They also captured slaves in war by means of ambuscades and attacks, keeping as such all those whom they did not wish to kill.  Since these cruelties were so usual among them, and, on the other hand, the poor are commonly oppressed by the powerful, it was easy to increase the number of slaves.  Consequently they used to have, and still do have, a very large number of slaves, which among them is the greatest of riches.  This has been no small hindrance to their conversion, and has fettered the hands of many ministers of the gospel, and subjected them to great doubts and perplexities.  But since, on the one hand, pious individuals have, although with difficulty, paid ransoms; and, on the other, the royal magistrates have ascertained the facts and provided redress for those thus tyrannically treated who seek their liberty; and, moreover, since God our Lord has influenced many in their baptisms and confessions, an enormous number of ransoms have been given.  Usury also quickly diminished, the creditors being satisfied with the original interest, without expecting a continual increase.  But now, through the grace of our Lord, all that custom has been abolished, and the natives now proceed with mercy and Christian charity, not only in Ogmuc and throughout the island of Leite, but in all the other islands where there is knowledge of Jesus Christ.

What the Christians accomplished in Carigara.  Chapter XXXXVII.

From the very beginning, the people of this mission showed their fervor; consequently, the Christians continued to increase in numbers, although, as I have said, our fathers were very cautious in granting holy baptism.  All those Christians have frequent recourse to the confessional, prizing it highly and greatly benefiting their own souls.  Those who are not Christians are all catechumens; and there is not one of them who does not desire holy baptism.  There was formed in this church, and completed this year, a very delightful musical choir, composed of the children themselves, who are very clever in this exercise; and thus the divine services are celebrated with solemnity.

Of the remarkable increase in the mission of Paloc.  Chapter XXXXVIII.

This village is one of the finest and best regulated in all the island, thanks to the labors of one of our fathers, who helped the natives to construct good houses.  The Christian doctrine is taught every day to the children in all the villages; and so many of them attend this exercise that it is necessary to appoint four chanters in order that they may be heard.  Every day the people attend mass, after they have had their lessons in the doctrine.  One day of the week is set apart when all the Christians come together to learn the doctrine and catechism; and, even without the presence of the father, they all assemble in every village.  Great benefit has been derived from this practice, for thus those who know the doctrine do not forget it, and those who do not know it may learn it.  Every night an Indian