The Filipinos had formerly lived in perpetual warfare between the petty chiefs and their adherents; those who could remove migrated to new homes inland, and thus the mountain regions became settled.  In order to reach the natives, the Jesuits at Alangalang bend all their efforts, which are soon successful, to gathering these scattered settlements into large villages—­mission “reductions” like those which they had already made so noted in Paraguay and other lands.  Their labors are thus more advantageously conducted, and many conversions result.  At Carigara their church services are greatly aided by a native choir, who sing in both their own and the European modes.  A letter from Father Enzinas praises the purity of the converted Indian women.  Father Sanchez relates a notable case in his missionary labors at Barugo.  The progress of the church at Ogmuc is related, with ardent praise for the piety and fervor of the converts.  The infidels are steadily growing more inclined to receive the faith; and polygamy is being suppressed.  A brief mission at Paloc by Father Rodriguez results in fifty baptisms; and other subsequent missions there reap a rich harvest of souls.  Flagellation is a usual practice in Lent; nearly all the people have received baptism; and the converted chiefs offer atonement to all whom they may have wronged.

The record of the Dulac mission shows seven hundred baptisms in one year; and the details of some conversions are related, especially that of two deaf-mutes, whose piety is most edifying.  During Holy Week the converts practice flagellation; and on one occasion one of the fathers gives his flock a practical lesson in Christian charity.

In Tinagon the Jesuits baptize, during the year ending in April, 1600, nearly a thousand persons.  The number of missionaries for this field is so inadequate that they send to some villages the Indian boys who have been instructed, in order that they may teach the people the catechism and doctrine.  Accounts of missionary labors and of certain conversions are given in extracts from some letters written by the fathers.  All the people are friendly to the new faith, and the prospect is most encouraging.

Chirino mentions the shipwreck of the vessels bound for Mexico, and the conflict with Oliver van Noordt, in connection with which he describes the deaths and the pious lives of some Jesuits who perished therein.  In 1601 Father Gregorio Lopez brings to the islands a reenforcement of nine missionaries; and their long and dangerous voyage across the Pacific, safely accomplished through the intercession of St. Ignatius, is fully described.  In the same year and the next arrive also many missionaries of the other orders:  Chirino praises their devotion and zeal, the fraternal spirit among the various orders, the excellent influence exerted by their members among the Spaniards in Manila, and the religious spirit exhibited by the latter; and describes various exercises of piety practiced