_ 72 _ 2. Reverend Father, for over a year, in obedience to Holy Orders, I have been in this city where there is little Christianity because their sect is so large and sensual, and it is very difficult to reach them. I wish that God in His mercy would open their minds, that they might recognize their error. Your Reverence, please help with your prayers and holy offices, for I can say that if any city in the world needs help, it is this. To see a land of such noble and wise people so blind and ignorant of God’s work makes one weep. Besides, only a few here have become Christians, and they will not adhere to their faith without great help. It i s a very rich and prosperous land, such as I think has no rival. It is the hottest in the world, so hot that I call i t Purgatory, but when it comes to God’s work i t is bitterly cold. There are many things worth knowing about this place, but for the sake of brevity shall not write them. 3. I heard from India a few days ago, in a letter from the Father Provincial,(A) that everyone is well, praise the Lord, and that the Christian converts are persevering and that they hope to convert more; for when t h e Brahmins from t h e towns and countryside are approached by Christians, (A) Father Antonio de Quadros, who sent news from the Province of India to each mission at set times. The letter is lost (cf. doc 30d).
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