The greatest difficulty for the Sangleys who sought baptism has been
the command to cut off their hair. It is certain that on this account
many have failed to become Christians, whereat I have been exceedingly
grieved. Not that I have not always wished, and still desire, that
all of that nation might be converted, and I have exerted myself to
that end with all my strength; but when I see one of them hesitate
as to cutting off his hair, it seems to me that he has not come for
baptism in the right spirit, and for that reason I do not admit him
to baptism. Those, however, in whose hearts God has moved, and who
truly understand what they are receiving (and there are many such),
are not disturbed because their hair is cut, or because they are
forever abandoning their native land. On the contrary, these persons
have broken all ties, and submitted to every requirement, that they
might not remain without baptism. It is true that we have baptized
some of that nation without requiring them to cut off their hair,
through our reasonable consideration toward them; but we have never
consented that anyone of them should be baptized until he had made up
his mind to allow his hair to be cut: and then he did not know that we
intended to baptize him without removing his hair. From the above it
may be inferred that the payment of little, or much, or none of the
tribute is not in itself a reason for the infidels to avoid baptism;
they do so because we oppose so many obstacles to the preaching of
the gospel, and set so bad an example, and because it is so preached
that they do not understand it.

[Salazar protests against the notion entertained by the encomenderos
that "all their festivities and superfluous expenses should be at the
expense of the wretched Indians, when they themselves do not fulfil
their obligations toward the latter." Other persons can support
themselves without an encomienda; so those who possess such aid can