of his letters. He says: "I found the people steadfast in their
good intentions, and in the doctrine which I had taught them. When
I asked them, on certain occasions, if they had committed such and
such a sin, they would answer: 'Jesus. Father, would I be false to
God? When we were taught last year that we must not sin against the
Divine Majesty, would we dare to do so?' And their works confirmed
their deeds, for their lives were like those of the primitive
church. There were women who, although they were offered chains of
gold and presents of great value, could not be influenced thereby to
consent to sinful acts. Others suffered insults, and harsh treatment
until their blood was shed from the blows and wounds they received,
because they would not consent to offend our Lord. Many instances of
this could be related."
The fruits of other missions in the island of Ibabao. Chapter LXXII.
As the inhabitants of the island of Ibabao are scattered along
the coast and shores of the sea, it has been necessary to despatch
thither, on missions, three fathers and three brethren, during most
of the year, who instruct the people with the excellent results that
are wont to accrue from such missions. In these the harvest has been
very large, the divine grace corresponding to the earnest desires of
those fathers, and with their labors and perils. Nearly all the time
they are journeying by sea, sailing along the coast of this and other
adjacent islands, and crossing from one to another, never without
danger. They have become fishermen of souls, casting their nets for
the heavenly catch--from these journeys returning to Tinagon, where,
as we have said, is the house of their residence. This residence
cares for fourteen villages, large and small. During the year, there
have been baptized therein three thousand six hundred and eighty
persons, most of them adults. Father Alonso de Umanes, superior of
the residence, Father Manuel Martinez, and Father Juan de San Lucar
formed six principal missions, each father with his companion being
assigned to certain villages. Father Alonso de Umanes writes that in
the first mission two hundred and sixty-nine persons were converted
to Christianity, eighty of whom were children, and the rest adults.
In this mission two small and isolated islands were visited, concerning
which Father Juan de San Lucar writes to the father-visitor, as
follows: "Knowing the satisfaction which your Reverence receives
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