sorrow the many souls, in this and neighboring
islands, who clamor for deliverance and have no one to give it to
them. During this same year some chiefs came from one of the adjacent
islands who asked, almost in tears, that one of the two fathers
who were there would, for the love of God visit them at least once
a week. In another island, called Siquihor, or the island of fire,
distant from Bohol some four leguas, there are many so well inclined
to the faith that, upon receiving the Christian doctrine of one who
went from that region to their island, they learned it very carefully,
and the chiefs even came with the others to ask for baptism. They were
all, however, appeased with the good prospects that were held out to
them, although these did not suffice to console them in their sorrow
at returning still hungry for the bread of heaven; or Ours at seeing
them with such righteous hunger for it, yet unable to procure it,
and with no one who might give them a share of it with the many who
in other regions have more than enough.

The increase of Christianity in Botuan. Chapter XXXXIII.

What the other two fathers accomplished in Botuan I shall relate in
their own words; for, if I am not mistaken, he who has the task in
his own hands can well declare it. Father Valerio de Ledesma in one
of his letters writes thus: "Christianity here is in a flourishing
condition, as is seen in the large attendance at divine services and
in the silence and reverence displayed in the church (for even when
it is crowded with many people it seems as if not one were there),
and in the affection of the people for the sacrament of confession. In
even their petty troubles, many repair to the confessional; and some
have already begun to receive communion, concerning which sermons
have been repeatedly preached. I trust in our Lord that many will
be ready by Corpus Christi; although in the beginning it is best to
proceed very gradually that they may reverence the sacrament and know
how to distinguish this divine food. The people attend the services
more than ever, and on Sundays a very large audience listens to the
word of God. The doctrine is sung at night, and the heavens themselves
seem to rejoice at music so sweet. In all the families there are many
persons well-disposed to the Christian faith; and soon a large number
of adults will be baptized; among them some chiefs of high standing,
although the largest fish of all is not yet caught. If