The discipline, which formerly was practiced during Lent, was now extended to every Friday in the year; and on every day thus appointed, without missing one, many people of distinction, and those from all classes, repair [to the church] to scourge themselves.  Every Sunday afternoon many people, whether or not members of the congregation, assemble in the church to hear a short sermon, in which are explained the divine mandates, accompanied by some pleasing example, an interesting story or edifying narrative.  The father-visitor began these sermons with good results, which were soon realized in the changed lives of many persons—­especially one, who, coming by chance to hear the sermons, was—­although bent on leading a shameless life and giving loose rein to his appetites—­brought to himself by one sermon and began to lead a new life.  There was also begun, that same year, the devotion practiced by certain cities; namely, that of accepting saints by lot.  This was done on All Saints’ day, with a great concourse of the citizens.  There was a certain person who, falling into the sea, with many others who were drowned, in the expedition against the Englishman, and being already overcome by the waves, remembered St. Nicanor, who had fallen to him by lot; and calling out to that saint in a loud voice, from that moment, he affirmed, his courage and strength returned, and he felt a confidence that he would not be drowned.  As a result, he swam nearly a legua, and reached the shore, to his own great surprise and with much devotion to that saint.

Several interesting cases occurred of fervor in these devotions of which I shall mention only two or three.  A certain woman, to whom God our Lord had communicated lofty purposes and sentiments of chastity and purity, was for a long time beset with gifts and importunities from wicked men.  Her refuge was to confess and devoutly to receive communion, arming herself with these holy sacraments.  One day, after she had received communion in our house, one of these men lay in wait to seize her when alone; and, with a bare dagger at her breast, was about to slay her if she would not consent to his evil purpose.  But she, fortified with the bread of the strong, and with the wine springing forth virgins, [16] told him that she was ready to die on the spot, rather than offend God.  He abused her with words, and even handled her roughly, but left her, astonished and overcome by her chastity.

Another man lived for many years in great impiety, and, forgetful of his God, in mortal sins—­especially a base passion so fixed and rooted in his heart that when one of our fathers talked with him, striving to convert him, he seemed mad and beside himself.  In truth, he was beside himself, for he still remained with that evil companion with whom he had lived, nor did he seem to have feeling or thought for any other thing.  It pleased our Lord that by serious conversations and arguments he was induced not to visit his wicked companion; and after a reluctant “yes” had been drawn from him, almost by force, he did afterward abandon her, so entirely that it seemed as if he had never known her.  He made a general confession, and began a new life, to the wonder of those who knew him.