at neither for any
long continuance. But it is well known, that the people, who, during
the space of fifteen or sixteen years, had not seen the face of any
priest, or even of any Christian stranger, have been found instructed in
religion, and as fervent in the practice of good works, as if they had
but newly received baptism. It is known, that many of those converts were
not less firm in their belief, than the prince of the isle of Rosalao,
whom Pedro Martinez protests to have heard say, "That though all the
world should arm against him, they should never be able to tear out of
his heart that persuasion which Father Francis had inspired into him."

We know farther, that some of them having been made captives by the
Pagans, have preserved their faith entire in the midst of Heathenism; and
have chosen rather to lose their lives in torments, than renounce their
Saviour Jesus Christ. The saint was accustomed to desire earnestly of
God, the conversion of the Gentiles, in the sacrifice of the altar; and
for that very end, said a most devout prayer, which he composed in Latin;
and is thus rendered in our language.

"O eternal God, creator of all things, mercifully remember, that the
souls of Infidels are the work of thy hands, and that they are created to
thy resemblance. Behold, O Lord, how hell is filled with them, to the
dishonour of thy name. Remember that Jesus Christ thy son, for their
salvation, suffered a most cruel death; permit not, I beseech thee, that
he should be despised by those Idolaters. Vouchsafe to be propitiated by
the prayers of the church, thy most holy spouse, and call to mind thy own
compassion. Forget, O Lord, their infidelity, and work in such manner,
that at length they may acknowledge for their God, our Saviour Jesus
Christ, whom thou hast sent into the world, and who is our salvation, our
life, our resurrection, by whom we have been redeemed from hell, and to
whom be all glory now and evermore. Amen."

The industry which the saint employed in converting the nations of the
East, or in strengthening their conversion, was of various sorts. In
those places where he preached the gospel, he erected crosses on the
seashore, on hills, and in public passages, to the end, that the view of
that sign of our salvation might give the Gentiles the curiosity to know
the meaning of it, or to inspire them with religious thoughts, if they
had already heard speak of Jesus Christ.

As it was impossible for him to pr