The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803; explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commericial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the beginning of the nineteenth century; [Vol. 1, no. 13]

60o4-605 ]

CHIRINO'S RELATION

10II

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 num