at the others might not perceive their uncivil
conduct, and feigned that my desire was the same as theirs--but with
such conditions that I know that they will not fulfil them; and it
is obvious, from this very incident, that he who has the authority
and force to intimidate them can subdue them. I think, with Father
Francisco Xavier, of blessed memory, that a little gained in peace is
worth more than much secured by war. Thus was ended that disturbance;
I did what I could, but not what I desired. They can, it is true,
be instructed where they now are; but the task will be a hard one.

"Thence I returned toward Sebu, passing through some villages where
Father Miguel Gomez had given instruction; and I can assure your
Reverence that while I tarried there I found more consolation, and
gathered a greater harvest of souls, than I have ever before known. For
theirs was so great a longing and hunger to hear of the things of God,
and so ardent a desire to learn the doctrine that throughout the night
could be heard in their houses, now here and now there, ceaseless
songs and praises to God; and morning and night, in the field and in
the church, nothing could be heard but praises of our Lord. A chief
said to me: 'Would you believe, Father, that all night long I did
not close my eyes, I was so anxious and eager to pray?' Accordingly,
it appeared in eight or nine days that all the people had learned
the prayers and other things needful for baptism. Your Reverence
will doubtless ask: 'Who inspired them with such warmth and fire,
since they are a people so heedless by nature?' I know not what
answer to give your Reverence save, _Digitus Dei est hic_. What I
can say is, that he whose heart is set on an end, also holds dear the
means to that end. They were inspired by God to desire holy baptism,
and for that reason they so heartily availed themselves of the means
which we offered them to gain it, and heeded no difficulty in their
way. Upon the feast-day of Saint Anne, when the church was called
together, our Lord was pleased to make for us a goodly beginning in
the conversion of an aged chief regarded by all as their father. While
in the church, he fell upon his knees and said: 'Father, baptize me,
for God is calling me.' I said to him in a loud voice, while all
the rest preserved silence: 'Dost thou say this heartily?' 'Yes,
Father, with all my heart do I say it.' 'Does love for God and for
thy salvation move thee?' 'Yes, Father; that a