, and expressed herself to that effect--adding that,
even though it should displease her husband, she would begin the task;
and that, instead of returning to his house, she would go directly
to that of a Christian woman, who should instruct and prepare her
for baptism. These sentiments she expressed privately not only to
the father, but even to her husband, before