The Indians in Manila, who are largely in care of the Jesuits, are
devout by nature, and much inclined to confession and other pious
exercises. A confraternity among them accomplishes many pious and
benevolent works, and exerts a great influence on those outside it. In
the Taytay mission there is cheering progress, and many of the mountain
Indians, hitherto infidels, are converted and baptized. The visitor
Garcia has founded at Antipolo a hospital, and a seminary for boys,
both of great assistance to the missionaries' labors.

Toward the end of 1600 the bishop of Cebú holds a council of secular
clergy and missionaries, wherein their work is better planned
and regulated, and various salutary enactments are made for the
diocese. The Jesuit fathers pay especial attention to the Indians and
the soldiers, giving up the charge of the Chinese in Cebú; an Indian
hamlet near that city yields them many converts. Letters from Valerio
Ledesma give encouraging reports of progress and gain in the Bohol
mission. He is successful in gathering the scattered settlements into
mission villages--in Loboc, "more than a thousand souls, gathered
from the mountains and rivers, most of them people reared in war,
robbery, and murder;" and on the Viga River two wild hill-tribes,
who had never before seen a priest.

Ledesma visits many villages in that island, finding the people eager
to receive baptism, and hospitable toward the missionaries; and many
conversions occur among the savage and fierce mountain tribes. On one
occasion Ledesma goes, alone and unarmed, to meet a hostile band (who
had never before seen a Spaniard); and by his gentle and kind demeanor,
and some small gifts, induces them to depart in peace, after winning
their friendship for himself and his converts. The harvest is great,