Chapter XXXIIIFather 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 Ocaña. 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 lowliestduties, 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 España 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.]
Chapter XXXIIIFather 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 Ocaña. 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 lowliestduties, 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 España 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.]
Chapter XXXIIIFather 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 Ocaña. 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 lowliestduties, 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 España 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.]
Chapter XXXIIIFather 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 Ocaña. 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 lowliestduties, 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 España 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.]
Chapter XXXIIIFather 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 Ocaña. 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 lowliestduties, 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 España 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.]
Chapter XXXIIIFather 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 Ocaña. 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 lowliestduties, 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 España 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.]
[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 Ocaña. 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 lowliestduties, 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 España 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.]