After the first six weeks _Molina_ writ downe for me in the tongue a

short exhortation, which he expounded to me, and wished me to learne

it without booke, which I preached publikely upon the feast of _St.

James_. After this he gave me another short exhortation in _Spanish_,

to be preached upon the fifteenth of _August_, which he made me

translate into the _Indian_ tongue, and he corrected in it what he

found amisse, wherewith I was a little more emboldened, and feared not

to shew my selfe in publick to the _Indians_. This practice I continued

three or four times untill _Michaelmas_, preaching what with his help

I had translated out of _Spanish_, untill I was able to talke with

the _Indians_ alone, and to make mine own Sermons. After _Michaelmas

Molina_ being not a little vain glorious of what he had done with me,

in perfecting me in an unknowne tongue in so short a space, which was

very little above one quarter of the yeer, writ unto the Provinciall

acquainting him of what paines he had taken with me, and of the good

successe of his endeavours, assuring him that I was now fit to take

a charge of _Indians_ upon me, and to preach alone, further desiring

him that he would bestow upon me some _Indian_ Towne and Benefice

where I might by constant preaching practice and further that which

with so much facility I had learned. The Provinciall (who had alwaies

been my friend) needed not spurs to stir him up to shew more and more

his love and kindnesse unto me; but immediately sent me order to goe

unto the two Townes of _Mixco_ and _Pinola_, and to take charge of the

_Indians_ in them, and to give quarterly an account of what I received

thence unto the Cloister of _Guatemala_, unto which all that valley

did appertaine. All the _Indian_ Townes and the Friers that live in

them are subordinate unto some Cloister; and the Friers are called by

their Superiours to give up for the Cloisters use what monies they have

spared, after their own and their servants lawfull maintenance. Which

Order yet in _Peru_ is not observed, for there the Friers who are once

beneficed in _Indian_ Towns, depend not upon any Cloister, but keep all

that they get for themselves, and so receive not from their Cloisters

any clothing, or help for their provision, neither give they any

account to their Superiours, but keep, clothe and maintain themselves,

with what offerings and other duties fall unto them from the _Indians_;

which is the cause that the Friers of _Peru_ are the richest in all the

_India's_, and live not like Friers but rather like Lords, and game

and Dice publikely without controul. But the Friers of _Guatemala,

Guaxaca_, and _Mexico_, though they have enough and more then is well

sutable to their vow and profession of poverty, yet they enjoy not the

liberty of the _Peruan_ Friers in their _Indian_ Benefices; for what

is over and above their expences, they give to their Superiours, and

from them they receive every month a jar of wine, of an Arrobe and a

halfe, and every yeer a new habit with other clothing. Yet with what I

have said I must not excuse the Friers of _Guatemala_ from liberty, and

the enjoyment of wealth and riches; for they also game and sport, and

spend, and fill their bags, and where in their accounts and reckonings

to the Cloisters they might well give up in a yeer five hundred Crownes

besides their own expences, they give up peradventure three hundred,

and usurpe the rest for themselves, and their vain and idle uses; and

trade and traffique under hand with Merchants against their vow of

poverty.

With this subordination therefore (which I have shewed) unto the Prior

and Cloister of _Guatemala_, I was sent to preach unto the _Indians_

of _Mixco_ and _Pinola_, from whence for my sake was removed an old

Frier of almost fourscore yeers of age, and called to his Cloister to

rest, who was not able to performe the charge which lay upon him of two

Townes, three leagues distant one from another. The setled means for

maintenance which I enjoyed in these Townes, and the common offerings

and duties which I received from the _Indians_ was this. In _Mixco_

I was allowed every moneth twenty Crownes, and in _Pinola_ fifteen,

which was punctually payed by the Alcaldes and Regidores, Maiors and

Jurates, before the end of the moneth; for which payment, the Townes

sowed a common peece of land with Wheat or Maiz, and kept their book

of accounts, wherein they set downe what crops they yeerly received,

what monies they tooke in for the sale of their Corne, and in the same

booke I was to write downe what every moneth I received from them;

which booke at the yeers end they were to present to be examined by

some officer appointed thereunto by the Court of _Guatemala_. Besides

this monthly allowance, I had from the Sodalities of the soules in

Purgatory every week in each Town two Crownes for a Masse; every moneth

two Crownes in _Pinola_ upon the first Sunday of the moneth from the

Sodalitie of the Rosary; and in _Mixco_ likewise every month from

three Sodalities of the Rosary of the Virgin _Mary_, which were there

belonging unto the _Indians_, the _Spaniards_, and the _Black-mores_,

two Crownes a peece. Further from two more Sodalities belonging to

the _Vera Cruz_, or the Crosse of Christ, every moneth two Crownes a

peece. And in _Mixco_ from a Sodality of the _Spaniards_ belonging to

_St. Nicolas de Tolentino_, two Crowns every month. And from a Sodality

of _St. Blas_ in _Pinola_ every moneth two more Crownes; and finally

in _Mixco_ from a Sodality entituled of _St. Jacintho_ every moneth

yet two Crownes; besides some offerings, of either mony, fowles, or

candles, upon those daies whereon these Masses were sung; all which

amounted to threescore and nine Crowns a month, which was surely

setled and paid before the end of the moneth. Besides from what I have

formerly said of the Saints statues which doe belong unto the Churches,

and doe there constantly bring both mony, fowles, candles, and other

offerings upon their day, unto the Preist, the yeerly revenues which

I had in those two Towns will appear not to have been small; for in

_Mixco_ there were in my time eighteen Saints Images, and twenty in

_Pinola_; which brought unto me upon their day four Crowns a peece for

Masse and Sermon, and procession, besides fowles, Turkeys and Cacao,

and the offerings before the Saints, which commonly might bee worth

at least three Crowns upon every Saints day, which yeerly amounted

to at least two hundred, threescore and six Crownes. Besides the

Sodalities of the Rosary of the Virgin, (which as I have before said

were foure, three in _Mixco_, and one in _Pinola_) upon five severall

feasts of the yeer (which are most observed by the Church of _Rome_)

brought unto me four Crownes, two for the dayes Masse, and two for

a Masse the day following, which they call the Anniversarie for the

dead, who had belonged unto those Sodalities, which besides those

daies offerings (which sometimes were more, sometimes lesse) and the

_Indians_ presents of fowles and Cacao, made up yeerly fourscore Crowns

more. Besides this, the two Sodalities of the _Vera Cruz_ upon two

feasts of the Crosse; the one upon the fourteenth of _September_, the

other upon the third of _May_, brought four Crownes a peece for the

Masse of the day, and the Anniversary Masse following, and upon every

Friday in Lent two Crownes, which in the whole yeer came to four and

fourty Crownes; all which above reckoned, was as a sure rent in those

two Townes. But, should I spend time to reckon up what besides did

accidentally fall, would be tedious. The Christmas offerings in both

those two Townes, were worth to me when I lived there at least fourty

Crownes. Thursday and Friday offerings before Easter day were about

a hundred Crownes; all Soules day offerings commonly worth fourescore

Crownes; and Candlemas day offerings commonly forty more. Besides what

was offered upon the Feast of each Town by all the Country which came

in, which in _Mixco_ one yeer was worth unto mee in Candles and money

fourescore Crownes, and in _Pinola_ (as I reckoned it) fifty more. The

Communicants (every one giving a Riall) might make up in both Towns at

least a thousand Rials; and the Confessions in Lent at least a thousand

more, besides other offerings of Eggs, Hony, Cacao, Fowles and Fruits.

Every Christening brought two Rials, every Marriage two Crowns, every

ones death two Crowns more at least; and some in my time dyed, who

would leave ten or twelve Crownes for five or six Masses to bee sung

for their soules.

Thus are those fooles taught that by the Preists singing their

soules are delivered from weeping, and from the fire and torments of

Purgatory; and thus by singing all the yeer doe those Fryers charme

from the poore _Indians_ and their Sodalities and Saints an infinite

treasure wherewith they inrich themselves and their Cloisters; as may

bee gathered from what I have noted by my owne experience in those two

Townes of _Mixco_ and _Pinola_, (which were farre inferiour yet to

_Petapa_ and _Amatitlan_ in the same Valley, and not to bee compared

in offerings and other Church duties to many other Townes about that

Country) which yet yeelded unto mee with the offerings cast into the

Chests which stood in the Churches for the souls of Purgatory, and with

what the _Indians_ offered when they came to speake unto mee (for they

never visit the Preist with empty hands) and with what other Masse

stipends did casually come in, the summe of at least two thousand

Crownes of _Spanish_ money, which might yeerly mount to five hundred

_English_ pounds. I thought this Benefice might bee a fitter place

for mee to live in, then in the Cloister of _Guatemala_, wearying out

my braines with points of false grounded Divinity for to get onely

the applause of the Scholars of the University, and now and then some

small profit; which I thought I might looke after as well as the

rest of my profession, nay with more reason, for that I intended to

return to _England_, and I knew I should have little help for so long

a journey in leaving there my friends, if so bee that I made not my

mony my best friend to assist mee by Sea and Land. My first indeavour

was to certifie my selfe from the Book of Receipts and Accounts in the

Cloister of _Guatemala_, what reckonings my Predecessor and others

before him had given up to the Cloister yeerly from _Mixco_ and

_Pinola_, that I might regulate my selfe and my expenses so, as to be

able to live with credit, and to get thanks from the Cloister by giving

more then any before me had given. I found that four hundred crowns

had been the most that my old Predecessour had given yeerly in his

Accounts; and that before him little more was usually given from those

two Towns; Whereupon I took occasion once in discourse with the Prior

of _Guatemala_ to aske what hee would willingly expect from mee yeerly

whilst I lived in those two Towns; to which he replyed that if I upheld

for my part the Cloisters usuall and yeerly Revenues, giving what my

Predecessour had given, he would thanke me, and expect no more from

mee, and that the rest that befell mee in those Towns, I might spend it

in Books, Pictures, Chocolatte, Mules, and Servants; to which I made

reply, that I thought I could live in that Benefice creditably enough,

and yet give from it more to the Cloister then ever any other before

mee had given, and that I would forfeit my continuing there if I gave

not to the Cloister every year four hundred and fifty Crowns. The Prior

thanked mee heartily for it, and told mee I should not want for wine,

(wishing mee to send for it every moneth) nor for clothing, which hee

would every yeer once bestow upon me. This I thought would save a great

part of my charges, and that I was well provided for as long as I lived

in the _India's_. And here I desire, that _England_ may take notice

how a Fryer that hath professed to be a Mendicant, being beneficed in

_America_, may live with foure hundred pounds a yeer cleare, and some

with much more, with most of his cloathing given him besides, and the

most charge of his wine supplyed, with the abundance of Fowles, which

cost him nothing, and with such plenty of Beef, as yeelds him thirteen

pound for three pence? Surely well may hee game, buy good Mules,

furnish his chamber with hangings, and rich pictures, and Cabinets, yea

and fill them with _Spanish_ Pistols, and peeces of eight, and after

all trade in the Court of _Madrid_ for a Mitre and fat Bishoprick,

which commonly is the end of those proud worldly and lazy Lubbars.

After I was once setled in these my two Townes, my first care was to

provide my selfe of a good mule, which might soon and easily carry

mee (as often as occasion called) from the one Towne to the other. I

soon found out one, which cost mee fourescore Crownes, which served

my turn very well, to ride speedily the nine miles crosse the Valley,

which were between the two Townes. Though my chief study here was to

perfect my selfe in the _Indian_ tongue, that I might the better preach

unto them, and be well understood; yet I omitted not to search out the

Scriptures daily, and to addict my selfe unto the Word of God, which

I knew would profit mee more then all those riches and pleasures of

_Egypt_, which for a while I saw I must enjoy, till my ten yeers were

fully expired, and Licence from _Rome_ or _Spain_ granted for me to

return to _England_, which I began speedily to sollicite by meanes of

one Captain _Isidro de Zepeda_, a _Sevill_ Merchant and Master of one

of the Ships, which came that first yeer that I was setled in _Mixco_

with Merchandize for _Guatemala_; By this Captain (who passed often

through the Valley) I writ unto my friends in _Spain_ and had answers,

though at first to little purpose, which did not a little increase the

troubles of my Conscience, which were great, and such whereof the wise

man said, A wounded Conscience who can bear? My friendship with this

Captain _Zepeda_ was such, that I broke my mind unto him, desiring him

to carry mee in his Ship to _Spain_; which he refused to doe, telling

me the danger he might bee in, if complaint should be made to the

President of _Guatemala_, and wishing me to continue where I was, & to

store my self with mony that I might return with Licence and credit. I

resolved therefore with _David_ in the 16 _Psal._ and the 8. V. to set

the Lord alwayes before me, and to choose him for my onely comfort, and

to relie upon his providence who I knew only could order things for my

good, and could from _America_ bring me home to the House of Salvation,

and to the houshold of Faith; from which I considered my self an exile,

and farre banished. In the mean time I lived five full yeers in the two

Townes of _Mixco_ and _Pinola_. Where I had more occasion to get wealth

and money, then ever any that lived there before mee; for the first

yeer of my abiding there it pleased God to send one of the plagues of

_Egipt_ to that Country, which was of Locusts, which I had never seen

till then. They were after the manner of our Grashoppers, but somewhat

bigger, which did flye about in number so thick and infinite that they

did truly cover the face of the Sun and hinder the shining forth of

the beames of that bright planet. Where they lighted either upon trees

or standing Corn, there nothing was expected but ruine, destruction

and barrennesse; for the corn they devoured, the leaves and fruits of

trees they eat and consumed, and hung so thick upon the branches, that

with their weight they tore them from the body. The high waies were so

covered with them that they startled the travelling Mules with their

fluttering about their head and feet; my eyes were often struck with

their wings as I rid along, and much a doe I had to see my way, what

with a Montero wherewith I was faine to cover my face, what with the

flight of them which were still before my eyes.

The Farmers towards the South Sea Coast, cryed out for that their

Indigo which was then in grasse, was like to bee eaten up; from the

Ingenio's of Sugar, the like moan was made, that the young and tender

Sugar Canes would bee destroyed; but above all grievous was the outcry

of the husbandmen of the Valley where I lived, who feared that their

Corn would in one night be swallowed up by that devouring Legion. The

care of the Magistrate was that the Townes of _Indians_ should all goe

out into the fields with Trumpets, and what other instruments they had

to make a noise, and so to affright them from those places which were

most considerable and profitable to the Common-wealth; and strange it

was to see how the loud noise of the _Indians_ and sounding of the

Trumpets, defended some fields from the feare and danger of them. Where

they lighted in the Mountaines and High wayes, there they left behind

them their young ones, which were found creeping upon the ground ready

to threaten with a second yeers plagues if not prevented; wherefore all

the Townes were called with Spades, Mattocks and Shovels to dig long

Trenches and therein to bury all the young ones.

Thus with much trouble to the poore _Indians_, and their great paines

(yet after much hurt and losse in many places) was that flying

Pestilence chased away out of the Country to the South Sea, where it

was thought to bee consumed by the Ocean, and to have found a grave

in the waters, whilst the young ones found it in the Land. Yet they

were not all so buried, but that shortly some appeared, which not

being so many in number as before were with the former diligence soon

overcome. But whilst all this feare was, these outcries were made by

the Country and this diligence performed by the _Indians_, the Preists

got well by it; for every where Processions were made, and Masses sung

for the averting of that Plague. In _Mixco_ most of the idols were

carryed to the field, especially the pictures of our Lady, and that

of St. _Nicolas Tolentine_, in whose name the Church of _Rome_ doth

use to blesse little Breads and Wafers with the Saint stamped upon

them; which they think are able to defend them from Agues, Plague,

Pestilence, Contagion, or any other great and imminent danger. There

was scarce any _Spanish_ Husbandman who in this occasion came not from

the Valley to the Town of _Mixco_ with his offering to this Saint,

and who made not a vow to have a Masse sung unto Saint _Nicolas_;

they all brought breads to bee blessed, and carryed them back to

their Farmes, some casting them into their Corn, some burying them in

their hedges and fences, strongly trusting in Saint _Nicolas_, that

his bread would have power to keepe the Locust out of their fields;

and so at the last those simple, ignorant, and blinded soules, when

they saw the Locusts departed and their Corn safe, cried out to our

Lady some, others to Saint _Nicolas_, Milagro, a Miracle, Judging the

Saint worthy of praise more then God, and performing to him their

vows of Masses, which in their feare and trouble they had vowed, by

which erroneous and idolatrous devotion of theirs I got that yeer many

more Crownes then what before I have numbred from the Sodalities. The

next yeere following, all that country was generally infected with a

kinde of contagious sicknesse, almost as infectious as the Plague,

which they call Tabardillo, and was a Feaver in the very inward parts

and bowels, which scarce continued to the seventh day, but commonly

tooke them away from the world to a grave the the third or fifth day.

The filthy smell and stench which came from them, which lay sick of

this disease was enough to infect the rest of the house, and all that

came to see them; It rotted their very mouths and tongues, and made

them as black as a coal before they died. Very few _Spaniards_ were

infected with this Contagion, but the _Indians_ generally were taken

with it. It was reported to have begun about _Mexico_, and to have

spread from Town to Town, till it came to _Guatemala_, and went on

forwards; and so likewise did the Locusts the yeer before, marching

as it were from _Mexico_ over all the Country. I visited many that

died of this infection, using no other Antidote against it, save onely

a handkercheif dipped in Vineger to smell unto, and I thanke God I

escaped where many dyed. In _Mixco_, I buried ninety young and old, and

in _Pinola_ above an hundred; and for all these that were eight yeere

old, or upwards, I received two Crownes for a Masse for their soules

delivery out of Purgatory. See good Reader, whether the conceit of

Purgatory have not been a maine policy of _Rome_ to enrich the Preist

and Clergy, with Masse stipends from such as die, making them beleeve

that nothing else can helpe their soules if once plunged into that

conceited fire; Where thou maist see that one contagious sicknesse in

two small Townes of _Indians_ brought unto me in lesse then half a yeer

neere a hundred pounds for Masses, for almost two hundred that died.

Nay such is the greedy covetousnesse of those Preists, that they will

receive three or four Masse stipends for one day, making the people

beleeve that the same Masse may bee offered up for many, and doe one

soule as much good as another. Thus with the Plague of Locusts, and

the contagion of sicknesse, for the first two yeers together had I an

occasion to enrich my self, as did other Preists my neighbours. But

think not that because so many died, therefore the Towns growing lesse

my offerings for the future were lessened. The Encomendero's or Lords

of the two Towns took care for that, who, that they might not lose

any part of that Tribute which was formerly paid unto them, presently

after the sicknesse was ceased, caused them to bee numbred, and (as

I have in the Chapter before observed) forced to marriage all that

were twelve yeers and upwards of age; which also was a new streame

of Crownes flowing into my bagges; for from every couple that were

married I had also two Crownes besides other offerings, and in both

the Towns, I married in that occasion above fourescore Couple. Truly

by all this, I thank the Lord, I was more strengthened in my conceit

against the Church of _Rome_, and not with that greedinesse of that

Lucre intised to continue in it, though I found the preferments there

farre greater then any might bee in the Church of _England_, where I

knew nothing was to bee got with singing, or hudling over a Masse; But

yet though for the present my profit was great, my eyes were open to

see the errours whereby that profit came so plentifully to mee, and to

all that crew of Idolatrous Preists; The judgments ceased not here in

that Country in my time; but after this contagion there was such an

Inundation of rain that the husbandmen feared again the losse of all

their Corn. At noone time the darke clouds for a month together began

to thicken and cover the face of the heavens, powring down such stormy

showres as swept away much Corn, and many poore Cottages of _Indians_;

besides the raine, the fiery thunder bolts breaking through the clouds

threatned a dolefull judgement to all the Country. In the Valley of

_Mixco_ two riding together were stricken dead from their Mules, the

Chappel of our Lady of _Carmel_ in the same valley was burnt to the

ground, and likewise two houses at the river of _Vaccas_. In _Petapa_

another flash of lightning, or thunderbolt fell into the Church upon

the high Altar, cracking the walls in many places, running from Altar

to Altar, defacing all the gold, and leaving a print and stamp where it

had gone without any more hurt. In the Cloister of the Franciscans in

_Guatemala_, a Frier sleeping upon his bed after dinner, was stricken

dead, his body being left all blacke as if it had been burnt with

fire, and yet no signe of any wound about him. Many accidents happened

that yeer which was 1632. all about the Countrey. But my selfe was by

the safe protection of the Almighty wonderfully saved; for being on a

Saturday at night in _Mixco_ trembling and fearing, and yet trusting in

my God, and praying unto him in my chamber, one flash of lightning or

thunderbolt fell close to the Church wall to which my chamber joyned,

and killed two Calves, which were tied to a post in a yard, to be

slaughtered the next morning. The lightning was so neer and terrible

that it seemed to have fired all my house, and strucke me downe unto

the ground, where I lay as dead for a great while; when I came again to

my self, I heard many _Indians_ about my house, who were come to see if

either it or the Church were set on fire. This stormy season brought

me also much profit, for (as formerly) the _Spaniards_ of the valley

and the _Indians_ betooke themselves to their Idol Saints carrying them

about in procession, which was not done without mony, which they call

their almes unto their Saints, that they may the better be heard and

intreated by them.

The summer following there was more then the ordinary earthquakes,

which were so great that yeer in the Kingdome of _Peru_, that a whole

City called _Truxillo_ was swallowed up by the earth which opened it

selfe, and almost all the people were lost, whilst they were at Church

worshiping and praying unto their Saints. The hurt they did about

_Guatemala_ was not so much as in other places, only some few mud walls

were shaken downe, and some Churches cracked; which made the people

fear and betake themselves again to their Saints, and empty their

purses before them for Masses and processions, lest the danger should

prove as great, as was that of the great earthquake which happened

before my coming into that Country. These earthquakes when they begin

are more often, then long, for they last but for a while, stirring the

earth with three motions, first on the one side, then on the other, and

with the third motion they seem to set it right againe. If they should

continue, they would doubtlesse hurle downe to the ground any steeple

or building though never so great, and strong. Yet at this time in

_Mixco_ some were so violent, that they made the steeple bend so much

that they made the bells sound. I was so used unto them that many times

in my bed I would not stir for them. Yet this yeer they brought me to

such a feare, that had not the Lord been a present refuge to me in

time of trouble I had utterly been undone. For being one morning in my

chamber studying, so great and suddain was an earthquake, that it made

me run from my table to a window, fearing that before I could get down

the staires, the whole house might fall upon my head, the window was in

a thicke wall vaulted upwards like an arch (which the _Spaniards_ hold

to be the safest place if a house should fall) where I expected nothing

but death; as soon as I got under it, the earthquake ceased, though

my heart ceased not to quake with the suddain affrightment. Whilst I

was musing and thinking what to doe, whether I should run downe to the

yard, or continue where I was, there came a second shaking worse then

the first. I thought with my selfe if the house should fall, the Arch

would not save my life, and that I should either be stifled or throwne

out of the window, which was not very low and neer unto the ground,

but somewhat high wide open, having no glasse casements but woodden

shuts, (such as there are used) and if I leaped out of the window,

I might chance to breake a leg, or a limbe, yet save my life. The

suddainnesss of the astonishment tooke from me the best and most mature

deliberation in such a case; and in the midst of these my troubled

and perplexed thoughts a third motion came as violent as the former,

wherewith I had now set one foot in the window to leap down, had not

the same Lord (to whom _David_ said in the 46 _Ps._ v. 2. Therefore

will not wee feare, though the earth bee moved) by his wonderfull

providence spoken both to mee and to the moving earth, saying as in

the 10. Verse, Bee still and know that am I God; for certainly had it

gone on to a fourth motion, I had by casting down my self broke either

my neck, or a legge, or some other joynt. Thus was I twice saved by my

good God in _Mixco_, and in _Pinola_ I was once no lesse in danger in

losing a leg by means of a smaller instrument then is a flea.

This Towne of _Pinola_ in the _Indian_ language is called _Panac;

Pan_, signifieth in, or amongst, _Cac_, signifieth three thinges;

for it signifieth the fire, or a fruit otherwise called _guiava_; or

thirdly, a small vermine, commonly called by the _Spaniards, Nigua_;

which is common over all the _India's_, but more in some places then in

others. Where there are many hogs, there is usually much of this sort

of vermine. The _Spaniards_ report that many of the Souldiers of _Sir

Francis Drake_ died of them, when they landed about _Nombre de Dios_,

and marched up the high Mountaines of St. _Pablo_ towards _Panama_,

who feeling their feet to itch, and not knowing the cause thereof,

scratched them so much, till they festred, and at last, (if this report

be true) cost them their lives. Some say, they breed in all places,

high and low, upon Tables, Beds, and upon the ground; but experience

sheweth the contrary, that they onely breed upon the ground, for where

the houses are sluttish, and not often swept, there commonly they are

most felt; and in that they usually get into the Feet and Shooes, and

seldome into the hands or any other part of the body, argues that they

breed upon the ground. They are lesse then the least Flea, and can

scarce bee perceived, and when they enter into the Foot, they make it

burn and itch; and if then they bee looked to, they appeare black, and

no bigger then the point of a pin, and with a pin may easily bee taken

out whole; but if part of them bee left, the smallest part will doe as

much harm as the whole, and will get into the flesh. When once they are

got in, they breed a little bagge in the flesh, and in it a great many

Nits, which increase bigger and bigger to the bignesse of a great Pea;

then they begin again to make the Foot itch, which if it be scratched,

falleth to festering, and so indangereth the whole Foot. Some hold

it best to take them out when they cause the first itching and are

getting in; but this is hard to doe, because they can hardly then bee

perceived, and they are apt to bee broken. Therefore others commonly

let them alone, untill they bee got into the flesh, and have bred a bag

with nits, which like a blister sheweth it self through the skinne, and

then with the point of a pin, they dig round about the bag, till they

can with the pins point take it out whole, if it bee broken, it comes

to breed againe; if it bee taken out whole, then they put in a little

Eare wax, or ashes where the bag lay, and with that the hole is healed

up againe in a day or two. The way to avoid this vermines entering

into the foot, is to lay both shoos and stockings, or whatsoever other

clothing upon some stool or chair high from the ground, and not to go

bare-foot; which yet is wonderfull in the _Indians_ themselves, that

though they commonly doe goe barefoot, yet they are seldome troubled

with them, which is attributed to the hardnesse of their skin; for

certainly were they as tender footed and skinned as are those that

wear both shoos and stockins, they would be as much troubled with them

as these are. _Panac_ or _Pinola_, is much subject to this Vermin, or

_Nigua_, and I found it by wofull experience, for at my first comming

thither not knowing well the quality of it, I let one breed so long

in my foot, and continued scratching it, untill my foot came to be so

festered, that I was fain to lie two whole months in a Chirurgions

hand, and at last through Gods great mercy and goodnesse to me I lost

not a Limbe. But that the Providence of God may be known to me the

worst of all his Creatures, living in so farre a Country from all my

friends, and from me may be related unto future Generations, before

I conclude this Chapter, I shall further shew both my dangers and

deliverances. Though true it is, most of the _Indians_ are but formally

Christians, and onely outwardly appear such, but secretly are given to

witchcraft and idolatry, yet as they were under my charge, I thought by

preaching Christ unto them, and by cherishing them, and defending them

from the cruelty of the _Spaniards_, I might better worke upon them

to bring them to more knowledge of some truths, at least concerning

God and Christ. Therefore as I found them truely loving, kind and

bountifull unto mee, so I indeavoured in all occasions to shew them

love by commiserating their sufferings, and taking their part against

any _Spaniard_ that wronged them, and keeping constantly in my Chamber

such drugs (as hot Waters, Anniseed and wine and the like) which I knew

might most please them, when they came to see mee, and most comfort

them, when they were sick or grieved. This my love and pity towards

them had almost in _Pinola_ cost mee my life; For an _Indian_ of that

Town serving a _Spaniard_ named _Francisco de Montenegro_ (who lived a

mile and a half from thence) was once so pittifully beaten and wounded

by his Master, for that hee told him hee would complain to mee that

hee payed him not his wages, that he was brought home to the Town,

and had I not out of my charity called for a Chirurgion from _Petapa_

to cure him, he had certainly dyed. I could not but complain for the

poor _Indian_ unto the President of _Guatemala_, who respecting my

complaint, sent for my _Spaniard_ to the City, imprisoned him, and

kept him close untill the _Indian_ was recovered, and so with a Fine

sent him back againe. In a Sermon further I pressed this home unto

the neighbouring _Spaniards_, warning them of the wrongs & abuses

which they offered unto the poor _Indians_, which I told them I would

put up no more then any injury done unto my self, for that I looked

upon them as Neophytes and new plants of Christianity, who were not

to be discouraged, but by all means of love incouraged to come to

Christ; withall I commanded all the _Indians_ that had any wrong done

unto them, to come unto mee, assuring them that I would make such a

complaint for them as should bee heard, as they might perceive I had

lately done to some purpose. This Sermon stuck so in _Montenegro_

his stomack, that (as I was informed) hee made an Oath, that hee

would procure my death. Though it was told mee; yet I could hardly

beleeve it, judging it to be more a bravery and a vaine boasting of a

_Spaniard_, then anything else; Yet by the advice of some friends I

was counselled to looke to my selfe, which yet I slighted, untill one

day the boyes and _Indians_ that served in my house came running to my

chamber door, wishing mee to look to my selfe, and not to come out, for

that _Montenegro_ was come into my Yard with a naked sword to kill mee.

I charged them from within to call the Officers of the Towne to aid

and assist mee; but in the mean while my furious _Spaniard_ perceiving

himselfe discovered left the Town. With this I thought of securing of

my self better, and called for a Blackmore _Miguel Dalva_ a very stout

and lusty fellow who lived from mee halfe a mile, to bee about mee

untill I could discover more of _Montenegroes_ designes and malicious

intents. The next Sabbath Day in the morning being to ride to the Town

of _Mixco_, I carried my Blackmore, and half a dozen of _Indians_ in my

company, and going through a little wood in the midst of the Valley,

there I found my enemy waiting for mee, who seeing the train I brought,

durst doe nothing, but gave mee spightfull languages, telling mee hee

hoped that hee should finde mee alone some time or other. With this I

thought fit to delay no longer my second complaint to the President

against him, who as before heard mee willingly, and after a moneths

imprisonment banished _Montenegro_ thirty leagues from the Valley.

And not onely from _Spaniards_ was I in danger for the _Indians_

sake whilst I lived in those Townes; but also from some _Indians_

themselves, (who were false in Religion) I did undergoe great perils,

and yet was still delivered.

In _Pinola_ there were some, who were much given to witchcraft, and by

the power of the Devill did act strange things. Amongst the rest there

was one old woman named _Martha de Carrillo_, who had been by some

of the Town formerly accused for bewitching many; but the _Spanish_

Justices quitted her, finding no sure evidence against her; with this

she grew worse and worse, and did much harm. When I was there, two

or three dyed, withering away, declaring at their death that this

_Carrillo_ had killed them, & that they saw her often about their beds,

threatning them with a frowning and angry look. The _Indians_ for feare

of her durst not complain against her, nor meddle with her; whereupon

I sent word unto _Don Juan de Guzman_ the Lord of that Town, that if

hee tooke not order with her, she would destroy his Town. He hearing

of it, got for mee a Commission from the Bishop and another officer of

the Inquisition to make diligent & private inquiry after her life and

actions; which I did, and found among the _Indians_ many and grievous

complaints against her, most of the town affirming that certainly she

was a notorious witch, and that before her former accusation shee

was wont whither soever shee went about the Town to goe with a Duck

following her, which when shee came to the Church, would stay at the

doore till shee came out again, and then would return home with her,

which Duck they imagined was her beloved Devill, and familiar Spirit,

for that they had often set dogs at her and they would not meddle

with her, but rather run away from her. This Duck never appeared more

with her, since she was formerly accused before the Justice, which

was thought to be her policy, that she might be no more suspected

thereby. This old woman was a widow, and of the poorest of the Town in

outward shew, and yet she alwaies had store of mony, which none could

tel which way she might come by it. Whilst I was thus taking privy

information against her (it being the time of Lent, when all the Town

came to Confession) she among the rest came to the Church to confesse

her sins, and brought me the best present and offering of all the

Towne, for whereas a Riall is common she brought me four, and besides

a Turkey, egs, fish, and a little bottle of hony. She thought thereby

to get with me a better opinion then I had of her from the whole Towne;

I accepted of her great offering, and heard her Confession, which was

of nothing but trifles, which could scarce be judged sinfull actions.

I examined her very close of what was the common judgement of all the

_Indians_, and especially of those who dying had declared to my selfe

at their death that she had bewitched them, and before their sicknesse

had threatned them, and in their sicknes appeared threatning them

with death about their beds, none but they themselves seeing her. To

which she replyed weeping, that she was wronged; I asked her, how she

being a poore widow without any sons to helpe her, without any meanes

of livelyhood had so much mony, as to give me more then the richest

of the Town, how she came by that fish, Turkey, and hony, having none

of this of her owne about her house? to which she replyed, that God

loved her and gave her all these things, and that with her mony she

had bought the rest. I asked her of whom? she answered that out of the

Towne she had them. I perswaded her much to repentance, and to forsake

the Devill and all fellowship with him; but her words and answers were

of a Saintly and holy woman; and she earnestly desired me to give her

the Communion with the rest that were to receive the next day. Which I

told her I durst not doe, using Christs words, Give not the childrens

bread unto dogs, nor cast your pearls unto swine; and that it would

be a great scandall to give the Communion unto her, who was suspected

generally, and had been accused for a witch. This she took very ill

telling me that she had many yeers received the Communion, and now in

her old age it grieved her to be deprived of it; her teares were many,

yet I could not be moved with them, but resolutely denied her the

Communion, and so dismissed her. At noone when I had done my worke in

the Church, I bad my servants goe to gather up the offerings, and gave

order to have the fish dressed for my dinner which she had brought; but

no sooner was it carried into the Kitchin, when the Cook looking on it

found it full of maggots, and stinking, so that I was forced to hurle

it away. With that I began to suspect my old witch, and went to looke

on her hony, and powring it out into a dish, I found it full of wormes,

her egs I could not know from others, there being neer a hundred

offered that day; but after as I used them, we found some rotten, some

with dead chickens within; the next morning the Turkey was found dead;

as for her four Rials, I could not perceive whether she had bewitched

them out of my pocket, for that I had put them with many other, which

that day had been given me, yet as far as I could, I called to memory

who and what had been given me, and in my judgement and reckoning I

verily thought that I missed four Rials. At night when my servants the

_Indians_ were gone to bed, I sate up late in my chamber betaking my

selfe to my bookes and study, for I was the next morning to make an

exhortation to those that received the Communion. After I had studyed a

while, it being between ten and eleven of the clock, on a suddain the

chief door in the hall (where in a lower roome was my chamber, and the

servants, and three other doores) flew open, and I heard one come in,

and for a while walke about; then was another doore opened which went

into a little room, where my saddles were laid; with this I thought

it might be the Black-more _Miguel Dalva_, who would often come late

to my house to lodge there, especially since my fear of _Montenegro_,

and I conjectured that he was laying up his saddle, I called unto him

by his name two or three times from within my chamber, but no answer

was made; but suddainly another door that went out to a garden flew

also open, wherewith I began within to feare, my joynts trembled, my

haire stood up, I would have called out to the servants, and my voice

was as it were stopped with the sudden affrightment, I began to thinke

of the witch, and put my trust in God against her, and encouraged my

selfe and voice calling out to the servants, and knocking with a cane

at my doore within that they might heare me, for I durst not open it

and goe out. With the noise which I made the servants awaked and came

out to my chamber doore; then I opened it, and asked them if they had

not heard some body in the hall, and all the doores opened. They said

they were asleep, and heard nothing, onely one boy said he heard all,

and related unto me the same that I had heard. I tooke my candle then

in my hand and went out into the hall with them to view the doors, and

I found them all shut, as the servants said they had left them. Then

I perceived that the witch would have affrighted me, but had no power

to doe me any harme; I made two of the servants lie in my chamber, and

went to bed. In the morning early I sent for my _Fiscal_ the Clerk of

the Church, and told him what had happened that night; he smiled upon

me, and told me it was the widow _Carillo_, who had often played such

tricks in the Town with those that had offended her, and therefore he

had the night before come unto me from her desiring me to give her the

Communion, lest she should doe me some hurt, which I denied unto him,

as I had done to her selfe. The Clerk bad me be of good cheere, for he

knew she had no power over me to do me any hurt. After the Communion

that day some of the chief _Indians_ came unto me, and told me that

old _Carillo_ had boasted that she would play me some trick or other,

because I would not give her the Communion. But I to rid the Towne of

such a limbe of Satan, sent her to _Guatemala_, with all the evidences

and witnesses which I had found against her unto the President and

Bishop, who commanded her to be put in prison, where she died within

two months.

Many more _Indians_ there were in that Town, who were said in my time

to doe very strange things. One called _John Gonzalez_ was reported to

change himselfe into the shape of a Lion, and in that shape was one

day shot in the nose by a poore harmelesse _Spaniard_ who chiefly got

his living by going about the woods and mountaines, and shooting at

wild Deer and other beasts to make mony of them. He espied one day a

Lion, and having no other ayme at him but his snout behind a tree, he

shot at him; the Lion run away; the same day this _Gonzalez_ was taken

sick, I was sent for to hear his Confession, I saw his face and nose

all bruised, and asked him how it came, he told me then that he had

fallen from a tree and almost killed himself; yet afterwards he accused

the poore _Spaniard_ for shooting at him; the businesse was examined

by a _Spanish_ Justice, my evidence was taken for what _Gonzalez_ told

me of his fall from a tree, the _Spaniard_ was put to his oath, who

sware that he shot at a Lion in a thicke wood, where an _Indian_ could

scarce be thought to have any businesse, the tree was found out in the

wood, whereat the shot had been made and was still marked with the

shot and bullet; which _Gonzalez_ confessed was to be the place; and

was examined how he neither fell nor was seen by the _Spaniard_, when

he came to seeke for the Lion thinking he had killed him; to which he

answered that he ran away lest the _Spaniard_ should kill him indeed.

But his answers seeming frivolous, the _Spaniards_ integrity being

known, and the great suspicion that was in the Town of _Gonzalez_ his

dealing with the Devill, cleared the _Spaniard_ from what was laid

against him.

But this was nothing to what after happened to one _John Gomez_, the

chiefest _Indian_ of that Towne of neer fourscore yeers of age, the

Head and Ruler of the principallest Tribe among the _Indians_, whose

advise and counsell was taken and preferred before all the rest, who

seemed to be a very godly _Indian_, and very seldome missed morning and

evening prayers in the Church, and had bestowed great riches there.

This _Indian_ very suddainly was taken sick (I being then in my other

Town of _Mixco_) the _Mayordomos_, or stewards of the Sodality of the

Virgin fearing that he might die without Confession and they be chid

for their negligence, at midnight called me up at _Mixco_, desiring me

to goe presently and helpe _John Gomez_ to die, whom also they said

desired much to see me and to receive some comfort from me. I judging

it a work of charity, although the time of the night were unseasonable,

and the great rain at the present might have stopped my charity, yet I

would not be hindred by either of them, and so set forth to ride nine

miles both in the dark and wet. When I came to _Pinola_ being thorow

wet to the skin, I went immediately to the house of old sick _Gomez_,

who lay with his face all muffled up, thanked me for my pains and care

I had for his soul; he desired to confesse; and by his confession and

weeping evidenced nothing but a godly life, and a willing desire to die

and to be with Christ. I comforted him and prepared him for death, and

before I departed, asked him how he felt himselfe; he answered that

his sicknesse was nothing but old age, and weaknesse. With this I

went to my house, changed my self and lay downe a while to rest, when

suddainly I was called up again to give _Gomez_ the extream unction,

which the _Indians_ (as they have been ignorantly taught) will not omit

to receive before they die. As I anointed him in his nose, his lips,

his eyes, his hands and his feet, I perceived that he was swelled, and

black and blew; but made nothing of it, judging it to proceed from the

sicknesse of his body; I went again home being now breake of the day,

when after I had taken a small nap, some _Indians_ come to my doore

for to buy candles to offer up for _John Gomez_ his soule, whom they

told me was departed, and was that day to be buried very solemnly at

Masse. I arose with drousie eyes after so unquiet a nights rest; and

walked to the Church, where I saw the grave was preparing. I met with

two or three _Spaniards_ who lived neer the Towne and were come to

Masse that morning, who went in with me to my chamber, and with them

I fell into discourse about _John Gomez_, telling them what comfort I

had received at his death, whom I judged to have lived very holily, and

doubted not of his salvation, and that the Towne would much want him,

for that hee was their chief guide, and leader, ruling them with good

advise and counsell. At this the _Spaniards_ smiled one at another, and

told me I was much deceived by all the _Indians_, but especially by the

deceased _Gomez_, if I judged him to have been a Saint, and holy man.

I told them that they as enemies to the poore _Indians_ judged still

uncharitably of them; but that I who knew very well their consciences,

could judge better of them then they. One then replyed, that it seemed

I little knew the truth of _John Gomez_ his death by the Confession

which he had made unto me, and that I seemed to be ignorant of the stir

which was in the Towne concerning his death. This seemed so strange

unto me, that I desired them to informe me of the truth. Then they

told me that the report went, that _John Gomez_ was the chief wizard

of all the wizards and witches in the Town, and that commonly he was

wont to be changed into the shape of a Lion, and so to walke about the

mountaines. That he was ever a deadly enemie to one _Sebastian Lopez_

an ancient _Indian_, and head of another Tribe; and that both of them

two daies before had met in the mountaine, _Gomez_ in the shape of a

Lion, and _Lopez_ in the shape of a Tigre, and that they fought most

cruelly, till _Gomez_ (who was the older, and weaker) was tired, much

bit and bruised; and died of it. And further that I might be assured

of this truth, they told me that _Lopez_ was in prison for it, and the

two Tribes striving about it; and that the Tribe and kindred of _Gomez_

demanded from _Lopez_ and his Tribe and kindred satisfaction, and a

great sum of mony, or els did threaten to make the case known unto the

_Spanish_ power and authority, which yet they were unwilling to doe if

they could agree and smother it up among themselves, that they might

not bring an aspersion upon their whole Towne. This seemed very strange

unto me, and I could not resolve what to beleeve, and thought I would

never more beleeve an _Indian_, if I found _John Gomez_ to have so

much dissembled and deceived me. I tooke my leave of the _Spaniards_

and went my selfe to the prison, where I found _Lopez_ with fetters. I

called one of the officers of the Towne, who was Alguazil Maior, and

my great friend, unto my house, and privately examined him why _Lopez_

was kept so close prisoner; he was loth to tell me fearing the rest of

the _Indians_, and hoping the businesse would be taken up and agreed

by the two Tribes, and not noised about the Country which at that very

instant the two Alcaldes and Regidores, Maiors and Jurates, with the

chiefe of both Tribes were sitting about in the Towne-house all that

morning. But I seeing the officer so timorous, was more desirous to

know something, and pressed more upon him for the truth, giving him an

inkling of what I had heard from the _Spaniards_ before. To which he

answered that if they could agree amongst themselves, they feared no

ill report from the _Spaniards_ against their Towne; I told him I must

know what they were agreeing upon amongst themselves so closely in the

Towne-house. He told me, if I would promise him to say nothing of him

(for he feared the whole Towne if they should know he had revealed any

thing unto mee) he would tel me the truth. With this I comforted him,

and gave him a cup of wine, and encouraged him, warranting him that

no harm should come unto him for what he told me. Then he related the

businesse unto me as the _Spaniards_ had done, and told me that he

thought the Tribes amongst themselves would not agree, for that some

of _Gomez_ his friends hated _Lopez_ and all such as were so familiar

with the Devill, and cared not if _Gomez_ his dissembling life were

laid open to the world; but others he said, who were as bad as _Lopez_

and _Gomez_, would have it kept close, lest they and all the witches

and Wizards of the Town should bee discovered. This struck mee to the

very heart, to think that I should live among such people, whom I saw

were spending all they could get by their worke and labour upon the

Church, Saints and in offerings, and yet were so privy to the counsels

of Satan; it grieved mee that the Word I preached unto them, did no

more good, and I resolved from that time forward to spend most of my

indeavours against Satans subtility, and to shew them more then I had

done, the great danger of their soules who had made any compact with

the Devill, that I might make them abandon and abjure his workes, and

close with Christ by Faith. I dismissed the _Indian_, and went to

the Church, to see if the people were come to Masse; I found there

no body but onely two who were making _Gomez_ his Grave. I went back

to my Chamber, troubled much within my self, whether I should allow

him a Christian Buriall, who had lived and died so wickedly, as I had

been informed. Yet I thought I was not bound to beleeve one _Indian_

against him, nor the _Spaniards_ whom I supposed spoke but by hearsay.

Whilst I was thus musing, there came unto mee at least twenty of the

chiefest of the Town with the two Majors, Jurates, and all the Officers

of Justice, who desired mee to forbeare that day the burying of _John

Gomez_, for that they had resolved to call a Crowne Officer to view

his Corps and examine his death, lest they all should bee troubled for

him, and hee againe unburied. I made as if I knew nothing, but inquired

of them the reason; then they related all unto me, and told me how

there were witnesses in the Town who saw a Lyon and a Tyger fighting,

and presently lost the sight of the beasts, and saw _John Gomez_, and

_Sebastian Lopez_, much about the same place parting one from another;

and that immediately _John Gomez_ came home bruised to his bed, from

whence he never rise more, and that he declared upon his death-bed unto

some of his friends that _Sebastian Lopez_ had killed him; whereupon

they had him in safe custody. Further they told me that though they had

never known so much wickednesse of these two chief heads of their Towne

whom they had much respected and followed, yet now upon this occasion,

from the one Tribe and the other they were certainly informed that both

of them did constantly deale with the Devill, which would bee a great

aspersion upon their Town, but they for their parts abjured all such

wicked wayes, and prayed me not to conceive the worse of all for a few,

whom they were resolved to persecute, and suffer not to live amongst

them. I told them I much liked their good zeal, and incouraged them

as good Christians to indeavour the rooting out of Satan from their

Towne, and they did very well in giving notice to _Guatemala_, to the

_Spanish_ power, of this accident, and that if they had concealed it,

they might all have been punished as guilty of _Gomez_ his death, and

Agents with Satan, and his instruments. I assured them I had no ill

conceipt of them, but rather judged well of them for what they were

agreed to doe. The Crowne Officer was sent for who came that night

and searched _Gomez_ his body; I was present with him, and found it

all bruised, scratched, and in many places bitten and sore wounded.

Many evidences and suspitions were brought in against _Lopez_ by the

_Indians_ of the Town, especiall by _Gomez_ his friends, whereupon hee

was carryed away to _Guatemala_, and there againe was tryed by the same

witnesses, and not much denying the fact himself, was there hanged. And

_Gomez_, though his grave was opened in the Church, hee was not buried

in it, but in another made ready for him in a Ditch.

In _Mixco_ I found also some _Indians_ no lesse dissemblers then was

this _Gomez_, and those of the chiefest and richest of the Town, who

were foure Brothers called _Fuentes_, and half a score more. These were

outwardly very faire tongued, liberall, and free handed to the Church;

much devoted to the Saints, great feasters upon their day, and yet in

secret great Idolaters. But it pleased God to make mee his instrument,

to discover and bring to light the secrecy of their hidden works of

darknesse, which it seems the privacy of a thick Wood and Mountaine

had many yeers hid from the eyes of the World. Some of these being one

day in the company of other better Christians drinking hard of their

_Chicha_, boasted of their God, saying that hee had preached unto

them better then I could preach, nay that hee had plainly told them

that they should not beleeve any thing that I preached of Christ, but

follow the old wayes of their Forefathers, who worshipped their Gods

aright, but now by the example of the _Spaniards_ they were deluded,

and brought to worship a false God. The other Christians hearing of

this began to wonder, and to enquire of them where that God was, and

with much ado, promising to follow their ways, and their God, got out

of them the place and Mountain where they might find him. Though this

in drunkennes were agreed upon, yet in sobernes the good Christians

thought better of what they had agreed upon, slighted what before in

drinking they heard, and yet it was not kept by them so close, but that

it came to the ears of a _Spaniard_ in the Vally; who finding himself

touched in Conscience, came to _Mixco_ to me, and told me what he had

heard, that some _Indians_ of that town followed an Idol, and boasted

that he had preached unto them against my Doctrine, and for the ways of

the former Heathens. I thanked God for that he was pleased to undermine

the secret works of Satan daily; and desired the _Spaniard_ to tell me

by whom hee came to know of this. He told me the _Indians_ name from

whom he had it, and that he was afraid to discover the _Indians_, and

to tell mee of it. I sent for the _Indian_ before the _Spaniard_, who

confessed unto mee that hee had heard of such a thing; but knew that

if hee did discover the _Indians_, they with the power of the Devill

would doe him much harm; I told him, if hee were a true Christian, hee

ought to fight against the Devill, and not to feare him, who could

do him no harm if God were with him, and he closed by Faith with

Christ, and that the discovery of that Idoll might bee a meanes for

the converting of the Idolaters, when they should see the small power

of their false God against the true God of the Christians. Further

I told him plainly, that if hee did not tell mee who the _Indians_

were, and where their Idol was, that I would have him to _Guatemala_,

and there make him discover what hee knew. Here the _Indian_ began to

tremble, and told mee the _Fuentes_ had boasted of such an Idol, whom

they called their God, and gave some signes of a Fountaine and of a

Pine Tree at the mouth of a Cave in such a Mountaine. I asked him, if

hee knew the place, or what kind of Idol it was; hee told mee, that

hee had often been in that Mountaine, where hee had seen two or three

springs of water, but never was in any Cave. I asked him if he would

goe with me, and helpe mee to find it out, hee refused still fearing

the Idolaters, and wished mee not to goe, for fear if they should bee

there, they might kill mee rather then bee discovered. I answered him

that I would carry with mee such a Guard as should bee able to defend

mee against them, and my Faith in the true living God, would secure mee

against that false God. I resolved therefore with the _Spaniard_ to goe

to search out the cave the next day, and to carry with mee three or

foure _Spaniards_ and my Blackmore _Miguel Dalva_, and that _Indian_.

I told him I would not suffer him to goe home to his house that day,

for feare hee should discover in the Towne my designe and purpose,

and so wee might bee prevented by the Idolaters, who certainly that

night would take away their Idol. The _Indian_ still refused, till I

threatned him to send for the Officers of Justice, and to secure his

person; with this hee yeelded, and that hee might have no discourse

with any body in the Town, nor with the Servants of my house, I desired

the _Spaniard_ to take him home to his house, and to keep him there

close that day and night, promising to bee with him the next morning.

I charged the _Spaniard_ also with secresie, and so dismissed him with

the _Indian_. That day I rid to _Pinola_ for the Blackmore _Miguel

Dalva_, and brought him to _Mixco_ with mee, not telling him what my

intent was; I went also to foure neighbouring _Spaniards_, desiring

them to bee in a readinesse the next morning to goe a little way with

mee for the service of God, and to meet mee at such a neighbours house,

and that if they would bring their Fowling peeces, wee might chance to

find some sport where wee went, and as for Provision of Wine and Meat,

I would provide sufficiently. They promised to goe with mee, thinking

that although I told them, it was for the service of God, my purpose

onely was to hunt after some wild Deere in the mountaines. I was glad

they construed my action that way, and so went home, and provided that

night a good Gammon of Bacon, and some Fowles rosted, cold, and others

boiled, well peppered and salted for the next dayes work. Where I had

appointed my _Indian_ to be kept, I met with the rest of my company,

and from thence wee went together to the place of the Idolaters

worshipping, which was some six miles from _Mixco_ towards the Town of

St. _John Sacatepeques_. When wee came into the Wood wee presently met

with a deep Barranca, or bottome, where was a running, which incouraged

us to make there diligent search, but nothing could bee found; from

thence wee ascended up out of the Barranca, and found after much time

spent a spring of water, and looked carefully about it, but could finde

no Cave. Thus in vaine wee searched till the Evening, and fearing

lest wee might lose our way and our selves, if the night overtook us,

my friends began to speak of returning homewards. But I considering

that as yet wee had not gone over one half part of the Wood, and to

goe home and come againe might make us to bee noted, and spoken of,

wee thought it our best way to take up our lodging that night in the

Wood, and in that bottome which we first searched, where was good water

for to drinke Chocolatte, and warm lying under the trees, and so in

the morning to make our second search. The Company was very willing

to yeeld unto it, and the calme night favoured our good intentions.

We made a fire for our Chocolatte, and supped exceeding well of our

cold meat, and spent most part of the night in merry discourse, having

a watchfull eye over our _Indian_, lest hee should give us the slip,

and committing him to the charge of _Miguel Dalva_. In the morning

wee prayed unto God, beseeching him to guide us that day in the work

wee went about, and to discover unto us the Cave of darkenesse and

iniquity, where lay hid that instrument of Satan, that so by his

discovery Glory might bee given unto our true God, and shame and

punishment brought upon his enemies. Wee entered againe into the thick

Wood up a steepy hill, and having throughly searched all the South side

of it, wee went on to the North side, where wee found another deepe

descent, which wee began to walke downe looking on every side, and not

in vain; for almost half a mile from the top wee found some markes of

a way that had been used and trodden, which wee followed untill we

came to another spring of water; we searched narrowly about it, and

found some peeces of broken earthen dishes and pots, and one peece of

a chafing dish, such as the _Indians_ use to burne Frankincense in,

in the Churches before their Saints, we verily imagined that these

were peeces of some such instruments wherewith the idolaters performed

their duty unto their Idol, and we were the more comforted for that wee

knew that earthenware had beene made in _Mixco_; the pine Tree which

immediately we discovered confirmed our hopes. When wee came unto it we

made very little more search, for neer at hand was the Cave, which was

dark within, but light at the mouth, where wee found more Earthen ware,

with ashes in them, which assured us of some Frankincense that had been

burned. Wee knew not how farre the Cave might reach within, nor what

might bee in it, and therefore with a flint wee struck fire and lighted

a couple of candles and went in; at the entering it was broad, and went

a little forward, but when wee were in, we found it turn on the left

hand towards the mountaine, and not farre; for within two rods wee

found the Idol standing upon a low stooll covered with a linnen cloth.

The substance of it was wood, black shining like Jet, as if it had been

painted or smoaked, the form was of a mans head unto the shoulders,

without either Beard or Mustachoes; his looke was grim with a wrinkled

forehead, and broad startling eyes. We feared not his frowning look,

but presently seized upon him; and as wee lifted him up we found under

him some single Rials, which his Favorites had offered unto him; which

made us search more diligently the Cave; and it was not amisse, for

wee found upon the ground more single Rials, some plantines and other

fruits, wax candles halfe burned, pots of Maiz, one little one of Hony,

little dishes wherein Frankincense had been burned, whereby I perceived

the Idolaters and Christians both agreed in their offerings; and had I

not been informed that they called this Idol their God, I could have

blamed them no more then the rest of the Townes who worship, kneel

before and offer such offerings unto their Saints made of Wood, and

some no handsomer then was this Idol, which I thought, might have beene

some beasts shape; but being the shape and form of a man, they might

have named him by the name of some Saint, and so some way have excused

themselves, which they could not doe, nor would they doe it, in that

they persisted in this error, that he was their God, and had spoken

and preached unto them, and being afterwards asked by mee, whether

it were the picture of any Saint, such as were in _Mixco_, and other

Churches, they answered, No, but that hee was above all the Saints in

the Countrey.

Wee were very joyfull to see that wee had not spent our time in vaine,

wee cut down boughes of trees, and filled the Cave with them and

stopped the mouth of it up, and came away, making the _Indian_ that

went with us carry the Idol on his back wrapped up in a cloth, that

it might not bee seen or perceived as wee went. I thought it fit to

delay the time till night, and then to enter into _Mixco_, that the

_Indians_ might see nothing. So I stayed at one of the _Spaniards_

houses, till it were late, and desired him to warn from mee all the

_Spaniards_ there-abouts to be at _Mixco_ Church the next Sabbath,

(fearing lest the Idolaters might bee many, and rise up against mee)

that I had somewhat to say onto them and their Blackmores concerning

their Sodalities, for I would not have them know of the Idoll, till

they heard of it and saw it in the Church, lest it should come to the

_Indians_ hearing, and so the Idolaters might absent themselves. At

night I tooke my _Indian_, and _Miguel Dalva_ with mee, and went home,

and shutting up the Idol in a chest till the next Sabbath, I dismissed

the _Indian_, charging him to say nothing, for hee knew if hee did what

harme might come unto him from the Idolaters, and I knew few words now

would suffice, for that hee feared himselfe if it should bee known

that hee had been with mee, I kept _Miguel Dalva_ with mee, who was

desirous to see the end of the businesse, and prepared my self against

the next Sabbath to preach upon the 3 v. of the 20. of _Exodus, Thou

shalt have none other Gods before mee,_ though it were a Text nothing

belonging to the Gospel of the day, from whence commonly in the Church

of _Rome_, the Texts and subjects of Sermons are deducted; but I judged

that Text most seasonable for the present occasion. On the Sabbath day

in the morning, when the Pulpit was made ready by him who had care of

the Church and Altars, I caused _Miguel Dalva_ to carry under his Cloak

the Idol, and to leave it in the Pulpit upon the ground that it might

not bee seene, till such time as I should thinke fit in my Sermon to

produce it, and to watch about the Church till the Congregation came

in, that none might see it or take it away. Never was there a greater

resort from abroad to that Church then that day of _Spaniards_ and

Blackmores, who by the warning I sent unto them expected some great

matter from mee, and of the Town very few were absent, the _Fuentes_

and all the rest that were suspected to be that Idols favorites (little

thinking that their God was brought from his Cave, and now lay hid in

the Pulpit to shame them) came also that day to Church. I commanded

_Miguel Dalva_, to bee himself neer the Pulpit at Sermon time, and

to warne those _Spaniards_ that knew the businesse, and some more

Blackmores his friends to bee also neere the Pulpit staires.

Thus Masse being ended, I went up to preach; when I rehearsed the

words of my Text, I perceived both _Spaniards_ and _Indians_ began to

look one upon another, as not being used to Sermons out of the Old

Testament. I went on laying open this command of God, for having no

other Gods before him, so that the Doctrine might seem to convince all

that were there present, as well Saint-worshippers, as indeed that

Idols worshippers, if the cause of my preaching upon that Subject had

not diverted their eyes from themselves to behold their own guiltiness

of Idolatry, & to look only upon those who worshipped a peece of wood

for God, & not, as they did, for a Saint (which yet in my judgment was

much alike.) After I had spoken what I thought fit concerning that

horrible sin, and shewed that no creature could have the power of God

(who was the Creator of all things) neither could doe good or harme

without the true living Gods Commission, especially inanimate Creatures

as stocks, and stones, who by the hands and workmanship of man might

have eyes, and yet were dead Idols, and see not, might have eares and

not heare, might have mouths, and not speak, might have hands, and not

worke, nor helpe or defend with them such as worshipped them, and bowed

down unto them.

Thus having halfe finished my Sermon, I bowed my selfe downe in the

Pulpit, and lifted up the black, grim, and staring Devill, and placed

that Dagon on one side of the Pulpit, with my eyes fixed upon some

of the _Fuentes_ and others, who I perceived changed their colour,

blushed, and were sore troubled looking one upon another, I desired the

Congregation to behold what a God was worshipped by some of them, and

all to take notice of him, if any knew what part of the earth was the

Dominion of this God, or from whence hee came. I told them that some

had boasted that this peece of wood had spoken, and preached against

what I had taught of Christ, and that therefore hee was worshipped by

them for God, and they had offered mony, hony, and of the fruits of

the earth unto him, and burnt Frankincense before him in a secret and

hidden Cave under the earth, shewing thereby that they were ashamed

to own him publickly, and that hee lurking in the darknesse of the

earth, shewed certainly that hee belonged to the Prince of darknesse.

I challenged him there in publicke to speak for himself, or else by

silence to shame and confound all his worshippers. I shewed them how

being but wood, hee had been made and fashioned by the hands of man,

and therefore was but a dead idol. I spent a great deal of time arguing

with him, and defying Satan who had used him as his instrument, daring

the Devill himselfe to take him from that place which I had confined

him to if hee could, to shew what little power he or Satan had against

the power of my faith in Christ. After much arguing and reasoning

according to the shallow capacity of the _Indians_ present, I told

them if that their God had power to deliver him from that execution,

which I had intended against him (which was there publikely to have

him cut in pieces and burnt) they should not beleeve the Gospell of

Jesus Christ; but if they saw no power at all in him against me the

weakest instrument of the true living God, then I beseeched them to be

converted unto that true God who created all things, and to imbrace

salvation by his Son the only Mediatour and Saviour Jesus Christ, and

to renounce and abjure from that time all Heathenish Idolatry of their

forefathers, assuring them for what was past I would intercede for

them, and secure them from what punishment might be inflicted upon them

by the President and Bishop, and if they would come to me, I would

spend my best indeavours for the helping and furthering of them in the

way of Christianity.

And thus concluding without naming any person, I went downe out of the

pulpit, and caused the Idol to be brought after me, and sending for

an axe, and for two or three great pans of coales, I commanded him to

be hewen in very small peeces, and to be cast in the fire and burned

before all the people in the midst of the Church. The _Spaniards_ cried

out joyfully _Victor Victor_, and others repeated, _Gloria à nostro

Dios_, Glory to our God, the Idolaters held their peace and spake not

then a word. But afterwards they acted most spightfully against me, and

conspired day and night to get me at some advantage, and to kill me. I

writ to the President of _Guatemala_ informing him of what I had done;

and to the Bishop (as an Inquisitor to whom such cases of idolatry did

belong) to be informed from him of what course I should take with the

_Indians_ who were but in part yet discovered unto me, and those onely

by the relation of one _Indian_. From both I received great thanks for

my paines in searching the mountaine, and finding out the Idol, and

for my zeal in burning of it. And as touching the _Indian_ Idolaters

their counsell unto me was, that I should further enquire after the

rest and discover as many as I could, and indeavour to convert them

to the knowledge of the true God by faire and sweet meanes, shewing

pity unto them for their great blindnesse, and promising them upon

their repentance pardon from the Inquisition, which considering them

to be but new plants useth not such rigour with them, which it useth

with _Spaniards_ if they fall into such horrible sins. This advise

I followed, and sent privately for the _Fuentes_ to my chamber, and

told them how mercifull the Inquisition was unto them, expecting their

conversion and amendment. They seemed somewhat stubborne and angry for

that I had burned that God, whom not only they, but many others in the

Towne, and also in the Towne of Saint _John Sacatepeques_ did worship.

I used reasons to perswade them no honour was due unto it, as to a God.

But one of them boldly replyed, that they knew that it was a peece

of wood and of it selfe could not speake, but seeing it had spoken

(as they were all witnesses) this was a miracle whereby they ought to

be guided, and they did verily beleeve that God was in that piece of

wood, which since the speech made by it was more then ordinary wood,

having God himselfe in it, and therefore deserved more offerings and

adoration then those Saints in the Church, who did never speake unto

the people. I told them that the Devill rather had framed that speech

(if any they had heard) for to deceive their souls and lead them to

hell; which they might easily perceive from the Doctrin which I was

informed he had preached against Christ the only begotten son of God,

whom the Father loveth and in whom he is well pleased, and against whom

he certainly would not speake in that idol. Another answered boldly,

our forefathers never knew what Christ was, until the _Spaniards_

came unto that Countrey, but they knew there were Gods, & did worship

them, and did sacrifice unto them; and for ought they knew this God of

theirs belonged in old times unto their forefathers. Why then, said

I unto them, he was a weake God who by my hands hath been burned? I

perceived that at that time there was no reasoning with them, for they

were stubborn and captious, and so I dismissed them. Had not God most

graciously protected me against these my enemies, I had certainly been

murthered by them; for a moneth after the burning of the idol, when I

thought all had been forgotten, and that the Idolaters were quiet, then

they began to act their spight and malice, which first I discovered

by a noise which once at midnight I heard of people about my house,

and at my chamber doore; to whom I called out from my bed not daring

to open, but could have no answer from them, I perceived they would

have come in by force, for they pushed hard at the doore. Whereupon I

tooke suddainly the sheets from off my bed, tying them with a strong

knot together, and with another to a bar of the window, making my selfe

ready to fall down by them to the ground, and so to flie in the dark

night, if they had used violence to come in. The sheets being thus

prepared, and they still at the doore thrusting without any word from

them, I thought by calling and crying out aloud I might affright them

away. Wherefore with a shrill voice I called first to my servants, who

were but boyes, and lay at the further end of a long gallery, then I

cryed out to the neighbouring houses to come and assist me against

theeves. The servants had heard the noise and were awake, who presently

at my call came out; and with their coming my enemies ran down the

staires, and were heard no more that night. But I perceiving which way

their spight and malice was bent, thought fit to be no more alone in

the night, with boyes only in so great a house as was that of _Mixco_;

whereupon the next day I sent for my trusty friend _Miguel Dalva_ who

was able to fight alone with any halfe dozen of _Indians_, wishing him

to bring with him what weapons he could get for my defence. I kept

him with me a fortnight; and the next Sabbath I gave warning in the

Church, that whosoever came in the night to my house to affright me,

or to doe me any other mischiefe should looke to him selfe, for that I

had weapons both offensive and defensive. Though for a while I heard

no more of them, yet they desisted not altogether from their evill and

malicious intents; for, knowing that _Miguel Dalva_ did not lie in the

same chamber with me, a fortnight after (I being till about midnight

with my candle studying) they came up the staires so softly that I

heard them not; but the _Black-more_ being awake it seems perceived

that they were coming up, and softly arose up from a long table where

he lay upon a Mat, and tooke in his hand a couple of brick-bats of

many which lay under the table for a worke which I had in hand, and as

he opened the dore made a little noise, which was to them an item to

flie down the staires, and to run (as they thought) for their lives.

The _Black-more_ did also run after them, and finding they had got too

much advantage of him, and not knowing which way they might take, sent

after them with a fury his two brick-bats, wherewith he supposed he did

hit one of them, for the next day walking about the Towne he met with

one of the _Fuentes_ having a cap on his head, and he inquired of some

_Indians_ what he ailed, and he understood by them that his head was

broke, but how they knew not. They perceiving that I was thus guarded

by _Miguel Dalva_, desisted from that time from coming any more in

the night unto my house, but yet desisted not from their spight and

malice and from acting mischiefe against me. For a month after when

I thought that all had been forgotten, and they seemed outwardly to

be kind and curteous, there came a messenger to me from the oldest of

them, named _Pablo de Fuentes_, to tel me that he was very sick, and

like to die, and desired me to goe to comfort and instruct him in the

truth, for that he truely desired to be converted. I conceived very

great joy at this newes, and doubted not of the truth and certainty

of it, and prayed to God to direct me in the conversion of that soul;

and so with haste and good zeal, I went unto his house, where soon

my joy and comfort was turned into bitternesse; for when I came to

the dore of his house, and was with one step entred, I found all the

brothers of _Pablo Fuentes_, and some others who were suspected to be

Idolaters, sitting round the room; and missing _Pablo_, I withdrew my

foot a little, and asked them where he was, mistrusting somewhat to

see them there all gathered together; but when I perceived that they

stood not up, nor answered me a word, nor so much as tooke off their

hats to me, then I began to fear indeed, and to suspect some treachery;

and so I turned back resolving to goe home again. But no sooner was I

turned, but behold _Pablo Fuentes_ (who by his message had feigned both

sicknesse and conversion) came from behind his house with a cudgell in

his hand, lifting it up to strike at me. Had I not catched hold of his

stick with both my hands, and prevented the intended blow, certainly he

had struck me down. But whilst he and I were striving for the stick who

should be Master of it, the rest of the _Indians_ who were sitting in

the house, came out into the yard (which being a publick place was more

comfort to me then if they had compassed me about within the house)

and beset me round, some pulling mee one way, some another, tearing

my clothes in two or three places, another to make me let goe my hand

from the stick with a knife run me into the hand (which to this day a

small scar doth witnesse) and certainly had we not been in a publike

yard, that party would also have run his knife into my sides; another

seeing I would not let goe the stick, tooke hold of it with _Pablo_

and both together thrust it against my mouth, and with such strength

that they broke some of my teeth, and filled my mouth with goar blood,

with which blow I fell, but soone recovered my selfe and arose, they

laughing at me, but not daring to doe me any more harme for feare they

should be seen, as God would have seen what already they had done;

for a Mulatta slave to a _Spaniard_ in the valley, at that very time

when I was down and rising passed by, and hearing me cry out for help

to the neighbours (who lived somewhat far off that might helpe and

succour me, for all the houses thereabouts were of the brothers the

_Fuentes_) came into the yard, and seeing me all in blood thought I

had been mortally wounded, and calling them murtherers ran along the

street crying murther, murther in _Pablo Fuentes_ his yard, till she

came to the Market place and Town-house, where she found the Maiors

and Jurats sitting, & a couple of _Spaniards_, who when they heard

of my danger, with drawn swords came presently running with all the

officers of Justice to the yard of _Pablo Fuentes_ to aid and assist

me; but in the mean while the Idolaters perceiving the outcry of the

Mulatta, began to fall away and to hide themselves; _Pablo Fuentes_

going to shut up his house also to absent himselfe, I held him hard to

it, striving with him that he might not escape away till some help came

unto me. The _Spaniards_ when they came and saw me all in a blood, made

furiously to _Pablo Fuentes_ with their naked swords, whom I stopped

desiring them not to hurt him, lest what harme they did unto him should

be imputed unto me. I wished the Justice not to feare him though he

were a rich _Indian_, and as they would answer before the President

of _Guatemala_ to lay hold of him, and to carry him to prison, which

they presently performed. I made the _Spaniards_ and the Mulatta to

witnesse under writing by way of information what they had seen, what

blood about my clothes, what wound in my hand, what blow in my mouth

they had found, and sent with speed to the President of _Guatemala_

this their information. The businesse was soon noised about the valley,

whereupon most of the _Spaniards_ came to offer their help and aid

unto me; _Miguel Dalva_ also chancing to be neer at a _Spaniards_

house in the same valley came with the rest, who would have done that

night some mischief among the _Indians_ if I had not prevented them.

I desired them to depart and goe home to their houses, telling them

I feared nothing, and that _Miguel Dalva_ his company would be guard

enough unto me. But they would by no meanes yeeld unto this, saying

that night might prove more dangerous unto me then I imagined, and that

I needed a stronger guard then of one man alone, for they conceived

that the Idolaters knowing what already they had done, and fearing what

grievous punishment might be inflicted upon them from the President of

_Guatemala_, seeing themselves lost and undone men might desperately

that night rescue their brother out of prison, and attempt some

mischiefe against me, and so flie away. Which I could not be brought

to fear, or to beleeve any such thing of their cowardly spirits, nor

that they would flie away for that they had houses and land there in

and about the Towne, yet I was willing for one night to yeeld to have

a stronger guard of _Spaniards_ then at other times I had had with the

Blackmore _Miguel Dalva_ alone. After supper they kept watch about my

house till such time as they perceived all was still, and the _Indians_

a bed, and then they set a watch about the prison that _Pablo Fuentes_

might not be taken out. And after this (pretending that they were in

danger as wel as I being but about a dozen, if the Towne should all

rise and mutiny by the suggestion of the Idolaters, who most of them

were rich and powerfull with the rest, which yet I feared not) they

would needs goe and raise up the two Alcaldes or Maiors alone, with

two more petty officers to make search about the Town for the rest of

the _Fuentes_ and other known Idolaters, that being found they might

secure them in the prison to appear at _Guatemala_, and prevented from

doing any mischief either that night, or at any other time. With this

stir which they made, and their care of mee, they suffered me not to

take any rest that night; but went and called up the Alcaldes and

two officers and brought them to my house, desiring me to signifie

unto them, how fit and necessary it was to search for the rest of the

_Indians_. The poore Alcaldes trembled to see so many _Spaniards_ at

that time in my house with naked swords, and durst not but doe what

they thought best to be done, and so from my house about midnight they

walked about the Towne, searching such houses as they most suspected

might conceale any of the _Fuentes_, or of the rest that had been that

day in the rebellion and mutiny against mee. They could find none at

home, till at last comming to the house of one _Lorenzo Fuentes_, one

of the brothers, they found all that had been in the conspiracy against

mee, gathered together drinking and quaffing. The house being beset

there was no flying nor escaping, and seeing the _Spaniards_ naked

swords, they durst not rebell, who doubtlesse (as wee were afterwards

informed) would have made a great stirre in the Town that night, and

were met together to rescue _Pablo_ their brother, and to doe mee

some mischief and flye, not knowing that I was so strongly manned and

guarded by the _Spaniards_. There were ten of them, and were presently

without any noise in the Town carryed to the Prison, and there shut up,

and guarded by the _Spaniards_.

In the morning the President of _Guatemala_ (who then was _Don Juan de

Guzman_, a Religious Governour) taking into his consideration what the

day before I had writ unto him, and judging my danger to bee great,

sent a _Spanish_ Alguazile, or Officer of Justice with a very large

Commission to bring Prisoners to the City all those _Indians_ who the

day before had been in rebellion against mee, and in case they could

not bee found, then to seize upon what goods soever of theirs could be

found in _Mixco_. But with the diligence of the _Spaniards_ the night

before they were all in a readinesse for him, and paying the Alguazile

first his charges (which hee demanded as hee listed) and bearing the

charges of _Miguel Dalva_, and two or three more _Spaniards_, who were

commanded in the Kings Name to bee aiding and assisting the Officer

for the safer carrying them to _Guatemala_, they were horsed and had

away that day to the President, who committed them close Prisoners, and

afterwards commanded them to be whipped about the streets, banished two

of them from _Mixco_ to the Golf of St. _Thomas de Castilia_, and would

have banished them all, had they not humbled themselves, and desired

mee to intercede for them, promising to amend their lives, and to make

mee great satisfaction, if they might return again to their Town, and

that if ever more they did stirre against mee, they would yeeld to be

hanged and to lose al their goods. With this the President (fining them

yet to pay twenty Crowns a peece to the Church to be imployed in what

I should think fittest) sent them back; who, as they had promised,

came unto mee, and humbled themselves before mee with much weeping,

with many expressions, shewing their sorrow from their hearts for what

they had done, casting all upon the Devill, whom they confessed had

been great with them in tempting them, whom also now they did abjure

and renounce, promising to live as good Christians, and never more to

worship any God but one. I was very much taken with their deepe sorrow

expressed with many tears, and indeavoured to instruct them in the

true knowledge of Christ, whom now I found they were very willing to

imbrace. I lived not very long after in that Towne; but for the time

I did continue in it, I found a great change and alteration in their

lives, which truly made mee apt to judge that their repentance was

unfained. And these former particulars of a few _Indians_ of those two

Towns, I have not here inserted to bring an aspersion upon all that

Nation, (which I doe very much affect, and would willingly spend the

best drops of blood in my veines to doe them good, and to save their

soules) but to cause rather pity and commiseration towards them, who

after so many yeers preaching have been made as yet but formall and

outward Christians, and by the many Saints of wood, which they have

been taught to worship by the Preists, have rather been inclined to the

superstition and Idolatry of their Forefathers, and to trust to living

Creatures, and bow to inanimate stocks and stones, which they daily see

performed publickly in their Churches. Certainly they are of a good

and flexible nature, and (were those Idols of Saints statues removed

from their eyes) might bee brought easily to worship one onely God;

and whereas they so willingly lavish out their small meanes and what

they labour for, in offerings to the Preists and to their Saints, and

in maintaining Lazy singing Lubbars, they without doubt would bee free

enough to true Ministers of Gods Word, who should venture their lives

to beat down those false Gods, and set up Jesus Christ, and him that

sent him into the World to save such as truly beleeve in him.

The yeere that this stirre happened in _Mixco_, I received from _Rome_

from the Generall of the Dominicans Order, License to come home to

_England_; at which I rejoyced much, for now I was even weary with

living among the _Indians_, & grieved to see the little fruit I reaped

amongst them, and that for feare of the Inquisition I durst not preach

a new Gospell unto them, which might make them true, reall, and inward

Christians; and lastly, for that I perceived that _Antonio Mendez de

Satomayor_ (who was Lord of the Towne of _Mixco_) did stomack me for

having caused two of his Towne to bee banished, and publikely affronted

the _Fuentes_ for their Idolatry, which hee thought was a great

aspersion laid upon his _Indians_.

All which well considered I writ unto the Provinciall (who was then

in _Chiapa_) of my desire to returne home to mine owne Countrey, for

the which I had a licence sent unto me from _Rome_. But he having

heard of what good I had done in the Town of _Mixco_, in reducing

some Idolaters, burning their idol, and venturing my life in so good

a cause; and also for the perfect knowledge which now I had of the

_Poconchi_ tongue, would by no meanes yeeld that I should go; but with

fair and flattering words incouraged me to stay, where he doubted not,

but I did, and I might yet doe God much more good service; and that he

might the better worke upon me, he sent me a Patent of Vicar of the

Towne and Cloister of _Amatitlan_, where at the present there was a

new Cloister a building to separate all that valley from the Cloister

of _Guatemala_. He desired me to accept of that small preferment,

not doubting but that I speaking so well the _Indian_ language might

prevaile much in that place, and better then another, to further the

building of that new Cloister; which worke would be a good step for

him to advance me afterwards to some better preferment. Although I

regarded neither that present Superiority, nor any better honour which

might afterwards ensue unto me, I thought the time which God had

appointed for my returning to _England_ was not yet come; for that

if the Provinciall, and with him the President of _Guatemala_ (for

so much I conjectured out of the Provincialls letter) should both

oppose and hinder my departure from that Countrey, it would be very

hard for me to take my journey any way, and not be discovered and

brought back. Whereupon I resolved to stay the Provincialls coming to

_Guatemala_, and there to confer with him face to face, and to shew

him some reasons that moved me to leave that Countrey, and to seek

againe mine owne wherein I was borne. So for the present I accepted of

the Towne of _Amatitlan_, where I had more occasions of getting mony

than in the other two, where I had lived five full yeers; for albeit

that Towne alone was bigger then both _Mixco_ and _Pinola_ together,

and the Church fuller of Saints pictures and statues, and very many

Confraternities and Sodalities belonged unto it; besides this from

without the Towne I had great comings in from the Ingenio of Sugar,

which I related before stood close unto that Towne, from whence I had

dayly offerings from the _Black-mores_ and _Spaniards_ that lived

in it; and besides this I had under my charge another lesser Towne

called St. _Christoval de Amatitlan_, standing two leagues from great

_Amatitlan_. This Town of St. _Christoval_, or _St. Christopher_, is

called properly in that language, _Palinha, ha,_ signifying water, and

_Pali_, to stand upright, and is compounded of two words which express

water standing upright; for the Towne standeth on the back side of

the Vulcan of water, which looketh over _Guatemala_, and on this side

sendeth forth many fountaines, but especially spouteth forth from a

high rock a stream of water, which as it falleth from high with a great

noise and down-fall, the rocke standing upright over the bottome where

it falleth, and causeth a most pleasant stream by the Townes side, it

hath moved the _Indians_ to call their Towne, _Palinha_, from the high

and upright standing rock, from whence the water falleth. In this Towne

there are many rich _Indians_, who trade in the coast of the South sea;

the Towne is as an harbour shadowed with many fruitfull trees; but the

chief fruit here is the Pinna, which groweth in every _Indians_ yard,

and with the neernesse of the Ingenio of Sugar, are by the _Spaniards_

thereabouts much made up in Preserves; some whole, some in slices,

which is the daintiest and most luscious Preserve that I ever did

eat in that Countrey. The _Indians_ of this Towne get much by boards

of Cedar, which they cut out of many Cedar-trees, which grow on that

side of the Vulcan, which they sell to _Guatemala_ and all about the

Countrey for new buildings.

Between great _Amatitlan_ and this Town the way is plain, and lieth

under a Vulcan of fire, which formerly was wont to smoak as much as

that of _Guatemala_, but having formerly burst out at the top, and

there opened a great mouth, & cast down to the bottome mighty stones

(which to this day are to be seen) it hath not since been any waies

troublesome unto the Countrey. In this way there was in my time a new

Trapiche of Sugar erecting up by one _John Baptista_ of _Guatemala_,

which was thought would prove very usefull, and profitable unto the

foresaid City. I had yet for the time that I lived in _Amatitlan_

another very little village at my charge, called _Pampichi_ at the

bottome of a high mountaine on the other side of the lake over against

it, which was but a Chappell of ease unto great _Amatitlan_, unto which

I went not above once in a quarter of a yeer, and that for pastime and

recreation; for this village is well in that language a compound also

of _Pam_, in, and _Pichi_, flowers, for that it standeth compassed

about with flowers, which make it very pleasant, and the boats or

Canoa's which doe constantly stand neer the doores of the houses,

invites to much pleasure of fishing and rowing about the lake.

And thus whilst I lived in _Amatitlan_ I had the choice of three places

wherein to recreate my selfe, and because the charge of many soules lay

in my hands, I had one constantly to helpe me. The Towne of _Amatitlan_

was as the Court in respect of the rest, where nothing was wanting that

might recreate the mind and satisfie the body with variety and change

of sustenance, both for fish and flesh. Yet the great care that did

lie upon me in the worke and building of the Cloister, made me very

soone weary of living in that great and pleasant Towne; for sometimes

I had thirty, sometimes twenty, sometimes fewer, and sometimes fourty

worke-men to looke unto, and to pay wages to on Saturday nights, which

I found wearied much my braine, and hindred my studies, and was besides

a worke which I delighted not in, nor had any hopes ever to enjoy it.

And therefore after the first yeer that I had been there I betooke

my selfe unto the Provinciall, who was in _Guatemala_, and againe

earnestly besought him to peruse the Licence which I had from _Rome_

to goe to _England_ mine owne Countrey for to preach there (for that

was the chiefe ground of letting me goe home, as the Generall largely

expressed) where I doubted not but I might doe God great service, and

in Conscience I told him I thought I was bound to employ what parts

God had bestowed upon me, rather upon my own Countreymen, then upon

_Indians_ and strangers. The Provinciall replyed unto me that my

Countrey men were Heretickes, and when I came amongst them they would

hang me up. I told him, I hoped better things of them, and that I would

not behave my selfe among them so as to deserve hanging, not daring

to tell him what was in my heart concerning points of Religion. After

a long discourse I found the Provinciall inexorable, and halfe angry,

telling me that he and that whole Province had cast their eyes upon

me, and honoured me, and were ready and willing to promote me further,

and that I would shew my selfe very ungratefull unto them, if I should

forsake them for my owne nation and people, whom I had not knowne from

my young and tender age. I perceived there was no more to be said, and

all would be in vaine, and so resolved to take my best opportunity, and

with my Licence from _Rome_ to come away unknowne unto him. But for the

present I humbly beseeched him to remove me from _Amatitlan_, for that

I found my selfe unable to undergoe that great charge, and too weake

for that strong worke, that was then building. With much adoe he would

be brought to this, alleadging what an honour it was to be a Founder

and builder of a new Cloister, in whose walls my very name would be

engraven to posterity; all which I told him I regarded not, but estemed

more of my health and a quiet mind, then of such preferments and

vanities. Upon which at last he condescended to my request, and gave

me order to goe to _Petapa_, and that the Vicar of _Petapa_ should goe

to finish the worke of _Amatitlan_. In _Petapa_ I lived above a twelve

moneth, with great ease, pleasure and content for all things worldly

and outward; but within I had still a worme of Conscience, gnawing this

gourd that shadowed and delighted me with worldly contentment. Here I

grew more and more troubled concerning some points of Religion, dayly

wishing with _David_, that I had the wings of a Dove, that I might flie

from that place of dayly Idolatry into _England_, and be at rest. I

resolved therefore to put on a good courage, and relie wholly upon my

God, knowing that the journey was hard and dangerous, and might bring

shame and trouble unto me, if I should be taken in the way flying and

brought back to _Guatemala_; here I weighed the affliction and reproach

which might ensue unto me, after so much honor, pleasure, and wealth

which I had enjoyed for about twelve yeers in that Countrey; but in

another balance of better consideration, I weighed the trouble of a

wounded Conscience, and the spirituall joy and comfort that I might

enjoy at home with the people of God, and so resolutely concluded upon

that place of _Heb._ 11. 25, 26, 27. with _Moses_, to choose rather to

suffer affliction with the people of God (who as _Paul_ well observeth,

I _Thes._ 3. 3. are appointed thereunto; and again _Phil._ 1. 29. unto

whom it is given in the behalfe of Christ, not onely to beleeve in him,

but also to suffer for his sake) then to enjoy the pleasures of sinne

for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches then the

treasures in _Egypt_. So for faith and a safe conscience I now purposed

likewise with _Moses_ to forsake _Egypt_, not fearing the wrath of the

President the Kings owne Deputy, nor of the Provinciall, and my best

friends; but to indure all this (if I should be taken) as seeing him

who is invisible. I thought this was a businesse not to be conferred

with flesh and blood, lest the best friend knowing of it should betray

me; yet on the other side, I thought it hard to flie alone without some

friend for the first two or three daies journey; and besides having

many things to sell away to make mony of, I thought I were better to

imploy some trusty friend, then to doe all alone. I thought of none

fitter then _Miguel Dalva_, whom by long experience I knew to be true

and trusty, and that a small mony matter would content him; whom I

sent for to _Pinola_, and charging him with secrecy, I told him I had

a journey for my conscience sake to make to _Rome_ (I would not tell

him that I intended _England_, lest the good old _Black-more_ should

grieve thinking never more to see me, and for the love he bare me, and

interest he had many times from me, he should by discovering my intent,

seek to stop me) which I would have none to know of but himselfe, not

doubting but to returne againe, as he knew many had taken the like

journey, and returned within two yeers.

The _Black-more_ offered himselfe to goe with me, which I refused,

telling him that the seas would be too hard for his old age to endure,

and that as a _Black-more_ in foraine Countries he might be stopped and

apprehended for a fugitive; which reason he liked well, and offered

himselfe to goe with mee as farre as the sea side; for which I thanked

him and employed to sell me away some Mules, Wheat, and Maiz which I

had, and what else might well passe through his hands. As for many rich

pictures which hung in my chamber, I thought the Towne of _Petapa_

would buy them for their Church, and propounded it unto the Governour,

who willingly accepted of them. Most of my bookes, chests, cabinets,

quilts, and many good peices of houshold-stuffe, by the paines and

industry of _Miguel_ (whom I kept with me for the space of two moneths

before I came away) I sold to _Guatemala_, reserving onely two Peraca's

or leatherne chests, with some bookes and a quilt for my journey. When

I had sold all that I intended, I found I had in _Spanish_ mony neer

nine thousand peeces of eight, which I had got in twelve yeers that I

lived in that Country. So much mony I thought would be too combersome

for a long journey; whereupon I turned above four thousand of them into

pearles and some pretious stones, which might make my carriage the

lighter; the rest I laid up some in bags, some I sowed into my quilt,

intending in the way to turne them into _Spanish_ Pistols. Thus the

chiefe provision being made of mony, I tooke care for Chocolatte and

some Conserves for the way, which were soon provided. Now because I

considered that my flight the first week must be with speed, and that

my chests could not post day and night as my selfe intended to doe; I

thought of sending my carriage four dayes at least before me; and not

daring to trust any _Indian_ of _Petapa_, I sent to _Mixco_ for one

speciall _Indian_ friend whom I had there, who knew the way that I was

to travaile very well; to whom I opened my mind, and offered what mony

I knew would well content him, and at midnight sent him away with two

Mules, one for himselfe, and another for my chests, wishing him to keep

on travelling towards _St. Miguel_, or _Nicaragua_ till I overtooke

him. I gave him the advantage of four daies and nights, and then

resolutely with my good _Blackmore_ in my company leaving the key of my

chamber in my doore, and nothing but old papers within, when all the

_Indians_ where fast sleep, I bad adieu unto _Petapa_, and to the whole

valley, and to all my friends throughout _America_.

CHAP. XXI.

_Shewing my journey from the Towne of_ Petapa, _into_ England; _and

some chiefe passages in the way._

The chiefe thing which troubled me in my resolved purpose to come

home, was the choice of the safest way; which made me utterly forsake

the Gulfe (though the easiest way of all, and that sea neerest to the

place where I lived) for that I knew I should meet there with many of

my acquaintance, and the setting out of the ships was so uncertain,

that before they departed, order might come from _Guatemala_ to stop

me; if I should go by land through _Comayagua_ to _Truxillo_, and there

wait for the ships, likewise I feared lest the Governour of that place

by some item from the President of _Guatemala_ might examine me, and

send me backe, and that the Masters of the ships might have charge

given them not to receive me into their ships. If I should goe backe to

_Mexico_ and _Vera Cruz_, then I called to mind, how I was troubled in

that long journey, when I came first to _Chiapa_ in company of friends,

and that now alone I should certainly be much put to it, for I would

not carry _Miguel Dalva_ so far by land with me. Wherefore rejecting

these three wayes, I chose the fourth, which was by _Nicaragua_ and

the Lake of _Granada_; and therefore I deferred my journey till the

week after _Christmas_, knowing that the time of the frigats setting

out from that lake to the _Havana_ was commonly after the middle of

_January_, or at _Candlemas_ at the furthest, whither I hoped to reach

in very good time. Now that I might by no means be suspected to have

taken this way; before I went I left by the hand of _Miguel Dalva_

a letter to a friend of his to be delivered to the Provinciall in

_Guatemala_, foure dayes after my departure, wherein I kindly tooke my

leave of him, desiring him not to blame me nor to seeke after me; and

whereas I had a sufficient Licence from _Rome_, and could not get his,

that I thought I might with a safe Conscience goe where I was born,

leaving Linguists enough to supply my place amongst the _Indians_.

And because he should not make enquiry after me by _Nicaragua_, I

dated and subscribed my letter to him from the Towne of _St. Antonio

Suchutepeques_, which was the way to _Mexico_ and quite contrary to

_Nicaragua_.

The next day after _Twelfth_ day, being the seventh of _January_, 1637.

at midnight I set out of _Petapa_ upon a lusty Mule (which afterwards

in the way I sold for fourscore peeces of eight) with _Miguel Dalva_

alone; and the first part of the way being very hilly we could not

goe so fast as our hearts would have posted; for it was breake of

day before we could get to the top of the mountaine, which is called

_Serro Redondo_, or the round hill; which is much mentioned in that

Countrey, for the good pasture there which serveth for the Cattell

and Sheep, when the valleys below are burnt and no grasing left for

Beasts. This hill is also a great refuge to Travellers, for there

they find good entertainment in a _Venta_, where wine and provision

is sold, and is a great Lodge, for to lay up dry what carriages they

bring; there is besides one of the best Estancia's or farmes of Cattell

in the Countrey, where of Goats and Ewes milke is made the best

cheese thereabouts. This round hill or mountaine is five leagues from

_Petapa_, where I feared I might meet with some people of _Petapa_,

and therefore the day now dawning I made haste by it, leaving in the

lodge asleep many _Indians_, who attended on two _Spanish_ Requa's

of Mules, which that day were to goe to _Petapa_; foure leagues

further from this _Serro Redondo_ is a Towne of _Indians_ called _Los

Esclavos_, or the Slaves, not that now they are more slaves then the

rest of the _Indians_, but because in the old time of _Montezuma_ the

Emperour, and the _Indian_ Kings that were under him, the people of

this Towne were more slaves then any other, for from _Amatitlan_ (which

is so called from _Amat_, which in the _Mexican_ tongue signifieth

Letter, and _Itlan_ which signifieth Towne, for that it was the Towne

of Letters as some say, for a rine of a tree, whereon they were wont

formerly to write and expresse their minds, or because it was the

place whither from all parts letters were sent to be carried about the

Countrey, and to _Peru_) these _Indians_ of the Towne of _Esclavo's_

or slaves, were commanded as slaves to goe all about the Countrey with

letters, or whatsoever else they should be charged with; and they were

bound constantly to send every week so many of their Towne (as were

appointed) unto _Amatitlan_, there to wait and attend the pleasure of

that Towne for the conveying of letters, or any carriages to other

parts.

This Towne of _los Esclavos_ standeth in a bottome by a river, over the

which the _Spaniards_ have built a very strong stone Bridge to goe in

and out of the Town, for otherwise with mules there is no passing by

reason of the violent and rapid streame of the water, and many rocks

in the River, from which the water falleth down with great force. From

this Town (where wee onely stayed to drink a cup of Chocolatte and to

bait our mules) wee went on that day to _Aguachapa_, being ten leagues

further, and not farre from the South Sea, and the port called _De la

Trinidad_; whither wee came towards Evening, having that day and part

of the night travelled about threescore _English_ miles up hils, and

upon stony wayes from the _Esclavo's_ unto this Town; which is much

mentioned in that Country for two things. The one is for the earthen

ware which is made there (as some think) exceeding that of _Mixco_.

The other is for a place within a mile and a halfe from the Town,

which the _Spaniards_ doe credibly report and beleeve to be a mouth

of hell. For out of it there is constantly ascending a thick black

smoak smelling of Brimstone, with some flashes now and then of fire;

the earth from whence this smoak ariseth is not high, but low. None

ever durst draw nigh to find out the truth and ground of it; for those

that have attempted to doe it, have been stricken down to the ground

and like to lose their lives. A friend of mine a Fryer (whom I thought

verily I might beleeve) upon his oath affirmed unto me, that travelling

that way with a Provinciall hee resolved to goe unto the place, and

satisfie himselfe of the ground and cause of the strange talke which

was every where about the Country concerning that smoke. He went within

a quarter of a mile of it, and presently, hee said, he heard a hideous

noise, which together with the stench of the fiery smoke and brimstone,

struck him into such a fear that he was like to fall to the ground, and

retiring himself back with all speed was taken with a burning Feaver,

which was like to cost him his life. Others report that drawing neer

unto it, they have heard great cries as it were of men and women in

torment, noise of iron, of chaines, and the like, which (how simply I

leave it to my Judicious Reader) maketh them beleeve that it is a mouth

of hell. Of my knowledge I will say no more, but that I saw the smoke,

and asked the _Indians_ what was the cause of it; and if ever they had

been neer unto it? And they answered mee, that they could not imagine

what might bee the cause of it, neither durst they draw nigh unto it;

and that they had seen Travellers, attempting to goe neere it, and that

they were all stricken either to the ground, or with some suddaine

amazement, or Feaver. I told them that I would walke thither my self,

and they desired mee that I would not, if I loved my life. It was not

yet for all this report the feare of being so neer the _Spaniards_ hell

(as they call it) that made me haste with speed out of that Town, but

fear of some messenger that might come after mee to stop my journy.

For at midnight I departed from thence, and went to breake my fast to

a great Town called _Chalchuapan_, where the _Indians_ made very much

of mee, being _Pocomanes_, who spake the _Poconchi_ or _Pocoman_ tongue

which I had learned. They would willingly have had me to stay with them

and preach unto them the next Sabbath, which I would have done, had not

a better designe called upon mee to make haste.