Through the solicitude and fervor of the two fathers who were in
Bohol, who soon received the help of a brother, that new Christian
church was notably increased, especially among the old people,
from sixty to eighty years of age. These--the world no longer for
them, or they for the world, but for Him who died for them--He did
not disdain to receive into His church when their sun was setting,
although they had not begun so early to follow and obey Him as He had
to seek and invite them; many of them died shortly after they were
baptized, having left many tokens and proofs of their salvation and
the sincerity of their faith. All of them--little children and grown
men, youths and aged people, the well and the sick--all convinced and
persuaded by the truths of Catholicism, are certain that no other road
leads to heaven; and so, without resistance or objection, they prepared
themselves for holy baptism--although the fathers with praiseworthy
prudence, restrained them by conferring the sacrament on those only
who were well prepared, or really in need of it. Many who received
the holy sacraments were cured of their maladies, and, consequently,
the earnestness and devotion with which they sought and received them
were intense. Even when they are in health, it is indeed marvelous to
see the satisfaction and willingness with which they repair to all
virtuous exercises, especially to confessions and masses. There was
no scent or trace of vice or idolatry, or witchcraft, or of other
evil customs practiced by them while they were pagans; and if, in
confession or elsewhere, mention were made to them of these things,
they became deeply offended, saying: "Since we are now Christians,
how could we do such things again?" Especially notable is the fidelity
maintained by married people, which they observe not only in outward
act, but in their hearts.