the number of those who had recourse to the discipline was greatly increased, especially on Fridays, when it was necessary to exclude the children [from the church], to make room for the adults.  Many went out for the bloody discipline, and it was cause for edification to behold the fervor with which at the conclusion of a short sermon which was preached to them before the procession began, all the people fell upon their knees, asking in a loud voice pardon for their sins, with such emotion and weeping that we who were present were also brought to tears.  They were all deeply impressed by the sermons on the various stages of the passion; and also when we pictured to them the life of Christ our Lord, from His childhood until He was fastened to the cross.  They shed many tears thereat, and their minds were so impressed by those sacred events that for many days they talked of nothing else.  On Easter Sunday a most joyful procession was formed, in which was borne the cross triumphant, handsomely adorned; all were clad in white tunics, and bore garlands of flowers.  Those who have received communion have set a notable example.  They have a sort of brotherhood the members of which are the most assiduous in their attendance at church.  There are two women, among the most exemplary and capable, who take care of the rest; and when any woman asks to receive communion for the first time, they instruct her how to approach it.  The example of these few women has induced the rest of the people to ask eagerly for the most blessed sacrament.  During this time some seventy adults have been baptized, among them six datos, or headmen of districts, with their wives.  Matters are in such condition that in a short time all the people of this village will be baptized.  The baptisms are conferred by families, in order that the Christians may not live intermingled with infidels, but may daily augment their virtue in the uniformity of the Christian religion.  It was a source of great edification to see with what sincerity the chiefs, before receiving holy baptism, asked from all the people pardon for any wrongs that they had done them in the matter of slavery—­a common practice in their heathenism, for very trifling causes.  They also besought those who had grievances against them to betake themselves to the father, for they were willing and prepared to give full satisfaction therefor.”  All of this is told by Father Melchior Hurtado.

Of two mutes who were baptized in Dulac; and other matters of special interest in that mission.  Chapter LXII.

This year the baptisms in Dulac reached the number of seven hundred, of which the most notable was that of a chief, whose conversion had (as is usual) much influence in bringing about that of an entire village, named Bincai, inasmuch as he was its head man and governor.  This chief came one day to the church and eagerly sought holy baptism, saying that his people were negligent and dilatory, and were waiting for him to be first baptized; and that it seemed to him that if he should become a Christian many would follow his example.  Accordingly he urged that this blessing might not be withheld from him and from so many others.  To test him, however, he was put off for several days, upon various pretexts; but each day he displayed greater constancy, and each day his desire grew stronger.