of the Spaniards were obliged to go away to another islet; some of them, in order not to lose this opportunity, hastened to confess, making up for the shortness of the time allowed them by their great devotion; others, who were deprived of even this satisfaction, deferred their confessions until my return, to their own great sorrow and with holy envy for those who remained.  In truth, God knows best what went on in those souls:  what I can say is, that I have never seen such tears, or conversions so sincere.  There were persons who spent entire nights in weeping, with the crucifix in their hands.  During the Easter season they were so withdrawn from worldly concerns that it seemed to be Holy Friday; and they did not leave their houses except to go to mass or to confer with me about the welfare of their souls.  In their silence and downcast looks, and the grief which they felt within, they gave evidence of the mercies which our Lord had showed them, and the light which He was bestowing upon them, as they went from and to their houses.  I experienced a thousand scruples in regard to calming and satisfying their consciences; but I gave a thousand thanks to God our Lord for having brought me to that place for the great good of so many souls.  Certain persons assured me that they had never before seen the like.  We continued to hear the confessions, so that they might be better prepared for Easter.  Certainly, had I to purchase by dint of toil those moments of consolation, when I was administering to each one the sacrament of communion and seemed to read his very heart, a thousand journeys from Espana were little to give for that.  I was to go on the fourth day of Easter, but that was impossible, for with earnest solicitations they entreated me to remain—­and some, moreover, had not finished their confessions; it was therefore necessary to wait until Sunday.  On that day we effected a reconciliation between the murderer and the adulteress, who embraced and pardoned each other and made their confession with much devotion.  On Monday morning I was obliged, on account of my departure, to say mass shortly after two o’clock; and yet the service was not so secret as to prevent them from attending it, all being present, and manifesting great devotion.  With tears and words they expressed their great regret at my departure, and made me promise that I would soon return to console them; and with this I came away, glorifying the Lord.  I left, in process of erection, a little hospital for the sick and poor, which all aided with charitable offerings and personal attendance.  Glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom proceed all things.”

The death of Father Francisco Almerique, and other events in Manila.  Chapter LXXVII.