elf
with the study of languages and the care of souls, to the very great
satisfaction (as we have already said) of all those who had relations
with him; for, on account of his great humility and gentleness, he
was loved and sought for, followed and obeyed, honored and respected,
and regarded as a saint. He never spared toil when the aid of souls
was concerned, nor did he heed times and seasons; by day and by night,
in rain or the sun's heat, and both far and near, forgetful of himself
and his health, he indefatigably rendered his services to whomsoever
called him. His most important occupation was to bring the people down
from the mountains and thinly settled districts, drawing them by cords
of love and gentleness. Such was his grace in this that as we have
said, on more than one occasion entire villages would come to him;
and, leaving to the care of others those whom he had already won,
he devoted himself to winning and inviting other and new souls. Not
a feast day or Sunday passed when he did not preach a sermon; and
often he said mass twice and delivered two sermons, in two different
villages. Inasmuch as those people usually had recourse to the father
with all their affairs, it always happened at the end of mass that he
remained to answer and console his Indians, with untiring patience,
without touching food until past midday, or even two or three hours
later. His soul went out toward some one of those poor creatures,
and the meaner the Indian, the greater was his love. In this exercise
and occupation, God our Lord communicated with him most familiarly
and affectionately, the father holding Him ever before his mind by
frequent and fervent prayer. This power he acquired in so high a
degree that those who were in close intercourse with him affirm, in
the words of the glorious St. Dionysus, that, _erat divina patiens_;
and it called forth our admiration to behold in him the gift of prayer
so lofty and sublime, united to a power of action so incessant and
effective. In harmony with these characteristics was his peaceful
and easy death, joyful and full of heavenly consolation. He died on
the first Sunday of Advent at the college of Manila (whither I had
taken him for medical treatment), after having received the most
blessed sacraments with great devotion. His death occurred just as
all the churches were ringing for the _Ave Marias_, on the second
of December, 1601, the day of the glorious departure of the blessed
father