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]

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THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

[Vol. 13

likewise disheartened by the abuse and bad temper of
her husband, resolved to leap into the sea and drown
herself. Collecting some of her goods, with tears and
great sorrow she bade her daughter farewell, and set
out to accomplish at once her desperate purpose.
When she was on the point of throwing herself into
the water, the Lord, having compassion on her
wretched lot, sent to her a voice which caused her to
hesitate, and to realize what she was doing. " What
art thou doing, woman? Trust in God, for thy husband shall treat thee well." With this she was affrighted; but, as a proof that this deliverance had
come from Heaven, her husband came soon afterward, and began to caress her and to show her much
kindness. Then she grew calm, recognizing the great
mercy which the Lord had showed her.
In this same year our students gave evidence of
their intelligence and application, on the occasion of
the safe arrival at Manila of the most reverend archbishop and suffragans, whom they entertained in their
schools with two ingenious dialogues, and other
proofs of erudition. In that season arrived also some
of the gentlemen of the royal Audiencia who were
visiting our schools for the purpose of showing them
favor and honor. They greatly enjoyed a third literary exercise which had been prepared for them and
were thus encouraged to carry out their intention of
placing their sons in these schools, as they did. In
time, these studies began to bear fruit, and some of
our students even entered the religious life.
The leading events at this time among the Indians
in Manila. Chapter XXXIX.
The ministries to the Indians are those which are