xcellent beginning in receiving the gospel,
the chiefs being most distinguished in this regard--which is a matter
of considerable importance, as they open the way for the others by
their example. The first one of the Society to enter that island for
instruction was Father Francisco de Otaco, who went thither with two
companions. Although in the beginning hardships did not fail them,
through their lack of material resources, they were so well provided
with those that were spiritual that one could well recompense the
other. They arrived on the western side of the island, which is
eastward of the archipelago, at a village called Tinagon, [90] without
any fixed or chosen post, and arrived there very opportunely for their
purpose since at that time a plague, communicated from other districts,
prevailed in that part of the island, causing the death of many
people. Accordingly, they at once set about their task, and labored
diligently, going from house to house, and from one sick person to
another, teaching and baptizing. But the unexpected results lightened
their toil; for the number of those who were thoroughly prepared
for and received baptism was very great, and the number of baptized
persons who died from the disease reached a thousand souls. Besides
the church of this central station which was recently built, six
other churches were erected in that district, not far distant from
it. In each one of them was a school with a goodly number of children,
and a master to instruct them; and the pupils were so devoted to it
that the threat that had most effect on them was to say their teacher
would leave them. Our fathers went through those villages, visiting
the sick and aiding them, as well as they could, with remedies for
both body and soul. In the course of these visitations an incident
occurred which well exhibits the forbearance with which God awaits
our conversion, the ease with which we find Him when we seek Him,
and the patience and perseverance which a minister of the gospel
needs in teaching, convincing, entreating, urging, and waiting for
the conversion of a soul. One of the fathers had been visiting the
sick of a certain village, and was on his way homeward, some distance
away, to partake of a little nourishment and obtain repose, as night
was closing in. Turning his eyes to one side he descried a wretched
house which he did not remember to have visited that day. To satisfy
himself of this he mounted a few steps of th