Note 6 — THE COUNCIL OF 1771

As here used, institutis means literally “their proceedings,” or “devices,” or “schemes;” and comprecationes, “their prayer-meetings,” and the like—which have been rendered by the words which seem to convey the meaning intended. The friars (the “Padres,” as the Indians called them) established many sorts of sodalities, brotherhoods, fraternities, etc., to keep their natives straight; they also furnished all sorts of attractions in the church—music, chants, prayers, etc.—to keep them engaged during divine service. In this way the padres kept the natives fairly Christian.—Rev. T. C. Middleton, O. S. A. ↑