Father Fray Juan Cobo, his virtues and death
[Father Fray Juan Cobo was born in Consuegra, in the kingdom of
Toledo, and took the habit of the order and made his profession in
the convent of the town of Ocana. After studying in that of Avila,
he entered the college of Sancto Thomas at Alcala. He distinguished
himself in his studies, and, after he had read the arts, he became
master in the royal convent of Sancto Thomas at Avila. His remarkable
abilities were early recognized, and exhibited themselves wherever
he went. Taking upon himself the lowliest duties, he desired to
be steward on the ship--a most disagreeable position, because of
the intolerable heat in the lower part of the ship, and because the
provisions frequently spoil as a result of that heat. He was a tall,
handsome man, of red and white complexion, and very active. His
conversation was agreeable, and his mind keen and quick. He was well
acquainted not only with the liberal arts, but with many mechanical
occupations. His knowledge of the Chinese language has already been
mentioned. He was the first man to preach publicly to the Chinese,
and his sermon attracted the governor and nearly all the good people
of the city; they were greatly astonished, as were also the Chinese,
who would never have believed that any one of another nation could
advance so far in the command of their language. It was to this father
that principally was due the establishment of the hospital for the
Chinese, where so many souls were saved, and in which the Lord often
worked miracles by multiplying the rice which Father Juan kept as
food for the sick persons. He knew three thousand Chinese characters,
each different from all the rest, for the Chinese have no alphabetical
letters. He translated a number of Chinese books; for, like those of
Seneca, they contain many profound sayings, though they are the work
of heathens. He taught astrology to some of the Chinese, whom he found
capable of learning; and also taught them trades that are necessary
among the Spaniards but are not employed among the Chinese--such as
painting images, binding books, cutting and sewing clothes, and such
things--doing all things to win all men to God. At this time there
came to Manila a letter from the emperor of Japon, Taicosama, in which
he asked the governor of Manila and the Spaniards of these islands
to send him tribute every year and an acknowledgment of vassalage,
that he might not come and destroy them with a mighty fleet, which
he had already prepared for this purpose. This caused much alarm
in the city, because the emperor of Japon was very powerful, and of
warlike disposition; and as a result of his victories he had become
very proud and vain. The city of Manila had no defenses, no walls,
no protections against so strong an enemy; and the Spaniards in it,
being very few in number, were called on to die rather than accept
that which he asked of them so much to their dishonor. It seemed to
all necessary to send a special embassy to Japan with an answer. Father
Fray Juan Cobo was chosen by the governor as the most suitable person
to represent Espana who could be found in the island, both because
of his natural gifts and because of his acquirements. He acquitted
himself marvelously well in this occupation, greatly amazing and
pleasing the emperor of Japon. The emperor went so far as to permit
the churches of the Society of Jesus to be rebuilt, and to allow the
fathers publicly to prosecute the conversion of the Japanese. The
emperor requested father Fray Juan to remain in his kingdom; but
he declined, as having no order to do so. At his return, they set
sail in a tempestuous season, which cost them very dear, because
the vessel in which father Fray Juan was carried was cast on shore
in a country of barbarous Indians, namely, that which is known as the
island of Hermosa. Escaping to the shore to avoid the furious sea, they
fell into the hands of those ferocious people, who killed them all,
to a man. After the death of father Fray Juan, father Fray Pedro de
Soto had a vision of the father, who was in purgatory, being purified
for the sin of having hastened his departure too greatly. Afterward,
father Fray Luis Gandullo had a vision of him in paradise.]