s without having first received holy baptism. An Indian, seeing
himself afflicted by a violent disease, asked to be baptized. They went
to call the father for that purpose, but in the meantime the malady
had gained such headway, that when he arrived he found the house
in confusion and everyone bewailing the sick man as one dead. The
father, seeing that he could not speak and seemed unable to hear,
assured himself that he had asked for baptism; and, knowing that he
was one of those who frequented the church, he asked for water to
baptize him. Then, speaking in a loud voice, he persuaded him to
try to say 'Jesus.' It seems that at the sound of that most sweet
name the sick man recovered somewhat, and, making a great effort,
pronounced the word. He soon regained breath, and made answer to
the questions of the catechism, to the great wonder of all who were
present. He received holy baptism, and soon afterward our Lord granted
him complete health. His parents, who were pagans, astonished at his
recovery, attributed it to the virtue of the holy name of Jesus, and
to holy baptism. Through the mercy of God, there is constancy among
the faithful. In all the time I have resided here I do not know of
any Christian who has been present at a pagan sacrifice, although
living among so many of them. The corregidor of this town related
to me, with surprise, that although he had investigated many cases
pertaining to this matter, he had never found any Christian guilty
therein. This same man related that he had [on official journeys]
taken in his company, among other Indians, some Christians of this
town; that in some places which were unsafe, on account of enemies,
he placed sentinels; and, when it was the turn of the Christians to
go on guard, they were found praying, and singing the doctrine. He
noticed, besides this, that they never let a day pass without reciting
the rosary; and he greatly valued and praised such solicitude among
persons so new in the faith."

To this account Father Manuel Martinez adds the following: "The
esteem in which they hold holy baptism is universal. Consequently,
those who have not received it, and some who in health refused it,
when they become sick ask at once for the sacrament, confident that
by this means they will acquire health, not only for their souls but
for their bodies, inasmuch as our Lord has many times granted this
to them. A little boy, the son of a chief of this town, was brought
so low by s