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scourges and 
disciplines of various 
kinds


of barbed links. At present scourges of small hard ropes of maguey fiber are used.

And I was credibly informed that by listening as the churches of the Ejercicios are passed in lent the swish of these scourges can be plainly heard through the open windows. Pieces of leather in the form of bands are [[strikethrough]] also need [[/strikethrough]] covered with a chain of iron wire netting with a barb projecting inwardly from each link or corner of the mesh. These are worn on the arms, wrists, legs, or as waist belts, & drawn tight so that the slightest motion causes the barbs to irritate the flesh of the wearer. Others are worn around the feet inside the shoes & I have seen one in the shape of a cross to be worn on the breast.

woman flagellants 

I was told of cases of women taking up these penitential exercises so vigorously that the resulting mental & physical exhaustion caused their death and it frequently results in illness.

Servants are required to attend some of these exercises in many cases & it is at this time that every influence is brought to bear upon those who are