I Have undertaken to write the Life of a Saint, who has renew'd in the last Age, the greatest Wonders which were wrought in the In­fancy of the Church; and who was him­self a living proof of Christianity. There will be seen in the Actions of one single Man, a New World converted by the power of his Preaching, and by that of his Miracles: Idolatrous Kings with their Dominions, reduc'd under the Obedi­ence of the Gospel; the Faith flourishing in the very midst of Barbarism; and the [Page 2] Authority of the Roman Church, acknow­ledg'd by Nations the most remote, who were utterly unacquainted with Ancient Rome.

This Apostolical Man, His Birth. of whom I speak, is St. Francis Xavier, of the Society of Iesus, and one of the first Disciples of St. Ignatius Loyola. He was of Navarre, and according to the Testimony of Cardi­nal Antonio Zapata, who examin'd his No­bility from undoubted Records, he de­riv'd his Pedigree from the Kings of Na­varre.

His Father was Don Iuan de Iasso, a Lord of great merit, well conversant in the management of Affairs, and who held one of the first places in the Council of State, under the Reign of King Iohn the Third.

The name of his Mother was Mary Azpilcueta Xavier, Heiress to two of the most Illustrious Families in that King­dom, for the chief of her House, Don Martin Azpilcueta, less famous by the great Actions of his Ancestors, than by his own Vertue, married Iuana Xavier, the only Daughter and remaining hope of her Family. He had by her, no other Child, but this Mary of whom we spoke, one of the most accomplish'd persons of her time.

[Page 3] This Virgin equally beautiful and pru­dent, being married to Don Iasso, became the Mother of many Children; the youngest of whom was Francis, the same whose Life I write. He was born in the Castle of Xavier, on the seventh of April, in the year 1506. That Castle scituate at the foot of the Pyrenean Mountains, se­ven or eight Leagues distant from Pam­peluna, had appertain'd to his Mother's House for about two hundred and fifty years. His Progenitors on her side ha­ving obtain'd it in gift from King Thibald, the first of that name, in recompence of those signal services which they had per­form'd for the Crown. 'Tis from thence they took the name of Xavier, in lieu of Asnarez, which was the former name of their Family.

This Surname was conferr'd on Fran­cis, as also on some of the rest of his Bro­thers, lest so glorious a name, now re­maining in one onely Woman, shou'd be totally extinguish'd with her.

That Providence which had selected Francis for the Conversion of such mul­titudes of People, His natural Endowments, and first Stu­dies. indued him with all the Natural Qualities which are requisite to the Function of an Apostle. He was of a strong habit of Body, his Com­plection lively and vigorous, his Genius [Page 4] sublime, and capable of the greatest de­signs, his Heart fearless, agreeable in his Behaviour, but above all, he was of a gay, complying, and winning Humour: This notwithstanding, he had a most ex­treme aversion for all manner of immo­desty, and a vast inclination for his Stu­dies.

His Parents, who liv'd a most Christi­an Life, inspir'd him with the fear of God from his Infancy, and took a parti­cular care of his Education. He was no sooner arriv'd to an age capable of In­struction, than instead of embracing the Profession of Arms, after the example of his Brothers, he turn'd himself, of his own motion, on the side of Learning; and, as he had a quick Conception, a hap­py Memory, and a penetrating Mind, he advanc'd wonderfully in few years.

Having gain'd a sufficient knowledge in the Latin Tongue, and discover'd a great propensity to Learning, he was sent to the University of Paris, the most cele­brated of all Europe, and to which the Gentlemen of Spain, Italy and Germany resorted for their Studies.

He came to Paris in the eighteenth year of his age, and [...]ell immediately on the study of Philosophy. 'Tis scarcely credible with how much ardour he sur­mounted [Page 5] the first difficulties of Logick. Whatsoever his Inclinations were towards a knowledge so crabbed and so subtle, he tugg'd at it with incessant pains, to be at the head of all his fellow Students; and perhaps never any Scholar besides himself cou'd join together so much ease and so much labour.

Xavier minded nothing more, His Father purposes to re­call him from his Studies, and is diverted from that Re­solution. than how to become an excellent Philosopher, when his Father, who had a numerous Family of Children, and who was one of those Men of Quality, whose Fortunes are not equal to their Birth, was think­ing to remove him from his Studies, af­ter having allow'd him a competent main­tenance for a year or two. He communi­cated these his thoughts to Magdalen Iasso his Daughter, Abbess of the Convent of St. Clare de Gandia, famous for the au­sterity of its Rule, and establish'd by some holy Frenchwomen of that Order, whom the calamities of War had forc'd to forsake their Native Country, and to seek a Sanctuary in the Kingdom of Va­lencia.

Magdalen, in her younger days, had been Maid of Honour, and Favourite to the Catholick Queen Isabella. The love of Solitude, and of the Cross had caus'd her to forsake the Court of Arragon, and [Page 6] quit for ever, the pleasures of this World. Having chosen the most reform'd Mona­stery of Spain for the place of her retreat, she apply'd her self with fervour to the exercises of Penitence and Prayer; and became even from her noviciate, a per­fect pattern of Religious Perfection.

During the course of her life, she had great Communications with God; and one day, he gave her to understand, that she shou'd dye a sweet and easie death: But on the contrary, one of her Nuns was preordain'd to dye in strange torments. The intention of God was not thereby to reveal to the Abbess, what was really to happen, but rather to give her an opportunity of exercising an he­roick act of Charity. She comprehend­ed what her Heavenly Father exacted from her, and petition'd him for an ex­change.

God granted to her what himself had inspir'd her to demand; and was pleas'd to assure her by a new Revelation, that he had heard her Prayers. She made known to her Ghostly Father, what had pass'd betwixt God and her, and time verify'd it. For the Sister above mention'd, dy'd without sickness, and appear'd in dying to have had a foretaste of the Joys to come. On the other side, the Abbess [Page 7] was struck with a terrible disease, which took all her Body, as it were in pieces, and made her suffer intolerable pains; yet even those pains were less cruel to her, than those inward torments which God at the same time inflicted on her. She endur'd all this with wonderful Pa­tience and Resignation, being well assur'd, that in the whole series of these Dispensa­tions there was somewhat of Divine.

For what remains concerning her, from the first years of her entry into a Religi­ous Life, the gift of Prophecy shone so visibly in her, that none doubted but that she was full of the Spirit of God; and 'tis also probable, that she left a Le­gacy of her Prophetick Gifts to her Spi­ritual Daughters. For, after her decease the Nuns of Gandia foretold many things, which afterward the event confirm'd. As, amongst others, the unhappy success of the Expedition to Algier; of which the Duke of Borgia Viceroy of Catalonia, gave the Advertisement from them to Charles the Fifth, when he was making his Preparations for that Enterprise.

It was six years before the death of Magdalen, that Don Iasso her Father writ to her concerning Xavier. After she had receiv'd the Letter, she was illumi­nated from above, and according to the [Page 8] dictates of that Divine Light, she an­swer'd Don Iasso, That he shou'd beware of recalling her Brother Francis, what­soever it might cost him for his Enter­tainment in the University of Paris. That he was a chosen Vessel, preor­dain'd to be the Apostle of the Indies, and that one day he shou'd become a great Pillar of the Church.

These Letters have been preserv'd for a long time afterwards, and have been view'd by many persons, who have de­pos'd the truth judicially in the process of the Canonisation of the Saint.

Don Iasso receiv'd this Answer from his Daughter, as an Oracle from Heaven; and no longer thought of recalling his Son from his Studies.

Xavier, [...] thereupon, continued his Phi­losophy, and succeeded so well in it, that having maintain'd his Theses, at the end of his course, with a general applause, and afterwards taking his degree of Ma­ster in Arts, he was judg'd worthy to teach Philosophy himself. His Parts ap­pear'd more than ever in this new Em­ployment, and he acquir'd an high Repu­tation in his publick Lectures on Aristotle. The Praises, which universally were given him, were extreamly pleasing to his Vani­ty. He was not a little proud to have aug­mented [Page 9] the Glory of his Family by the way of Learning, while his Brothers were continually adorning it by that of Arms; and he flatter'd himself, that the way which he had taken, wou'd lead him onward to somewhat of greater consequence.

But God Almighty had far other thoughts than those of Xavier, and it was not for these fading Honours that the Divine Providence had conducted him to Paris.

At the same time, when this young Master of Philosophy began his course, Ignatius Loyola, who had renounc'd the World, and cast the model of a learned Society, wholly devoted to the Salvation of Souls, came into France to finish his Studies, which the obstacles he found in Spain, after his Conversion, had con­strain'd him to interrupt.

He had not continued long in the Uni­versity of Paris, before he heard talk of Xavier, and grew acquainted with him. Our new Professour, who taught at the Colledge of Beauvois, though he dwelt in the Colledge of St. Barbe, with Peter le Fevre a Savoyard, was judg'd by Igna­tius to be very proper for the preaching of the Gospel, as well as his Companion. To gain the better opportunity of insi­nuating [Page 10] himself into their acquaintance, he took Lodgings with them, and was not wanting to Exhort them to live up to the Rules of Christianity.

Le Fevre, who was of a tractable na­ture, and was not enamour'd of the World, resign'd himself without opposi­tion. But Xavier who was of a haughty Spirit, and whose head was fill'd with Ambitious thoughts, made a fierce Re­sistance at the first. The Discipline and Maximes of Ignatius, who liv'd in a mean Equipage, and valued nothing but that Poverty, made him pass for a low min­ded Fellow in the Opinion of our young Gentleman. And accordingly Xavier treated him with much contempt; rally­ing him on all occasions, and making it his business to ridicule him.

This notwithstanding, Ignatius omit­ted no opportunities of representing to him the great consequence of his Eternal welfare, and urging the words of our Blessed Saviour, What profit is it to a Man to gain the whole World, and to lose his ow [...] Soul? But perceiving that he cou'd make no impression, on a heart, where self-conceit was so very prevalent, and which was dazled with vain-glory, he bethought himself of assaulting him on the weaker side.

[Page 11] When he had often Congratulated with him for those rare talents of Nature with which he was endow'd, and parti­cularly applauded his great Wit, he made it his business to procure him Scholars, and to augment his Reputation by the crowd of his Auditours. He conducted them even to his Chair, and in present­ing them to their Master never fail'd to make his Panegyrick.

Xavier was too vain, not to receive with a greedy satisfaction, what ever Incense was given him of that kind: Applause was welcome from what ever hands it came; and withall, he was too grateful, not to acknowledge those good Offices which were done him, by a Person whom he had us'd so very ill: He was the more sensible of such a kindness, by being con­scious to himself how little he had de­serv'd it. He began to look with other eyes, on him who had the appearance of so mean a Creature, and at the same time, was inform'd that this Man of so despicable a presence, was Born of one of the Noblest Families in Guypuscoa; that his Courage was correspondent to his Birth, and that onely the fear of God had inspir'd him with the choice of such a Life, so distant from his Inclination, and his Quality.

[Page 12] These considerations, in favour of Ig­natius, led him to hearken without re­pugnance, to those Discourses which were so little sutable to his natural bent; as if the quality and vertue of him who made them, had given a new charm and weight to what he said.

While things were passing in this manner, Xavier's Money began to fail him, as it frequently happens to Fo­reigners, who are at a great distance from their own Country: And Ignatius who was newly return'd from the Voyages which he had made into Flanders and England, from whence he had brought back a large contribution of Alms; as­sisted him in so pressing an occasion, and thereby made an absolute Conquest of his affections.

The Heresy of Luther began to spread it self in Europe: He is preserv'd from falling in­to Heresie. and it was an artifice of those Sectaries, to procure Proselytes in the Catholique Universities, who by little and little might insinuate their new Opinions into the Scholars, and their Masters. Many knowing Men of Germa­ny, were come on that design to Paris, tho' under the pretence of seconding the intentions of Franc [...]s the first, who was desirous to restore Learning in his King­dom. They scattered their Errours in [Page 13] so dextrous a manner that they made them plausible, and principally endea­vour'd to fasten on young Scholars, who had the greatest reputation of Wit. Xa­vier who was naturally curious, took pleasure in these Novelties, and had run into them of his own accord, if Ignatius had not withdrawn him. He gave an account of this very thing not long af­terwards in a Letter to his Elder Brother, Don Azpilcueta, of which Ignacius him­self was the Bearer; who made a Voyage into Spain, for those Reasons which I have set down in another place. And these are his words, which well deserve to be related.

We may conclude from this Authen­tique Testimony, that Xavier, far from carrying the Faith to the remotest Na­tions of Idolaters, was in danger to make Shipwrack of his own; had he not fallen into the hands of such a Friend as was Ignatius; who detested even the least ap­pearance of Heresy; and whose sight was sharp enough to discover Heretiques, how speciously soever they were disguis'd.

It was not sufficient to have onely pre­serv'd Xavier from Errour; but it was farther necessary, to wean him altoge­ther from the World; these favourable dispositions which appear'd in him, en­courag'd Ignatius to pursue his Design, and gave him hope of a fortunate success. Having one day found Xavier more than ordinarily attentive, he repeated to him [Page 15] these words more forcibly than ever: What will it profit a Man to gain the whole World, and to lose his own Soul? After which he told him, that a mind so noble and so great as his, ought not to con [...]ine it self to the vain honours of this World; that Coelestial Glory was the onely law­ful Object of his Ambition: And that right reason would require him, to pre­fer that, which was eternally to last, before what would vanish like a Dream.

Then it was, His change of Life. that Xavier began to see into the emptiness of Earthly Great­ness; and found himself touch'd with the love of Heavenly Things. But these first impressions of Grace, had not all their effect immediately: He made frequent Reflections within himself, of what the Man of God had said to him: and it was not without many serious thoughts, and after many a hard struggling, that [...]eing overcome at length, by the power of those Eternal Truths, he took up a [...]lid resolution, of living according to [...]e Maximes of the Gospel, and of tread­ [...]g in his Footsteps, who had made him sensible of his being gone astray.

He resign'd himself therefore to the Conduct of Ignatius, after the Example of Le Fevre, who had already reform'd [...]is Life, and was Inflam'd with the Zeal [Page 16] of edifying others. The directions of a Guide so well enlighten'd, made easie to Xavier the Paths of that Perfection, which were hitherto unknown to him. He learnt from his new Master, that the first step, which a sincere Convert is to make, is to labour in the subduing of his darling Passion. As vain-glory had the greatest dominion over him; his main endeavours from the very beginning, were to humble himself, and to confound his own pride in the sence of his empti­ness, and of his sins. But well know­ing that he could not tame the haughti­ness of the Soul, without mortifying the Flesh, he undertook the Conquest of his Body, by Haircloath, by Fasting, and other Austerities of Penance.

When his time of vacancies was come, he perform'd his Spiritual Exercises, which his Lectures of Philosophy had till then hinder'd. Those very Exercises I mean, which Ignatius, Inspir'd of God, had Compos'd at Manreze; and of which I have drawn the Model, in the Life of that Holy Founder of the Society of Iesus.

He began his retirement with an ex­traordinary fervour, His retirement, and total Con­version. even to the passing of four days entire, without taking any nourishment. His Contemplations were [Page 17] wholly busied day and night on Divine Matters. And an Ancient Memorial as­sures us, that he went to his Devotions with his hands and feet tyed; either to signifie, that he was desirous to do no­thing, but by the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, or to give himself the same usage, which was given to the Man in the Pa­rable of the Gospel; Who dar' [...] to appear [...]n the Wedding-Room, without Cloathing himself in Wedding-Garments.

By meditating at his leisure on the great truths of Christianity, and espe­cially on the Mysteries of our Saviour, according to the Method of Ignatius, he was wholly chang'd into another Man; and the humility of the Cross ap­pear'd to him more amiable than all the Glories of the World. These new in­sights, caus'd him without the least re­ [...]ugnance to refuse a Canonry of Pampe­ [...]una, which was offer'd him at that time, and was very considerable, both in re­gard of the Profits and of the Dignity. He form'd also, during his solitude, the design of glorifying God by all possible means, and of employing his whole Life for the Salvation of Souls.

On these foundations, having finished the course of Philosophy which he read, and which had lasted three years and a [Page 18] half, according to the custome of those times, he studied in Divinity, by the Counsel of Ignatius, whose Scholar he openly declar'd himself to be.

In the mean time Ignatius, who found in himself an inward Call to the Holy­Land, for the Conversion of Iews and Infidels; discovered his intentions to Xa­vier, which he had already communica­ted to Le Fevre, and four other Learned young men, who had embrac'd his form of Life.

All the seven, engag'd themselves, by promise to each other, and by solemn Vows to God Almighty, to forsake their worldly goods, and undertake a Voyage to Ierusalem; or, in case, that in the compass of a Year they cou'd not find an accommodation of passing the Seas, that they would cast themselves at the feet of our Holy Father, for the Service of the Church, into what ever part of the World he would please to send them.

They made these Vows at Montmartre, He Conse [...]rates himself to God, by a Vow. on the day of our Ladies Assumption, in the year 1534. That holy place, which has been water'd with the Blood of Mar­tyrs, and where their Bodies are still deposited, inspir'd a particular Devotion into Xavier, and possess'd him with a [...]ervent desire of Martyrdom.

[Page 19] Towards the end of the year follow­ing, he went from Paris, in the Com­pany of Le Fevre, Laynez, Salmeron, Ro­driguez, Bobadilla, and three other Di­vines, whom Le Fevre had gain'd in in the absence of Ignatius, who for im­portant Reasons, was oblig'd to go before, and who was waiting for them at Ve­nice.

Somewhat before their departure, What happen'd to him in his Iourney to Ve­nice. Xavier, who was sometimes too far tran­sported, by the servency of his Soul, had tied his Arms and Thighs with little Cords, to morti [...]ie himself, for some kind of vain satisfaction which he took in out-running and overleaping his young Companions; for he was very active; and amongst all the Recreations us'd by Scholars, he lik'd none but the exercises of the Body.

Though the Cords were very straight about him, yet he imagin'd they wou'd not hinder him from travelling on foot. But he had scarcely begun his journey, when he was taken with extream pains. He bore them as well as he was able; and dissembled them, till his strength fail'd him. His motion had swell'd his Thighs, and indented the Cords so deep into his flesh, that they were hardly visible: Insomuch that the Chirurgions, [Page 20] to whom his Fellows discover'd them, plainly said, that any incisions which cou'd be made, wou'd serve onely to increase his pains, and that the ill was incurable.

In this dangerous conjuncture, Le Fevre, Laynez, and the rest, had recourse to Almighty God, and not in vain. Xa­vier waking the next morning, found the Cords fallen down, the swelling wholly taken away from his Thighs, and the marks of the Cords only remaining on his Flesh. They joyn'd in actions of Thanksgiving to the Almighty, for his providential care already shewn in their behalf; and though the ways were very rugged, in the inclemency of that Season, yet they chearfully pursu'd their Jour­ney.

Xavier was serviceable to his Compa­nions on all occasions, and was always before hand with them in the duties of Charity: whether it were, that being na­turaly officious, and of a warm temper, he was more eager to employ himself for them; or that his health, miraculously restor'd, render'd him more obligeing and charitable towards those by whose prayers it was recover'd.

When they were arriv'd at Venice, their breathings were only after the holy [Page 21] places. Ignatius, whom they were ra­vish'd to see again, and whom they ac­knowledg'd for their common Father, was of opinion that while they were waiting the opportunity, of going to re­ceive the Pope's blessing for their Voyage to Ierusalem, each of them shou'd em­ploy himself on works of Charity, in the Hospitals of the Town.

Xavier whose lott fell, What he did at Venice. in the Hospital of the Incurable, was not satisfied onely with busying himself all day, in dressing sick men's sores, in making their Beds, and doing them more inferiour ser­vice, but also pass'd whole nights, in watching by them. But his care and pains were not confin'd to the succour of their Bodies. Tho' he was wholly ignorant of the Italian Tongue, he fre­quently spoke of God to them, and above all things exhorted the greatest Liber­tines to repentance, by causing them to comprehend, in the best manner he was able, that though their corporal maladies were incurable, yet the diseases of their Souls were not so: that how enormous soever our offences were, we ought al­ways to rely on God's mercy, and that a desire of being sincerely converted, was onely requisite in Sinners for ob­taining the grace of their Conversion.

[Page 22] One of these sick Alms-men had an Ul­cer, which was horrble to the sight, but the noysomness of the stench was yet more insupportable: Every one shun'd the miserable Creature, not enduring so much as to approach him: and Xavier once found a great Repugnance in him­self to attend him: But at the same time, he call'd to his remembrance a Maxim of Ignatius, that we make no progress in Vertue, but by vanquishing our selves; and that the occasion of making a great Sacrifice, was too precious to be lost. Being fortify'd with these thoughts, and encourag'd by the example of St. Catha­rine de Sienna, which came into his Mind, he embrac'd the sick person, apply'd his Mouth to the Ulcer, surmounted his na­tural loathing, and suck'd out the Cor­ruption; at the same moment, his Re­pugnance vanish'd; and after that, he had no farther trouble in the like cases; of so great importance it is to us, once to have throughly overcome our selves.

Two Moneths were pass'd away in these exercises of Charity. [...] After which he set forward on his Journey to Rome with the other Disciples of Ignatius, who himself stay'd behind alone at Venice. They underwent great hardships in their way. It rain'd continually, and Bread [Page 23] was often wanting to them, even when their strength was wasted. Xavier en­courag'd his Companions, and sustain'd himself, by that Apostolick Spirit, with which God replenish'd him from that time forwards; and which already made him in love with pain and sufferings.

Being arriv'd at Rome, his first care was to visit the Churches, and to conse­ [...]rate himself to the Ministry of the Go­spel, upon the Sepulchre of the Holy A­postles. He had the opportunity of speaking more than once before the Pope. For the whole Company of them being introduc'd into the Vatican, by Pedr [...] Ortiz, that Spanish Doctor, whom they had formerly known at Paris, and whom the Emperour had sent to Rome for the Affair concerning the marriage of Ca­tharine of Arra [...]on, Queen of England, Paul the Third, who was a lover of Learning, and who was pleas'd to be en­tertain'd at his Table, with the Conver­sation of learned Men, commanded that these Strangers, whose Capacity he had heard so extreamly prais'd, shou'd be ad­mitted to see him for many d [...]ys succes­sively; and that in his presence they shou'd discourse concerning divers points of School-Divinity.

[Page 24] Having receiv'd the Benediction of our Holy Father for their Voyage to the Holy Land, and obtain'd the permission for those amongst them who were not in Sacred Orders, to receive them, they re­turn'd to Venice. Xavier there made his Vows of Poverty and perpetual Cha­stity, together with the rest in the hands of Ieronimo Veralli the Popes Nuncio, and having again taken up his Post in the Hospital of the Incurable, he resum'd his Offices of Charity, which his Jour­ney to Rome had constrain'd him to inter­rupt, and continued in those Exercises till the time of his Embarquement.

In the mean time, the War which was already kindled betwixt the Veneti­ans and the Turk, had broken the Com­merce of the Levant, and stopt the pas­sage to the Holy Land. Insomuch, that the Ship of the Pilgrims of Ierusalem, went not out that year according to the former Custom.

This disappointment wonderfully af­flicted Xavier, and the more, because he not only lost the hope of seeing those places which had been Consecrated by the presence and the Blood of Iesus Christ, but was also berest of an occasion of dy­ing for his Divine Master. Yet he com­forted himself in reflecting on the method [Page 25] of Gods Providence; and at the same time, not to be wanting in his duty to his Neighbour, he dispos'd himself to receive the Orders of Priesthood, and did receive them with those considerations of awful dread, and holy confusion which are not easy to be express'd.

The Town appear'd to him an impro­per place, He prepares himself to cele­brate his first Mass. for his preparation, in order to his first Mass. He sought out a solitary place, where being separated from the communication of Man, he might enjoy the privacies of God: He found this convenience of a retirement near Monte­selice, not far from Padoua: It was a miserable Thatch'd Cottage, forsaken of Inhabitants, and out of all manner of re­pair. Thus accommodated, he pass'd forty days, expos'd to the injuries of the Air, lying on the cold hard Ground, rigidly disciplining his Body, fasting all the day, and sustaining nature only with a little pittance of Bread, which he begg'd about the Neighbourhood: But tasting all the while, the sweets of Paradise, in contemplating the Eternal Truths of Faith. As his Cabin did not unfitly re­present to him the Stable of Bethlehem, so he propos'd to himself, frequently, the extreme poverty of the Infant Iesus, as the pattern of his own; and said within [Page 26] himself, That since the Saviour of Man­kind, had chosen to be in want of all things, they who labour'd after him for the Salvation of Souls, were oblig'd by his example to possess nothing in this World.

How pleasing soever this loneliness were to him, yet his forty days being now expir'd, he left it, to instruct the Villa­ges and Neighbour-Towns, and princi­pally Monteselice, where the People were grosly ignorant, and knew little of the duties of Christianity.

The Servant of God made daily Ex­hortations to them, and his penitent Aspect gave authority to all his words; insomuch, that only looking on his Face, none cou'd doubt but he was come from the Wilderness to instruct them in the way to Heaven: He employ'd himself during the space of two or three Months in that manner. For though there was no appearance that any Vessel shou'd set [...]ail for the Holy Land, yet Ignatius and his Disciples, who had oblig'd themselves to wait one Year in expectation of any such opportunity, wou'd not depart from the Territories of the Republick, till it was totally expir'd, that they might have nothing to upbraid themselves, in rela­tion to the Vow which they had made.

[Page 27] Xavier being thus dispos'd, He celebrates his first Mass, and falls sick after it. both by his Retirement, and his exteriour Employ­ments, at length said his first Mass at Vicenza; to which place Ignatius had caus'd all his Company to resort. And he said it with Tears flowing in such abun­dance, that his Audience cou'd not refrain from mixing their own with his.

His Austere, Laborious Life, joyn'd with so sensible a Devotion, which often makes too great an impression on the Bo­dy, so much impair'd the strength of his Constitution, that he fell sick, not long after his first Mass. He was carry'd into one of the Town-Hospitals, which was so crouded, and so poor, that Xavier had in it but the one half of a wretched Bed, and that too in a Chamber, which was open on every side. His Victuals were no better than his Lodging, and never was sick Man more destitute of Humane Succours, but in requital, Heaven was not wanting to him.

He was wonderfully devoted to St. Ie­rome; St. Jerome ap­pears to him. and had often had recourse to that blessed Doctor of the Church, for the un­derstanding of difficult places in the Scripture. The Saint appear'd to him one night, refulgent in his Beams of Glo­ry, and gave him Consolation in his Sickness. Yet, at the same time, de­claring [Page 28] to him, that a far greater afflicti­on than the present was waiting for him at Bolognia, where himself and one of his Companions were to pass the Winter; that some of them shou'd go to Padoua, some to Rome, others to Ferrara, and the remainder of them to Sienna.

This Apparition fortify'd Xavier so much, that he recover'd suddainly; yet whether he had some doubts concerning it, or was of opinion that he ought to keep it secret, he said nothing of it at that time. But that which then happen'd to him, made it evident, that the Vision was of God. For Ignatius, who was ig­norant of what had been reveal'd to Xa­vier, having assembled his Disciples, gave them to understand, That since the Gate of the Holy Land was shut against them, they ought not any longer to de­ [...]er the offering of their Service to the Pope; that it was sufficient if some of them went to Rome, while the rest of them dispers'd themselves in the Universities of Italy, to the end, they might inspire the fear of God into the Scholars, and gather up into their number, some young Stu­dents of the greatest parts. Ignatius ap­pointed them their several stations, just as they had been foreshewn by St. Ierome; and that of Bolognia, fell to the share of Xavier and Bobadilla.

[Page 29] After their arrival at Bolognia, He goes to Bo­lognia, and la­bours there with great suc­cess. Xavier went to say a Mass at the Tomb of St. Dominick; for he had a particular Vene­ration for the Founder of that Order, whose institution was for the preaching of the Gospel.

A devout Virgin, whose name was Isa­bella Casalini, seeing him at the Altar, judg'd him to be a Man of God. And was led by some interiour motion to speak to this Stranger Priest when his Mass was ended. She was so much edi­fy'd, and so satisfy'd with the discourse of Xavier, that she immediately inform'd her Uncle, at whose House she lodg'd, of this treasure which she had discover'd.

Ierome Casalini, who was a very consi­derable Clergy-man, both in regard of his noble Blood, and of his Vertue, went in search of this Spanish Priest, upon the account which was given of him by his Niece: And having found him at the Hospital, he importun'd him so much, to take a Lodging in his House, that Xa­vier cou'd not in Civility refuse him. But the Holy Man wou'd never accept of his Table, of whose House he had ac­cepted. He begg'd his Bread from Door to Door according to his usual custome; and liv'd on nothing but the Alms which was given him in the Town.

[Page 30] Every day, after having celebrated the Divine Mysteries in St. Luc [...]e's Church, of which Casalini was Curate, he there heard the Confessions of such as presen­ted themselves before him: After which he visited the Prisons and the Hospitals, Catechiz'd the Children, and Preach'd to the People.

'Tis true, he spoke but very ill; and his Language was only a kind of Lingua franca, a confus'd medley, of Italian, French and Spanish: But he pronounc'd it with so much vehemenco, and the mat­ter of his Sermons was so solid, that his ill accent, and his improper Phrases were past by. His Audience attended to him, as to a Man descended from above, and his Sermon being ended, came to cast themselves at his Feet, and make Confession.

These continual labours, He rela [...]ses in­to his sickness, and yet conti­nues preaching. during a ve­ry sharp Winter, threw him into a re­lapse of sickness, much more dangerous than the former; as it were to verify the Prediction of St. Ierome; for he was seiz'd with a Quartan Ague, which was both malignant and obstinate: insomuch that it cast him into an extreme faintness▪ and made him as meagre as a Skeleton. In the mean time, lean and languishing a [...] he was, he ceas'd not to crawl to th [...] [Page 31] publick places, and excite Passengers to Repentance. When his Voice [...]ail'd him, his wan and mortify'd Face, the ve­ry picture of Death, seem'd to speak for him, and his presence alone had admi­rable effects.

Ierome Casalini profited so well, by the Instructions and Example of the ho­ly Man, that he arriv'd in a short space to a high degree of Holiness: The great­er knowledge he had of him, he the more admir'd him, as he himself related. And it is from this vertuous Church-man chiefly, that we have this account of Xa­vier, that having labour'd all the day, he pass'd the Night in Prayer; that on Friday saying the Mass of the Passion, he melted into Tears, and was often ra­ [...]ish'd in his Soul; that he spoke but sel­dome, but that all his words were full of sound Reason, and heavenly Grace.

While Xavier was thus employing his Labours at Bolognia, He is recal [...]d to Rome by Fa­ther Ignatius, and labours there with great succes [...]. he was recall'd to Rome by Father Ignatius; who had already presented himself before the Pope, and offer'd him the Service both of himself and his Companions. Pope Paul the Third accepted the good Will of these new Labourers, enjoining them to begin their Work in Rome, and preach under the Authority of the Holy See. The [Page 32] principal Churches were assign'd them; and that of St. Laurence in Damaso was allotted to Xavier.

Being now freed from his Quartan Ague, and his strength being again re­stor'd, he preach'd with more vigour and vehemence than ever.

Death, the last Judgment, and the pains of Hell, were the common Subject of his Sermons. He propos'd those ter­rible truths after a plain manner, but withal, so movingly, that the People, who came in Crowds to hear him preach, departed out of the Church in a profound silence; and thought less of giving Praises to the Preacher, than of Conver­ting their own Souls to God.

The Famine which laid waste the City of Rome, at that time, gave opportunity to the ten Stranger-Priests, to relieve an infinite number of miserable People, op­press'd with want, and unregarded. Xavier was ardent above the rest, to find them places of accommodation, and to procure Alms for their Subsistance. He bore them even upon his Shoulders to the places which were provided for them, and attended them with all ima­ginable care.

In the mean time, The occasion of the Mission in­to the Indies. Iames Govea a Por­tuguese, who had been acquainted with [Page 33] Ignatius, Xavier, and Le Fevre at Paris, and who was Principal of the Colledge of Saint Barbe, when they liv'd together there, being come to Rome on some im­portant business for which he was sent thither by Iohn the Third, King of Por­tugal, and seeing the wonderful effects of their Ministry, wrote to the King, as he had formerly done from Paris, on the Reports which were spread of them, that such Men as these, Knowing, Humble, Charitable, inflam'd with Zeal, inde [...]a­tigable in Labour, lovers of the Cross, and who aim'd at nothing but the Ho­nour of Almighty God, were fit to be employ'd in the East-Indies, to plant, and propagate the Faith. He adjoin'd, That if his Majesty were desirous of these ex­cellent Men, he had only to ask them, from the Pope, who had the absolute dis­position of them.

Iohn the Third, the most Religious Prince then living, wrote thereupon to his Embassadour Don Pedro Mascareg­nas, and order'd him to obtain from his Holiness, [...]ix at least of those Apostolick Men, which had been commended to him by Govea. The Pope having heard the Proposition of Mascaregnas, remitted the whole business to Father Ignatius, for whom he had already a great considerati­on: [Page 34] and who had lately presented to his Holiness the model of the new Order, which he and his Companions were de­sirous to establish.

Ignatius who had propos'd to himself no less a design, than the Reformation of the vvhole World, and who savv the urgent necessities of Europe, infected vvith He­resie on every side, return'd this ansvver to Mascaregnas, that of ten, which vvas their vvhole number, he cou'd spare him at the most but tvvo persons. The Pope approv'd this ansvver, and order'd Igna­tius to make the choice himself. There­upon Ignatius nam'd Simon Rodriguez a Portuguese, and Nicholas Bobadilla a Spa­niard. The first of these was, at that time employ'd at Sienna, and the other in the Kingdom of Naples, as they had been Commissioned by the Holy-Father. Though Rodriguez vvas languishing un­der a Quartan Ague, when he was re­call'd from Sienna, yet he fail'd not to obey the Summons; and shortly after embarking on a Ship of Lisbonne vvhich vvent off from Civita Vecchia, carried with him Paul de Camerin, vvho, some month before, had joyn'd himself to their Society▪

As for Bobadilla, he vvas no sooner come to Rome, than he fell Sick of a con­tinued Feaver; and it may be said, that h [...] [Page 35] Distemper was the hand of Heaven, vvhich had ordain'd another in his stead, for the Mission of the Indies. For some­times that which appears but chance, or a purely natural effect in the Lives of men, is a disposition of the Divine Pro­vidence vvhich moves by secret ways to its own propos'd ends; and is pleas'd to execute those designs, by means as easy as they are powerful.

Mascaregnas who had finish'd his Em­bassy, He is nam'd for the Mission of the Indies. and was desirous to carry with him into Portugal, the second Missioner who had been promis'd him, was with­in a day of his departure, when Bobadilla arriv'd. Ignatius seeing him in no con­dition to undertake a Voyage, apply'd himself to God for his direction, in the choice of one to fill his place, or rather to make choice of him whom God had chosen. For he was immedi­ately enlightned from above, and made to understand, that Xavier was that Vessel of Election. He call'd for him at the same instant, and being fill'd with the Divine Spirit, Xavier (said he) I had nam'd Bobadilla for the Indies, but the Almighty has nominated you this day. I declare it to you from the Vi­car of Iesus Christ. Receive an Employ­ment committed to your charge by his [Page 36] Holiness, and deliver'd by my mouth, as if it were con [...]err'd on you by our bles­sed Saviour in person. And rejoyce for your finding an opportunity, to satisfie that [...]ervent desire, which we all have, of carrying the Faith into remote Coun­tries. You have not here a narrow Pa­ [...]stine, or a Province of Asia in prospect, but a vast extent of ground; and innu­merable Kingdoms. An entire World is reserv'd for your endeavours, and nothing but so large a Field, is worthy of your courage and your zeal. Go, my Brother, where the voice of God has call'd you; where the Holy See has sent you, and kindle those unknown Nations, with the flame that burns within you.

Xavier, wholly confounded in him­self with these expressions of Ignatius, with tears of a tender affection in his eyes, and blushing in his Countenance, answer'd him, that he cou'd not but be astonish'd, that he shou'd pitch upon a man, so weak, and pusilanimous as him­self, for an enterprise, which requir'd no less than an Apostle: that nevertheless he was ready to obey the commands of Heaven; and that he offer'd himself, with the whole power of his Soul, to do and suffer all things, for the salvation of the Indians. After which, giving leave [Page 37] to his internal joy, to break out, and to diffuse it self, he more confidently said to Father Ignatius, that his desires were now accomplish'd. That for a long time he had sigh'd after the Indies, without daring to declare it▪ And that he hop'd, from those Idolatrous Nations, to have the honour of dying for Jesus Christ, which had been deny'd him in the Holy-Land.

He added, God mysteri­ously reveals to him, his inten­ded Mission, to the Indies. in the height of these tran­sports, that at length he saw that clearly, of vvhich God had often given him a glymps, under some misterious Figures. In effect, Xavier had frequently dreamt by night, that he carried on his shoulders, a Gigantick, and very swarthy Indian; and opprest with this strong imagination, he groan'd and sigh'd, in that uneasie slumber, as one out of breath, and la­bouring under an intolerable burden; insomuch that the noise of his groans and heavings, wak'd those vvho were lodg'd in the same Chamber: and, one night, it hapning that Father Laynez being a­waken'd by it, ask'd him what it vvas that troubled him: Xavier immediately told his Dream, and added that it put him into a svveat, with big drops over all his body.

Besides this, he once beheld, either in [Page 38] a dream, or in a trance, vast Oceans full of Tempests and of Rocks, desart I­slands, barbarous Countries, hunger and thirst raging every where, nakedness, multiplicity of labours, with bloody per­secution, and imminent dangers of death and of destruction. In the midst of this ghastly Apparition, he cry'd aloud, yet more, O my God, yet more! and Father Simon Rodriguez heard these words di­stinctly, but however he importun'd him to declare their meaning, he wou'd discover nothing at that time; 'till em­barking for the Indies he reveal'd the Mystery.

Such Ideas, [...] always present in his ima­gination, fill'd his familiar discourses with notions of a new World, and the Conversion of In [...]idels. While he was speaking on that subject his face was on a fire, and the tears came into his eyes. This was testified of him by Father Ie­rome Dominec, who before he enter'd in­to the Society, had convers'd with him at Bolognia, where a strict friendship was made betvvixt them.

As Xavier vvas advertis'd of this Voy­age to the Indies but the day before Mas­caregnas departed, he had but time e­nough to piece up his Cassock, bid his friends farewell, and go to kiss the feet of our Holy Father.

[Page 39] Paul the third, overjoy'd, that under his Pontificate, a gate shou'd be open'd to the Gospel, in the Oriental Indies, receiv'd him with a most Fatherly af­fection, and excited him to assume such thoughts, as were worthy of so high an undertaking. Telling him for his en­couragement, that the eternal wisdom, is never failing to supply us with strength, to prosecute the labours to which it has ordain'd us, even though they shou'd sur­pass all humane abilities. He must, in­deed prepare himself for many sufferings, but the affairs of God, succeeded not, but by the ways of suffering, and that none cou'd pretend to the honour of an Apostleship, but by treading in the steps of the Apostles, whose Lives were but one continual cross, and a daily death▪ That Heaven had employ'd him in the mission of St. Thomas, the Apostle of the Indies, for the Conquest of Souls; That it became him to labour generously, in reviving the Faith in those Countries, where it had been planted by that great Apostle; and that if it were necessary for him to shed his blood, for the glory of Christ Jesus, he shou'd account it his happiness to die a Martyr.

It seem'd that God himself had spoken by the mouth of his Vic [...]-gerent, such [Page 40] impression had these words on the mind and heart of Xavier. They inspir'd in­to him a divine vigour; and in his an­swer to His Holiness, there shone through a profound humility such a magnanimity of Soul, that Paul the third, had from that very minute, a certain presage of those wonderful events, which afterwards arriv'd. Therefore the most Holy Fa­ther▪ having wish'd him the special as­sistance of God in all his Labours, ten­derly embrac'd him, more than once, and gave him a most ample Bene­diction.

Xavier departed in the company of Mascaregnas the 15th. of March, He departs from Rome. in the year 1540, without any other equipage besides his Breviary. In giving his last adieu to Father Ignatius, he cast himself at his feet, and with all humility desir'd his blessing. And in taking leave of Lay­nez, he put into his hands a small Memo­rial, which he had written, and sign'd.

This Memorial, which is still preserv'd at Rome, contains, that he approves, as much as depends on him, the Rules and Constitutions, which shall be drawn up, by Ignatius and his Companions; that he elects Ignatius to be their Gene­ral, and in failure of him, Le Fevre. That he consecrates himself to God, by the [Page 41] three vows, of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, in the Society of Jesus, when it shall be rais'd into a Religious Order, by the Apostolical Authority.

The conclusion of that affair, was dai­ly expected; and indeed it was happily finish'd, before the ending of the year, in that almost miraculous manner, as is related in the Life of St. Ignatius.

His Journey from Rome to Lisbonne, How he em­ploy'd himself, during his jour­ney. was all the way by Land: and was above three months. Xavier had a Horse al­low'd him, by order from the Embassa­dour; but they were no sooner on their way, than he made him common. The Father often alighted to ease the Servants who follow'd on foot; or exchang'd his Horse, with others who were not so well mounted. At the Inns he was e­ [...]ery man's Servant, even to the rub­bing of the Horses, by an excess of hu­mility, which, on those occasions, caus'd him to forget the Dignity of his Cha­racter. He resign'd his Chamber and his Bed, to those who wanted them; and never lodg'd but either on the ground or on the litter in the Stable. In the rest of his actions, ever chearful, and pleasant in discourse, which made all men desirous of his Company: but al­ways mixing somewhat with that gayety, [Page 42] which was edifying both to the Masters and the Servants, and inspir'd them alike with thoughts of Piety.

They went by Loretto, where they rested at the least eight days; after which they continued their Journey by Bolog­nia. From thence, Xavier wrote to Ig­natius, in this manner.

The whole Town of Bolognia was in motion at the approach of Father Xavier: They were wonderfully affected to him, and in a manner esteem'd him their Apostle: Both great and small were desirous of seeing him, and most of them discover'd the state of their Conscience to him; many of them proffer'd them­selves to go along with him to the In­dies; all of them shed Tears at his de­parture, as thinking they shou'd never more behold him.

Ierome Casalini, Curate of St. Lucy, who had lodg'd him the year before, was most particularly kind to him at his return: He oblig'd him to accept of h [...] House once more; and his Church be­came as it were the publick Rendezvous where Xavier heard an infinite numbe [...] of Confessions.

In the rest of this long Journey, Some remark­able accidents in his Iourney to Lisbonne. ther [...] happen'd two or three passages, whic [...] were sufficiently remarkable. A dome­stick Servant to the Ambassadour, [...] [Page 45] rode [...]efore, as H [...]rbinger, to take up L [...]dgings for the Train, a violent and brutal Man, being reprehended by his Lord, for having been negligent in his duty, [...]ell into a horrible fit of Passion, as soon as he was out of Mascaregnas his presence. Xavier heard him, but took no notice of it, at that time, for fear of provoking him to any farther ex­travagance. But the next morning, when the same person, set out before the Com­p [...]ny, according to his custome, he [...]urr'd after him at full speed. He found him, lying under his Horse, who was fallen with him from a Precipice, the Man [...]orely bruis'd, and the Horse kill'd out­right. Wretched creature, said the Father to him, what had become of thee, if thou [...]dst dy'd of this fall? These few words made him sensible of his [...]rious expressi­ons, for which he sincerely ask'd pardon of Almighty God. And Xavier alighting, mounted him on his own Horse, and [...]lked on Foot by him, to their Lodg­ing.

Another time the Gentleman of the Horse attempting to pass a small River, which was very deep and rapid, the Current carryed away both [...] Man and Horse, and the whole Company gave him for lost. Xavier, mov'd with Compassi­on, [Page 46] for the danger of his Soul, because having had a call from Heaven, to enter into a Relig [...]ous Life, he had not follow'd the motions of Grace, but remain'd in the World, began to implore God in his behalf. The Embassadour, who had a great kindness for him, join'd in that de­vout Action, and commanded the whole Train to follow their Example. They had scarcely open'd their Mouths for him, when the Man and Horse, who were both drowning, came again above Water, and were carry'd to the Bank▪ The Gentleman was drawn out, pale in his Countenance, and half dead. When he had recover'd his Senses, Xavier de­manded of him, what thoughts he had▪ when he was at the point of perishing He freely acknowledg'd, That the Reli­gious Life, to which God had call'd him then struck upon his Soul; with disma apprehensions, for having neglected th [...] means of his Salvation.

He protested afterwards, as Xavier himself relates, in one of his Letters That, in that dreadful moment, the re­morse of his Conscience, and the senc [...] of Gods Judgments, on Souls unfaithf [...] to their Vocation, were more terrible [...] him, than the horrours even of Death [...] self. He spoke of Eternal Punishment [...] [Page 47] with expressions so lively and so strong, as if he had already felt them, and was re­turn'd from Hell. He frequently said, (as the Saint has assur'd us) that by a just Judgment of Eternal God, those, who during their Life, made no preparations for their Death, had not the leisure to think on God, when Death surpris'd them.

The Ambassadour, and all his People doubted not, but the safty of this Gentle­man, was to be ascrib'd to the Merits of [...]he Saint: But Xavier himself believ'd it [...]o be the pure effect of the Embassadours Devotion: for thus he writes to Father Ignatius concerning it.— Our Lord was pleas'd to give [...]ar to the fervent Prayers [...]f his Servant Mascaregnas, which he [...]ade with Tears in his Eyes, for the deli­ [...]erance of the poor Creature, whom we look'd [...]pon as lost; and who was taken from the [...]aws of Death by a most evident Miracle.

In passing over the Alpes, the Embas­ [...]dour's Secretary alighting to walk in a [...]ifficult way, which he cou'd not well [...]bserve, by reason of the Snows, his [...]oot happen'd to slip on a sharp descent; [...]nd he roll'd down into a Precipice: he had tumbled to the very bottom, if, in falling, his Cloaths had not taken hold [...]n one of the Crags of the Rock, where [Page 48] he remain'd hanging over the depths without ability, either to disingage him­self, or get up again. Those who fol­low'd, made towards him, but the hor­rour of that Abyss stopt short the most daring: Xavier, only, made not the least demur, he descended the Precipice, and lending his Hand to the Secretary, by little and little, dragg'd him up.

Being gotten out of France, He [...] by the Castle of Xavier with­out going to it. and ha­ving pass'd the Pyreneans, on the side of Navarre, when they were now approach­ing Pampeluna, Mascaregnas bethought himself, that Father Francis, for by that name Xavier was usually call'd, had not spoken one word of going to the Castle of Xavier, which was but little distant from their Rode: He remember'd him of it, and was even so importunate with him, as to say, That since he was about to leave Europe, and perhaps never more to see it, he cou'd not in decency dispence with giving a visit to his Family, and ta­king his last leave of his Mother, who was yet living.

But all the Arguments of Mascaregnas, wrought no effect upon a Man, who ha­ving forsaken all things for the love of God, was of Opinion, that he had no­thing remaining in this World; and who also was perswaded, that Flesh and Bloo [...] [Page 49] are Enemies to the Apostolical Spirit. He turn'd not out of the Rode, but only said to the Embassadour, That he deferr'd the sight of his Relations, till he shou'd vi­sit them in Heaven; that this transient view wou'd be accompany'd but with Melancholy and Sadness, the common products of a last farewel, but in Heaven he shou'd eternally behold them with pleasure, and without the least allay of [...]orrow.

Mascaregnas had already a high Idea of Xavier's Vertue; but this wonderful dis­ingagement from the World, yet more increas'd the esteem which he had of him; insomuch, that before they reach'd Portugal, he sent an Express to King Iohn the Third, with no other errand▪ than to inform of the Holiness of this second Missioner to the Indies.

They arriv'd at Lisbonne towards the end of Iune: He arrives at Lisbonne, and cures Rodri­guez immedi­ately after his coming. And Xavier retir'd to the Hospital of All Saints, where Rodriguez, who came by Sea, had taken up his [...]odging. He found him much weaken'd [...]ith a Quartan Ague, which had not left [...]im; and embrac'd him just at the mo­ment, when his [...]it was coming on him. But whether it were, that the extream joy which Rodriguez found, so unex­pectedly to see him, dissipated the Hu­mour [Page 50] which caus'd his Disease, or that the Embraces of Xavier, had from that time an healing Vertue; certain it is that the [...]it came not; and from thence for­ward, the Sick-man entirely recover'd of that Distemper.

Three or four days after, He is call'd to Court. they were both call'd to Court. The King and Queen, who were in company together, receiv'd Xavier as a Saint, on the report of Mascaregnas, and entertain'd him with all imaginable shews of kindness. They ask'd them diverse▪ Questions, concerning their way of living; by what accident their new Society came to be form'd; and what was the ground, and ultimate design of it; and at last, desir'd to be in­form'd by them, from whence proceed­ed that strange Persecution, which was rais'd in Rome against their Body, which had made so great a noise over all Europe Xavier made answer to all these demands in few words, but so very pertinently, as much satisfy'd both their Majesties: They gave great approbation, (as himself re­lates in his Letter from Lisbonne to Igna­tius,) to what we said, concerning the Discipline of our Houses, the Quality of our Ministry, and the Spirit and Mode [...] of our Foundation.

[Page 51] In the midst of the Conversation the King sent for the Prince of Portugal his Son Don Iuan; and the Infanta Maria, his Daughter, that the two Missioners might see them. And from thence his Majesty took occasion of relating to them, how many Children he had still living, and how many he had lost; which turn'd the Discourse on the Education of Youth, and before the Fathers were dis­miss'd, the King recommended to their care, an hundred young Gentlemen, who were bred at Court.

Though an Officer of the Palace had orders to prepare an handsome Lodging, The manner of his Life at Lis­bonne. with good Accommodation for Xavier and Rodriguez, they return'd to their Hospital, and there continu'd. They wou'd not so much as receive their Enter­tainment of Diet, which was assign'd them from Court, but went the round of the City begging Alms at their appoin­ [...]ed hours, and liv'd in Poverty, accord­ [...]ng to the manner of Life, which they [...]ad prescrib'd themselves.

The Fleet, not being to set Sail till [...]he next Spring, and these Apostolical [...]ersons not knowing what it was to live [...]n idleness, Xavier was not satisfy'd one­ly to instruct those young Gentlmen in Piety, whom the King had committed to [Page 52] his charge: He gave himself an Employ­ment, and did at Lisbonne, what he had done at Venice, Bolognia and Rome, for the space of two years and more. But besides that, he assisted the sick in the Hospital day and night, visited the Priso­ners every day, and catechis'd the Chil­dren many times in the week, he often discours'd with the principal persons of the Court, and ingag'd them in the Spi­ritual Exercises of Ignatius.

At first, he preach'd not in the Churches, judging, that the Ministries of the Gospel, ought to begin with less publick Actions, and went not into the Pulpit, without being first requested by the King, who one day sending for him to the Palace, acquainted him with the desire he had to hear him preach; and told him▪ That the Bishop of Lisbonne was of Opinion, that he ought not any longer to deferr his publick Exhortati­ons.

Father Simon Rodriguez, labour'd also on his part, in the Service of his Neigh­bour according to the same Method, and with the same Spirit.

In the mean time, He refuses to visit his Vncle, the Doctor of Navarre. Martin d' Azpilcueta, surnam'd the Doctor of Navarre, who was Uncle to Xavier, on the Mother's side, and who was chief Professour o [...] [Page 53] Divinity, in the University of Coimbra, having heard the news of his Nephew's arrival, wrote earnestly to the King, That it wou'd please him to send Father Francis to him. He added, That in case the Father might have leave to remain with him till the departure of the Fleet, he wou'd oblige himself to make two new Le­ctures, at his own expence, the one in Canon-Law, the other in Mystical Divinity▪ And farther, That in few years afterwards he wou'd follow Xavier to the Indies, and preach the Gospel in conjunction with him, to the Eastern Idolaters.

These Letters prevail'd nothing; the Man, who had refus'd so much as to turn out of his way, to see his Mother, was bent against the taking of a Journey, and forsaking his important business to visit one of his Relations. The King retain'd Xavier at Lisbonne, at the request of Xavier himself: And the Father wrote a Letter of excuse to the Doctor of Na­varre, who had written two to him full of tenderness and friendship. As that Doctor was unsatisfy'd with that kind of Life, which his Nephew had embrac'd, so Xavier resolv'd him, on that point, in this manner. For what concerns our In­stitute, of which so many reports are now rais'd, I have but one word, at present, to [Page 54] say of it. 'Tis of little consequence, Il­lustrious Doctor, to be judg'd by Men, espe­cially by such, who will needs be judging before they understand the matter, and know the merits of the cause.

As to his intention of going to the Indies, he desir'd him to think no farther of it, for thus Navarre relates that passage in his Manual▪ I had resolv'd to have ended my days▪ in those parts, if Xavier in consi­deration of my great Age, had not thought me uncapable of those labours which attend his Mission: and if he had not written to me at his departure, that I shou'd comfort my self for his absence, by the hope of seeing each other in the Celestial Kingdom.

Our two Missioners labour'd not in vain at Lisbonne. [...] From the very begin­ning of their Ministry, Devotion began to spread amongst the people. All Men ran to the blessed Sacrament, which before, was never thought on, but in Lent: And this holy Custom diffus'd it self insensi­bly through all the Towns of Portugal. Many, who had deferr'd their Conversi­on from time to time, now on the sud­den gave themselves up to God, and even renounc'd the World. The most invete­rate Enemies were sincerely reconcil'd, and the most impudent Harlots abandon'd their prostitute way of living.

[Page 55] But this change of Manners, was most particularly apparent at the Court: the King, who was truly Religious, and full of goodness, was the first to declare him­self against those Vices, which usually in [...]ect the Palaces of Princes. And that he might introduce a Reformation by degrees, not only into his House, but al­so dilate it through his whole Kingdom, he oblig'd all the young Courtiers to con­fess themselves once a week; for he said, That if the Lords and Gentlemen, wou'd accustom themselves from their tender years, to the service and fear of God, they wou'd live with greater Christianity in their riper age: and if Persons of Quality came once to give good examples of Religion, the Commonalty, who form themselves according to their Model, wou'd not fail to regulate their manners; and therefore the reformation of all degrees in the King­dom, consisted chiefly in the vertuous edu­cation of young Noblemen.

The example of the Prince, and the young Courtiers drew the rest; and thereupon Xavier writes to Ignatius in these terms.

Nothing can be more regular than the Court of Portugal: it resembles ra­ther a Religious Society, than a Secular [Page 56] Court. The number of Courtiers who come to Confession, and are afterwards communicated, every eight days, is so very great, that we are in admiration of it, and are in perpe­tual thanksgiving for it. We are so taken up with hearing Confessions, that if we were twice so many as we are, there wou'd be employment more than enough for us. We are sitting on the Confession-Seat all the day long, and part of the night, though none but Courtiers are permitted to come to us.

I remember, that I observ'd, when the King was at Almerin, those who waited on him, from all parts of the Kingdom, about their own Affairs, as the custom is, were in great admiration at this new Court-mode; and when they beheld the young Gentlemen at the Sa­crament of the Altar▪ every Sunday and Holiday, with great reverence, they thought themselves in another World. But the greatest part of them imitating that which they admir'd, drew near to the Tribunal of Penance, and the Holy Table. Had we Confessours [...]now to attend the Crowds that come to Court, no Man wou'd venture to apply himself to the King for any business, before he had been first with God, and were well with him.

[Page 57] The two labourers in God's Harvest were so exhausted with their pains, that at length they were constrain'd to accept of the Diet which was provided for them by the Kings appointment. For they judg'd their time was better employ'd in the service of Souls, than in begging their daily Bread about the Streets. Yet they omitted not to ask Alms once or twice a week, that they might not difuse them­selves from the Spirit of Mortification and Poverty. With these considerations they reserv'd but little of what was sent them from the Palace, and distributed the rest among the poor.

On the other side, the perpetual labour of Confessions, reduc'd them to preach but very seldom, for want of leisure. But all things duly examin'd, they thought it of more consequence to Gods Service, to administer the Sacrament of Penance, than to preach the Word; be­cause the Court of Portugal was furnish'd with able Preachers, but was much want­ing in judicious Confessors; which was the very observation that Xavier made in the Letter above cited.

These visible, and wonderful Operati­ons, The Reputation he [...] at Lisbonne. caus'd the two Missioners to be respect­ed as Men sent down from Heaven, and replenish'd with the Spirit of the Most [Page 58] High▪ Insomuch that all men gave them the Surname of Apostles, which glorious Title still remains with their Successours in Portugal. The King, on all occasions, shew'd them a most particular affection: And Xavier, ravish'd with so many ex­pressions of his goodness to them, gives this account of it to Father Ignatius.

Our whole Society stands oblig'd to his Majesty, for his singular favour to us; as well the rest of you at Rome, as we in Por­tugal. I am given to understand from the Ambassadour Mascaregnas▪ that the King told him, he shou'd be very glad, that all the Members of our Company might be gather'd together, and establish'd here; tho' on that condition he employ'd a good part of his Revenue for our entertainment.

This Pious Prince, says Xavier in ano­ther of his Letters, who has so tender an inclination for our Society, and who wishes our advancement as much as if he were one of us, has thereby engag'd us for ever to his service. And we shou'd be guilty of a most horrible ingratitude, even to be un­worthy of Life, if we made not a publick profession of our Service to him, and if every day of our Lives, we endeavour'd not to acknowledge by our Prayers, as far as our weakness will give us leave, all the favours of so generous a Protector, and so magnifi­cent a [...].

[Page 59] The Prince Don Henry, who was no­minated Cardinal not long after, and in process of time, came to the Crown, by the death of Don Sebastian, had not less affection for them, than the King his Brother. Being grand Inquisitor, he gave the Fathers an absolute power in his Tribunal; and permitted them to disourse freely with all the Prisoners of the In­quisition.

Some of the Greatest Quality in the Court, were so much edify'd with the Apostolique Life of Xavier and Rodriguez, that they were desirous to embrace their Institute; as some Learned persons of the City had already done. In short, every thing succeeded with them, so that Xavier had some apprehensions concerning this tide of happiness; he bemoan'd it some­times to himself, and said that Prosperity was always [...]ormidable, even in the most pious undertakings; that Persecution was more desirable, and a much surer mark of Christ's Disciples.

The two Missioners appointed for the Indies, They wou'd retain him in Portugal. liv'd in this manner; and impa­tiently waited for the proper season of Navigation. But the King weighing in his mind, the great good which they had done, in so short a time, both amongst the Nobility, and the Common people, [Page 60] was desirous to retain them still in Por­tugal. It seem'd reasonable to him, that the interest of his own Kingdom ought to be dearer to him, than that of foreign Nations; and that these new Labourers would produce a larger increase in Ca­tholique Countries, than amongst Bar­barians.

Yet that he might undertake nothing without mature deliberation, he call'd a Council, and himself propos'd it to them. All of them approv'd the Kings Opinion, excepting only the Prince Don Henry; who strongly urg'd, that Xavier and Ro­driguez having been nominated for the new World, by the Vicar of our Saviour, it was in a manner to disturb the Order of Providence, if he thwarted their in­tended Voyage: that the Indies were equally to be consider'd with Portugal it self, since they had been Conquer'd by the Portuguese, and were annex'd to the Imperial Crown. That those Idolaters had better inclinations towards Christia­nity, than was generally thought; and that they wou'd come over to the faith of their own accord, when they shou'd see amongst them disinterested Preachers, free from Avarice and Ambition.

As the Opinions of Kings are always prevalent, the Reasons of Don Henry [Page 61] were slighted, and it was concluded in Council, that the two Missioners shou'd not depart the Realm. This resolution afflicted them the more sensibly, because they both breath'd after those eastern Countries; their last recourse was to write to Rome, and interpose the media­tion of Father Ignatius. He according­ly mov'd the Pope in their behalf, but His Holiness refus'd to make an absolute decision, and remitted the whole affair to Portugal Insomuch that Ignatius sent word to the two Fathers, that the King, was to them in the place of God, and that it was their duty to pay him a blind obedience. At the same time he also wrote to Don Pedro Mascaregnas, that Xavier and Rodriguez were wholly at the King's Command: And that they shou'd always remain in Portugal, in case his Majesty desir'd it. Notwithstanding which, he thought a temperament might be found, which was, that Ro­driguez might be retain'd in Portugal, and Xavier permitted to go for India.

The King was satisfied with this pro­posal of Ignatius: He is permitted to go to the Indies, and the King discou [...]ses with him before his departure. and believ'd it to be inspir'd by God himself. Xavier tran­sported with joy at the news of it, gave thanks to the Divine Goodness, which had chosen him anew for the Mission [Page 62] of the Oriential Parts, or rather which had executed its eternal purpose, not­withstanding humane opposition.

The time of embarquement being come, he was call'd one day to the Pa­lace: The King discours'd fully with him, concerning the present condition of the Indies, and recommended particu­larly to him the affairs of Religion. He likewise gave him in charge, to visit the Fortresses of the Portuguese, and take no­tice how God was serv'd in them: and withal to give him an account of what more was requisite to be done for the establishment of Christianity in those new Conquests; and to write frequently on that Subject, not onely to his Mini­sters, but to his own person.

After this he presented him the four Briefs, which had been expedited from Rome the same year: in two of which, our Holy Father had constituted Xa­vier Apostolical Nuncio, and endued him with ample power for the extending and maintenance of the Faith, through­out the East. In the third his Holiness recommended him to David Emperour of Ethiopia; and in the fourth to all the Princes who possess'd the Isles of the Sea, or the Continent from the Cape of Good-Hope, even beyond the Ganges.

[Page 63] Iohn the Third had requested these Briefs, He refuses the Provisions offer'd him for his Voyage. and the Pope had freely granted them, with design thereby to make the Mission of Father Francis the more Illu­strious and Authentique. The Father re­ceiv'd them from the hands of the King, with profound respect, saying that as much as his weakness was capable of performing, he shou'd endeavour to su­stain the burden, which God and Man had laid upon him.

Some few days before he went to Sea, Don Antonio d' Ataida Count of Castagne­ra, who supervis'd the Provisions of the Naval Army, advertis'd Xavier to make a Note of what things were necessary for him in order to his Voyage, assuring him from his Majesty, that he shou'd be fur­nish'd to his own desire. They want nothing, reply'd the Father with a smile, who have occasion for nothing. I am much oblig'd to the King for his Libera­lity, and to you for your care of me; but I owe more to the Divine Pro­vidence, and you wou'd not wish me to distrust it.

The Count of Castagnera, who had an express Order from the King, to make a large Provision for Father Xavier, was very urgent with him, and importun'd him so strongly to take something, for [Page 64] fear, said he, of tempting Providence, which does not every day work Mira­cles, that Xavier, not to appear either obstinate or presumptuous, demanded some few little Books of Devotion, for which he foresaw he shou'd have occa­sion in the Indies, and a thick Cloath Habit against the excessive colds, which are to be endur'd in doubling the Cape.

The Count amaz'd that the Father ask'd for nothing more, besought him to make a better use of the Kings offers: but seeing that all his intreaties prevail'd nothing, you shall not be Master in every thing, said he, with some kind of heat, and at the least you cannot possibly re­fuse a Servant to attend you, because I am sure you cannot be without one.

So long as I have the use of these two hands, replyed Xavier, I will have no other Servant: But decency, rejoin'd the Count, requires that you shou'd have one, if it were but to maintain the dig­nity of your Character. How shameful wou'd it seem to behold an Apostolical Legat washing his own Linnen on the Deck, and dressing his own Victuals. I will take upon me for once, said Xavier, to serve my self and others too without dishonouring my Character. So long [Page 65] as I do no ill, I am in no fear of scanda­lizing my Neighbour; nor of debasing that Authority with which I am intrusted by the Holy See. They are these hu­mane considerations, and false notions of decencies and punctilios which have reduc'd the Church to that condition, in which we now see it.

This positive answer stop'd Castagne­ra's mouth; but afterwards, he gave great commendations of Xavier, and publickly said, that he found it much more difficult to combat the denials of Fa­ther Francis, than to satisfie the craving desires of other men.

The day of his departure being come at length, He goes for the Indies, and what he said to Rodriguez at parting. and all things in a readiness to set Sail, Xavier went to the Port, with his two Companions, whom he carried with him to the Indies, namely Father Paul de Camerino an Italian, and Francis Man [...]illa a Portuguese, who was not yet in Priests Orders. Simon Rodriguez bore him Company to the Fleet; and then it was, that embracing each other with much tenderness, My Brother, said Xavier, these are the last words which I shall ever say to you: We shall see each other no more in this present World; let us endure our separation with patience: for most certain it is, that being well uni­ted [Page 66] with our Lord, we shall be united in our selves; and that nothing shall be able to divide us from the Society which we have in Jesus Christ.

As to what remains, I will, for your satisfaction, added he, discover to you a Secret, which hitherto I have con­ceal'd from your knowledge: You may remember, that when we lodg'd as Cham­ber-Fellows, in the Hospital at Rome, you heard me crying out one night, yet more, O my Lord, yet more: You have often ask'd what that exclamation meant? and I have always answer'd you, that you should not trouble your self about it; I must now tell you, that I then be­held, but, whether sleeping or waking, God onely knows, all I was to suffer for the glory of Iesus Christ; Our Lord infus'd into me so great a delight for suf­ferings, that not being able to satiate my self, with those troubles which he had presented to my imagination, I beg'd of him yet more. And that was the sence of what I pronounc'd with so much ser­ven [...]y, yet more, yet more. I hope the Divine goodness, will grant me that in India, which he has [...]oreshewn to me in Italy, and that the desires which he in­spir'd into me shall be shortly satisfi'd.

After these words they embrac'd each [Page 67] other a-new, and parted both of them in tears. When Rodriguez was return'd on shore, they gave the signal of depar­ture, and set Sail. This was on the 7th. of April, in the year 1541, under the Command of Don Martin Alphonso de So­sa, Viceroy of the Indies, a man of known Integrity, and consummate ex­perience, in what related to those parts, where he had formerly liv'd for many years. He was desirous of Xavier's Com­pany, in the Admiral, which was call'd the St. Iames. Xavier went aboard on his own Birth-day, entring then on his six and thirtieth year. He had resided eight months entire at Lisbonne; and for seven years and somewhat more, had been the profess'd Disciple of Ignatius Loyola.

WHile the Christian Religi­on flourish'd in Asia, By what way he [...]a [...]es to the Indies. un­der the Emperours of Constantinople, there were two ordinary passages, and both of them short enough towards the Indies: The one by Syria, over the Euphrates and the Persian Gulph; the other by Ezypt, over the Arabian Gulph, commonly call'd the Red Sea. But after the Sara [...]ens had pos­sess'd themselves of those places, the Euro­pean Christians finding those passages un­secure for travelling▪ sought out ways of a [Page 70] larger circuit, to avoid falling into the hands of their most mortal Enemies.

The Portuguese were the first, who be­thought themselves of Coasting all Affrick, and one part of Arabia and Persia; by taking this compass, the Indies are di­stant from Portugal about four thousand Leagues, and the Passengers are con­strain'd to suffer twice the scorching heats of the Torrid Zone, in going under the Equinoctial Line, which divides Af­frica almost into two equal parts.

Don Henry, Son of King Iohn the First, the most skilful Prince of that Age in the Mathematicks, was he who attempted the discovery of those Seas, and undertook to double the Cape of good hope, upon the account of traffick, which he desir'd to establish betwixt the Crown of Portugal, and the Emperour of Ethiopia, commonly call'd Prester Iohn. This Enterprise ha­ving succeeded, the Kings of Portugal, Alphonso the Fifth, Iohn the Second, and Emanuel the First, follow'd it so happily, that by little and little, they compleated the passage to the Indies.

This was the course that Father Xavier held with the Fleet of Portugal: [...] He found himself sufficient employment, during the time of the Navigation: His first study was to put a stop to those disorders [Page 71] which are commonly occasion'd by an idle li [...]e on Ship-board: And he began with gaming, which is the only recrea­tion, or rather the whole employment of the Sea-men.

That he might banish Games of Chance, which almost always occasion Quarrels and Swearing, he propos'd some little innocent diversions, capable of en­tertaining the Mind, without stirring up the Passions. But seeing that in spight of his endeavours, they were bent on Cards and Dice, he thought it not convenient to absent himself, but became a looker on, that he might somewhat awe them by his presence; and when they were breaking out into any extravagance, he reclaim'd them by gentle and soft re­proofs. He shew'd concernment in their gains, or in their losses, and offer'd some­times to hold their Cards.

There were at least a thousand persons in the Admiral, men of all conditions: The Father made himself all to all, there­by to gain some to Iesus Christ; enter­taining every Man with such discourse as was most suitable to his Calling. He talk'd of Sea Affairs to Mariners, of War to the Souldiery, of Commerce to Mer­chants, and of Affairs of State to men of Quality. His natural gayety, and obli­ging [Page 72] humour, gain'd him a general e­steem: The greatest Libertins, and most brutal persons sought his Conversation, and were even pleas'd to hear him speak of God.

He instructed the Seamen daily, in the Principles of Religion, of which the greater part were wholly ignorant, or had at the best but a smattering of it; and preach'd to them on every Holiday, at the foot of the main Mast. All of them profited by his Sermons, and in little time nothing was heard amongst them, which was offensive to the honour of God, or that wounded Christian Chari­ty; or touch'd upan obsceneness, or ill manners. They had a profound venera­tion for him; with one word only, he appeas'd their Quarrels, and put an end to all their differences.

The Viceroy, Don Martin Alphonso de Sosa, invited him from the very first day to [...]at at his Table; but Xavier humbly excus'd it, with great acknowledgments, and during all the Voyage, liv'd only on what he begg'd about the Ship.

In the mean time the insufferable colds of Cabo Verde, and the excessive heats of Guine [...] ▪ together with the stench of the fresh Waters, and putrisaction of their Flesh Provisions under the Line, produc'd [Page 73] many dangerous distempers. The most common was a pestilential Fever, ac­company'd with a kind of Cancer, which bred in the Mouth, and ulcerated all the Gums: The Sick being crowded toge­ther, spread the infection amongst them­selves; and as every one was apprehen­sive of getting the disease, they had been destitute of all succour, if Father Francis had not taken compassion on them. He wip'd them in their Sweats, he cleans'd their Ulcers, he wash'd their Linnen, and rendred them all the most abject services; but above all things, he had care of their Consciences, and his principal em­ployment was to dispose them to a Chri­stian Death.

These were his perpetual Employ­ments, being at the same time himself seiz'd with continued sits of Vomiting, and extream Languishments, which last­ed two whole Months. For his ease and refreshment, Sosa caus'd him to be ac­commodated with a larger Cabin than was first appointed for him; he accepted of it, but it was only to lodge in it, those who were most desperately ill: As for himself, he lay bare upon the Deck, without other Pillow, than the tackling.

He receiv'd also the Dishes which the Viceroy sent him from his Table, and [Page 74] divided them amongst those, who had most need of nourishment. So many actions of Charity, gain'd him the sur­name of the Holy Father from thence for­ward, which continued to him all his life, even amongst Mahometans and Ido­laters.

While Xavier employ'd his time in this manner, the Navy following its course met with Rocks and Tempests, and contrary Tides. After five Months of perpetual Navigation it arriv'd at Mo­zambique, towards the end of August.

Mosambique is a Kingdom, scituate on the Eastern Coasts of Affrica, He arrives at Mozambique, and what he does there. inhabited by Negro's, a barbarous people, but less Sal­vage than their Neighbours the Ca [...]res; by reason of the trade which they con­tinually maintain with the Ethiopians and Arabs. There is no Port on all the Shore to secure Shipping from the Winds; on­ly one little Island is shap'd into a Haven both convenient and safe.

This Isle which is but a mile dis [...]ant from the main Land, bears the name of Mozambique, together with the whole Kingdom. It was formerly subject to the Sar [...]cens, and a Xeriffe Moor com­manded it. But since, the Portuguese have made themselves Masters of it, and built a Fort, to secure the passage of their Ves­sels, [Page 75] and refresh their Sea-beaten men, who commonly stay there for some time.

The Army under Sosa, was constrain'd to Winter in this Island, not only because the season was far spent, but also because the sick Passengers cou'd no longer sup­port the incommodities of the Sea. The place notwithstanding was not very pro­per for in [...]irm persons, for the Air is un­wholsome; which proceeds from hence, that the Sea overflowing the Low-lands of the Isle, at the Spring Tides, the Mass of Waters there gather'd and inclos'd, is corrupted by the heats: For which rea­son, the Inhabitants are commonly short­liv'd, but more especially Strangers▪ Upon which occasion Mozambique, is ge­nerally call'd, The Sepulchre of the Portu­guese. Besides the intemperance of the Air, at the same time, an infectious dis­ease was raging in the Country.

Being come ashore, Sosa gave imme­diate orders to carry the Sick of every Ship to the Hospital, which is in the Island, of which the Kings of Portugal▪ are Founders. Father Xavier follow'd them, and with the assistance of his two Companions, undertook to attend them [...]ll. The undertaking was beyond his Strength; but the Soul sustains the Body of Apostolical Men, and Charity can do all things.

[Page 76] Animated with this new [...]ervour, he went from Chamber to Chamber, and from Bed to Bed, giving remedies to some, and administring the last Sacra­ment to others. Every one desir'd to have him by him, and all acknowledg'd that the only sight of his Countenance, avail'd them more than a thousand Me­dicines.

Having pass'd the day in continual labour, he watch'd all night with dying men, or laid himself down by those who were in most danger, to steal a short unquiet slumber, which was interrupted almost every moment: At the least com­plaint, or even at a sigh, he was awake, and ran to their relief.

So many fatigues, He falls sick himself, and yet conti [...]es to serve the sick. at the length over­whelm'd Nature, and he fell sick himself of a Fever, so violent, and so malignant, that he was blooded seven times in a little space, and was three days in a Delirium. At the beginning of his sickness, many were desirous to have withdrawn him from the Hospital, where the Contagion was frightful; and offer'd him their own Lodgings. He constantly refus'd their offers, and told them. That having made a Vow of Poverty, he wou'd live and die amongst the poor.

But when the violence of his Distem­per [Page 77] was somewhat abated, the Saint for­got himself to think on others. Some­times, not being able to sustain his Body, and burning with his Fever, he visited his dear Patients, and attended them as much as his weakness wou'd permit him. The Physitian having one day met him, going hither and thither as his Charity call'd him, in the middle of his Fit [...], after having felt his Pulse, plainly told him, that in all the Hospital, there was not one man in more danger than himself, and pray'd him that he wou'd take some small repose, and but give him­self a breathing time, 'till his Fever were in the declension.

I will punctually obey you, reply'd the Father, when I have satisfi'd one part of my duty which calls upon me: it concerns the Salvation of a Soul, and there is no time to be lost on such an occasion. Immediately he order'd to be carried to his own Bed, a poor Ship-Boy who lay stretch'd out on a little straw, with a burning Fever upon him, without Speech or knowledge. The Youth was no sooner plac'd upon the Saints Bed, but he came to himself: Xa­vier made use of the opportunity, and laying himself by the sick Person, who had led a most dissolute Life, exhorted [Page 78] him so strongly all that night to abomi­nate his sins, and to rely on the mercy of Almighty God, that he saw him dye, in great contrition, mix'd with saving hope.

After this, the Father kept the pro­mise which he had made to the Physi­tian: and took a greater care of his own preservation; insomuch that his Fever abated by degrees, and at length left him, of it self; but his strength was not yet recover'd, when the Navy put to Sea again. The Viceroy who began to find himself indispos'd, wou'd make no longer stay upon a place so much in­fected, nor attend the recovery of his People, to continue his Voyage. He desir'd Xavier to accompany him, and to leave Paul de Camerino, and Francis Mansilla to attend the Sick in the Hospi­tal: where indeed they both perform'd their duty as became them.

Thus having made a six months resi­dence on Mozambique, they embarqu'd once more on the 15th. of March, and in the year 1542. But they went not a­board the St. Iames, in which they came thither; changing her for a lighter Ves­sel, which made better Sail.

'Tis here proper to observe, His first prediction [...] by the success. that the Father, according to the report of the [Page 79] Passengers who came vvith him from Portugal to Mozambique, began to mani­fest that Spirit of Prophecy, which he had to the end of his days, in so emi­nent a degree. For hearing those of the St. Iames commend that Ship, as a Ves­sel of the strongest built, and the best equip'd of all the Fleet, he said in express words, that she vvou'd prove unfortu­nate. And in effect, that Ship, which the Viceroy left behind him at Mozam­bique, in the Company of some others, pursuing her course afterwards to the Indies, was driven against the Rocks, and dash'd in pieces towards the Island of Salseta.

The Galeon, He arri [...]e [...] at Melinda, and there comfers with the Mahomet [...]us. which carried Sosa and Xavier, had the wind so favourable, that in tvvo or three days she arriv'd at Me­linda▪ on the Coast of Affrick, tovvards the Equinoctial Line. 'Tis a Town of Saracens, on the Sea side, in a flat Coun­try, well cultivated, planted all along with Palm-trees, and beautified with fair Gardens. It has a large enclosure, and is fortify'd with Walls, after the Euro­pean fashion. Tho the building is Mo­resque, the Houses notwithstanding, are both pleasant and convenient. The In­habitants are warlike, they are black, and go naked; excepting only that they [Page 80] are cover'd with a kind of an Apron of Cotton or Linnen, from the wast to the mid thigh. And indeed the heat of their Clymat will permit them to wear no more; Melinda being distant from the Line, but three degrees, and some few minutes.

They have always maintain'd a good correspondence with the Portuguese, by reason of the Commerce establish'd be­twixt them. The Flag of Portugal was no sooner seen, but the Saracen King came down to the Port, attended by the most honourable Persons of his Court, to receive the new Governour of the In­dies: The first object which presented it self to Father Francis when he stept a­shore, drew tears from his eyes; but they were tears of joy and pity mingled to­gether. The Portuguese having there a constant trade, and now and then some of them hapning to dye, are allow'd a Burying-place near the Town, full of Crosses set upon their Graves, according to the custome of the Catholiques: And above the rest there was a very large one of hewn stone, plac'd in the middle, and all over gilded.

The Saint ran to it, and ador'd before it; receiving an inward consolation, to behold it rais'd so high, and, as it were, [Page 81] triumphing amongst the Enemies of Iesus Christ. But at the same time, he was sensibly afflicted, that this sign of our Salvation serv'd less to [...]di [...]i [...] the Living, than to honour the memory of the Dead. And lifting up his hands to Heaven, he besought the Father of all Mercies to im­print in the hearts of the Infidels, that Cross, which they had suffer'd to be plan­ted on their ground.

His next thoughts prompted him to con [...]er of Religion with the Moors, that he might endeavour to shew them the extravagancies of the Mahometan Belief, and gain an opportunity of revealing to them the eternal truths of Christian faith. One of the Principal Inhabitants, and wonder [...]ully bigotted to his Sect, pre­vented him, and immediately demanded of him, if Piety were not wholly extin­guish'd in the Towns of Europe, as it was in Melinda. For to confess the truth, said he, of seventeen Mosques which we have, fourteen are quite forsaken; there are but three remaining, at which we pay our Devotions; and even those three are but little visited, and by few Per­sons.

This proceeds, without all question, added the Mahometan, from some enor­mous sin, but what it is, I know not: [Page 82] and whatsoever reflections I can make, I am not able to find what has drawn up­on us so dreadful a misfortune. There is nothing more clear, reply'd Xavier; God, who detests the Prayer of Insidels, has permitted a worship to moulder away, which is displeas [...]ng to him; and gives you thence to understand, that he con­demns your Sect. The Sacra [...]en, was not satisfy'd with this reason, nor with any other argument which Xavier us'd against the Alcoran. While they were thus disputing, a Caciz, or Doctour of the Law, join'd company with them, having made the same complaint concer­ning the Mosquees, how little they were frequented, and how cold was grown the devotion of the People. I have taken my measures, said he, and if in two years Mahomet comes not in Person to visit the Congregations of the Faithful, who ac­knowledge him for God's true Prophet, I will certainly look out for some other Religion. Xavier took pity on the folly of the Caciz, and endeavour'd all he cou'd to convert him at that instant from Mahometanism; but he cou'd not prevail upon an obstinate mind blinded with the opinion of its own reason; and therefore the Father acquies'd in the De­crees of that Providence, which hasfix'd [Page 83] the times and revolutions, for the conver­sion of In [...]idels and Sinners.

Having left Melinda, He passes over to Socotora; his opinion concerning that People. where they con­tinued but few days, and still coasting Affrica, they cast Anchor at Socotora, which is beyond Cape Guardafu, and over against the Streight of Mecca. The Moors of that Country, call it the Isle of Amazons, and the reason they alledge, is because it is govern'd by Women. The Inhabitants believe their Isle to be the Earthly Paradise; which notwithstand­ing, there is scarcely to be found in all the World, a spot of ground less deser­ving that glorious Title. The Air is in a perpetual [...]ultry heat, the Soyl is dry and barren; and excepting only for the Aloes which is there produc'd, and is indeed the best, which grows in those Eastern Parts, even the name of Socotora wou'd not be mention'd. 'Tis not certainly known what Religion they prosess, so monstrous is their Belief. They hold from the Saracens the Worship of Ma­homet, from the Iews the use of Circum­cision and Sacrifices, and yet give them­selves the name of Christians. The Males bear the name of some or other of the Apostles, the most part of the Women are call'd Mary, and yet they have no knowledge of Baptism. They adore the [Page 84] Cross, and hang it in little about their necks. They chiefly venerate St. Tho­mas; and it is an ancient Tradition a­mongst them, that this Holy Apostle in going to the Indies, was cast by a Tem­pest on their Coast: that being come ashore, he Preach'd Iesus Christ to those of Socotora, and that from the wreck of that Ship which brought him thither, they built a Chappel in the middle of their Island.

The condition of these Islanders, sen­sibly afflicted Father Xavier; yet he despair'd not of reducing them to a right understanding of the Faith, because as barbarous as they were, they still pre­serv'd some footsteps of Christianity a­mongst them. Having no knowledge of their Tongue, which bears not the least [...]esemblance to any of our Europe­an Languages, and is also wholly diffe­rent from the Ethiopian, and Arabique; at the first, he was constrain'd to testi [...]ie his sorrow to them by dumb signs, for their ignorance and errours. Afterwards, whether it were, that some one amongst them understood the Portuguese, and serv'd as Interpreter to all the rest, or that counting from this very time, he began to receive from above, the first fruits of the gift of Tongues, which was [Page 85] so abundantly bestow'd [...] him in the Indies, on sundry occasions, he spoke to them concerning the necessity of Baptism, and let them know, that there was no possibility of Salvation, without a sincere belief in Iesus Christ: but that the Faith allow'd of no mixture, and that to be­come Christians, they must of necessity cease to be Iews or Mahometans.

His words made a wonderful impres­sion on the Souls and Hearts of those Barbarians: Some of them made him pre­sents of their wild Fruits, in token of their good will; others offer'd him their Children to be Baptiz'd; All promis'd him to receive Baptism themselves, and to lead the Life of true Christians, on condition he wou'd remain with them. But when they beheld the Portuguese Galeon ready to depart, they ran in crouds to the Water-side, and besought the Holy man with tears in their eyes, not to forsake them.

So moving a Spectacle wrought com­passion in Xavier, he was earnest with the Viceroy for leave to stay upon the Isle, at least till the arrival of the Vessels, which he had left at Mozambique. But he cou'd obtain no part of his request: and Sosa told him, that Heaven having design'd him for the Indies, it was to be [Page 86] wanting to his Vocation, if he endea­vour'd this Exchange; and stop'd in the beginning of his race. That his Zeal wou'd find a more ample field, wherein to exercise it self, than in Soco­tora; and People of better inclination than those Islanders, naturally uncon­stant, and as ready to forsake the Faith, as they were easie to receive it.

Xavier submitted to these reasons of the Viceroy, which on this occasion seem'd to interpret to him the good plea­sure of Almighty God. Instantly they hoisted Sail, but the Saint was pierc'd with sorrow to behold those poor crea­tures, who follow'd him with their eyes, and held up their hands from a [...]ar to him; while the Vessel was removing in­to the deep, he turn'd his head towards them, breathing out profound sighs, and looking mournfully upon them. But that he might leave nothing upon his conscience, to upbraid him concerning the Socotorins, he engag'd himself so­lemnly before Almighty God, to return to them, so soon as possibly he cou'd; or in case he cou'd not, to procure for them some Preachers of the Gospel, to in­struct them in the way of their Salvation.

This last part of his Navigation was not long. He arriv [...] at Goa. After having cross'd the Sea [Page 87] of Arabia, and part of that which be­longs to India, the Fleet arriv'd at the Part of Goa, on the sixth of May, in the year 1542, being the thirteenth Month, since their setting out from the Port of Lisbonne.

The Town of Goa, is scituate on this side of the Ganges, in an Island bearing the same name. 'Tis the Capital City of the Indies, the Seat of the Bishop and the Viceroy, and the most considerable place of all the East for Traffick. It had been built by the Moors, forty years before the Europeans had pass'd into the Indies: and in the year 1510, Don Alphons [...] d'Albuquerque, surnam'd the Great, took it from the Infidels, and subjected it to the Crown of Portugal.

At that time was verify'd the famous Prophecy of St. Thomas the Apostle, that the Christian Faith which he had plant­ed in divers Kingdoms of the East, shou'd one day flourish there again; which very Prediction he left graven on a Pillar of li­ving Stone, for the memory of future A­ges. The Pillar was not far distant from the Walls of Meliapore, the Metropolis of the Kingdom of Coromandel; and it was to be read in the Characters of the Country, That when the Sea, which was forty Miles distant from the Pillar, shou'd [Page 88] come up to the foot of it, there shou'd ar­rive in the Indies, white Men, and Fo­reigners, who shou'd there restore the true Religion.

The Infidels had laugh'd at this Pre­diction for a long time, not believing that it wou'd ever be accomplish'd, and indeed, looking on it as a kind of impos­sibility that it shou'd: Yet it was accom­plish'd, and that so justly, that when Don Vasco de Game set foot on the Indies, the Sea, which sometimes usurps upon the Continent, and gains by little and little on the dry land, was by that time risen to the Pillar, so as to bathe its lower parts.

Yet it may be truly said, that the Pro­phecy of St. Thomas had not its full ef­fect, till after the coming of Father Xa­vier; according to another prediction of that holy Man Peter de Couillan, a Religious of the Trinity, who going to the Indies with Vasco de Gama, in quali­ty of his Ghostly Father, was Martyr'd by the Indians on the seventh of Iuly 1497, forty three years before the begin­ning of the Society of Iesus, who being pierc'd through with Arrows, while he was shedding his Blood for Christ, di­stinctly pronounc'd these following words. In few years there shall be bor [...] [Page 89] in the Church of God, a new Religious Or­der of Clergy-men, which shall bear the name of Jesus: and one of its first Fathers, conducted by the Spirit of God, shall pass into the most remote Countries of the East-Indies, the greatest part of which shall embrace the Orthodox Faith, through the Ministry of this Evangelical Preacher.

This is related by Iuan de Figueras Carpi, in his History of the Order of the Redemption of Captives, from the Manu­scripts of the Trinity Convent in Lisbonne, and the Memoirs of the King of Portu­gal's Library.

After Xavier was landed, he went immediately to the Hospital, and there took his Lodging, notwithstanding the instances of the Viceroy, who was de­sirous to have had him in his Palace. But he wou'd not begin his Missionary Function, till he had paid his respects to the Bishop of Goa; whose name was Iuan d' Albuquerque, of the Order of St. Fran­cis, a most excellent person, and one of the most vertuous Prelates which the Church has ever had.

The Father having inform'd him of the reasons for which his Holiness and the King of Portugal had sent him to the Indies, He visits the Bish [...]p of the Indies. presented to him the Briefs of Pope Paul the Third, at the same time declaring to [Page 90] him, that he pretended not to use them, without his approbation and good liking: After this, he cast himself at his Feet, and desir'd his Blessing.

The Prelat, edify'd with the modesty of the Father, and struck with that ve­nerable Air of Sanctity which appear'd in his Countenance, took him up imme­diately, and embrac'd him with great tenderness. Having often kiss'd the Briefs, he restor'd them to the Father, with these words, An Apostolical Legat, sent from the Vicar of Jesus Christ, has no need of receiving his Mission from any other hand: Use freely that power, which the holy Seat has conferr'd upon you: and rest assur'd, that if the Episcopal Authority be needful to maintain, it shall never be wanting to you.

From that moment they contracted a most sacred friendship, whose Union was so strict, that ever after, they seem'd to have but one Heart, and one Soul: Insomuch that Father Xavier undertook not any thing, without consulting the Bishop first; and the Bishop on his side, imparted all his designs to Father Xavier: and it is almost incredible, how much this holy Correspondence, contributed to the Salvation of Souls, and exaltation of the Faith.

[Page 91] Before we pass farther, The estate of Religion in the Indies at his arrival. 'tis of conse­quence to know the estate of Religion at that time in the Indies. 'Tis true, that according to the Prophecy of St. Thomas, they who discover'd the East-Indies, had new planted Christianity in some parts of them, where all was in a manner quite forgotten. But Ambition and Avarice, in short time after, cool'd the zeal of these new Conquerours; instead of ex­tending the Kingdom of Iesus Christ, and of gaining Souls to him, they thought of nothing more, than of enlarging their Dominion, and inriching themselves. It happen'd also, that many Indians newly converted to the Faith, being neither cultivated by wholsome Instructions, nor edify'd by good Examples, forgot insen­sibly their Baptism, and return'd to their ancient Superstitions.

And if any amongst them kept con­ [...]tant to his Christianity, and declar'd himself a Believer, the Mahometans, who were uppermost in many places, along the Coast, and very wealthy, persecuted him with great cruelty, without any op­position on the part of the Portuguese Governour or Magistrates. Whether the Power of Portugal, were not yet suf­ficiently establish'd, or that Interest was predominant over Justice and Religion. [Page 92] This cruel usage deterr'd the new Chri­stians from professing Iesus Christ, and was the reason, that amongst the Infidels, all thoughts of Conversion were laid aside.

But what yet appears more wonderful, the Portuguese themselves liv'd more like Idolaters than Christians. For to speak somewhat more particularly of their corrupt manners, according to the rela­tion which was sent to King Iohn the Third of Portugal, from the Indies, by a Man in power, and worthy of belief: some few Months before the arrival of Father Xavier, every Man kept as ma­ny Mistresses as he pleas'd, and main­tain'd them openly in his own House, even in the quality of lawful Wives. They bought Women, or took them away by force, either for their Ser­vice, or to make Money of them. Their Masters tax'd them at a certain Sum by the day, and for fault of pay­ment, inflicted on them all sorts of pu­nishment: Insomuch, that those unhappy creatures not being able sometimes to work out the daily rate impos'd on them, were forc'd upon the infamous traffick of their Bodies, and become publick pro­stitutes, to content the Avarice of their Masters.

Justice was sold at the Tribunals, and [Page 93] the most enormous crimes escap'd from punishment, when the Criminals had wherewithal to corrupt their Judges.

All methods for heaping up Money, were accounted lawful, how indirect so­ever, and Extortion was publickly pro­fest. Murther was reckon'd but a venial trespass, and was boasted as a piece of bravery.

The Bishop of Goa, to little purpose, threatn'd them with the wrath of Hea­ven, and the thunder of Excommunica­tions: No dam was sufficient for such a Deluge, their Hearts were harden'd a­gainst Spiritual Threatning and Anathe­ma's. Or to speak more properly, the deprivation of Sacraments was no punish­ment to such wicked wretches, who were glad to be rid of them.

The use of Confessions, and the Com­munion, were in a manner abolish'd; and if any one by chance, was struck with a remorse of Conscience, and desir'd to re­concile himself to God, at the foot of a Priest, he was constrain'd to steal to his Devotions by night, to avoid the scandal to his Neighbour.

So strange a depravation of manners, proceeded from these causes. Its rise was taken from the licence of Arms, which permit, and almost authorise the great­est [Page 94] disorders in a conquer'd Country. The Pleasures of Asia, and the Commerce of Infidels, aided not a little to debauch the Portuguese, as starch'd and regular, as they naturally are. The want of spiritual Di­rectors, contributed largely to this grow­ing mischief.

There were not four Preachers in all the Indies: nor any one Priest without the Walls of Goa: Insomuch, that in ma­ny fortify'd places whole years were pass'd, without hearing a Sermon or a Mass.

Behold a Draught, not unresembling the face of Christianity in this new World, when Father Xavier arriv'd in it.

The Author of the Relation from whence mine is copied, seems to have had some kind of foresight of his coming: for, in the conclusion of his Memorial, he prays Almighty God, and [...]arnestly de­sires the King of Portugal, to send some holy Man to the Indies, who might re­form the manners of the Europeans, by his Apostolick Instructions, and his exem­plary Vertues.

As for the Gentils, the life they led, resembled that of Beasts, rather than of Men. Uncleanness was risen to the last excess amongst them; and the least cor­rupt were those who had no Religion. [Page 95] The greatest part of them ador'd the De­vil under an obscene Figure, and with Ceremonies which modesty forbids to mention: Some amongst them chang'd their Deity every day, and the first living Creature, which happen'd to meet them in the Morning, was the Object of their Worship; not excepting even Dogs or Swine: In this they were uniform, that they all offer'd bloody Sacrifices to their Gods; and nothing was more common, than to see bleeding Infants on the Al­tars, slaughter'd by the hands of their own Parents.

Such manifold abominations, inflam'd the Zeal of Father Xavier: He wish'd himself able at the same time, to have apply'd remedies to them all; yet thought himself oblig'd to begin with the houshold of Faith, according to the precept of St. Paul; that is to say, with the Christians; and amongst them he singl'd out the Portuguese, whose exam­ple was like to be most prevalent with the Baptis'd Indians. Behold, in what manner he attempted this great enterprise of Reformation.

To call down the Blessing of Heaven on this difficult employment, His first work at Goa. he conse­crated the greatest part of the night to Prayers, and allow'd himself at the most [Page 96] but four hours of Sleep: and even this little repose, was commonly disturb'd. For lodging in the Hospital, and lying always near the sick, as his custom had been at Mozambique, his slumber was bro­ken by their least complaint, and he fail'd not to rise to their relief.

He return'd to his Prayers at break of day; after which he celebrated Mass: He employ'd the forenoon in the Hospi­pitals; particularly in that of the Lepers, which is in one of the Suburbs of Goa. He embrac'd those miserable Creatures one after the other; and distributed amongst them, those Alms which he had been begging for them, from Door to Door. After this he visited the Prisons, and dealt amongst them the same effects of Charity.

In coming back, he made a turn about the Town, with his Bell in his hand, and gave a loud Summons to the Fathers of Families, that, for the love of God, they wou'd send their Children and their Slaves to Catechism.

The holy Man was convinc'd in his Heart, that if the Portuguese Youth were well instructed in the principles of Religi­on, and form'd betimes to the practice of good Life▪ Christianity, in a little time, wou'd be seen to revive in Goa, but in case the Children grew up without in­struction [Page 97] or discipline, there was no re­maining hope, that they who suck'd in Impiety, and Vice, almost with their Milk, shou'd ever become sincere Chri­stians.

The little Children, [...] gather'd together in Crowds about him, whether they came of their own accord, through a Natural Curiosity, or that their Parents sent them, out of the respect which they already had for the holy Man, howso­ever vicious themselves. He led them to the Church, and there expounded to them, the Apostles Creed, the Command­ments of God, and all the practices of De­votion, which are in use amongst the Faithful.

These tender Plants, receiv'd easily the impressions which the Father made on them, and it was through these little Babes that the Town began to change its Face. For by daily hearing the Man of God, they became modest and devout: their Modesty and Devotion, was a silent censure of that debauchery which ap­pear'd in persons of riper age: Some­times they even reprov'd their Fathers, with a liberty which had nothing of childish in it, and their reproofs put the most dissolute Libertines to the blu [...]h.

[Page 98] Xavier then proceeded to publick Preaching, whether, all the people slock'd; and, to the end that the Indians might understand, as well as the Portu­guese, he affected to speak that Language, in a gross and clownish dialect, which pass'd at that time amongst the Natives of the Country. It was immediately seen, what power a Preacher animated by the Spirit of God, had over the Souls o [...] perverted men. The most scandalous Sinners, struck with the horrour of their Crimes, and the fear of eternal Punish­ment, were the first who came to Con­fession: Their example took away from others the shame of confessing; insomuch that every one now strove who shou'd be formost, to throw himself at the Fathers Feet, knocking their Breasts, and bitter­ly lamenting their offences.

The fruits of Penitence, accompany­ing these Tears, were the certain proofs of a sincere Conversion. They cancell'd their unlawful Bonds and Covenants of Extortion; they made restitution of their ill gotten Goods; they set at liberty their Slaves, whom they had opprest, or had acquir'd unjustly; and lastly, turn'd a­way their Concubines. Whom they were unwilling to possess by a lawful marri­age.

[Page 99] The Saint acted with the Concubinari­ans, His industry to gain the Concubinarians. almost in the same manner, as our Saviour dealt with the Publicans and Harlots. Far from treating them severe­ly, the deeper they were plung'd in that darling Vice, the more tenderly he seem'd to use them. On all occasions he declar'd himself their Friend; he made them frequent visits, without fear of be­ing upbraided with so infamous a Con­versation. He invited himself sometimes to eat with them; and then assuming an Air of gayety, he desir'd the Master to bring down the Children to bear him company. When he had a little com­mended their prettiness, he ask'd to see their Mother, and shew'd her the same Countenance, as if he had taken her for an honest Woman. If she were beau­tiful or well shap'd, he prais'd her, and said, she look'd like a Portuguese: After which, in private Conversation, [...]ou have, said he to the Master, a fair Slave, who well deserves to be your Wife. But if she were a swarthy, ugly Indian, Good God! he cry'd out, what a Monster do you keep within your doors! and how are you able to endure the sight of her? Such words, spoken in all appearance, without design, had commonly their full effect: The Keeper marry'd her, whom the [Page 100] Saint had commended, and turn'd off the others.

This so sudden a change of manners, was none of those transient sits of Devo­tion, which pass away, almost as soon as they are kindled; Piety was establish'd in all places; and they who formerly came to confession once a year, to speak the best of it, now perform'd it regularly once a month. They were all desirous of con­fessing themselves to Father Xavier, so that Writing from Goa to Rome on that Subject, he said, that if it had been pos­sible for him, to have been at once in ten places, he shou'd not have wanted for em­plo [...]ment. His Catechising having had that wonderful success which we have mention'd, the Bishop Don Iohn d' Albu­querque ordain'd, that from thence for­ward, the Children shou'd be taught the Christian Doctrin, in all the Churches of the Town. The Gentlemen and Mer­chants applyed themselves to the regula­tion of their Families, and banishment of vice. They gave the Father considera­ble Sums of Money, which he di­stributed in their presence, in the Hos­pitals and Prisons. The Viceroy accom­panied the Saint thither once a week, to hear the complaints of the Prisoners and to relieve the Poor. This Christian [Page 101] practice was so pleasing to the King of Portugal, Iohn the Third, that afterwards he writ to Don Iohn Don de Castro, Go­vernour of the Indies, expresly ordering him, to do that once a month, which Don Martin Alphonso de Sosa never fail'd of doing every week; in short, the Por­tuguese of Goa, had gain'd such an habi­tude of good Life, and such an universal change of manners had obtain'd amongst them, that they seem'd another sort of People.

This was the state of affairs, He is told of the C [...]ast of Fish [...]ry, and goes thither. This Coast is call'd in the Maps La Pescaria. when Mi­chael Vaz, Vicar General of the Indies, a Man of rare virtue, and wonderful zeal for the propagation of the Faith, gave Xavier to understand, that on the Oriental Coast, which lies extended from Cape Comorin, to the Isle of Ma­nar, and is call'd the Coast of Fishery, there were certain People call'd Paravas, that is to say, Fishers, who had caus'd themselves to be Baptiz'd some time since, on occasion of succours which had been given them by the Portuguese against the Moors, by whom they were cruelly op­prest: That these People had nothing more of Christianity, than Baptism, and the name, for want of Pastours to in­struct them; and that it would be a work well-pleasing in the sight of God [Page 102] to accomplish their Conversion. He conceal'd not from him, that the Land was barren, and so destitute of the con­veniences of life, that no stranger was willing to settle there. That interest a­lone drew the Merchants thither, in the season of Pearl-Fishing, and otherwise the heats were insupportable.

There cou'd not have been made to Xavier a Proposition more according to his hearts desire. He offer'd himself with­out the least hesitation, to go and instruct that People: and he did it so much the more freely, because his presence was no longer so necessary at Goa, where Pi­ety was now grown into a habit, by a setled form of five months standing.

Having receiv'd the Benediction of the Bishop, he embarqu'd about the midst of October, in the year 1542, in a Galiot, which carried the new Captain of Como­rin; and took with him two young Ec­ [...]l [...]s [...]asticks of Goa, who had a tolerable insight into the Language of the Malabars, which is spoken in the Coast of Fishery. So [...]a offer'd to have furnish'd him with money [...]or all his occasions: But Aposto­lique men have no greater treasures than their Poverty, nor any fund more cer­ta [...]n than that of Providence. He ac­cepted only a pair of Shooes, to defend [Page 103] him in some measure from the burning Sands upon the Coasts; and, at parting, desir'd the Viceroy to send him his two Companions, who were left behind at Mozambique, so soon as they shou'd arrive at Goa.

The Cape of Comorin, is at the distance of about six hundred Miles from Goa: 'Tis a high Promontory, jutting out in­to the Sea, and facing the Isle of Ceylan. The Father being there arriv'd, immedi­ately fell in with a Village of Idolaters. He cou'd bear to go no farther, without Preaching the Name of Iesus to the Gen­tiles. But all he cou'd declare by the mouth of his Interpreters signified no­thing. And those Pagans plainly told him, that they cou'd not change their Faith, without consent of the Lord, of whom they held. Their obstinacy, however, was of no long continuance, and that Omnipo­tence, which had preordain'd Xavier to the Conversion of Idolaters, wou'd not that his first Labours shou'd be unsuc­cessful.

A Woman of the Village had been three days in the pains of Child-birth; and had endur'd great torments, He [...] Como [...]. with­out being eas'd, either by the Prayers of the Brachmans, or any natural reme­dies. Xavier went to visit her, accom­panied [Page 104] by one o [...] his Interpreters. And then it was, says he, in one of his Let­ters, that forgetting I was in a strange Country, I began to call upon the name of the L [...]rd; though at the same time, I cou'd n [...]t but remember, that all the Earth, is equally his, and all its Inhabitants are [...] to him.

The Father expounded to the Sick Woman the Principles of our Faith; and exhorted her to repose her trust in the God of the Christians. The Holy Ghost who by her means had decreed to save that People, touch'd her inwardly; in­somuch, that being ask'd, if she believ'd in Jesus Christ? and if she desir'd to be Baptiz'd? [...]he answer'd yes; and that she spake from the bottom of her heart. Xa­vier, then read the Gospel to her, and Baptiz'd her: she was immediately de­liver'd of her Child, and perfectly re­cover'd. [...]his visible Miracle immedi­ately fill'd that poor Cabin, with asto­nishment and gladness. The whole Fa­mily threw themselves at the Father's feet, and ask'd to be instructed: and be­ing sufficiently taught, not one amongst th [...]m but receiv'd Baptism. This news [...]ing [...]lown abroad, through all the Country, the chief of the place, had the curiosity to see a person so wonderful in [Page 105] his Works, and in his Words. He Preach'd to them the words of Eternal Life, and convinc'd their reason of the truth of Christianity; But convinc'd though they were, they durst not as they said, become Christians, without the permission of their Prince.

There was at that time, in the Vil­lage, an Officer; sent expresly from the Prince, to collect a certain annual Tri­bute. Father Xavier went to see him, and expounded so clearly to him, all the Law of Iesus Christ, that the Pagan pre­sently acknowledg'd, there was no­thing in it which was ill; and after that, gave leave to the Inhabitants to imbrace it. There needed no more, to a people, whom nothing but fear witheld from it; they all offer'd themselves to be Bap­tiz'd, and promis'd thenceforth to live in Christianity.

The Holy man, encourag'd by so hap­py a beginning, He Labours in the salvation of the Paravas. follow'd his way with more chearfulness; and came to Tutucu­rin, which is the first Town belonging to the Paravas. He found in effect, that this People, excepting only their Baptism, which they had receiv'd rather to shake off the Moorish Yoke, than to subject themselves to that of Iesus Christ, were wholly Infidels; and he declar'd to [Page 106] them the Misteries of our Faith, of which before, they had not receiv'd the least tincture. The two Church-men who accompanied him, serv'd him in the nature of Interpreters: But Xavier re­flecting within himself, that these Church­men frequently alter'd those things, which pass'd through their mouths; and that our own words, when spo­ken by our selves, have more vigour in them, bethought himself of finding some expedient, whereby to be under­stood, without the assistance of another. The way he took was to get together some People of the Country, who under­stood the Portuguese Language: and to joyn them with the two Ecclesiastiques, who were knowing in the Malabar. He consulted both Parties for many days together, and drudging at his business, Translated into the Paravas tongue, the words of the sign of the Cross, the Apo­stles Creed, the Commandements, the Lords Prayer, the Salutation of the Angel, the Con­siteor, the Salve Regina, and in sine, the whole Catechism.

The Translation being finish'd, the [...]ather got without book, what he cou'd of it; and took his way about the Villages of the Coast, in number thirty, about half of which were baptiz'd, the rest Idolaters.

[Page 107] I went about, with my Bell in my hand, says he himself, and gathering together all I met, both Men and Chil­dren, I instructed them in the Christian Doctrin: The Children learnt it easily by heart, in the compass of a month, and when they understood it, I charg'd them to teach it their Fathers and Mo­thers, all of their own Family, and even their Neighbours.

On Sundays I assembled the Men and Women, His manner of teaching the Christian faith. little Boys and Girls in the Chap­pel; all came to my appointment, with an incredible joy, and most ardent de­sire to hear the Word of God▪ I began with the confessing God to be one in na­ture, and trine in Persons. I afterwards repeated, distinctly, and with an audible voice, the Lords-Prayer, the Angelical Salutation, and the Apostles Creed. All of them together repeated after me; and 'tis hardly to be imagin'd, what pleasure they took in it. This being done, I re­peated the C [...]eed singly; and insisting on every particular Article, ask'd if they certainly believ'd it? They all protested to me with loud cries, and their hands across their breasts, that they firmly be­liev'd it. My practice is to make them repeat [...] Creed oftner than the other Prayers; and I declare to them, [Page 108] at the same time, that they who be­lieve the Contents of it are true Christians.

From the Creed I pass to the Ten Com­mandments, and give them to under­stand, that the Christian Law is com­pris'd in those ten Precepts, that he who keeps them all according to his Duty, is a good Christian; and that Eternal Life is decreed to him: That on the contrary, whoever violates one of these Command­ments, is a bad Christian, and that he shall be damn'd eternally, in case he re­pent not of his Sin: Both the new Chri­stians and the Pagans admire our Law, as Holy, and Reasonable, and consistent with it self.

Having done as I told you, my custom is to repeat with them, the Lords Prayer, and the Angels Salutation. Once again we recite the Creed, and at every Article, besides the Pater noster and the Ave Ma­ria, we intermingle some short Prayer: for having pronounc'd aloud the first Ar­ticle, I begin thus, and they say after me, Jesus, thou Son of the living God, give me the Grace to believe firmly, this first Article of thy Faith, and with that intention we offer thee that Prayer, of which thou thy self art Author. We add, Holy Mary, Mother of our Lord Je­sus Christ, obtain for us, from thy belov'd [Page 109] Son, to believe this Article, without any doubt concerning it. The same method is observ'd in all the other Articles, and al­most in the same manner, we run over the Ten Commandments. When we have jointly repeated the first Precept, which is, To love God, we pray thus: O Jesu Christ, thou Son of the living God, grant us thy Grace to love thee above all things! and immediately after we say the Lords Prayer: Then, immediately we subjoin, O holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, obtain for us, from thy Son, that we may have the Grace to keep this first Commandment. After which we say the Ave Maria. We ob­serve the same method through the other nine Commandments, with some little variation, as the matter requires it.

These are the things which I accustom them to beg of God, in the common Prayers, omitting not sometimes to assure them, that if they obtain the thing for which they pray, even that is a means for them to obtain other things more am­ply than they cou'd demand them.

I oblige them all to say the Con [...]iteor, but principally those who are to receive Baptism, whom I also enjoin to say the Belief. At every Article I demand of them, if they believe it without any scruple, and when they have assur'd me [Page 110] that they do, I commonly make them an Exhortation, which I have compos'd in their own language; being an Epitome of the Christian Faith, and of the neces­sary duties incumbent on us in order to our Salvation. In conclusion, I baptise them, and shut up all, in singing the Salve Regina, to implore the assistance of the blessed Virgin.

'Tis evident, by what we have already said, concerning the instruction of the Parava [...], that Xavier had not the gi [...]t of Tongues, when he began to teach them. But it appears also, that after he had made the Translation, which cost him so much labour, he both understood and spoke the Malabar Tongue, whither he had acquir'd it by his own pains, or that God had imprinted the Species of it in his Mind, after a supernatural manner. 'Tis at least probable, that being in the Indies, when he studied any Tongue, the holy Spirt seconded his application, and was in some sort his Master. For 'tis constantly believ'd, that in a very little time, he learnt the most difficult langua­ges; and by the report of many persons, spoke them so naturally, that he cou'd not have been taken for a Foreigner.

Father Xavier having for the space of a month, He estab [...]shes C [...]techists and Teachers of the Faith to supply his pla [...]. instructed the Inhabitants of [Page 111] one Village, in the manner above said, before he went farther, call'd together the most intelligent amongst them, and gave them in writing what he had taught, to the end, that as Masters of the rest, on Sundays and Saints days, they might congregate the people, and cause them to repeat, according to his Method, that which they had learnt for­merly.

He committed to these Catechists, (who in their own Tongue are call'd Canaco­poles) the care of the Churches, which he caus'd to be built in peopled places; and recommended to them the ornament of those Sacred Buildings, as far as their poverty wou'd allow. But he was not willing to impose this task on them, without some kind of Salary; and there­fore obtain'd from the Viceroy of the In­dies, a certain Sum for their subsistence, which was charg'd upon the annual Tri­bute, payable to the Crown of Portugal, from the Inhabitants of that Coast.

'Tis hardly to be express'd, The fruit of his labours on the Coast of Fishe­ry. what a Harvest of Souls was reap'd from his en­deavours; and how great was the fervour of these new Christ [...]ans. The holy Man, writing to the Fathers at Rome, confesses himself, that he wanted words to tell it. He adds, That the multitude of those who [Page 112] had receiv'd Baptism, was so vast, that with the labour of continual Christnings, he was not able to lift up his Arms: and that his Voice often fail'd him, in saying so many times over and over, the Apostles Creed, and the Ten Commandments, with a short instruction which he always made concerning the duties of a true Chri­stian before he baptis'd those who were of Age.

The Infants alone, who dy'd after Baptism, amounted according to his ac­count to above a thousand. They who liv'd, and began to have the use of Reason, were so affected with the things of God, and so covetous of knowing all the My­steries of Faith, that they scarcely gave the Father time to take a little nourish­ment, or a short repose. They sought after him every minute, and he was some­times forc'd to hide himself from them, to gain the leisure of saying his Prayers, and his Breviary.

By the administration of these Chil­dren, He ma [...]es use of Children to [...] the [...]. who were so [...]ervently devout, he perform'd divers extraordinary works, e­ven many of those miraculous Cures, which it pleas'd God to operate by his means. The Coast of Fishery was never so full of Diseases, as when the Father was there. It seem'd, as he himself has [Page 113] express'd it in a Letter, that God sent those Distempers amongst that People, to draw them to him almost in their own despight. For coming to recover on an instant, and against all humane appear­ance, so soon as they had receiv'd Bap­tism, or invok'd the name of Iesus Christ, they clearly saw the difference betwixt the God of the Christians and the Pagods, which is the name given in the Indies, both to the Temples and the Images of theirs false Gods.

No one fell sick amongst the Gentils, but had immediate recourse to Father Xavier. As it was impossible for him to attend them all, or to be in many places at the same time, he sent there Christian Children where he cou'd not go himself. In going from him one took his Chape­let, another his Crucifix, a third his Re­liquiary, and all being animated with a lively Faith, dispers'd themselves through the Towns and Villages. There gathe­ring about the sick as many people as they cou'd assemble, they repeated often, the Lords Prayer, the Creed, the Com­mandments, and all they had learnt by heart of the Christian Faith; which being done, they ask'd the Sick, If he believ'd unfeignedly in Jesus Christ, and if he de­sir'd to be baptis'd? When he had an­swer'd, [Page 114] [...]es, they touch'd him with the Chaplet, or Cruci [...]ix belonging to the Father; and he was immediately cur'd.

One day, while Xavier was preach­ing the Mysteries of Faith to a great Multitude, some came to bring him word from Manapar, that one of the most con­siderable persons of that place, was pos­sess'd by the Devil, desiring the Father to come to his relief. The Man of God thought it unbecoming of his Duty, to break off the Instruction he was then making. He only call'd to him some of those young Christians, and gave them a Cross which he wore upon his Breast; after which he sent them to Manapar with Orders to drive away the Evil Spirit.

They were no sooner arriv'd there, than the possess'd person fell into an ex­traordinary fury, with wonderful con­torsions of his Limbs, and hideous yel­lings. The little Children, far from be­ing terrify'd, as usually Children are, made a ring about him, singing the Pray­ers of the Church. After which they compelled him to kiss the Cross; and at the same moment, the Devil departed out of him. Many Pagans there present, visibly perceiving the Vertue of the Cross, were converted on the instant, and be­c [...]me afterwards devout Christians.

[Page 115] These young Plants, whom Xavier employ'd on such occasions, T [...]e Zeal of the Children a­gainst Id [...]ls and Idolaters. were in per­petual Disputations with the Gentils, and broke in pieces as many Idols as they cou'd get into their power: and some­times burnt them, throwing their Ashes into the Air. When they discover'd any, bearing the name of Christianity, and yet keeping a Pagod in reserve to adore in secret, they reprov'd them boldly; and when those rebukes were of no effect, they advertis'd the holy Man, to the end, he might apply some stronger remedy. Xavier went often in their company, to make a search in those suspected Houses; and if he discover'd any Idols they were immediately destroy'd.

Being inform'd, that one who was lately baptis'd, committed Idolatry some­times in private, and that the admonitions which he had receiv'd were useless, he be­thought himself to frighten him; and in his presence commanded the Children to set Fire to his House: that thereby he might be given to understand, how the the worshipers of Devils, deserv'd eter­nal burning like the Devils: they ran immediately to their task, taking the Command in a literal sense; which was not Xaviers intention: But the effect of it w [...]s, that the Infidel detesting, and [Page 116] renouncing his Idolatry, gave up his Pa­gods to be consum'd by Fire, which was all the design of the holy Man.

Another In [...]idel was more unhappy; [...] He was one of the first rank in Manapar: a Man naturally Violent and Brutal. Xa­vier, one day going to visit him, desir'd him, in courteous words, that he wou'd listen to what he had to say to him, con­cerning his eternal welfare. The Barba­rian vouchsafed not so much as to give him the hearing, but rudely thrust him out of his House, saying, That if ever he went to the Christians Church, he was con­te [...]t they shou [...]d shut him out: Few days after he was assaulted by a Troop of arm'd Men, who design'd to kill him: All he cou'd do, was to disingage himself from them, and fly away. Seeing at a distance, a Church open, he made to it, as fast as he cou'd run; with his Enemies at his heels pursuing him. The Christi­ans, who were assembled for their exer­cises of Devotion, alarm'd at the loud cries they heard, and fearing the Idola­ters were coming to plunder the Church, immediately shut their Doors; insomuch that he, who hop'd for safety in a holy place, fell into the hands of Murde­rers, and was assassinated by them; without question by a Decree of the Di­vine [Page 117] Justice, which reveng'd the Saint, and suffer'd the Wretch to be struck with that imprecation which he had wish'd upon himself.

These Miracles which Xavier wrought by the means of Children, rais'd an Ad­miration of him, both amongst Chri­stians and Idolaters: but so exemplary a punishment, caus'd him to be respect­ed by all the World: and even amongst the Brachmans there was not one, who did not honour him. As it will fall in our way to make frequent mention of those Idol-Priests, it will not be from our purpose, to give the Reader a descripti­on of them.

The Brachmans are very considerable amongst the Indians, The Original, and Character of the Brach­mans.. both for their Birth, and their Employment. According to the ancient Fables of the Indies, their Original is from Heaven. And 'tis the common Opinion, that the Blood of the Gods is running in their Veins. But to understand how they were born, and from what God descended, 'tis necessary to know the History of the Gods of that Country, which in short, is this.

The first, and Lord of all the others is Parabrama; that is to say, a most per­fect Substance, who has his Being from himself, and who gives Being to the rest. [Page 118] This God being a Spirit free from mat­ter, and desirous to appear once under a sensible Figure, became Man; by the only desire which he had, to shew him­self, he conceiv'd a Son, who came out at his Mouth, and was call'd Maiso. He had two others after him, one of them whose name was Visnu, was born out of his Breast, the other call'd Brama, out [...] of his Belly. Before he return'd to his invi­sibility, he assign'd Habitations and Em­ployments to his three Children. He plac'd the eldest in the first Heaven, and gave him an absolute Command over the Elements, and mix'd Bodies. He lodg'd Visnu beneath his elder Brother, and e­stablish'd him the Judge of Men, the Fa­ther of the Poor, and the Protectour of of the Unfortunate. Brama had for his In­heritance the third Heaven, with the su­perintendance of Sacrifices, and other Ce­remonies of Religion. These are the three Deities which the Indians represent by one Idol, with three Heads growing out of one Body, with this mysterious signi­fication, that they all proceed from the same principle. By which it may be in­ferr'd, that in former times they have heard of Christianity; and that their Re­ligion is an imperfect Imitation, or rather a Corruption of ours.

[Page 119] They say that Visnu has descended a thousand times on earth, and every time has chang'd his shape; sometimes ap­pearing in the figure of a Beast, some­times of a Man; which is the Original of their Pagods, of whom they relate so many Fables.

They add, that Brama, having like­wise a desire of Children, made himself visible, and begot the Brachmans, whose Race has infinitely multiplied: The Peo­ple believe them demi-Gods, as poor and miserable as they are. They likewise i­magine them to be Saints, because they lead a hard and solitary life; having ve­ry often no other Lodging than the hol­low of a Tree, or a Cave, and some­times living expos'd to the Air on a bare Mountain, or in a Wilderness, suf­fering all the hardships of the weather, keeping a profound silence, fasting a whole year together, and making pro­fession of eating nothing which has had Life in it.

But after all, there was not perhaps a more wicked nation under the Canopy of Heaven. The fruit of those austeri­ties which they practice in the desart, is to abandon themselves in publique, to the most brutal pleasures of the Flesh, without either shame or remorse of con­science. [Page 120] For they certainly believe, that all things, how abominable soever, are lawful to be done, provided they are sug­gested to them, by the light which is within them. And the People are so [...] with them, that they believe [...] become holy, by partaking in [...] [...]mes, or by suffering any outrage [...] them.

On the other side, they are the grea­test Impostours in the world; their ta­lent consists in inventing new Fables e­very day, and making them pass amongst the vulgar for wonderful misteries. One of their cheats is to perswade the simple, that the Pagods eat like men; and to the end they may be presented with good cheer▪ they make their Gods of a Gi­gantique figure, and are sure to endow them with a prodigious paunch. If those offerings, with which they maintain their Families come to fail, they denounce to the People that the offended Pagods threaten the Country with some dread­ful judgment, or that their Gods in dis­pleasure, will forsake them, because they are suffer'd to die of hunger

The Doctrin of these Brachmans is nothing better than their Life: one of their grossest errours is to believe that [...] have in them, somewhat of Sacred [Page 121] and Divine. That happy is the man, who can be sprinkled over, with the ashes of a Cow, burnt by the hand of a Brachman; but thrice happy he, who in dying, lays hold of a Cow's tail, and ex­pires with it betwixt his hands. For thus assisted, the Soul departs out of the Body purified, and sometimes returns in­to the Body of a Cow. That such a favour, notwithstanding, is not confer'd but on Heroick Souls, who contemn life, and dye generously, either by ca­sting themselves headlong from a Preci­pice, or leaping into a kindled Pile, or throwing themselves under the Holy Chariot-wheels, to be crush'd to death by the Pagods, while they are carried in Triumph about the Town.

We are not to wonder, after this, that the Brachmans cannot endure the Chri­stian Law; and that they make use of all their credit, and their cunning to de­stroy it, in the Indies. Being favour'd by Princes, infinite in number, and strongly united amongst themselves, they succeed in all they undertake, and as being great Zealots for their antient su­perstitions, and most obstinate in their Opinions, 'tis not [...]asie to convert them.

[Page 122] Father Xavier, He treats with the Brach­mans. who saw how large a Progress the Gospel had made amongst the People, and that if there were no Brachmans in the Indies, there wou'd consequently be no Idolaters, in all those vast Provinces of Asia; spar'd no labour to reduce that perverse Generation, to the true knowledge of Almighty God. He convers'd often with those of that Religion, and one day found a favoura­ble occasion of treating with them: pas­sing by a Monastery, where above two hundred Brachmans liv'd together, he was visited by some of the chiefest, who had the curiosity to see a man, whose Reputation was so universal. He re­ceiv'd them with a pleasing countenance, according to his custom, and having engag'd them by little and little, in a discourse concerning the eternal happi­ness of the Soul; he desir'd them to satisfie him what their Gods commanded them to do, in order to it after death. They look'd a while on one another, without answering. At length a Brach­man, who seem'd to be fourscore years of age, took the business upon himself, and said in a grave tone, that two things brought a Soul to glory, and made him a companion to the Gods; the one was to abstain from the murther of a Cow, [Page 123] the other to give Alms to the Brachmans. All of them confirm'd the Old man's an­swer, by their approbation, and applause, as if it had been an Oracle given from the mouths of their Gods themselves.

Father Xavier took compassion on this their miserable blindness, and the tears came into his eyes. He rose on the sud­dain, (for they had been all sitting) and distinctly repeated, in an audible tone, the Apostles Creed, and the ten Com­mandments, making a pause at the end of every Article, and briefly expounding it, in their own language, after which he declar'd to them, what were Heaven and Hell, and by what actions the one and other were deserv'd.

The Brachmans who had never heard any thing of Christianity before, and had been listning to the Father with great ad­miration, rose up, as soon as he had done speaking, and ran to embrace him, ac­knowledging that the God of the Chri­stians was the true God, since his Law was so conformable to the Principles of our inward light. Every one of them propos'd divers questions to him; if the Soul were immortal, or that it perish'd with the Body, and in case that the Soul died not, at what part of the Body it went out, if in our sleep we dreamt we [Page 124] were in a far Country, or convers'd with an absent Person, whether the Soul went not out of the Body for that time; of what colour God was, whether black or white, their Doctours being divided on that point: the white Men maintain­ing he was of their colour, the black of theirs: the greatest part of the Pagods for that reason being black.

The Father answer'd all their questions, in a manner to suitable to their gross un­derstanding, which was ignorant alike of things divine and natural, that they were highly satisfied with him. Seeing them instructed and dispos'd in this sort, he exhorted them to embrace the Faith of Iesus Christ, and gave them to under­stand, that the truth being made known to them, ignorance cou'd no longer se­cure them from eternal Punishment.

But what victory can Truth obtain, o­ver Souls which find their interest in following Errour; and who make pro­fession of deceiving the common people? They answer'd (said the Saint in one of his Letters) that which many Christi­ans answer at this day, what will the world say of us, if they see us change? and after that, what will become of our Families, whose only subsistence is from the offerings which are made to the Pagods? Thus hu­mane [Page 125] interest, and worldly considertions, made the knowledge of the truth serve only to their greater condemnation.

Not long afterwards, The conference of Xavier with a Famous Brachman. Xavier had an­other conference with a Brachman who liv'd in the nature of an Hermite: He pass'd for the Oracle of the Country, and had been instructed in his youth, at one of the most famous Academies of the East. He was one of those who was knowing in their most hidden Miste­ries, which are never intrusted by the Brachmans but to a certain select num­ber of their Wise men. Xavier, who had heard speak of him, was desirous to see him, and he on his side, was as desi­rous to see Xavier. The intention of the Saint was to try, in bringing over this Brachman, if he cou'd gain the rest, who were proud of being his Disci­ples.

After the first civilities which com­monly pass betwixt two men, who mu­tually covet an acquaintance, and know each other by reputation, the discourse [...]ell upon Religion; and the Brachman found in himself at the very first, so great an inclination for Xavier, that he cou'd not conceal from him those secrets, which a religious Oath had bound him never to disclose to any. He confest plainly [Page 126] to him, that the Idols were Devils, and that there was only one God, Creatour of the world, and that this God alone deserv'd the adoration of men; that those who held the rank of wisdom amongst the Brachmans, solemniz'd the Sunday in his honour, as a holy-day, and that day they only said this Prayer, O God I adore thee at this present, and for ever. That they pronounc'd those words softly, for fear of being over-heard, and to preserve the Oath which they had made, to keep them secret. In [...]in [...], said he, 'tis to be read in our ancient Writings, that all the false Religions shou'd one day cease, and the whole world shou'd observe one only Law.

The Brachman having disclos'd these Mysteries to Father Xavier, desir'd him in his turn, to reveal to him, what was most mysterious in the Christian Law; and to engage him to deal the more freely with him, and without the least disguise, swore, that he wou'd inviolably, and for ever, keep the secret. I am so far, said the Father, from obliging you to silence, that I will inform you of no­thing you desire to know, but on con­dition that you shall publish in all pla­ces what I tell you. The Brachman ha­ving given him his word, he began to instruct him, by these words of Iesus [Page 127] Christ, He who will believe, and be bap­tis'd, shall be sav'd. This he expounded to him at large; at the same time de­claring to him, how Baptism was neces­sary to Salvation: and passing from one Article of Faith to another, he plac'd the truth of the Gospel in so advantageous a light before him, that the Brachman de­clar'd upon the place, he wou'd become a Christian, provided he might be so in secret; and that he might have a Dispen­sation from some certain duties of Chri­stianity.

This so wicked a disposition made him unworthy of the Grace of Baptism; he remain'd unconverted. Notwith­standing which, he desir'd to have in writing, the Apostles Creed, together with our Saviour's words, which had beeen expounded to him.

He saw Father Xavier a second time, and told him he had dreamt he was baptis'd, and that afterwards he became his Companion, and that they travell'd together preaching the Gospel in far Countries: but this Dream had no effect, and the Brachman wou'd never promise to teach the people, that there was one only God, Creatour of the World, for fear, says he, that if he broke that Oath which oblig'd him to secrecy, the Devil shou'd punish him with death.

[Page 128] Thus the Master, though convinc'd, yet not submitting, He [...] di­vers Miracles. though Scholars all stood out, and in the sequel, of so great a multitude of Idol-Priests, not one em­brac'd the Christian Doctrin from the Heart. Nevertheless, Xavier in their presence wrought many Miracles which were capable of converting them. Ha­ving casually met a poor Creature, all naked, and full of Ulcers from Head to Foot, he wash'd him with his Hands, drank part of the Water wherewith he had wash'd him, and pray'd by him with wonderful [...]ervency; when he had end­ed his Prayer, the Flesh of the diseas'd person was immediately heal'd, and ap­pear'd as clean as that of an Infant.

The process of the Saints Canonization, makes mention of four dead persons, to whom God restor'd their life, at this time by the Ministry of his Servant. The first was a Catechist, call'd Antonio Mirand [...], who had been slung in the night, by one of those venemous Serpents of the Indies, whose Stings are always mortal. The second was a Child who fell into a Pit, and was drown'd: The two others were a young Man, and a Maid, whom a pestilential Fever had carry'd off, after a short sickness.

[Page 129] But these Miracles, He declar [...] himself against the Brach­mans. which gave to the Father the name of Saint amongst the Christians, and caus'd him to be call'd, The God of Nature amongst the Gentils, had no other effect upon the Brachmans than to harden their Hearts, and blind their Understandings. Xavier, despai­ring of their Conversion, thought him­self bound to publish all their wicked Actions, and bring them into disrepute. And he perform'd it so successfully, that those Men, who were had in veneration by the people, came to be despis'd by all the World; insomuch, that even the Children laught at them; and publickly upbraided them with their Cheats. They began at first to threaten the Peo­ple, according to their custom, with the anger of their Pagods; but seeing their menaces turn'd to scorn, they made use of another Arti [...]ice, to regain their Cre­dit.

What malice soever they harbour'd in their Hearts against Father Xavier, they manag'd it so well, that to see their con­duct, they might have been taken for his Friends. They made him visits, de­sir'd him to have some kindness for them, they gave him many Commendations: they presented him sometimes with Pearls and Money. But the Father was inex­ [...]rable, [Page 130] exorable, and for their Presents, he re­turn'd them, without so much as look­ing on them.

The decrying of those Idol-Priests, [...] contributed not a little to the destruction of Idolatry, through all that Coast. The life which Xavier led, contributed full as much. His Food, was the same with that of the poorest people, Rice and Water. His Sleep was but three hours at the most, and that in Fishers Cabin on the Ground: for he had soon made away with the Matteress and Coverlet, which the Vic [...]roy had sent him from Go [...]. The remainder of the night he pass'd with God, or with his Neighbour.

He owns, himself, that his labours were without intermission; and that he had sunk under so great hardships, if God had not supported him. For to say no­thing of the Ministry of Preaching, and those other Evangelical Functions, which employ'd him day and night; no quarrel was stirring, no difference on foot, of which he was not chosen Umpire. And because those Barbarians, naturally chole­ [...]ick, were frequently at odds, he appoint­ed certain hours, for clearing up their misunderstandings, and making Reconci­liations. There was not any Man fell sick, who sent not for him; and as there [Page 131] were always many, and for the most part distant from each other, in the scat­tering Villages, his greatest sorrow was, that he could not be present with them all. In the midst of all this hurry, he enjoy'd those Spiritual Refreshments and Sweets of Heaven, which God only be­stows on Souls, who regard nothing but the Cross: And the excess of those de­lights was such▪ that he was often forc'd to desire the Divine Goodness to mode­rate them: according to what himself testifies in a Letter to his Father Ignatius▪ though written in general terms, and in the third person.

Having related what he had perform'd in the Coast of the Fishery, I have no more to add ( says he) concerning this Country, but only that they, who come hither, to labour in the Salva­tion of Idolaters, receive so much Con­solation from above, that if there be a perfect Joy on Earth, 'tis that they feel. He goes on, I have sometimes heard a Man saying thus to God, O my Lord, give me not so much comfort in this life; or if, by an excess of Mercy, th [...]u wilt heap it on me, take me to thy self, and make me partaker of thy Glory, for, 'tis too great a punishment, to live with­out the sight of thee.

[Page 132] A year and more was already past, He returns to Goa, and for what reason. since Xavier had labour'd in the Con­version of the Paravas: and in all this time, his two Companions, Paul de Ca­merine, and Francis Mansilla were not come to his assistance, though they had been arriv'd at Goa some months since. The number of Christians daily multi­plying to a Prodigy, and one only Priest, not being sufficient to cultivate so many new Converts in the Faith, or advance them in Christian Piety, the Saint thought it his duty, to look out for succour. And besides, having selected some young Men, well natur'd, and of a good Understand­ing, qualify'd for the Studies of Divinity, and Humane Sciences, who being them­selves well model'd, might return with him, to instruct their Country-men, he was of Opinion, that he ought to con­duct them himself, without deferring his Voyage any longer.

On these con [...]iderations he put to Sea, on his return, about the conclusion of the year 1543. and having got to Cochin, by Mid- Ianuary, he arriv'd at Goa not long after. For the better understand­ing of what relates to the Education of those young Indians, whom Xavier brought, it will be necessary to trace that matter from its Original.

[Page 133] Before the coming of Father Francis to the Indies, The beginning, and establish­ment of the Se­minary of ho­ly Faith. Christianity had made but little progress in those Countries, and of an infinite number of Pagans, inha­biting the Isle of Goa, and the parts ad­joining, scarce any Man thought of for­saking his Idolatry. In the year 1541, Iames de Borba, a Portuguese Preacher, and Divine, whom King Iohn the Third, had sent to India, searching out the cause of so great a misfortune, found, that it was not only because the Europeans cou'd not easily learn the Indian Tongue, but also, because if an Indian happen'd to be converted, they exercis'd no Charity towards him; and that the Children of the Faithful, who dy'd poor, were desti­tute of succour in their wants.

He gave notice of this to the Grand Vicar, Michael Vaz, to the Auditour General, Pedro Fernandez, to the Deputy [...]Governour, Rodriguez de Castel Blanco, and to the Secretary of State, Cosmo An­n [...]z, who were all of them his particular Friends, and vertuous Men. These be­ing in the Government, consider'd of the means to remedy the growing evil, the Foundation of which had been disco­ver'd to them by Borba; and he himself excited the people to be instrumental in so good a work. For one day, preaching, [Page 134] he passionately bemoan'd the damnation of so many Indians, and charg'd it on the Conscience of his Auditory, that the Salvation of that Idolatrous People de­pended, in some sort on them. I pre­tend not, said he, that you shou'd go your selves to the conquest of Souls, nor learn barbarous Languages on purpose, to labour in the Conversion of Gentiles. What I beg of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, is, that each of you, wou'd contribute some­thing towards the maintenance of the new Christians. You will perform by that, what it is not in your power to do, by the preaching of the Gospel; and gain by your temporal goods, those immortal Souls, for which the Saviour of the World has shed his Blood.

The holy Spirit, who had inspir'd his Tongue, gave efficacy to his Words, by touching the Hearts of those who heard them. Many of them being joyn'd to­gether, it was resolv'd to form a Compa­ny, which shou'd provide for the subsi­stence of those young Indians newly converted; and that Society▪ at first was call'd, the Brother-hood of St. Mary of the [...], (or Illumination) from the name of that Church where the Fraternity as­sembled, to regulate that new Establish­ment.

[Page 135] 'Tis true, that as great works, are not accomplish'd all at once; in the beginning of this, there was only founded a small Seminary, for the Children of Goa, and those of the Neighbour-hood: but the Revenues were increas'd so much after­wards by the liberality of Don Estevan de Gama, Governour of the Indies, and by the bounty of Iohn the Third, King of Portugal, that all the Idolatrous Children, who turn'd Christians, of what Country soever, were receiv'd into it.

There was also a Fund sufficient for the building a fair House and a magnificent Church in a larger Plot: and the Semi­nary, over which Borba presided, was then call'd, The Seminary of holy Faith.

Matters being thus dispos'd, above threescore Children, of divers Kingdoms, and nine or ten different Languages, were assembled, to be educated in Piety and Learning. But it was soon perceiv'd, that these Children wanted Masters, ca­pable of instructing and forming them, according to the intention of the Insti­tute. God Almighty had pre-ordain'd the Seminary of Holy Faith, for the So­ciety of Iesus: and it was by a particular disposition of the Divine Providence, that the same year, wherein the Seminary was establish'd, brought over the sons of Igna­tius to the Indies.

[Page 136] Accordingly, when Xavier, first ar­riv'd at Goa, Borba offer'd him the con­duct of this new Establishment, and us'd his best endeavours to ingage him in it. Xavier, who found an inward call, to something more important, and who al­ready was conceiving in his Mind, the Conversion of a Heathen World, wou'd not co [...]p himself up within a Town, but in his secret intentions, design'd one of his Companions for that employment, which was pre [...]ented to himself. In the mean time Borba wrote into Portugal, to Simon R [...]driguez, and earnestly desir'd from him, some Fathers of the new Society, for whom, he said, the Almighty had prepar'd a House in the new World, before their coming.

During these Transactions, Paul de Camerin, and Francis Mansilla arriv'd at Goa, from Mozambique: Borba retain'd them both in the Seminary, by permissi­on from the Viceroy; and that was the reason, why they follow'd not Father Xa­vier, to the Coast of Fishery.

Xavier put into the Seminary, [...] those young Indians, whom he had brought along with him; and whatever want he had otherwise of his Companions, he gave the charge of the Seminarists to Fa­ther Paul de Camerin, at the request of [Page 137] Borba, who had the chief Authority in the Seminary. For it was not till the year 1548, after the death of Borba, that the Company possest it in pro­priety, and without dependence. It then receiv'd the name of a Colledge, and was call'd the Colledge of St. Paul, from the title of the Church, which was dedicated to the Conversion of the Apo­stle of the Gentils. From thence it also proceeded, that the Jesuites were call'd in that Country, the Fathers of St. Paul, or the Fathers Paulists, as they are call'd in that Country even at this day.

Father Xavier remain'd but a little time at Goa; He returns to the Coast of Fi­shery; his acti­ons there. and return'd with all expe­dition to his Paravas, with the best provi­sion of Gospel Labourers, which he cou'd make. He was then desirous of sending a Missioner of the Company to the Isle of Socotora, not being in circumstances of going thither in Person; For he had not forgotten the promise, which he made to God in behalf of that People, when he left them. But the small num­ber of Companions which he had, was not sufficient for the Indies; and it was not till three or four years afterwards, that he sent Father Alphonso Ciprian to Socotora.

Besides Mansilla, who had not yet re­ceiv'd [Page 138] the Order of Priesthood, he car­ried with him to the Coast of Fishery, two Priests, who were Indians by na­tion, and one Bis [...]ayner, call'd Iohn Dor­tiaga; when they were arriv'd there, he visited all the Villages with them; and taught them the method of converting Idolaters to the Faith, and of confirming those who were already Christians, in it. After which, having assign'd to each of them a division at his particular Pro­vince in the Coast, he enter'd farther into the Country, and without any other Guide, than the Spirit of God, penetra­ted into a Kingdom, the Language of which was utterly unknown to him, as he wrote to Mansilla in these terms.

You may judge, what manner of Life I lead here; by what I shall relate to you. I am wholly ignorant of the Language of the People, and they understand as little of mine; and I have no Interpreter. All I can perform, is to Baptise Children, and serve the Sick, an Employment easily un­derstood, without the help of an Interpre­ter, by only minding what they wan [...].

This was the Preaching, by which he declar'd Iesus Christ, and made the Chri­stian Law appear amiable in that King­dom. For amongst those Barbarians who reduce all humanity to the notion of not [Page 139] being inhumane, and who acknowledge no other duties of Charity, than forbear­ing to do injuries; it was a thing of ad­miration, to see a stranger, who without any interest, made the sufferings of ano­ther man his own; and perform'd all sorts of services to the Poor, as if he had been their Father, or their Slave. The name of the Country is neither known, nor the fruits which these works of Charity produc'd. [...]Tis only certain, that the Saint continued not there any long time; and that a troublesome af­fair recall'd him to the Coast of Fishery, when it was [...]east in his intentions to return.

The Badages, He goes to the relief of the Christians, on the Coast of Fishery. who are a great multi­tude of Robbers, in the Kingdom of Bis­nagar, Idolaters, and Enemies of the Christian name, naturally fierce, always quarrelling amongst themselves, and at war with their Neighbours, after they had seiz'd by force of arms on the King­dom of Pande, which is betwixt Mala­bar, and the Coasts of Fishery, made [...]n irruption into the said Coast, in the ab­sence of Xavier; The Paravas were un­der a terrible consternation at the sight of those Robbers, whose very name was formidable to them, not daring so much as to gather into a Body, nor to hazard [Page 140] the first brunt of War; they took flight, and abandon'd their Country, without any other thought than of saving their Lives. In order to which, they threw themselves by heaps into their Barques, some of them escaping into little de [...]art Islands, others hiding amongst the Rocks and Banks of Sand, betwixt Cape Comorin, and the Isle of Ceylan. These were the places of their retreat, together with their Wives and Children, while the Ba­dages overran the Coast, and destroy'd their Country.

But what profits it to have escap'd the Sword, when they must dye of hunger? Those miserable Creatures, expos'd to the burning heats of the Sun, wanted nourishment in their Isles, and on their Rocks, and numbers of them daily pe­rish'd.

In the mean time, the news of this Excursion of the Robbers, and the flight of the Christians was spread about, and Xavier heard it, in the Country where he then resided. The misfortunes of his dear Paravas touch'd him in the most tender part, he made hast to their re­lief, and having been inform'd, that they were press'd with Famine, he pass'd speedily to the western Coast, and ear­nestly solicited the Portuguese, to supply [Page 141] them in this their extream necessity. He obtain'd twenty Barks, laden with all manner of Provision, and himself brought it to their places of retreat, where the poor Paravas, as many as were left alive of them, were languishing without hope of comfort, and expecting death to end their misery.

The sight of the Holy man, whom all of them regarded as their common Father, caus'd them to forget some part of their misfortune; and seem'd to re­store them to Life. He gave them all imaginable consolation, and when they had somewhat recover'd their strength, he brought them back to their Habita­tions, from whence the Badages were retir'd: Those Plunderers had swept all away, and the Christians were more poor than ever; he therefore procur'd Alms for them, and wrote a Letter earnestly to the Christians of another Coast, to supply their Brethren in distress.

The Paravas being resetled by de­grees, Xavier left them under the con­duct of the Missioners, whom he had brought for them, and turn'd his thoughts elsewhere. He was desirous to have carried the sound of the Gospel into the more Inland Countries, which had ne­ver heard of Iesus Christ: yet he [...]orbore [Page 142] it at that time, upon this account, that in those Kingdoms where there were no Portuguese to protect the new Christians, the Idolaters and Saraceus wou'd make war on them, or constrain them to re­nounce their Christianity to buy their Peace.

Returning therefore by the western Coasts, He goes to the Kingdom of Travan [...]or, and there [...] with great success. which were in the possession of the Portuguese, he travell'd by Land, and on foot, according to his custom, to­wards the Coast of Travancor, which be­ginning from the point of Comorin, lies extended thirty Leagues along by the Sea, and is full of Villages.

Being come thither, and having by the good offices of the Portuguese ob­tain'd permission from the King of Tra­vancor to publish the Law of the true God, he follow'd the same method, which he had us'd at the Fishery. And that practice was so successful, that all that Coast was converted to Christianity in a little space of time, insomuch, that forty five Chur­ches were immediately built. He writes himself, that in one month he Baptiz'd with his own hand ten thousand Idolaters. And that frequently in one day, he Baptiz'd a well Peopled Village. He says also, that it was to him a most pleasing object, to behold, that so soon as those Infidels [Page 143] had receiv'd Baptism, they ran, vying with each other, to demolish the Temples of the Idols.

It was at that time, God communi­cates to him the gift of Tongues. properly speak­ing, when God first communicated to Xavier the gift of tongues in the Indies; according to the Relation of a young Portuguese of Coimbra, whose name was Vaz, who attended him in many of his Travels; and who being return'd into Europe, related those Passages, of which himself had been an eye witness. The Holy man spoke very well the Language of those Barbarians, without having learnt it, and had no need of an Inter­preter, when he instructed. There be­ing no Church, which was capable of containing those who came to hear him, he led them into a spacious Plain, to the number of five or six thousand Persons, and there getting up into a Tree, that he might the farther extend his voice, he Preach'd to them the words of Eternal Truth. There it was also, that to the end the compass of the Plain might serve in the nature of a Church, he sometimes celebrated the Divine Mysteries, under the Sails of Ships, which were spread above the Altar, to be seen on every side.

[Page 144] The Brachmans He is Persecu­ted by the Brachmans. cou'd not suffer the Worship of the Pagods to be abandon'd in this manner; but were resolv'd to be reveng'd on the Author of so strange an alteration. In order to execute their design, they secretly engag'd some Ido­laters to lye in wait for him, and dis­patch him privately. The Murtherers lay in Ambush more than once, and in the silence of the night endeavour'd to shoot him with their Arrows. But di­vine Providence wou'd not suffer their malice to take place: of all their Ar­rows, one only wounded him, and that but slightly; as it were rather to give him the satisfaction of shedding some blood, in testimony of the Faith, than to endanger his Life.

Enrag'd, and desperate for having miss'd their aim, they sought him e­very where, and not finding him, they set fire on three or four houses, where they thought he might possibly be lodg'd. The Man of God was constrain'd one day, to hide in the covert of a Forest, and pass'd the following night upon a Tree, to escape the fury of his Enemies, who search'd the whole Forest to have found him: There was a necessity some­times, that the faithful shou'd keep guard about him day and night, and [Page 145] to that purpose they plac'd themselves in Arms, about the house, where he was retir'd.

In the mean time, the Badages, who had ravag'd the Coast of Fishery, the year before, animated of themselves a­gainst the Christians, and perhaps push'd forward by the Devils, who saw their Empire decaying day by day, excited also by the desire of glory, and above all things by the hope of booty, enter'd into the Kingdom of Travancor, on the side of one of those Mountains, which confine on the Cape of Comorin: Their former success had render'd them so haughty, and so insolent, that they flat­ter'd themselves with an imagination that every thing wou'd bend before them. But not having now to do as they had before, with simple Fishers, they were come in good order, and well arm'd un­der the conduct of the Naiche, or Lord of Modure, a valiant, and experienc'd Captain.

The Inhabitants of the Maritime Vil­lages, took fright at the noise of an ho­stile Army; and retiring, for the most part with great haste and confusion, into the Inland Country, carried even to the Court the news of the invasion.

[Page 146] The King of Travancor, whom the Portuguese call the great Monarch, be­cause indeed, he is the most powerful of all the Kings of Malabar, recollecting his Army with all speed, put himself at the head of it, and march'd towards the E­nemy. The Battel, in all appearance, was likely to be bloody, and the Victo­ry seem'd assur'd, to those Vagabond Robbers, who were more in number, and better Disciplin'd.

Father Xavier so soon as he understood, [...] that the Badages were drawing near, falling prostrate on the ground, O Lord, said he, Remember that thou art the God of Mercies, and Protectour of the Faithful: give not up to the fury of these Wolves that Flock, of which thou hast appointed me the Pastour. That these new Christians, who are yet so feeble in the Faith, may not repent their embracing it, and that the In­fidels may not have the advantage of op­pressing those, who repose their confidence in none but thee.

His Prayer being ended, he arose, and inspir'd with a more than humane courage, which made him incapable of [...]ear, he takes a troop of fervent Chri­stians, and with a Crucisix in his hand, runs with them towards the Plain, where the Enemies were marching in Battalia: [Page 147] When he arriv'd within distance of being heard, he stop'd and said to them, in a threatning voice, I forbid you in the name of the Living God, to pass farther, and on his part, command you to return the way you came.

These few words cast a terrour into the minds of those Souldiers who were at the head of the Army; they remain'd confounded, and without motion. They who march'd after them, seeing the foremost advanc'd not, ask'd the reason of it: answer was return'd from the first ranks, that they had before their eyes an unknown Person habited in black, of a more than humane Stature, of a ter­rible aspect, and darting fire from his eyes. The most hardy were desirous to satisfie themselves concerning what was told them: they were seiz'd with amaze­ment at the sight, and all of them fled with a precipitate confusion.

The new Christians who had follow'd Xavier, He prevails upon the King of Travancor to favour the Gospel. ran to declare to the neighbour­ing Villages this wonderful event. The same of it was suddenly spread abroad, and the King, who was marching to­wards the Enemy with great speed, heard the report of it on his way. He caus'd Xavier to be brought into his presence, and embrac'd him as the Redeemer of [Page 148] Travancor; and after he had publickly thank'd him for so eminent a service, he said thus to him: I am call'd, the Great Monarch, and from henceforth you shall be call'd, The Great Father.

The Saint gave the Ki [...]g to understand, that it was only Iesus Christ, to whom he ought to pay his acknowledgmen [...] ▪ and as for himself, he ought only to be regarded as a weak instrument, who cou'd do nothing of his own power. The Pagan King comprehended nothing of his meaning, an [...] t [...]e two Vices which are the common Obstacles to the Con­version of the Great▪ that is to say, the Concupiscence of the Flesh and Pride of Heart, hindred him, afterwards, from embracing of the Faith: which notwith­standing, he caus'd an Edict to be pub­lish'd throughout his Kingdom, where­by all Men were commanded to obey the Great Father, as they wou'd his pro­per person: and that whoever desir'd to be a Christian, might be so, without a­ny apprehension of danger to ensue. He went so far, as even to call Xavier his Brother; and bestow'd on him large sums of Money, [...] which the Servant of God employ'd in Charities on the poor.

[Page 149] An Edict so favourable to the Law of our Belief, made many Christians even in the Court, though contrary to the Example of the Prince. But the Mi­raculous Actions of Xavier, finish'd the Conversion of the whole Kingdom. Be­sides his curing all sorts of diseases, he rais'd four persons from the Dead; two Women and two Men. The Act of Ca­nonization, relates no more of the Re­surrection of the Women, but the bare matter of fact, without any Circum­stances; but the Resurrection of the Men is related at large, of which the substance is in the ensuing account.

Xavier preach'd in one of the Mari­time Villages of Travancor, call'd Coulan near Cape Comorin. Some were conver­ted by his first Sermons, but the greater party remain'd in their ancient Supersti­tion, after having often heard him. The most obstinate, 'tis true, listn'd to him with delight, and found the Maxims of the Gospel, to be most conformable to the light of Reason; but the pleasure which they took in hearing produc'd nothing; and they satisfy'd themselves with admiring the Christian Law, with­out troubling themselves to follow it.

The Father, He raises two from death. one day finding, that he spoke to them of God, without working [Page 150] any thing upon their Hearts, pray'd fer­vently to the Almighty in their behalf: and with his Eyes lifted up to Heaven, his Countenance more than ordinarily inflam'd, and with abundance of Tears, besought him to take pity on those ob­stinate Idolaters. O Lord, said he, all Hearts are in thy Hands, thou canst bend, as it pleases thee, the most stubborn, and soften the most obdurate: do that honour, on this day, to the Blood, and the name of thy beloved Son. Scarcely had he end­ed his Prayer, when he was assur'd, it was answer'd: turning himself to his Audience, with the Air of one inspir'd; Well, said he, since you will not believe me on my word, behold that which will make me be believ'd. What testimony do you desire from me, of those truths which I have declar'd to you? At the same instant he recall'd to his remembrance, that a Man had been there buried the day be­fore. Then resuming his discourse in the same tone that he began it; Open, said he, the Sepulchre which you clos'd yester­day, and bring out the Body: but observe carefully, whether he who was buried be truly dead.

The most incredulous ran hastily to take up the Corps, far from finding any the least sign of life, they perceiv'd it [Page 151] began to putrisie with a noisome scent. They took off the Linnen in which he was wrapp'd, and laid the dead Man at the Feet of the Father, who was come to the place of burial. The Barbarians gaz'd with astonishment on the dead Bo­dy; and impatiently expected the event. The Saint fell upon his Knees, and after a short Prayer, addressing himself to the Dead, I command thee, said he, in the holy name of the living God, to arise, for the confirmation of that Religion, which I preach. At these words the Dead arose of himself, and appear'd, not only living, but vigorous, and in perfect health. All who were present, cry'd out, with a loud voice, That the God of the Christians was Omnipotent: and that the Law which the great Father preach'd, was true. In consequence of which, they threw them­selves at his Feet, desir'd Baptism, and receiv'd it on the place.

The other dead person, whom the A­postle rais'd to life, was a young Man, and a Christian, who dy'd at Mutan, on the same Coast, betwixt Carjapatan and Alicale. He had been dead above four and twenty hours, of a pestilential Fever. Xavier met the Corps by chance, as they were carrying it to the Grave. The Pa­rents of the dead man, who were of the [Page 152] greatest quality in all the Country, ac­companied the Funeral-Pomp, with all their kindred, according to the custom of that Nation. As comfortless as they were, yet upon sight of the Saint, they recover'd courage; and embracing his Knees, implor'd him to restore their Son to life; being perswaded, that what was not to be effected by the power of Na­ture, wou'd cost him only a word speak­ing. Xavier mov'd by their affliction, and excited by their Faith, beg'd the assi­stance of the Most High, made the sign of the Cross, and threw Holy. Water on the Dead; after which he took him by the Hand, rais'd him up in the name of the Lord, and restor'd him living to his Father and Mother.

To preserve the memory of an Acti­on, so wonderful, and so authentick, the Parents of the Man they rais'd, erected a great Cross, on the place where the Miracle was done; and were accustom'd afterwards to go often thither, and pray to God before it. These Resurrections were so famous through all the Country, and made so great impressions, on the Souls of the Inhabitants, that the people came thronging from all parts to behold the great Father, and to receive Baptism from his hands. Insomuch, that the [Page 153] whole Kingdom of Travancor, was sub­jected to Christ Iesus, in few Months: And the King with some few of his chief Courtiers, were the only remaining Ido­laters in the Land; by a terrible Judg­ment of Almighty God, who sometimes abandons Princes, to their unruly Passi­ons; and departs from the Great, while he communicates himself, to those of the lowest quality.

THE Reputation of Xavier was not confin'd to the Kingdom of Travancor: it was spread abroad through all the Indies; and the God of the Christians at the same time was had in so great venera­tion, that the most Idolatrous Nations sent to desire the Saint, that he wou'd come and give them Baptism. His joy was infinite, to find the Gentils of their own free motion, searching after the [Page 156] way of Eternal Life, but on the other side he was afflicted, that he was not sufficient alone, to instruct so many vast Countries as were gone astray from it.

Seeing the Harvest so great, and the Labourers so few, He writes into Europe for a supply of [...] he wrote earnestly to Father Ignatius, in Italy, and to Simon Rodriguez in Portugal, for a supply of Missioners. He had such transports of Zeal on that occasion, as to say in one of his Letters, I have often thoughts to run over all the Vniversities of Europe, and Principally that of Paris, and to cry aloud to those who abound more in Learn­ing than in Charity, Ah how many Souls are lost to Heaven, through your default! It were to be wish'd, that those People wou'd apply themselves as diligently to the Sal­vation of Souls, as they do to the study of Sciences; to the end they might render to Almighty God a good account of their Lear­ning, and the Talents which he has be­stow'd on them: Many, without doubt, mov'd with thoughts like these, wou'd make a spi­ritual retreat, and give themselves the lei­sure of meditating on Heavenly things, that they might listen to the voice of God. They wou'd renounce their Passions, and tramp­ling under foot all worldly Vanities, wou'd put themselves in condition of following the [Page 157] motions of the Divine Will. They wou'd say from the bottom of their hearts, behold me in readiness, O my Lord, send me where­soever thou shalt please, even to the Indies if thou command'st me.

Good God, how much more happily wou'd those Learned men then live, than now they do! with how much more assurance of their Salvation! and in the hour of death, when they are ready to stand forth, before the dreadful Iudgment-Seat, how much greater reason wou'd they have, to hope well of God's Eternal Mercy, because they might say, O Lord, thou hast given me five Talents, and behold I have added other five.

I take God to witness, that not being able to return into Europe, I have almost resolv'd to write to the Vniversity of Paris, and namely to our Masters. Cornet and Pi­card, that Millions of Idolaters might be easily converted, if there were more Prea­chers, who wou'd sincerely mind the interests of Jesus Christ, and not their own concern­ments.

'Tis pity that his Letter to the Do­ctours of Sorbonne, The Saints Letter to the Doctours of Sorbonne. is irrecoverably lost, for certain it is, he wrote to them from the midst of the Indies, to engage them to come, and Preach the Gospel. And for this, we have the testimony of Don Iohn Derada, one of the chief Magistrates [Page 158] of the Kingdom of Navarre, who study­ing at Paris, saw the Letter sent from Father Xavier, admir'd the Apostolical Charity, with which it was replenish'd, and took a Copy of it, as did also many Divines, to whom it was directed.

Amongst those Idolatrous Nations, which breath'd after Baptism, Ambassadours from the Isle of Manar to the Saint. and de­sir'd to be instructed, the Manarois were the first, who made a deputation to the Saint.

The Isle of Manar, is scituate towards the most Northern point of Ceylan, and at the head of the Sands of Remanancor. It has a very convenient Port, and is a place of great Trafick. But the Soil is so sandy and so dry, that it produces nothing, unless in some few places, which also are cultivated with much care and labour. For Manar has no resemblance to Ceylan, though plac'd so near it: Cey­lan being the most delicious and most fruitful part of all the East; where the Trees are always green, and bear fruits and flowers in every Season: where there are discover'd Mines of Gold and Silver, Chrystal, and Precious Stones: which is encompass'd with Forests of E­bony, Cynamon, and Coco; and where the Inhabitants live to an extream old Age, without any of the incommodities [Page 159] which attend it. The wonder is, that be­ing distant from the Equinoetial but six degrees, the Air is temperate and pure, and the Rains which water it from Hea­ven regularly once a Moneth, joyn'd with the Springs and Rivers, which pass through it, refresh the Ground in a great­er measure, than the scorching heats can parch it.

Father Xavier was employ'd in esta­blishing Christianity in Travancor, He sends a Mis­sioner to the Isle of Manar. when he receiv'd this Embassy from Manar. As he cou'd not forsake an Infant Church, without a reasonable apprehension of its ruine, he sent to Manar, one of the Priests whom he had left on the Coast of Fishery. And God so bless'd the labours of that Missioner, that the Manarois not only be­came Christians, but died generously for the Faith; and this was the occasion of their Martyrdom.

The Isle of Manar, was at that time under the Dominion of the King of Iafa­natapan: for by that name the Northern part of Ceylan is call'd. This Prince, had usurp'd the Crown from his elder Brother; and enslav'd his Subjects. A­bove all things he was an implacable Ene­my of the Christian Faith; though in ap­pearance he was a Friend to the Portu­guese, whose Forces only cou'd set [Page 160] Bounds to his Tyranny. When he un­derstood that the Manarois were conver­ted to Christianity, he enter'd into that fury, of which Tyrants only can be ca­pable. For he commanded, that his Troops shou'd immediately pass over in­to the Island, and put all to the Sword, excepting only the Idolaters. His Orders were punctually executed: and Men, Women and Children, were all destroy'd, who had embrac'd the Christian Faith.

It was wonderful to behold, [...]he constancy of he Christians [...]f Manar. that the Faithful being examin'd one by one, con­cerning their Religion, and no more re­quir'd for the saving of their lives, than to forsake their new Belief, there was not one amongst them, who did not openly declare himself a Christian. The Fathers and Mothers, answer'd for the newly baptis'd Infants, who were not able to give testimony of their Faith: and offer'd them to the death, with a Resolution, which was amazing to their Executioners. Six or seven hun­dred of these Islanders gave up their lives for the name of Iesus Christ; and the principal place which was consecrated by so noble Blood, from Pasim, which it was call'd before, now took the name of the Field of Martyrs.

[Page 161] This dreadful Massacre, far from abo­lishing the Christian Law, serv'd only to render it more flourishing. The Tyrant had even the shame of seeing his Officers and Domestick Servants, forsake their ancient Superstition in despight of him. But what most inrag'd him, was the Con­version of his eldest Son. This young Prince, inspir'd of God, caus'd himself to be instructed by a Portuguese Merchant, who had dealings at the Court: which yet cou'd not be so secretly perform'd, but that the King had notice of it. At the first news, he cut his Throat, and threw the Body into the Fields, to serve for food to Salvage Beasts.

But Heaven permitted not, A miraculous C [...]ss, and its effects. that a death which was so precious in the sight of God, shou'd be without honour, in the sight of Men. The Portuguese Mer­chant, buried his Disciple by night; and on the next morning, there appear'd a beautiful Cross, printed on the Ground which cover'd the Body of the Martyr. The spectacle extreamly surpris'd the In­fidels. They did what they were able, to deface, (and if I may so say) to blot out the Cross, by treading over it, and casting Earth upon it. It appear'd again the day following, in the same Figure, and they once more endeavour'd to tread [Page 162] it out. But then it appear'd in the Air, all resplendent with light, and darting its Beams on every side. The Barbarians who beheld it, were affrighted; and, be­ing touch'd in their Hearts, declar'd themselves Christians. The Kings Sister, a Princess naturally vertuous, having pri­vately embrac'd the Faith, instructed both her own [...]on, and her Nephew, who was Brother to the Martyr. But while she directed them in the way of Heaven, she took care to preserve them from the cruelty of the Tyrant. To which purpose she address'd her self to the Merchant above mention'd, and intrust­ing him with the lives of the two Princes, order'd him to convey them to the Se­minary of Goa.

This Portuguese manag'd all things so discreetly, with the concurrence of the Princess, that he escap'd out of the Island, with the two Princes, undiscover'd. He took his way by the Kingdom of Travan­cor, that he might behold Father Xavier, and present to him, these two illustrious new Converts. The Father receiv'd them as Angels descended from above, and gave immortal thanks to God, for so no­ble a Conquest. He fortify'd them in the Faith, gave them excellent instructions, and promis'd so to mediate in their fa­vour, [Page 163] with the Viceroy of the Indies, that they shou'd have no occasion of re­penting themselves, for having abandon'd all things for the sake of Iesus Christ.

When the King of Iafanatapan, had notice of the flight of his Son and Ne­phew, he broke out into new fury against the Christians, and put to death great numbers of them. Being apprehensive, that his Brother, from whom he had usurp'd the Crown, and who now led a wandring life, might possibly change his Religion also, and beg protection from the Portuguese; he sent Officers round a­bout, with orders to bring him into his Hands, or at the least, to bring back his Head. But he fail'd of getting him in his power either alive or dead. For this unhappy Prince, attended by ten Hors­men, having pass'd to Negapatan, came by Land to Goa, after having suffer'd ex­tream hardships, in a Journey of more than two hundred Leagues.

Father Xavier, The Enterprise of Xavier a­gainst the Per­secutour. who was inform'd of all these proceedings, thought it necessa­ry to make advantage of these favourable opportunities, without loss of time. He consider'd, with what perfection Chri­stians might live in a Kingdom where they dy'd so generously for the Faith, with so imperfect a knowledge of it. [Page 164] On the other side, he judg'd, that if the injustice and cruelty of the Tyrant re­main'd unpunish'd, what an inducement it might be to other Idolatrous Kings, for them to persecute the new Converts in their turn. That the only means for repairing the past, and obviating future mischiefs, was to dispossess the Tyrant of the Crown, which he so unjustly wore, and restore it to his Brother, to whom it rightfully belong'd: That for these Consi­derations, recourse ought to be had to the Portuguese, to ingage them by a prin­ciple of Religion to take Arms against the Usurper of the Kingdom, and the Persecutour of the Christians.

In order to this, the Father caus'd M [...]nsilla to be recall'd from the Coast of Fishery, and having intrusted him with the care of Christianity in Travan­cor, took his way by Land to Cambaya, where the Viceroy of the Indies then re­sided.

Besides these reasons, [...] relating to the King of Iafanatapan, the Saint had other Motives, which oblig'd him to take this Journey. The greatest part of the Eu­r [...]peans, who were in the Indies, and chiefly the Officers of the Crown of Por­tugal, liv'd after so infamous a manner, that they made the Christian Faith ap­pear [Page 165] odious, and scandaliz'd alike, both the Idolaters and the Faithful.

The publick Worship of the Pagods was tolerated at Goa; and the Sect of the Brachmans daily increas'd in Power; because those Pagan Priests had brib'd the Portuguese Officers. The people profess'd Heathenism freely, provided they made exact payments of their Tribute, as if they had been conquer'd only for the sake of gain. Publick Offices were sold to Saracens, and the Christian Natives stood excluded, for want of Money, which does all things with corrupt Ministers. The Receivers of the Kings Revenues▪ who were to pay the Paravas of the Coast of Fishery, constrain'd those poor Fishers to deliver their Pearls almost for nothing; and thus the exaction of a lawful Tribute in the Constitution, became Tyranny and Oppression in the managment. Men were sold like Beasts, and Christians i [...] ­slav'd to Pagans at cheap pennyworths. To conclude, the King of Cochin, an Ido­later, but tributary to the Crown of Por­tugal, was suffer'd to con [...]iscate the Goods of his Subjects, who had receiv'd Bap­tism.

Father Francis was wonderfully griev'd to perceive, that the greatest hindrance to the growth of Christianity, in those [Page 166] vast Dominions of Asia, proceeded only from the Christians. He bewail'd it sometimes to God, in the bitterness of his Heart, and one day said, that he wou'd willingly return to Portugal, to complain of it to the King, not doubting, but so Reli­gious and Iust a Prince, wou'd order some remedy, for this encroaching evil, if he had notice how it spread.

Xavier had taken the way of Cochin, along by the Sea Coast. [...] He arriv'd there the sixteenth of December 1544. where he happend' to meet with Michael Vaz, Vicar General of the Indies. In acquain­ting him with the Reasons of his Jour­ney, he made him sensible, that the weak­ness of the Government was the princi­pal cause of the Avarice and Violence of the Officers. That Don Alphonso de Sosa, was indeed a Religious Gentleman, but wanted Vigour; that it was not sufficient to will good Actions, if at the same time he did not strongly oppose ill ones: In a word, that it was absolutely necessary for the King of Portugal to be inform'd, of all the Disorders in the Indies, by a per­son who was an eye witness of them, and whose Integrity was not liable to Suspi­tion. Vaz immediately enter'd into the Opinions of the Father; and his Zeal carry'd him to pass himself into Portugal, [Page 167] in a Vessel which was just ready to set Sail. Xavier prais'd God for those good intentions, and wrote a Letter by him to King Iohn the Third; the beginning of which, I have here transcrib'd.

YOur Majesty ought to be assur'd, His Letter to the King of Portugal. and often to call into your Mind, that God has made choice of you amongst all the Princes of the World for the Conquest of India, to the end he may make trial of your Faith, and see what requital you will make to him for all his Benefits. You ought also to consider, that in conferring on you the Empire of a new World, his intention was not so much, that you shou'd fill your Coffers with the Riches of the East, as that you shou'd have an opportunity of signalizing your Zeal, by making known to Idolaters, (through the means of those who serve you,) the Creatour and Redeemer of Mankind.

The Saint, after this beginning, gave the King to understand the good intenti­ons of Michael Vaz, and the ill conduct of the Portuguese, who were in the Go­vernment of the Indies. He suggested to him the means of putting a stop to those disorders, and advis'd him above all things, not only to recommend by Letters, the interest of Religion, but ri­gorously [Page 168] to punish all those Officers, who were wanting to their duty in that respect. For there is danger, said he, th [...]t when G [...]d shall summon your Majesty to Iudgment, that will then come to pass, [...] y [...]u least expect; and which is not to be avoided; there is danger, Great Prince, that you may then hear these words of an [...]ffended God; Why have you not punish'd t [...]ose, who under your Authority, have made War against me in the Indies? you who have p [...]ish'd them so severely, when they were ne [...]ligent, in gathering your Revenues. [...]ur c [...]se will be little help'd, by your return of this answer to Jesus Christ; Lord I have not wanted yearly to recom­mend [...]y Letters to my Subjects, all that c [...]ncerns [...] honour and thy service. For, [...] ubt n [...], it will be thus answer'd; But your Orders were n [...]ver put in Execution, and you le [...]t your Ministers at their own dispose, to do what ever they thought good.

I therefore beg your Majesty, by that fervent Zeal, which you have for the Glory of our Lord, and by the care which you have always testify [...]d, of your Eternal Sal­vation, to send hither a vigilant and reso­lute Minister, who will bend his Actions to nothing more, than to th [...] Conversion of Souls; who may act independantly to the Officers of your Treasury; and who will not [Page 169] suffer himself to be led and govern'd by the p [...]liticks of worldly men, whose foresight is bounded with the profit of the State. May your Majesty be pleas'd, a little to inspect your Incomes from the Indies; and after that, look over the Expences which are made for the advancement of Religion; that having weigh'd all things equally on either side, you may make a Iudgment, if that which you bestow, bears any proportion with that which you receive. And then perhaps you will find a just Subject to apprehend, that of those immmense Treasures, which the Divine Goodness has heap'd upon you, you have given to God but an inconsiderable pittance.

For what remains, let not your Majesty defer any longer the payment of so just a debt, to so bountiful a giver; nor the heal­ing of so many publick wounds. What reme­dy soever you can apply, what diligence so­ever you can make, all will be too little, and of the latest. The sincere and ardent Charity of my Heart towards your Majesty, has constrain'd me to write to you in this manner; especially when my imagination represents to me, in a lively sort, the com­plaints which the poor Indians send up to Heaven, that out of so vast a Treasure with which your Estate is inrich'd by them, you employ so little for their Spiritual necessi­ties. [Page 170] — The Letter ended in begging this favour of Almighty God, that the King in his Life time, might have those considerations, and that conduct, which he wou'd wish to have had, when he was dying.

Michael Vaz, [...] success of the Voyage un­detaken by Michael Vaz. negotiated so well with King Iohn the third, pursuant to the in­structions of Father Xavier, that he ob­tain'd another Governour of the Indies; and carried back such Orders and Provi­sions, sign'd by his Majesties own hand, as were in a manner the same which the Father had desir'd.

These Orders contain'd, That no Tole­ration shou'd be granted for the Supersti­tion of the Infidels in the Isle of Goa, nor in that of Salseta. That they shou'd break in pieces all the Pagods which were there, and make search in the houses of the Gentils for conceal'd Idols; and who­soever us'd or made them, shou'd be pu­nish'd according to the quality of his Crime. That as many of the Brachmans as were found to oppose the publication of the Gospel, shou'd be Banish'd: That, out of a yearly Rent of three thousand Crowns, charg'd on a Mosquee at Bazain, a subsistence shou'd be made for the Poor, newly converted from Idolatry: That hereafter no publick Employment shou'd [Page 171] be given to Pagans; That no exaction shou'd remain unpunish'd. That no Slaves shou'd henceforth be sold, either to Mahometans, or Gentils. That the Pearl-sishing, shou'd only be in the hands of Christians, and that nothing shou'd be taken from them, without paying them the due value. That the King of Co­chin shou'd not be suffer'd to despoil, or oppress the Baptis'd Indians; and last of all, That if Sosa had not already re­veng'd the Murther of the Christians in Manar, who were Massacred by the King of Iafanatapan's Command, Castro who succeeded in his place, shou'd not fail to see it done.

To return to Father Xavier, he put to Sea at Cochin, He converts a debauch'd Por­tuguese. and sail'd towards Cam­baya; in the Ship there was a Portuguese Gentleman, much a Libertine, and one of those declar'd Atheists, who make a boast of their impiety. This was mo­tive enough for the Holy man to make acquaintance with him. He kept him company, and was even so complaisant as to entertain him with pleasant conver­sation. The Portuguese was much de­lighted with his good humour, and took pleasure in hearing him discourse on many curious Subjects. But, if Xavier offer'd to let fall a word concerning the [Page 172] Salvation of his Soul, he laught it out, and wou'd hear no more. If the Father mildly reprov'd him for his profane and scandalous way of living; he flew out into a fury, against the holy practice of the Church, and swore he wou'd never more come to Confession.

These ill inclinations did not at all dis­courage Xavier from his undertaking: He treated this harden'd Sinner after the manner that Physicians use a Patient ra­ving in his Sickness, with all manner of compassion and soft behaviour. In the mean time they came to an Anchor, be­fore the Port of Cananor, and going ashore together, they took a walk into a Wood of Palm-Trees, which was near their place of Landing. After they had made a turn or two, the Saint stripp'd himself to the wast, and taking a Discipline poin­ted at the ends with wire, struck so hard and so often on his naked body, that in a very little time his back and shoulders were all bloody. 'Tis for your sake, said he to the Gentleman who accom­panied him, that I do what you see; and all this is nothing to what I wou'd wil­lingly suffer for you. But, added he, you have cost Christ Iesus a much dearer price: will neither his passion, his death, nor all his blood suffice to soften the [Page 173] hardness of your heart? After this, ad­dressing himself to our blessed Saviour, O Lord, said he, be pleas'd to look on thy own adorable blood, and not on that, of so vile a Sinner as my self. The Gentleman amaz'd and confounded both at once, at such an excess of charity, cast himself at the feet of Xavier, beseeching him to forbear, and promising to confess him­self, and totally to change his former life. In effect, before they departed out of the Wood, he made a general Con­fession to the Father, with sincere con­trition for his Sins, and afterwards liv'd, with the exemplary behaviour and pra­ctice of a good Christian.

Being return'd to the Port, they went again on Shipboard; He ingages the Viceroy of the Indies to make War on the King of Jafa­natapan. and continu'd their voyage to Cambaya. When they were arriv'd at that place, Xavier went to wait on the Viceroy, and easily per­swaded him to what he desir'd, in refe­rence to Iafanatapan: For besides that Sosa repos [...]d an entire confidence in Fa­ther Xavier, and was himself zealous for the faith, the Expedition which was pro­pos'd to him, was the most glorious that the Portu [...]uese cou'd undertake; since the consequence of it was to punish a Ty­rant, to dispossess an Usurper, and to re­store a lawful King.

[Page 174] The Viceroy therefore wrote Letters, and dispatch'd Couriers, to the Captains of Comorine, and of the Fishery, com­manding them to assemble all the Forces they cou'd make, at Negapatan, and make a sudden irruption into the Tyrant's Country, without giving him time to provide for his defence. He gave them also in charge, to take the Tyrant alive, if possibly they cou'd; and put him into the hands of Father Francis, who desir'd his Conversion, not his death; and hop'd the blood of the Martyrs of Manar, might obtain the forgiveness of his Crimes.

Xavier, Divers Pre­dictions of the Saint. encourag'd by these hopes, return'd towards Cochin, where he pro­pos'd to himself to follow his Ministerial vocation, while the preparations of War were making. Coming back by Cananor, he lodg'd in the house of a Christian, who himself was religious, but his Son debauch'd, and subject to all sorts of vices. The good man sensibly afflicted at the ill conduct of his graceless Son, wept day and night; and Xavier began at first to comfort him, saying those vi­ces were ordinary in youth; and riper age wou'd reclaim him from them. Ha­ving done speaking, he stood mute a while, and recollected himself; then [Page 175] suddenly lifting up his eyes to Heaven, Know, said he, that you are the most happy Father in the world: this Libertine Son, who has given you so many disquiets, shall one day change his manners: He shall be a Religious of the Order of St. Francis, and at last shall dye a Martyr. The e­vent verify'd the Prediction; the young man, afterwards took the Habit of St. Francis, and went to Preach the Faith in the Kingdom of Candè is a Kingdom in the I [...]land of Cey­lan. Candè, where he receiv'd Martyrdom from the Barba­rians.

Father Xavier being come back to Cochin, was very kindly receiv'd by the Secretary of State, Cosmo Annez, his in­timate friend, who was there, on some important business. Being one day to­gether, and talking familiarly, Xavier ask'd Annez, if the year had been good for the Portugal Merchants? Annez an­swer'd him, that it cou'd not have been better: that not long since, seven Ves­sels had been sent off, which were now in their passage to Europe, and richly laden. He added, that himself had sent the King of Portugal a rare Diamond, which had cost six thousand Ducats at Goa, and wou'd be worth more than thirty thousand at Lisbonne. Xavier had a farther curiosity to enquire, which [Page 176] of the Ships had carried the Diamond, and Annez told him, it was the Ship call'd the Atoghia, and that he had in­trusted the Jewel to Iohn Norogna, who was Captain of the Ship.

Xavier then enter'd into a profound meditation, and after he had kept silence for some time, all on the sudden, thus reply'd, I cou'd have wish'd that a Dia­mond of so great value had not been intrusted to that Ship. And for what reason answer'd Annez? is it not because the Atoghia, has once formerly sprung a Leak? but, Father, she is now so well refitted, that she may be taken for a new Vessel. The Saint explain'd himself no father; and Annez, upon a second consideration, began to conjecture, both from the Father's words, and afterwards from his silence, that there was some danger in the matter, whereupon he de­sir'd him, to recommend that Ship to the protection of Almighty God; for in conclusion, said he, the Atoghia cannot be lost without a very considerable dam­mage to me. I have had no order, said he, to buy that Diamond, so that in case it shou'd miscarry, the loss will be wholly mine.

Sitting one day together at the Ta­ble, and Xavier observing Annez to be [Page 177] in great concernment, give thanks to God, said he, your Diamond is safe, and at this very time, in the hands of the Queen of Portugal. Annez believ'd Xa­vier on his word; and understood after­wards, by Letters from Norogna, that the Ship open'd in the midst of her Voy­age, and let in so much water, that be­ing upon the point of sinking, the Ma­riners had resolv'd to have forsaken her, and thrown themselves into the Sea, but after having cut down the main Mast, they chang'd their thoughts without any apparent reason; that the Leak stop'd of it self, and the Ship pursuing her Course, with only two Sails, arriv'd safe­ly in the Port of Lisbonne.

The Man of God, He goes to joyn the Portuguese Fleet, and rai­ses one from the dead. remain'd about three months in Cochin, and towards the end of May, set sail for Negapatan, where the Portuguese Fleet, was now in a rea­diness, passing by the Isle of de las Vac­cas, which is near the Flatts of Ceylan, towards the North, he rais'd to Life, a Saracens Child, which is all that is known of that Miracle. He was desirous in his passage to see the Isle of Manar, where so many Christians had been Massacred for the Faith, and going ashore, he often kiss'd the ground, which had been sprinkled with the blood of Martyrs at [Page 178] Pasim. While he rejoyc'd at the happy destiny of the dead, he had cause to be afflicted, for the misfortune of the li­ving: a contagious Disease, laid wast the Island; and there died an hundred every day.

When the Manar [...]is had notice, that the great Father, so famous in the In­dies was at Pasim, they assembled to­gether, above three thousand of them, for the most part Gentils, and being come to the Village, besought him hum­bly to deliver them from the Pestilence.

Xavier ask'd three days, [...] wherein to implore of God, for that which they had beg'd from him. During all which time, he only offer'd up to our Lord, and set before him the merits of those blessed Martyrs, who had suffer'd for his name at Pasim. Before those days were ended, his Prayers were heard, the Plague ceas'd; and all the Sick were restor'd to health at the same moment▪ So vi­sible a Miracle wrought on all of them to believe in Iesus Christ; and the Apostle Baptiz'd them with his own hand. He cou'd make no longer stay with them; for the Naval Army then expected him, and his presence was necessary to encou­rage the Souldiers, and mind the Captains of the performance of their duty.

[Page 179] He pass'd over from Manar, The Enterprise of [...]afanatapan defeated. to Nega­patan; but there he found all things in a far different condition, from what he hop'd. The Portuguese Navy diminish'd daily; and the Commanders who at the beginning, had been so zealous for the Holy War, were now the first to con­demn it. It was in vain for him, to set before their eyes the honour of their Na­tion, and that of God: Interest did so blind their Understanding, that they for­got they were either Portugueses or Chr [...] ­stians: behold in short, what overthrew so glorious an expedition.

While they were equipping the Fleet, it happen'd that a Portuguese Vessel, co­ming from the Kingdom of Pegu, and laden with Rich Merchandise, was dri­ven by Tempest upon the Coast of Ia­fanatapan. The King made seizure of it, and possess'd himself of all within it, ac­cording to the custom of the Barbarians. The Captain, and the Ships Company foreseeing, that if in this conjucture, War shou'd be made against the Heathen Prince, they shou'd never be able to re­trieve their wealth out of his hands, cor­rupted the Officers of the Fleet with large Presents, to desist from their underta­king. Thus, the Tyrant, whom Father Xavier design'd to drive out from his [Page 180] ill-gotten Kingdom, was maintain'd in it, by the covetousness of Christians; or or rather by the secret decrees of Provi­dence, which sometimes permits the Persecutors of the Church, to reign in peace, to the end a tryal may be made, of such, as dare to continue constant in their Faith.

As holy men resign their Will, to that of God, Xavier wholly abandon'd the Enterprize of Iafanatapan; and thought only of returning to the Kingdom of Travancor. Being now on Sea, he cast back his eyes on the Isle of Ceylan, which he saw from far; and cry'd out, lamen­ting for it, Ah! unhappy Island, with how many Carcasses do I behold thee cover'd? and what Rivers of blood, are making in­undations on all sides of thee? These words were Prophetical of what happen'd af­terwards, when Don Constantine de Bra­ganza, at one time, and Don Hurtado de Mendoça at another, destroy'd all those Islanders with the Sword, and the King of Iafanatapan, being himself taken, together with his eldest Son, was put to death in his own Pallace: As if the Di­vine Justice had not deferr'd the death of this Persecutor, but only to render it more terrible, and more memorable.

[Page 181] Father Xavier was very desirous of returning to Travancor; He designs the Voyage of Ma­cassar; and the Conversion of many King­doms. but the Winds blew so contrary, that they always drove him from the Coast. By this he judg'd that God had call'd him to some other place; and thereupon form'd a resolution of carrying the light of the Gospel, from Isle to Isle, and from King­dom to Kingdom, even to the utmost limits of the East. The news he heard, during his Navigation, caus'd him sud­denly to cast his thoughts on an Island situate under the Equinoctial, betwixt the Molucca's and Borneo, stretch'd in length two hundred Leagues from North to South, and divided into sundry King­doms, call'd by the Geographers Celebes, by the Historians Macassar; from the names of the two Capital Cities, of the two Principal Kingdoms, as to the rest, well peopled, and abounding in all sorts of Riches.

It was related to him, that about the year 1531, two Brothers, both Idolaters, as were all the Inhabitants of Macassar, going on their private business to Ter­nate, the chief of the Molucca's, had some conference, relating to Religion, with the Governour Antonio Galvan a Portu­guese, one of the most famous Warriours of his age; and celebrated in History, [Page 182] both for his Piety and Valour. That ha­ving learnt from him, the Vanity of their Idols, they embrac'd the Christian Faith, and at their Baptism took the names of Antonio and Michael. That being re­turn'd into their Country, they them­s [...]lves taught publickly the Faith of Ie­sus Christ: That all their Countrey-men with one accord, sent their Embassadours to the Governour of Ternate, desiring him to send them some to instruct them in the Principles of Faith: and that the Heads of this Embassy were the two Bro­thers, known to Galvan: that these Em­bassadours found a very kind reception; and that for want of a Priest, Galvan gave them a Souldier for their Teacher, whose name was Francis de Castro; a Man knowing in Religion, and of exem­plary Piety. In conclusion, that Castro, who was thus chosen to instruct that people, imbarking for Macassar, was driven by a Tempest another way.

Besides this, Xavier was likewise in­form'd, that not long before, a Portuguese Merchant, call'd Antonio Payva, going to Macassar in the name of R [...]ys Vaz Perey­ra Captain of Malacca, for a Ships lading of Sandal, a pretious Wood, growing in that Island, the King of Supa, which is one of the Kingdoms of Macassar, came [Page 183] in person to see him, and ask'd divers questions relating to the Christian Faith: that this honest Merchant, better ac­quainted with his Traffick, than his Rel [...] ­gion, yet answer'd very pertinently, and discours'd of the Mysteries of Faith, after so reasonable a manner, that the King, then threescore years of age, was converted, with all his Family and Court. That another King of the same Island, call'd, the King of Sion, follow'd his Ex­ample; and that these two Princes, who were solemnly baptis'd by the hand of Payva, not being able to retain him with them, desir'd him to send them some Priests, who might administer the Sacra­ments, and baptise their Subjects.

These pious inclinations, appear'd to Father Xavier, as an excellent ground-work for the planting of the Gospel. He wept for joy at the happy news; and a­dor'd the profound judgments of the Di­vine Providence, which after having re­fus'd the Grace of Baptism to the King of Travancor, when all his Subjects had re­ceiv'd it, began the Conversion of Sion and of Supa, by that of their Sovereigns. He even believ'd, that his Evangelical Ministry, exacted from him, to put the last hand to the Conversion of those King­doms.

[Page 184] In the mean time, He [...] to the Sepulchre of St. Thomas, to consult [...], con­cerning his Voy­age to Macas­sar. he thought it his duty, that before he resolv'd on the Voy­age of Macassar, he shou'd ask advice from Heaven concerning it; and to per­form it as he ought, it came into his mind to implore the enlightnings of Gods Spirit at the Sepulchre of St. Thomas, the ancient Founder, and first Father of Christianity in the Indies, whom he had taken for his Patron and his guide, in the course of all his Travels. What happen'd to him in his passage to Me­liapor. He therefore resolv'd to go in Pilgrimage to Meliapor, which is distant but fifty Leagues from Negatapan, where the Wind had driven him back. And imbarking in the Ship of Michael Pereyra, on Palm-Sunday, which fell that year 1545, on the 29th of March, they shap'd their Course along the Coasts of Coromandel, having at first a favourable Wind, but they had not made above twelve or thirteen Leagues, when the Weather chang'd on a sudden, and the Sea became so rough, that they were [...]orc'd to make to Land, and cast Anchor under covert of a Mountain, to put their Ship into some reasonable secu­rity. They lay there for seven days to­gether, in expectation of a better Wind; and all that time the holy Man pass'd in Contemplation, without taking any nourishment, either of Meat or Drink, [Page 185] as they observ'd who were in the Vessel with him, and as Iames Madeira, who was a Witness of it, has depos'd in form of Law. He only drank on Easter-Eve, and that at the request of the said Ma­deira, a little Water, in which an Onyon had been boil'd, according to his own direction. On that very day, the Wind came about into a favourable quarter, and the Sea grew calm, so that they weigh'd Anchor, and continued their Voyage.

But Xavier, to whom God daily im­parted more and more of the Spirit of Prophecy, foreseeing a furious Tempest, which was conceal'd under that fallacious Calm, ask'd the Pilot, If his Ship were strong enough to endure the violence of bad Wea­ther, and ride out a Storm? The Pilot con­fess'd she was not, as being an old crazy Vessel. Then, said Xavier, it were good to carry her back into the Port. How, Fa­ther Francis, said the Pilot, are you fear­ful with so fair a Wind? You may assure your self, of good Weather by all manner of signs, and any little Bark may be in safe­ty. 'Twas in vain for the Saint to press him farther, not to believe those de­ceitful appearances; neither wou'd the Passengers follow his advice, but they soon repented of their neglect. For, far they had not gone, when a dreadful [Page 186] Wind arose, the Sea was on a Foam, and mounted into Billows. The Ship was not able to withstand the Tempest, and was often in danger of sinking, and the Mariners were constrain'd to make towards the Port of Negapatan, from whence they set out, which with much ado they at length recover'd.

The impatience of Father Xavier, to visit the Tomb of the Apostle St. Thomas caus'd him to make his Pilgrimage by Land; and he travell'd with so much ar­dour, through the rough and uncouth ways, that in few days he arriv'd at Me­liapor.

That City is now commonly known by the name of St. Thomas; He comes to Meliapor, the Monuments which he there finds of the A­postle St. Tho­mas. because that bless'd Apostle liv'd so long in it, and there suffer'd Martyrdom. If we will give credit to the Inhabitants, it was once almost swallow'd by the Sea; and for proof of this Tradition, there are yet to be seen under Water, the Ruines of great Buildings. The new Town of Me­liapor was built by the Portuguese; near the Walls there is a Hill, which they call'd the little Mount, and in it a Grott, wherein they say St. Thomas hid himself, during the Persecution. At the entry of this Cave, there is a Cross, cut in the Rock, and at the foot of the Mountain, [Page 187] there arises a Spring, the Waters of which are of such vertue, that sick peo­ple drinking of them, are ordinarily cur'd.

From this small ascent, you pass to a higher, and much larger Mountain; which seems form'd by nature, for a lonely, con­templative life. For on one side, it looks upon the Sea, and on the other is cover'd with old Trees, always green, which at once make a fruitful and a pleasing Ob­ject. Hither St. Thomas retir'd, to pray with his Disciples; and here it was also that he was slain by a Brachman with the thrust of a Spear.

The Portuguese, who rebuilt Meliapor, found on the top of the Mountain, a lit­tle Chappel, of Stone-work, all in Ruins. They were desirous to repair it, in me­mory of the holy Apostle, and as they were rummaging all about, even to the Foundations of it, they drew out a white Marble, whereon was a Cross, with Cha­racters grav'd round about it, which de­clar'd, That God was born of the Virgin Mary, that this God was Eternal, that the same God taught his Law to his twelve Apo­stles, and that one of them came to Melia­por, with a Palmers Staff in his hand; that he built a Church there; that the Kings of Malabar, Coromandel and Pandi, with many [Page 188] other Nations, submitted themselves to the Law, preach'd by St. Thomas, a man holy and penitent.

This Marble of which we make men­tion, having on it divers stains of Blood, the common Opinon is, that the Apo­stle suffer'd Martyrdom upon it. How­soever it be, the Marble was plac'd upon the Altar, when the Chappel was rebuilt, and the first time, that a solemn Mass was said there, the Cross distill'd some drops of Blood, in the sight of all the people: which also happen'd many times in the following years, on the day where­on his Martyrdom is clebrated.

When Xavier was come into the Town, the Vicar of Meliapor, who had heard speak of him as a Successour of the Apostles, and a Man sent from God, for the Conversion of the Indies, came to offer him a Lodging in his House: The Father accepted of it, because it was ad­joining to the Church, wherein were kept the Relicks of St. Thomas; and that he cou'd easily step from thence by night, to consult the Will of God, concerning his intended Voyage to Macassar.

In effect, He is th [...] [...] ­ten'd by D [...]il [...], and afterwards beaten by them. as soon as the Vicar was laid to Sleep, for they were lodg'd in the same Chamber, Xavier rose as softly as he cou'd, and went to the Church, [Page 189] through a Church-yard which parted it from the House. The Vicar perceiv'd it, and advertis'd Xavier, that this passage was not over-safe by night; and that hor­rible Phantomes, had been often seen in it. The Saint believ'd this only said to frighten him, and hinder him from ri­sing before day; so, he continued his usual Prayers; but it was not long, be­fore he found, that the advice was true. For the nights ensuing, as he pass'd through the Church-yard, he saw those dreadful Specters, which endeavour'd to have stop'd him; yet he sav'd himself from them, and even laught at them as vain Illusions.

The Demons are too proud, to bear contempt, without revenge, when God permits them. One night, when the Saint was at his Devotions before the I­mage of the bless'd Virgin, they assaulted him in great numbers, and beat him so violently, that he was all over bruis'd, and forc'd to keep his Bed, for some days together. He said nothing of his adven­ture to the Vicar; but it was discover'd by a young Man of Malabar, who lodg'd with the Church, and was awaken'd with the noise: rising from his Bed, he heard the Blows, distinctly, and what Fa­ther Xavier said to the holy Virgin, in­voking [Page 190] her assistance against the Infernal Powers: Insomuch, that the Vicar, to whom the young Man had related the words which he had heard, sometimes repeated them to Xavier, with an inof­fensive kind of Railery.

The Servant of God having recover'd some little strength, return'd to the Church, and there continued all the night. What rage soever the Devils had against him, they durst no more attempt his person, nor so much as endeavour to affright him. They only made a noise, to distract him in his Prayers; and one time, disguis'd in the Habit of Canons, they counterfeited so well the mid-night Matins, that he ask'd the Vicar, Who were those Cha [...]ters who sung so admira­bly?

But the favours which Xavier receiv'd from Heaven, He lea [...]ns the Will [...]f God [...] his des [...]n. made him large amends, for all the injuries of Hell. For though the particulars of what pass'd betwixt God and him were kept secret, 'tis known at least, in regard of the principal affair, for which he consulted God, that he had an Interiour Light, which gave him clearly to understand, that he was com­manded to pass to the more Southern Islands, and to labour in their Conversi­on. The Christian strength with which [Page 191] he found himself animated at the same time, caus'd all the dangers, which na­turally he might apprehend, to disappear; as is manifest by what he wrote from Meliapor, on that occasion, to two of his Friends at Goa, Paul de Camerin and, Iames Borba, of whom we have made so frequent mention.

I Hope that God will conferr many fa­vours on me, in this Voyage; since through his infinite mercy, I have learnt, with so much spiritual joy, that it is his holy pleasure, I shou'd go to those King­doms of Macassar, where so many Christi­ans have been made in these latter years. For what remains, I am so much resolv'd on executing, what our Lord has reveal'd to me, that if I should be wanting on my part, I shou'd go, to my thinking, in direct opposition to his Orders, and render my self unworthy of his Favour, both in this life and in the next. If I cannot find this year any Portuguese Vessel, bound for Malacca, I will [...]mbark my self on any Ship, belonging to the Gentils or the Sara­cens. I rep [...]se, withal, so great a confi­dence in God, for the love of whom I un­dertake this Voyage, that if there shou'd only pass this way, some little Bark of Ma­lacca, I shou'd go aboard, without the least [Page 192] deliberation. All my hope is in God, and I conjure you by his Love, to remember al­ways in your Prayers, so great a sinner as my self.

Though his intentions in coming to The Conversions which he makes at Meliapor. Meliapor were only to receive the in­structions of Heaven in his solitude, yet he employ'd some part of his time, in the good of others. His holy Life gave a lustre and value to his Discourse, and the sight of him alone, was of efficacy to touch the Heart. The people had re­ceiv'd it as a Maxim, That whoever fol­low'd not the Counsel of Father Francis, shou'd dye an Enemy of God. And they related the unhappy end of some sinners, who being urg'd by Xavier, to make a speedy Repentance, had deserr'd the work of their Conversion. This popu­lar Opinion contributed much, to the change of Manners in the Town; and the fear of a disastrous death, serv'd fre­quently to break off in one moment the criminal commerce of many years.

There was in Meliapor, a Portuguese Gentlemen, He bring [...] a great sinner to Repentance. who liv'd a debauch'd, and scandalous life. His House was a Se­raglio, in little: and the greatest part of his business was making a Collection of beautiful Slaves. Xavier went one day [Page 193] to visit him about Dinner time: Are you willing, said the Father, that we shou'd begin an acquaintance by dining together? The Portuguese was somewhat discom­pos'd, both at the Visit and the Compli­ment: yet he forc'd himself into good humour, and made shew of being very glad of the honour which the Father had done him. While they were at Table, Xa­vier spoke not one word to him, concern­ing his debauchery, and only entertain'd him with ordinary talk: though they had been serv'd by young Damsels, whose Habit was not over modest, and whose Air was very impudent. He con­tinu'd in the same way he had began, after they were risen from Dinner, and in conclusion, took his leave, without ma­king him the least reproach.

The Gentleman, surpris'd at the con­duct of Father Francis, believ'd his silence to be a bad omen to him; and that he had nothing else to expect, but an unhap­py Death, and a more unhappy Eternity. In this thought he went with all dili­gence to find the Father, and falling down before him, Tour silence (said he) has spoken pow'rfully to my Heart: I have not enjoy'd one moment of repose, since you parted from me: Ah, Father, if my ever­lasting. Damnation be not already sfix'd, I [Page 194] put my self into your hands, do with me what you shall judge necessary for the Sal­vation of my Soul, behold me ready to pay you a blind obedience.

Xavier embrac'd him, and after he had given him to understand, that the mercies of the Lord are infinite, that it is our duty never to despair, that he who sometimes refuses to Sinners the hour of repentance, always grants par­don to the Penitent; he caus'd him to put away those occasions of his sin, and dispos'd him to a general Confession, the fruit of which, was a chast and Christian Life.

In short, the Father did what he cou'd desire to be done at Meliapore; and Wit­nesses of known Integrity have depos'd on Oath, that he left the Town so different from what it was, at his coming thither, that it was hardly to be known, for the same place: which also gave him so en­tire a satisfaction, that giving it a thou­sand Benedictions, he said that there was not in all the Indies, a more Christian Town. And at the same time he Pro­phecy'd, that one day it shou'd be­come flourishing and wealthy; which Prediction was accomplish'd some few years afterward.

[Page 195] Though all these Conversions, Divers wonder­ful events which encrease his Fame. drew the publick veneration on Father Fran­cis, it seem'd that God took pleasure in making the name of his Servant yet more illustrious, by certain wonderful e­vents. A Merchant of Meliapore, being just ready to imbark for Malacca, went to take his leave of him. In receiving his blessing, he beg'd of him some lit­tle token of his friendship. The Father who was very poor, cou'd find nothing to give him, but the Chaplet which was hanging at his neck: This Chaplet, or Beads. said he to the Merchant, shall not be unpro­fitable to you, provided you repose your trust in the Virgin Mary. The Mer­chant went away, in full assurance of the Divine Protection, and without fear of Pyrates, Winds, or Rocks: but God wou'd make a tryal of his Faith. He had already almost cross'd, without the least hazard, the great Gulph, which is betwixt Meliapore and Malacca, when suddenly there blew a furious Storm, the Sails were torn, the Rudder broken, and the Mast came by the Boord; and the Vessel, afterwards being driven against the Rocks, was split: The greatest part of the Seamen and Passengers were drown'd; some of them held upon the Rocks, where they were cast away; and [Page 196] the Merchant himself was of that num­ber. But, being upon the wide Sea, and not having wherewithal to supply Na­ture, to avoid dying by hunger, they took a resolution, which only despair cou'd have inspir'd: having gather'd up some floating Planks of their wreck'd Vessel, and joyning them together the best they cou'd, they put themselves up­on th [...]m, and abandon'd their safety to the mercy of the Waves, without other hope, than of lighting on some cur­rent, which might possibly carry them on shore.

The Merchant full of confidence in the Blessed Virgin, had still preserv'd the Chaplet of Xavier, and fear'd not drown­ing, while he held it in his hand. The float of Planks was hardly adrift upon the waves, when he found he was tran­sported out of himself, and believ'd he was at Meliapore with Father Francis. Returning from his extasie, he was strangely surpriz'd, to find himself on an unknown Coast, and not to see about him the Companions of his Fortunes, nor the Planks to which he had intrusted his Life. He understood from some Peo­ple, who casually came that way, that it was the Coast of Negapatan, and, in a transport mix'd with joy and amaze­ment, [Page 197] he told them, in how miraculous a manner, God had deliver'd him from death.

Another Portuguese, by profession a Souldier, call'd Ierome Fernandez de Men­doza, receiv'd a considerable assistance from Xavier, in a different manner, but full as marvelous. Fernandez, having put off, from the Coast of Cormandel, in a Ship belonging to him, wherein was all his wealth, to go to another Coast more westward, was taken near the Cape of Comorin, by the Malabar Pyrates, e­qually covetous and cruel. To save his life, in losing his goods, he threw him­self into the Sea, and was happy enough, in spight of his ill fortune, to swim to land, on the Coast of Meliapore. Meet­ing there Father Francis, he related his misfortune to him, and beg'd an Alms. The Father was almost sorry, at that time for his being so poor himself, that he had not wherewithal to relieve the miserable man, yet he put his hand into his Pocket, as if he were searching there for something, but finding nothing, he lifted up his eyes to Heaven, and after­wards turning to Fernandez, with looks full of compassion, have courage, Bro­the [...], said he to him, Heaven will pro­vide for you. After which, walking for­ward [Page 198] four or five paces, he once more put his hands into his Pockets, and pull'd out fifty pieces of Gold, receive added he, what Heaven sends you: Make use of it, but speak not of it: The surprize and joy of Fernandez were so great, that it was impossible for him to keep silence. He publish'd in all places, the bounty of his Benefactour; and the pieces of Gold were found to be so pure and fine, that it was not doubted but they were miraculous.

But perhaps nothing is more admira­ble, He pe [...]swades a ri [...]h Mer­chant to Evan­gelical perfecti­on. than what pass'd betwixt the Fa­ther, and Iohn Duro, or Deyro, as some have call'd him. He was a man, of a­bout five and thirty years of age, who had formerly born arms; afterwards be­came a Merchant, and owner of a Ship, very wealthy, and fortunate in all his traffick: all which notwithstanding, he was ill satisfi'd with the world, uneasie to himself, unquiet in the midst of all his wealth, and perswaded that God a­lone cou'd content his Soul. He went one day to see the Holy man, and told him, that for many years he had a de­sire of changing his condition; and of serving God as perfectly as he was able, but, that two reasons had always hin­der'd him: the one was, that he never [Page 199] yet, cou'd meet with any person, who was capable of shewing him the way of perfection; the other was, that he was affraid of falling into Poverty. He ad­ded, that he was now out of pain con­cerning those two points. That for the first, he hop'd he shou'd walk surely in the way of Heaven, having so able a guide as he; and for the second, he had got sufficiently, for his maintenance in an honest and comfortable way, du­ring the remainder of his life. He beg'd leave of Father Xavier, that he might follow him, and promis'd on all occasi­ons to defray his charges.

The Father made Deyro understand, how far he was yet from the Kingdom of Heaven; that to arrive at perfection, he must perform what our Saviour coun­sel'd the young man, who seem'd wil­ling to follow him, that is to say, he must practise these words in the litteral sence, sell all thou hast, and give it to the Poor. Deyro, thus undeceiv'd, immedi­ately desir'd the Father to take all his goods, and distribute them amongst the Poor; but the Father, wou'd neither do what Deyro had propos'd to him, nor permit that he shou'd himself dispose of any thing, before he had made Confes­sion to him. Foreseeing, without doubt, [Page 200] that being so Rich, he shou'd be oblig'd to make restitution of some part of that which he had gain'd.

The Confession of the Merchant, was three days in making: after which, ha­ving sold his Ship, and his Merchandise, he restor'd what he had got unjustly, and gave great Alms. And in consequence of this, under the direction of the Saint, he gave himself to the exercises of Piety and Penitence, thereby to lay a solid Foundation of that perfection, to which he aspir'd.

But these fair beginnings, The new Con­vert falls from grace, and be­comes suspected to the Saint. were not attended with any answerable fruit, and that Spirit of Retirement, of Mortifica­tion, and of Poverty, was soon extin­guish'd in a man accustom'd to the tur­moyls of the world, who had always liv'd in plenty, and who passionately lov'd his profit. He return'd to the thoughts of his former condition, and having recover'd some jewels, and bought a small Vessel in secret, he set himself to follow his former way of living.

When he was just on the point of set­ting Sail, a Catechist, call'd Antonio, came and told him, that Father Xavier desir'd to speak with him. Deyro, who thought of nothing more, than of ma­king his escape, and who had not in­trusted [Page 201] his design to the knowledge of any person, made as if he took him for another. But Antonio persisting in it, that it was himself, whom the Father meant, he durst not dissemble any lon­ger, and went to find him, resolv'd how­ever of denying all, as thinking the Fa­ther at most cou'd have but a bare su­spition of his change, and intended flight. He therefore assum'd an air of Confi­dence, and presented himself boldly be­fore the Saint, but God had given him knowledge of Deyro's intentions. You have sin'd, said Xavier, as soon as he beheld him, you have sin'd. These few words so deeply struck him, that he threw himself at the feet of the Father, all trembling, and crying out, 'Tis true, my Father, I have sin'd; Penitence then, my Son, reply'd the Father, Penitence! Deyro confess'd himself immediately, went to sell off his Ship, and distribu­ted all the money to the Poor; He re­turn'd afterwards, and put himself once more under the conduct of the Father, with a firm resolution of following his counsels more sincerely, and of serving God more faithfully.

How un [...]eign'd soever the repentance of Deyro seem'd, Xavier had no confi­dence in it; and these new fervours were [Page 202] suspected by him. He would not re­ceive him into the Company of Iesus, which requires solid Spirits, and such as are firm to their Vocation.

Yet he refus'd not to admit him for his Companion, in quality of a Cate­chist, and carried him with him to Ma­lacca: for having continu'd four Months at M [...]liapore, he parted thence in Sep­tember 1545, notwithstanding the tears of the people, who were desirous of re­taining him; and held the course of Ma­lacca, designing from thence to pass to Macassar.

Before he went on Board he wrote to Father Paul de Camerine at Goa, that when the Fathers of the Society, who were daily expected from Portugal, shou'd arrive, two of those new Missioners shou'd accompany the Princes of Iafanatapan, whensoever the Portuguese shou'd think [...]it to re-establish the lawful King. For there was a report, that the expedition shou'd be renew'd, which a base interest had set aside. But this Project was not put in execution; and both the Princes died one after the other, in less than two years after their Conversion, which was only profitable to their Souls.

[Page 203] While the Ship that carried Xavier was crossing the Gulph of Ceylan, His Charity to to a Souldier, who ha [...] lost all his Money at Play. an oc­casion of Charity was offer'd to the Saint, which he wou'd not suffer to e­scape. The Mariners and Souldiers pass'd their time, according to their custome, in playing at Cards. Two Souldiers set themselves to it, more out of ava­rice than pleasure, and one of them plaid with such ill fortune, that he lost not only all his own money, but the stock which others had put into his hands to traffick for them. Having no­thing more to lose, he withdrew, cur­sing his luck, and blaspheming God. His despair prevail'd so far over him, that he had thrown himself into the Sea, or run upon the point of his Sword, if he had not been prevented. Xavier had notice of these his mad intentions, and execrable behaviour, and immedi­ately came to his relief. He embrac'd him tenderly, and said all he cou'd to comfort him: But the Souldier who was still in the transports of his fury, thrust him away, and forbore not even ill Language to him. Xavier stood recol­lected for some time, imploring God's assistance and counsel; then went and borrow'd fifty Royals of a Passenger, brought them to the Souldier, and ad­vis'd [Page 204] him once more to try his fortune. At this the Souldier took heart, and play'd so luckily, that he recover'd all his losses with great advantage. The Saint, who look'd on, took out of the overplus of the winnings, what he had borrow'd for him; and seeing the Game­ster, now return'd to a calm temper, wrought upon him so successfully, that he, who before refus'd to hear him, was now overpowr'd by his discourse, never after handled Cards, and became exem­plary in his Life.

They arriv'd at Malacca, He arrives at Mal [...]cca, a di­gression conce [...]n­it. the 25th. of September. As this is one of those pla­ces in the Indies, where the Saint, whose Life I write, had most business, and whi­ther he made many Voyages, it vvill not be unprofitable to say somewhat of it. 'Tis s [...]i [...]uate beyond the Gulph of Bengale, towards the head of that great Peninsula, vvhich from the mouth of the Ara, is extended to the South, al­most to the Equinoctial Line; and is of two Degrees and a half of Elevation, o­ver against the Island of Sumatra, which the Ancients, who had not frequented this Channel, believ'd to be joyn'd to the Continent.

Malacca was under the Dominion of the Kings of Siam, 'till the Saracens, who [Page 205] Traded [...]hither, becoming powerful, first made it Mahometan, then caus'd it to revolt against the lawful Prince, and set up a Monarch of their own Sect, call'd Mahomet. There was not at that time, any more famous Mart Town than this, and where there was a greater con­course of different Nations. For, besides the People of Guzuratte, Aracan, Mala­bar, Pegu, Sumatra, Iava, and the Mo­lucca's, the Arabs, the Persians, the Chi­nese, and the Iaponians, traffick'd there: and accordingly the Town lay extended all along by the Sea side, for the con­venience of Trade.

Amongst all the Nations of Asia there is not any, more inclin'd to pleasure; and this seems chiefly to proceed, from the mild temper of the air. For there is an eternal Spring, notwithstanding the neighbourhood of the Line. The In­habitants follow the natural bent of their complexion; their whole business is Perfumes, Feasts, and Musique; to say nothing of Carnal Pleasures, to which they set no bound. Even the Language, which they speak, participates of the softness of the Country. 'Tis call'd the Malaya Tongue, and of all the Orient, 'tis the most delicate, and sweet of Pro­nunciation.

[Page 206] D [...]n Alphonso Albuquerque, conquer'd Malacca, in the year 1511, and thirty thousand men, with eight thousand pie­ces of Artillery, and an infinite number of Elephants and Ships were not able to defend it. It was taken by force, at the second Assault, by eight hundred brave Portugueses, seconded by some few Malabars. It was given up to pillage, for three days, and the Moor King, after all his endeavours, was forc'd to fly with only fifty Horsemen to attend him. The Portugueses built a Cittadel, which the succeeding Governours took care to for­tifie: yet not so strongly, as to be proof against the attempts of the Barbarians; who many times attacq'd it, and half ruin'd it.

As soon as Xavier came on shore, he went to visit the Governour of the Town, to inform him of his intended Voyage to Macassar. The Governour told him, that he had lately sent thither a Priest, of holy life, with some Portuguese Soul­diers; and that he expected to hear of them very suddenly. That in the mean time he was of opinion, that the Father and his Companion, shou'd stay at Malacca, till the present condition of the Christi­ans in Macassar were fully known. Xa­vier gave credit to the Governour, and [Page 207] retir'd to the Hospital, which he had chosen for the place of his abode. The People ran in Crowds to behold the countenance of that great Apostle, whose fame was spread through all the Indies; and over all the East. The Parents show'd him to their Children; and it was observ'd, that the Man of God, in caressing those little Portugueses, call'd every one of them by their proper names, as if he had been of their acquaintance; and were not a stranger newly come on shore.

For what remains, he found the Town, In what condi­tion he found the Town; and what he did in order to reform it. in a most horrible corruption of man­ners. The Portugueses, who liv'd there at a distance, both from the Bishop, and the Viceroy of the Indies, committed all manner of Crimes, without fear of Laws, either Ecclesiastical or Civil. A­varice, Intemperance, Uncleanness, and forgetfulness of God were every where predominant, and the Habit only, or rather the excess and number of their Vices, distinguish'd the Christians from the Unbelievers.

This terrible Prospect of a sinful Town, gave Xavier to comprehend, that his stay in Malacca was necessary, and might possibly turn to a good account; but be­fore he wou'd undertake the Reforma­tion [Page 208] of a Town, so universally corrup­ted, he employ'd some days in serving of the Sick: he pass'd many nights in Prayer, and perform'd extraordinary Au­steri [...]i [...]s.

After these Preparatives, he began his publick instructions according to the methods which he had frequently pra­ctis'd at Goa. Walking the Streets at evening, with his Bell in his Hand, he cry'd with a loud voice, Pray to God for those who are in the state of Mor [...]at Sin: and by this, he brought into the minds of Sinners, the remembrance and consi­deration of their Offences. For seeing the ill habits of their Minds, and that the disease was like to be inflam'd, if violent remedies were apply'd, he temper'd more than ever the ardour of his Zeal. Though he had naturally a Serene Countenance, and was of a pleasing Conversation, yet all the charms of his good humour seem'd to be redoubled at Malacca, insomuch, that his Companion, Iohn Deyro, cou'd not but wonder at his gayety, and soft behaviour.

By this procedure, He labours with success at Ma­lacca. the Apostle gain'd the Hearts of all, and became in some manner, Lord of the City. At the very first, he rooted out an establish'd custom, which permitted the young Maids to go [Page 209] in the Habit of Boys, whenever they pleas'd, which occasion'd a world of scan­dal. He drove out of Doors, the Con­cubines, or turn'd them into lawful Wives, according to his former method. As for the Children, who had no know­ledge of G [...]d, and who learnt Songs of Bibaldry, and Obsceneness, as soon as they began to speak, he form'd them so well in a little time, that they publick­ly recited the Christian Doctrine, and set up little Altars in the Streets, about which they sung together the Hymns of the Catholick Church. But that in which he was most successful, was to restore the practice of Confession, which was almost entirely lost. But now, Men and Wo­men crowded the Tribunal of holy Peni­tence; and the Father was not able to sup­ply the necessities of so many.

He labour'd in the knowledge of the Malaya Tongue, which is spoken in all the Isles beyond Malacca, and is as it were the Universal Language. His first care was to have a little Catechism tran­slated into it, being the same he had com­pos'd on the Coast of Fishery: together with a more ample instruction, which treated of the principal duties of Christi­anity. He learnt all this without Book, and to make himself the better under­stood, [Page 210] he took a particular care of the Pronunciation.

With these helps, and the assistance of Interpreters, who were never wanting to him at his need, he converted many Ido­laters, as also Mahometans and Iews; a­mongst the rest, a famous Rabbi, who made a publick Abjuration of Iudaism. This Rabbi, who before had taken for so many Fables, or juggling tricks, all those wonders which are reported to have been done by Xavier, now acknowledg'd them for Truths, by the Evidence of his own Eyes. For the Saint never wrought so many Miracles as at Malacca. The Juridical Depositions of Witnesses then li­ving, have assur'd us, that all sick per­sons, whom he did but touch, were im­mediately cur'd; and that his Hands had an healing vertue, against all Distempers. One of his most famous cures, was that of Antonio Fernandez, a Youth, not a­bove fifteen years of age, was sick to death. His Mother, a Christian by pro­fession, but not without some remainders of Paganism in her Heart, seeing that all natural Remedies were of no effect, had re­course to certain Enchantments frequent­ly practis'd amongst the Heathens, and sent for an old Sorceress, who was call'd N [...]i. The Witch made her Magical Ope­perations, [Page 211] on a Lace brayded of many thrids, and ty'd it about the Arm of the Patient. But instead of the expected cure, Fernandez lost his Speech, and was taken with such violent Convulsions, that the Physitians were call'd again; who all despair'd of his recovery. It was ex­pected every moment he shou'd breath his last, when a Christian Lady, who happen'd to come in, said to the Mother of the dying Youth, Why do you not send for the holy Father? he will infallibly cure him. She gave credit to her words, and sent for Xavier. He was immediately there: Fernandez, who had lost his Sense, and lay gasping in death, began to cry out, and make violent motions, so soon as the Father had set his Foot within the Doors: but when he came into the Room and stood before the Youth, he fell into howlings, and dreadful wreath­ings of his Body, which redoubled at the sight of the Cross, that was presented to him. Xavier doubted not but there was something of extraordinary in his Disease, nor even that God, for the pu­nishment of the Mother, who had made use of Diabolical Remedies, had deliver'd her Son to the evil Spirits. He fell on his Knees by the Bed-side, read aloud the Passion of our Lord, hung his Reli­quiary [Page 212] about the Neck of the sick person, and sprinkled him with Holy Water. This made the fury of the Devil cease: and the young Man, half dead, lay without motion as before. Then Xavier rising up, Get him somewhat to eat, (said he) and told them, what nourishment he thought proper for him. After which, addressing himself to the Father of the Youth, When your Son, added he, shall be in condition to walk, lead him your self, for nine days successively, to the Church of our Lady of the Mount, where to mor­row I will say Mass for him. After this he departed, and the next day, while he was celebrating the Divine Sacrifice, Fer­nandez, on the sudden came to himself, spoke very sensibly, and perfectly reco­ver'd his former health.

But how wonderful soever, Hee [...] a [...] Mu [...]. the cure of this Youth, appear'd in the Eyes of all Men, the Resurection of a young Maid was of greater admiration. Xavier was gone on a little Journey, somewhere a­bout the Neighbourhood of Malacca, to do a work of Charity, when this Girl dy'd. Her Mother, who had been in search of the holy Man during her Daughter's sick­ness, came to him, after his return, and throwing her self at his Feet, all in Tears, said almost the same words to him, [Page 213] which Martha said formerly to our Lord, That if he had been in Town, she who was now dead, had been alive: but if he wou'd call upon the name of Jesus Christ, the dead might be restor'd to life. Xavier was overjoy'd to behold so great Faith in a Woman, who was but lately baptis'd, and judging her worthy of that blessing which she begg'd, after having lifted up his Eyes to Heaven, and silently pray'd to God some little space, he turn'd to­wards her, and said to her with much assurance, Go; your Daughter is alive. The poor Mother seeing the Saint offer'd not to go with her to the place of Burial, reply'd betwixt hope and fear, That it was three days since her Daughter was in­terr'd: 'Tis no matter, answer'd Xavier, open the Sepulchre, and you shall find her living. The Mother, without more re­ply, ran full of Con [...]idence to the Church, and in presence of many persons, having caus'd the Grave-stone to be remov'd, [...]ound her Daughter living.

While these things pass'd at Malacca, He recei [...]es Letters from E [...]rope, by th [...] new▪ Missi [...]ners, who are sent him. a Ship from Goa brought Letters to Fa­ther Xavier from Italy and Portugal: which inform'd him of the happy pro­gress of the Society of Iesus, and what it had already perform'd in Germany for the publick service of the Church. He was [Page 214] never weary of reading those Letters, he kiss'd them, and bedew'd them with his Tears, imagining himself, either with his Brethren in Europe, or them present with himself in Asia. He had news at the same time, that there was arriv'd a supply of three Missioners, whom Father Ignatius had sent him, and that Don Iohn de Castro, who succeeded Alphonso de So­sa, in the Government of the Indies, had brought them in his company. These Missioners were Antonio Criminal, Ni­cholas Lancilotti, and Iohn Beyra, all three Priests; the two first Italians, and the last a Spaniard: Apostolical Men, and of eminent Vertue, particularly Crimi­nal, who of all the Children of Ignatius was the first, who was honour'd with [...]he Crown of Martyrdom. Xavier dispos'd of them immediately, commanding by his Letters, That Lancilotti shou'd remain in the Seminary of holy Faith, there to instruct the young Indians in the knowledge of the Latin Tongue, and that the other two shou'd go to accompany Francis Mansil­la on the Coast of Fishery.

For himself, [...] having waited three Months for news from Macassar, when he saw the season, proper for the return of the Ship, which the Governour of Malacca had sent, was now expir'd, and [Page 215] that no Vessel was come from those parts, he judg'd, that Providence wou'd not make use of him at present, for the in­struction of those people, who had a Priest already with them. Nevertheless, that he might be more at hand to suc­cour them, when ever it pleas'd God to furnish him with an occasion, it was in his thoughts to go to the Neighbouring Islands of that Coast, which were wholly destitute of Gospel Ministers.

God Almighty at that time, He fore [...]nows, and foretels the ruin of Malac­ca. reveal'd to him the Calamities which threatn'd Malacca; both the Pestilence and the War, with which it was to be afflicted in the years ensuing; and the utter deso­lation to which it shou'd one day be re­duc'd for the punishment of its Crimes. For the Inhabitants, who since the arri­val of the Father, had reform'd their Manners, relaps'd insensibly into their Vices, and became more dissolute than ever, as it commonly happens to Men of a debauch'd life, who constrain them­selves for a time, and whom the force of ill Habits, draws backward into Sin. Xavier fail'd not to denounce the Judg­ments of God to them, and to exhort them to Piety, for their own interest. But his Threatnings and Exhortations were of no effect: and this it was that [Page 216] made him say of Malacca, the quite con­trary of what he had said concerning Me­liap [...]re, that he had not seen, in all the Indies, a more wicked Town.

He imbark'd for Amboyna the first of Ianuary 1546, with Iohn Deyro, [...] in a Ship which was bound for the Isle of Banda. The Captain of the Vessel was a Portuguese, the rest, as well Mariners as Souldiers, were Indians; all of them [...]most of several Countries, and the greate part Mahome­tans, or Gentils. The [...] converted them to Iesus Christ, during the Voyage, and what convinc'd the Infidels of [...] truth of Christ [...]an [...]ty, was, that when Father Xavier expounded to them the Mysteries of Christianity in one Tongue, they understood him severally, each in his own Language, as if he had spoken at once in many Tongues.

They had been already six weeks at Sea, without discovering Amboyna; the Pilot was of Opinion they had pass'd it, and was in pain concerning it, not know­ing how to tack about, because they had a full [...]ore-Wind. Xavier perceiving the trouble of the Pilot. Do not vex your self, said he, we are yet in the Gulph; and to morrow at break of day, we shall be in view of Amboyna. In effect, at the time mention'd, the next morning, they [Page 217] saw that Island. The Pilot being un­willing to cast Anchor; Father Xavier, with some of the Passengers, were put into a Skiff, and the Ship pursu'd its course. When the Skiff was almost rea­dy to Land, two light Vessels of Pyrats, which usually cruis'd on that Coast, ap­pear'd on the sudden, and pursu'd them swiftly. Not hoping any succour from the Ship, which was already at a great distance from them, and being also with­out defence, they were forc'd to put off from Shore, and ply their Oars towards the main Sea: insomuch that the Pyrats soon lost sight of them. After they had escap'd the danger, they durst not make to Land again, for fear the two Vessels shou'd lye in wait to intercept them at their return. But the Father assur'd the Mariners, they had no further cause of fear: turning therefore towards the Island, they landed there in safety, on the sixteenth of February.

The Isle of Amboyna is distant from He arrives at Amboyna: What he per­forms there. Malacca about two hundred and fifty Leagues, 'tis near thirty Leagues in com­pass, and is famous for the concourse of Merchants, who frequent it from all parts. The Portuguese, who conquer'd it, during the time that Antonio Galvan was Governour of Ternata, had a Garri­son [Page 218] in it; besides which, there were in the Island seven Villages of Christians, Natives of the place, but without any Priest, because the only one in the Island was just dead. Xavier began to visit these Villages, and immediately baptis'd many Infants, who dy'd suddenly after they were Christen'd. As if, (says he himself in one of his Letters) the Divine Providence, had only so far prolong'd their lives, till the Gate of Heaven were open'd to them.

Having been inform'd, that sundry of the Inhabitants, had retir'd themselves from the Sea-side, into the midst of the Woods, and Caves of the Mountains, to shelter themselves from the rage of the Barbarians, their Neighbours and their Enemies, who robb'd the Coasts, and put to the Sword, or made Slaves of all, who fell into their Hands, he went in search of those poor Salvages, amidst the horrour of their Rocks and Forests; and liv'd with them as much as was necessa­ry, to make them understand the duties of Christianity, of which the greatest part of them was ignorant.

After having instructed the Faithful, He [...] the Idol [...]ter [...] and Moors of Am­boyna. he apply'd himself to preach the Gospel to the Idolaters and Moors, and God so bless'd the endeavours of his Servant, [Page 219] that the greatest part of the Island be­came Christians. He built Churches in every Village, and made choice of the most reasonable, the most able, and the most servent, to be Masters over the rest, till there shou'd arrive a supply of Missio­ners. To which purpose he wrote to Goa, and commanded Paul de Camerine to send him Francis Mansilla, Iohn Beyra, and one or two more, of the first Missio­ners, which shou'd arrive from Europe: He charg'd Mansilla in particular, to come. His design was to establish in one of those Isles a House of the Company, which shou'd send out continual supplies of Labourers, for the publication of the Gospel, through all that Archipelago.

While Xavier labour'd in this manner A Spanish Fleet arrives at Amboyna. at Amboyna, two Naval Armies arriv'd there: One of Portugal with three Ships, the other of Spaniards with six Men of War. The Spaniards were come from Nueva Espagna, or Mexico, for the Con­quest of the Molucca's in the name of the Emperour Charles the Fifth, as they pre­tended; but their Enterprise succeeded not. After two years cruising, and long stay with the King of Tidore, who re­ceiv'd them, to give Jealousie to the Portuguese, who were allyed to the King of Ternate, his Enemy, they took their [Page 220] way by Amboyna, to pass into the In­dies, and from thence to Europe. They were engag'd in an unjust Expedition, a­gainst the Rights of Portugal, and with­out Order from Charles the Fifth, for that Emperour, to whom King Iohn the third address'd his Complaints thereupon, disavow'd the Proceedings of his Subjects, and gave permission, that they shou'd be us'd like Pyrates.

Yet the Portuguese proceeded not against them with that severity. But it seems that God reveng'd their quarrel; in af­flicting the Spaniards with a contagious Fever, which destroy'd the greatest part of their Fleet. It was a sad specta­cle to behold the Mariners and Souldi­ers, lying here and there in their Ships, or on the shoar, in Cabins, cover'd only with Leaves. The Disease which consum'd them, kept all men at a distance from them, and the more necessity they had of succour, the less they found from the People of the Island.

At the first report which came to Xavier of this Pestilence, [...] the Spanish [...], during the [...] them. he left all things to relieve them: And 'tis scarce to be imagin'd, to what actions his Cha­rity led him on this occasion. He was day and night in a continual moti­on, at the same time administring to [Page 221] their Bodies and their Souls; assisting the dying, burying the dead, and Interring them even with his own hands. As the Sick had neither Food nor Physick, he procur'd both for them from every side; and he who furnish'd him the most, was a Portuguese call'd Iohn d' Araus; who came in his company from. Malacca to Amboyna. Nevertheless the Malady still encreasing day by day, Araus be­gan to fear he shou'd impoverish him­self by these Charities, and from a ten­der hearted man, became so hard, that nothing more was to be squeez'd out of him. One day Xavier sent to him for some Wine, for a sick man who had continual faintings: Araus gave it, but with great reluctance, and charg'd the Messenger to trouble him no more; that he had need of the remainder for his own use, and when his own was at an end, whither shou'd he go for a supply? These words were no sooner related to Father Francis, than inflam'd with a holy indignation, What, says he, does Araus think of keeping his Wine for himself, and refusing it to the Members of Jesus Christ; the end of his Life is very near, and af­ter his death, all his Estate shall be distri­buted amongst the Poor. He denounc'd death to him with his own mouth, and [Page 222] the event verify'd the Prediction, as the sequel will make manifest.

Though the Pestilence was not wholly ceas'd, and many Sick were yet aboard the Vessels, the Spanish Fleet set Sail for Goa, forc'd to it, by the approach of Winter, which begins about May, in those quarters. Father Xavier made Pro­visions for the necessities of the Souldiers, and furnish'd them, before their depar­ture, with all he cou'd obtain from the Charity of the Portuguese. He recom­mended them likewise to the Charity of his Friends at Malacca, where the Navy was to touch, and wrote to Father Paul de Camerine at Goa, that he shou'd not fail to Lodge in the Colledge of the Com­pany, those Religious of the Order of St. Augustin, who came along with the Ar­my from Mexico, and that he shou'd do them all the good Offices, which their Profession, and their Vertue claim'd from him.

After the Spaniards were departed, He passes into divers I [...]lands. Xavier made some little Voyages to pla­ces near adjoyning to Amboyna: and vi­sited some Islands which were half un­peopled, and desart, waiting the conve­nience of a Ship, to transport him to the Molucca's, which are nearer to Macassar than Amboyna. One of those Isles is [Page 223] Baranura; where he miraculously reco­ver'd his Crucifix, in the manner I am going to relate, according to the ac­count which was given of it by a Por­tuguese, call'd Fausto Rodriguez, who was a witness of the Fact, has depos'd it up­on Oath, and whose Juridical Testimo­ny is in the process of the Saints Canoni­sation.

We were at Sea, says Rodriguez, He recovers his Crucifix, which was fallen into the Sea. Fa­ther Francis, Iohn Raposo, and my self, when there arose a Tempest which al­larm'd all the Mariners. Then the Father drew from his bosome a little Crucifix, which he always carri'd about him, and leaning over deck, intended to have dipt it into the Sea; but the Crucifix dropt out of his hand, and was carri'd off by the Waves. This loss, very sensibly af­flicted him, and he conceal'd not his sorrow from us. The next morning we landed on the Island of Baranura; from the time when the Crucifix was lost, to that of our landing, it was near 24 hours, during which, we were in perpetual danger. Being on shore, Father Francis and I, walk'd along by the Sea side, to­wards the Town of Tamalo, and had al­ready walk'd about five hundred paces, when both of us beheld arising out of the Sea, a Crab-Fish, which carried be­twixt [Page 224] his Claws, the same Crucifix, rais'd on high. I saw the Crab-Fish come directly to the Father by whose side I was, and stop'd before him. The Fa­ther, falling on his knees, took his Cru­cifix, after which the Crab-Fish return'd into the Sea. But the Father, still con­tinuing in the same humble posture, hug­ging and kissing the Crucifix, was half an hour praying with his hands across his breast, and my self joyning with him in thanksgiving to God, for so evident a Miracle: after which we arose, and continu'd on our way. Thus you have the Relation of Rodriguez.

They staid eight days upon the Island, and afterwards set sail for Rosalao; where Xavier Preach'd at his first coming, as he had done at Bara [...]ura. But the Ido­laters who Inhabited these two Islands, being extreamly vicious, altogether bru­tal, and having nothing of humane in them, besides the figure, gave no credit to his words, and one only man amongst them, more reasonable than all the rest, believ'd in Iesus Christ. Insomuch, that the Holy Apostle, at his departure from Rosalao, took off his Shoos, and shook off the dust, that he might not carry any thing away with him, which be­long'd to that execrable Land.

[Page 225] Truly speaking, He foretells the holy death of a new Convert. the Conversion of that one man was worth that of many. The Saint gave him in Baptism him own name of Francis, and foretold him that he should dye most piously, in calling upon the name of Iesus. The Prophecy was taken notice of, which has recom­mended the fame of this new Convert to Posterity; and which was not ac­complish'd, till after forty years. For this Christian, forsaking his barbarous Island, and turning Souldier, serv'd the Portuguese, on divers occasions, 'till in the year 1588, he was wounded to death in a Battel given by Don Sancho Vasconcellos, Governour of Amboyna, who made War with the Saracen Hiamo▪ Fran­cis was carried off, into the Camp, and many, as well Indians as Portuguese, came about him, to see the accomplish­ment of the Prediction, made by the blessed Francis Xavier. All of them be­held the Souldier dying, with extraor­dinary signs of Piety, and crying with­out ceasing, Iesus assist me.

The Island of Vlate, He goes to the I [...]land of Ulate and the Miracle there wrought by him. which is better Peopled, and less Salvage, than those of Baranura, and Rosalao, was not so deaf nor so rebellious to the voice of the holy man. He found it all in arms, and the King of it besieg'd, in his Town, ready [Page 226] to be surrender'd, neither through want of courage, nor of Defendants, but of Water. Because the enemy had cut off the Springs, and there was no likely­hood of Rain; insomuch, that during the great heats, both Men and Horses, were in danger of perishing by thirst.

The opportunity appear'd favourable to Father Xavier, for gaining the van­quish'd Party to Iesus Christ, and per­haps all the Conquerours. Full of a noble con [...]idence in God, he found means to get into the Town, and being pre­sented to the King, offer'd to supply him with what he most wanted. Suffer me, said he, to erect a Cross, and trust in the God, whom I come to declare to you. He is the Lord and Governour of Nature, who, when ever he pleases, can open the Foun­tains of Heaven, and water the Earth. But in case the Rain should descend upon you, give me your promise, to acknowledge his power, and that you, with your Subjects, will receive his [...]aw. In the extremity to which the King was then reduc'd, he consented readily to the Father's conditions, and also oblig'd himself on the publick faith, to keep his word, pro­vided Xavier fail'd not on his part, of the promis'd Blessing. Then Xavier causing a great Cross to be made, set [Page 227] it up, on the highest ground of all the Town, and there, on his knees, amongst a crowd of Souldiers, and Men, Wo­men, and Children, attracted by the novelty of the sight, as much as by the expected succour; he offer'd to God the death of his only Son, and pray'd him, by the merits of that Cru­cify'd Saviour who had pour'd out his blood for the sake of all Mankind, not to deny a little water, for the Salvation of an Idolatrous People.

Scarcely had the Saint begun his Pray­er, when the Sky began to be overcast with Clouds, and by that time he had ended it, there fell down Rain in great abundance, which lasted so long, 'till they had made a plentiful provision of water. The Enemy, now hopeless of taking the Town, immediately decamp'd, and the King, with all his People, re­ceiv'd Baptism from the hand of Father Xavier. He commanded also, that all the neighbouring Islands who held of him, shou'd adore Christ Iesus; and en­gag'd the Saint to go and publish the Faith amongst them. Xavier employ'd three months and more, in these little voyages; after which returning to Am­boyna, where he had left his Companion Iohn Deyro, to cultivate the new grow­ing [Page 228] Christianity, and where he left him also for the same intention, embarqu'd on a Portuguese V [...]ssel, which was setting Sail for the Molucca's.

That which is commonly call'd by the name of the Molucca's, He goes to the Molucca's. is a Country on the Oriental Ocean, divided into many little Islands, scituate near the Equator, exceeding fruitful in Cloves, and famous for the Trade of Spices. There are five principal Islands of them, Ternate, Tidor, Motir, Macian, and Ba­cian. The first of these, is a degree and half distant from the Equinoctial, to the North, the rest follow in the order a­bove nam'd; and all five are in sight of one another. These are those cele­brated Islands, concerning which Fer­dinand Magellan rais'd so many disputes amongst the Geographers, and so many quarrels betwixt Spain and Portugal. For the Portuguese having discover'd them from the East, and the Spaniards from the West, each of them pretended to inclose them, within their Conquests, ac­cording to the Lines of Longitude, which they drew.

Ternate, What happens t [...] him in his way. is the greatest of the Moluc­ca's; and it was on that side, that Fa­ther Xavier took his course. He had a Gulph to pass of ninety Leagues, ex­exceeding [Page 229] dangerous, both in regard of the strong Tides, and the uncertain Winds, which are still raising Tempests though the Sea be never so calm. The Ship which carried the Father, was one of those Vessels, which in those parts are call'd Caracores, of a long and narrow built, like Gallies, and which use indiffe­rently Sails and Oars. Another Vessel of the same make, carried a Portuguese call'd Iohn Galvan, having aboard her all his goods; they set out together from Amboyna, keeping company by the way, and both of them bound for the Port of Ternate.

In the midst of the Gulph, they were surpriz'd with a storm, which parted them so far, that they lost sight of each other. The Caracore of Xavier, after having been in danger of perishing many times, was at length sav'd, and reco­ver'd the Port of Ternate, by a kind of Miracle: As for that of Galvan, it was not known what became of her; and the news concerning her, was only brought by an evident Revelation.

The first Saints day, when the Father Preach'd to the People, he stop'd short in the middle of his discourse, and said after a little pause, Pray to God for the Soul of John Galvan, who is drown'd in [Page 230] the Gulph. Some of the Audience, who were friends of Galvan, and interessed in the Caracore, ran to the Mariners, who had brought the Father, and demanded of them, if they knew any certain news, of this tragical adventure? They an­swer'd, that they knew no more, than that the storm had separated the two Vessels. The Portugueses recover'd cou­rage at those words, and imagin'd that Father Francis had no other knowledge than the Seamen. But they were soon undeceiv'd by the testimony of their own eyes, for three days after they saw wash'd on the shore, the Corps of Gal­van, and the wreck of the Vessel, which the [...]ea had thrown upon the Coast.

Ver [...] near this time, He [...] John Ar [...]s. when Xavier was saying Mass, turning to the People to say the Orate Fratres, he added, pray also for Iohn Araus, who is newly dead at Amboyna. They who were present, observ'd punctually the day and hour, to see, if what the Father had said, wou'd come to pass; ten or twelve days after, there arriv'd a Ship from Amboyna, and the truth was known not only by divers Letters, but confirm'd also by a Portu­guese, who had seen Araus dye at the same moment, when Xavier exhorted the People to pray to God, to rest his [Page 231] Soul. This Araus, was the Merchant, which refus'd to give Wine for the suc­cour of the Sick, in the Spanish Fleet, and to whom the Saint had denounc'd a sudden death. He fell sick after Xavi­er's departure, and having neither Chil­dren nor Heirs, all his Goods were di­stributed amongst the poor, according to the custom of the Country.

The Shipwrack of Galvan, He makes many Converts at Ternate. and the death of Araus, gave great Authority to what they had heard at Ternate, con­cerning the Holiness of Father Francis, and from the very first, gain'd him an exceeding Reputation. And indeed it was all necessary, I say not for the refor­mation of Vice in that Country, but to make him even heard with Patience by a dissolute people, which committed with­out shame, the most enormous crimes, and such as Modesty forbids to name.

To understand how profitable the La­bours of Father Xavier were to those of Ternate, 'tis sufficient to tell what he has written himself. That of an infinite num­ber of debauch'd persons living in that Island, when he landed there, all excepting two, had laid aside their wicked courses, before his departure. The desire of Riches was extinguish'd with the love of Pleasures. Restitutions were frequently made; and [Page 232] such abundant Alms were given, that the House of Charity, set up for the relief of the necessitous, from very poor, which it was formerly, was put into stock, and more flourishing than ever.

The change of Manners, Conve [...]si [...]n of a Queen at Ter­nate. which was visibly amongst the Christians, was of no little service to the Conversion of Sa­racens and Idolaters. Many of those I [...] ­fidels embrac'd Christianity. But the most illustrious conquest of the Saint, was of a famous Saracen Lady, call'd Neachile Pocaraga, Daughter to Alman­ [...]or King of Tidore, and Wife to Boliefe, who was King of Ternate, before the Por­tuguese had conquer'd the Island. She was a Princess of great Wit and Genero­sity, but extreamly bigotted to her Sect, and a mortal Enemy to the Christi­ans, that is to say, to the Portuguese. Her hatred to them was justly ground­ed; for having receiv'd them into her Kingdom, with great civility, and ha­ving also permitted them to establish themselves in one part of the Island, for the conveni [...]nce of their Trade, she was dealt with so hardly by them, that after the death of the King her Husband, she had nothing left her, but the bare Title of a Queen: And by their Intrigues, the three Princes her Sons, lost the Crown, [Page 233] their Liberty, and their Lives. Her un­happy fortune constrain'd her to lead a wandring life, from Isle to Isle: But Providence, which wou'd accomplish on her its good designs, brought her back at last to Ternate, about the time when Xa­vier came thither. She liv'd there, in the condition of a private person, with­out Authority, yet with Splendour, and retaining still in her Countenance and Behaviour, somewhat of that haughty Air, which the Great sometimes main­tain, even in their Fetters.

The Saint gain'd access to her, and found an opportunity of conversing with her. In his first discourse, he gave her a great Idea of the Kingdom of God: yet withal inform'd her, That this Kingdom was not difficult to obtain; and that be­ing once in possession of it, there was no fear of being after dispossess'd. Insomuch, that the Saracen Princess, who had no hopes remaining of ought on Earth, turn'd her thoughts and her desires to­wards Heaven. 'Tis true, that as she was indu'd with a great Wit, and was very knowing in the Law of Mahomet, there was some need of Argumentation; but the Father, still clearing all her doubts, the dispute only serv'd to make her un­derstand more certainly the falseness of [Page 234] the Alcoran▪ and the truth of the Gospel. She submitted to the Saints Reasons, or rather to the Grace of Iesus Christ, and was publickly baptis'd by the Apostle him­self, who gave her the name of Isabella.

He was not satisfy'd with barely ma­king her a Christian. He saw in her a great stock of Piety, an upright Heart, a tenderness of Mind, inclinations truly great and noble; which he cultivated with admirable care, and set her for­ward by degrees, in the most sublime and solid ways of a spiritual life: So that Neachile, under the conduct of Father Xavier, arriv'd to a singular Devotion; that is to say, she grew humble and mo­dest, from disdainful, and haughty as she was, mild to others, and severe to her self, suffering her Misfortunes without complaint of Injuries; united to God, in her Retirements, and not appearing pub­lickly, but to exercise the deeds of Cha­rity to her Neighbour: but more e­steem'd and honour'd both by the Indi­ans and Portugueses, than when she sat upon the Throne, in all the pomp and power of Royalty.

During the abode which Xavier made in Ternate, H [...] [...] of the [...] del Moro. he heard speak of certain Isles, which are distant from it about sixty Leagues Eastward; and which take their [Page 235] name from the Principal, commonly call'd, the Isle del Moro. It was repor­ted to him, that those Islanders, Barba­rians as they were, had been most of them baptis'd, but that the Faith had been abo­lish'd there, immediately after it was in­troduc'd, and this account he heard of it.

The Inhabitants of Momoya, which is a Town in the Isle del Moro, wou'd ne­ver embrace the Law of Mahomet, though all the neighbouring Villages had receiv'd it. And the Prince, or Lord of that Town, who chose rather to continue an Idolater, than to become a Mahometan, being molested by the Saracens, had re­course to the Governour of Ternate, who was call'd Tristan d' Atayda, promising, that himself and his Subjects wou'd turn Christians, provided the Portugueses wou'd take them into their protection. Atayda receiving savourably those Propo­sitions of the Prince of Momoya, the Prince came in person to Ternate, and desir'd Bap­tism; taking then, the name of Iohn, in honour of Iohn the Third, King of Portu­gal. At his return to Momoya, he took a­long with him a Portuguese Priest, call'd Si­mon Vaz, who converted many Idolaters to the Faith. The number of Christians, thus daily increasing more and more, ano­ther Priest call'd Francis Alvarez, came to [Page 236] second Vaz, and both of them labour'd so happily in conjunction, that the whole people of Momoya renounc'd Idolatry, and profess'd the Faith of Iesus Christ.

In the mean time the Portuguese Soul­diers, whom the Governour of Ternate had promis'd to send, came from thence to defend the Town, against the Enter­prises of the Saracens. But the cruelty which he exercis'd on the Mother of Ca­cil Aerio, Bastard Son to King Boliefe, so far exasperated those Princes and the neighbouring People, that they conspir'd the death of all the Portugueses, who were to be found in those quarters. The Inhabitants of Momoya naturally change­able and cruel, began the Massacre by the murther of Simon Vaz, their first Pa­stor; and had kill'd Alvarez, whom they pursu'd with flights of Arrows to the Sea-side, if accidentally he had not found a Bark in readiness, which bore him off, all wounded as he was, and sav'd him from the fury of those Christian Barbarians.

The Saracens made their advantage of these disorders, and Mastering Momoya, chang'd the whole Religion of the Town. The Prince himself was the only Man, who continu'd firm in the Christian Faith, notwithstanding all their threatning, and the cruel usage which he receiv'd [Page 237] from them. Not long after this, Antonio Galvan, that Portug [...]ese, who was so il­lustrious for his Prudence, his Valour, and his Piety, succeeding to Tristan d' A­tayda, in the Government of Ternate, sent to the Isle del Moro, a Priest, who was both able and zealous, by whose Ministry, the people were once more re­duc'd into the Fold of Christ, and the Affairs of the Infidels were ruin'd. But this Priest remain'd not long upon the Island, and the people destitute of all Spiritual Instructions, return'd soon after, through their natural inconstancy, to their original Barbarism.

In this condition was the Isle del Moro, Great endea­vours are us'd▪ to dissuade the Saint from go­ing▪ to the Isles del M [...]ro. when it was spoken of to Father Xavier, and for this very reason, he determin'd to go, and preach the Gospel there, after he had stay'd for three Months at Ter­nate. When his design was known, all possible endeavours were us'd to break it. His Friends were not wanting to inform him, that the Countrey was as hideous as it was barren: That it seem'd accurs'd by Nature, and a more [...]itting Habitati­on for Beasts than Men. That the Air was so gross, and so unwholesome, that Strangers cou'd not live in the Countrey. That the Mountains continually vomited flakes of Fire and Ashes, and that the [Page 238] ground it self, was subject to terrible and frequent Earthquakes. And besides, it was told him, that the people of the Countrey, surpass'd in cruelty and faith­lessness, all the Barbarians of the World. That Christianity had not softned their Manners; that they poyson'd one ano­ther; that they fed themselves with Hu­mane Flesh; and that when any of their Relations happen'd to die, they cut off his Hands and Feet, of which they made a delicate Ragou. That their In­humanity extended so far, that when they design'd a sumptuous Feast; they begg'd some of their Friends to lend them an old unprofitable Father, to be serv'd up to the Entertainment of their Guests, with promise to repay them in kind, on the like occasion.

The Portugueses, and Indians, who lov'd Xavier, added, that since those Salvages spar'd not their own Countrey­men, and their Parents, what wou'd they not do to a Stranger, and an un­known person? That they were first to be transform'd into Men, before they cou'd be made Christians. And how cou'd he imprint the Principles of the Divine Law into their Hearts, who had not the least sence of Humanity? Who shou'd be his Guide through those thick [Page 239] intangled Forests, where the greatest part of them were lodg'd, like so many wild Beasts▪ and when, by rare fortune, he shou'd atchieve the taming of them, and even convert them, how long wou'd that Conversion last? at the longest, but while he continu'd with them. That no Man wou'd venture to succeed him in his Apostleship to those parts, for that was only to be expos'd to a certain death; and that the Blood of Simon Vaz was yet steaming. To conclude, there were many other Isles, which had never heard of Iesus Christ, and who were bet­ter dispos'd to receive the Gospel.

These reasons were accompanied with Prayers and Tears; but they were to no purpose, and Xavier was stedfast to his Resolution. His Friends perceiving they cou'd gain nothing upon him by Intreaties, had recourse in some measure to Constraint. So far as to obtain from the Governour of Ternate▪ a Decree, for­bidding, on severe penalties, any Vessel, to carry the Father to the Isle del Moro.

Xavier, He complains of those, who make opposition to his Voyage to the I [...]le del Moro. then resented this usage of his Friends, and cou'd not forbear to com­plain publickly of it. Where are those people, said he, who dare to confine the Power of Almighty God? and have so mean an apprehension of our Saviour's Love and [Page 240] Grace? Are there any Hearts hard enough to resist the Influences of the Most High, when it pleases him to soften and to change them? can they stand in opposition to that gentle, and yet commanding force, which can make the dry Bones live, and raise up Children to Abraham from Sto [...]es? What shall he, who has subjected the whole World to the Cross, by the Ministry of the Apo­stles, shall he exempt from that subjection, this petty corner of the Vniverse? Shall then the Isle del Moro be the only place, which shall receive no benefit of Redempti­on? And when Jesus Christ has offer'd to the Eternal Father, all the Nations of the Earth as his Inheritance, were these peo­ple excepted out of the Donation? I ac­knowledge them to be very barbarous and brutal, and let it be granted they were more inhumane than they are, 'tis because I can do nothing of my self, that I have the better hopes of them. I can do all things in him who strengthens me, and from whom alone proceeds the strength of those who labour in the Gospel.

He added, That other less Salvage Na­tions, wou'd never want for Preachers: That these only Isles remain'd for him to cultivate, since no other Man wou'd under­take them. In sequel, suffering himself to be transported with a kind of holy Cho­ler, [Page 241] If these Isles, (pursu'd he) abounded with precious Woods, and Mines of Gold, the Christians wou'd have the courage to go thither; and all the dangers of the World, wou'd not be able to affright them; they are base and fearful, because there are only Souls to purchase. And shall it then be said, That Charity is less daring than Ava­rice? You tell me they will take away my life, either by the Sword or Poison; but those are favours too great for such a Sin­ner as I am to expect from Heaven. Yet I dare confidently say, That whatever tor­ment or death they prepare for me, I am ready to suffer a thousand times more, for the Salvation of one only Soul. If I shou'd happen to die by their Hands, who knows but all of them might receive the Faith? for 'tis most certain, that since the primitive times of the Church, the Seed of the Gospel has made a larger increase in the Fields of Paganism, by the Blood of Martyrs, than by the Sweat of Missioners.

He concluded his Discourse, by telling them, That there was nothing really to fear in his undertaking: That God had call'd him to the Isles del Moro; and that Man shou'd not hinder him from obeying the Voice of God. His Discourse made such impressions on their Hearts, that not only the Decree against his passage [Page 242] was revok'd, but many offer'd them­selves to accompany him in that Voyage, through all the dangers which seem'd to threaten him.

Having thus dis-ingag'd himself, He goes for the I [...]le del Moro; and wr [...]tes to Rome. from all the incumbrances of his Voyage, he imbark'd with some of his Friends, pas­sing through the Tears of the people, who attended him to the Shore, with­out ex [...]ectation of seeing him again. Before he set [...] wrote to the Fa­thers of the Company at [...] to make them acquainted with his Voyage.

The Country, whither I go, (says he in his Letter) is full of danger, and terrible to Strangers by the barbarity of the Inha­bitants, and by their using divers Poisons, which they mingle with their Meat and Drink. And 'tis from hence, that Priests are apprehensive of coming to instract them. For my self, con [...]idering their extreme ne­cessity, and the duties of my Ministry, which oblige to free them from Eternal Death, even at the expence of my own Life; I have resolv'd to hazard all, for the Salvation of their Souls. My whole confidence is in God, and all my desire is to obey, as far as in me lies, the word of Jesus Christ; He who is willing to save his Life shall lose it, and he who will lose it for my sake, shall find it [...]lieve me, [Page 243] dear Brethren, though this Evangelical Maxime in general is easily to be under­stood, when the time of Practising it calls upon us, and our business is to dye for God, as clear as the Text seems, it becomes ob­scure; and he only can compass the under­standing of it▪ to whom God by his mercy has explain'd it. For then it will be seen how frail and feeble is humane nature. Many here, who love me tenderly, have done what possibly they cou'd to divert me from this Voyage; and seeing that I yield­ed not to their requests, nor to their tears, wou'd have furnish'd me wiih Antidotes. But I wou'd not take any, lest by making provision of Remedies, I might come to apprehend the danger: and also, because, having put my Life into the hands of Pro­vidence, I have no need of preservatives from death. For it seems to me, that the more I shou'd make use of remedies, the less assurance I shou'd repose in God.

They went off with a favourable wind, God reveals to to him, what is doing in a di­stant I [...]land. and had already made above an hundred and fourscore miles, when Xavier on the sudden, with a deep sigh, cried out, Ah Iesus, how they Massacre the poor Peo­ple! saying these words, and o [...]tentimes repeating them, he had turn'd his coun­tenance, and fix'd his eyes towards a cer­tain part of the Sea. The Mariners and [Page 244] Passengers affrighted, ran about him, en­quiring what Massacre he meant; be­cause for their part, they cou'd see no­thing. But the Saint was ravish'd in Spirit, and in this extasie, God had im­power'd him to see this sad [...]ctacle

He was no soon [...]r [...] than they continu'd [...] know the occasion of his [...] cryes. But he, blushing for [...] words which had escap'd him in his transpo [...], wou'd say no more, but retir'd to [...] Devo­tions It was not long before they be­held with their own eyes, what he re­fus'd to tell them; having cast Anchor before an Isle, they found on the shore the Bodies of eight Portugueses, all bloody, and then comprehended, that those un­happy creatures, had mov'd the com­passion of the holy man. They bury'd them in the same place, and erected a Cross over the grave; after which they pursu'd their Vo [...]age, and in little time arriv'd at the Isle del Moro.

When they were come on shore, H [...] [...] at del Moro, [...] it. Xa­vier went directly on to the next Vil­lage, the greatest part of the Inhabitants were Baptis'd; but there remain'd in them only a confus'd notion of their Baptism: and their Religion was no­thing more, than a mingle [...]of Mahometa­ [...]ism and Idolatry.

[Page 245] The Barbarians fled, at the sight of the strangers, imagining they were come to revenge the death of the Portuguese, whom they had kill'd the precedent years. Xavier follow'd them, into the thickest of their Woods; and his counte­nance full of mildness, gave them to be­lieve, that he was not an Enemy who came in search of them. He declar'd to them the motive of his Voyage; speak­ing to them in the Malaya Tongue. For though in the Isle del Moro, there were great diversity of Languages, insomuch that those of three Leagues distance, did not understand each other in their I­sland Tongues, yet the Malaya was com­mon to them all.

Notwithstanding, He gains the Inhabitants of the Isle del Moro. the roughness and barbarity of these Islanders, neither of those qualities were of proof against the winning and soft behaviour of the Saint. He brought them back to their Village, using all expressions of kindness to them by the way; and began his work, by singing aloud, the Christian Doctrine, through the streets. After which he expounded it to them, and that in a manner so suitable to their barbarous conceptions, that it pass'd with [...]ase into their understanding.

[Page 246] By this means he restor'd those Chri­stians to the Faith, who had before for­saken it: and brought in to it those Ido­laters, who had re [...]us'd to embrace it, when it was Preach'd to them by Simon Vaz, and Francis Alvarez. There was neither Town nor Village, which the Father did not visit; and where those new Converts, did not set up Crosses, and build Churches. Tolo, the chief Town of the Island, Inhabited by twenty five thousand Souls, was entirely con­verted, together with Momoya.

Thus the Isle del Moro, was now to the Holy Apostle the Island of [...] Divine Hope, as he desir'd it thenceforth to be nam'd. Both because those things which were there accomplish'd, by God him­self, in a miraculous manner, were be­yond all humane hope and expectation; and also because the fruits of his labours, surpass'd the hopes which had been con­ceiv'd of them, when his friends of Ter­nat [...], wou'd have made him fear, that his Voyage wou'd prove unprofitable.

To engage these new Christians, [...] who were gross of apprehension, in the pra­ctice of a holy life, he threaten'd them with Eternal Punishments, and made them sensible of what Hell was, by those dreadful Objects which they had before [Page 247] their eyes. For sometimes, he led them to the brink of those Gulphs, which shot out of their bowels, vast masses of burn­ing Stones, into the air, with the noise and fury of a Cannon; and at the view of those Flames which were mingl'd with a dusky smoak, that obscur'd the day, he explain'd to them the nature of those pains, which were prepar'd in an Abyss of fire, not only for Idolaters and Ma­hometans, but also for the true Believers, who liv'd not according to their Faith. He even told them the gaping mouths of those flaming Mountains were the breathing places of Hell, as appears by these following words, extracted out of one of his Letters, on that subject, writ­ten to his Brethren at Rome—It seems, that God himself, has been pleas'd in some measure to discover the habitation of the Damn'd, to People who had otherwise no knowledge of him.

During their great Earthquakes, He exhorts them to repen­t [...]n [...]e. when no man cou'd be secure in any place, either in his house, or abroad in the o­pen air, he exhorted them to penitence; and declar'd to them that those extraor­dinary accidents were caus'd, not by the Souls of the dead, hidden under ground, as they imagin'd, but by the Devils who were desirous to destroy [Page 248] them, or by the Omnipotent hand of God, who adds activity to natural Cau­ses, that he may imprint more deeply in their hearts, the fear of his justice and his wrath.

One of those wonderful Earthquakes happen'd on the 29th. of September, He says Mass in the midst of an Earthquake. on that day, consecrated to the honour of St. Michael, the Christians were assem­bled in great numbers, and the Father said Mass. In the midst of the Sacrifice, the Earth was so violently shaken, that the People ran in a hurry out of the Church. The Father fear'd lest the Altar might be overthrown, yet he [...]orsook it not, and went through with the Celebration of the Sacred Mysteries, thinking, as he said himself, that the blessed Arch-Angel, at that very time was driving the Devils of the Island down to Hell; and that those Infernal Spirits made all that noise and tumult, out of the indignation which they had, to be banish'd from that place, where they had held dominion for so many Ages.

The undaunted resolution of Father Xavier amaz'd the Barbarians, [...] and gave them to believe, that a man who re­main'd immoveable, while the Rocks and Mountains trembled, had something [Page 249] in him of Divine. But that high Opi­nion, which most of them had conceiv'd of him, gave him an absolute Authori­ty over them. And with the assistance of Gods grace, which operated in their Souls, while he was working by out­ward means, he made so total a Change in them, that they who formerly, in respect of their manners, were like Wolves and Tygers, now became tracta­ble and mild, and innocent as Lambs.

Notwithstanding this, He is persecu­ted by a cruel and salvage People. there were some amongst them who did not divest themselves fully and at once of their natural Barbarity; either to signifie that Divine Grace, how powerful soever, does not work all things in a man it self a­lone, or to try the patience of the Saint. The most rebellious to Gods Spirit, were the Iavares; a rugged and inhumane People, who inhabit only in Caves, and in the day time roam about the Forests. Not content with not following the in­structions of the Father, they laid di­vers ambushes for him; and one day, while he was explaining the Rules of Morality to them out of the Gospel, by a River side, provok'd by the zeal, wherewith he condemn'd their dissolute manners, they cast stones at him, with design to kill him. The Barbarians were [Page 250] on the one side of him, and the River on the other; which was broad and deep: Insomuch, that it was in a man­ner impossible for Xavier to escape the [...]ury of his Enemies: but nothing is impossible to a man whom Heaven protects. There was lying on the bank a great beam of wood; the Saint push'd it without the least difficulty into the water, and placing himself upon it, was carried in an instant to the other side, where the stones which were thrown, cou'd no longer reach him.

For what remains, His sufferings in the I [...]le d [...]l Moro; and the consolations which he there receiv'd. he endur'd in this barren and inhospitable Country, all the miseries imaginable, of hunger, thirst, and nakedness. But the comforts which he receiv'd from Heaven, infinitely sweeten'd all his Labours; which may be judg'd, by the Letter he wrote to Father Ignatius. For after h [...] had made him a faithful description of the place; I have, said he, given you this account of it, that from thence you may conclude, what abundance of Coelestial Consolations I have tasted in it. The dangers to which I am expos'd, and the pains I take for the i [...]terest of God alone, are the inexhaustible Springs of Spiritual Ioys: insomuch that these Islands, bare of all worldly necessa­ries, are the pl [...]es in the World, for a [Page 251] man to lose his sight with the excess of weeping, but they are tears of joy. For my own part, I remember not ever to have tasted such interiour delights; and these Consolations of the Soul, are so pure, so exquisite, and so perpetual, that they take from me all sence of my Corporeal Sufferings.

Xavier continu'd for three Months in the Isle del Moro: He goes for Goa; and the reason that in­duc'd him. after which he re­pass'd to the Molucca's, with intention from thence to Sail to Goa. Not one­ly, that he might draw out Missioners from thence, to take care of the new Christianity, which he had planted in all those Isles, and which he alone was not sufficient to cultivate, but also to provide for the affairs of the Compa­ny, which daily multipli'd in this new World.

Being arriv'd at Ternate, He returns to Ternate. he lodg'd by a Chappel, which was near the Port, and which, for that reason, is call'd our Lady of the Port. He thought not of any long stay in that place, but only 'till the Ship which was intended for Malacca, shou'd be ready to set out. The Christians, more glad of his return, be­cause they had despair'd of seeing him again, beg'd of him to continue longer with them, because Lent was drawing [Page 252] near; and that he must however stay all that Holy time, in the Island of Amboyna, for the proper season of Na­vigation to Malacca. The Captain of the Fortress of Ternaet, and the Brother­hood of the Mercy, ingag'd themselves to have him conducted to Amboyna, be­fore the setting out of the Ships. So that Xavier cou'd not deny those Peo­ple, who made him such reasonable pro­positions; and who were so desirous to retain him, to the end they might profit by his presence, in order to the Salvation of their Souls.

He remain'd then almost three Months in Ternate; His proceedings at Ternate. hearing Confessions day and night, Preaching twice on Holy-days, according to his custome; in the Mor­ning to the Portugueses, in the After­noon to the Islanders newly converted. Catechising the Children every day in the week, excepting Wednesday and Friday, which he set apart for the in­struction of the Portuguese Wives. For seeing those Women, who were either Mahometans or Idolaters by birth, and had only receiv'd Baptism in order to their Marrying with the Portugueses, were not capable of profiting by the common Sermons, for want of sufficient understanding in the Mysteries and Max­imes [Page 253] of Christianity; he undertook to expound to them the Articles of Faith, the Commandments, and other Points of Christian Morality. The time of Lent was pass'd in these Exercises of Piety, and Penitence, which fitted them for the Blessed Sacrament at Easter. All Peo­ple app [...]oach'd the Holy Table, and ce­lebrated that Feast with renew'd Fer­vour, which resembled the Spirit of Pri­mitive Christianity.

But the chief Employment of Father Xavier, He endeavours the Conversion of the King of Ternate. was to endeavour the Conver­sion of the King of Ternate; commonly call'd King of the Molucca's. This Sara­cen Prince, whose name was Cacil Aerio, was Son to King Boleife, and his Con­cubine, a Mahometan, and Enemy to the Portuguese, whom Tristan d'Atayda Go­vernour of Ternate, and Predecessour of Antonio Galvan, caus'd to be thrown out of a Window, to be reveng'd of her. This unworthy and cruel usage, might well exasperate Cacil; but fearing their power who had affronted him in the person of his Mother, and having the violent death of his Brothers before his eyes, he curb'd his resentments, and broke not out into the least complaint. The Portuguese mistrusted this over-acted moderation, and affected silence; and [Page 254] according to the Maxim of those Polititi­ans, who hold, that they who do the injury shou'd never pardon, they us'd him afterwards as a Rebel, and an Ene­my, upon very light conjectures. Ior­dan de Treïtas, then Governour of the Fortress of Ternata, a man as rash and imprudent, as Galvan was moderate and wise, seiz'd the person of the Prince, stript him of all the Ornaments of Roy­alty, and sent him Prisoner to Goa, in the year 1546, with the Spanish Fleet, of which we have formerly made mention.

The Cause having been examin'd, in the Soveraign Tribunal of Goa, there was found nothing to condemn, but the injustice of Treïtas: Cacil was declar'd innocent; and the new Vice-Roy of the Indies, Don Iohn de Castro, sent him back to Ternata, with Orders to the Portugueses, to re-place him on the Throne, and pay him so much the more respect, by how much more they had injur'd him. As for Treïtas, he lost his Government, and being recall'd to Goa, was Imprison'd as a Criminal of State.

The King of Ternata was newly re­stor'd, when Xavier came into the Isle for the second time. King Tabarigia, Son of Boleife, and Brother to Cacil, [Page 255] had suffer'd the same ill fortune, some years before. Being accus'd of Felony, and having been acquitted at Goa, where he was Prisoner, he was also sent back to his Kingdom, with a splendid Equi­page; and the equity of the Christians so wrought upon him, that he became a Convert before his departure.

Xavier was in hope, that the exam­ple of Tabarigia, wou'd make an im­pression on the Soul of Cacil, after his restoration; at least if any care were taken of instructing him. And the hopes of the Saint, seem'd not at the first to be ill grounded. For the Barbarian King receiv'd him with all civility, and was very affectionate to him, insomuch that he cou'd not be without his compa­ny. He heard him speak of God, whole hours together; and there was great appearance, that he wou'd renounce the Mahometan Religion.

But the sweet Enchantments of the Flesh, What hinder'd the King of Ternata's Con­version. are often an invinsible obstacle to the grace of Baptism. Besides a vast number of Concubines, the King of Ternata, had an hundred Women in his Palace, who retain'd the name and qua­lity of Wives. To confine himself to one, was somewhat too hard to be di­gested by him. And when the Father [Page 256] endeavour'd to perswade him that the Law of God, did absolutely command it. He reason'd on his side, according to the Principles of his Sect, and refin'd upon it in this manner. The God of the Christians and of the Saracens is the same God: why then shou'd the Christians be confin'd to one only Wife, since God has permitted the Saracens to have so many.

Yet sometimes he chang'd his Lan­guage; and said that he wou'd not lose his Soul, nor the friendship of Father Xavier, for so small a matter. But, in conclusion, not being able to contain himself, within the bounds of Christian purity, nor to make the Law of Iesus Christ agree with that of Mahomet; he continu'd fix'd to his pleasures, and ob­stinate in his errours. Only he ingag'd his Royal word, that in case the Portu­gueses, wou'd invest one of his Sons in the Kingdom of the Isles del Moro, he wou'd on that condition receive Baptism.

Father Xavier obtain'd from the Vice-Roy of the Indies, what ever the King of Ternate had desir'd; but the Barba­rian, far from keeping his promise, be­gan from thence-forward a cruel Perse­cution against his Christian Subjects. And the first strokes of it, fell on the Queen Neachile, who was dispossess'd of [Page 257] all her Lands, and reduc'd to live in ex­tream poverty, during the remainder of her days. Her Faith supported her in these new misfortunes: And father Xa­vier, who had baptis'd her, gave her so well to understand, how happy it was to lose all things, and to gain Christ, that she continually gave thanks to God, for the total overthrow of her Fortune.

In the mean time, He labours with great fruit, in the Court of Ternate. the Labours of the Saint, were not wholly unprofitable in the Court of Ternate. He converted many persons of the Blood Royal; and a­mongst others, two Sisters of the Prince, who preferr'd the quality of Christians, and Spouses of Christ Iesus, before all earthly Crowns; and chose rather to suffer the ill usage of their Brother, than to forsake their Faith.

Xavier, He leaves to the Islanders a Christian In­struction writ­ten with his own Hand. seeing the time of his depar­ture drawing near, compos'd, in the Ma­laya Tongue, a large Instruction, touch­ing the Belief and Morals of Christianity. He gave the People of Ternate this In­struction written in his own Hand, that it might supply his place during his ab­sence. Many Copies were taken of it, which were spred about the neighbouring Islands, and even through the Countries of the East. It was read on Holidays, in the publick Assemblies; and the Faith­ful [Page 258] listen'd to it, as coming from the Mouth of the holy Apostle.

Besides this, he chose out, some ver­tuous young Men, for his Companions in his Voyage to Goa, with design to breed them in the Colledge of the Com­pany, and from thence send them back to the Moluccas, there to preach the Go­spel. These things being thus order'd, and the Caracore, which was to carry him to Amboyna, in a readiness, it was in his thoughts to depart by night, in the most secret manner that he cou'd, not to sad­den the Inhabitants, who cou'd not hear of his going from them, without a sensi­ble affliction. But whatsoever precauti­ons he took, he cou'd not steal away without their knowledge. They fol­low'd him in Crowds to the Shore, Men, Women and Children, gathering about him, lamenting his loss, begging his Blessing, and beseeching him, with Tears in their Eyes, That since he was resolv'd on going he wou'd make a quick return.

[...] The holy Man was not able to bear these tender farewels without melting in­to Tears himself. His Bowels yern'd within him for his dear Flock: and see­ing what affection those people bore him, he was concern'd lest his absence might prejudice their spiritual welfare. Yet [Page 259] reassuring himself, by considering the Providence of God which had dispos'd of him another way; he enjoin'd them to meet in publick every day, at a certain Church, to make Repetition of the Chri­stian Doctrine, and to excite each other to the practice of Vertue. He charg'd the new Converts to learn by Heart the Exposition of the Apostles Creed, which he had left with them in Writing: But that which gave him the greatest com­fort, was, that a Priest, who was there present, promis'd him, to bestow two hours every day, in instructing the Peo­ple; and once a week to perform the same to the Wives of the Portugueses, in expound­ing to them the Articles of Faith, and in­forming them concerning the use of the Sacraments.

After these last words, Father Xavier left his well-belov'd Children in Iesus, and immediately the Ship went off. At that instant, an universal cry was rais'd on the Shore; and that last adieu went even to the Heart of Father Xavier.

Being arriv'd at Amb [...]yn [...], he there found four Portuguese Vessels, wherein were only Mariners and Souldiers, that is to say, a sort of people, ill instructed in the duties of Christianity, and little accustom'd to put them in practice, in [Page 260] the continual hurry of their life. That they might profit by that leisure, [...] which they then enjoy'd, he set up a small [...] on the Sea-side, where he con­vers'd with them, sometimes single, some­times in common, concerning their eter­nal welfare. The Discourses of the Saint, brought over the most debauch'd a­mongst them; and one Souldier, who had been a Libertine all his life, dy'd with such evident signs of true Contri­tion, that being expir'd, Father Xavier was heard to say, God be prais'd who has brought me hither, for the Salvation of that Soul: which caus'd people to be­lieve, That God Almighty had made a Revelation of it to him.

By the same supernal illumination, [...] he saw in spirit, one whom he had left in Ternate in the vigour of health, now ex­piring in that place: for preaching one day, he broke off his Discourse sudden­ly, and said to his Auditours, Recommend to God James Giles, who is now in the [...] the news of his death, cam [...] [...] long after, which entirely [...] the words of Xavier.

The four Ships, continu'd at Amboyna, but twenty days; after which they set Sail towards Malacca. The Merchant-Ship, which was the best equipp'd, and [Page 261] strongest of them, invited the Saint to imbark in her, but he refus'd, out of the horrour which he had for those enormous Crimes, which had been committed in her. And turning to Gonsalvo Fernan­dez; This Ship, said he, will be in great danger, God deliver you out of it. Both the Prediction and the Wish of the Saint were accomplish'd; for the Ship at the passage of the Streight of Saban, struck against a hidden Rock, where the Iron-work of the Stern was broken; and lit­tle wanted, but that the Vessel had been also split; but she escap'd that danger, and the rest of the Voyage was happily perform'd.

The Father staying some few days longer on the Isle, visited the seven Chri­stian Villages which were there; caus'd Crosses to be set up in all of them, for the Consolation of the Faithful; and one of these Crosses, in process of time, became famous for a great Miracle, of which the whole Country was witness.

There was an extream drought, A Cross erected by Xavier be­comes famous. and a general dearth was apprehended. Cer­tain Women, who before their Baptism were accustom'd to use Charms for Rain, being assembl'd round about an Idol, a­dor'd the Devil, and perform'd all the Magick Ceremonies; but their Enchant­ments [Page 262] were of no effect. A devout Christian Woman, knowing what they were about, ran thither, and having sharply reprehended those impious Crea­tures; As if, said she, having a Cross so near us we had no expectations of succour from it! and that the holy Father had not promis'd us, That whatsoever we pray'd for at the foot of that Cross, shou'd infallibly he granted. Upon this, she led those o­ther Women towards a River-side, where Xavier had set up a Cross with his own Hands, and falling down with them be­fore that sacred sign of our Salvation, she pray'd our Saviour, to give them Water, to the shame and confusion of the Idol. At the same moment the Clouds began to gather on every side, and the Rain pour'd down in great abun­dance. Then, all in Company they ran to the Pagod, pull'd it down, and tram­pled it under their Feet; after which they cast it into the River, with these ex­pressions of contempt, That though they cou'd not obtain from him one drop of Wa­ter, they wou'd give him enough in a whole River.

A Faith thus lively, [...] answer'd the hopes which the Saint had conceiv'd, of the Faithful of Amboyna. He com­par'd them sometimes, to the Primi­tive [Page 263] Christians; and believ'd their con­stancy was of proof against the cruel­ty of Tyrants. Neither was he de­ceiv'd in the judgement he made of them: and they shew'd themselves, when the Iaveses, provok'd, by their renouncing the Law of Mahomet, came to invade their Island. While the Sa­racene Army destroy'd the Country, six hundred Christians retir'd into a Castle, where they were presently be­sieg'd. Though they were to fear all things, from the fury of the Barba­rians, yet what they only apprehend­ed, was that those Enemies of Iesus Christ, might exercise their malice against a Cross, which was rais'd in the midst of all the Castle; and which Father Xa­vier had set up with his own hands.

To preserve it therefore, inviolable from their attempts; they wrapt it up in Cloath of Gold, and buried it in the bottom of the Ditch.

After they had thus secur'd their treasure, they open'd the gate to the Unbelievers, who knowing what had been done by them, ran immediate­ly in search of the Cross, to revenge upon it the contempt which had been shown to Mahomet. But not being a­ble to find it, they turn'd all their fu­ry [Page 264] upon those who had conceal'd it, and who wou'd not discover where it was.

Death, seem'd to have been the least part of what they suffer'd. The Mahometan Souldiers cut off one Man's Leg, another's Arm, tore out this Man's eves, and the others tongue. So, the Ch [...]stians dyed by degrees; and by a slow destruction; but without drawing one sigh, or casting out a groan, or shewing the least apprehen­sion; so stro [...]gly were they support­ed in their Souls, by the all-power­full grace of Iesus Christ, for whom they suffer'd.

Xavier at length parted from Am­boyna; and probably it was then, if we consider the sequel of his Life, that he had the opportunity of making the Voyage of Macassar.

For though it be not certainly known, at what time he visited that great I­sland, nor the fruit which his Labours there produc'd; 'tis undoubted that he has been there; and in confirmation of it, we have, in the process of his Canoni­zation, the juridical Testimony of a Portuguese Lady, of Malacca, call'd Iane Melo; who had many times heard from the Princess Eleonor, Daughter to the [Page 265] King of Macassar, that the Holy Apostle, had Baptis'd the King her Father, the Prince her Brother, and a great num­ber of their Subjects.

But at whatsoever time he made this Voyage, he return'd to Malacca, in the Month of Iuly, in the year 1547.

XAvier found at Malacca, He arrives at Malacca; and there meets three Missioners of the Company. three Missioners of the Company, who were going to the Moluc­ca's, in obedience to the Let­ters he had written. These Missioners were Iohn Beyra, Nugnez Ribera, and Ni­cholas Nugnez, who had not yet receiv'd Priests Orders. Mansilla came not with them, though he had precise orders for it: Because he rather chose to follow his own Inclinations, in labouring where he [Page 268] was, than the command of his Superiour, in forsaking the work upon his Hands; but his disobedience cost him dear: Xa­vier expell'd him out of the Society; judging that an ill Brother wou'd do more hurt, than a good Labourer wou'd profit the Company.

These three Missioners above men­tion'd, had been brought to the Indies in the Fleet, by Don Perez de Pavora, with seven other Sons of Ignatius; part of whom was already left at Cape Comorine, and the Fishing Coast, to culvitate those new Plants of Christianity, which were so belov'd by Father Xavier: Now the Ships which were bound for the Moluc­c [...]'s, being not in a readiness to sail be­fore the end of August, Beyra, Ribera and N [...]gnez had all the intermediate time, which was a month, to enjoy the Com­pany of the Saint, in which space they were form'd by him, for the Apostolick Function. For himself, he remain'd four months at Malacca, in expectation of a Ship to carry him to Goa; and during all that time, was taken up with con­tinual service of his Neighbour.

He had brought with him from Am­boyna, His condu [...]t with John Deyro. his old Companion Iohn Deyro. Though Deyro was in his attendance, yet he was not a Member of the Society; [Page 269] for the causes already specify'd, and de­serv'd not to be of it, for those which follow. Some rich Merchants having put into his Hands a sum of Money, for the subsistance of the Father, he con­ceal'd it from him. Xavier, who liv'd only on the Alms which were daily gi­ven him, and who hated Money as much as his Companion lov'd it, look'd on this Action of Deyro, as an injury done to Evangelical Poverty, and the resent­ment which he had of it, caus'd him to forget his usual mildness to Offen­ders. Not content to make him a sharp reprimand, he confin'd him to a little desart Isle not far distant from the Port; enjoyning him, not only continual Pray­er, but fasting upon Bread and Water, till he shou'd of his own accord recal him. Deyro who was of a changeable, and easy temper, neither permanent in good, nor fsix'd in ill, obey'd the Father, and liv'd exactly in the method which was prescrib'd.

He had one night a Vision, Deyro has a Vision, which God reveals to Xavier. whether awake or sleeping has not been decided by the juridical Informations of the Fa­thers life. It seem'd to him, that he was in a fair Temple, where he beheld the bless'd Virgin, on a Throne all glittering with precious Stones. Her Countenance ap­pear'd [Page 270] severe, and he, making his ap­proaches to her, was rejected with indig­nation, as unworthy to be of the Com­pany of her Son. After which she arose from the Throne, and then all things dis­appear'd. Deyro being recall'd from his solitude some time after, said nothing of his Vision to Father Xavier, to whom God had reveal'd it. He even deny'd boldly to have seen any, though the Fa­ther repeated it to him, with all the Cir­cumstances. Xavier, more scandaliz'd than ever with this procedure of Deyro, refus'd all farther communication, with a Man, who was interes [...]ed, and unsincere. He rid his Hands of him, but withal foretold him, That God wou'd be so gra­cious to him, as to change his evil inclina­tions, and that hereafter he shou'd take the Habit of St. Francis. Which was so fully accomplish'd, that when the Infor­mations were taken in the Indies, con­cerning the Holiness and Miracles of Xa­vier, Deyro then wore the Habit of St. Francis, and liv'd a most religious life.

After the three Missioners were gone for the Molucca's, Xavier alone bore the The Actions of the Sa [...]nt at Malacca. whole burden of the work. The know­ledge which the Portugueses and Indians had of his Holiness, made all Men desi­rous of treating with him, concerning [Page 271] the business of their Conscience. Not being able to give audience to all, many of them were ill satisfy'd, and murmur'd against him: But since their discontent and murmurs proceeded from a good principle, he comforted himself, and rather rejoy [...]'d than was offend­ed, as he says himself expresly in his Let­ters. His ordinary Employment, was Preaching to the Christians and Gentils, instructing and baptising the Catech [...]mens, teaching Children the Christian Doctrin, visiting the Prisoners and the Sick, re­conciling Enemies, and doing other works of Charity.

While the Saint was thus employ'd, there happen'd an Affair, which much increas'd his Reputation in all the Indies. For the understanding of the whole busi­ness, it will be necessary to trace it from its Original.

Since the Conquest of Malacca by the The occasion of the King of A­chen's enter­prise against Malacca. Portuguese, the neighbouring Princes grew jealous of their Power and made many attempts to drive that Nation out of the Indies, which came to brave them at their own Doors. Thereupon, they set on foot many great Armies, at divers times, but always unsccessfully, and learning by dear-bought experience, that multitude can hardly prevail against true valour.

[Page 272] These disgraces provok'd the Sultan Alaradin, King of Achen, instead of hum­bling him. Achin, is the greatest King­dom of the Island of Sumatra, distant a­bove twelve Leagues from the terra fir­ma of Malacca. This Prince was a Ma­hometan, an implacable Enemy of the Christians by his Religion, and of the Portuguese by interest of State. Yet he durst not immediately assault the Fortress of Malacca. All his Fury was spent in cruising about the Coasts, with a strong Fleet, thereby to break the trade of the Portugueses, and hinder the Succours which they had from Europe. His de­sign was then to attack the Town, when it shou'd be bare of Defendants, and un­provided of Stores of Victuals: But to compass his Enterprise, he was to assure himself of a Port, which was above Ma­lacca towards the North; which might serve for a convenient retreat to his Fleet, and had also occasion for a Fortress, to secure himself from the Enemy. He therefore made himself Master of that Port, and order'd the building of a Cita­del.

As for his Preparations of War, The preparation of the Barbari­ [...]ns, for the [...] of [...] he made them so secretly, that the Portu­guese had neither any news, nor even the least suspition of them. Five thou­sand [Page 273] Souldiers, train'd up in Wars, and well experienc'd in Naval-Fights, were chosen out, for this glorious Expedition; and five hundred of them, call'd Oraba­lons, were the flower of the whole Nobi­lity; and accordingly wore Bracelets of Gold, as a distinguishing mark of their high Extraction. There was besides a great number of Iannisaries, newly arriv'd at the Court of Achen, who serv'd as Volunters, and were eager of shewing their courage against the Chri­stians. The Fleet consisted of sixty great Ships, all well equipp'd, and man'd, without reckoning the Barks, the Fre­gats, and the Fire-ships. It was com­manded by the Saracen, Bajaja Soora, a great Man of War, and so famous for his Exploits in Arms, that his Prince had honour'd him with the Title of King of Pedir, in reward of his taking Ma­lacca, even before he had besieg'd the Town.

There was no other intelligence of The Army of Achen comes bef [...]re Malacca, its landing, and re [...]eat. this at Malacca, but what the Army of Achen brought it self. They came before the place, and enter'd the Port, on the 9th of October, in the year 15. 17, about two a Clock in the morning, resolv'd to assault it, while they were savour'd by the darkness. They began by a dis­charge [Page 274] charge of their Artillery; and sending in their Fire-ships against the Portuguese Vessels. After which, the most daring of them landed; ran without any order, against that part of the wall, which they believ'd weakest, fill'd up part of the Ditch, and mounted the Ladders with a furious assault. They found more re­sistance, than they expected: The Gar­rison, and the Inhabitants, whom the shouts, and Artillery of the Barbarians had at first affrighted, recovering cou­rage through the imminence of dan­ger, and the necessity of Conquering, or dying, ran upon the Rampart, and vigorously repuls'd the Assailants; overthrowing their Ladders, or tumb­ling their Enemies headlong from them, insomuch that not a man of them enter'd the Town, and great numbers lay dead or dying in the Ditch.

Soora comforted himself for the ill success of his assault, by the execution, which his fire Ships, and Cannon had done. All the Vessels within the Port, were either burnt, or disabled. And the Rain which immediately fell, serv'd not so much to extinguish the Flames, as the violent wind which then arose, con­tributed to kindle them. Those of A­chen, proud of that action, appear'd next [Page 275] morning on their Decks, letting fly their pompous Streamers, and shouting, as if already they were Victorious. But their insolence was soon check'd: The Cannon from the Fortress forc'd them to retire, as far off, as the Isle of Vpe. In the mean time, seven poor Fishermen, who had been out all night about their em­ployment, and were now returning to the Town, fell into an Ambuscade of the Insidels, were taken and brought before the General. After he had cut off their Ears and Noses, he sent them back with a Letter, directed to Don Francisco de Melo, Governour of Malac­ca, of which these were the Contents.

I Bajaja Soõra, The Letter of the General of Achen, to the Governour of Malacca. who have the honour to carry in Vessels of Gold the Rice of the Great Souldan, Alaradin King of A­chen, and the Territories wash'd by the one and the other Sea, advertise thee to write word to thy King, that in despight of him, I am casting terrour into his For­tress, by my fierce roaring, and that I shall here abide as long as I shall please. I call to witness of what I declare, not only the Earth, and all Nations which inha [...]it it, but all the Elements, even to the Hea­ven of the Moon; and pronounce with these words of my mouth, that thy King is a man [Page 276] of no Reputation, nor courage; that his Standards, now trampled under foot, shall never be lifted up again, without his per­mission who has Conquer'd him; that by the Victory already by us obtain'd, my King has under his Royal foot, the head of thine; that from this day forward, he is his Sub­ject, and his Slave; and to the end, that thou thy self may'st confess this truth, I defy thee to mortal Battel, here on the place of my abode, if thou feel'st in thy self sufficient courage to oppose me.

Though the Letter of So [...]ra, was in it self ridiculous, and full of fustian Bra­vades according to the style of the Bar­barians, yet it put the Governour and Officers of the Fortress to a shrewd de­murr: for how shou'd they accept the Challenge, without Ships to sight him, and how cou'd they refuse it with their honour? A Council of War was sum­mon'd to deliberate on this weighty and nice affair; when Father Xavier came amongst them. He had been saying Ma [...]s, at the Church of our Lady Del Maute; so call'd, from its being built on a Mountain near the City; and dedica­ted to the Blessed Virgin. Don Francisco, who had sent for him, to consult him in this troublesome business, gave him [Page 277] the General of Achen's Letter to peruse, and demanded his advice what was to be done on this occasion?

The Saint, Xavier's ad­vice to the Go­vernour of Ma­lacca. who knew the King of Achen's business, was not only to drive the Portuguese out of Malacca, but also, and that principally, to extirpate Chri­stianity out of all the East; having read the Letter, lifted up his eyes to Heaven, and answer'd without the least pause, that the affront was too great to be en­dur'd, that the honour of the Christian Religion was more concern'd in it, than that of the Crown of Portugal: If this injury shou'd be dissembled, to what au­daciousness wou'd the Enemy arise; and what wou'd not the other Mahometan Princes attempt after this Example? In conclusion, that the Challenge ought to be accepted, that the Infidels might see the King of Heaven was more powerful than their King Alaradin.

But how, said the Governour, shall we put to Sea, and on what Vessels, since of eight Gally-foysts, which we had in port, there are but four remaining, and those also almost shatter'd in pieces, and half burnt: and in case we cou'd resit them, what cou'd they perform a­gainst so numerous a Fleet? Suppose, answer'd Xavier, the Barbarians had [Page 278] twice so many Ships, are not we much stronger, who have Heaven on our side; and how can we chuse but overcome, when we fight in the name of our Lord and Saviour?

No man was so bold to contradict They f [...]l [...]w his C [...]unsel. the Man of God: and they all went to the Arsenal. There they found a good sufficient Bark, of those they call Catur: besides seven old Foysts, fit for nothing but the fire. Duarte de Bareto, who by his Office had the super-intendance of their Naval Stores, was commanded to fit out these Foysts with all expedition. But he protested it was not in his power; for besides that, the King's Ma­gazins were empty of all necessaries for the equipping of them, there was no Money in the Treasury for Materials.

The Governour, They prepare to Eng [...]ge the Enemy. who had no other fund, was ready to lose courage; when Xavier, by a certain impulse of Spirit, suddenly began to embrace seven Sea Captains, there present, who were of the Council of War. He begg'd of them to divide the business amongst them, and each of them apart, to take care of fit­ting out one Gally: At the same time, without waiting for their answer, he assign'd every man his task. The Cap­tains durst not oppose Xavier, or rather [Page 279] God, who inclin'd their hearts to com­ply with the Saints request. Above an hundred Work-men, were instantly em­ploy'd on every Vessel; and in four days time the seven Gallies were in condition of fighting. Melo gave the Catur, to Andrea Toscano, a man of Courage, and well vers'd in Sea affairs. He divided amongst the seven Captains, an hundred and fourscore Souldiers, chosen men, and appointed Francis Deza, Admiral of the Fleet. Xavier was desirous to have gone along with them, but the Inhabitants who believ'd all was lost, if they lost the Father, and who hop'd for no con­solation, but from him alone, in case the Enterprise shou'd not succeed, made such a disturbance about it, that upon ma­ture deliberation, it was resolv'd to keep him in the Town.

The day before their embarkment, He exhorts the Souldiers, and Captains to do their duty. having call'd together the Souldiers and the Captains, he told them that he shou'd accompany them in Spirit; and that while they were engaging the Barbari­ans, he wou'd be lifting up his hands to Heaven for them. That they shou'd sight valiantly, in hope of glory, not vain and perishable, but solid and im­mortal. That in the heat of the Com­bat, they shou'd cast their eyes on their [Page 280] Crucify'd Redeemer, whose quarrel they maintain'd, and beholding his wounds, themselves should not be affraid either of wounds or death: and how happy shou'd they be to render their Saviour life for life.

These words inspir'd them with such generous and Christian thoughts, that with one voice they made a Vow, to fight the Insidels, to their last drop of blood. This solemn Oath was so moving to Xavier, that it drew tears from him; he gave them all his blessing, and for their greater encouragement, nam'd them The Band of our Saviour's Souldiers: in pursuit of which, he heard every man's confession, and gave them the Commu­nion with his own hand.

They embark'd the day following, The Fleet set out: and what [...]appen'd at that time. with so much chearfulness, that it seem'd to presage a certain Victory. But their joy continu'd but a moment. They had scarcely weigh'd Anchor, when the Admiral split, and immediately went to the bottom, so that they had hardly time to save the men. The crowd of People, who were gather'd together on the shore to see them go off, beheld this dismal accident; and took it for a bad omen of the expedition, murmuring at the same [...]ime against Father Xavier, [Page 281] who was the Authour of it; and casting out loud cries to recall the other Ves­seis. The Governour, who saw the Peo­ple in an uproar, and apprehended the consequences of this violent beginning, sent in haste to seek the Father. The Messenger found him at the Altar, in the Church of our Lady del M [...]te, just ready to receive the Blessed Sacrament; he drew near to whisper the business to him, but the Father beckon'd him with his hand, to keep silence, and retire. When Mass was ended, Return, said Xa­vier, without giving the man leisure to tell his Message, and assure the Gover­nour from me, that he has no occasion to be discourag'd for the loss of one Ves­sel. By this the Saint made known, that God had reveal'd to him what had hap­pen'd. He continu'd some time in Pray­er before the Image of the Virgin, and these words of his were over-heard. O my Iesus, the desire of my heart, regard me with a favourable eye; and thou, holy Virgin, be propitious to me! Lord Iesus, (he continu'd) look upon thy sacred wounds, and remember they have given us a right to ask of thee every thing conducing to our good.

His Prayers being ended, He upbraids the Governour with his dissidence. he goes to the Citadel: The Governour allarm'd [Page 282] with the cryes and murmurs of the Peo­ple, cou'd not dissemble his disturbance, but reproach'd the Father, for having engag'd them in this Enterprise. But Xavier upbraided him with his distrust of God; and said smiling to him, What are you so dejected for so slight an ac­cident? after which, they went in com­pany to the shore, where the Souldiers belonging to the Admiral, stood in great consternation, for the hazard they had run so lately. The Father re-assur'd them, and exhorted them to remain constant, in their holy resolution, not­withstanding their petty misadventure: he remonstrated to them, that Heaven had not permitted their Admiral to sink, but only to make tryal of their faith; neither had themselves been sav'd from shipwrack, but only that they might per­form their Vow. In the mean time, the Governour held it necessary to summon the great Council. All the Officers of the Town, and the principal Inhabitants, were of opinion to give over an Enter­prise, which as they thought, was begun rashly, and cou'd have no fortunate con­clusion. But the Captains and Souldiers of the Fleet, encourag'd by the words of the holy man, and inspir'd with vigour which had something in it, of more than [Page 283] humane, were of a quite contrary judg­ment. They unanimously protested, that they had rather dye, than violate that Faith, which they had solemnly in­gag'd to Iesus Christ. For the rest, said they, what have we more to fear this day, than we had yesterday? our num­ber is not diminish'd, though we have one Vessel less: and we shall fight as well with six [...]oysts, as we shou'd with seven. But, on the other side, what hopes ought we not to conceive, under the auspices, and promise of Father Fran­cis.

Then Xavier, taking the word, He foretells what is sud­denly accom­plish'd. The lost Gally shall be soon made good, said he with a Prophetick voice; before the Sun goes down, there shall arrive amongst us two better Vessels than that which pe­rish'd. And this I declare to you from Al­mighty God. This positive Prediction a­maz'd the whole Assembly; and caus'd them to put off the determination of the Affair, 'till the day ensuing. The re­maining part of the day was pass'd with great impatience, to see the effect of the Father's promise; when the Sun was just on the point of setting, and many began to fear the accomplishment of the Prophecy, in the very minute, mark'd out by the Father, they discover'd from [Page 284] the Clock-house of our Lady del Monte two European Ships which were Sailing directly from the North. Melo sent out a Skiff immediately to hale them, being inform'd that they were Portuguese Ves­sels, one belonging to Iames Soarez Gal­lego, and the other to his own Son Bal­thazar, who came from the Kingdom of Patan, but who took the way of Pegu, without intentions of casting Anchor at Malacca, to avoid paying Customes; he went in search of Father Francis, who was at his Devotions, in the Church del Monte, and told him, that his Pro­phecy wou'd be accomplish'd to little purpose, if the Ships came not into the Port. Xavier took it upon himself to stop them: and going into the Skiff, which had hail'd them, made directly to the two Vessels. The Masters of the Ship, seeing the man of God, receiv'd him with respect. He made them un­derstand the present juncture of affairs, and earnestly besought them, by the in­terests of their Religion, and their Coun­try, to assist the Town against the com­mon Enemy of the Christian name, and the Crown of Portugal. And to ingage them farther, by their particular con­cernment, he let them see the danger in­to which they were casting themselves, [Page 285] in case they shou'd obstinately pursue their Voyage, and that they were going without consideration, to precipitate themselves into the hands of the Barba­rians.

They yielded to the reasons of the Fa­ther, and the next morning enter'd the Port, amidst the shouts and acclamati­ons of the People. After this, there was no farther dispute of fighting the Enemy, and the most timerous came about, to the Opinion of the Captains and the Souldiers.

All things being in a readiness to set The Portuguese Fleet goes in search of the Enemy. sail, the Admiral Francis Doza receiv'd the Flag from the hands of Xavier, who had solemnly blessed it, and mounted the Ship of his Brother George Deza, instead of his own which was already sunk. The rest of the Captains, who had been on shore, return'd on Ship-board, and with the two newly arriv'd Vessels, the whole Fleet consisted of nine, their number al­so being encreas'd by fifty men, they were in all, two hundred and thirty Por­tugueses. The Fleet went out of Port, the 25th of October, with strict Orders from the General, not to pass beyond the Pulo Cambylan, which is the farthest bounds of the Kingdom of Malacca on the West. His reason was, that since [Page 286] they were so much inferiour in strength to the Enemy, who vastly out-number'd them, in men and shipping; their glory consisted in driving them from off their Coasts; and not in farther pursuit of them. That what hope soever we have in God, yet it becomes us not to t [...]mpt him, because Heaven is not accustom'd to give a blessing to rashness and pre­sumption.

Thus setting out full of assurance and of joy, they arriv'd in four days at Pu­lo Cambylan, without having any news of the Enemy, notwithstanding their en­deavours to find him out. The Admi­ral, in obedience to the Governour, was thinking to return, though the courage of his Souldiers prompted them to pass beyond the Bounds prescrib'd them; and to go in search of the Barbarians, into whatsoever corner of the World they were retir'd. The Admiral I say was dispos'd to have gone back, when the Moon suddenly went into an Eclipse. It was one of the greatest which had ever been observ'd, and seem'd to them to Prognosticate the total defeat of the Mahometans. But the same night there arose so violent a wind, that they were forc'd to stay upon their Anchors, for the space of three and twenty days suc­cessively. [Page 287] Their Provisions then begin­ning to grow short, and the Wind not suffering them, to turn to the Coast of Malacca, they resolv'd on taking in fresh Provisions at Tenasserim, towards the Kingdom of Siam.

In the mean time, Troubles in Ma­lacca, concern­ing their Fleet. all things were in confusion at Malacca. The hopes which Father Xavier had given the People, sup­ported them for some few days. But seeing a month was now expir'd, with­out any intelligence from the Fleet, they believ'd it was either swallow'd by the Waves, or defeated by the Achenois, and that none had escap'd to bring the news. At the same time, the Saracens reported confidently, they had it from good hands that the Fleets had met, that the Achenois had cut in pieces all the Portu­gueses, and had sent the heads of their Commanders, as a Present to their King. This bruit was spread through all the Town, and was daily strengthen'd after the rate of false rumours, which are full of Tragical Events. The better to co­lour this report, they gave the circum­stances of time and place, and the seve­ral actions of the Battel. The Sorcerers and Soothsayers were consulted by the Pagan Women, whose Husbands and Sons were in the Fleet: and they confirm'd [Page 288] what-ever was related in the Town. It came at last to a publick rising against Xavier; and the Governour himself was not wholly free from the popular con­tagion.

But Xavier, far from the least despon­dence in the promises of God, and of the knowledge he had given him con­cerning the condition of the Fleet, with an erected countenance assur'd, they shou'd suddenly see it return victorious. Which notwithstanding, he continu'd frequent in his Vows and Prayers; and at the end of all his Sermons, recom­mended to their Devotions, the happy return of their desir'd Navy. Their Spi­rits were so much invenom'd, and pre­judic'd against him, that many of them treated him with injurious words, while he was rally'd by the more moderate, who were not asham'd to say, his Pray­ers might be of use, for the Souls of the Souldiers, who were slain in fight, but were of little consequence, to gain a Bat­tel which was lost.

Some fresh Intelligence, A new cause of Cons [...]ernation. which ar­riv'd from Sumatra, increas'd the disor­ders, and consternation of the Town. The King of Bintan, Son to that Maho­met, whom Albuquerque the Great, had despoil'd of the Kingdom of Malacca, [Page 289] sought for nothing more, than an oppor­tunity of re-conquering of what his Fa­ther had lost by force of Arms. Seeing the Town now bare of Souldiers, and hearing that the Achenois had beaten the Portuguese, he put to Sea, with three hundred Sail, and put in at the River of Muar, within six Leagues of Malacca, to­wards the West.

That he might the better execute his design, by concealing it, he wrote from thence to the Governour Melo, That he had arm'd a Fleet against the King of Pa­tan, his Enemy, but that having been inform'd of the defeat of the Portuguese, he was come as a Friend and Brother of the King of Portugal, to succour Malacca, against the King of Achen, who wou'd not fail to master the Town, if the course of his Vi­ctories was not stopp'd; that therefore he desir'd only to be admitted into the place be­fore it came into the possession of the Con­querour; after which he had no farther cause of apprehension.

Melo, whom the Constancy of Father Xavier had reassur'd, discover'd the Snare, which was laid for him; and trick'd those, who had intended to cir­cumvent him: He answer'd the King of Bintan, That the Town had no need of re­lief, as being abundantly provided both of [Page 290] Men and Amunition. That so great a Con­qeurour as he, ought not to lay aside an Expedition of such importance; nor to lin­ger by the way. That for themselves, they were in daily expectation of their Fleet, not de [...]eated, according to some idle Rumours concerning it, but triumphant, and loaden with the Spoils of Enemies. That this Report, was only spread by Sara­cens, whose Tongues were longer than their Lances; For these were the Expressions which he us'd.

The Mahometan Prince, judging by the Governours Reply, that his Artifice was discover'd; and that in reason he ought to attempt nothing, till it were certainly known, what was become of the two Fleets, kept himself quiet, and attended the success.

To return to the Christian Navy, [...] be­fore they cou'd get to Tenasserim, their want of fresh Water forc'd them to seek it nearer hand, at Queda, in the River of Parlez; where being enter'd, they per­ceiv'd by night a Fisher-boat, going by their Ships. They stop'd the Boat, and the Fisher-men being examin'd, told them, That the Achenois were not far distant, that they had been six weeks in the River: That they had plunder'd all the Low-lands, and were now building a [Page 291] Fortress. This news fill'd the Portuguese with joy: And Deza infinitely pleas'd, to have found the Enemy, of whom he had given over the search, putting on his richest Apparel, [...]ir'd all his Cannon, to testify his joy, without considering that he spent his Powder to no purpose, and that he warn'd the Barbarians to be up­on their Guard. What he did with more prudence, was to send three Gal­lies up the River, to discover the Enemy, and observe their Countenance, while he put all things in order for the Fight. The three Foysts, in their passage, met with four Brigantines, which the Enemies had detach'd, to know the meaning of the Guns which they had heard. Before they had taken a distinct view on either side, the three Foysts had grappel'd each a Brigantine, and seiz'd her; the fourth escap'd. The Souldiers put all the Ene­mies to the Sword, excepting six, whom they brought off, together with the Bri­gantines. These Prisoners were all put to the Question; but whatsoever Tor­ments they endur'd, they cou'd not at first get one Syllable out of them, either where the Enemy lay, or what was the number of his Men, or of his Ships. Two of them dy'd upon the Rack; and other two, they threw over Board; but [Page 292] the remaining couple, either more mor­tify'd with their Torments, or less reso­lute, being separated from each other, began at last to open. And told the same things apart; both where the Achenois were lying; and that their number, was above ten thousand, reckoning into it, the Mariners, which were of more con­sideration than the Souldiers; that the King of the Country, where now they lay, had been constrain'd to avoid a shameful death, by slight; that having massacred two thousand of the Natives, and made as many Captives, they were building a Citadel, on the passage which the Ships ordinarily make, from Bengale to Malacca, and that their design was not only to block up that Rode, but to murth [...]r all the Christians, who shou'd fall into their hands.

This report inflam'd anew, [...] the Zeal and Courage of the Souldiers. The Ad­miral was not wanting to encourage them to fight Entring into a Skiff, with his drawn Sword, he went from Vessel to Vessel, exhorting his Men, to have Christ crucify'd before their Eyes; while they were in fight, as Father Francis had en­joyn'd them; and ever to keep in mind the Oath which they had tak [...]n; but a­bove all things, to have an assur'd hope [Page 293] of Victory, from the intercession of the holy Father, who had promis'd it.

All unanimously answer'd, That they wou'd fight it out to death; and shou'd be hap­py to dye in defence of their Religion. Deza, animated, by this their answer, posted himself advantageously on the River, so as to be able from thence to fall upon the Enemy, without indangering his little Fleet, to be incompass'd by their numbers.

The Achenois no sooner were inform'd by their Brigantine, of the Portuguese Navy, than they put themselves into a condition of attacking it. They were not only insolent by reason of their strength, but provok'd also by the late af­front, they had receiv'd in their Brigan­tines; so that full of fury, without the least ballancing of the matter, they set Sail with all their Navy, excepting only two Vessels, and two hundred Land-Souldiers, which were left in Guard of two thou­sand Slaves, and all their Booty. Ha­ving the Wind for them, and coming down the River, they were carry'd with such swiftness, that Deza was hardly got aboard the Admiral, when he heard their Drums, and their yelling shouts, which re-eccho'd from the Shores, and neighbouring Mountains. They were divided into ten Squadrons, and each of [Page 294] them compos'd of six Vessels, excepting only the first, which consisted but of four, but those the strongest of the Fleet. The Admiral, on which the King of Pedir was on board, was in the first Squadron, and with him were three Turkish Galions.

That fury which transported the Bar­barians, [...] caus'd them at the first [...]ight of the Portuguese Navy, to discharge against it their whole Artillery. But they aim'd so ill, that they did them little or no mis­chief. Immediately after, the two Ad­mirals met, and stemm'd each other. They ingag'd on either side with so much resolution, that the advantage was not s [...]on, till a shot was made from the Ves­sel of Iohn Soarez, and out of the Cannon, call'd the Camel. It took place so justly, that So [...]ra's Vessel sunk to rights. The three Galions which were in Front with him, on the same time, immediately chang'd their order, and left off fighting, to save their General, and the principal Lords of his Retinue. But these Galions which were a cross the Stream, and took up half the breadth of it, stopp'd their own Vessels, which follow'd File by File. Insomuch, that those of the second rank striking against the first, and those of the third against the second, they fell foul on each other, with a terrible con­fusion.

[Page 295] The Portuguese, The Achenois defeated. seeing the Army of the Enemy, on a heap together, without be­ing able to disingage their Ships, incom­pass'd them, and batter'd them with their Cannon. They discharg'd every tyre, three rounds successively, and [...]o to pur­pose, that they sunk nine great Ships, and disabled almost all the rest. Then four of the Portuguese Foysts, set upon six Mahometans, which the Cannon had us'd more favourably than the rest; the Soul­diers boarded them with their Swords in their Hands, and calling on the name of Iesus [...] in less than half an hour they de­stroy'd above two thousand Men. The fright and the disorder of the Enemies was redoubled, at the sight of this [...]laughter, and at the thundring of the Guns, which did such dreadful Executi­on: Insomuch that the Achenois leapt in­to the River of their own accord, chusing rather to die in that manner, than by the hands of the Christians.

Their General being taken up, when he was just drowning, and drawing new Courage from despair, endeavour'd to have heartn'd up, the remainder of those, who were about him. But having him­self receiv'd a Musket-shot, he lost all manner of resolution, and made away with only two Vessels. The five hun­dred [Page 296] Gentlemen Orobalans, were either slain or drown'd, with all the Ianisaries. None escap'd, but those who follow'd Soora in his flight. On the side of the Christians, there were six and twenty slain, of whom, four only were Por­tuguese by Nation. The Spoil was great; for besides the two Guard-ships which came into the power of the Con­querours, and wherein was all the Pillage, which the Enemy had gain'd; they took at least forty five Vessels, which might again be made serviceable. There was found amongst the Spoils, a prodigious quantity of Saracen and T [...]rkish Arms; three hundred pieces of Cannon of all sorts: And what was yet more pleasing, sixty two pieces of Ordnance, whereon were graven the Arms of Portugal, and which had been lost in divers Wars, re­turn'd at length to the possession of their lawful Lord and owner.

The King of Parlez, no sooner had no­tice of the Enemies defeat, than issuing out of the Woods where he lay conceal'd, he came with five hundred Men, and fell upon the Workmen, who by So [...]ra's Or­ders were building a Fortress, and on the Souldiers appointed for their Guard. Having cut them in pieces, he went to visit Captain Deza, and congratulated the [Page 297] Valour of the Portuguese, and their suc­cess: He own'd the preservation of his Kingdom to their Arms; and offer'd by way of acknowledgment, a yearly Tri­bute to the King of Portugal.

Deza immediately order'd a Frigat, to carry the news of his Victory to Malac­ca; but it was fully known in that City, with all its Circumstances, before the Frigat was sent off, and thus it hap­pen'd.

Father Xavier, The Saint de­clares the Vi­ctory, to the people of Ma­lacca. preaching in the great Church, betwixt nine and ten of the Clock, on Sunday morning, which was the fourth of Ianuary, according to the old Calendar, at the same time, when the two Fleets were actually ingag'd, stopp'd short on the sudden, and appear'd transported out of himself; so manifest a change appear'd, both in his Counte­nance, and his whole person. Having somewhat recover'd himself, instead of following his Discourse, inspir'd with a Divine Impulse, he declar'd to his Audi­ence the incounter, and shock of the two Navies, but in a Mysterious and Figura­tive manner.

The Assembly, not comprehending their Preachers meaning, were of Opi­nion that he was distracted; still as the Fight grew warmer, and the ingagement [Page 298] came to be more close, he seem'd to be more and more inflam'd, with all the motions of a Man inspir'd, and speaking still Prophetically. At the length, fix­ing Eyes on the Crucifix that was before him, he said with tears in his Eyes, ac­company'd with sighs, but with an au­dible and distinct voice, Ah Jesus, thou God of my Soul, and Father of all Mercies, I most humbly implore thee by the Merits of thy sacred Passion, not to forsake those who sight thy Battle. After these words, he hung down his Head, as overweary'd, and lean'd upon his Pulpit, without far­ther speaking. Having continu'd in that posture for some time, he sprung up, on the sudden, and said aloud, with all the motions of Joy, which he cou'd not ma­ster. My Brethren, Jesus Christ, has vanquish'd for you. At this moment, while I am speaking, the Souldiers of his bless'd name, have compleated their Victory, by the entire defeat of the Enemies Navy. They have made a great slaughter, and we have lost but four of our Portugueses. You shall receive the news of it on Friday next, and may shortly expect the return of your victorious Fleet.

How incredible soever this appear'd, yet Melo, and the principal persons of the Town there present, gave credit to [Page 299] it, without the least scr [...]ple: considering the manner of his speaking, and his Air, which had somewhat of Divine in it, and bore the testimony of its Truth. Yet the Wives and Mothers of the absent Souldiers, apprehending still it might be false, and fearing the more, the more they desir'd it shou'd be true. The Father assem­bled them all in the Afternoon, at the Church of our Lady del Monte, and there repeated so distinctly, the whole series of what he had said in the Morning, that they durst no longer doubt of it.

Even in the beginning of the week, The certain news of the Vi­ctory is brought. they had almost evident signs of the Vi­ctory; by the [...]ws which came of the King of Bintan; who having sent on all sides to be inform'd, whether the Portu­guese had been defeated, being advertis'd from the River of Parlez, of what had pass'd, forsook M [...]ar, and retir'd with expedition, bewailing the misfortune of his Allies, and asham'd of his ill tim'd Enterprise.

The Frigat dispatch'd away by Deza, The return of the victorio [...]s Fleet. under the conduct of Emanuel Godigno, arriv'd exactly on the day mention'd by the Saint. The Fleet follow'd shortly after; and made a triumphant entry in­to the Port, with Trumpets sounding, and a general discharge of all their Artillery. [Page 300] The Town receiv'd them with repeated shouts of welcome, and Father Francis, who was at the head of the People on the shore, held forth a Crucifix in his hand, to give both the Inhabitants, and Souldiers to understand, that they ow'd their Victory to Christ alone.

Both the one and the other joyning their voices, gave solemn thanks to the Saviour of Mankind: But they also broke out into the praises of the Saint, upon the truth of his Predictions; and cou'd not hold from publishing, that it was he, who had obtain'd from Heaven, this wonder­ful success.

The Burden of thes [...] [...]raises, Anger arrives at Malacca, when the Saint w [...]s re [...]dy [...] to [...] pa [...] fr [...]m it. did no less hasten the Saints intended Voyage to Goa, than the necessity of those af­fairs which call'd him thither. He had remain'd four Months together at Ma­lacca, since his return from the Molucca's and was just on his departure, when the Ships, which early come from China, ar­riv'd in the Port. A Iapponesse, whose name was Anger, came with these Ves­sels, expresly to see Xavier. He was about five and thirty years of Age, Rich, Nobly born, and one whose life had been sufficiently libertine. The Portuguese, who two years before had made the dis­covery of Iapan, had been acquainted [Page 301] with him at Cangoxima, the place of his birth, and understood from his own mouth, that having been much trou­bled with the remembrance of the sins of his youth, he had retir'd himself a­mongst the solitary Bonzes. But that neither the solitude, nor the conversa­tion of those Heathen Priests, had been able to restore him the tranquillity of his Soul, and that thereupon, he had re­turn'd into the World, more disquieted than ever, with his remorse of Con­science.

Some other Portuguese Merchants, who at that time came to Cangoxima, and who had seen Father Francis at Malacca, the first Voyage he had made thither, made an intimate acquaintance, and friendship with Anger. And this Iapon­nese, discovering to them the perplexity of his Soul, which augmented daily, more and more, they told him that in Malacca, there was a Religious man, emi­nent for his holy Life, well experienc'd in the conduct of Souls, and most proper to settle his perplex'd Conscience, and that if he wou'd try this remedy, they wou'd facilitate the means to him, and bring him to the Saint, of whom they had spoken. That it was Father Francis Xavier, their friend, the refuge of Sin­ners, [Page 302] and comforter of troubled minds.

Anger found himself possest with a Divers adven­tures of Anger. strong desire of going to see the holy man, but the length of the Voyage, which was eight hundred leagues, the dangers of a tempestuous Sea, and the considerations of his family, somewhat cool'd him. A troublesome affair, which he had upon his hands at the same time, at length resolv'd him. For having kill'd a man in a quarrel, and being pursu'd by Justice, he cou'd not find a more se­cure retreat, than the Ships of Portugal, nor a surer way of preserving his life, than to accept the offer they had made him.

Alvarez Vaz, who had most impor­tun'd him to take this Voyage, and who had many times offer'd to bring him to Father Xavier, had not yet finish'd all his business, when this Iaponnese came to take sanctuary in his Ship. He therefore gave him Letters of recommendation to another Portuguese, call'd Ferdinand Al­varez, who was at another Port of Ia­pan, and who was suddenly to set sail for Malacca.

Anger departed by night, attended by two Servants; being arriv'd at the Port, and enquiring for Ferdinand Alvarez, he lighted accidentally on George Alvarez, [Page 303] who was just ready to weigh Anchor. This George was a wealthy Merchant, a man of probity, and who had an ex­tream affection for the Father. He re­ceiv'd the Letters of Alvarez, as if they had been address'd to himself, took the three Iaponians into his Ship, entertain'd them with all kindness, and brought them to Malacca, taking great satisfacti­on in the good Office he shou'd do in presenting them to the man of God, who might perhaps make them the first Chri­stians of their Country. But the misfor­tune was, that they miss'd of the Father, who was just gone for the Molucca's: Anger, more disquieted in a foreign land, than he had been at home, and despair­ing of ever seeing him, whom he had so often heard of from his friends, had it in his thoughts to have return'd to Iapan, without considering the danger to which he expos'd himself, and almost forgetting the murther which had caus'd his flight; according to the custom of Criminals, who blind themselves in those occasions, and whom divine justice oftentimes brings back to the same place, where they had committed their offence. Whereupon, he went again to Sea, and having made some little stay in a Port of China, he pursu'd his Voyage. Al­ready [Page 304] some Iaponian Islands were in sight, when there arose a furious Tempest, which indanger'd the sinking of the Ship, and which in four days brought him back into the same Port of China, from whence he had set out. This was to Anger a favourable effect of Gods Pro­vidence; for the same hand which drives the guilty to the Precipice, sometimes preserves them from falling into it, and pulls them back, after a miraculous manner.

The Iaponnese very happily for him­self, met there, Alvarez Vaz, just ready to set sail for Malacca. The Portuguese, who lov'd Anger, reprov'd him for his impatience, and offer'd to re-conduct him to the place, which he had so ab­ruptly left; withall telling him that according to all appearances, the Father by this time was return'd from the Mo­lucca's. Anger, who still carried about him a troubled Conscience, and thereby was easily induc'd to any proposition which tended to compose it, follow'd the advice of Vaz, and return'd with him.

Coming on shore, Anger is brought to the Father, who sends him to [...]. he there found George Alvarez, the same Person, who had brought him the first time to Ma­lacca. Alvarez surpriz'd to see him once [Page 305] again, told him, that Father Xavier was return'd from the Molucca's, and im­mediately brought Anger to his presence. The Father, who foresaw, not only that this Iaponian, shou'd be the first Chri­stian of that Kingdom, but also by his means, the Gospel shou'd be Preach'd in it, was transported with joy at the first sight of him, and embrac'd him with ex­ceeding tenderness. The sight of the Saint, and his embracements, gave such consolations to Anger, that he no longer doubted of receiving an entire satisfacti­on from him. Understanding in some measure the Portuguese Language, Xavier himself assur'd him, that the disquiets of his mind shou'd be dissipated, and that he shou'd obtain that Spiritual repose, in search of which, he had undertaken so long a Voyage: But that before he cou'd arrive to it, it concern'd him first to un­derstand and practise the law of the true God, who alone cou'd calm the troubles of his heart, and set it in a perpetual tranquillity. Anger, who desir'd nothing so much, as to have his Conscience in repose, and who was charm'd with the great goodness of the Father, offer'd him­self to be directed in all things by him. The Servant of God, instructed him in the Principles of Faith, of which his [Page 306] Friends the Portuguese, had already gi­ven him some knowledge; as [...] as men of their Profession were capable of teach­ing him. But to the end his Conversion might be more solid▪ he thought it con­venient to send him, and his Servants, to the Seminary of Go [...], there to be more fully taught the truths and practice of Christianity before their Baptism. The Father had yet a further purpose in it, that these first fruits of Iaponian Christi­anity, shou'd be con [...]ecrated to God, by the Bishop Don Iohn d'Albuquerque, in the Capital City of the Indies.

Since in his Voyage to Goa, he was to visit the Fishing Coast, he wou'd not take the three Iaponians with him; and gave the care of conducting them to Georg' Alvarez. He only wrote by them to the Rector of the Colledge of St. Paul, giving him Orders to instruct them with all diligence. He put on board the ship of another Portuguese, call'd Gonsalvo Fernandez, twenty or thirty young men, whom he had brought from the Moluc­ca's, in order to their Studies in the same Colledge. After which, himself imbark'd in another Vessel, which went directly for Cochin.

In passing the Streight of Ceylan, [...] the Ship which carried Xavier, was over­taken [Page 307] with the most horrible Tempest, which was ever seen. They were con­strain'd, at the very beginning of it, to cast over-board all their Merchandise, and the winds roar'd with so much vio­lence, that the Pilot not being able to hold the Rudder, abandon'd the Vessel to the fury of the Waves. For three days and nights together, they had death continual­ly present before their eyes: and nothing reassur'd the Mariners, but the serene countenance of Father Xavier, amidst the cries and tumults in the Ship. After he had heard their Confessions, implor'd the help of Heaven, and exhorted all of them to receive with an equal mind, ei­ther life or death, from the hand of God, he retir'd into his Cabin. Francis Pe­reyra looking for the man of God, in the midst of the Tempest, to have comfort from him, found him on his knees be­fore his Crucifix, wholly taken up, and lost to all things but to God. The Ship driven along by an impetuous current, already struck against the Sands of Cey­lan, and the Mariners gave themselves for lost, without hope of recovery; when the Father coming out of his Ca­bin, ask'd the Pilot for the Line and Plum­met, with which he was accustom'd to fathom the Sea: having taken them, and [Page 308] let them down to the bottom of the O­cean, he pronounc'd these words, Great God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. At the same moment, the Vessel stop'd, and the Wind ceas'd. After which, they pursu'd their Voyage, and happily arriv'd at the Port of Cochin, on the 21st of Ianuary, 1548.

There the Father gave himself the lei­sure of writing divers Letters into Eu­rope, He writes to the King of Portugal. by a Vessel of Lisbon which was just in a readiness to set sail. The first was to the King of Portugal, Iohn the third; the Letter was full of prudent Counsels, concerning the duties of a King, he advertis'd him a-new, that his Majesty shou'd be guilty before God of the evil Government of his Ministers, and that one day an account must be given of the Salvation of those Souls, which he had suffer'd to perish, through neglect of application, or want of constancy in his endeavours. But he did it, with all manner of precaution, and soften'd his ex­pressions with Christian Charity.

I Have long deliberated, [...] said he, whether I shou'd certify your Majesty, of the Transactions of your Officers in the Indies, and what ought farther to be done, for the establishment of our Faith. On the one side [Page 309] the Zeal of God's service, and his glory, encourag'd me to write to you; on the other, I was diverted from that resolution, by the fear I had of writing to no purpose. But at the same time, I concluded that I cou'd not be silent, without betraying my Ministe­rial Function: and it also seem'd to me, that God gave me not those thoughts with­out some particular design; which probably was, that I might communicate them to your Majesty, and this Opinion, as the more likely, has at length prevail'd with me. Ne­vertheless, I always fear'd, that if I shou'd freely give you all my thoughts, my Letter wou'd only serve for Evidence against you, at the hour of your death, and wou'd aug­ment against your Majesty the rigour of the last Iudgement, by taking from you the ex­cuse of ignorance. These considerations gave me great anxieties, and your Majesty will easily believe me. For in fine, my heart will answer for me, that I desire not to em­ploy all my strength, or even my life it self for the Conversion of the Indians, out of any other prospect, than to free your Ma­jesties Conscience, as much as in me lies, and to render the last Iudgement less ter­rible to you. I do in this but that which is my duty; and the particular affection which you bear our Society, well deserves, that I shou'd sacrifice my self for you.

[Page 310] After he had inform'd his Majesty, how much the jealousies and secret divisions of his Officers, had hinder'd the Pro­gress of the Gospel, he declares, that he cou'd wish the King wou'd bind himself by a solemn Oath, to punish severely, whosoever they shou'd be, who shou'd occasion any prejudice to the farther propagation of Faith in the Indies. And farther assur'd him, that if such, who had the authority in their hands, were made sensible, that their faults shou'd not escape punishment, the whole Isle of Ceylan, all Cape Comorine, and many Kings of Malabar wou'd receive Baptism in the space of one year; that as many as were living in all the extent of the Indies, wou'd acknowledge the Divinity of Iesus Christ, and make profession of his Doctrine, if those Ministers of State, who had neglected the interests of the Faith, had been depriv'd of their Dignities, and their Revenues.

After this, [...] he Petitions the King, to send him a supply of Preachers, and those Preachers to be of the Society, as judging them, more proper than any o­thers for the new world. I beg, and adjure your Majesty, says he, by the love you bear to our blessed Lord, and by the real wherewith you burn, for the Glory of [Page 311] the Divine Majesty, to send next year, some Preachers of our Society, to▪ your faithful Subjects of the Indies. For I as­sure you, that your Fortresses are in ex­tream want of such supplies; both in refe­rence to the Portugueses who are there in Garrison, and to the new Christians esta­blish'd in the Towns and Villages depending on them. I speak by experience; and that which I have seen with my own eyes, obli­ges me to write concerning it. Being at Malacca, and at the Molucca's, I Preach'd every Sunday, and all Saints days twice; and was forc'd upon it; because I saw the Souldiers and People had great need of being frequently taught the word of God.

I Preach'd then, in the morning to the Portugueses at Mass: I went again into the Pulpit, in the afternoon, and instructed their Children, their Slaves and Idolaters newly converted, accommodating my dis­course, to the measure of their understand­ing, and expounding to them the Principle Points of Christian Doctrine, one after ano­ther. Besides which, one day in the week, I assembled in the Church, the Wives of the Portugueses, and Catechis'd them on the Articles of Faith, on the Sacraments of Penance, and the Eucharist. Much fruit wou'd be gather'd in few years, if the same method mere constantly observ'd [Page 312] in all places. I preach'd also, every day, in the Fortresses, the Principles of Religion, to the Sons and Daughters of the Souldiers, to their Servants of both Sexes; in fine, to the Natives of the Country, who were born Christians: and these Instructions had so good effect, that they totally renounc'd the Superstitions and S [...]rceries, which were in use amongst those stupid and ignorant new Converts.

I descend into all these petty circumstan­ces, to the end your Majesty may judge, according to your prudence, what number of Preachers may be necessary here; and that you may not forget to send many to us. For if the Ministry of Preaching, be not more exercis'd amongst us, we have rea­son to apprehend, that not only the Indians, who have embrac'd the Faith, will l [...]ave it, but that the Portugueses also may forget the dutie [...] of Christianity, and live afterwards like Heathens.

As Father Simon Rodriguez, He writes t [...] [...] Simon Rodrig [...]. who go­vern'd the Society in Portugal, had great Credit at the Court, Father Xavier writ to him at the same time, desiring him, he wou'd support his Demands, with his Interest. He recommended to him in especial manner, That he wou'd make choice of those Preachers, who were Men of known Vertue, and exemplary Mortifica­tion. [Page 313] He subjoin'd, If I thought the King wou'd not take amiss, the Counsel of a faith­ful Servant, who sincerely loves him, I shou'd advise him to meditate one quarter of an hour, every day, on that Divine Sen­tence, What does it profit a man to have gain'd the World, and to lose his Soul? I shou'd counsel him, I say, to ask of God, the understanding, and taste of those words, and that he wou'd finish all his Prayers with the same words, What will it profit a man, to gain the World, and to lose his Soul? 'Tis time, said Xavier, to draw him out of his mistake, and to give him notice, that the hour of his death is nearer than he thinks: that fatal hour when the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, will summon him to Iudgment, saying to him these dreadful words, Give an account of your Administration. For which reason, do in such manner, my dear Brother, that he may fulfil his whole duty; and that he may send over to the Indies, all needful supplies, for the increase of Faith.

Xavier also wrote from Cochin, He sends an ac­count to the Fa­thers at Rome, of his Voyages. to the Fathers of the Society at Rome; and gave them an account at large, of his Voyages to Malacca, to Amboyna, to the Molucca's, and the Isle del Moro; with the success which God had given to his labours. But he forgot not the [Page 314] relation of his danger in the Streight of Ceylan, and made it in a manner, which was full of consolation to them.

In the height of the Tempest, said he in his Letter, I took for my Intercessours with God, the living persons of our Socie­ty, with all those who are well affected to it; and join'd to these, all Christians, that I might be assisted with the merits of the Spouse of Christ, the holy Catholick Church, whose Prayers are heard in Heaven, though her Habitation be on Earth. Afterwards I address'd my self to the Dead, and par­ticularly to Piere le Fevre, to appease the wrath of God. I went through all the Or­ders of the Angels, and the Saints, and in­vok'd them all. But to the end, that I might the more easily obtain the pardon of my innumerable sins, I desir'd for my Pro­tectress and Patroness, the most holy Mo­ther of God▪ and Queen of Heaven, who without difficulty obtains from her beloved Son, whatsoever she requests. In conclusion, having repos'd all my hope in the infinite merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, being incompass'd with this prote­ction, I enjoy'd a greater satisfaction, in the midst of this raging tempest, than when I was wholly deliver'd from the dan­ger.

In very truth, being as I am, the worst [Page 315] of all Men, I am asham'd to have shed so many tears of joy, through an excess of heavenly pleasure; when I was just upon the point of perishing. Insomuch, that I hum­bly pray'd our Lord, that he wou'd not free me from the danger of my Shipwrack, unless it were to reserve me for greater dangers, to his own Glory and his Service. For what remains, God has often shewn me by an inward discovery, from how many perils and sufferings I have been deliver'd, by the Prayers, and Sacrifices, of those of the Society; both such as labour here on Earth, and such who enjoy the fruits of their labours in the Heavens. When I have once begun the mention of our Socie­ty, I can never leave; but the departure of the Vessels constrains me to break off: and behold what I have judg'd most proper for the conclusion of my Letter. If I ever forget thee, O Society of Jesus, let my right hand be unprofitable to me, and may I even forget the use of it. Si oblitus unquam suero tui, Societas Iesu, oblivioni detur dextera mea. I pray our Lord Jesus Christ, that since, during the course of this mise­rable life, he has gather'd us into his So­ciety, he wou'd reunite us, in a bless'd E­ternity, in the Company of Saints, who behold him in his Glory.

[Page 316] After he had written these Letters, and given some time to the service of his Neighbour, he took the way of Comorine, doubled the Cape a second time, and ar­riv'd at the Coast of Fishery. The Pa­ravas, who were his first Children in Ie­sus Ch [...]ist, were overjoy'd at the sight of their Saint, and Good Father, as they call'd him. All the Villages came to meet him, singing the Christian Doctrine, and praising God for his return. The sa­tisfaction of the Saint was not less than theirs: but above all things his Consola­tion was unspeakable, to see the number of Christians so much augmented, by the labours of his Brethren. There were in that place, many of the Society, of whom the chief were Antonio Criminal, Francis Henriquez, and Alphonso Cyprian; for Father Xavier, having written from Amboyna, for the greatest number of Missioners whom they cou'd spare, to­wards the cultivation of those new Plants at the Coast of Fishery, all those who came from Portugal, after his own arri­val in the Indies, went thither, excepting the three, who went to the Molucca's, and two who stay'd at Goa, for the instructi­on of the Youth.

The fervency of those new Converts, He receives great comfort, from the fer­ [...]ency of the [...] Converts. did not less edify Xavier, than their num­ber. [Page 317] In visiting a certain Village, they shew'd him a young Man, a Native of the Country, who having imbark'd in company of a Portuguese, had been cast by Tempest, on the Coast of Malabar. The Saracens, who inhabit that place, ha­ving murther'd the Portuguese, wou'd have forc'd his Companion to renounce his Faith Thereupon they brought him into a Mosquee, where they promis'd him great store of Money and Preferments, in case he wou'd forsake the Law of Ie­sus Christ, and take up that of their Pro­phet Mahomet. But seeing their Promises cou'd not prevail, they threatn'd him with Death, and held their naked wea­pons over his Head, to fright him. But neither cou'd they shake his Resolution, with that dreadful spectacle; then they loaded him with Irons, and us'd him with extraordinary cruelty, till a Portuguese Captain inform'd of it▪ came suddenly upon them, with a Troop of Souldiers, and rescu'd the young Man out of their hands. Xavier imbrac'd him many times, and bless'd Almighty God, that his Faith was imprinted so lively, in the Heart of a Barbarian. He heard also with great satisfaction, of the constancy of some Slaves, who having fled from the Houses of their Portuguese Masters, and [Page 318] living amongst Gentils, far from being corrupted with the superstitions of the Infidels, comply'd exactly with the obli­gations of their Baptism, and liv'd in a most religious manner. It was reported to him of these Slaves, that when any of them died, they suffer'd not his Body to be burnt, according to the custom of the Pagans, neither wou'd they leave it without S [...]pulture; but buried it ac­cording to the Ceremonies of the Church, and set up a Cross over the Grave.

Though these Infidels, whom they serv'd, did not hinder them from conti­nuing in Christianity, and that every one of them in particular, was resolv'd to persevere in his Faith, even in the midst of Idolatry, yet they had a longing de­sire, to return into the company of the Faithful, where they might be supply'd with those Spiritual Succours, which they wanted, and lead a life yet more confor­mable to their Belief. So, that as soon as they had the news of Father Xavier's return, who had baptis'd the greatest part of them, they came to desire him, That he wou'd make their peace with their Masters, whom they had left to free themselves from slavery, and de­clar'd, that they were content, once more to lose their Liberty in prospect of the [Page 319] Salvation of their Souls. Xavier re­ceiv'd them with open Arms, as his well-belov'd Children, and afterwards obtain'd their Pardon.

After he had visited all the Villages, he made some stay at Manapar, He stays at Manapar, and what he per­form'd there. which is not far distant from Cape Comorine. As the only end, which he propos'd to him­self, was to plant the Gospel in the In­dies; and that in order to it, he must there establish the Society, he began to regulate all things, according to the Principles, and in the Spirit of Father Ignatius, General of the Order. Having reassembled all the Labourers in the Go­spel, of that Coast, he examin'd their se­veral Talents, and Vertues, in familiar conversation with them, by causing them to give an account of what pass'd be­twixt God and them in their own Hearts. After he had assign'd to each of them, the places which were most convenient for them, both in regard of their bodily strength, and of their spiritual endow­ments. He constituted Father Antonio Criminal, superiour of all the rest: And to the end they might be more capable of serving that people, he order'd every one of them, with all possible care, to apply himself to the study of the Mala­bar Language; which obtains through [Page 320] all that Coast. Upon this account he commanded Father Francis Henriquez, to reduce that Tongue into the Rules of Art, and to compose an exact Grammar of it, according to the method of the Greek and Latin Grammars. The work seem'd impossible, especially to one, who was newly come from Europe, and who had little knowledge in the Indian Tongues: Nevertheless Henriquez compass'd it in a small time, which was apparently a Mi­racle of Obedience. In the mean while, Xavier judging, that the Exposition of the Christian Doctrine, which he had made for those of Molucca, might be of use to his dear Paravas, order'd a Malabar Priest, who was well vers'd in the Por­tuguese, to translate it into his own Lan­guage. But to the end that the conduct of the Missioners might be Uniform, and that the same Spirit might animate all of them, besides the instructions which he gave them by word of Mouth, he gave them the following Rules in writing.

In the first place, The Rule [...] which he prescribes to the [...] of the F [...]hing Coast. Where ever the lot of your Ministry shall fall, be mindful of bap­tising Infants newly born; and perform it your selves, without trusting the care of it, to any other person. There is nothing at present, of more importance. Do not wait till the Parents bid you come; as they may [Page 321] easily neglect it, it behoves you to run through all the Villages, to enter into the Houses, and to Christen all the Infants you can find.

After the great concernment of giving Baptism, you ought to be careful of nothing more, than of entring those little Children into the principles of Faith, who are grown capable of Instruction. Not being able to be in all places, you shall cause the Cana­capoles, and the Teachers of the Catechism, to perform their duty, and religiously to ob­serve the Customs establish'd. To which purposes, when you visit the Villages, to take an account of what passes there, assem­ble the Masters, with their Scholars, and know from the Children, in the presence of those who are accustom'd to instruct them, what they have learnt, or forgotten since your last visit; this will double the ardency of the Scholars, and the diligence of their Teachers.

On Sundays, gather the Men together in the Church, to repeat their Prayers, and observe well▪ whether the Pantagatins, or chief of the people are there present. You are to expound the Prayers which they re­peat; and reprove them for the Vices then in fashion: which you are to make them comprehend by using familiar Examples. In fine, you are to threaten the more stub­born [Page 322] sinners with the wrath of God; and tell them, that if they do not reform their lives, their days shall be shorten'd, by all manner of Diseases: that the Pagan Kings shall inslave them, and that their immortal Souls shall become fuel to the everlasting flames of Hell.

When you come to any place, you shall in­form your selves, what quarrels are stirring in it, and who are the parties; after which you shall endeavour to reconcile them. These Reconciliations are to be made in the Church, where it will be fitting to assemble all the Women on Saturdays, as the Men on Sundays.

When the Malabar Priest, shall have translated the Exposition of the Creed, you shall take Copi [...]s of it, which you shall cause to be carefully read to the Women on Sa­turdays, to the Men on Sundays. If you are there present, you shall read it your selves, and add to the Exposition, what you think convenient for the farther clear­ing i [...].

Distribute to the Poor those Collections which are made for them in the Churches, by the Charity of the Congregation; and beware of taking any part of them for your own uses.

Fail not every Saturday and Sunday, to put the Faithful in mind, of giving you [Page 323] notice, when any one falls sick, to the end you may visit them. And give them to know, that if they do not advertise you, and that the sick person dies, you will not allow him burial amongst▪ Christians, in pu­nishment of their neglect.

When you visit the sick, take especial care that they repeat to you, the Apostles Creed in their Mother Tongue. Interro­gate them on every Article and ask them, if they believe sincerely. After this make them say the Con [...]teor, and the other Ca­tholick Prayers, and then read the Gospel over them.

For the burial of the dead, you shall as­semble the Children, and coming out of the Church with them, the Cross being at the head of the Procession, you shall sing the Christian Doctrine, coming and going. You shall say the Prayers of the Church, at the House of the dead person; and before he is put into the ground. You shall also make a short Exhortation to the Assembly, before the Corps, upon the necessity of death, the amendment of life, and the practice of Vertue.

You shall give notice to the Men on Sun­day, and to the Women on Saturday, to bring their sick Children into the Church, that you may read the Gospel over them, for their cure; and that the Parents from [Page 324] thence may receive increase of Faith, and respect to the Temples of our Lord.

You shall your selves determine all liti­gious causes; and if you cannot end them on the place, defer them to the next Sun­day; and after Divine Service cause them to be expedited by the principal Inhabi­tants of the place. Yet I will not that these sort of Affairs, shou'd take up too much of your time: Nor, that you prefer the care of your Neighbour's temporal Con­cernments, before works of Charity, which respect the Salvation of Souls; and am of opinion, That when any important business of that kind shall happen, you shou'd remit it to the Portuguese Commandant.

Do all things in your power, to make your selves belov'd by those people; for by that you will be able to do more good upon them, than by being fear'd. Decree no punish­ment against any person, but by the advice of Father Antonio Criminal: And if the Commandant of the Portuguese be present, do nothing without his order. In case any Man or Woman, shall make a Pagod, or I­dol, banish them from the Village if Fa­ther Criminal consent to it. Testify great affection to the Children who frequent the Christian Schools; pardon, and wink at their faults sometimes, lest a severe usage shou'd fright them from us.

[Page 325] In presence of a Portuguese, abstain from reproving and condemning the Natives of the Countrey, who are Christians; on the con­trary, commend and excuse them, on all occasions. For considering how lately they have embrac'd the Faith, and what assi­stance is wanting to them, to live like good Christians, 'tis only to be admir'd, that they are not more vicious.

Be serviceable in all you can to the Ma­labar Priests, in what relates to their Spi­ritual Advantage: take care that they confess themselves, and say Mass, and give good Examples, and write nothing against them to any person whatsoever.

Live so well with the Portuguese Com­mandants, that no misunderstanding be e­ver perceiv'd betwixt you, and them. For the rest of the Portugueses, use all sort of means, to make them your Friends: Have never any quarrel with any of them, though they shou'd bring you into Law, or quar­rel with you without the least provocation on your part. If they use the new Chri­stians hardly, oppose them, but with much mildness; and if you find your opposition may be likely to succeed, make your Com­plaint to the Portuguese Commandant; with whom, I once again beseech you, never to have any difference.

[Page 326] Let your Conversation with the Portu­gueses be alwa [...]s confin'd to Spiritual Sub­jects; of Death, of Iudgment, of Purga­ [...]ry, of Hell, of the frequentation of Sa­craments, and the exact observation of Gods Commandments: For if you never speak to them, but concerning these matters, they will never rob you of those hours which are set apart for your Function.

Fail not to write to Goa, to the Fathers and Br [...]thers of our Society, giving them an account of the Fruit of your Labours; and proposing to them, what you think may be to the advancement of Piety. You shall write also to the Bishop, but with much Re­verence and Submission, as to the Common Father, and Pastor General of this new World.

What [...] all things I recommend to you, and which I can never sufficient­ly repeat, [...], That whatsoever Voyage you make, and wheresoever you shall be, [...] shall endeavour to gain the love of all p [...]ple, by your good Offices, and fair dem [...]nour: by which means you will have greater opportunities for the gaining of S [...]ls; which God Almighty grant you all the Grace to do, and abide for ever with you.

Things being thus regulated on the Cost of Fishery, [...] the [...]ather wou'd pass [Page 327] into the Isle of Ceylan, before his return to Goa. His design was to gather the fruit of that precious Blood, which two years before was shed by the King of Ia­fanatapan▪ or at least to see what incli­nation those people had to receive the Gospel, who had beheld the constancy of the Martyrs. Indeed, the death of the two young Princes converted, who pretended to the Crown of Iafanatapan, destroy'd almost all hopes of planting Christianity in that Isle. Notwithstand­ing which, Xavier converted the King of Candè; who is one of the Kings of Cey­lan. After which he went to the Tyrant, who had treated the Christians with so much cruelty, to try if he cou'd work him, though against all humane appea­rances, to suffer the Law of Iesus Christ, to be preach'd in his Dominions, and to bring him also to be a Christian.

As Reasons of State prevail most with Princes, so the Father represented to this Infidel, That his Throne cou'd never be establish'd, but by the Arms of the Por­tugueses; that if he once contracted with them a strict alliance, he had n [...]thing farther to apprehend, either from his E­nemies or his Subjects. The Barbarian, who fear'd all things, both from within and from without, forgetting that D [...] [Page 328] Alphonso de Sosa, wou'd have made War upon him, in favour of the two baptis'd Princes, hearken'd to the Propositions of Peace, and even permitted the Father to explain to him, the Mysteries of the Christian Faith. The instructions of the Saint wrought so much upon the Tyrant, that being chang'd, in a very short space of time, he promis'd to embrace the Faith, and labour to bring his Subjects into it, offering for the pledge of his word, to put his Kingdom into the Hands of the King of Portugal, and to pay him such Tribute as shou'd be thought sitting, without any farther demand in his own behalf, than of two things. The one was, That the Governour of the Indies, shou'd conclude a firm Alliance with him, as he had done with other Indian Kings, who had made themselves Vassals to the Crown of Portugal: The other, That in order to hinder those revolts and troubles which might arise from the change of Religion, he might have a Company of Portuguese Souldiers, to [...]e entertain'd at his own charges.

Father Xavier, He depart [...] for Go [...], and [...]inds the Vice [...]y at Ba [...]ain. well satisfy'd, to have thus succeeded beyond his expectations, set Sail for Goa, with an Embassadour of the In [...]idel King, and arriv'd there on March the 20th. in the year 1548. Un­derstanding [Page 329] there, that the Viceroy Don Iohn de Castro, was at Bazain, towards the Gulph of Cambaya, he imbark'd a­new, notwithstanding, that the season was improper for Navigation; as judging that a business of such consequence, cou'd not be too soon concluded, and that de­lays frequently ruin'd the most hopeful Affairs. Castro had never seen Xavier, but all he had heard related of him, gave him an earnest longing to behold him. He receiv'd him with all those Honours which are due to a Saint, at the first meeting, and willingly accepted what the King of Iafanatapan had offer'd, on the Conditions above mention'd. But he retain'd for some time, the Man of God, both to hear him preach, and to consult him on some difficult Affairs, where the Interests of State, and those of Religion were joyn'd together.

In the mean time, He obtains whatever he demands of the Viceroy. he design'd Antonio Monis Barreto, a man of Authority, and very brave, for the Garrison of Iafanata­pan, with an hundred Souldiers, well di­sciplin'd, and worthy of such an Officer. At the same time he order'd a magnifi­cent Entertainment, for the Embassa­dour, who remain'd at Goa: And that if any of his Train wou'd receive Baptism, no cost shou'd be spar'd at that Solemni­ty. [Page 330] But the King of Iafanatapan, fail'd afterwards in Fidelity, both to God and Man, and in all probability, it was that failure, which drew the last misfortunes on his person, and his Kingdom.

The stay which Xavier made at Ba­zain, He converts a young Gentle­man who was very much de­bauch'd. was not unprofitable to a young man of Quality, who was much debauch'd, call'd Rodrigue Segueyra, whom he had known two years before. For Segueyra having committed a Murther at Malacca, when the Father made his first Voyage to the Town, retir'd into the Hospital to a­void the pursuit of Justice. There it was that the Father knew him, and grew in­to his Familiarity, by his engaging ways of Mildness and Courtesy; which always succeeded with him. When he had gain'd the affection of Segueyra, he spoke to him of Eternity, with so much power, that the young Gentleman, entred into serious thoughts, and made a general Confession to him. Xavier, to ingage him the more in the ways of Goodness, and to free him from that confinement of the Hospital, where his Crimes had forc'd him to take Sanctuary, made up the business with his Adversaries, and ob­tain'd his pardon from the Governour of Malacca: But seeing the soft and dissolute manner of living in Malacca, was capable [Page 331] of ruining all his good intentions, he advis'd him to leave the Indies, and re­turn into Europe. Segueyra, who was sensi­ble of his own weakness, and desir'd to save his Soul, promis'd the Father to obey him, and put himself into a condition, of executing his promise. In effect he took the way of Goa, with design from thence to go for Portugal. But being made a Receiver of the publick Re­venues by the Viceroy Don Iohn de Castro, he thought no more of Por­tugal, but relaps'd into his first Debau­ches.

Xavier, was wholly lost to his re­membrance, when he happen'd to meet him at Bazain, the sight of the Father surpris'd him at first, and almost con­founded him. But straight recovering, he came up boldly to him, and took his hand, to have kissed it according to his former custom. The Father as courteous and civil as he was, yet thrust him back, st [...]rnly enough; yet mollifying himself a little▪ How, my Son, said he, are you still in the Indies? were you not advis'd to leave Malacca, and return to Portugal?

The Portuguese, in great disorder, and not knowing how to excuse himself; laid all the blame upon the Governour, who had detain'd him, in some sort a­gainst [Page 332] his will. But, reply'd Xavier with a holy indignation, is it the Governour who has oblig'd you to lead the life of a Beast, and to continue for two years with­out going to Confession? However it be, con­tinu'd the Father, know that we two shall never be well with one another, so long as you are upon ill terms with God. At these words Segue [...]ra pierc'd with a lively sor­row, ask'd pardon of the Father, for his breach of promise, and his unfaith­fulness to the Divine Grace. He Con­fess'd himself the same day; and wholly chang'd his life, under his direction, whom God had sent to bring him back into a better wa [...].

Don Iohn de Castro, who was desirous of profiting by the Father's Counsels, for the regulation of his own life, wou'd have been glad, to have retain'd him longer; but seeing him resolv'd on go­ing, gave him leave to depart; yet beg­ging him at the same time, that he wou'd pass the Winter at Goa, that after his own return thither, he might use his assistance in the affairs of his Con­science.

The Father return'd, He [...] very seasonably, for the good of Cosmo de Torrez, a Spa­nish Priest, and Native of Valenti [...]; one of the greatest Wits, and most knowing [Page 333] Persons of that Age. Torrez, was im­bark'd on the Fleet, which came from Mexico to the Molucca Islands; and which, having sail'd over so many Seas, to lit­tle purpose, stay'd at Amboyna, as we have already related. He there met Xavier, and was so charm'd with his manner of life, that he had thoughts of becoming his Disciple. But besides, that the labours which are unseparable from the Ministry Apostolical, somewhat shock'd him, he judg'd, that he ought to undertake nothing, but by the Coun­sel of the Bishop of the Indies. Inso­much, that he le [...]t Amboyna, without forming any resolution, and even with­out opening himself to Father Xavier.

When the Spanish Fleet was arriv'd at Goa, he presented himself to the Bishop, who being in want of Spiritual Substi­tutes, gave him one of the chief Vica­riats of his Diocess. Torrez was of O­pinion that God requir'd nothing far­ther of him; and for the space of four or five months, perform'd all the fun­ctions of that Office, which the Bishop had given him in charge. But the con­tinual disquiets of his Soul, render'd him suspitious of his own condition, and brought him to believe, that God had punish'd him, for not following the new Apostle of the East.

[Page 334] Being one day, much troubled in his mind, he went to the Colledge of St. Paul, and open'd himself to Father Lan­cilotti, desiring him, to unfold to him the nature of that Institute, with which he was so much taken, by seeing Father Xavier at Amboyna. As some interiour motions had of late, push'd him on, to the performance of somewhat that was great, and of suffering all things for the glory of Iesus Christ, he found the Insti­tute of Ignatius, so conformable to the present dispositions of his Soul, that with­out farther ballancing the matter, he was resolv'd to go through the Spiritual Ex­ercises, to [...]it himself for the change of his condition. From the second day, he receiv'd such light, and so much com­fort from above, that he believ'd himself in Heaven already. He cou'd not suf­ficiently admire, that those plain, and easy truths, which he had often read, without any taste of them, shou'd make such lively impressions in him, as now they did. And he discover'd this to Lan­cilotti, with expressions full of astonish­ment.

Nevertheless being assrighted at the prospect of a perpetual ingagement, and perhaps tempted by the Devil, he cou'd not settle to it, and was every day, more and more irresolute.

[Page 335] Xavier arriv'd just at that point of time. He had scarcely seen Torrez, when behold a man, fix'd on the sudden, and resolv'd, and pressing to be receiv'd a­mongst the Children of Ignatius. The Apostle receiv'd him, and took pains him­self to form him, according to the spi­rit of the Society. He also admitted some Portugueses, who had great Ta­lents for the Mission, and were inflam'd with the zeal of Souls.

They liv'd together in the Colledge of St. Paul, where that [...]ervour reign'd, not only amongst the Iesuites, but also amongst those of the Seminary, whose numbers increas'd daily. The Iaponnese, Anger, was amongst them, leading a most regular life, and breathing after that Baptism, which had been deferr'd 'till the return of the Holy man.

Xavier did not satisfie himself, He instructs Anger a new, and causes him to be farther taught by Tor­rez. with having instructed him anew: he con­sign'd over to the care of Torrez, who fully explain'd to him all the Mysteries of Faith. Anger with his two Servants, who receiv'd the same instruction, were at length solemnly Baptis'd, on Whit-Sunday, by the Bishop of Goa, Don Iohn d' Albuquerque; so, that the Church be­gan to take possession of the most re­mote Nation in the World, on the same [Page 336] day of Pentecost, when the holy Spirit descending on the Apostles, gave them their Mission to carry the Gospel, to all the People of the Earth.

Anger was desirous to be nam'd Paul de Sainte Foy, in memory of the Col­ledge, belonging to the Society of Iesus, where he had receiv'd the particular knowledge of the Divine Law, which was sometimes call'd the Colledge of St. Paul, and sometimes the Seminary of the Holy Faith. One of his Servants took the Name of Iohn, and the other of An­thony. In receiving Baptism, he receiv'd the peace of Soul, which he never cou'd obtain before; and writ word of it to Rome, the same year, in a Letter to Father Ignatius, dated November the 25th.

But to the end, that the new Converts might have the true Principles of Chri­stian Morality, and that their behaviour might be answerable to their Belief, Fa­ther Xavier intrusted Torrez, with gi­ving them the spiritual Exercises of the Society.

During the thirty days, that these Ia­ponians were in retirement, 'tis not to be express'd, what Coelestial illuminations, what holy thoughts, what interiour de­lights the Holy Spirit infus'd into them. [Page 337] Anger cou'd speak of nothing but of God; and spoke of him with so much serven­cy, that it seem'd even to burn him up. The Mystery of the Passion, mov'd him above all the rest, and he was so ravish'd with the goodness of God, so possess'd with love, in considering a God Cruci­fy'd, that he breath'd nothing but Mar­tyrdom, and the Salvation of his Bre­thren. So that he was often heard to cry out, in the midst of his Devotions, How glad shou'd I be to dye for thee, O my God. O my dear Japonians, how much are you to be lamented, and what Compas­sion do you raise in me!

The Master and Servants came out of their retirement with so much ardour, that Xavier wrote into Europe, that he was animated by their Example to the service of God, and that he cou'd not look on them, without blushing at his own Cowardise.

In conversing with them, He hears news from [...]apan, and designs a [...] thither, to [...] the Gospel. he under­stood, what he had formerly learnt by hear say, from George Alvarez▪ and other Portugueses, that the Empire of Iapan, was one of the most populous in the World: That the Iaponneses were natu­rally curious, and covetous of Know­ledge, and withall docible, and of great Capacity. That being generally inge­nious, [Page 338] and very rational, if they were instructed in the Morals of Christianity, they wou'd easily submit to them; and that if the Preachers of the Gospel, liv'd according to Gospel Rules, the whole Nation wou'd subject it self to the yoke of Iesus Christ, not perhaps so readily at first, but in process of time, and after clearing of their doubts.

There needed no more, to induce Xavier to carry the Faith into Iapan, the mildness, the civility, and the good parts of the three Baptis'd Iaponians, made him conceive a high opinion of all the rest: And the Portuguese Mer­chants newly return'd from Iapan, con­firm'd it so fully to him, that in these three, he had the pattern of the whole Nation, that he doubted not, but that the Christian Religion wou'd make an admirable progress there. But that which Anger told him, that there were in his Country many Monasteries of Heathen Priests, that some of them led their lives in solitude and contemplation, that every Monastery had its Superiour, who was a Person venerable for his Age and Learning: that they came abroad from their lonely abode, once a week, with morti [...]i'd looks, and uncouth habits, to Preach to the People; that in their Ser­mons [Page 339] they drew such lively Figures of Hell, that the Women wept, and cry'd out, at those dismal representations. All this, I say, appear'd to Xavier, as so many doors, and in-letts for the Faith; and he prais'd God, that by the admi­rable conduct of his Providence, which secretly manages the Salvation of men, the Spirit of Lyes, had thus prepar'd the ways for the Spirit of Truth.

He ador'd also the wisdom of the same Providence, which taking the occasion of a man who fled from Justice, and sought repose for his troubled Conscience, had led three Iaponians from their native Country, and brought them to Goa, that they might serve for Guides to a Mis­sioner. But, that these Guides might be the more serviceable, he thought fit they shou'd learn to Read and Write, in the Portuguese Language. Anger, whom from henceforth we shall name Paul de Sainte Foy, was easily instructed, in all they taught him; for besides that he was of a quick and lively apprehension, he had so happy a memory, that he got by heart almost all the Gospel of St. Matthew, which Father Cosmo de Torrez, had Expounded to him before his Baptism.

[Page 340] In the mean time Don Iohn de Castro, was rigging out a Fleet, with design to possess himself of Aden, one of the strongest Towns of Arabia Felix, and scituate at the foot of a high Mountain, which reach'd even to the Sea, by a nar­row tongue of Earth. This Port is of great importance, to shut up the pas­sage of the Indies to the Turks and Sa­racens, who go thither by the red Sea; and from this consideration it was, that Albuquerque the Great, endeavour'd to have Master'd it in the year 1513, but the vigorous resistance of the Achenois forc'd him to forsake the Siege. After that time, they were desirous of their own accord, to have deliver'd it up to the Portugueses, thereby to free them­selves from the tyranny of the Turks. Yet it was not then done, through the fault of a Captain call'd Soarez, who having no Orders to take Possession of the Town, was so weak a Politician as to refuse it, when it was offer'd to the Crown of Portugal.

That People, whom the Turk us'd worse than ever, testifi'd the same in­clination, under the Government of Ca­stro, and it was on that occasion▪ that he sent a Fleet towards the Streight of Mecca, under the Command of his Son, [Page 341] Alvarez de Castro. Eight Foysts of Goa, full of Souldiers, set out for the Expedi­tion of Aden. Amongst these there was one very brave Fellow, renown'd for his Military Actions, but blacken'd with all sorts of Crimes, and more infamous by his Debauch'd Manners, than known by his Valour. He seem'd a kind of salvage Beast, who had no more of Man in him, than the bare Figure, nor any thing of a Christian, besides the name. Above eighteen years he had abstain'd from Confession; and that he once presented himself to the Bishop of Goa, was less to reconcile himself to God, than to take off the imputation, of being either a Mahometan, or an Idolater.

Father Xavier had cast an eye upon this wretch, He undertakes the Conversion of a Souldier. and waited only an oppor­tunity, to labour in so difficult a Con­version. Understanding that this Soul­dier was imbarking on one of the Foysts, which were going to joyn the Fleet, he went out of the Colledge of St. Paul, at the first notice of it, taking nothing with him, besides his Br [...]viary, and en­ter'd into the same Vessel. It was be­liev'd by those who saw the Father, that he had Orders from the Viceroy to ac­company his Son Alvarez, and every one was glad of it, excepting only he, [Page 342] for whose sake he came. He drew near the Souldier, and when they had weigh'd Anchor, began to make acquaintance with him, and grew familiar to that de­gree, that the rest of the Souldiers, who were less debauch'd, cou'd not sufficient­ly admire it, and some of them said of Xavier, what a Pharisee said formerly of our Lord, If this Man were indeed a Prophet, he wou'd discern what manner of man he was, in whom he takes so much de­light.

These Discourses, did not at all daunt the Father. He saw his Souldier playing whole nights together, for he was a great Gamester. He took no notice of his ex­travagancies, and sometimes heard him Swear without seeming to regard it. Only one day he said to him, that Ga­ming requir'd a Compos'd Spirit, and if he took not the better heed, that Pas­sion, which he had in Play, wou'd make him lose.

The Souldier, brutal as he was, grew insensibly to have a kindness for a man, who was so much concern'd in his ad­vantages, and took pleasure in hearing him discourse not only of War, and Sea Affairs, but also of Religion and Mora­lity. In conclusion, he made some re­flections on the horrour of his life, and [Page 343] felt even some remorse of Conscience for it. Being one day together with the Father, in a private part of the Ship, Xavier ask'd him, to whom he had Con­fess'd himself before he went on Ship­board? Ah Father, said the Souldier, I have not been at Confession these many years. And what do you imagine wou'd become of you, said the holy man, sup­posing you shou'd be kill'd in this action, and in the condition you now are? I wou'd once have Confess'd my self, re­ply'd the Souldier, at least for fashion, and decency, but the Vicar of Goa wou'd not so much as hear me, but told me I was a Reprobate, and deserv'd nothing but Hell-Fire. The Vicar was, in my Opinion, said Xavier, somewhat too se­vere, to treat you in that manner. He had perhaps his Reasons for that usage, and I have mine to treat you otherwise. For indeed the Mercies of our Lord are infinite, and God wou'd have us as in­dulgent to our Brethren, as he himself is to us: Thus, when the Sins of which you find your self guilty, were a thou­sand times more numerous and more crying, than they are, I shall have the patience to hear them all, and shall make no difficulty of giving you abso­lution, provided you take those thoughts [Page 344] and resolutions, which I shall endeavour to in [...]u [...]e into you.

By these words he brought the Soul­dier to a general Confession, He [...] he dispos'd [...]im for it, by causing him, to recall in­to his memory his past life, and drawing him into the particulars of those Sins, which a man of his Character and Pro­fession, might possibly have committed. While they were upon these terms, the Ship cast Anchor at the Port of Cey [...]an, for refreshment. Many of the Fleet went on shore, and amongst the rest, the Father and the Souldier, they went together to a wild solitary place: there the Souldier made his Confession with abundance of tears, resolv'd to expiate his Crimes, with whatsoever Penance the Father shou'd enjoyn him▪ were it never so rigorous. Bu [...] his Confessour gave him only a P [...]ter Noster, and an Ave to say. Whereat the Penitent be­ing much amaz'd, from whence pro­ceeds it, my Father, said he, that being so great a Sinner as I am, you have gi­ven me so light a Penance? Be con­tent, answer'd Xavier, O my Son, we shall appease the Divine Justice: and at the same instant, he withdrew into a Wood, while the Souldier perform'd his Penance. There he did, what he had [Page 345] formerly done on the like occasion: he bar'd his Shoulders, and disciplin'd him­self so rigorously, that the Souldier heard the noise of the strokes, and came run­ning to him, beholding the Father all in blood, and rightly judging what was the motive of so strange an action, he snatch'd the Discipline out of his hands, and crying out, it was the Criminal who ought to endure the punishment, and not the innocent to bear the pains of Sin; he immediately strip'd himself, and chastis'd his body with all his strength. Xavier often-times embrac'd him, and declar'd, that it was for his sake alone that he came on Ship-board. So ha­ving given him wholsome Admonitions to confirm him in the Grace of God, he left him, and return'd to Goa on the first Vessel which went out of the Port, where they made the stay. As for the Soul­dier, he follow'd the Fleet, and after the Expedition of Aden was ended, he enter'd into Religion, chusing one of the most austere Orders, where he liv'd and dy'd, in extraordinary holiness.

Not long after the Father was return'd to Goa, He assists the Vicer [...]y of the Indies at his death. the Governour Don Iohn de Ca­stro return'd also; but very ill of a Hectick Fever, which had been consu­ming him for some months before. Find­ing [Page 346] himself in a daily decay of health and strength, and doubting not the end of his life was near approaching, he quiet laid aside all business, and substituted o­thers to supply his place. After which his thoughts were wholly employ'd on death, and the great concernments of Eternity. He had many long conversa­tions with Father Xavier, on that Sub­ject, and refus'd to see any one but him. During these Transactions, a Ship, which came from Lisbonne, brought Letters to the Viceroy from the King of Portugal, who gave great praises to his manage­ment, and continu'd him for three years longer, in the Government of the In­dies. As Don John was much belov'd, so on this occasion, publick rejoycings were made over all the Town. But the Sick Viceroy, hearing the discharge of the Artillery, and seeing almost from his Bed the Bonefires that were made, cou'd not forbear laughing at it, though he was almost in the agonies of death. How deceitful and ridiculous is this World, said he, to present us with honours of three years continuance, when we have but a mo­ment more to live! The Father assisted him, even to the last drawing of his breath, and had the consolation to be­hold a great man of this world, expiring [Page 347] with the thoughts of a Saint in Holy Orders.

Xavier being Master of himself, in some manner, after the decease of Don Iohn de Castro, who had desir'd him not to stir from Goa, during the Winter, had thoughts of visiting once more the Coast of Fishery, before his Voyage to Iapan; his resolutions of which, he had not hi­therto declar'd. But the incommodities of the season hinder'd him; for at one certain time, the Sands so choke up the Channels of the Isle, that no Ship can either go out of the Port, or enter in­to it.

In waiting 'till the Navigation be­came free; He applies him­self more than ever to the ex­ercises of an in­teriour Life. the Saint apply'd himself par­ticularly to the exercises of a Spiritual Life, as it were to recover new strength after his past Labours, according to the custom of Apostolical men, who in the communications which they have with God, refresh themselves, after the pains which they have taken with their Neighbour.

Then it was, that in the Garden of Saint Paul's Colledge, sometimes in walk­ing, at other times in retiring into a lit­tle Hermitage, which was there set up, he cry'd out, 'Tis enough, O my Lord, it is e [...]ough! And that he open'd his Cas­sock [Page 348] before his Breast, to give a little Air to those [...]lames which burnt within him, by which he declar'd, that he was not able to support the abundance of heaven­ly Consolations, and at the same time gave us to understand, that he wou'd have rather chosen to suffer any Tor­ments for the service of God, than to have enjoy'd all those spiritual delights: so that his [...]rue meaning, was a Prayer to God, that he wou'd please to reserve for him those pleasures in another life, and in the mean time, wou'd not spare to in­flict on him, any pains or sufferings in this present World.

These interiour Employments, [...] did not hinder him from the labours of his Mini­sterial Vocation, nor from succouring the distrest, in the Hospitals and Prisons. On the contrary, the more lively and ardent the love of God was in him, the more desirous he was, to bring it forth, and kindle it in others. His Charity caus'd him often to relinquish the quiet of Solitude, and the delights of Prayer; therein following the Principle of his Father Ignatius, that it was necessary to forsake God for God.

The Season [...]egan to be more mode­rate, [...] and Xavier was disposing himself to set Sail for the Cape of Comorine, when [Page 349] a Portuguese Vessel arriv'd from Mozam­bique, which brought in her, five Missio­ners of the Society. The most consi­derable of these Missioners, and of five o­thers which came along with the Fleet, was Gaspar Barzeus, a Flemming by Na­tion. Father Francis, had already heard speak of him, as an excellent Labourer, and a famous Preacher; but his Presence and the Testimony of all the Ship, gave the Saint such great Idea's of his Merit▪ that he look'd on him from thence forward, as an Apostle of the Eastern Countries.

He pass'd five days with these new Companions, on the fourth of which, he caus'd Father Gaspar to preach before him, that he might see his Talent for the Pulpit; and discover'd in him all the Qualities of a perfect Preacher. Many Portuguese Gentlemen, who had been much edify'd, by the Vertues and Con­versation of Barzeus during all the Navi­gation, which had been exceeding dange­rous, came and fell at the Feet o [...] Xa­vier, desiring that he wou'd please to re­ceive them into the Society. The Cap­tain of the Ship, and the Governour of one of the chief Citadels, which the Por­tuguese enjoy in India, were of the num­ber. He admitted some of them before his departure, and deferr'd the rest till [Page 350] his return: but he wou'd that all of them shou'd perform the Spiritual Exercises of Father Ignatius.

At length Xavier embark'd on the ninth of September, He goes [...] the Fishing Coast, hi [...] Acti [...]ns there. for the Fishing Coast: There he comforted and confirm'd the Faithful, who were continually persecu­ted by the Badages, those mortal and ir­reconcileable Enemies of the Christian name. He also encourag'd the Go­spel Labourers of the Society, who for the same reason, went in daily hazard of their lives. Having understood, that Father Francis Henriquez, who cultivated the Christianity of Travancor, was some­what dissatisfy'd, and believ'd he lost his time, because some of those new Con­verts, shaken either by the Promises or Threatnings of a new King, who hated the Christians, had return'd to their for­mer Superstitions, he writ him Letters of Consolation, desiring him to be of good courage, and assuring him, that his Labours were more profitable than he imagin'd: that when all the Fruit of his Zeal, shou'd be reduc'd to the little Children who dy'd after Baptism▪ God wou'd be well satisfy'd of his endeavours, and that after all, the Salvation of one only Soul, ought to comfort a Missioner, for all his pains; that God account­ed [Page 351] with us for our good intentions, and that a Servant of his, was never to be e­steem'd unprofitable, who labour'd in his Vineyard, with all his strength, whatever his success might prove.

Father Xavier was not content, to have fortify'd the Missioners, both by word and writing in his own person, he desir'd of Father Ignatius, that he wou'd also encourage them with his Epistles; and principally, that he wou'd have the goodness to write to Henry Henriquez, a Man mortify'd to the World, and labori­ous in his Ministry.

Having order'd all things in the Coast of Fishery, He speaks to the Deputy G [...]ver­nour of the In­dies, concerning his Voyage to Japan. he return'd by Cochin, where he stay'd two Months; employing him­self without ceasing, in the instruction of little Children, administring to the sick, and regulating the manners of that Town. After which he went to Bazain, there to speak with the Deputy Gover­nour of the Indies, Don Garcia de Saa, whom Don Iohn de Castro, had nam'd up­on his Death-bed▪ to supply his place. The Father was desirous to obtain his Letters of Recommendation to the Go­vernour of Malacca. that in vertue of them his passage to Iapan, might be made more easy.

'Tis true, the news he receiv'd, that [Page 352] the Chinois, ill satisfy'd of the Portugueses, had turn'd them out of their Country, seem'd to have broken all his Measures, because it was impossible to arrive at the Isles of Iapan, by the way of Malacca, without touching at some Port of China. But 'tis the property of Apostolical Zeal, to make no account of those seeming im­possibilities, which appear in the greatest undertakings.

When Xavier was come back to Goa, All endea [...]u [...]s are us'd, [...] break the Fa­ther [...] intended Voyage [...] Ja­pan. and it was known that he design'd a Voyage to Iapan, his Friends made use of all their endeavours to divert him from it. They first set before him the length of the way, which was thirteen hundred Leagues: The certain and ine­vitable dangers, to which he must ex­pose his life, not only by reason of Py­rates, which continually infest those Seas, and murther all who come into their Hands, but also for the Rocks, un­known to the most skilful Pilots, and of certain Winds call'd Typhons, which reign from China even to Iapan, in a vast ex­tent of Sea. They said, That those impe­tuous [...]urricanes, were us'd to whirl a Ves­sel round, and founder it, at the same mo­m [...]n [...]; or else drive it with fury against the Rocks, and split it in a thousand pieces. They added, If by Miracle he shou'd hap­pen [Page 353] to escape the Pyrates, and avoid the Tempests, yet he cou'd promise no manner of safety to himself, in the Ports of China, from whence the Portugueses were expell'd; and for what remain'd, if he were possess'd with an unsatiable Zeal, there were other vast Kingdoms of the East, where the light of the Gospel had not shone; that even in the Neighbourhood of Goa there were Isles remaining, and Territories of Idolaters: That he might go thither in Gods name, and leave the thoughts of those remote Islands, which Nature seem'd to have di­vided from the Commerce of Mortals; and where the power of the Portugueses not being establish'd, Christianity cou'd not be able to maintain it self, against the Perse­cution of the Pagans.

Xavier was so well perswaded, He slights the reasons alledg'd against his Voy­age to Japan. that God wou'd have him travell to Iapan, that he wou'd not listen to the reasons of his Friends. He laugh'd at their fears, and told them, That perhaps he should not be more unfortunate than George Alvarez, or Alvarez Vaz, who had perform'd the Voyage of Japan, in spight of all those Py­rates, and those Hurricanes, with which they wou'd affright him. This he said smi­ling, after which, resuming a serious Air, Verily, said he, I am amaz'd, that you wou'd endeavour to hinder me, from going [Page 354] for the good of Souls, whither you your selves wou'd go, out of the sordid con [...]ide­ration of a small transitory gain! and must plainly tell you, I am asham'd of your lit­tle Faith. But I am asham'd for my self, that you have prevented me in going thi­ther first, and cannot bear that a Merchant shou'd have more courage than a Missioner. In conclusion, he told them, That having so often experienc'd the care of Providence, it wou'd be an impiety to distrust it; that it had not preserv'd him from the Swords of the Badages, and the poisons of the Is [...]e del Moro, to abandon him in other dan­gers: that India was not the boundary of his Mission; but that in coming thither, his design had always b [...]en, to carry the Faith, even to the utmost limits of the World.

He then wrote to Father Ignatius, [...] to give him an account of his intended Voyage, and of the thoughts of his Hea [...]t, concerning it. I cannot express to you, said he, with what joy I undertake this long Voyage. For 'tis all full of extream dangers; and [...]e who out of four Ships, can preserve one, thinks he has made a saving Voyage; though these perils are surpassing all I have hitherto prov'd, yet I am not disc [...]urag'd a j [...]t the more from my un­dertaking: So much the Lord has been pleas'd to [...]ix it in my mind, that the Cross [Page 355] shall produce great fruits in those Countries, when once it shall be planted there.

He wrote at the same time to Father Simon Rodriguez; and some passages of the Letter, well describe the disposition of the holy Man. There are arriv'd here, some Ships from Malacca, who confirm the news, that all the Ports of China are arm'd, and that the Chineses, are making open War with Portugal: which notwith­standing, my Resolutions still continue for Japan, for I see nothing more sweet, or pleasing in this World, than to live in con­tinual dangers of Death, for the honour of Jesus Christ, and for the interests of the Faith. It being indeed the distinguishing Character of a Christian, to take more plea­sure in the hardships of the Cross, than in the softness of repose.

The Apostle being upon the point of his departure, [...] for Iapan, establish'd Fa­ther Paul de Camerine, Superiour Gene­ral in his place; and Father Antonio Go­mez, Rectour of the Seminary at Goa. At the same time he prescrib'd Rules to both of them, in what manner they shou'd live together, and how they shou'd govern their In [...]eriours.

Behold in particular, what he recom­mended to Father Paul, I adjure you, said he, by the desire you have to please our [Page 356] Lord, and by the Love you bear to Fa­ther Ignatius, and all the Society, to treat Gomez, and all our Fathers and Brothers, who are in the Indies, with much mildness; not ordering them to do any thing, without mature deliberation, and in modest terms, without any thing of Haughtiness, or Violence. Truly, considering the know­ledge I h [...]ve, of all the Labourers of the Society, at this present day employ'd in the new World, I may easily conclude, they have no need of any Superiour; nevertheless not to bereave them of the merit of Obe­dience, and because the Order of Discipline so requires, I have thought convenient, to set some one above the rest, and have cho­sen you for that purpose; knowing, as I do, both your M [...]desty and your Prudence. It remains, that I c [...]mmand and pray you, by that voluntary [...]bedience, which you have vow'd to our Father Ignatius, to live so well, with Antonio Gomez. that the least appearance of misunderstanding betwixt you, may be av [...]ided, [...]ay, and ev [...]n the least coldness: but [...]n the contrary▪ that you may be always seen in a holy Vnion, and conspi­ring with all your strength, to the common welfare [...]f the Church.

If our Bre [...]h [...]e [...] who are at Comorine in the Molucca [...]s, or otherwhere, wri [...] to you, that you w [...]u [...]d obtain any [...] [Page 357] them, from the Bishop or the Viceroy, or demand any Spiritual or Temporal Supplies from you, leave all things, and employ your selves, entirely to effect what they desire. For those Letters, which you shall write to those unwearied Labourers, who bear the heat and burden of the day, beware that there be nothing of sharpness, or dryness in them. Rather be careful of every line, that even every word may breath nothing but tender­ness and sweetness.

Whatsoever they shall require of you, for their Diet, their Cloathing, for their preservation of Health, or towards their recovery of it, furnish them liberally, and speedily; for 'tis reasonable you shou'd have compassion on them, who labour uncessantly, and without any humane Consolation. What I have said, points chiefly to the Missioners of Comorine, and the Molu [...]ca's. Their Mission is the most painful, and they ought to be refresh'd, lest they sink under the burden of the Cross. Do then, in such man­ner, that they may not ask you twice for necessaries. They are in the Battel, you are in the Camp; and for my own part, I find those duties of Charity so just, so indispen­sable, th [...]t I am bold to a [...]jure you in the name of God, and of our Father Ignatius, that you wou'd perform your Duties, with all exactness, with all diligence, and with all satisfaction imaginable.

[Page 358] Father Xavier since his return, [...] had sent Nicholas Lancilotti to Coulan, Mel­chier Gons [...]lez to Bazain, and Alphonso Cy­prian to Socotora. Before his departure, he sent Gasper Barzeus to Ormuz, with one Companion, who was not yet in Or­ders. This famous Town, scituate at the entry of the Persian Gulph, was then full of enormous vices, which the mingle of Nations and different Sects had intro­duc'd. The Saint had thoughts of going thither himself, to prepare the way for other Missioners, according to his own Maxims, to send none of the Priests, to any place, which he knew not first, by his own Experience. But the Voyage of Iapan, superseded that of Ormuz.

How great soever his Opinions were, [...] of the Prudence and Vertue of Father Gasper, yet he thought [...]it to give him in writing some particular instructions, to help him in the conduct of that im­portant Mission. I imagine those in­structions, wou'd not be unpleasing to the Reader, I am sure, at least, they will not be unprofitable to Missioners; and for that reason I shall make a recital of them. You shall behold them, nei­ther alter'd, nor in that confusion, which the [...] are in other Authors; but faithfully translated from the Copy of a Manu­script, [Page 359] extant in the Archieves of Goa.

1. Above all things have care of per­fecting your self; He recommends to him the per­fecting of him­self. and of discharging faith­fully, what you owe to God, and your own Conscience. For by this means you will be­come most capable of serving your Neighbour, and of gaining Souls. Take pleasure in the most abject employments of your Ministry; that by exercising them, you may acquire [...]umility, and daily advance in that Ver­tue.

Be sure your self to teach the Ignorant those Prayers, He charges him to instruct the Children him­self. which every Christian ought to have by Heart; and lay not on any o­ther person, an Employment, so little osten­tatious. Give your self the trouble of hearing the Children and Slaves repeat them word by word, after you. Do the same thing to the Children of the Christian Natives of the Countrey: they who behold you thus exercis'd, will be edify'd by your Modesty. And as modest persons easily at­tract the esteem of others, they will judge you proper to instruct themselves, in the My­steries of Christian Religion.

You shall frequently visit the poor in the Hospitals, He recommen [...]s the poor to him. and from time to time exhort them to confess themselves, and to commu­nicate; giving them to understand, that Confession is the remedy for past Sins, and the Communion a preservative against Re­lapses. [Page 360] That both of them destroy the cause of the miseries of which they complain, by reason that the ills they suffer, are only the punishment of their offences. On this ac­count, when they are willing to confess, you shall hear their Confessio [...]s, with all the lei­sure you can afford them. After this care taken of their Souls, you are not to be un­mindful of their Bodies, but recommend the distrest with all diligence and affection, to the Administratours of the Hospital, and procure them, by other means, all relief wi [...]hin your power.

You shall also visit the Prisoners, [...] and excite them to make a general Confession of their lives. They have more need than o­thers, to be stirr'd up to it, because among that sort of people, there are few to be found, who ever made an exact Confession. Pray the Brotherhood of Mercy, to have pity on th [...]se wretches, and labour with the Iudges for their inlargement; in the mean time providing for the most necessitous, who oftentimes have not wherewithal to sub­sist.

You shall serve, [...] and advance what lies in you, the Brotherhood of Mercy. If you meet with any rich Merch [...]nts, who poss [...]ss ill gotten Goods, and who being con­fess'd, are willing to restore, that which ap­p [...]rtains not to them, though of themselves [Page 361] they intrust you with the Money for Resti­tutions, when they are ignorant to whom it is due, or that their Creditors appear not, remit all those sums into the Hands of the Brotherhood of Mercy, even though you know of some necessitous persons, on whom such Charities might be well employ'd.

Thus you shall not expose your self to be deceiv'd by those wicked Men, who affect an Air of Innocence and Poverty; and w [...]o [...]annot so easily surprise the Brotherhood, whose principal application is to distinguish betwixt Counterfeits, and those who are tru­ly indigent.

And besides, you will gain the more lei­sure for those Functions, which are yours in a more especial manner, which are devoted to the Conversion of Souls, and shall em­ploy your whole time therein, some of which must otherwise be taken up, in the distribu­tion of Alms; which cannot be perform'd, without much trouble and distraction. In fine, by this means▪ you shall prevent the complaints and suspitions of a sort of p [...]ople, who interpret all things in the worst mean­ing, and who might perhaps perswade them­selves, that under the pretence of pa [...]ing other Mens debts, you divert the i [...]ention of the Money given, and employ [...] uses some part of what was intrusted [...]th you.

[Page 362] Transact in such manner, He prescribes him s [...]me pre­cautions in his dealings with his Friends. with secular persons, with whom you have familiari­ty or friendship, as if you thought they might one day become your Enemies: By this management of your self, you will nei­ther do nor say any thing, of which you may have reason to repent you, and with which they may upbraid you in their Passion. We are oblig [...]d to these precautions, by the Sons of a corrupt Generation, who are conti­nually looking on the Children of light, with mistrustful and malignant Eyes.

You ought not to have less circumspection, He recommends to him the pra­ctice of the par­ticul [...]r Exa­men. in what relates to your spiritual advance­ment, and assure your self, you shall make a great progress, in contemning of your self, and in union with God, if you regulate all your Words and Actions, by Prudence. The Examen, which we call particular, will as­sist you much in it. Fail not of doing it twice a day, or once at least, according to our common method, whatsoever business you have upon your hands.

Preach to the People, H [...] [...] him to pre [...], an [...] giv [...]s him Rules for preaching. the most frequent­ly that you can; for preaching is an uni­versal good; and amongst all Evangelical Employments, there is none more profita­ble; but beware of advancing any doubtful propositions, on which the Doctors are divi­ded. Take for the Subject of your Sermons, clear and unquestionable truths, which tend [Page 363] of themselves to the regulation of manners. Set forth the enormity of Sin, by setting up, that infinite Majesty, which is offend­ed by the Sinner. Imprint in Souls, a live­ly horrour of that Sentence, which shall be thunder'd out against Reprobates at the last Iudgment. Represent with all the colours of your Eloquence, those pains which the damn'd are eternally to suffer. In fine, threaten with death, and that with sudden death, those who neglect their Salvation; and who having their Conscience loaded with many Sins, yet sleep in security, as if they had no cause of fear.

You are to mingle with all these conside­rations, that of the Cross, and the death of the Saviour of Mankind; but you are to do it, in a moving pathetical manner; by those figures, which are proper to excite such motions, as cause in our Hearts a deep sorrow for our Sins, in the presence of an offended God, even to draw Tears from the Eyes of your Audience. This is the Idea, which I wish you wou'd propose to your self, for preaching profitably.

When you reprove Vices in the Pulpit, He institutes him in the way of correcting Sinners. never characterise any person, especially the chief Officers, or Magistrates. If they do any thing which you disapprove, and of which you think convenient to admonish them; make them a visit, and speak to [Page 364] them in private, or, when they come of themselves to Confession, tell them at the sacred Tribunal of Penance, what you have to say to them; but never advertise them in publick of it: for that sort of People, who are commonly proud and nice of hearing, instead of amendment by publick admoniti­ons, become furious, like Bulls, who are prick'd forward by a Goad: Moreover, be­fore you take upon you, to give them private admonition, be careful to enter first into their acquaintance, and familiarity.

Make your admonition, either more gen­tle, or more strong, according as you have more or less access to them. But always moderate the roughest part of your Reproof, with the gaiety of your Air, and a smiling Countenance, by the civility of well-man­ner'd words, and a sincere protestation, that all you do, is but an effect of the kindness you have for them. 'Tis good also to add respectful submissions to the pleasingness of your Discourse, with tender Embraces, and all the marks of that Consideration and good Will you have for the person of him, whom you thus correct. For if a rigid Counte­nance, and harsh Language shou'd accompa­ny Reproof, which of it self, is hard of di­gestion, and bitter to the tast, 'tis not to be doubted, but Men accustom'd to Flatteries, will not endure it: and there is reason to [Page 365] apprehend, that a burst of rage against the Censor, will be all the fruit of the Repri­mand.

For what concerns Confession, He prescribes him a method, for administra­ting the Sacrament of Penance. behold the method which I judge the fittest for these Quarters of the East, where the License of Sin is very great, and the use of Penance very rare. When a Person, harden'd in a long habit of Vice shall come to Confession, exhort him to take three or four days time of preparation, to examine his Conscience throughly, and for the assist­ance of his memory, cause him to write down the Sins which he has observ'd in all the Course of his Life, from his Childhood to that present time. Being thus dispos'd, after he has made his Confession, it will not be convenient, that you shou'd be too hasty in giving him absolution. But it will be profitable to him, to retire two or three days, and abstain from his ordinary con­versation, and dealings with men, and to excite himself to sorrow for his sins, in consideration of the love of God, which will render his Sacramental Absolution of more efficacy to him. During that little interval of retirement, you shall instruct him in the way of Meditation, and shall oblige him to make some meditations, from the first week of Exercises. You shall counsel him to practise some mortification of his Body; [Page 366] for example, to Fast, or to Discipline him­self, which will help him to conceive a true sorr [...]w for his offences, and to shed the tears of Penance. Besides this, if the Penitents have enrich'd themselves by sini­ster ways, or if by their malitious talk, they have blasted the reputation of their Neighbour, cause them to make restitution of their ill-gotten Goods, and make repara­tions of their Brethren's honour, during the space of those three days. If they are given to unlawful Love, and are now in an actual commerce of Sin, cause them to break off those Criminal ingagements, and forsake the occasions of their Crime. There is not any time more proper, to exact from Sinnes those duties, the performance of which is as necessary as it is difficult; for when once their [...]ervour is past away, it will be in vain to demand of them the exe­cution of their promise; and perhaps you will have the trouble of seeing them fall back into the Precipice, for want of remo­ving them to a distance from it.

In administring the Sacrament of Pe­nance, He continues to instruct him, on the Sub [...]ect of Confession. take heed of discouraging those, who begin to discover the wounds of their Souls to you, by appearing too rashly and too ha­stily severe. H [...]w enormous soever their Sins may be, hear them, not only with pa­tience, but with mildness; help out, even [Page 367] their bashfulness, by testifying to them your compassion, and not seeming to be amaz'd at what you hear. Insinuate into them, that you have heard in Confession sins of a much more crying nature: and lest they shou'd despair of Pardon for their faults, speak to them of the infinite Mercies of the Lord.

When they declare a crime in such a manner, that you may perceive they are in trouble how to speak, interrupt them, by letting them know, that their sin is not altogether so great as they may think: that by God's assistance you can heal the most mortal wounds of the Soul; bid them go on without any apprehension, and make no dif­ficulty of telling all. You will find some of them, whom either the weakness of their Age or Sex will hinder from revealing to you their more shameful sins. When you perceive that bashfulness has ty'd their tongue, be before hand with them, and by the way of a charitable prevention, let them know, that they are neither the first, nor the only Persons, who have fallen into dis­order, that those things which they want the confidence to tell you, are little in com­parison of what you have heard from others, on the same Subject. Impute some part of their offence to the corruption of Nature, to the violence of the Temptation, and to [Page 368] the unhappiness they had to be ingag'd in such Occasions and pressing Circumstances, where their fall was almost unavoidable. In fine, I must advertise you, that to re­move from such persons, that unseasonable shame-fac'dness, which keeps them silent; from such Persons, I say, whom the Devil has made as bashful after a Crime, as they were impudent before it, it may be neces­sary sometimes, to discover to them in ge­neral, the frailties of our own past Lives. For what can a true and servent Charity refuse. for the safety of those Souls who have been redeem'd with the blood of Je­sus Christ! But to understand, when this is proper to be done, how far to proceed, and with what precautions, is what the in­teriour Spirit, and your experience must teach you, in those particular Conjunctures.

‘You will ordinarily meet with some Christians, He instructs him how to deal with those, who want faith, con­cerning the bles­sed Sa [...]rament. who believe not the truth of the Holy Sacrament of the Altar, either by not frequenting it, or by their Con­versation, with Pagans, Mahometans and Heretiques, or by the scandal, which is given them by some Christians, and principally (which I speak with shame and sorrow) by such Priests, whose Life is not more holy, than that of the Peo­ple. For, beholding some of them, ap­proaching the Altar, without any pre­paration, [Page 369] assisting at it, without mo­desty and reverence, they imagine, that Iesus Christ is not, as we say he is, in the Sacrifice of the Mass, for if he were there present, he wou'd never suffer such impure hands to touch him.’ Make it your business, that those mis-believing Chri­stians shou'd propose to you all their doubts, and discover to you all their imaginations, which being known, then prove to them the real presence of Iesus Christ, by all those reasons which are capable of establishing it; and shew them, that the surest means for them to come out of their errours, and leave their Vices, is often to approach that Sacrament, with suitable preparations to it.

Though your Penitents may be well prepar'd for Confession, He instructs how to deal with Penitents. think not when they shall declare their Sins, that your business is done. You must dive into the bottom of their Conscience, and by exami­nation, draw out of them, what themselves know not. Ask then of them, by what ways and in what manner, they make advantage of their Money: what are their Principles, and what their Practise, in their Sails, in their Borrowing, and in all their Business. You shall find Vsury reigning throughout their Traffick; and that they who have no stings of Conscience, in relation to unjust [Page 370] dealings, have by indirect ways scrap'd to­gether, the greatest part of their Estates. But in things, where money has to do, many are so harden'd, that being charg'd with rapine, they have either no scruple concern­ing it, or so very light, that it never breaks their sleep.

Use particularly this Method, towards the Governours, the Treasurers, the Re­ceivers, and other Officers belonging to the Revenue. Whensoever they present themselves before you in the Sacred Tribu­nal, interrogate that sort of People, by what means they grow so rich, what secret they have to make their Offices and employ­ments bring them in such mighty Sums? If they are slye of telling you, turn and wind them every way, and the most mildly that you can, make them speak, in spight of themselves. You shall soon discover their tricks, and secret ways of management, by which, an inconsiderable number of those they call men of Business, divert to their own private advantages, what was design'd for the publick profit. They buy up Com­modities with the King's Money, that by selling them again, they may be able to make up their Accompts. And by taking up all the Commodities in the Port, they put the people upon a necessity of buying at their Price, that is, at most intolerable Rates.

[Page 371] Too of [...]en also, they make men languish at the Treasury, with long delays, and can­ning shifts, or some other captious Trick; men I say, to whom the Exchequer is owing, that they may be driven to Compound with those Sharks of State, for half their due, and let them go off with the other half: this open Robbery, this manifest Villany, those Gentlemen call by a mollify'd name, the fruits of their industry. When you have squeez'd out of them the Confession of these Monopolies, and the like, by wire­drawing them, with apt questions, you will come more easily to the knowledge of their ungodly gains, and what they ought to make restitution of, to their Neighbour, in order to their being reconcil'd to God, than if in general, you shou'd interrogate them con­cerning their injustice. For example, de­mand of them, what persons they have wrong'd, they will immediately answer, that their memory upbraids them not with wronging any man; and behold the reason! Custom is to them, in the place of Law; and that which they see done before them every day, they perswade themselves may be practis'd without Sin. As if Custom can authorize by I know not what kind of prescription, that which is vitious and Cri­minal in its own nature. You shall admit of no such right; but shall declare to such [Page 372] People, that if they will secure their Con­science, they must restore, what they possess unjustly.

Remember especially, He recommends to him, the obe­dience due, to Ecclesiastical Superi [...]urs. to obey the Vicar of the Bishop: When you are arriv'd at Ormuz, you shall go to wait on him, and falling on your knees before him, you shall humbly kiss his hand. You shall neither Preach, nor exercise any other Employment of our Institute, without his permission, a­bove all things, have no difference with him, for any, whatsoever cause: on the con­trary, endeavour by all submissi [...]ns, and all possible services, to gain his friendship, in such sort, that he may be willing to be taught by you, to make the meditations of our Spiritual Exercises, at least those of the first week, use almost the same me­thod, with all the other Priests; if you cannot perswade them to retire for a month, according to our custom, engage them to a retreat of some few days, and fail not to visit them every day, during that recess, to explicate to them the Subjects of those meditations.

Pay a g [...]eat respect to the Person of the Governour; [...] and make it apparent, by the most profound submissions, how much you honour him. Beware of any difference with him, on whatsoever occasion; even though you shou'd observe, that he performs not [Page 373] his duty, in matters of importance; but after you perceive, that your demeanour has instated you in his favour, and good graces, go boldly to visit him: and after you have testify'd the concernment you have for his safety and his honour, by a princi­ple of good will to him, then declare with all modesty, and softness of expression, the sorrow you have to see his Soul and Re­putation indanger'd, by what is reported of him in the World.

Then you shall make known to him the discourse of the People; you shall desire him to reflect, on the bad consequences of such reports; that they may possibly be put in writing, and go farther, that he wou'd willingly they shou'd; if he bethinks him not in time, of giving satisfaction to the Publick. Nevertheless, take not this upon you, before you are in some sort satisfied of his good disposition, and that it appears probable to you, that your advertisement may sort to good effect.

Be yet more cautious in charging your self, with bearing to him the complaints of particular Persons, and absolutely refuse that Commission, by excusing your self on your Evangelical Functions, which permit you not to frequent the Palaces of the Great, nor to attend whole days together, for the favourable minutes of an Audience, [Page 374] which is always difficult to obtain. You shall add, that when you shou'd have the leisure to make your Court, and that all the doors of the Palace were open to you at all hours, you shou'd have little hopes of any fruit from your remonstrances; and that if the Governour be such a man as they report, 'he will have small regard to you, as being [...]o way touch'd, either with the fear [...]f God, or the duties of his own Conscience.

You shall employ, He gi [...]es him advice concern­ing his [...] Functi­ons. in the Conversion of In [...]idels, all the time you have free, from your ordinary labours, which indispensably regard Christians. Always prefer those Employments, which are of a larger extent, to those which are more narrowly con [...]in'd. According to that Rule, you shall never o­mit a Sermon in publick, to hear a private Confession. You shall not set aside the Ca­techising, which is appointed every day, at a certain hour, to visit any particular per­son, or for any good work of the like nature. For the rest, an hour before Catechism, either you, or your Companion, shall go to the places of most concourse in the Town, and invite all men with a loud voice, to come and hear the exposition of the Christian Doctrine.

You shall write from time to time, [...] to the Colledge of Goa, what Functions you [Page 375] exercise for the advancement of God's glory, what order you keep there, and what blessing God gives on your endeavours. Have care▪ that your Relations be exact, and such that our Fathers at Goa, may send them into Europe, as so many au­thentique proofs, of what you perform in the East, and of what success it shall please God to bestow, on the labours of our little Society▪ Let nothing slip into those ac­counts, which may reasonably give offence to any man; nothing that may seem im­probable, nothing which may not edify the Reader, and give him occasion to magnify the name of God.

When you are come to Ormuz, He counsels him to inform him­self of the man­ner of the Town, at his arrival. I am of opinion that you shou'd see particularly those who are of greatest reputation for their probity, the most sincere, and who are most knowing in the manners of the Town. From such, inform your self ex­actly, what Vices are most reigning in it what sorts of Cheats, enter most into con­tracts, and Societies of Commerce, that so understanding all things thoroughly, and truly, you may have your words and rea­sons in a readiness, to instruct and re­prove those, who being guilty of covert Vsuries, false Bargaining, and other wicked actions, so common in a place which is [...]'d with such a concourse of different [Page 376] Nations, shall treat with you in fami­liar Conversation, or in Sacramental Con­fession.

You shall walk the Streets, He recommends to his Prayers the S [...]uls in Purgatory. every night, and recommend the Souls of the Dead to the Prayers of the Living. But let those expressions, which are us'd by you, be pro­per to move the compassion of the Faith­ful, and to imprint the thoughts of Reli­gio [...], in the bottom of their Souls. You sh [...]ll also desire their Prayers to God, for such as are in mortal Sin; that they may obtain the grace of coming out of so deplorable a condition.

Endeavour at all times, He exhorts him not to shew ei­ther sadness, or anger. to make your humour agreeable, keep a gay and serene Countenance, without suffering the least shadow of choler, or sadness to appear in it; otherwise, those who come to visit you, will never open their hearts to you, and will not repose all that confidence in you, which 'tis necessary they shou'd have, to the end they may profit by your discourse: speak always with civility and mildness, even in your reprehensions, as I have al­ready told you, and when you reprove any one, do it with so much charity, that it may be evident, the fault displeases you, and not the Person.

On Sundays, [...] and Saints days, you shall preach at two of the Clock in the After­noon, [Page 377] At the Church of the Misericordia, or in the Principal Church of the Town; sending first your Companion about the Streets, with his Bell in his hand, to in­vite the People to the Sermon.

If you had not rather perform that Of­fice in your own Person, you shall carry to Church that Exposition of the Apostles Creed, which I have put into your hands, and the practice which I have compos'd, how to pass the day in Christian duties. You shall give Copies of that Practice, to those whose Confessions you hear; and shall enjoyn them for their holy Penance, to do for certain days, that which is contain'd in it. By this means they shall accustom themselves to a Christian Life, and shall come to do of their own accord, by the force of custom, that which they did at the first, only by the command of their Confessour. But, foreseeing, that you can­not have Copies [...]now for so many Peo­ple, I advise you, to that Practice writ­ten out in a fair large hand, and expose it in some publick Place, that they who are willing to make use of it, may read, and Transcribe it, at their own conve­nience.

They, He gives him instructions, touching the conduct, of such as shall be re­ceiv'd into the Society. who shall be desirous of being re­ceiv'd into the Society, and whom you shall judge to be proper for it, you may send [Page 378] them to Goa, with a Letter, which shall point out their Design, and their Talents for it, or else you may retain them with you. In this last Case, after you have caus'd them to perform the Spiritual Exercises for a month together, you shall make a tryal of them, in some such manner, as may edify the People, without exposing them to be ridiculous. Order them, there­fore, to serve the Sick in the Hospitals, and to debase themselves to the meanest, and most distastful Offices. Make them visit the Prisoners, and teach them how to give comfort to the miserable. In fine, Exercise your Novices, in all the practi­ses of humility, and mortification, but per­mit them not to appear in publick, in ex­travagant habits, which may cause them to be derided by the multitude; suffer it not, I say, far from imposing it upon them. Ingage not all the Novices, indifferently to those tryals, which their nature most abhors; but examine well the strength of each, and sute their mortification to their temper, to their education, to the ad­vance they make in Spirituals, in such sort, that the tryal may not be unprofitable, but that it may produce its effect, accord­ing to that measure of grace, which is gi­ven them. If he who directs the Novices, has not all these considerations, it will fall [Page 379] out, that they who were capable of making a great proficience in Ver [...]ue, with good management, will lose their courage, and go backward. And besides, those indis­creet tryals, too difficult for Beginners, take off the love of the Master from his Novices, and cause his Disciples to lessen their confidence in his directions. In the mean time, whoever forms young People to a Religious Life, ought to leave nothing untry'd, to bring them to a candid and free discovery of their evil inclinations, and the suggestions of the Devil, at the same moment, when they are tempted, for without this, they will never be able to disintangle themselves, from the Snares of the Tempter; never will they arrive to a religious perfection. On the contrary, those first seeds of evil being brooded over, and nourish'd, as I may say, by silence, will in­sensibly produce, most lamentable effects; even so far, 'till the Novices come to grow weary of regular Discipline, to nau­seate it, and at length throw off the yoke of Jesus Christ, and re-plunge themselves in the pollutions of the World.

They, amongst those young men, whom you shall observe, to be most subject to vain­glory, and delighted with sensual pleasures, and other vices, ought to be cur'd, in this following manner. Make them search for [Page 380] reasons, and for proofs, against those Vi­ces, to which they are inclin'd: And when they have found many, help them to com­pose some short Discourses on them. Cause them afterwards to pronounce those Dis­courses, either to the p [...]ple in the Church, or in the Hospitals, to those who are in a way of recovery, so as to be present at them, or in other places; there is reason to hope, that the things which they have fix'd in their Minds, by constant study, and strong application will be at least as profitable to themselves, as to their Au­dience. Doubtless they will be asham'd, not to profit by those Remedies, which they propose to others, and to continue in those Vices, from which they endeavour to dis­suade their Hearers. You shall use pro­portion [...]bly the same industry, towards those Sinners, who cannot conquer themselves so far, as they commonly say, to put away the occasions of their Sin, or to make re­stitution of those goods, which they have gotten unlawfully, and detain unjustly from other men. After you have indear'd your self to them, by a familiar acquaintance, advise them to say that to their own Hearts, which they wou'd say to a Friend, on the like occasion, and ingage, as it were for the exercise of their parts, to devise such Arguments, as condemn their Actions in the prson of another.

[Page 381] Sometimes you will see before you, He teaches him the methods of reducing obsti­nate Sinners. when you are seated in the Tribunal of Pe [...]ance, Men, who are inslav'd to their Pleasures, and their Avarice, whom no motive of Gods Love, nor thought of D [...]ath, nor fear of Hell, can oblige to put away a Mistress, or to restore ill-gotten Goods. The only means of reducing such people, is to threaten them, with the misfortunes of this present life, which are the only ills they ap­prehend: Declare then to them, that if they hasten not to appease Divine Iustice, they shall suddenly suffer considerable losses at Sea, and be ill treated by the Gover­nours; that they shall lose their Law-Suits, that they shall languish many years in Pri­son, that they shall be seiz'd with incura­ble Diseases, and reduc'd to extream poverty, without any to relieve them; in fine, that they and their Posterity, becoming infamous, shall be the Objects of the publick hate, and cur­ses. Tell them by way of reason, for those ac­cidents, that no Man, who sets God at naught, remains unpunish'd; and that his vengeance is so much the more terrible, by how much longer his Patience has been a­bus'd. The Images of these temporal punish­ments, will affright those Carnal Men, who are not to be wrought on but by their Sen­ses, and will bring forth in their insensible Souls, the first motions of the fear of God, of that saving fear which is the beginning of Wisdom.

[Page 382] Before you treat with any one, He advises him to find out the Dispositions of the people, be­fore he treats with them. concern­ing his Spiritual Affairs, endeavour to un­derstand how his Soul stands [...] affected. Whether it be calm, or toss'd with any vio­lent passion, whether he be ready to follow the right way, when it shall be shewn to him, or whether he wanders from it of set purpose. Whether it be the Tempter, or the Byass of his own Inclination which seduces him to evil, whether he be docile, and dis­pos'd to hear good Counsel, or of that un­tractable humour, on which no hold is to be fasten'd, it will beh [...]ve you to vary your Discourse, according to these several dispo­sitions: but though more circumspection is to be taken with harden'd Souls, and dif­ficult of access, you are never to flatter the Disease, nor say any thing to him, which may weaken the vertue of the Remedy, and hinder its effect.

Wheresoever you shall be, [...] even though you only pass through a place, and stay but little in it, endeavour to make some ac­quaintance, and enquire of those who have the name of honest and experienc'd Men, not only what Crimes are most frequently com­mitted in that Town, and what deceipts most us'd in Traffick, as I have already taught you in relation to Ormuz; but far­ther learn the Inclinations of the people, the Customs of the Country, the form [...] of Go­vernment, [Page 383] the receiv'd Opinions, and all things respecting the commerce of Humane Life. For believe me, the knowledge of those things, is very profitable to a Missio­ner, for the speedy curing of Spiritual Di­seases, and to have always at hand, where­withal to give ease to such as come before you.

You will understand from thence, on what point you are most to insist in preach­ing, and what chiefly to recommend in Con­fessions. This knowledge will make, that nothing shall be new to you, nothing shall surprise, or amase you; it will furnish you with the Address of conducting Souls, and even with Authority over them. The Men of the World, are accustom'd to despise the Religious, as people, who understand it not. But if they find one, who knows how to behave himself in Conversation, and has practis'd Men, they will admire him as an extraordinary person; they will give themselves up to him, they will find no dif­ficulty, even in doing violence to their own Inclinations, under his direction, and will freely execute [...] what he injoys, though never so repugnant to their corrupt Nature. Behold the wonderful fruit of knowing well the World; so that you are not at this pre­sent, to take less pains in acquiring this knowledge, than formerly you have done, in [Page 384] learning Philosophy, and Divinity. For what remains, this Science is neither to be learnt, from ancient Manuscripts, nor prin­ted Books; 'tis in living Books, and the Conversation of knowing Men, that you must study it: With it, you shall do more good, than if you dealt amongst the people, all the Arguments of the Doctors, and all the Subtilties of the School.

You shall set apart one day of the week, He gi [...]es him Cou [...]sel c [...]ncern­ing Reconcilia­tions. to reconcile differences, and regulate the Interests of such as are [...]t variance, and are preparing to go to Law. Hear them one after the other, and propose terms of Accommodation to them. Above all things, give them to understand, that they shall find their account in a friendly Reconciliation, sooner than in casting them­selves into eternal Suits, which without speaking of their Conscience, and their Credit, ever cost much Money, and more trouble. I know well, that this will not be pleasing to the Advocates and Proctors, whom t [...]e spinning out a Process, and tricks of wr [...]ngling, still enrich: But trouble not your self, with what those Bawlers say, and make even them comprehend, if it be possible, that by perpetuating Suits, by these numberless Formalities, they expose themselves to the danger of eternal Dam­nation. Endeavour also to ingage them [Page 385] into a Retirement of some few days, to the end, their spiritual Exercises, may work them off to other courses.

Stay not till your arrival at Ormuz be­fore you preach. He instracts him in the way of preaching well. Begin on Ship-board, and as soon as you come there. In your Ser­mons, affect not to make a shew of much Learning, or of a happy Memory, by ci­ting many passages of ancient Authors; some few are necessary, but let them be chosen and fitted to the purpose. Employ the best part of your Sermon, in a lively description of the interiour estate of world­ly Souls. Set before their Eyes in your Discourse, and let them see, as in a Glass, their own disquiets, their little cunnings, their trif [...]ing projects, and their vain hopes. You shall also shew them, the un­happy issue of all their designs. You shall discover to them, the snares which are l [...]id for them, by the evil Spirit, and teach them the means of shunning them. But, moreover, you shall tell them, That if they suffer themselves to be surpris'd by them, they are to expect the worst that can hap­pen to them; and by this you shall gain their attention: for a man never fails of attentive A [...]dience, when the Interest of the Hearer, is the Subject of the Dis­course. Stuff not out your S [...]rmons, with sublime Speculations, knotty Q [...]estions, [Page 386] and Scholastical Controversies. Those things which are above the level of men of the World, only make a noise and signifie no­thing. 'Tis necessary to represent men to themselves, i [...] you will gain them. But well to express, what passes in the bottom their Hearts, you must first understand them well; and in order to that, you must practise their Conversation, you must watch them narrowly, and fathom all their depths. Study then those living Books, and assure your self, you shall draw out of them, the means of turning Sinners, on what side you please.

I do not forbid you, nevertheless, to con­sult the holy Scriptures on requisite occasi­ons, nor the Fathers of the Church, nor the Canons, n [...]r Books of Piety, nor Treatises of Morality, they may furnish you with solid proof [...], for the establishment of Christian Truths, with Soveraign Remedies against Temptations, and Heroical Examples of V [...]rtue. But all this will appear too cold, and be to no purpose, if Souls be not dis­pos'd to profit by them; and they cannot profit but by the ways I have prescrib'd. So, that the duty of a Preacher, is to sound the bottom of Humane Hearts, to have an exact knowledge of the World, to make a faithful Picture of man, and set it in so true a light, that every one may know it for his own.

[Page 387] Since the King of Portugal, What he orders him concerning his subsistance, and touching Presents. has order'd, that you shall be allow'd from the Treasury, what is needful for your subsistance, make use of the favour of so charitable a Prince, and receive nothing but from his Ministers. If other persons will giv [...] you any thing, refuse it, though they shou'd offer it of their own meer motion. For as much, as it is of great consequence to the liberty of an Apo­stolical Man, not to owe his subsistance to those whom he ought to conduct in the way of Salvation, and whom he is bound to reprove, when they go astray from it. One may tru­ly say of those presents, That he who takes, is taken. And 'tis for this, that when we are to make a charitable Reprehension, to such of whom we receive Alms, we know not well, how to begin it, or in what words to dress it. Or if our Zeal imboldens us to speak freely, our words have less effect up­on them, because they treat us with an as­suming Air of loftiness, as if that which we receiv'd from them, had made them our Masters, and put them in possession of despi­sing us. What I say, relates chiefly to a sort of persons, who are plung'd in Vice, who wou'd willingly be credited with your friend­ship, and will endeavour by all good Offices, to make way to your good Will. Their de­sign is not to profit by your Conversation, for the amendment of their lives; all they pre­tend [Page 388] to, is to stop your Mouth, and to escape a Censure, which they know they have de­serv'd. Be upon your guard against such people; yet I am not of opinion, that you shou'd wh [...]lly reject them, or altogether de­spise their Courtesy: If they shou'd invite you to their Table, refuse it not; and yet less refuse their Pre [...]ents of small value, such as are usually made in the Indies, by the Portugueses to each other, and which one cannot refuse, without giving an affront; as for example, Fruits, and Drinks. At the same time, declare to them, that you only receive those little Gifts, in hope they will also receive your good Advice; and that you go to eat with them, only that you may dispose them, by a good Confession, to approach the holy Table. For such Pre­sents as I have nam'd, such I mean, as are not to be refus'd, when you have receiv'd t [...]em, send them to the Sick, to the Priso­n [...]rs, or to the Poor. The people will be ed [...]y'd with this procedure, and no occasion left of susp [...]cting you, either of niceness or [...].

For [...] relates to your abode, [...] you will see, at your arrival, and having prudently c [...]sider'd the state of things, you may judge where it will be most convenient for you to dwell, either in the Hospital, or the House [...] Mercy, or [...] little lodging, in the [Page 389] neighbourhood. If I think fit to call you to Japan, you shall immedately give notice of it, by writing to the Rectour of this Col­ledge, by two or three different conveyances, to the end, he may supply your place, with one of our Fathers, a man capable of assist­ing, and comforting the City of Ormuz. In fine, I recommend you to your self; and that in particular, you never forget, that you are a member of the Society of Jesus.

In the Conjunctures of Affairs, experience will best instruct you, what will be most for Gods service; for there is no better Master than Practice, and Observation, in matters of Prudence. Remember me al­ways in your Prayers; and take care, that they who are under your direction, recom­mend me in theirs, to the common Master, whom we serve. To conclude this long, In­struction, the last advice I give you, is, To read over this Paper carefully, once a week, that you may never forget any one of the Articles contain'd in it. May it please the Lord, to go along with you, to conduct you in your Voyage, and at the same time, to continue here with us.

Eight days after Gasper Barzo [...]us was gone for Ormus, He [...] f [...] Ja­pan. with his Companion Raymond Pereyra, Father Xavier went himself for Iapan: It was in April 15 [...]19. He imbark'd in a Galley, bound no far­ther [Page 390] than Cochin, where waited for him a S [...]ip, which was to go towards Ma­lacca. He took for Companions, Father Cozmo de Torrez, and Iohn Fernandez, besides the three Iaponneses, Paul de Sainte Foy, and his two Servants, Iohn and Anthony.

'Tis true, there imbark'd with him, in the same Galley, Emanuel Moralez, and Alphonso de Castro, but it was only that the Father might carry them to Malacca, from whence both of them were to be transported to the Molucca's. The Ship, which attended the Father at Cochin, being just ready to set sail, they made but a short stay, in that place: but it was not unprofitable. The Saint walk­ing one day, through the Streets, hap­pen'd to meet a Portuguese of his acquain­tance; and immediately ask'd him, how he was in health? The Portuguese an­swer'd, he was very well: yes, reply'd Xavier, in relation to your body, but in regard of your Soul, no man can be in a worse condition. This man, who was then designing in his heart a wicked a­ction. knew immediately that the Fa­ther saw into the bottom of it; and se­riously reflecting on it, follow'd Xavier, Con [...]ess'd himself, and chang'd his evil life. The Preaching of Castro, so charm'd [Page 391] the People, that they desir'd to have re­tain'd him at Cochin, there to have esta­blish'd the Colledge of the Society: But Xavier, who had design'd him for the Mo­lucca's, oppos'd it. And Providence, which destin'd the Crown of Martyrdom to that Missioner, suffer'd him not to con­tinue in a place, where they had nothing but veneration for him.

They left Cochin on the 25th of April, He arrives at Malacca, and what he per­forms there. and arriv'd at Malacca on the last of May. All the Town came to meet Fa­ther Xavier, and every particular Per­son was overjoy'd at his return. Al­phonso Martinez, grand Vicar to the Bi­shop, at that time lay dangerously Sick, and in such an Agony of Soul, as mov'd compassion. For having been advertis'd to put himself in condition of giving up his Accounts to God, of that Ministry which he had exercis'd for thirty years, and of all the actions of his life, he was so struck with the horrour of immediate death, and the disorders of his life, which was not very regular, for a man of his Profession, that he fell into a deep Me­lancholly, and totally despair'd of his Salvation. He cast out lamentable cryes, which a [...]righted the hearers; they heard him name his Sins alo [...]d, and detest them, with a furious regret, not that [Page 392] he might ask Pardon for them, but only to declare their enormity. When they wou'd have spoken to him of Gods infi­nite m [...]c [...], he broke out into a rage, and [...]r [...]'d out as loud as he was able, that there was no forgiveness for the Damn'd, and no mercy in the Bottom­less Pit. The sick man was told, that Father Francis was just arriv'd; and was ask'd [...] he shou'd not be glad to see him▪ Martinez, who formerly had been very nearly acquainted with him, seem'd to breathe anew, at the hearing of that name, and suddenly began to raise him­self, to go see (said he) the man of God. But the attempt he made, serv'd only to put him into a fainting Fit. The Father, entring at the same moment, found him in it. It had always been his custom, to make his first visit, to the Ecclesiastical Superiours; but besides this, the sickness of the Vicar, hasten'd the Visit. When the sick man, was come by little and little to himself, Xa­vier began to speak to him of Eternity, and of the conditions requisite to a Chri­stian death. This discourse threw Mar­tinez back again, into his former ter­rours; and the Servant of God, in this occasion, found that to be true, which he had often said, that nothing is more [Page 393] difficult, than to perswade a dying man to hope well of his Salvation, who in the course of his life, had [...]latter'd himself with the hopes of it, that he might Sin with the greater boldness.

Seeing the evil to be almost past re­medy, he undertook to do violence to Heaven, that he might obtain for the Sick man, the thoughts of true repen­tance, and the grace of a religious death. For he made a Vow upon the place, to say a great number of Masses, in honour of the most Holy Trinity, of the Blessed Virgin, of the Angels, and some of the Saints, to whom he had a particular de­votion. His Vows were scarcely made, when Martinez became calm; began to have reasonable thoughts, and receiv'd the last Sacraments, with a lively sor­row for his Sins, and a tender relyance on Gods Mercies; after which, he dy'd gently in the arms of Xavier, calling on the name of Iesus Christ.

His happy death gave great consola­tion to the Holy man; His [...] for the success of his Breth [...]en in their F [...]ions. but the Aposto­lick labours of Francis Perez, and Roch Oliveira, increas'd his joy. He had sent them the year before to Malacca, there to found a Colledge of the Society, ac­cording to the desire of the People, and they had been very well receiv'd. Pe­rez [Page 394] had begun to open a publick School, for the instruction of the youth in Learn­ing, and Piety, according to the Spirit of their Institute. Oliveira had wholly given himself to the Ministry of Preach­ing, and the conduct of Souls, but ty­ing himself more especially to the care of Turks and Iews, of which, there was always a vast Concourse in the Town. For the first, came expresly from Mecca, and the last from Malabar, to endeavour there to plant Mahometism, and Iudaism, where Christianity then flourish'd.

The Example of the two Missioners, drew many Portugueses to that kind of life, He receives a young Gentle­man, into the Society. of which they both made profession. The most considerable of all, was a young Gentleman, whose name was Iuan Bravo; who by his noble Birth and Valour, might justly hope to raise his fortunes in the World. But he pre [...]erring Evangelical Poverty, and Religious Hu­mility, before all those earthly expecta­tions, and establishments, was just then ready to have taken Ship for Goa, there to execute those thoughts, with which Heaven had inspir'd him, when he was inform'd, that Xavier wou'd take Ma­lacca in his way. He therefore waited for him, and in the mean time liv'd with Perez and Oliveira, as if he had been al­ready [Page 395] of the Society. At least he con­form'd himself as much as he was able, to their manners, and habited himself like them: that is to say, instead of rich Garments, he put on an old threed-bare Cassock, with which he look'd the World in the face, without having yet forsaken it. He perform'd the Spiritual Exerci­ses for a month together, and never came out of his retirement, but to em­ploy himself in works of Charity in the Hospital: There for three months, he attended the Sick, living in Poverty, and begging his Bread from door to door, even in the sight of Iames Sosa his Kins­man, Admiral of the Fleet, which was Rigging out for the Molucca's.

These Tryals oblig'd the Father to re­ceive Bravo into the Society. He ad­mitted him almost immediately, to take the first Vows, and finding in him an excellent foundation, for all the Aposto­lical Vertues, he took care to cultivate him; even so far, as to leave him in writing these following Rules, before his departure to Iapan.

' [...]was in this manner, that the holy Apostle, Francis Xavier, instructed the young men of the Society, and nothing, perhaps, cou'd better explain to us, the great resemblance, that was betwixt the Souls of Xavier, and Ignatius.

At this time, T [...]e n [...]ws which [...] [...]a [...]s from Japan. there came news from Ia­pan, and some Letters reported, That one of the Kings of that Island, had desir'd some Preachers to be sent to him, by an ex­press Embassy to the Viceroy of the Indies. That this King had learnt somewhat of the Christian Law, and that a strange ac­cident had made him desirous of knowing [Page 401] more. This accident was related in those Letters, after this following manner.

Some Portuguese Merchants, being land­ing at the Port, belonging of the Capi­tal City, of one of those Kingdoms of Ia­pan, were lodg'd by the King's order, in a forsaken House, which was thought to be haunted by evil Spirits; the common opinion, was not ill grounded, and the Portugueses soon perceiv'd, that their Lodging was disturb'd. They heard a horrible rumbling all the night; they felt themselves pull'd out of their Beds, and beaten in their sleep, without seeing any one. One night being awaken'd, at the cry of one of their Servants, and running with their Arms towards the place, from whence the noise was heard, they foun [...] the Servant on the ground, trembling for fear. They ask'd him the occasion of his out-cry, and why he shook in that manner: He answer'd, That he had seen a frightful Apparition, such a one, as Painters use to draw for the picture of the Devil▪ As this Servant, was not thought either [...]aint-hearted, or a liar, the Portugueses no longer doubted, what was the meaning of all that ratling and clutter, which they heard every night; to put an end to it, they set Crosses in all the Rooms, after which they heard no more of it.

[Page 402] The Iaponneses were much surpris'd, to hear the House was not at quiet: The King himself, to whom the Portugueses had said, That the Christian Cross had driven away the euil Spirits, admir'd that wonderful effect, and commanded Cros­ses to be set up in all places, even in his own Palaces, and in the High-ways. In consequence of this, he desir'd to be in­form'd, from whence the Cross deriv'd that Vertue? and for what cause the Devils so much fear'd it. Thus, by little and little, he enter'd into the My­steries of Faith. But as the Iaponneses are extreamly curious, not content to be instructed by Souldiers and Merchants, he thought of sending for Preachers, and in that prospect, sent an Embassadour to the Indies.

This news gave infinite satisfaction to Father Xavier, He disposes him­self for the Voyage of Japan, more earnestly than ever. and so much the more hasten'd his Voyage, by how much, he now perceiv'd the Iaponians were dispos'd to receive the Gospel. There were in the Port of Malacca, many Portuguese Vessels, in readiness to set Sail for Ia­pan, but all of them were to make many other Voyages by the way, which was not the Saints business. His only means, was to have recourse to a Iunck of Chi­na, (so they call those little Vessels) [Page 403] which was bound directly for Iapan. The Master of the Vessel, call'd Neceda, was a famous Pirate; a Friend to the Por­tugueses, notwithstanding the War which was newly declar'd against them; so well known by his Robberies at Sea, that his Ship was commonly call'd, The Ro­bers Vessel. Don Pedro de Sylva, Gover­nour of Malacca, got a promise from the Chines Captain, that he wou'd carry the Father, safely, and without injury, and took Hostages, to ingage him inviolably to keep his Faith; but what can be built on the word of a Pirate, and a wicked man?

Xavier, He goes from Malacca to Ja­pan; and wh [...] happens to him in the way. and his Companions imbark'd on the twenty fourth of Iune, in the dusk of the Evening; and set Sail the next Morning at break of day with a fa­vourable Wind. When they were out at Sea, the Captain, and Ships Crew, who were all Idolaters, set up a Pagod on the Poop; sacrifis'd to it in spight of Xavier, and all his Remonstrances to the contrary, and consulted him by Ma­gical Ceremonies, concerning the success of their Voyage. The answers were sometimes good, and sometimes ill: In the mean time they cast Anchor at an Isle, and there furnish'd themselves with Timber, against the furious gusts of those uncertain Seas. At the same time they [Page 404] renew'd their Interrogatories to their Idol; and cast Lotts, to know whether they shou'd have good Winds. The Lotts promis'd them a good passage, whereup­on the Pagans pursu'd their course merri­ly. But they were no sooner got out to Sea again, when they drew Lotts the third time, to know, whether the Iunk shou'd return sa [...]ely from Iapan to Malac­ca. The answer was, That they shou'd arrive happily at Iapan, but were never more to see Malacca. The Pirate▪ who was extreamly superstitious, resolv'd at the same instant, to change his Course; and in effect, tack'd about, and pass'd his time, in going to every Isle, which was in view. Father Xavier was sensibly displeas'd, that the Devil shou'd be Ma­ster of their destiny, and that all things shou'd be order'd, according to the An­swere of the Enemy of God and Man.

In cruising thus leisurely, they made the Coast of Cochin China; and the Tem­pests, which ro [...]e at the same time, threaten'd them more than once with Shipwrack. The Idolaters had recourse to their ordinary Superstitions. The Lott declar'd, that the Wind should fall, and that there was no danger. But an impe­tuous Gust so rais'd the Waves, that the Ma [...]iners were forc'd to lower their Sails, [Page 405] and cast Anchor. The shog of the Ves­sel, threw a young Chinese (whom Xa­vier had Christen'd, and carry'd along with him) into the Sink, which was then open. They drew him out half dead, much bruis'd, and hurt in the Head very dangerously. While they were dressing him, the Captain's Daughter fell into the Sea, and was swallow'd by the Waves, notwithstanding all they cou'd do to save her.

This dismal accident, drove Neceda to despair; And it was a lamentable sight, says Xavier himself▪ in one of his Let­ters, to behold the disorder in the Vessel. The loss of the Daughter, and the fear of Shipwrack, fill'd all with tears, and how­lings, and confusion.

Nevertheless, the Idolaters, instead of acknowledging, that their Idol had de­ceiv'd them with a lye, took pains to appease him, as if the death of the Chi­nese Woman, had been an effect of their Gods displeasure. They sacri [...]is'd Birds to him, and burnt Incense in honour of him; after which they cast Lotts again, to know the cause of this disaster which had befaln them. They were answer▪d, That if the young Christian, who had fell into the Sink, had d [...]'d the Captain's Daughter had been preserv'd. Then Ne­ceda, [Page 406] transported with fury, thought to throw Xavier and his Companions over­board. But the Storm ceasing in an in­stant, his mind grew calmer by degrees, he weigh'd Anchor, and set Sail again, and took the way of Canton, with intention there to pass the Winter. But the Designs of Men, and Power of Devils, can do nothing against the Decrees of Providence. A contrary Wind broke all the projects of the Captain, constraining him, in his own despight, to enter with full Sails in­to the Ocean of Iapan. And the same Wind carry'd the Iunk of the Pirate, toward Cangoxima, the birth-place of Anger, sir­nam'd Paul de Sainte Foy, they arriv'd there on the fifteenth of August, in the year 1549.

I Undertake not to make an exact de­scription of japan after those which have been made of it by Geogra­phers, The Situation of Japan, and the nature of the Country. and Travellers: By an ordinary view of the Chartes, and common read­ing of the Relations of the Indies. 'tis easy to understand that Iapan is situate at the extremity of Asia, over-against China, that it is a concourse of Islands which compose as it were one body; and [Page 408] that the chie [...]est of them, gives the name to all the rest: that this World of Islands, as 'tis call'd by a great Geographer, is fill'd with Mountains, some of which are inaccessible, and almost above the Clouds, that the Colds there are excessive, and that the Soil, which is fruitful in Mines of Gold and Silver, is not productive of much Grain, of any sort necessary to life, for want of cultivation. VVithout dwel­ling longer, either on the situation or nature of the Country, or so much as on the Customs and Manners of the Inha­bitants, of which, I have already said somewhat, and shall speak yet farther, as my Subject requires it. I shall here only touch a little on the Government and Religion, which of necessity are to be known, at the beginning, for the understanding of the History which I write.

Iapan was anciently one Monarchy. [...] The Emperour, whom all those Isles o­bey▪d, was call'd the Dairy: and was descended from the Camis, who accord­ing to the popular Opinion, came in a direct line from the Sun. The first Of­fice of the Empire was that of the Cubo, that is to say, Captain General of the Ar­my. For the raising of this Dignity, which in it self was so conspicuous, in pro­cess [Page 409] of time, the name of Sama was ad­ded to that of Cubo; for Sama in their Language signifies Lord. Thus the Ge­neral of Iapan, came to be call'd Cubo Sama.

Above three hundred years ago, the Cubo Sama then being, beholding the Scepter of Iapan in the hands of a Dairy, who was cowardly and es [...]eminate, re­volted from him, and got possession of the Regal Dignity. His design was to have reduc'd the whole Estate under his own Dominion: but he was only able to make himself Master of Meaco, where the Emperour kept his Court, and of the Provinces depending on it. The Go­vernours of other Provinces, maintain'd themselves in their respective Jurisdictions by force of Arms, and shook off the yoke, as well as he. Insomuch that the Monarchy came to be suddenly divided, into Sixty six Cantons, which all assum▪d the names of Kingdoms.

Since these revolutions, the King of Meaco, took the Title of Cubo Sama, and he who had been depriv'd of it, still re­tain'd the name of Dairy: and, except­ing only the Power, there was still le [...]t him all the priviledge of Royalty, in consideration of the Blood of the Camis; his Descendants have had always the [Page 410] same Title, and enjoy'd the same advan­tages. This in general, was the face of the Government, in the times of St. Fran­cis Xavier: for some years afterwards, Nabunanga, one of the Neighbour Kings to him of Meaco, defeated the Cubo Sama in a pitch'd Battle, and follow'd his blow with so much success; that having de­stroy'd all those petty Princes, he reuni­ted the whole Empire of Iapan, under his sole obedience.

As to what concerns a Religion, all the Iaponians, The Religion of the Japonneses when the Fa­ther arriv'd in that Country. excepting some few who make profession of Atheism, and believe the Soul mortal, are Idolaters, and hold the transmigration of Souls, after the Doctrine of Pythagoras. Some of them pay Di­vine Worship to the Sun and Moon; o­thers to the Camis, those Ancient Kings, of whom we have made mention, and to the Potoques, the Gods of China. There are divers of them who adore some kinds of Beasts, and many who adore the Devil under dreadful Figures. Besides these, they have a certain Mysterious Deity whom they call Amida; and say this God has built a Paradise of such distance from the Earth, that the Souls cannot reach it under a Voyage of three years. But the God Xaca, is he, of whom they report the greatest Wonders; who seems to be [Page 411] a counter [...]eit of the true Messiah, set up by the Devil himself, or by his Ministers. For if one wou'd give credit to them, Xaca being born of a Queen, who ne­ver had the carnal knowledge of Man, retir'd into the Desarts of Siam, and there under-went severe Penances, to expiate the Sins of Men: that coming out of his Wilderness, he assembled some Disciples, and preach'd an Heavenly Doctrine in divers Countries.

'Tis incredible how many Temples have been built to the ho­nour of Amida and Xaca: all the Cities are full of them, The Six Iesuites who were sent to Siam in 1685, in their relation of the Religion of the Siamois, which much resembles this of Japan, guess, with more probability, that these Opinions were the Corruptions of the Doctrine preach'd in the Indies by St. Thomas. and their magnificence is equal to their number. Nor is it easie to imagine, how far their superstition carries the Worshippers of these two Deities. They throw themselves headlong down from Rocks, or bury themselves alive in Caves, and 'tis ordinary to see Barques, full of Men and Women, with Stones hanging at their necks, and singing the praises of their Gods, after which, they cast themselves into the Sea.

For what remains, the Spirit of Lyes, has establish'd in Iapan, a kind of Hie­rarchy, not unlike that of the Catholique [Page 412] Church. For these People have a Chief of their Religion, and a kind of Sove­raign Priest, whom they call Sa [...]o. He keeps his Court in the Capital City of the Empire; and 'tis he who approves the Sects, who institutes the Ceremonies, who Consecrates, if I may be allow'd to say so, the Tundi, who resemble our Bi­shops, and whose principal Function, is to ordain the Priests of Idols, by con­ferring on them the power of offering Sa­crifice. These Priests, who are call'd Bonzes, part of them living in Desarts, the rest in Towns, all affect a rigid au­sterity of manners, and are amongst the Iaponneses, what the Brachmans are a­mongst the Indians, unless that they are yet more impious, and greater Hy­pocrites.

To resume our History, Paul de sainte Foy, goes to wa [...]t on the King of Saxu­ma. immediately after the arrival of Xavier and his Com­panions, Paul de Sainte Foy, whom for­merly we call'd Anger, went to pay his duty to the King of Saxuma; on which Congoxlma is depending, and whose Pa­lace is about the distance of six Leagues from it. That Prince who had hereto­fore shewn great favour to him. receiv'd him with much humanity, and with so much the greater joy, because he had believ'd him dead. This kind reception [Page 413] gave Paul de Sainte Foy the confidence to petition the King for the pardon of that action, which had occasion'd his departure, and it was not difficult for him to obtain it.

The King, naturally curious, as the Iaponians generally are, enquir'd much of him, concerning the Indies; as what was the nature of the Country, and the hu­mour of the People, and whether the Por­tugueses were as brave, and as powerful, as they were represented by common Fame. When Paul had satisfy'd him on these and the like Particulars, the discourse fell on the different Religions in the Indies, and finally on Christianity, which was introduc'd by the Portugueses in India.

Paul unfolded at large the Mysteries of our Faith, That which pass'd at the Court of Saxu­ma. and seeing with what plea­sure he was heard, produc'd a Tablet of the Virgin, holding the little Iesus in her arms. The Tablet was very curious, and Xavier had given it to this Iapon­nese, that he might shew it, as occasion offer'd. The sight alone of this excel­lent Painting, wrought so much upon the King, that being touch'd with thoughts of Piety and Reverence, he sell on his knees, with all his Courtiers, to honour the Persons therein represented; which seem'd to him, to have an air that was more than humane.

[Page 414] He commanded it shou'd be car­ried to the Queen his Mother. She was also charm'd with it, and prostrated her self by the same instinct, with all the La­dies of her Train, to salute the Mother and the Son. But, as the Ioponian Wo­men are yet more inquisitive than the men, she ask'd more inquisitive than the men, she ask'd a thousand questions con­cerning the Blessed Virgin and our Sa­viour, which gave Paul the desir'd op­portunity, of relating all the Life of Iesus Christ; and this Relation so much pleas'd the Queen, that some few days after, when he was upon his return to Cangoxima, she sent one of her Officers to have a Copy of the Tablet: which she had seen: but a Painter was not to be found to satisfie her curiosity. She re­quir'd that at least she might have an abridgment in writing of the chief Points of Christianity, and was satisfy'd therein by Paul.

The Father overjoy'd at these good inclinations of the Court, The Saint ap­plyes himself to the study of the Japonian Tongue. thought ear­nestly of making himself capable to preach in the Language of the Country. There is but one Language spoken through all Iapan: but that so ample, and so full of variety, that in effect, it may be said to contain many Tongues. They make use of certain words, and [Page 415] Phrases, in familiar Discourse; and of others in studied compositions. The Men of quality have a Language quite differ­ing from the Vulgar. Merchants and Souldiers have a Speech proper to their several Professions, and the Women speak a Dialect distinct from any of the rest. When they treat on a sublime Subject, for Example, of Religion, or Affairs of State, they serve themselves of particu­lar terms; and nothing appears more incongruous amongst them, than to confound these different manners of ex­pression.

The holy Man had already some light notions of all these Languages, by the communication he had with the three Iaponian Christians; but he knew not enough to express him with ease and readiness, as himself acknowledges in his Epistles, where he says, that he and his Companions, at their first arrival, stood like Statues, mute and motionless. He therefore apply'd himself with all dili­gence, to the study of the Tongue, which he relates in these following words. We are return'd to our Infancy, says he, and all our business at present, is to learn the first Elements of the Japonian Grammar. God give us the grace to imitate the simplicity and innocence of Children, as well as to pra­ctise the exercises of Children.

[Page 416] We ought not to be astonish'd in this passage, last quoted, that a man to whom God had many times communicated the gift of Tongues, shou'd not speak that of Iapan, and that he shou'd be put to the pains of studying it. Those favours were transient, and Xavier never expected them. Insomuch, that being to make abode in a Country, he studied the Language of it, as if he cou'd not have arriv'd to the knowledge of it, but by his own industry. But the holy Spirit assisted him after an extraordinary manner, on those occasi­ons, as we have formerly observ'd. And we may say, that the easiness wherewith he learnt so many Tongues, was almost equivalent to the lasting gift of them.

While Xavier and his Companions were labouring to acquire that knowledge which was necessary for their preaching the word of Iesus Christ, He baptizes the whole Family of Paul de Sainte Foy. to the People of Cangoxima, Paul de Sainte Foy, with whom they lodg'd, himself instructed his own Family: God gave that Blessing to his Zeal, that besides his Mother, his Wife and Daughter, many of his Relations were converted and baptiz'd by Xavier. Within the compass of forty days, the Saint understood enough of the Language to undertake the translation of the Apo­stles Creed, and the Exposition of it, which [Page 417] he had compos'd in India. As fast as he translated, he got every parcel of it by Heart, and with that help, was of Opi­nion, that he might begin to declare the Gospel. But seeing that in Iapan, all the Measures of the Laws and Customs, are to be taken, and observ'd with great ex­actness, and nothing to be attempted in publick, without permission from the Go­vernment, he wou'd first visit the King of Saxuma, and chose the time, on the day of St. Michael the Arch-Angel. He had put the whole Empire under the protecti­on of that glorious General of the Coe­lestial Host, who chas'd the Rebellious Angels out of Heaven, and recommend­ed in his daily Prayers to him, that he wou'd exterminate those Devils from Ia­pan, who had usurp'd the Dominion of it, for so many Ages.

The Apostle of the Indies was not un­known at the Court of Saxuma. He goes to the Court of Saxu­ma, and is well receiv'd. Paul de Sainte Foy, had spoken of him there, in such a manner, as infus'd the desire of seeing him into all Hearts, and caus'd him to be look'd on with admiration, when he first appear'd. The King and Queen treated him with honour, testi­fy'd great affection to him, and discours'd with him the better part of the night. They cou'd not but be astonish'd that he [Page 418] and his Companions, were come from another World, and had pass'd through so many stormy Seas, not out of an avari­tious design, of enriching themselves with the Gold of Iapan, but only to teach the Iaponneses the true way of E­ternal Life. From the very first meet­ing, the King caution'd Xavier, to keep safely all the Books and Writings, which contain'd the Christian Doctrine; For, said he, if your Faith be true, the Demons will be sure to fly furiously upon you; and all manner of mischief is to be expected from their Malice. Afterwards he gran­ted permission to the Saint to preach the Christian Law, within the whole extent of his Dominions; and farther caus'd his Letters Patents to be expedited, by vertue of which, all his Subjects had free liberty of being made Christians, if they so desir'd.

Xavier took advantage of this happy conjuncture; He begins to preach at Can­goxima, and co [...]verts many. and deferr'd no longer his preaching in Cangoxima. He began by explaining the first Articles of the Creed. That of the Existence of one God, all powerful, the Creatour of Heaven and Earth was a strange surprise to his Audi­tours, who knew nothing of a first Being, on whom the Universe depended, as on its Cause and Principle. The other Articles [Page 419] which respect the Trinity, and Incarnati­on, appear'd to them yet more incredi­ble: Insomuch, that some of them held the Preacher for a Mad-man, and laugh'd him to scorn. Notwithstanding which, the wiser sort, cou'd not let it sink into their Belief, that a Stranger, who had no Interest to deceive them, shou'd un­dergo so many hardships and dangers, and come so far, on set purpose, to cheat them with a Fable. In these considera­tions, they were desirous of clearing those doubts, which possess'd them, in relation to those Mysteries which they had heard. Xavier answer'd them so distinctly, and withal so reasonably▪ with the assistance of Paul de Sainte Foy, who serv'd him for Interpreter, in case of need, that the greatest part satisfy'd with his solutions, came over to the Faith.

The first who desir'd Baptism, and re­ceiv'd it, was a man of mean condition, destitute of the goods of Fortune; as if God will'd, that the Church of Iapan shou'd have the same Foundations, of meanness and Poverty, with the Univer­sal Church: the name of Bernard was gi­ven him, and by his Vertue he became in process of time Illustrious.

[Page 420] In the mean time, He visits the B [...]nza's, and endea [...]s to ga [...]n the [...]. Xavier visited the Bonza's, and endeavour'd to gain their good-will, being persuaded, that Chri­stianity wou'd make but little progress amongst the people, if they oppos'd the preaching of the Gospel: And on the o­ther side, judging that all the World wou'd embrace the Law of the true God, in case they shou'd not openly resist it. His good behaviour, and frankness im­mediately gain'd him the favour of their Chief; he was a man of fourscore years of age, and for a Bonza, a good honest man: in that estimation of Wisdom, that the King of Saxuma, intrusted him with his most important Affairs, and so well vers'd in his Religion, that he was sir­nam'd Ningit, which is to say, the Heart of Truth. But this name was not alto­gether proper to him; and Xavier pre­sently perceiv'd, that the Veillard, knew not what to believe, concerning the im­mortality of the Soul; saying sometimes, That our Souls were nothing different from those of Beasts; at other times, That they came from Heaven, and that they had in them somewhat of Divine.

These uncertainties of a Mind, He [...] the S [...]s [...]words [...] the chief of the Bonza's. float­ing betwixt truth and falshood, gave Xa­vier the occasion of proving the immor­tality of the Soul, in the Conversations [Page 421] they had together; and he reason'd strongly thereupon, according to natu­ral Principles alone. Yet his Arguments had no other effect, than the praises which were given them. Ningit com­mended the Knowledge of the European Bonza, (so they call'd the Father) and was satisfy'd, that no man had a deeper insight into Nature. But he still re­main'd doubtful on the business of Reli­gion; either out of shame to change his Opinion at that age, or perhaps, because those who have doubted all their life, are more hard to be convinc'd, than those who have never believ'd at all.

The esteem which Ningit had for Xa­vier, caus'd him to be had in great re­pute with the rest of the Bonza's. They heard him with applause, when he spoke of the Divine Law, and confess'd open­ly, That a man who was come from the other end of the World, through the midst of so many dangers, to preach a new Religion, cou'd only be inspir'd by the Spirit of Truth, and cou'd propose nothing, but what was worthy of be­lief.

The Testimony of the Bonza's autho­ris'd the preaching of the Gospel; but their scandalous way of living, hinder'd them from following our holy Law. [Page 422] Notwithstanding, before the conclusion of the year, two of them of less corrupt manners than the rest, or more faithful to the Grace of Iesus Christ, embrac'd Christianity; and their Example wrought so far upon the Inhabitants of Congoxima, that many of them desir'd to be bap­tis'd.

These first fruits of preaching promis'd greater; The Bonza's [...]ise against him▪ and the Faith flourish'd daily more and more in Congoxima; when a Persecution rais'd on a sudden, ruin'd these fair expectations, and stopt the Progress of the Gospel. The Bonza's, surpriz'd to see the People ready to for­sake the Religion of the Country, open'd their eyes to their own interest, and ma­nifestly saw, that if this now Religion were once receiv'd, as they only liv'd on the Alms and O [...]erings which were made to their Deities, they shou'd be wholly depriv'd of their subsistan [...]e, They judg'd, in consequence, that this evil was to be remedy'd, before it grew un­curable; and nothing was to be spar'd, for the rooting out these Portuguese Prea­chers. It was then mani [...]est, that those Religious Idolaters, who at first had been so favourable to Xavier, now made open War against him. They decry'd him in all places, and publickly treated him as [Page 423] an Impostor. Even so far they pro­ceeded, that one day as he was Preach­ing, in one of the publick places of the City, a Bonza interrupted him in the midst of his discourse, and warn'd the People not to trust him; saying, That it was a Devil, who spoke to them in the like­ness of a Man.

This outrageousness of the Bonza's fail'd of the effect which they desir'd; The Bonza's succeed not in their Vndertaking. the Iaponians, who are naturally men of wit, and Plain Dealers, came easily to understand the motives of their Priests, to change their manner of Behaviour, and finding interest in all they said or did, grew more and more attentive to the Doctrine of the Father.

Some of them upbraided the Bonza's, that their proper concernments had kindled their zeal to such an heighth: that Religion was not to be defended by calumnies, and a [...]ronts, but by solid Ar­guments. That if the Doctrine of the European was false, why did they not de­monstrate clearly the falshood of it; that for the rest, it was of little conse­quence, whether this new Preacher was a Demon or a Man; and that truth was to be receiv'd, whosoever brought it: that after all, he liv'd with great au­sterity, and was more to be credited than any of them.

[Page 424] In effect, He leads a most aus [...]ere Life. Xavier for the edification of the People, who commonly judge by appearances of things, abstain'd entirely both from Flesh and Fish. Some bitter Roots and Pulse boyl'd in water, were all his nourishment, in the midst of his continual labours. So that he practis'd rigorously, and litterally, that abstinence of which the Bonza's make profession, or rather that which they pretend to practise. And he accustom'd himself to this immediately, upon what Paul de Sainte Foy had told him, that it wou'd look ill if a Religious Christian, shou'd live with less austerity, than the Priests of Idols shou'd in their course of Life.

The wonders which God wrought, He w [...]s di­vers Mi [...]acles. by the Ministration of his Servant, gave farther confirmation to the Christian Law. The Saint walking out one day up-the Sea shore, met certain Fishers, who were spreading their empty Nets, and complain'd of their bad fortune. He had pity on them, and after making some short Prayers, he advis'd them to Fish once more. They did so, on his word, and took so many Fish, and of such several sorts, that they cou'd hardly draw their Nets. They continued their Fishing for some days after, with the [Page 425] same success; and what appears more wonderful, the Sea of Cangoxima, which was scarce of Fish, from that time for­ward had great plenty.

A Woman, who had heard reports of the Cures which the Apostle had made in the Indies, brought him her little Child, who was swell'd over all the Body, even to deformity. Xavier took the Infant in his arms, look'd on him with eyes of pity, and pronounc'd thrice over him these words, God bless thee; after which, he gave the Child back to his Mother, so well, and beautiful, that she was transported with joy and ad­miration.

This Miracle made a noise about the Town; and gave occasion to a Leper, to hope a cure for his Disease, which he had sought in vain for many years. Not daring to appear in publick, because his uncleanness had excluded him from the Society of men, and made him loath­some to all Companies; he sent for Xa­vier, who at that time happen'd to be ingag'd in business, and cou'd not come; but deputed one of his Companions to visit him; giving order to ask him thrice, if he was content to believe in Christ, in case he shou'd be heal'd of his Lepro­sie; and thrice to make the sign of the [Page 426] Cross over him, if he promis'd constantly to embrace the Faith. All things pass'd according to the Commission of the Fa­ther: the Leper oblig'd himself to be­come a Christian upon the recovery of his health; and the sign of the▪ Cross was no sooner made over him, but his whole body became as clean, as if he had never been infected with Leprosy. The sud­denness of the Cure, wrought in him to believe in Christ, without farther dif­ficulty, and his lively Faith brought him hastily to Baptism.

But the most celebrated Miracle which Xavier wrought in Cangoxima, He raises a Maid from Death. was the Resurrection of a young Maid of Qua­lity. She died in the flower of her youth, and her Father who lov'd her tenderly, was ready to go distracted with his loss. Being an Idolater, he had no sourse of comfort remaining for his affliction, and his Friends, who came to condole with him, instead of easing, did but aggravate his grief; two new Christians, who came to see him, before the Burial of his Daughter, advis'd him to seek his remedy from the holy man, who wrought such Wonders, and beg her life of him, with strong assurance of success.

The Heathen, perswaded by these new Believers, that nothing was impossible to [Page 427] this European Bonza, and beginning to hope against all humane appearances, af­t [...]r the custom of the distrest, who easily believe, what they infinitely desire, goes to find Father Xavier, throws himself at his feet, and with tears in his eyes, be­seeches him, to raise up from death his only Daughter; adding, that the favour wou'd be to give a Resurrection to him­self. Xavier mov'd at the faith, and af­fliction of the Father, withdraws, with Fernandez his Companion, to recommend his desire to Almighty God; and ha­ving ended his Prayer, returns a little time after, Go, says he to the sorrowful Father, your Daughter is alive.

The Idolater, who expected that the Saint wou'd have accompanied him to his house, and there call'd upon the name of his God, over the Body of his Daugh­ter, thought himself ill us'd, and cheated, and went away dissatisfy'd. But before he had walk'd many steps homeward, he saw one of his Servants, who transported with joy, cried out aloud to him, at a distance, that his Daughter liv'd. Soon after this, his Daughter came her self to meet him, and related to her Father, that her Soul was no sooner departed from her Body, but it was seiz'd by two ugly Fiends, who wou'd have thrown her [Page 428] headlong into a Lake of Fire; but that two unknown Persons, whose Counte­nances were venerably modest, snatch'd her out of the gripe of her two Executi­oners, and restor'd her to li [...]e, but in what manner she cou'd not tell.

The Iaponian, suddenly apprehended, who were the two Persons concern'd in her Relation, and brought her straight to Xavier, to acknowledge the miracu­lous favour [...]he had receiv'd. She no sooner cast her eyes on him, and on Fer­nandez, than she cry'd out, Behold my two Redeemers! and at the same time, both she, and her Father desir'd Baptism. Nothing of this nature had ever been seen in that Country: no History ever made mention that the Gods of Iapan had the power of reviving the dead. So that this Resurrection, gave the People a high conception of Christianity, and made famous the name of Father Xavier.

But nothing will make more evident how much a Favourite he was to Hea­ven, God avenges the Saint. and how prevalent with that God, whom he declar'd, than that exemplary Judgment, with which Divine Justice, punish'd the bold impiety of a man, who either carried on by his own▪ madness, or exasperated by that of the Bonza's, one [Page 429] day rail'd at him, with soul injurious Language. The Saint suffer'd it with his accustom'd mildness, and only said these words to him, with somewhat a melancholly Countenance, God preserve your Mouth. Immediately the Miscreant felt his tongue eaten with a Cancer, and there issued out of his mouth a purulent Matter, mix'd with Worms, and a stench that was not to be endur'd. This Ven­geance, so visible, and so sudden, ought to have struck the Bonza's with terrour; but their great numbers assur'd them in some measure, and all of them acting in a Body against the Saint, each of them had the less fear, for his own particular. What rais'd their indignation to the height, was that a Lady of great Birth and Riches, Wife to one of the most con­siderable Lords of all the Court, and ve­ry liberal to the Pagods, was solemnly Baptis'd with all the Family.

Seeing they prevail'd nothing by the ways they had attempted, A new Persecu­tion rais'd a­gainst Xavier, by the Bonza's. and that Per­sons of Quality, were not less enamour'd of the Christian Doctrine, than the vul­gar, and on the other side, not daring to use violence, in respect of the King's Edicts, which permitted the profession of Christianity, they contriv'd a new Artifice, which was to address a com­plaint [Page 430] to the King, of the King himself, on the part of their Country Deities. The most considerable of the Bonza's ha­ving been elected, in a general Assem­bly for this Embassy, went to the Prince, and told him, with an air rather threat­ning than submissive, that they came in the name of Xaca and Amida, and the other Deities of Iapan, to demand of him, into what Country he wou'd ba­nish them? that the Gods were looking out for new habitations, and other Tem­ples, since he drove them shamefully out of his Dominions, or rather out of theirs, to receive in their stead a stranger God, who usurps to himself Divine honours, and will neither admit of a Superiour, nor an Equal. They added haughtily, that 'tis true he was a King; but what a kind of King was a profane Man? was it for him to be the Arbiter of Religion, and to judge the Gods? what probability was there too, that all the Religions of Iapan shou'd err, and the most prudent of the Nation be deceiv'd after the run of so many Ages? what wou'd Posterity say, when they shou'd hear that the King of Saxuma, who held his Crown from A­mida and Xaca, overthrew their Altars, and depriv'd them of the honours, which they had so long enjoy'd? but what [Page 431] wou'd not the Neighbouring Provinces attempt, to revenge the injury done to their Divinities? that all things seem'd lawful to be done, on such occasions; and the least he had to fear, was a civil war, and that so much the more bloody, because it was founded on Religion.

The Conjuncture in which the Bon­za's found the King, The King of Saxuma, is turn'd against Xavier and the Christians. was favourable to them. It was newly told him, that the Ships of Portugal, which usually landed at Cangoxima, had now bent their course to Firando, and was extreamly troubled at it; not only because his Estates shou'd receive no more advantage by their Trade, but also because the King of Fi­rando, his Enemy, wou'd be the only gainer by his loss. As the good-will which he shew'd in the beginning to Father Xavier, had scarce any other Principle but Interest, he grew cold to him imme­diately after this ill news; and this cold­ness, made him [...] incline to hearken to the Bonza's. He granted all they demanded of him, and [...]orbad his Subjects on pain of death, to become Christians, or to forsake the old Religion of their Coun­trey.

Whatsoever good inclinations there were in the People to receive the Gospel, these new Edicts hinder'd those of Cangoxima, [Page 432] from any farther Commerce with the three Religious Christians; so easily the favour or displeasure of the Prince, can turn the People.

They, not withstanding, whose heart the Almighty had already touch'd, and who were Baptis'd, far from being want­ing to the grace of their Vocation, were more increas'd in Faith, not exceeding the number of an hundred; they found themselves infinitely acknowledging to the Divine Mercy, which had elected them to compose this little Flock. Per­secution it self augmented their servour; and all of them declar'd to Father Xa­vier, that they were ready to suffer Ba­nishment, or Death, for the honour of our Saviour.

Though the Father was nothing doubt­ful of their Constancy, The Saint for­ [...]ties the Chri­stians, before he lea [...]es them. yet he wou'd forti [...]ie them by good Discourses, before he left a Town and Kingdom, where there was no farther ho [...]e of extending the Christian Faith. For which reason he daily assembled them; where having read some passages of Scripture, Tran­slated into their own Language, and suitable to the present condition of that Infant Church, he explain'd to them some one of the Mysteries of our Sa­viour's Life; and his Auditours were so [Page 433] fill'd with the interiour Unctions of the Holy Spirit, that they interrupted his speech at every moment, with their sighs and tears.

He had caus'd divers Copies of his Catechism to be taken, He causes his Catechism to be Printed, before his departure. for the use of the Faithful. Having augmented it by a more ample Exposition of the Creed, and added sundry spiritual Instructions, with the Life of our Saviour, which he entirely. Translated, he caus'd it to be Printed in Iaponnese Characters, that it might be spread through all the Nation. At this time the two Converted Bonza's, and two other Baptis'd iaponians, under­took a Voyage to the Indies, to behold with their own eyes, what the Father had told them, concerning the splendour of Christianity at Goa; I mean the mul­titude of Christians, the magnificence of the Churches, and the beauty of the Ec­clesiastick Ceremonies.

At length he departed from Cangoxima, He departs from Cangoxima. at the beginning of September, in the year 1550, with Cozmo de Torrez, and Iohn Fernandez, carrying on his back, according to his Custom, all the neces­sary Utensils for the Sacrifice of the Mass. Before his departure, he recom­mended the Faithful to Paul de Sainte Foy. 'Tis wonderful, that these new Chri­stians [Page 434] berest of their Pastours, shou'd maintain themselves in the midst of Pa­ganism, and amongst the Persecuting Bonza's, and not one single man of them shou'd be perverted from the Faith. It happen'd, that even their exemplary lives, so edify'd their Countrey-men, that they gain'd over many of the Idolaters: inso­much, that in the process of some few years, the number of Christians was en­creas'd to five hundred Persons; and the King of Saxuma wrote to the Viceroy of the Indies, to have some of the Fathers of the Society, who shou'd publish through all his Territories, a Law so holy and so pure. The news which came, that the Portuguese Vessels, which came lately to Iapan, had taken their was to Firando, caus'd Xavier to go thither; and the ill Intelligence betwixt the two Princes, gave him hopes that the King of Firando, wou'd give him and his two Companions a good reception.

They happen'd upon a Fortress on their way, He [...]oes to the Castle of Ek [...]n­ [...]no. belonging to a Prince call'd Ekandono, who was Vassal to the King of Saxuma. It was situate on the heighth of a Rock, and defended by ten great Bastions. A solid Wall, incompass'd it, with a wide and deep Ditch, cut through the middle of the Rock. Nothing but [Page 435] fearful Precipices on every side; and the Fortress approachable by one onely way, where a Guard was plac'd both day and night. The inside of it was as pleasing, as the outside was full of horrour. A stately Palace compos'd the Body of the place, and in that Palace were Portico's, Galleries, Halls, and Chambers, of an admirable Beauty, all was cut in the living stone, and wrought so curiously, that the works seem'd to be cast within a Mould, and not cut by the Chizzel.

Some People of the Castle, who were returning from Cangoxima, and who had there seen Xavier, invited him by the way, to come and visit their Lord; not doubting but Ekandono, wou'd be glad to see so famous a Person.

Xavier who sought all occasions of publishing the Gospel, He declares the Gospel before Ekandono, and the fruits of his Preaching. lost not that op­portunity. The good reception which was made him, gave him the means of teaching immediately the true Religion, and the ways of Eternal Life. The At­tendants of the Prince, and Souldiers of the Garrison, who were present, were so mov'd, both by the Sanctity, which shone in the Apostles Countenance, and by the truth which beam'd out in all his words, that after the clearing of their doubts, seventeen of them at once de­manded [Page 436] Baptism: and the Father Chri­sten'd them in presence of the Tono (so the Iaponnese call the Lord or Prince of any particular place.) The rest of them were possess'd with the same desire, and had receiv'd the same favour, if Ekando­no had not oppos'd it by reason of state, and contrary to his own inclinations, for fear of some ill Consequences from the King of Saxuma: For in his heart he acknowledg'd Iesus Christ, and permit­ted Xavier privately to Baptise his Wife, and his Eldest Son. For the rest, he promis'd to receive Baptism, and to de­clare himself a Christian. when his Sove­raign shou'd be favourable to the Law of God.

The Steward of Ekandono's household, What [...] of the Fa [...]h in the n [...]w Ch [...]istians of the Castle. was one who embrac'd the Faith. He was a man step'd into years, and of great prudence. Xavier committed the new Christians to his care, and put into his hands the form of Baptism in writing; the Exposition of the Creed, the Epitome of our Saviour's Life, the Seven penitential Psalms, the Letanies of the Saints, and a Table of Saints-days, as they are Celebrated in the Church. He himself set apart a place in the Palace, proper for the Assemblies of the Faith [...]ul, and appointed the Stew­ard to call together as many of the Pa­gans [Page 437] as he cou'd, to read both to the one and the other sort, some part of the Christian Doctrine every Sunday, to cause the Penitential Psalms to be sung on every Friday, and the Letanies every day. The Steward punctually perform'd his Orders, and those seeds of Piety grew up so fast, that some few years after, Louis Almeyda found above an hundred Chri­stians in the Fortress of Ekandono, all of an orderly and innocent conversation; modest in their Behaviour, assiduous in Prayer, Charitable to each other, severe to themselves, and Enemies to their Bo­dies; insomuch that the place had more resemblance to a Religious house, than to a Garrison. The Tono, tho' still an Idolater, was present at the Assemblies of the Christians, and permitted two little Children of his to be Baptis'd.

One of these new Converts, Thoughts of a Christian of E­kandono. compos'd elegantly in his Tongue, the History of the Redemption of Mankind, from the fall of Adam, to the coming down of the Holy Ghost; the same man, being once interrogated, what answer he wou'd return the King, in case he shou'd com­mand him to renounce his Faith? I wou'd boldly answer him, said he, in this man­ner. Sir, You are desirous, I am certain, that, being born your Subject, I shou'd be [Page 438] faithful to you; you wou'd have me ready to hazard my Life in your interests, and to dye for your Service. Yet farther, you wou'd have me moderate with my Equals; gentle to my Inferiours, obedient to my Su­periours, equitable towards all; and for these Reasons, command me still to be a Christian; for a Christian is oblig'd to be all this. But if you forbid me the Pro­fession of Christianity, I shall become at the same time, Violent, Hard-hearted, Inso­lent, Rebellious, Vnjust, Wicked, and I cannot answer for my self, that I shall be other.

As to what remains, He leaves a Discipline with the Steward of Ekandono, and the use he makes of it. Xavier when he took leave of the Old Steward, whom he constituted Superiour of the rest, left him a Discipline, which himself had us'd formerly. The Old man kept it Reli­giously as a Relique, and wou'd not that the Christians in the Assemblies, where they chastis'd themselves, shou'd make a common use of it. At the most he suffer'd not any of them, to give them­selves above two or three stroaks with it, so fearful he was of wearing it out; and he told them, that they ought to make use of it the less, in chastising their flesh, that it might remain for the preservation of their health. And in­deed it was that Instrument which God [Page 439] commonly employ'd for the Cures of sick Persons in the Castle. The Wise of Ekandono, being in the Convulsions of death, was instantly restor'd to health, after they had made the sign of the Cross over her, with the Discipline of the Saint.

Xavier at his departure, He leaves a lit­tle Book with the Wise of E­kandono, and for what it serv'd. made a Pre­sent to the same Lady, of a little Book, wherein the Litanies of the Saints, and some Catholiqu [...] Prayers were written with his own hand. This also in fol­lowing times was a Fountain of Miracu­lous Cures, not only to the Christians, but also the Idolaters. And the Ton [...] himself, in the height of a mortal sick­ness, recover'd his health, on the in­stant, that the Book was applied to him by his Wife. So that the People of the Fortress, said that their Prince was rais'd to life, and that it cou'd not be perform'd by humane means.

The Saint and his Companions being gone from thence, He arrives at Firando; and what reception he had there. pursu'd their Voy­age, sometimes by Sea, and sometimes travel'd by Land. After many labours chearfully undergone by them, and ma­ny dangers which they pass'd, they ar­riv'd at the Port of Firando, which was the end of their undertaking. The Por­tuguese [Page 440] did all they were able, for the honourable reception of Father Xavier. All the Artillery was discharg'd at his arrival, all the Ensigns and Streamers were display'd, with sound of Trumpets; and, in fine, all the Ships gave shouts of joy, when they beheld the man of God. He was conducted, in spight of his re­pugnance, with the same p [...]mp to the Royal Palace; and that magnificence was of no small importance, to make him consider'd in a Heathen Court, who without it might have been despis'd; since nothing was to be seen in him, but simplicity and poverty. The King of Firando, whom the Portugueses gave to understand, how much the man whom they presented to him was valued by their Master, and what credit he had with him, receiv'd him with so much the greater favour, because he knew the King of Cangoxima, had forc'd him to go out of his Estates: for to oblige the Crown of Portugal, and do a despight to that of Cangoxima, he presently im­power'd the three Religious Christians to publish the Law of Iesus Christ, through all the extent of his Dominions.

Immediately they fell on preaching in the Town, He preaches at Fr [...]nd [...], with great [...]u [...]ess. and all the People ran to hear the European Bonza's. The first [Page 441] Sermons of Xavier made a great impressi­on on their Souls; and in less than twen­ty days, he baptis'd more Insidels at Fi­rando, than he had done in a whole year at Cangoxima. The facility which he found of reducing those people, under the obedience of the Faith, made him re­solve to leave with them Cosmo de Torrez, to put the finishing hand to their Con­version, and in the mean time, to go himself to Meaco, which he had design'd from the beginning. That Town being the Capital of the Empire; from whence the knowledge of Christ Iesus, might easily be spread through all Iapan.

Departing with Fernandez, He takes A­manguchi, in his way to Meaco. and the two Iaponian Christians, Matthew and Bernard, for this great Voyage at the end of October, in the year 1550, they arriv'd at Facata by Sea, which is twenty Leagues distant from Firando; and from thence Embark'd for Amanguchi, which is an hundred Leagues from it. Aman­guchi is the Capital of the Kingdom of Naugato, and one of the richest Towns of all Iapan not only by the Traffick of Stran­gers, who come thither from all parts; but also by reason of Silver Mines, which are there in great abundance, and by the fertility of the Soy [...]l; but, as Vices are the inseparable Companions of wealth, it [Page 442] was a place totally corrupted, and full of the most monstrous debaucheries.

Xavier took that place, He stays at A­manguchi; his Actions there. but the strange corrup­tion of Manners, gave him so much hor­rour, and withal so great compassion, that he cou'd not resolve to pass farther, without publishing Christ Iesus, to those blind and execrable Men, nor without making known to them, the purity of the Christian Law. The Zeal which transported him, when he heard the a­bominable Crimes of the Town, suffer'd him not to ask permission from the King, as it had been his Custom in other pla­ces. He appear'd in publick on the sud­den, burning with an inward Fire, which mounted up into his Face, and boldly declar'd to the people, the eternal truths of Faith. His Companion Fernandez did the same in another part of the Town. People heard them out of Curiosity, and many after having enquir'd who they were, what dangers they had run, and for what end, admir'd their Courage, and their procedure void of Interest, accor­ding to the humour of the Iaponians, whose Inclinations are naturally noble, and full of esteem for Actions of Genero­sity. From publick places, they were invited into Houses, and there desir'd to [Page 443] expound their Doctrine more at large, and at greater leisure. For if your Law appear more reasonable to us than our own, (said the principal of the Town) we in­gage our selves to follow it.

But when once a man becomes a Slave to shameful Passions, What hinder'd the fruit of his preaching at A­manguchi. 'tis difficult to fol­low what he thinks the best, and even to judge reasonably what is the best. Not a man amongst them kept his word. Having compar'd together the two Laws, almost all of them agreed, that the Chri­stian Doctrine was most conformable to good sence, if things were only to be taken in the Speculation; but when they came to consider them in the Practise, and saw how much the Christian Law discourag'd Vengeance, and forbad Poly­gamy, with all Carnal Pleasures, that which had appear'd just and reasonable to them, now seem'd improbable, and the perversity of their Wills, hood­wink'd the light of their Understanding; so that, far from believing in Iesus Christ, they said, That Xavier and his Companions were plain Mountebanks, and the Religion which they preach'd a meer Fable. These reports being spread abroad, exasperated the Spirits of Men against them; so that as soon as any of them appear'd, the people ran after them, not as before [Page 444] to hear them preach, but to throw Stones at them, and revile them. See, they cry'd, the two Bonza's, who wou'd inveigle us to worship one only God, and perswade us to be content with a single Wife.

Oxindono the King of Amanguchi, He appears be­fore the King of Amanguchi, and expounds to him the Doctrine of Christianity. hear­ing what had pass'd, was willing to be judge himself of the Christians new Do­ctrine. He sent for them before him, and ask'd them in the face of all his No­bles, of what Country they were, and what business brought them to Iapan? Xavier answer'd briefly, That they were Europeans, and that they came to pub­lish the Divine Law. For, added he, no Man can be sav'd, who adores not God, and the Saviour of all Nations, his Son Christ Jesus, with a pure Heart, and pi­ous Worship. Expound to me, reply'd the Prince, this Law which you have call'd Divine. Then Xavier began, by reading a part of the Book which he had com­pos'd in the Iaponian Tongue, and which treated of the Creation of the World, of which none of the Company had ever heard any thing; of the Immortality of the Soul, of the Ultimate End of our Be­ing, of Adam's Fall, and of Eternal Re­wards and Punishments; in fine, of the Coming of our Saviour, and the Fruits of our Redemption. The Saint explain'd [Page 445] what was needful to be clear'd, and spoke in all above an hour.

The King heard him with attention, He preaches be­fore the King in Amanguchi, without success. and without interrupting his Discourse; but he also dismiss'd him, without an­swering a word, or making any sign, whether he allow'd, or disapprov'd of what he said. This silence accompany'd with much Humanity, was taken for a permission by Father Xavier, to continue his publick preaching. He did so with great warmth, but with small success. Most of them laugh'd at the Preacher, and scorn'd the Mysteries of Christianity. Some few indeed, grew tender at the hearing of our Saviour's Sufferings, even so far as to shed Tears, and these Moti­ons of Compassion dispos'd their Hearts to a belief; but the number of the Elect was inconsiderable: for the time pre-ordain'd for the Conversion of that People, was not yet come, and was therefore to be attended patiently.

Xavier then having made above a months abode in Amanguchi, He pursues his Voyage for Mea­co. and gather'd but small fruit of all his Labours, besides affronts, continu'd his Voyage towards Meaco, with his three Companions, Fer­nandez, Matthew, and Bernard; they con­tinually bemoan'd the blindness and ob­duracy of those wretches who refus'd to [Page 446] receive the Gospel; yet chear'd up them­selves with the considerations of Gods Mercies, and an inward voice was still whispering in their Hearts, That the Seed of the Divine Word, though cast into a [...] barren and ungrateful ground, yet wou'd not finally be lost.

They departed toward the end of De­cember, H [...] su [...]erings in the Voyage of Meaco. in a season when the Rains were continually falling; during a Winter which is dreadful in those parts, where the Winds are as dangerous by Land, as Tempests are at Sea. The Colds are pinching, and the Snow drives in such a­bundance, that neither in the Towns nor Hamlets, people dare adventure to stir abroad; nor have any Communication with each other, but by cover'd Walks and Galleries. 'Tis yet far worse in the Country, where nothing is to be seen but hideous Forests, sharp pointed and ragged Mountains, raging Torrents across the Vall [...]es, which sometimes over [...]low the Plains. Sometimes 'tis so cover'd over with Ice, that the Travellers fall at every step; without mentioning those prodigi­ous Isicles, hanging over head, from the high Trees, and threatning the Passengers at every moment with their fall.

The four Servants of God travell'd in the midst of this hard season, and rough [Page 447] ways, commonly on their naked Feet, passing the Rivers, and ill accommodated with warm Cloaths, to resist the incle­mencies of the Air and Earth, loaden with their necessary Equipage, and with­out other provisions of life, than grains of Rice roasted or dry'd by the Fire, which Bernard carry'd in his Wallet. They might have had abundantly, for their sustenance, if Xavier wou'd have accepted of the Money, which the Por­tuguese Merchants of Firando offer'd him▪ to de [...]ray the charges of his Voyage, or wou'd have made use of what the Gover­nour of the Indies had supply'd him with, in the name of the King of Portugal. But he thought he shou'd have a [...]ronted Providence, if he shou'd have furnish'd himself with the Provisions needful to a comfortable subsistance; and therefore taking out of the Treasury, a thousand Crowns, he employ'd it wholly for the relief of the poor, who had receiv'd Bap­tism. Neither did he rest satisfy'd with this Royal Alms he drew what he cou'd also, from his Friends at Goa, and Malac­ca. And it was a saying of his, That the more these new Converts were destitute of worldly goods, the more succour they de­serv'd: That their Zeal was worthy the pri­mitive Ages of the Church; and that there [Page 448] was not a Christian in Japan, who wou'd not chuse rather to lose his life, than forfeit the love of Jesus Christ.

The Journey from Amanguchi to Mea­co, is not less than fiften days, when the ways are good, and the season conveni­ent for travelling. But the ill weather lengthen'd it to our four Travellers, who made two months of it; sometimes crossing over rapid Torrents, sometimes over Plains and Forrests thick with Snow, climbing up the Rocks, and rowling down the Precipices. These extream la­bours put Father Xavier into a Fever, from the first moneth, and his sickness forc'd him to stop a little at Sacay. But he wou'd take no remedies, and soon af­ter put himself upon his way.

That which gave them the greatest trouble, He follows a Horseman, with great difficulty. was, that Bernard, who was their guide, most commonly misled them. Being one day lost in a Forrest, and not knowing what Path to follow, they met a Horseman who was going towards Meaco; Xavier follow'd him, and offer'd to carry his Male, if he wou'd help to dis­ingage them from the Forest, and shew them how to avoid the dangerous passages. The Horseman accepted Xavier's offer, but trotted on at a round rate; so that the Saint was constrain'd to run after him, and [Page 449] the fatigue lasted almost all the day. His Companions follow'd him at a large di­stance, and when they came up to the place, where the Horseman had left him, they found him so spent, and over-la­bour'd, that he cou'd scarcely support him­self. The Flints, and Thorns, had torn his Feet, and his Legs were swell'd, so that they broke out in many places: All these in­conveniences hinder'd him not from going forward. He drew his strength from the Union he had with God, continually pray­ing from the morning to the evening; and never interrupting his Devotions, but on­ly to exhort his Friends to Patience.

In passing through the Towns and Villages, He instructs the people in pas [...]ing through the Towns. where his way led him, Xa­vier always read some part of his Cate­chism, to the People, who gather'd about him: For the most part they only laugh'd at him; and the little Children cry'd af­ter him, Deos, Deos, Deos, because speak­ing of God, he had commonly that Por­tuguese word in his Mouth, which he sel­dom Pronounc'd without Repetition. For discoursing of God, he wou'd not use the Iaponnese Language, till they were well instructed in the Essence and Per­fections of the Divine Majesty; and he gave two reasons for it: The first. Be­cause he [...]ound not one word in all the [Page 450] Language, which well express'd that So­veraign Divinity, of which he desir'd to give them a distinct notion: The second, because he fear'd le [...]t those Idolaters might confound that first Being, with their Camis, and their Potoques, in case he shou'd call it by those names, which were common to their Idols. From thence he took occasion to tell them, That as they never had any knowledge of the true God, so they never were able to express his name: That the Portugueses, who knew him, call'd him Deos: and he repeated that word with so much Action, and such a tone of Voice, that he made even the Pagans sensible, what Veneration was due to that Sacred Name. Having pub­lickly condemn'd, in two several Towns, the false Sects of Iapan, and the enor­mous Vices reigning there, he was drawn by the Inhabitants without the Walls, where they had resolv'd to stone him. But when they were beginning to take up the Stones, they were overtaken by a violent and sudden storm, which con­strain'd them all to betake themselves to flight: The holy man continu'd in the midst of this rack of Heaven, with flash­es of Lightning darting round about him, without losing his habitual tranquility; but adoring that Divine Providence, which fought so visibly in his favour.

[Page 451] He arriv'd at length at Meaco, He arrives a [...] Meaco, and labours there unprofitably. with his three Companions, in February, 1551. The name of that celebrated Town, so widely spread, for being the Seat of Em­pire and Religion, where the Cabosa [...]a, the Dairy, and the Saso kept their Court, seem'd to promise great matters to Fa­ther Xavier; but the effect did not an­swer the appearances: Meaco, which in the Iaponian Tongue, signifies a thing worth seeing, was no more than the sha­dow of what formerly it had been: so terribly Wars and Fires had laid it waste. On every side Ruines were to be beheld, and the present condition▪ of Affairs, threatn'd it with a total destruction. All the Neighbouring Princes, were com­bin'd together against the Cubosama, and nothing was to be heard but the noise of Arms.

The Man of God endeavour'd to have gain'd an Audience from the Cubosama, and the Dayri, but he cou'd not compass it. He cou'd not so much as get admit­tance to the Saso, or High-Priest of the Iaponian Religion. To procure him those Audiences, they demanded no less than an hundred thousand Caixes, which a­mount to six hundred French Crowns; and the Father had it not to give. De­spairing of doing any good, on that side, [Page 452] he preach'd in the publick places, by that Authority alone, which the Al­mighty gives his Missioners: As the Town was all in confusion, and the Thoughts of every man taken up with the reports of War, none listen'd to him, or those who casually heard him in pas­sing by, made no reflections on what he said.

Thus after a fortnights stay at Meaco, [...] to no purpose, seeing no appearance of making Converts amidst the disturbance of that place, he had a strong impulse of returning to Amanguchi, without giving for lost, all the pains he had taken at Meaco; not only because of his great sufferings, and sufferings are the gains of Gods A­postles, but also, because at least he had preach'd Christ Iesus in that place; that is to say, in the most Idolatrous Town of all the Universe, and open'd the passage for his Brethren, whom God had fore­appointed in the years following, there to establish Christianity, according to the Revelations which had been given him concerning it.

He imbark'd on a River which falls from the adjoining Mountains, and wash­ing the foot of the Walls of Meaco disem­bogues it self afterwards into an Arm of the Sea, which runs up towards Sacay. [Page 453] Being in the Ship, he cou'd not turn off his Eyes from the Stately Town of Mea­co; and, as Fernandez tells us, often sung the beginning of the 113th Psalm, In exi­tu Israel de Aegypto, domus Jacob de po­pulo Barbaro, &c. whether he consider'd himself as an Israelite, departing out of a Land of Insidels, by the command of God, or that he look'd on that barbarous people, as one day destin'd to be the people of God. As for what remains, perceiving that Presents are of great force to introduce Foreigners to the Princes of Iapan, he went from Sacay to Firando, where he had le [...]t what the Viceroy of the Indies, and the Gover­nour of Malacca had oblig'd him to carry with him to Iapan, that is to say, a lit­tle striking Clock, an Instrument of ve­ry harmonious Musick, and some other trifles, the value of which consisted on­ly in the workmanship, and rarity.

Having also observ'd, That his ragged Habit had shock'd the Iaponneses, who judge by the out-side of the man, and who hardly vouchsafe to hear a man ill cloath'd, he made himself a new Gar­ment, handsome enough, of those Alms which the Portugueses had bestow'd on him; being verily perswaded, that an A­postolick Man, ought to make himself all [Page 454] to all; and that to gain over worldly men it was sometimes necessary to con­form himself a little to their weakness.

Being come to Amanguchi, Being return'd to Amangu­chi, [...]e gains an Au [...]ience of the King. his Presents made his way for an Audience from the King, and procur'd him a favourable Re­ception. Oxindono, who admir'd the workmanship of Europe, was not satis­fy'd with thanking the Father in a very obliging manner, but the same day sent him a large sum of Money, by way of gratification; but Xavier absolutely re­fus'd it, and this very denial gave the King a more advantageous Opinion of him. How different (said Oxindono) is this European Bonza, from our covetous Priests, who love Money with so much gree­diness, and who mind nothing but their worldly Interest!

On the next morning Xavier presen­ted to the King the Letters of the Gover­nour, He obtains per­miss [...]n to preach▪ and of the Bishop of the Indies; in which the Christian Faith was much extoll'd; and desir'd him, instead of all other favours, to grant him the permissi­on of preaching it, assuring him once a­gain, that it was the only motive of his Voyage. The King increasing his admi­ration at the Father's Generosity, grant­ed him by word of Mouth, and also by a publick Edict, to declare the word o [...] [Page 455] God. The Edict was set up at the turn­ings of Streets, and in publick places of the Town. It contain'd a free tolerati­on for all persons to profess the European Faith, and forbad on grievous penalties, any hindrance, or molestation to the new Bonza's, in the exercise of their Functi­ons.

Besides this, He [...] visited by great multi­tudes. Oxindono assign'd them for their Lodgings, an old Monastry of the Bonza's, wich was dis-inhabited. They were no sooner establish'd in it, than great numbers of people resorted to them. Some out of Policy, and to please the King, others to observe their carriage, and to pick faults in it, many out of Cu­riosity, and to learn something that was new. All in general propos'd their doubts, and disputed with so much ve­hemence, that most of them were out of breath. The House was never empty, and these perpetual visits, took up all the time of the man of God.

He explains himself on this Subject, The Qualities which he [...]inks re [...] in a Missioner to Ja­pan. and almost complains, in the Letters which he writes to Father Ignatius, con­cerning his Voyage of Iapan. For after he had mark'd out to him the Qualities which were requisite in a Labourer of the Society, proper to be sent thither, That he ought in the first place to be a [Page 456] person of unblamable Conversation, and that the Japonneses wou'd easily be scandaliz'd, where they cou'd find occasion for the least reproach, that moreover he ought to be of no less Capacity than Vertue, because Ja­pan is also furnish'd with an infinite num­ber of her own Clergy-men, profound in Sci­ence, and not yielding up any point in dis­pute without being first convinc'd by demon­strative reasons; that yet farther it was necessary, that a Missioner shou'd come pre­par'd, to endure all manner of wants and hardships, that he must be endu'd with an heroick Fortitude to encounter continual dan­gers, and death it self in dreadful torments, in case of need: Having, I say, set these things forth, and added these express words in one of his Letters, I write to Father Simon, and in his absence to the Rectour of Coimbra, That he shall send hither only such men as are known and ap­prov'd by your holy Charity, he continues thus;

These Labourers in the Gospel must ex­p [...]ct to be much more cross'd in their under­taking than they imagine; they will be weary'd out with visits, and by troublesome Questions every h [...]ur of the day, and half the night. They will be sent for incessant­ly to the Houses of the Great, and will some­times want leisure to say their Prayers, or [Page 457] to make their recollections. Perhaps also they will want time, to say their Mass or their Breviary; or not have enough, for their repast, or even for their natural re­pose. For it is incredible, how importu­nate these Japonians are, especially in re­ference to Strangers, of whom they make no reckoning, but rather make their sport of them. What therefore will become of them, when they rise up against their Sects, and reprehend their Vices? yet these impor­tunities became pleasing to Father Xavier, and afterwards produc'd a good effect. As the Japonnese are of docible and reasonable minds, the more they press'd him in dis­pute, they understood the truth the more. So that their doubts being satisfy'd, they comprehended easily, that there were no con­tradictions in our Faith, nothing that wou'd not abide the test of the most severe dis­cussion.

It was in the midst of these interro­gations, He answers many men, with one only word. with which the Saint was over­burthen'd, that by a prodigious manner of speech, the like of which was scarce­ly ever heard, he satisfy'd with one only answer, the questions of many persons, on very different Subjects, and often op­posite to each other: as suppose, the im­mortality of the Soul, the motions of the Heavens, the Eclipses of the Sun and [Page 458] Moon, the Colours of the Rainbow, Sin and Grace, Hell and Heaven. The Wonder was, that after he had heard all their se­veral demands, he answer'd them in few words, and that these words, being mul­tiply'd in their ears, by a vertue all Di­vine, gave them to understand what they desir'd to know, as if he had an­swer'd each of them in particular: They frequently took notice of this Prodigy, and were so much amaz'd at it, that they look'd on one another like men di­stracted, and regarded the Father with admiration, as not knowing what to think or say. But as clear sighted, and able as they were, for the most part, they cou'd not coneive that it was above the power of nature. They ascrib'd it to I know not what secret kind of Science, which they imagin'd him only to possess. For which reason, Father Cozmo de Tor­rez, being return'd from Firando to A­manguchi, the Bonza's said, This man is not endu'd with the great knowledge of Father Francis, nor has the art of re­solving many doubts with one onely an­swer.

The process of the Saints Canonisa­tion, makes mention of this Miracle; and Father Antonio Quadros, who travel'd to Iapan four years after Father Xavier, [Page 459] writes it to Father Diego Moron, Provin­cial of Portugal: these are his words, ‘A Iaponnese inform'd me, that he had seen three Miracles, wrought by Father Xa­vier in his Country. He made a Person walk, and speak, who was Dumb, and taken with the Palsey. He gave voice to another [...]ute: And hearing to one that was deaf. This Iaponian also told me, that Father Xavier▪ was esteem'd in Iapan, for the most knowing man of Europe; and that the other Fathers of the Society were nothing to him, because they cou'd an­swer but one Idolater at a time; but that Father Xavier by one only word, decided ten or twelve questions. When I told him, that this might probably hap­pen, because those questions were alike, he assur'd me it was not so; but that on the contrary, they were very different. He added, lastly, that his was no extra­ordinary thing with him, but a common practice.’

When Xavier and his Companion Fernandez were a little disingag'd from these importunities, He preaches in Amanguchi. they set themselves on preaching twice a day, in the pub­lick places of the Town, in despight of the Bonza's. There were seven or eight Religions in Amanguchi, quite opposite to each other; and every one of them [Page 460] had many Proselytes, who defended their own as best. Insomuch that these Bon­za's, who were heads of Parties, had ma­ny disputes amongst themselves; but when once the Saint began to publish the Christian Law, all the Sects united against their common [...]my. Which notwithstanding they durst not openly declare, against a man who was favour'd by the Court, and who seem'd even to themselves to have somewhat in him, that was more than humane.

At this time God restor'd to Father Xavier the gift of Tongues, He speaks the Chinese Lan­guage, without learning it. which had been given him in the Indies, on divers occasions; for without having ever learnt the Chinese Language, he preach'd every day to the Chinese Merchants, who Tra­ded at Amanguchi, in their Mother-tongue, there being great numbers of them. He preach'd in the Afternoon to the Iapo­nians in their Language, but so natu­rally, and with so much ease, that he cou'd not be taken for a Foreigner.

The force of truth, against which their Doctours cou'd oppose nothing that was reasonable in their disputations; the novelty of three Miracles which we have mention'd, and of many others, which Xavier wrought at the same time, his innocent and rigid life, the Divine [Page 461] Spirit which enliven'd his Discourses; all these together made so great an im­pression on their hearts, that in less than two months time, more than five hun­dred Persons were Baptis'd. The greatest part, men of quality and learning; who had examin'd Christianity to the bottom, and who did not render up themselves for any other reason, than for that they had nothing farther to oppose.

It was wonderful, according to the report of the Saint himself, The fruit of his Preaching. to observe that there was no other speech but of Iesus Christ, through all the Town; and that those who had most eagerly fought against the Christian Law in their Dis­putes, vvere now the most ardent to de­fend it, and to practise it with most exactness. All of them were tenderly a [...]ectionate to the Father, and were e­ver loath to leave his Company. They took delight in making daily questions to him, concerning the Mysteries of Faith, and 'tis unspeakable what invvard refreshments they found, in seeing that all was Mysterious even in the most or­dinary Ceremonies; as for example, in the manner wherewith the Faithful sign themselves with the Cross.

The Father on his side had as ample a satisfaction; His joy in obser­ving the servour of the Faithful. and he confesses it himself, [Page 462] in a Letter, which he directed some time after to the Iesuites in Europe.—Though my hairs are already become all h [...]ary, says he to them, I am more vigorous, and r [...] ­bust than I ever was: for the pains which are taken, to Cultivate a reasonable Nation, which loves the Truth, and which covets to be sav'd, afford me matter of great joy. I have not, in the course of all my life, re­ceiv'd a greater satisfaction, than at A­manguchi; where multitudes of People came to hear me, by the Kings permission. I saw the pride of their Bonza's over­thrown, and the most inflam'd Enemies of the Christian Name, subjected to the humi­lity of the Gospel. I saw the transports of joy in those new Christians, when after having vanquish'd the Bonza's in dispute, they return'd in Triumph. I was not less satisfy'd, to see their diligence in labouring to convince the Gentiles, and vying with each other in that undertaking; with the delight they took in the relation of their Conquests; and by what arguments and means they brought them over, and how they rooted out the [...]eathen Superstitions, all these particulars gave me such abundant joy, that I lost the sence of my own afflicti­ons. Ah, might it please Almighty God, that as I call to my remembrance, those con­solations which I have receiv'd from the [Page 463] Fountain of all mercies, in the midst of my labours, I might not only make a recital of them, but give the experience also, and cause them to be felt and consider'd as they ought by our Vniversities of Europe, I am assur'd, that many young men, who study there, wou'd come higher to employ all the strength of their parts, and vigour of their minds, in the Conversion of an Idolatrous People, had they once tasted those heavenly refreshments, which accompany our Labours.

These inward delights of God's Ser­vant, His occasio [...]s of sorrow amongst his Spiritual joys. were not yet so pure, but that some bitterness was intermix'd. He was not without sorrow for Oxindono King of Amanguchi; who, though perswaded of the excellence of Christianity, was re­tain'd in Idolatry by carnal pleasures. And for Neatondono, first Prince of the Kingdom, who having noble and ver­tuous inclinations, might have prov'd the Apostle of the Court, if some trivial Reasons had not hinder'd him from be­coming a Christian. He, and the Prin­cess his Wife, respected Xavier as their Father, and even honour'd him as a Saint. They also lov'd the Faithful, and succour'd them in all their needs. They spoke of our Faith in terms of great ve­neration: but having founded many Monasteries of Bonza's, it troubled them [Page 464] as they said, to lose the fruit of cha­rity; and thus the fear of being frustra­ted, of I know not what rewards, which the Bonza's promis'd them, caus'd them to neglect that eternal recompence, of which the holy man assur'd them.

But how powerful soever the exam­ples of Princes is usually in matters of Religion, The Faith is embrac'd, not­withstanding the Princes example; and by what means. yet on all sides Christianity was embrac'd; and an action of Xavier's Companion did not a little contribute, to the gaining over of the most stubborn. Fernandez preach'd in one of the most frequented places of the Town: and a­mongst his crowd of Auditors, were some Persons of great wit, strongly O­pinion'd of their Sect, who cou'd not conceive the Maximes of the Gospel; and who heard the Preacher with no o­ther intention, than to make a sport of him. In the midst of the Sermon, a man, who was of the skum of the Rab­ble, drew near to Fernandez, as if it were to whisper something to him, and hawking up a mass of nastiness, spit it full upon his face. Fernandez without a word speaking, or making the least sign that he was concern'd, took his hand­kerchief, wip'd his face, and continu'd his discourse.

Every one was surpris'd at the mode­ration [Page 465] of the Preacher; the more de­bauch'd, who had set up a laughter at this affront, turn'd all their scorn into admiration, and sincerely acknowledg'd that a man who was so much master of his passions, as to command them on such an occasion, must needs be endu'd with greatness of Soul, and Heroick Courage. One of the chief of the Assem­bly, discover'd somewhat else in this un­shaken patience. He was the most lear­ned amongst all the Doctours of Aman­guchi, and the most violent against the Gospel. He consider'd that a Law, which taught such patience, and such insensi­bility of affronts, cou'd only come from Heaven; and argu'd thus within himself, These Preachers, who with so much con­stancy, endure the vilest of all injuries, cannot pretend to cozen us. It wou'd cost them too dear a price; and no man will de­ceive another at his own expence. He one­ly, who made the heart of man, can place it in so great Tranquility. The force of Nature cannot reach so far; and this Chri­stian patience must proceed alone from some Divine Principle: these People cannot but have some infallible assurance of the Do­ctrine they believe, and of the recompence which they expect. For, in fine, they are ready to suffer all things for their God; [Page 466] and have no humane expectations. After all, what inconvenience, or danger can it be to embrace their Law: If what they tell us of Eternity, be true, I shall be eter­nally miserable in not believing it: and, supposing there be no other Life but this, is it not better to follow a Religion, which elevates a man above himself, and which gives him an unalterable peace, than to profess our Sects, which continue us in all our weakness, and which want power to ap­pease the disorders of our hearts. He made his inward reflections on all these things, as he afterwards declar'd, and these con­siderations being accompany'd with the motions of Grace, touch'd him so to the quick, that as soon as the Sermon was ended, he confess'd that the vertue of the Preacher had convinc'd him, he de­sir'd Baptism, and receiv'd it with great solemnity.

This illustrious Conversion, [...] was follow'd, with answerable Success. Many who had a glimmering of the Truth, and fear'd to know it yet more plainly, novv open'd their eyes, and ad­mitted the Gospel light; amongst the rest, as young man, of five and twenty years of age, much esteem'd for the sub­tilty of his understanding, and educated in the most famous Universities of Japan. [Page 467] He was come to Amanguchi, on purpose to be made a Bonza. But being inform'd that the Sect of Bonza's, of which he de­sir'd to be a Member, did not acknow­ledge a first Principle, and that their Books had made no mention of him, he chang'd his thoughts, and was unresolv'd on what course of living, he shou'd fix. 'Till being finally convinc'd, by the ex­ample of the Doctour, and the argu­ments of Xavier, he became a Christian. The name of Laurence was given him; and it was he, who being receiv'd by Xavier himself into the Society of Iesus, exercis'd immediately, the Ministry of preaching, with so much fame, and so great success, that he converted an innu­merable multitude of noble▪ and valiant men, who vvere afterwards the Pillars of the Iap [...]nian Church.

As to what remains, the Monasteries of the Bonza's were daily▪ thinn'd, and grew insensibly to be dispeopl'd, by the de [...]er­tion of young men, who had some re­mainders of modesty and morality. Be­ing asham'd of leading a brutal life, and of deceiving the simple, they laid by their habits of Bonza's, together with the Profession, that coming back into the World, they might more easily be con­verted. These young Bonza's discover'd [Page 468] to Xavier the Mysteries of their Sects, and reveal'd to him their hidden abomi­nations, which were cover'd with an outside of austerity.

The Father who vvas at open de­fiance with those men, He [...] a­gainst the Bon­za's. vvho vvere the mortal Enemies of all the Faithful, and vvhose onely interest it was to hinder the establishment of the Faith, publish'd vvhatsoever vvas told him in relation to them, and represented them in their pro­per colours. These unmask'd Hypocrites, became the laughter of the people; but vvhat mortify'd them more, vvas, that they who had heard them like Oracles before this, novv upbraided them openly with their ignorance. A Woman wou'd sometimes challenge them to a disputa­tion; and urge them vvith such home and pressing arguments, that the more they endeavour'd to get loose, the more they were entangled. For the Father being made privy to the secrets of every Sect, furnish'd the nevv Proselytes with Weapons to vanquish the Bonza's, by re­ducing them to manifest contradictions: which amongst the Iap [...]nneses, is the greatest infamy that can happen to a man of Letters. But the Bonza's got not off so cheap, as only to be made the de­rision of the People; together with their [Page 469] Credit and their Reputation, they lost the comfortable Alms, which was their whole subsistance. So that the greater part of them, without finding in them­selves the lea [...]t inclinations to Christiani­ty, boulted out of their Convents, that they might not die of hunger in them; and chang'd their Profession of Bonza's, to become either Souldiers or Trades­men; which gave the Christians occasi­on to say, with joy unspeakable, That, in a little time, there wou'd remain no more Idolaters in Amanguchi, of those Religi­ous Cheats, than were barely sufficient to keep possession of their Monasteries.

The elder Bonza's, in the mean time, The Bonza's opp [...]se the Chri­stian Religion. more harden'd in their Sect, and more obstinate than the young, spar'd for no­thing to maintain their possession. They threatn'd the people with the wrath of their Gods, and denounc'd the total de­struction of the Town and Kingdom; they said, The God whom the Europeans believ'd, was not Deos, or Deus, as the Portuguese call'd him, but Dajus, that is to say, in the Japonian Tongue, a Lie, or Forgery. They added, That this God impos'd on men a heavy Toke. What Iu­stice was it to punish those who transgress'd a Law, which it was impossible to keep▪ But where was Providence, if the Law of [Page 470] Jesus was necessary to Salvation, which suf­fer'd fifteen Ages to slide away, without declaring it to the most noble part of all the world? Surely a Religion, whose God was partial in the dispensation of his Favours, cou'd not posibly be true. And if the Euro­pean Doctrine had but a shadow of truth in it, China cou'd never have been so long without the knowledge of it. These were the principal heads of their Accusation, and Xavier reports them in his Letters; but he gives not an account of what an­swers he return'd; and they are not made known to us by any other hand: Thus, without following two or three Histori­ans, who make him speak according to their own Ideas, on all these Articles, I shall content my self with what the Saint himself had left in writing. The Idolaters instead of congratulating their own happiness, that they were enlighten'd by the Beams of Faith, bemoan'd the blindness of their Ancestors, and cry'd out in a lamentable tone; What are our Fore-fathers burning in [...]ell-fire, because they did n [...]t adore a God, who was unknown to them, and observ'd not a Law, which ne­ver was declar'd? The Bonza's added fuell to their Zeal, by telling them, The Por­tuguese Priests were good for nothing, be­cause they cou'd not redeem a Soul from [Page 471] Hell, whoreas they cou'd do it at their pleasure, by their Fasts and Prayers: That eternal punishments, either prov'd the cru­elty or the weakness of the Christian God: His cruelty, if he did not deliver them, when he had it in his power; his weakness, if he cou'd not execute what he desir'd. Lastly, That Amida and Xaca, were far more merciful, and of greater power; but that they were only pleas'd to redeem from Hell, those who, during their mortal life, had bestow'd magnificent Alms upon the Bonza's

We are ignorant of all those particular answers of the Saint, He answers [...] Arguments of the Bonza's. as I said above: we only know from his Relation, that concerning the sorrow of the Iaponians, for having been bere [...]t for so many Ages of Christian Knowledge, he had the good fortune to give them comfort, and put them in a way of more reasonable thoughts: For he shew'd them in ge­neral, That the most anci [...]nt of all Laws, is the Law of God, not that which is publish'd by the found of words, but that which is written in Hearts, by the hand of Nature; so that every one who comes into the World, brings along with him certain Precepts, which his own In­stinct and Reason teach him. Before Japan receiv'd its Laws form the Wise­men [Page 472] of China, said Xav [...]r, it was known amongst you, that Theft and Adultery were to be avoided; and from thence it was that Thieves and Palliards sought out secret pla­ces, wherein to commit those Crimes. Af­ter they had committed them, they felt the private stings of their own Consciences, which cease not to reproach the guilty to themselves, though their wickedness be not known to others, nor even so much as pro­hibited by Humane Laws. Suppose an In­fant bred up in Forrests amongst the Beasts, far from the society of Mankind, and re­mote from the civilis'd Inhabitants of Towns, yet he is not without an inward knowledge of the Rules of Civil Life; for ask him, whether it be not an evil Action to murther a man, to despoil him of his Goods, to violate his Bed, to surprise him by Force, or circumvent him by Treachery, he will answer without question, That nothing of this is to be done. Now if this be mani­fest in a S [...]lvage, without the benefit of Edu­cation, how much more may it be concluded, of men well educated▪ and living in mutual Con­versati [...]n? Th [...]n, added the holy man, it follows, that God has not left so many Ages destitute of Knowledge, as your Bonza's have pretended. By this he gave them to understand, that the Law of Nature was a step, which led them insensibly to [Page 473] the Christian Law: And that a man who liv'd morally well, shou'd never fail of arriving to the knowledge of the Faith, by ways best known to Almighty God; that is to say, before his death, God wou'd either send some Preacher to him, or illuminate his Mind by some imme­diate Revelation. These Reasons, which the Fathers of the Church have often us'd on like occasions, gave such satisfacti­on to the Pagans, that they found no farther difficulty in that point, which had given them so much trouble.

The Bonza's perceiving that the peo­ple, The Bonza's provoke the King against the Christians. preferr'd the Authority of Xavier above theirs, and not knowing how to refute their Adversary, made a Cabal at Court, to lessen the Christians in the good Opinion of the King. They gave him Jealousies of them, by decry­ing their behaviour, and saying, They were men of Intrigue, Plotters, Enemies of the publick safety, and dangerous to the person of the King: Insomuch, that Oxin­dono, who had been so favourable to them, all on the sudden, was turn'd a­gainst them. 'Tis true, that as the Ia­ponneses, value themselves above all things, in the inviolable observation of their word, when they have once ingag'd it, he durst not revoke that solemn Edict, [Page 474] which he had publish'd in favour of the Christians, but to make it of no effect, he us'd the Faithful with great severity, even so far, as to seize upon their Goods, and began with men of the first rank in his Dominions. At the same time the Bonza's, grown insolent, and swell'd with this new turn of Tyde, writ Letters and Libels, full of invectives against Xavier. They said the was a vagabond Beggar, who, not knowing how to maintain him­self in India, was come to Iapan, to live on Charity. They endeavour'd above all things to make him pass for a noto­rious Magician, who, through the power of his Charms, had forc'd the Devil to obey him, and one who, by the assistance of his Familiars, perform'd all sorts of Pro­digies to seduce the People.

But neither this alteration in the King, The number of Christians is augmented, to­gether with the Reputati [...]n of the Saint. nor these calumnies of the Bonza's, hin­der'd the progress of the Gospel. The number of Christians amounted in few days to three thousand in Amanguchi; and they were all so servent, that not one of them, but was ready, not only to forgoe his Fortunes, but also to shed his Blood for the defence of his Faith, it the King shou'd be carry'd on, to perse­cute the growing Church with Fire and Sword, as it was believ'd he wou'd. The [Page 475] Reputation of the Apostle was also in­creas'd, in spight of the false reports which were spread concerning him; and his name became so famous in the neigh­bouring Kingdoms, that all the peo­ple round about were desirous to see the European Bonza.

Xavier had of late some thoughts of returning to the Indies, there to make a choice himself, of such Labourers as were proper for Iapan; and his design was to come back by China, the Con­version of which Country, had already inflam'd his Heart. For discoursing dai­ly, with such Chinese Merchants as were resident at Amanguchi, he had entertain'd a strong Opinion, that a Nation so polite, and knowing, wou'd easily be reduc'd▪ to Christianity: And on the other side, he had great hopes, that when China shou'd be once converted, Iapan wou'd not be long after it; at least the more unbelieving sort of Iaponneses, often said; That they wou'd not alter their Religion, till the Chineses had led the way. Let him carry his Gospel to that flourishing and vast Empire, and when he had subdu'd it to Jesus Christ, then they wou'd also think of turning Christians.

In the mean time a Portuguese Vessel, He sends a Ja­ponian Christi­an of the King­dom of Bungo; and for what reason. commanded by Edward de Gama, arriv'd [Page 476] at the Kingdom of Bungo, and news came to Amanguchi, that this Ship, which was sail'd thither from the Indies, wou'd be on its way back again, in a month or two. Xavier, to learn what truth there was in this Report, sent Matthew to those parts, who was one of the Iaponian Converts, which accompany'd him, and gave him a Letter, directed to the Cap­tain and Merchants of the Vessel. The Saint desir'd them to send him word, who they were, from whence bound, and how soon they intended to return? After which he told them, That his In­tentions were to return to the Indies, and that he shou'd be glad to meet them, in case they were dispos'd to repass thither. In conclusion, he desir'd them earnestly, that they wou'd borrow so much time from their Affairs of Merchandise as to think a little on their Souls; and de­clar'd to them, That all the Silks of Chi­na, whatever gain they might afford them, cou'd not countervail the least spiritual pro­fit which they might make, by a daily exa­mination of their Consciences. The Ship was at the Port of Figen, about fifty Leagues from Amanguchi, and within a League of Fucheo, which some call Fu­nay, the Metropolis of B [...]ngo. The Por­tugueses were overjoy'd to hear news of [Page 477] Father Xavier. They sent him an ac­count of theirs, and withal advertis'd him, that in the compass of a month at farthest, they shou'd set Sail for China, where they had left three Vessels, laden for the Indies, which were to return in Ianuary, and that Iames Pereyra, his fa­miliar friend, was on board of one of them. Matthew came back in five days time; and besides the Letters which he brought the Father from the Captain, and the principal Merchants, he gave him some from Goa; by which the Fathers of the Colledge of St. Paul, gave him to un­derstand, that his presence in that place was of absolute necessity, for the regu­lation of Affairs belonging to the Socie­ty.

Then Xavier, without losing time, He departs from Amanguchi, and goes for Bungo. after he had recommended the new Christians, to the care of Cosmo de Tor­rez, and Iohn Fernandez, whom he left at Amanguchi, put himself upon his way, towards Mid-september, in the year 1551. He might have made this Voyage easily by Sea; but he lov'd rather to go by Land, and that on Foot, according to his Custom. He took for his Companions, Matthew and Bernard: two Christian Lords wou'd be also of the party. Their Goods had lately been confiscated, as a [Page 478] punishment for changing their Religion; but the Grace of Iesus Christ which was to them instead of all, render'd their Po­verty so precious, that they esteem'd themselves richer, than they had been formerly. Another Christian bore them company; that Laurence [...]irnam'd the Squint-ey'd, because of that imperfection in his sight.

The Father walk'd chearfully with his five Companions, He falls sick with overtra­velling himself; and after a lit­tle rest, pursues his Iourney. as far as Pinlaschau, a Village distant a League or two from Figen. Arriving there he found himself so spent with travelling, that his Feet were swollen, and he was seiz'd with a violent Headach, so that the cou'd go no farther. Matthew, Laurence and Ber­nard, went on to carry news of him to the Vessel. When Edward de Gama un­derstood that the holy Man was so near, he call'd together all the Portugueses, who resided at Fucheo; and having cho­sen out the Principal amongst them, got on Horseback with them, to pay him their Respects in Ceremony. Xavier, whom a little rest had now recruited, and who was suspicious of the Honour which they intended him, was already on his Journey, but fell into that Am­bush of Civility, which he wou'd wil­lingly have shunn'd. The Cavalcade came [Page 479] up to him, within a Leagues distance of Figen; and found him walking betwixt the two Lords of Amanguchi, who had never left him; and himself carrying his own Equipage. Gama was surpris'd to see a person so considerable in the World in such a posture, and alighting from his Horse, with all his Company, saluted him with all manner of respect. After the first Complements were over, they invited the Father to mount on Horse­back; but he cou'd not be perswaded: so that the Portugueses giving their Horses to be led after them, bore him compa­ny on foot, even to the Port.

The Ship was equipp'd in all its flou­rish, He is receiv'd with Honour by the Portu­gueses; and complemented from the King of Bungo. with Flags hung out, and Stream­ers waveing, according to the Orders of the Captain. They, who were remain­ing in her, appear'd on the Decks, and stood glittering in their Armour. They gave him a Volley, at his first approach; and then discharg'd all their Cannon. Four rounds of the Artillery being made, the noise of it was heard so distinctly at Fucheo, that the City was in a fright; and the King imagin'd that the Portugueses were attack'd by certain Pyrates, who lately had pillag'd all the Coasts. To clear his Doubts, he dispatch'd away a Gen­tleman of his Court to the Ship's Captain. [Page 480] Gama, shewing Father Francis to the Messenger, told him, that the noise which had allarm'd the Court, was only a small testimony of the honour which was owing to so great a Person, one so dear to Heaven, and so much esteem'd in the Court of Port [...]gal.

The Iapanner, who saw nothing but poverty in the person of the Father, and remember'd what had been written of him from Amanguchi, stop'd a little with­out speaking: then, with amazement in his face; I am in pain, said he, what answer I shall return my Prince: for what you tell me has no correspondence either with that which I behold, or with the account we have receiv'd from the Bonza's of Amanguchi; who have seen your Father Bonza entertain a familiar Spirit, who taught him to cast lots, and perform certain magical operations to delude the ignorant. They report him to be a Wretch forsaken, and accurst by all the World; that the Vermin which are swarming all over him, are too nice to feed on his infectious flesh; besides which, I fear, that if I shou'd relate what you say concerning him▪ our Priests wou'd be taken, either for Ideots, or men of false Understanding, or for envious Persons, and Impostours. Then [Page 481] Gama, replying, told the Iaponian all that was necessary to give him a good impres­sion of the Saint; and to hinder him from contempt of his mean appearance. On this last Article, he declar'd to him, that he, who had so despicable an outside, was of noble blood; that fortune had provided him w [...]th wealth, but that his vertue had made him poor; and that his willful want of all things, was the effect of a great Spirit, which despis'd those empty pomps that are so eagerly desir'd by Mankind. This Discourse ra­vish'd the Iapanner with admiration: he made a faithful relation of it to his King; and added of himself, that the Portugueses were more happy in the possession of this holy man, than if their Vessel were la­den with Ingots of Gold.

The King of Bungo had already heard speak of Father Francis; He is much e­steem'd by the King of Bungo. and gave no credit to what the Bonza's of Amanguchi had written of him. He was a Prince of five and twenty years of age, very judicious, generous, and civil: but too much ingag'd in carnal pleasures, after the manner of the Iaponian Princes. What he had heard from the relation of the Messenger, increas'd his longing to be­hold Xavier; and the same day he writ to him, in these very terms.

[Page 482] FATHER Bonza of Chimahicoghin for by that name they call Portu­gal may your happy arrival in my E­states, The Letter of the King of Bung [...], to Fa­ther Xavier. be as pleasing, to your God, as are the Praises wherewith he is honour'd by his Saints. Quansyono [...]ama, my Dome­stick Servant, whom I sent to the Port of Figen, tells me, that you are arriv'd from Amanguchi; and all my Court will bear me witness, with what pleasure I re­ceiv'd the news. As God has not made me worthy to command you, I earnestly request you, to come before the rising of the Sun to [...]orrow, and to knock at my Palace Gate, where I shall impatiently attend you. And permit me to demand this favour of you, [...]ithout being thought a troublesome Beggar. In the mean time, Prostrate on the ground, and on my knees before your God, whom I acknowledge for the God of all the Gods, the Soveraign of the best and greatest which inhabit in the Heavens, I desire of him, I say, to make known to the haughty of the world, how much your poor and holy life is pleasing to him: to the end that the Chil­dren of our flesh, may not be deceiv'd by the false promises of the earth. Send me news of your holiness, the joy of which, may give me a good nights repose, 'till the Cocks awaken me with the welcom de­claration of your visit.

[Page 483] This Letter vvas carried by a young Prince of the blood Royal, attended by thirty young Lords belonging to the Court; and accompani'd by a venerable Old Man, vvho was his Governour, call'd Poomendono, one of the vvisest and most qualifi'd of all the Kingdom, and natural Brother to the King of Minato. The honour which vvas paid by the Portugueses to Father Xavier, so surpriz'd the Prince, that, turning to his Gover­nour, he said aloud, The God of these Peo­ple must be truly great, and his counsels hidden from Mankind, since it is plea­sure, that these wealthy Ships shou'd be o­bedient to so poor a man as is this Bonza of the Portuguese: and that the roaring of their Cannon, shou'd declare, that Poverty has wherewithall to be pleasing to the Lord of all the world; even that Poverty which is so despicable of it self, and so disgrace­ful in the general opinion, that it seems e­ven a crime to think of it.

Though we have a horrour for Po­verty, reply'd Poomendono, and that vv [...] believe the Poor un [...]apable of happiness, it may be this poor man is so much ena­mour'd of his wants, and so esteems them, that he is Pleasing to the God whom he adores, and that practising it vvith all imaginable rigour, for his sake, [Page 484] he may be richer than the greatest Mo­narch of the World.

The young Embassadour being re­turn'd to Court, reported to the King, with vvhat respect his Letter had been receiv'd; and took upon him to per­swade that Prince, that this European Bonza vvas to be treated vvith greater honour, and far otherwise than their or­dinary Bonza's; even so far as to say, that it vvou'd be an enormous sin to le­vel him vvith them. That for the rest, he was not so poor as his Enemies had suggested; that the Captains and Portu­guese Merchants vvou'd bestow on him both their Ship, and all their Treasure, in case he wou'd accept of them; and that, properly speaking, he vvas not to be accounted poor, who possess'd as much as he desir'd. In the mean time, the Portugueses being assembled, to con­sult how Father Xavier shou'd appear in Court the next morning, all of them vvere of opinion, that he shou'd present himself with all the Pomp an Magnifi­cence they cou'd devise. At first he oppos'd it, out of the aversion he had for this Pageant show, so unsuitable to the Condition of a Religious man: but afterwards he yielded to the request, and withall to the reasons of the Assembly. [Page 485] Those reasons vvere, That the Bonza's of Amanguchi, having written all they cou'd imagine, to render Xavier con­temptible, it was convenient to remove those false conceptions from the People; and at the same time, to let them see how much the Christians honour their Ministers of the Gospel, that thereby the Heathens might be the more easily induc'd to give credit to them; so that the honour wou'd reflect on Iesus Christ, and the preaching wou'd be rais'd in va­lue, according to the esteem which vvas given to the Preacher.

They prepar'd therefore, In what [...] [...]e goes to the Court of Bungo. with all di­ligence, for the Entry of the Saint, and set out the next morning before day­light, in a handsome equipage. There were thirty Portugueses, of the most con­siderable amongst them, richly habited; with their Chains of Gold, and adorn'd with Jewels. Their Servants and Slaves, vvell cloath'd likewise, vvere attending on their Masters. Father Xavier wore a Cassock of black Chamlet, and over it a Surplice, with a Stole of green Vel­vet, garnish'd with a Gold Brocard. The Chalop and the two Barques, where­in they made their passage from the Ship to the Town, were cover'd on the sides, with the fairest China Tapestry; [Page 486] and hung round, with silken Banners of all colours. Both in the Sloop, and in the Barques, there were Trumpets, Flutes, and Hautbois, and other Instru­ments of Musick, which playing toge­ther, made a most harmonious consort: the news which was spread about Fucheo, that the great European Bonza was to enter into the Town that morning, drew ma­ny persons of Quality to the Sea side; and such a multitude of people ran crowding together, at the sounding of the Trumpets, that the Portugueses cou'd hardly find footing to come on shore.

Quansyandono Captain of Canafama, and one of the principal of the Court, was there attending them, by Order from the King. He receiv'd the Saint with great civility; and offer'd him a Litter to carry him to the Palace: but Xavier refus'd it, and walk'd on foot, with all his Train, in this order: Edward de Gama went foremost bare-headed, with a Cane in his hand, as the Gentleman of the Horse, or Major domo to the Father. Five other Portugueses follow'd him, who were the most considerable persons of the Ship. One of them carri'd a Book, in a Bag of white Sattin; another a Cane of Bengale, headed with Gold; a third his Slippers, which were of fine black [Page 487] Velvet, such as are worn only by Per­sons of the first Quality: a fourth car­ried a fair Tablet of our Lady, wrapt in a Scarf of violet Damask; and the fifth a magnificent Parasol. The Father came next after them, in the habit which I have describ'd; with an air compos'd betwixt Majesty and Modesty. The rest of the Portugueses follow'd; and to be­hold their countenance, their dress, and the beauty of their train, they resembled rather Cavaliers and Lords, than a Com­pany of Merchants. They pass'd in this manner through the chief Streets of the City, with sound of Trumpets, Flutes, and Hautbois, follow'd by an infinite multitude of People, without r [...]koning into the number, those who fill'd the Windows, the Balconies, and the tops of houses. Being arriv'd at the great Place, which fronts the Royal Palace, they found there six hundred of the King's Guards, drawn up, some arm'd with Lances, others with Darts, all of them with rich S [...]ymiters, hanging by their sides, and costly Vests upon their backs. These Guards, at the sign given them by their Captain call'd Fingeindono, ad­vanc'd in good order towards the Saint, after which they divided into two ranks, and open'd a passage for the [Page 488] Father through the midst of them.

Being come to the Palace, His entry into the Palace of the King of Bungo. the Portu­gueses, who walk'd immediately before the Father, turn'd towards him, and sa­luted him with great respect. One pre­sented him the Cane, and another the Velvet Slippers; he who held the Para­sol, spread it over his head; and the two others, who carried the Book and Picture plac'd themselves on each side of him. All this was so gracefully perform'd, and with so much honour to the Father, that the Lords who vvere present, much admir'd the manner of it: and they were heard to say amongst themselves, that Xavier had been falsly represented to them by the Bonza's: that questionless he was a man descended from above, to confound their Envy, and abate their Pride.

After they had gone through a long Gallery, they enter'd into a large Hall, full of People; who by their habit, which vvas of Damask heighten'd with Gold, and diversify'd with fair Figures, seem'd to be Persons of the highest Quality. There, a little Child, whom a Reverend Old Man held by the hand, coming up to the Father, saluted him with these words. May your arrival in the Palace of my Lord the King, be as welcome to him, [Page 489] as the Rain of Heaven to the Labourers, in a long and parching drought: Enter without fear, continu'd he, for I assure you of the love of all good men; though the wicked cannot behold you without me­lancholly in their faces, which will make them appear like a black and stormy night. Xavier return'd an answer, suitable to his age who had made the Complement; but the Child reply'd, in a manner, which vvas far above his age. Certainly said he, you must be endu'd with an extra­ordinary courage, to come from the end of all the world, into a strange Country, liable to contempt, in regard of your Po­verty; and the goodness of your God, must needs be infinite, to be pleas'd with that Poverty, against the general opinion of mankind. The Bonza's are far from do­ing any thing of this nature; they who publickly affirm, and swear that the Poor are no more in a possibility of Sal­vation than the Women.

May it please the divine goodness of our Lord, reply'd Xavier, to enlighten those dark and wretched Souls, with the beams of his Coelestial truth, to the end they may confess their errour, both as to that particular, and to the rest of their Belief.

[Page 490] The Child discours'd on other Subjects, and spoke with so much Reason, and with that sublimity of Thought, that the Father doubted not but he was inspir'd by the holy Spirit, who when he pleases can replenish the Souls of Infants with Wisdom, and give Eloquence to their Tongues, before Nature has ripen'd in them the use of Reason.

In these Entertainments, He receives the Complements of several persons in the Co [...]rt. which were surprising to all the Assistants, they pass'd into another Hall, where there were ma­ny Gentlemen richly habited, and of good Meen. At the moment when the Father enter'd, all of them bow'd with Reve­rence; which Action they repeated thrice, and so very low, that they touch'd the ground with their Foreheads; as the Iapo [...]neses are very dextrous at that exer­cise. And this Reverence, which they call Gromenare, is only perform'd by the Son to the Father, and by the Vassal to his Lord. After this, two of them sepa­rating from the Company, to testify their general joy at the sight of him, one of them spoke in this manner. May your arrival, holy Father Bonza, [...]e as pleasing to our King, as the smiles of a Babe are to his Mother, who holds him in her Arms; which certainly will be, for we swear to you by the Hairs of our Heads, that every [Page 491] thing, even to the very Walls. which seem to dance for joy at your desir'd presence, conspires to your good reception; and excites us to rejoice at your arrival; we doubt not but it will turn to the Glory of that God, of whom you have spoken so greatly at A­manguchi. This Complement being en­ded, these young Lords were following the Father, but the Child of whom we made mention, and whom Xavier led by the Hand, made a sign to them, that they shou'd go no farther. They mounted on a Terrace border'd with Orange-trees, and from thence enter'd into another Hall, more spacious than either of the former. Facharandono, the Kings Brother was there, with a magnificent retinue. Having done to the Saint all the Civili­ties, which are practis'd to the greatest of Iapan, he told him, That this day was the most solemn and auspicious of all the year for the Court of Bungo; and that his Lord the King, esteem'd himself more rich and happy to have him in his Palace, than if he were Master of all the Silver contain'd in the two and thirty Treasurie [...] of China. In the mean time, added the Prince, I wish you an increase of Glory, and an entire accomplishment of that design, which brought you hither from the extr [...]mi [...]ies of the Earth.

[Page 492] Then the Child, He is introduc'd to an Audience of the King of Bungo; and what passes in it. who had hitherto been the Master of the Ceremonies to the Father, left him in the hands of [...]acha­randono, and retir'd apart. They enter'd into the Kings Antichamber, where the principal Lords of the Kingdom, were at­tending him. After he had been receiv'd by them with all possible civilities, he was at last introduc'd to his Audience in a Chamber which glitter'd with Gold on every side. The King, who was standing, advanc'd five or six paces, at the first ap­pearance of the Father, and bow'd him­self even to the ground, thrice successive­ly; at which action all the Company were in great amazement. Xavier, on his side, prostrated himself before that Prince, and wou'd have touch'd his Foot, according to the Custom of the Country, but the King wou'd not permit him; and himself rais'd up the Saint: then ta­king him by the Hand, he caus'd him to sit down by him, on the same Estrade. The Prince his Brother, was seated some­what lower; and the Portugueses were plac'd over against them, accompany'd by the most qualify'd persons of the Court. The King immediately said all the obliging things to the Father, which cou'd be expected from a well-bred Man. And laying aside all the pomp of Maje­jesty, [Page 493] which the Kings of Iapan are ne­ver us'd to quit in publick, treated him with the kindness and familiarity of a Friend. The Father answer'd all these Civilities of the Prince with a most pro­found respect, and words full of defe­rence and submission: after which, ta­king occasion to declare Iesus Christ to him, he explain'd in few words, the prin­cipal Maxims of Christian Morality; but he did it after so plausible a manner, that at the conclusion of his Discourse, the King cry'd out in a transport of admirati­on, How can any Man learn from God these profound secrets? Why has [...] suffer'd us to live in blindness, and this Bonza of Portugal to receive these wonderful illumi­nations? For, in fine, we our selves are Witnesses of what we had formerly by re­port; and all we hear, is maintain'd by proofs so strong and evident, and withal, so conformable to the light of Nature, that whoever wou'd examine these Doctrines, ac­cording to the Rules of Reason, will find, that Truth will issue out, and meet him on every side; and that no one proposition de­stroys another. 'Tis far otherwise with our Bonza's, they cannot make any Discourse without the clashing of their own Principles; and from thence it happens, that the more they speak, the m [...]re they intangle them­selves. [Page 494] Confus'd in their knowledge, and yet more confus'd in the explication of what they teac [...]; rejecting to day as false, what yesterday they approv'd for true. Contra­dicting themselves, and recanting their O­pinions every moment; insomuch, that the clearest Head, and the most ready Vnder­standing can comprehend nothing of their Doctrine; and in relation to Eternal Happiness, we are always left in doubt, what we shou'd believe. A most manifest token, that they only follow the extrava­gancies of their own Fancies, and have not for the Rule and Foundation of their Faith, any per [...]anent and solid Truth.

In this manner spoke the King; and it was easy to judge by the vehemence of his action, that he spoke from the abun­dance of his Heart. There was present a Bonza, very considerable in his Sect, and of good knowledge, but too presu­ming of his Understanding, and as much conceited of his own Abilities, as any Pedant in the World. This Bonza, whose name was Faxiondono, either jealous of the Honour of his Profession, or taking to himself in particular, what the King had said of all in general, was often­tempted to have interrupted him; yet he master'd his Passion, till the King had done; but then losing all manner of re­spect, [Page 495] and not keeping any Measures of Decency, How dare you, said he, decid [...] Matters relating to Religion, you who have never studied in the Vniversity of Fianzi­ma? the only place where the sacred My­steries of the Gods are explicated? If you know nothing of your self, consult the Learned, I am here in person t [...] instruct you.

The Insolence of the Bonza, rais'd [...] indignation of all the Company, the King excepted; who smiling, command­ed him to proceed, if he had more to say Faxiondono, growing more arrogant▪ by this▪ moderation of his Prince, began; raising his note, by ex [...]olling the Pro­fession of a Bonza, Tha [...] nothing was mor [...] certain, than that the Bonza's were the Fa­vourites of Heaven; both observing the Law themselves, and causing it to be o [...] ­serv'd by others; that they pas [...]d th [...] long­est Nights, and the severest Colds, in praying for their Benefactours; that they abstain'd from all sensual pleasures; that fresh▪ Fish never came upon their Tables; that they administred to the Sick, instruct­ed the Children, comforted the Distrest, reconcil'd Enemies, appeas'd Seditions, and pacify'd Kingdoms; that, which was first and chiefest, they gave Letters of Exchange for another life, by which the d [...]ad became [Page 496] rich in Heaven; that, in fine, the Bon­za's were the familiar Friends of the Stars, and the Confidents of the Saints; that they were priviledg'd to converse with them by night, to cause them to descend from Heaven, to embrace them in their Arms, and enjoy them as long as they desir'd. These extravagances set all the Company in a laughter; at which the Bonza was so inrag'd, that he flew out into greater passion, till the King commanded his Brother to impose silence on him. After which, he caus'd his Seat to be taken from under him, and commanded him to withdraw, telling him, by way of raillery, That his Choler was a convincing proof of a Bonza's Holiness, and then se­riously adding, That a Man of his Chara­cter had more commerce with Hell than Heaven. At these words the Bonza cry'd out with excess of rage, The time will come, when no Man of this World, shall be worthy enough to serve me; there is not that Monarch now breathing on the face of the Earth, but shall be judg'd too vile to touch the Hem of my Garment. He meant, when he was to be transform'd into one of their D [...]ities, and that God and he shou'd be mix'd into one Divinity; which is the reward of a Bonza after death. Though the King cou'd not hear his [Page 497] madness without smiling, yet he had so much compassion on his Folly▪ that he took upon him to confute those extrava­gant propositions; but Xavier desir'd him to defer it to a fitter time, till he had digested his fury, and was more capable of hearing Reason. Then the King said only to Faxiondono, That he shou'd go and do Penance, for the pride and insolence of his Speech, wherein he had made himself a companion of the Gods. Faxiondono did not reply, but he was heard to mut­ter, and grind his Teeth, as he with­drew. Being at the Chamber Door, and ready to go out, May the Gods, said he aloud, dart their Fire from Heaven to consume thee, and burn to Ashes all those Kings, who shall presume to speak like thee.

The King and Xavier prosecuted their Discourse on several Articles of Religion till Dinner-time; What passes [...] the King of Bungo and Xavier. when the Meat was on the Table, the King invited the Fa­ther to eat with him. Xavier excus'd himself with all possible respect, but that Prince wou'd absolutely have it so. I know well, said he, my Friend and Father, that you are not in want of my Table; but if you were a Japanner, as we are, you wou'd understand that a King, cannot give those he favours a greater sign of his good [Page 498] will, than in permitting them to eat with him; for which reason as I love you, and am desirous of shewing it, you must needs dine with me; and farther I assure you, that I shall receive a greater Honour by it, th [...]n I bestow. Then Xavier with a low reverence, kissing his Scymitar, which is a mark of most profound respect, much practis'd in Iapan, said thus to him. I petition the God of Heaven from the bottom of my Heart, to reward your Majesty for all the favours you have heap'd on me, by bestowing on you the light of Faith, and the Vertues of Christianity; to the end you may serve God faithfully du­ring your life, and enjoy him eternally af­ter death. The King embrac'd him, and desir'd of God, on his side, that he wou'd graciously hear the Saints request, yet on this condition, that they might re­main together in Heaven, and never be divided from each other, that they might have the opportunity of long Conversati­ons, and of discoursing to the full of Di­vine Matters. At length they sat to Din­ner: while they were eating, the Portu­gueses, and all the Lords of the Court, were on their Knees, together with the chief Inhabitants of the Town, amongst whom were also some Bonza's, who were inrag'd in their Hearts, but the late Exam­ple [Page 499] of Faxiondono, hinder'd them from breaking into Passion.

These Honours which Xavier receiv'd from the King of Bungo, The Honour of Xavier in the Kingdom of [...]ungo; and the success of his Labours there. made him so considerable, and gave him so great a Reputation with the People, that being at his Lodgings with the Portugueses, they came thronging from all quarters to hear him speak of God. His publick Sermons, and his private Conversations, had their due effect. Vast multitudes of people, from the very first, renounc'd their Idols, and believ'd in Iesus Christ. The Saint employ'd whole days together in bap­tising of Idolaters, or in teaching new Be­lievers: So that the Portugueses cou'd not enjoy him to themselves, for their own Spiritual Consolation, unless at some cer­tain hours of the night, while he was giving himself some breathing-time, af­ter his long Labours. Loving him so tenderly as they did, and fearing that his continual pains might endanger his health, they desir'd him to manage it with more caution; and to take at least those refreshments which Humane Na­ture exacted from him, before he sunk at once under some distemper. But he answer'd them, That if they truly lov'd him, they wou'd trouble themselves no more concerning him: That they ought to look on [Page 500] him, as one who was d [...]ad to all outward refreshments; that his Nourishment, his Sleep, and his life it self, consisted in de­livering from the tyranny of the Devil, th [...]se precious Souls, for whose sake chiefly, God had call'd him from the utmost limits of the [...]rth.

Amongst the Conversions which were made at Fucheo, [...]. one of the most consi­derable was that of a famous Bonza, of Ca [...]fama, call'd Sacay E [...]ran. This Bon­za, who was very learn'd, and a great pillar of his Sect, seeing that none of his Brethren durst attempt Xavier, on the matter of Religion, undertook a pup­lick Disputation with him. The Confe­rence was made in a principal place of the Town, in presence of a great multude. Scarcely had Xavier made an end of ex­plaining the Christian Doctrine, when the Bonza grew sensible of his Errours. The in [...]idel, notwithstanding▪ went on to oppose those Truths, of which he had al­ready some imperfect glimpse; but being at length convinc'd by the powerful Rea­sons of his Adversary, and inwardly mov'd by Gods good Spirit, he fell on his Knees, and lifting up his Hands towards Hea­ven, he pronounc'd aloud these words, with [...]earstrickling from his Eyes; O Je­ [...] Christ, [...] true and only S [...]n of God, [Page 501] I submit to thee. I confess from my heart, and with my mouth, that th [...] art God E­ternal, and Omnipotent: and I earnestly desire the pardon of all my Auditors, that I have so often taught them things for truth, which I acknowledge, and at this present declare before them, were only For­geries and Fables.

An action, which was so surprizing, mov'd the minds of all the assistants: and it was in the power of Father Xa­vier, to have Baptis'd th [...]t very day five hundred Persons, who being led by the example of the Bonza of Canafama, all of them earnestly desir'd Baptism. He might perhaps have done this in the Indies, where there were no Learned men, to oppose the Mysteries of our Faith, and to tempt the sidelity of the new Con­verts by captious queries. But he judg'd this not to be practicable in Iapan, where the Bonza's not being able to hinder the conversion of Id [...]laters, endeavour'd af­terwards to regain them, by a thousand lying artifices, and sophistications▪ and it appear'd necessary to him, before he Baptis'd those who were grown up to Manhood, to fortifie them well against the tricks of those Seducers.

Accordingly the Saint dispos'd the Souls of those Gentiles by degrees to this [Page 502] first Sacrament, [...]. and began with th [...] reformation of their Manners; chu­sing rather not to baptise the King of Bungo, than to precipitate his Baptism, Or rather he thought, that his Conver­sion wou'd be always speedy enough, provided it were sincere and constant, Thus the great care of Father Xavier, in relation to the Prince, was, to give him an aversion to those infamous Vices which had been taught him by the Bon­za's; and in which he liv'd vvithout scruple, upon the Faith of those his Ma­sters. Now the King, attending with great application to the man of God, and having long conversations with him, began immediately to change his life, and to give the demonstrations of that change. From the very first, he ba­nish'd out of his Chamber, a beautiful youth who vvas his Minion, and also forbad him the entry of his Palace. He gave bountifully to the Poor, to whom he had formerly been hard-hearted, as thinking it was a crime to pity them, and an act of Justice to be cruel to them, according to the Doctrine of his Bonza's, who maintain'd that poverty not only made men despicable, and ridiculous, but also Criminal, and worthy of the [...]everest punishments. According to the [Page 503] Principles of the same Doctours, Women with Child vvere allow'd to make them­selves miscarry by certain Potions, and even to murther those Children, whom they brought into the World against their will. Insomuch that such unnatu­ral cruelties were daily committed; and nothing was more common in the King­dom of Bungo, then those inhumane Mothers. Some of them to save the charges of their food and education, o­thers to avoid the miseries attending Poverty, and many to preserve the re­putation of Chastity, however debauch'd and infamous they were. The King, by the admonition of the Father, forbad those cruelties on pain of death. He made o­ther Edicts, against divers Pagan Cere­monies, which were lascivious or disho­nest, and suffer'd not the Bonza's to set a Foot within his Palace. As to what remains, he was wrapt in admiration at the vertue of the holy man, and con­fess'd often to his Courtiers, that when he saw him appear at any time; he trembled even to the bottom of his heart, because he seem'd to see the Countenance of the man of God, as a clear mirrour, representing to him the abominations of his Life.

[Page 504] While Xavier had this success at the Court of Bungo, What happens to the Companions of Xavier, at Amanguchi. Torrez, and Iohn Fernandez, suffer'd for the Faith at Amanguchi. After the departure of the Saint, the whole Nation of the Bonza's rose against them; and endeavour'd to confound them in regular disputes. Flat­tering themselves with this Opinion, that the Companions of Xavier were not so learned as himself; and judging on the other side, that the least advan­tage, which they shou'd obtain against them, wou'd re-establish the declining af­fairs of Pagamism.

It happen'd quite contrary to their ex­pectations: Torrez, to whom Fernandez serv'd instead of an Interpreter, answer'd their questions, with such force of rea­son, that they were wholly vanquish'd; not being able to withstand his argu­ments, they endeavour'd to decry him by their calumnies; spreading a report, that the Companions of the great European Bonza, cut the throats of little Children by night, suck'd their blood, and eat their Flesh: That the Devil had declar'd by the mouth of an Idol, that these two Europeans were his Disciples, and that it was himself who had in­structed them in those subtle answers, which one of them had return'd in their [Page 505] publick disputations. Besides this, some of the Bonza's made oath, that they had seen a Devil darting flakes of fire like Thunder and Lightning, against the Pa­lace of the King, as a Judgement, so they call'd it, against those who had receiv'd into the Town these Preachers of an upstart Faith. But perceiving that none of these inventions took place ac­cording to their desires; and that the people instead of giving credit to their projects, made their sport at them, partly in revenge, and partly to verify their Visions; they engag'd in their Interests, a Lord of the Kingdom, who was as great Souldier, and a Malecontent: him, they wrought to take up arms against the King. This Noble man▪ pro­vok'd with the s [...]nce of his ill usage at Court, and farther heighten'd by mo­tives of Religion and interest, rais'd an Army in less than three weeks time, by the assistance of the Bonza's, and came pouring down like a deluge upon Aman­guchi.

The King who was neither in condi­tion to give him Battel, The death [...]f the king of A­manguchi, and the [...] of t [...]e To [...]n. nor provided to sustain a Siege; and who fear'd all things from his Subjects, of whom he was ex­treamly hated▪ lost his Courage to that degree, that he look'd on death as his [Page 506] onely remedy. For apprehending above all things the ignominy, of falling alive into the power of Rebels, push'd on by a barbarous despair, he first murther'd his Son; and then ript up his own belly with a knife; having before-hand left Order with one of his faithful Servants to burn their Bodies so soon as they were dead, and not to leave so much as their ashes at the disposal of the Enemy.

All was put to Fire and Sword within the City. During this confusion, the Souldiers animated by the Bonza's, search'd for Torrez and Fernandez, to have Mas­sacred them. And both of them had perish'd without mercy, if the Wife of Neatondono, of whom formerly we have made mention, and who, though con­tinuing a Pagan, Yet had so great a kind­ness for Xavier, that for his sake, she kept them hidden in her Palace, 'till the publick tranquility was restor'd. For, as these popular commotions, are of the nature of storms, which pass away, and that so much the more speedily, as they had been more violent, the Town re­sum'd her former countenance, in the space of some few days. The Brother of the King of Bungo, it cho­sen King of A­manguchi, the Saint rej [...]yces at it.

The Heads of the People being assem­bled for the Election of a new King, by common consent pitch'd on the Brother [Page 507] of the King of Bungo, a young Prince, valiant of his person, and born for great Atchievements. Immediately they sent a solemn Embassie to that Prince, and pre­sented to him the Crown of Amanguchi. The Court of Bungo celebrated the Ele­ction of the new King, with great mag­nificence, while Xavier was yet residing at Fucheo. The Saint himself rejoyc'd the more▪ at this promotion, because he look'd on this wonderful revolution, which was projected by the Bonza [...] for the ruine of Christianity, as that which most probably wou'd confirm it. He was not deceiv'd in his conjectures; and, from the beginning, had a kind of assu­rance, that this turn of State, wou'd conduce to the advantage of the Faith. For having desir'd the King of Bungo, that he wou'd recommend to the Prince his Brother the estate of Christianity in Amanguchi: the King perform'd so fully that request, that the new Monarch, promis'd on his Royal word, to be alto­gether as favourable to the Christians, as the King his Brother.

Xavier had been forty days at Fucheo, He prepares to leave Japan, and takes leave of the King of Bungo. when the Portuguese Merchants were in a readiness to set fail for China, accord­ing to the measures which they had ta­ken. All necessary preparations being [Page 508] made, he accompany'd them to take his leave of the King of Bungo. That Prince told the Merchants that he envy'd them the Company of the Saint; that in lo­sing him, he seem'd to have lost his Fa­ther; and that the thought of never see­ing him again, most sensibly afflicted him.

Xavier kiss'd his hand with a profound reverence, and told him, that he wou'd return to wait on his Majesty, as soon as pos [...]bly he cou'd: that he wou'd keep him inviolably in his heart; and that in acknowledgement of all his favours, he shou'd continually send up his Prayers to Heaven, that God wou'd shower on him his coelestial blessings.

The King having taken him aside, [...] as to say something in private to him, Xa­vier laid hold on that opportunity, and gave him most important counsel for the Salvation of his Soul. He advis'd him above all things to bear in mind how soon the greatness and pomp of this pre­sent life will vanish away; that life is but short in its own nature: that we scarcely have begun to live, before death comes on; and if he shou'd not dye a Christian, nothing less was to be expect­ed, than eternal misery. That, on the contrary, whoever being truly faithful, [Page 509] shou'd persevere in the grace of Baptism, shou'd have right to an everlasting inhe­ritance with the Son of God, as one of his beloved Children. He desir'd him also to consider, what was become of so many Kings and Emperours of Iapan: what advantage was it to them to have sate upon the Throne, and wallow'd in pleasures for so many years, being now burning in an Abysse of Fire, which was to last to all Eternity. What madness was it, for a man to condemn his own Soul to endless punishments, that his body might enjoy a momentary satis­faction: That there was no Kingdom, nor Empire, though the Universal Mo­narchy of the World shou'd be put into the ballance, whose loss was not to be accounted gain, if losing them, we ac­quir'd an immortal Crown in Heaven: That These truths, which were indispu­table, had been conceal'd from his fore­fathers, and even from all the Iaponians, by the secret judgement of Almighty God, and for the punishment of their offences. That, for his own particular, he ought to provide for that account, which he was to render of himself; how much more guilty wou'd he appear in Gods presence, if, the Divine [...]vidence having conducted from the ends of the [Page 510] Earth, even into his own Palace, a Mi­nister of the Gospel, to discover to him the paths of happiness, he shou'd yet continue wilder'd and wandring, in the disorders of his life. Which the Lord a­vert, continu'd Xavier, and may it please him, to hear the Prayers which day and night I shall pour out for your Con­version. I wish it with an unimaginable ardour, and assure you, that wheresoe­ver I shall be, the most pleasing news which can be told me, shall be to hear that the King of Bungo, is become a Chri­stian; and that he lives according to the Maxims of Christianity.

This discourse made such impressions on the King, and so melted into his heart, that the tears came thrice into his eyes: but those tears were the only pro­duct of it at that time; so much that Prince, who had renounc'd those impu­rities, which are abhor'd by Nature, was still fasten'd to some other sensual plea­sures. And it was not 'till after some succeeding years, that having made more serious reflections on the wholesome ad­monitions of the Saint, he reform'd his life for altogether, and in the end re­ceiv'd Baptism.

Xavier having taken leave of the King, [...] return'd to the Port of Figen, ac­company'd [Page 511] by the Merchants, who were to set sail within few days after: The departure of the Saint was joyful to the Bonza's, but the glory of it, was a great abatement to their pleasure. It appear'd to them, that all the honours he had receiv'd, redounded to their shame; and that after such an affront, they shou'd remain eternally blasted in the opinion of the People, if they did not wipe it out, with some memorable vengeance. Being met together, to consult on a bu­siness which so nearly touch'd them, they concluded that their best expedient was to raise a Rebellion in Fucheo, as they had done at Amanguchi; and flesh the People by giving up to them the Ship of the Portuguese Merchants, first to be plunder'd, then burnt, and the Proprie­tors themselves to be destroy'd. In con­sequence of this, if fortune favour'd them, to attempt the Person of the King, and having dispatch'd him, to conclude their work by extinguishing the Royal Line. As Xavier was held in veneration in the Town, even amongst the most dissolute Idolaters, they were of opinion they did nothing, if they did not ruine his reputation, and make him odious to the people. Thereupon, they set themselves at work, to publish, [Page 512] not only what the Bonza's of Amanguchi had written of him, but what they themselves had newly invented: That he was the most wicked of Mankind, an Ene­my to the living and the dead; his practice being to dig up the Carcasses of the buried, for the use of his Enchantments, and that he had a Devil in his Mouth, by whose as­sistance he charm'd his Audience. They added, That he had spell'd the King; and from thence proceeded these new vagaries in his Vnderstanding and all his Inclinati­ons; but that in case he came not out of that fit of madness, it shou'd cost him no less than his Crown and Life: That Amida and Xaca, two powerful and formidable Gods, had sworn to make an Example of him and of his Subjects; that, therefore the people, if they were wise, shou'd prevent betimes the wrath of those offended Deiti [...]s, by re­venging their Honour on that Impostour of a Bonza, and these European Pirates, who made their Idol of him. The people were too well perswaded of the Holiness of Xavier, to give credence to such impro­bable stories, as were rais'd of him; and all the Bonza's cou'd say against him, serv'd only to increase the publick hatred against themselves: Thus despairing of success amongst the multitude, they were forc'd to take another course, to [Page 513] destroy him in the good Opinion of the King.

About twelve Leagues distant from the Town, A new Artifice of the Bonza's against the Saint. there was a famous Monaste­ry of the Bonza's, the Superiour of which was one Fucarandono, esteem'd the great­est Scholar and most accomplish'd in all the Learning of Iapan. He had read Lectures of the Mysteries of their Divini­ty for the space of thirty years in the most renown'd University of the King­dom. But however skill'd he was in all Siences, his Authority was yet greater than his Knowledge. Men listen'd to him as to the Oracle of Iapan, and an implicit Faith was given to all he said. The Bonza's of Fucheo were perswaded, that if they cou'd bring him to the Town, and set him up against Xavier, in presence of the Court, they shou'd soon re­cover their lost Honour; such confidence they had of a certain Victory over the European Doctor. On this account they writ to Fucarandono, with all the warm­ness of an earnest Invitation, and sent him word, That if he wou'd give himself the trouble of this little Journey, to re­venge the injury they had receiv'd, they wou'd carry him back in triumph on their Shoulders to his Monastery.

The Bonza, who was full as vain as he [Page 514] was learn'd, came speedily, attended by six Bonza's, all Men of Science, but his inferiours and Scholars. He enter'd the Palace at that point of time, when Xa­vier and the Portugueses had Audience of the King, for their last farewel, being to embark the next morning. Before the King had dismiss'd them, he was inform'd, that Fucarandono desir'd to kiss his Hand, in presence of the Portuguese Bonza. At the name of Fucarandono, the King was a little nonplus'd, and stood silent for some time, suspecting that he came to challenge Father Xavier to a Disputati­on, and devising in himself some means of breaking off this troublesome affair, as he afterwards acknowledg'd. For what ever good Opinion he had of the Saints A­bility, Yet he cou'd not think him strong enough to encounter so formidable an Ad­versary; and therefore out of his kindness to him, was not willing to expose him to a disgrace in publick. Xavier, who perceiv'd the Kings perplexity, and ima­gin'd from whence it might proceed, begg'd earnestly of his Majesty, to give the Bonza leave of entrance; and also free permission of speaking. For, as to what concerns me, said the Father, you need not give your self the least disquiet. The Law I preach is no earthly Science, [Page 515] taught in any of your Vniversities, nor a Humane Invention; 'tis a Doctrine altoge­ther Heavenly, of which God himself is the only teacher. Neither all the Bonza's of Ja­pan, nor yet all the Scholars extant in the World, can prevail against it, any more, than the shadows of the night against the Sun-beams of the rising-Sun.

The King at the request of Xavier gave entrance to the Bonza. The beginning of the Conference betwixt Xavi­er and Fuca­randono. Fucarando­no, after the three usual reverences to the King, seated himself by Xavier; and af­ter he had fix'd his Eyes earnestly upon him, I know not, said he, with an over­weening look, if thou knowest me; or, to speak more properly, if thou remembrest me. I remember not, said Xavier, that I have ever seen you. Then the Bonza breaking out into a forc'd laughter, and turning to his fellows, I shall have but little dif­ficulty in overcoming this Companion, who has convers'd with me an hundred times, and yet w [...]u'd make us believe, he had never seen me: Then looking on Xavier, with a scornful smile, Hast thou none of those Goods yet remaining, continu'd he, which thou soldest me at the Port of Frenajoma? In truth, reply'd Xavier with a sedate and modest Countenance, I have never been a Merchant in all my life, neither have I ever been at the Port of Frenajoma. What [Page 516] a beastly forgetfulness is this of thine, Pur­su'd the Bonza, with an affected wonder, and keeping up his bold laughter, how canst thou possibly forget it? Bring it back to my remembrance, said Xavier mildly, you who have so much more Wit, and a Memory happier than mine. That shall be done, rejoin'd the Bonza, proud of the Commendations which the Saint had gi­ven him. 'Tis now just fifteen hundred years, since thou and I, who were then Merchants, traded at Frenajoma, and where I bought of thee an hundred Bales of Silk, at an easy pennyworth; dost thou yet remem­ber it? The Saint, who perceiv'd whi­ther the discourse tended, ask'd him very civilly, of what age he might be? I am now two and fifty, said Fucarandono. How can it then be, reply'd Xavier, that you were a Merchant Fifteen hundred years ago, that is fifteen Ages, when yet you have been in [...] the World, by your own confession, but half an Age? And how comes it, that you and I then traffick'd together at Frenajo­ma, since the greatest part of you Bonza's maintain, that Japan was a Desart, and un­inhabited at that time? Hear me, said the Bonza, and liste [...] to me as an Oracle, I will make the [...] confess, that we have a greater [...] of things past, than thou and thy fellows have [...]f the present. Thou art then [Page 517] to understand, that the World had no be­ginning, and that Men, Properly speaking, never die. The Soul only breaks loose from the Body in which it was confin'd; and while that Body is rotting under ground, is looking out for another fresh, and vigorous Habitati­on, wherein we are born again, sometimes in the nobler, sometimes in the more imperfect Sex, according to the various Constellations of the Heavens, and the different Aspects of the Moon. These alterations in our Birth, produce the like changes in our F [...]rtune. Now, it is the recompense of those who have liv'd virtuously, to preserve a const [...]nt me­mory of all the lives which they have pass'd through, in so many Ages; and to represent themselves, to themselves, entirely, such as they have been from all Eternity, under the figure of a Prince, of a Merchant, of a Scholar, of a Souldier, and so many other va­rious forms. On the contrary, they who, like thee, are so ignorant of their own Affairs, as not to understand who, or what they have been formerly, during th [...]se infinite rev [...]luti­ons of Ages, shew that their Crimes have de­serv'd death, as often as they h [...]ve lost the remembrance of their lives in every change. [...]

The Portuguese, from whose relation we have the knowledge of what is above written, and who was present at the Dis­pute, as himself informs us, in his Book [Page 518] of Travels, gives us no account of the Answers which were made by Xavier. I have neither Knowledge, nor Presumpti­on enough, says he, to relate those subtile and solid Reasons, with which he confuted the mad imaginations of the Bonza. We only have learnt from this Portuguese, that Fucarandono was put to silence upon the point in question, and that a little to save his Reputation, he chang'd the Subject, but to no purpose, for ever there too he was con­founded; for, forgetting those decencies, which even Nature prescribes to Men, and common Custom has taught us in civil Con­versation, he advanc'd infam [...]us Propositi­ons, which cann [...]t be related without offend­ing Mod [...]sty; and these he maintain'd with a strange impudence, against the Reasons of the Father, though the King, and the Noble Auditory, thought the Christian Arguments convincing. But the Bonza still flying out into Passion, and continuing to rail and [...]awl aloud, as if he were rather in a Bear garden, than at a solemn Disputa­tion, one of the Lords there present said, smiling, to him, If your business be fighting, why did not you go to the King­dom of Amanguchi, when they were in Ci­vil-Wars; there you might have found some one or other, with whom you might have [...] to h [...]rd-heads. What make you [...]ere, [Page 519] where all things are at quiet? But, if you came hither to dispute, why do you not car­ry on your Argument with mildness and good manners, according to the Copy which is set you by the European Bonza?

This sharp raillery had no effect upon Fucarandon [...]. He reply'd to the Lord, with so much impudence, and haughtiness, that the King, whose Patience was tir'd with so much insolence, caus'd him to be put out of the Hall, saying, That his Coat of a Bonza, was the only protection of his life. The affront which Fucarand [...] no had receiv'd, was interpreted by the Bonza's as an injury done to the Gods; and as such they declar'd it to the Peo­ple, saying, That Religion was pr [...]fan'd, and that the King, the Court, and the whole Nation had incurr'd the wrath of Hea­ven. Upon which pretence they shut up the Temples, and wou'd neither offer Sacrifice, nor accept of Alms. The Mul­titude, which had already been dispos'd to rise, began to get together, and had certainly taken Arms, if the King, by good management, had not somewhat calm'd their Spirits.

In the mean time the Portugueses, The fury of the Bonza's [...] the Portuguese to retire to their Ship. not believing themselves to be secure against the rage of a Superstitious People; and having just grounds of apprehending, [Page 520] that the affront which Fucarandono had receiv'd, might be reveng'd on their per­sons, return'd with all expedition to their Ship, designing to set Sail with the bene­fit of the first fair Wind: At their de­parture from the Town, they in [...]reated Father Xavier to follow them; but he cou'd not resolve to run off like a Fugi­tive; or, to forsake those new Christians, whose ruine had been sworn by the Hea­then Priests. How eager soever those Merchants were to get out of a Coun­trey where their lives were in so little safety, yet their fear for Father Xavier kept them lingring there some days longer; they deputed the Captain of the Vessel to him, who was to desire him in their name to make haste to them. Ed­ward de Gama, after a long enquiry, found him at last in a poor Cabin, with eight Christians, who, having been the most zealous in opposition of the Bonza's, were in reason to expect the more cruel usage at their hands, and were content to offer up their lives, provided they might die in the Arms of the Man of God.

The Captain urg'd him with the strongest Reasons which he cou'd invent, The Captain of the Ship endeavours to perswade Xavier to return; but in vain. and set before him all the dangers which attended him: that, being at the mercy of the Bonza's, his death was inevitable; [Page 521] and that the means of escaping wou'd be lost, when once the Tempest shou'd be­gin to rise. The Father, far from yield­ing to these Arguments, was offended at the Captain and the Merchants, for de­siring to hinder him from the Crown of Martyrdome, which he had taken so long a Journey to obtain: My Brother, said he to Gama, with a servour which ex­press'd the holy ambition of his Soul, how happy shou'd I be, if I cou'd receive what you reckon a disgrace, but what I account a Soveraign Felicity! but I am unworthy of that favour from Almighty God; yet I will not render my self more unworthy of it, which assuredly I shou'd, if I embark'd with you. For what scandal shou'd I give, by flying hence, to my new Converts? Might they not take occasion from it, to violate their promises to God, when they shou'd find me wanting to the duty of my Ministry? If, in consideration of that Money, which you have receiv'd from your passengers, you think your self oblig'd to secure them from the dan­ger which threatens them, and for that rea­son, have summon'd them on Board; ought not I by a stronger motive, guard my Flock, and die with them for the sake of a God, who is infinitely good, and who has re­deem'd me at the price of his own life, by suffering for me on the Cross? Ought not I [Page 522] to seal it with my Blood, and to publish it by my death, that all men are bound to sacrifice their Blood and Lives to this God of Mercies?

This generous answer, The Captain takes up a Resolution to stay with Xavier. wrought so much upon the Captain, that, instead of doubling his solicitations on Father Xa­vier, he resolv'd to partake his Fortune, and not to leave him. Having taken up this Resolution, without farther care of what might happen to his Ship, or what became of his own person, and account­ing all his losses for a trifle, while he en­joy'd the Company of Xavier; he re­turn'd indeed to his Merchants, but it was only to declare to them the deter­mination of the Father, and his own al­so; that in case they wou'd not stay, he gave up his Vessel to them: they were supply'd with Mariners and Souldiers, and had plentiful Provisions laid in, both of Food and Ammunition for War. They might go at their pleasure, wheresoever they design'd, but for his own particular, he was resolv'd to live and die with the Man of God.

Not a Man of them but subscrib'd to the Opinion of the Captain; and they were one and all for following his Exam­ple, and the Fortune of the Saint. Sud­d [...]nly they put into the Port again; for [Page 523] the Ship had lain off at a good distance, for fear of some attempt, which might be made upon it from the Town; Soul­diers were left for its defence; and the Captain and Merchants came in Com­pany to Fucheo. Their return gave new vigour to the Christians, and amaz'd the People, who cou'd not but wonder that so poor a man shou'd be had in such esteem by his Country-men, that they chose rather to run the hazard of their wealth, and of their lives, than to lose the sight of him.

This prompt return broke all the measures of the Bonza's; A new Enter­prise of the Bonza's against him. whose courage had been swell'd by the [...]light of Gama; which had given them the opportunity of making their Cabals against the Chri­stians: but when they found that those de­signs might [...] possibly miscarry; and that on the other side, they were again desy'd to a new Conference on the Subject of Re­ligion, they thought good to accommo­date themselves a little to the times, and to renew the dispute betwixt Xavier and Fucarandono before the Court. To seem before-hand with the Christians, they made it their own Petition to the King, who [...]reely granted it, but on some con­ditions, which were to be observ'd on other side; these Articles were, That [Page 524] noise was to be banish'd in dispute; no flying out to be permitted, nor any provocation by sharp language. That the Arguments and Answers were to be couch'd in precise terms, and drawn up in form of a just di­spute, as it shou'd be agreed by the Iudges, who were to moderate: That the approba­tion of the Audience was to decide the Vi­ctory: That if the Point were doubtful be­twixt them, the Suffrages shou'd be ta­ken, and that he shou'd be judg'd to have reason on his side, who had the majority of Voices. Lastly, That whoever was willing to enter himself in Christian, might profess his Faith, without hindrance or molestation from any man. These Conditions were too reasonable to be accepted by the Bonza's. They appeal'd from the King, to the King better inform'd, and told him boldly, that in matters of Religion, it was not just that the Profane, (that is the Layety) shou'd be Umpires: but when they found the King resolv'd to maintain his point, they quitted theirs. The next morning was agreed on for the Conference; and some of the most understanding Persons of the Court were appointed Judges. Fucarandono made his appearance at the time, attended by three thousand Bonza's. The King, who was either apprehensive of his own safety, [Page 525] amongst that Religious rabble, or fear'd at least that some disorder might en­sue, permitted but four of all the squa­dron to enter; and sent word to the o­thers, for their satisfaction, that it was not honourable for so many to appear a­gainst a single man.

Xavier, He returns to the Palace, to renew the Con­ference with Fucarandono. who had notice sent him from the King, that his Adversary was on the place of Combat, came accom­panied with the chiefest of the Portu­gueses, all richly habited, who appear'd as his Officers, and pay'd him all pos­sible respect, attending him bare-headed, and never speaking to him but on the knee. The Bonza's were ready to burst with envy, beholding the pompous entry of their Antagonist: And that which doubled their despight, was, that they over-heard the Lord's, saying to one a­nother; Observe this poor Man, of whom so many [...] ridiculous Pictures have been made to us, wou'd to God our Children might be like him, on Condition the Bonza's might say as bad of them, as they speak of him: Our own eyes are witnesses of the truth; and the palpable Lyes which they have in­vented, shew what credit is to be given to them. The King took pleasure in these discourses, and told those Lords, that the Bonza's had assur'd him, that he shou'd [Page 526] be sick at heart, at the first appearance of Father Francis. He acknowledg'd he was almost ready to have believ'd them; but being now convinc'd by his own experience, he found that the Cha­racter of an Embassadour from Heaven, and Interpreter of the Gods, was not in­consistent with a Lyar. Fucarandono, who heard all these Passages from his place, took them for so many ill Omens, and turning to his four Associates, told them, that he suspected this day wou'd be yet more unsuccessful to them than the last.

The King receiv'd Father Xavier with great civility, The dispute re­new'd. and after he had talk'd with him some time in private, very ob­ligingly, order'd him to begin the di­sputation. When they had all taken their places, the Saint demanded of the Bonza, as the King had desir'd him, For what reason the Christian Religion ought not to be receiv'd in Japan? The Bonza, whose haughtiness was much abated, reply'd modestly, Because it is a new Law, in all things opposite to the ancient esta­blish'd Laws of the Empire: and that it seems made on purpose to render the faithful Servants of the Gods contempti­ble, An Argument ready cut and dry'd, for the use of any Church by Law establish'd. as annulling the priviledges which the Cubosama's of former Ages, had con­ferr'd on the Bonz [...], and teaches that [Page 527] out of the Society of Christians there is no Salvation. But especially, added [...]e, a little kindling in the face, because it presumes to maintain, that the holy Amida and Xaca, Gizon and Canon, are in the bottomless pit of smoak, condemn'd to everlasting punishment, and deliver'd up in prey, to the Dragon of the hous [...] of night. After he had thus spoken, the Bonza held his peace: And Xavier, who had receiv'd a sign from the King, to make reply, said at the beginning of his discourse, that seeing Fucarandono had mingled many things together, it was reasonable, for the better clearing of the difficulties, to tye him up to one single pro­position, which was not to be left, till it was evacuated, and plainly found to be either true of false. All agreed this was fair, and Fucarandono himself, desir'd Xa­vier to shew cause, why he and his Companions, spoke evil of the Deities of the Country?

The Saint reply'd, The answer of Xavier to the first question of Fucarandono. That he gave not to Idols the name of Gods; because they were unworthy of it: and that so sacred a Title was only proper to the Soveraign Lord, who had Created Heaven and Earth. Then he proceeded to discourse of the Divine Being, and describ'd those Properties, which are known to us by the light of Nature: [Page 528] that is to say, his Independence, his Eter­nity, his Omnipotence, his Wisdom, Good­ness, and Iustice, without circumscription. He made out, that those infinite perfecti­ons cou'd not be comprehended by any created understanding, how refin'd soever. And thus having fill'd his Auditors with a vast Idea of the Deity, he demonstrated, that the Idols of Japan, who, according to the Japonians themselves, had been men, sub­ject to the common Laws of Time and Na­ture, were not to be accounted Gods; and at the most were only to be reverenc'd as Philosophers, Law-givers, and Princes; but not in the least as Immortal Powers; since the date, both of their birth, and death, was register'd in the publick Mo­numents. That, if their Works were duly consider'd, they were yet less to be ac­counted for Omnipotent. That having not been able, after their decease, to preserve their Stately Palaces, and Magnificent Se­pulchres from decay, there was no appear­ance that they had built the Fabrick of the Vniverse, or cou'd maintain it, in its pre­sent state. Lastly, that this appertain'd alone to the true God, who is worshipp'd by the Christians: and that, considering the beauty of the Heavens, the fruitfulness of the Earth, and the order of the Seasons, we might conclude, That he only who is a [Page 529] Spirit, Eternall, All Powerful, and All Wise, cou'd be the Creatour, and absolute Commander of the World. As soon as Xavier had concluded, the whole As­sembly cry'd out, that he spoke reason: and the Judges immediately pronounc'd▪ as a manifest truth, that the Pagods were not Gods. Fucarandono wou'd have reply'd, but the general cry gave it for a cause decided. And the King impos'd silence on the Bonza, according to the Articles of Agreement.

Thus the Bonza pass'd on to another question in his own despight; The second que­stion of Fuca­randono, to which the Fa­ther answers with the same success as to the former. and ask'd Father Xavier, why he allow'd not of those Bills of Exchange, which they gave in favour of the dead; since the Rich found their accompt in them, and that they had their return of their mo­ney with Usury in Heaven. The Father answer'd, that the right we had to a better world, was founded not on those deceitful Letters, but on the good works, which are practis'd with the Faith and Doctrine which he preach'd. That he who inspir'd it into our Souls, was Iesus Christ the true and only Son of God, who was Crucify'd for the Sal­vation of Sinners; and that they who preserv'd that living▪ Faith 'till death, shou'd certainly obtain Eternal happiness: [Page 530] that for what remain'd this holy Law was free from worldly interest, and that it excluded not from Heaven either the poor, or Women; that even poverty, which is patiently endur'd, was a means of gaining the Kingdom of Heaven: and that the weaker Sex, had greater advan­tages than ours, by reason of that mo­desty and piety, which is almost inhe­rent in their nature. The applause which follow'd this discourse was general: only Fucarandono, and his Companions, who had not wherewith to reply; and yet were too obstinate to recant, kept a discontented silence. It was judg'd that Xavier's Opinion was the more rea­sonable, and the dispute adjourn'd to the day following.

These ill successes wou'd have driven the Bonza to despair, [...] of the disp [...]te betwixt Xavier, and Fucarandono. if his presumption had not kept up his Spirits: he return'd at the time appointed; but as if he di­structed his own strength, as presuming as he was, he brought with him six o­ther Bonza's, the most learned amongst them, and chosen out of all their Sects; not to be bare Spectatours of the Com­bat, but to relieve each other, and to charge every one in his turn. At the first they propounded very subtile que­stions concerning the Mysteries of our [Page 531] Faith; Father Xavier was surpris'd at the hearing of them: and as those questions which are not reported by the Portu­guese, particularly, were in all like­lihood above the knowledge of the Pagans, he was almost induc'd to think the Devil had suggested them: at the least he acknowledg'd that to solve them he needed an extraordinary assistance from above; and desir'd the Portugueses to second him with their Prayers, during the disputation: whether he receiv'd that supernatural assistance, or that those dif­ficulties did not so much surpass his know­ledge, as he had thought, he answer'd to the satisfaction of the whole Assembly. When Judgment was pass'd that those questions were fully decided, one of the Bonza's, whose heart was wholly set on riches, and who believ'd that there was nothing more charming in the World, than Gold and Silver, undertook to prove that God was an Enemy to the Poor: ‘For, said the Bonza, since he denys them those blessings, which he bountifull gives the Rich, and in causing them to be born in a mean condition exposes them to all the Miseries and ignominy of life, is it not a sign, that he has neither kind­ness nor value for them?’

[Page 532] Xavier deny'd the Consequence of that proposition; and argu'd both from the Principles of Morality, which look on Riches as false goods, and out of the grounds of Christianity, which in re­spect of Salvation, count them true evils: he reason'd thereupon so justly, and withal so clearly, that his Adversaries were forc'd to give up the cause, accord­ing to the Relation of the Portuguese, who was witness of it. After this, they advanc'd such extravagant and mad Pro­positions, that they cost the Father no trouble to confute; for they destroy'd themselves. But the most pleasant part of this days work was, that the seven Bonza's not being able to agree, on some points of Doctrine, fell [...]oul on each o­ther, and wrangled with so much heat and violence, that at last they came to down-right railing; and had proceeded to blows, if the King had not interpos'd his Authority, which frighten'd them in­to quiet. This was the end of that days disputation; and nothing more confirm'd the minds of the Auditors, on the side of Xavier, than to see his Adversaries at Civil Wars amongst themselves.

The King going out of his Palace, The [...] which the King of Bungo d [...]es to Xavier. the next morning, with a great attendance, to walk in the Town, according to his [Page 533] custom, and passing by the house where the Portugueses lodg'd, sent a message to the holy man, desiring him to come to his Gardens, where he wou'd shew him sport, provided he came well arm'd; for he was to kill with one blow two Kites or Puttocks, at the least, out of those seven, which yesterday endeavour'd to have pull'd out his eyes. Xavier, who easily understood his meaning, came out to pay him his respects, and to acknowledge the honour which was done him. The King took him by the hand, and led him to the Palace amidst the acclamations of the People. The seven Bonza's represented by the seven Kites, were already in the Hall, with a confirm'd impudence, and so much the more haughty, as they had the less reason so to be: according to the usual character of vain and self-opinion'd men.

The first step they made in order to a new dispute, The Bonza's present a w [...] ­ting to the King, but without ef­fect. was to enter a protesta­tion in writing, against the judgment and proceedings of the former day; wherein they declar'd void the sentence of the Umpires, appeal'd from them, and set forth new objections and difficul­ties, upon the questions formerly deba­ted. The King answer'd himself, that [Page 534] those Points which had been decided, had no need of any further explanation: and that they were already ty'd up, by the Conditions of the Conference, which both Parties had accepted. He added, that Father Xavier was ready to go on Ship-board; and that it was not reaso­nable to lose time by fruitless repetitions; but if they had any n [...]w questions to propose, let them begin, and they shou'd be heard: if not, they had free licence to depart.

This positive answer, Th [...] wrangle ab [...]ut the signi­fication of words constrain'd them to supersede their writing, and to pitch on other matters. Fucarandono affecting an air of devotion, and modest, ask'd, Why the Christians gave obsce [...]e names t [...] the Saints in Paradise, whensoever the [...] invok'd them in their publick Prayers: gi­ving him to understand, that Sancte in the Japonian Language, signify'd something too dishonest to be spoken. The Father declar'd that the word in Latine had only a pure, and pious meaning. Never­theless that it might not give scandal, nor pollute the imagination of the Iap [...] ­nians, by an equivocal sound; he or­der'd the new Christians from thence­forward, to use the word Beate instead of it; and to say, Beate Petre, Beate Paule, in the room of Sancte Petre, Sancte [Page 535] Paule. Concerning the name of God, the Bonza's wou'd also have fastned a quarrel on the Father; because Dajus in their Tongue signifies a Lie. He laugh'd at this ridiculous exception, which was in effect a meer jingle; and the Judges and Audience concluded it to be no more.

Three other points, T [...] dispute in the nature of School-D [...]vin [...]s. on which the Bo­za's more insisted, were thought to be more solid, and of greater consequence. The first was propos'd on this manner: Either God foresaw that Lucifer and his Accomplices wou'd revolt and be damn'd E­ternally, or he foresaw it not. If he had no foresight of it, his prescience did not ex­tend so far, as you wou'd have us to be­lieve; but if he foresaw it, the consequence is worse, that he did not hinder this Revolt, which had prevented their damnati­on: Your God, being as you say, the Foun­tain of all goodness, must now be acknow­ledg'd by you, for the original cause of so much evil. Thus you are forc'd, said the Bonza, to confess, either ignorance or ma­lice in your God.

Xavier was so much amaz'd to hear a Bonza reasoning like a School-man, that turning to Edward de Gama, who was by him: See, (says he softly in Portu­guese, that he might not be understood [Page 536] by the Iaponians) see how the Devil has sharpen'd the Wit of these his Advocates. In the mean time, one of the Bonza's coming up to the charge, said, accor­ding to the same Principle, That if God had foreknown that Adam wou'd sin, and cast down together with himself his whole Progeny into an Abyss of miseries, why did he create him? At least when our first Fa­ther was ready to eat of the forbidden Fruit, why did not that Omnipotent [...]and, which gave him being, annihilate him at the same moment?

A third Bonza, taking the word, urg'd him with another Argument. If our E­vil be as [...]ncient as the World, said he sub­tilly, why did God let so many Ages pass away, without giving it a remedy? Why did he not descend from Heaven, and make himself Man, to redeem humane kind, by his death and sufferings, as soon as ever Man was guilty? To what degree did th [...]se first men sin, to become unworthy of such a favour? And what has been the merit of their Descendants, that they shou'd be more favourably treated than their Predeces­sours?

These difficulties did not appear n [...]w to Xavier, [...] who was very learn'd; and who had read whatsoever the Fathers, and School Divines had said concerning [Page 537] them. He answer'd without doubt, ac­cording to their Doctrine; but the Por­tuguese, who relates the Objections, durst not undertake to write the Solutions of them, if we will believe himself, because they surpass'd the Understanding of a Merchant. The Bonza's made many Re­plies, to all which the Father gave the proper Solutions in few words, and ac­cording to the Rules of the Schools: whether it were that they comprehend­ed not the Solutions, or were it out of their hot-headedness, or that they seem'd not to understand them, to avoid the shame of being bassled, they yeilded not, but cry'd out louder than before. As they disputed more for Victory than Truth, they deny'd all things, even to those Prin­ciples which are self-evident; pretending thereby to encumber their Opponent. Xavier knew what use to make of his ad­vantages, he turn'd the Confusion upon them, by reducing them to manifest con­tradictions, from whence they cou'd ne­ver disingage themselves. So that, in­stead of answering, they gnash'd their Teeth, foam'd at Mouth and stamp'd, and star'd about like Mad-men. The King, whose Indignation was rais'd, by seeing the obstinacy of the Bonza's, said to them in a kind of Passion, As for my [Page 538] self, as far as I am capable of judging, I find that Father Xavier speaks good Sence, and that you know not what you say. You shou'd either understand better, or be less violent, than you appear, to judge of these Truths without prejudice. But if the Di­vine Law be wanting to you, make use of your Reason, which of it self will let you see, that you are not to deny things which are evi­dent, nor to bark like Dogs. After these words he rose from his Seat, and taking Xavier by the Hand, brought him back to his own Lodging. The people, who follow'd in great multitudes, made loud acclamations, and the Streets rung with the Praises of the holy Man. While the Bon­za's, mad with rage and envy, cry'd out aloud, May the fire of Heaven fall down upon a Prince, who suffers himself to be so easily seduc'd, by this Foreign Ma­gician.

Thus concluded the Disputations which he had with Fucarandono and the Bonza's: The fruit of his Disputation with the Bonza's. They were very glorious for him, and for the Religion which he preach'd; but brought not forth the expected fruit, a­mongst the Idolaters who were present at them. For neither the Portuguese Au­thor, whom we have frequently cited, nor other Historians of the Father's Life, make mention of any new Conversions [Page 539] which were made; and it affords great occasion for our wonder, that the Lords of the Court, who so much approv'd the Doctrine of Christianity, shou'd still con­tinue in the practice of Idolatry, and of their Vices: If it were not always to be remembred, that in Conversion, the light of the Understanding avails nothing, unless the Heart be also touch'd; and that the Philosophers, of whom St. Paul speaks, having known God, did not glorify him as God. Nevertheless we may pro­bably believe, that these Disputations in progress of time fail'd not of their due ef­fect: And 'tis also probable, that they were the Seed of those wonderful Con­versions, which were made in following years.

Father Xavier, H [...] [...]eaves Ja­pan▪ and re­turn [...] [...]o the In­dies. went the next mor­ning to take his last farewel of the King, who vvas more kind to him than ever; and parted from Iapan the same day, which was Nov. 20th. in the year 1551. having continu'd in that Country two years and four months.

Not long before God had made known to his Servant, God reveals [...] him th [...] Siege of [...]lacca. that the Town of Malac­ca was besieg'd by Sea and Land; and that the King of Ientana, a Saracen, was personally before [...], with an Army of twelve thousand Men. That neither the [Page 540] Conduct of the Governour Don Pedro de Silva, nor the Succours of Don Fernan­dez Carvalio, had been able to defend it against the attempts of the Barbarians: that the Iavans, a fierce and warlike people, had master'd that place; that of three hundred Portugueses, who were within it, above an hundred had been put to the Sword, and the rest of them had only escap'd by retiring into the For­tress. In short, that Malacca was now become a place of horrour; and that the Enemy wearied with the slaughter, had reserv'd many thousands of the Inhabi­tants for the Chain. The Saint in­form'd Gama, and the Portugueses of the Ship, of these sad tidings, before they le [...]t the Port; and declar'd to them, that the sins of that corrupt City had drawn down the Curse of God upon it, as he had foretold and threatn'd; but he de­sir'd them at the same time, to supplicate the Father of all Mercies, for the appea­sing of his Divine Justice, and the himself pray'd earnestly in thier behalf. Besides the two Iapanners, Matthew and Bernard, who had constantly follow'd the Father, and wou'd never forsake him, an Am­bassadour from the King of Bungo, em­bark'd with him in the same Vessel. The business of this Embassy was to seek the [Page 541] friendship of the Viceroy of the Indies; and to obtain a Preacher from him, who might finish the Conversion of that Kingdom, in the room of Father Xa­vier.

They sai'd along the Coasts for the space of six days, What happens to him in his re­turn from Ja­pan to the In­dies. and the Navigation was prosperous, till they made an Island belonging to the King of Minaco, call'd Meleitor: From whence crossing a Streight, the put out into the main O­cean. At that time the change of the Moon alter'd the Weather; and there blew a furious South-wind, so that the Pi­lot with all his Art cou'd not bear up a­gainst it. The Tempest carry'd the Ship into a Sea, unknown to the Portugueses; and the Face of Heaven was so black with Clouds, that during five days and nights there was no appearance of Sun or Stars: Insomuch, that the Mariners were not able to take the Elevation of the Pole, and consequently not to know vvhereabouts they were. One day to­wards the Evening, the Wind redoubled with so much fury, that the Vessel had not povver to break the Waves, so high the vvent, and came on with so much violence. In this terrible conjuncture they thought sit to cut down the Fore­castle, that the Ship might work the bet­ter, [Page 542] after vvhich they bound the Sloop which follow'd, vvith thick Cables to the Ship; but night coming on, vvhile they were thus employ'd, and being ve­ry dark, abundance of Rain also falling at the same time, vvhich increas'd the Tempest, they cou'd not draw out of the Sloop five Portugueses and ten Indians, as well as Slaves and Mariners, which vvere in her.

Those of the Ship had neither com­fort nor hope remaining, How Xavier b [...]hav [...]s him­self during the Tempest. but in the company and assistance of Father Xavier. He exhorted them to lament their Sins, thereby to appease the wrath of God, and he himself pour'd forth whole show­ers of Tears before the Face of the Al­mighty. When night was now at the darkest, a lamentable cry was heard, as of people just upon the brink of perish­ing, and calling out for succour. The noise came from the Sloop, vvhich the violence of Winds had torn off from the Vessel, and which the Waves were hur­rying away. As soon as the Captain had notice of it, he order'd the Pilot to turn towards those poor Creatures, with­out considering, that by his endeavour of saving his Nephevv Alphonso Calvo, vvho was one of the five Portugueses in the Sloop, the Ship must certainly be lost, [Page 543] and himself with her. In effect, as it vvas difficult to steer the Ship, when they vvou'd have turn'd her tovvards the Sloop, she came across betwixt tvvo Mountains of Water, which lock'd her up betwixt them; one of those Waves fell upon the Poop, and wash'd over the Deck; and then it was, that the whole Company thought their business was done, and nothing but cries and lamenta­tions were heard on every side. Xavier, who was at his Prayers in the Captain's Cabin, ran out toward the noise, and saw a miserable object, the Vessel ready to bulge, the Seamen, the Souldiers, and the Passengers, all tumbling in confusi­on on each other, deploring their un­happy destiny, and expecting nothing but present death. Then the holy Man lifting up his Eyes and Hands to Hea­ven, said thus aloud, in the transport of his [...]ervour, O Jesus, Thou love of my Soul, succour us! I beseech thee, by those five wounds, which for our sakes thou hast suf­fer'd on the Cross. At that instant the Ship which already was sinking under Water, rais'd her self aloft, without any visible assistance, and gain'd the surface of the Waves. The Mariners encourag'd by so manifest a Miracle, so order'd the Sails, that they had the Wind in Poop, and pursu'd their course.

[Page 544]In the mean time the Sloop was vanish'd out of sight: What happen [...] to the Chal [...]op bel [...]nging to the Ship. and no man doubted but she was swallow'd by the Waves. The Captain lamented for his Nephew, the rest shed tears for their lost Companions. As for the Father, his greatest affliction was for two Mahometan Slaves, whom he cou'd not convert to Christianity. He sigh'd, in thinking of their deplorable condition, but in the midst of these anxi­ous thoughts, entring into himself, or ra­ther wholly recollecting himself in God, it came into his mind to intercede with Heaven for the protection of the Sloop, in case it were not already lost. In this he follow'd the inspiration of the holy Spirit, and his Prayer was not yet ended, when he perceiv'd that it was heard: Insomuch, that turning towards Edward de Gama, who was oppress'd with sad­ness; Afflict not your self, my Brother, said he, with a chearful Countenance, before three days are ended, the Daughter will come back, and find the Mother. The Captain was so buried in his grief, that he savv too little probability in what the Father said, to [...]ound any strong belief upon it. Which notwithstanding, at break of day, he sent one up to the Scut­tle, to see if any thing were within ken: but nothing was discover'd, saving the [Page 545] Sea, which was still troubled, and white with foam. The Father, who had been in private at his d [...]votions, came out two hours after, with the same chear­fulness upon his Countenance; and ha­ving given the good day to the Cap­tain and Pilot, and six or seven Portu­gueses who were in Company, he en­quir'd, If they had not yet seen the Cha­lop? they answer'd they had not: and because he desir'd that some one might again get up to the Scuttle, one of the Portugueses call'd Pedro Veglio, reply'd thus bluntly, Yes Father, the Chalop will return, but not 'till another be lost: he meant that it was impossible the same Chalop shou'd come again.

Xavier mildly reprehended Veglio for his little Faith; He expects the return of the Chalop (or Cockb [...]at) not­withstanding [...] all appearances to the contrary. and told him, nothing was impossible to God. The confidence which I have in the Divine mercy▪ said he, gives me hope, that they, whom I have put under the protection of the Holy Virgin, and for whose sake I have vow'd to say three Masses to our Lady of the Mountain, shall not perish. After this, he urg'd Gama to send up to the Scuttle for discovery: Gama, to satisfie the man of God, went up himself with a Sea-man; and after having look'd round him for the space of half an hour, neither he [Page 546] nor the other cou'd see any thing. In the mean time, Xavier, whose stomach was turn'd with the tossing of the Ship, and who had been two days and three nights, without eating, was taken with a violent head-ach, and such a giddiness, that he cou'd scarcely stand. One of the Portuguese Merchants, call'd Ferdi­nand Mendez Pinto, desir'd him to repose a little while, and offer'd him his Cabin; Xavier, who by the Spirit of mortifica­tion, usually lay upon the Deck, accept­ed his courtesie, and desir'd this further [...]avour, that the Servant of this Merchant, who was a Chinese, might watch before the door, that none might interrupt his rest.

The intention of the Father, He renews his Prayers for the return of the Chalop. was not to give the least refreshment to his Body: he set himself again to Prayers, and it was affirm'd by the Chinese Servant, that from seven in the morning, when he retir'd, he had been constantly on his knees, 'till the evening, groaning in the agony of his Spirit, and shedding tears. He came out from his retirement after Sun set, and once more enquir'd of the Pilot, if they had not seen the Chalop, which cou'd not possibly be far distant. The Pilot reply'd, that it was in vain to think of her, and that it was impos­sible [Page 547] for her to resist so furious a Tem­pest. But in case that by some wonder­ful accident, or rather by some miracle, she had been preserv'd, she must of ne­cessity be at fi [...]ty leagues distance from the Ship. 'Tis the propriety of Christian con­fidence to remain unshaken, and secure, when humane reason leaves us destitute of hope. The Saint acknowledg'd, the Pi­lot to have spoken judiciously, and yet doubted not but the Chalop wou'd re­turn. He constantly maintain'd, that she cou'd not be far off; and press'd him to send up to the Scuttle before the dusk. The Pilot, less out of complaisance to the Father, than out of his desire to unde­ceive him, went up himself, and cou'd discover nothing. Xavier, without any regard to the affirmation of the Pilot, instantly desir'd the Captain to lower the Sails; that the Chalop might more easily come up with the Ship. The au­thority of the holy man, carri'd it, a­bove the reasons of the Pilot: The Sail-yard was lower'd; and a stop was made for almost three hours. But at length, the Passengers grew weary, as not being able any longer to bear the rowling of the Ship, and one and all cry'd ou [...] to Sail. The Father upbraided them with their impatience: and himself laid hold [Page 548] on the Sail-yard, to hinder the Seamen, from spreading the Sails: and leaning his head over it, broke out into sighs and sobbings, and pour'd out a deluge of tears.

He rais'd himself a little after, He prays once more for the return of the Chalop. and keeping his eyes fix'd on Heaven, yet wet with tears; O Iesus, my Lord and my God, said he, I beseech thee by thy holy Passion, to have pity on those poor People, who are coming to us, through the midst of so many dangers. He compos'd himself, after he had utter'd this, and continu'd leaning on the Sail-yard, wholly silent, for some time, as if he had been sleeping.

Then a little Child, The Chalop ap­pears, and comes up with the Ship. who was sitting at the foot of the Mast, cry'd out on the sudden, a Miracle a Miracle, behold the Chalop. All the Company gather'd together at the cry, and plainly per­ceiv'd the Chalop within musquet shot. Nothing but shouts and exclamations of joy were heard, while she drew still nearer and nearer to the Vessel. In the mean time, the greatest part fell down at the Feet of Father Xavier, and, con­fessing they were Sinners, unworthy the Company of a man so holy, ask'd him pardon for their Unbelief. But the Father, in great confusion, for being [Page 549] treated in this manner, escap'd out of their hands as soon as possibly he cou'd; and shut himself up within the Cabin. In conclusion, the Chalop came up with the Ship; and it was observ'd, that though the Waves were in great agita­tion, she came right forward, without the least tossing, and stop'd of her self. It was also taken notice of, that she con­tinu'd without any motion, 'till the fif­teen men which she carri'd, were enter'd the Ship, and that the Seamen had fasten'd her behind the Poop. When they had embrac'd those men, whom so lately that had given for lost, every one was desirous of knowing their Adven­tures [...]; and were much surpris'd to understand, that they were come through the midst of the most horrible tempest, which was ever seen, without any ap­prehension, either of drowning, or lo­sing of their way: because, said they, Father Francis was our Pilot, and his presence freed us even from the shadow of any fear. When the Ships Company assur'd them, that the Father had been always with themselves, those of the Chalop, who had beheld him constantly steering it, cou'd not believe what had been told them. After some little dis­pute, on the matter of [...]act, both sides [Page 550] concluded, that the Saint had been at the same time in two places: And this evident Miracle, made such an impres­sion on the minds of the two Saracen Slaves, who had been in the Chalop, that they abjur'd their Mahometism. The impatience of these fifteen men, to be­hold their miraculous Steersman, who had so happily brought them to the Ship, and who vanish'd from their eyes, at the same moment, when they joyn'd her, oblig'd Xavier to come out▪ and shew himself. They wou'd have saluted him as their Protectour, by prostrating themselves before him, but he wou'd not suffer it: declaring to them, that it was the hand of the Lord, and not his, which had deliver'd them from Ship­wrack. At the same time he render'd publick thanks to God, for so eminent a favour, and order'd the Pilot to pur­sue his Voyage, assuring him, that he shou'd have a good wind immediately. The Pilots Experience of the Sea, did not promise him this sudden change; but this late deliverance of the Chalop, quicken'd his belief in the Fathers words; and it was not long, before he under­stood, that he who commands the winds and Seas, had authoris'd the holy man to make that Prediction.

[Page 551]The Sails were scarcely spread, He arrives at the Isle of San­cian; an [...] goes off after a little time. when a north wind arising, the air clear'd up, and the Sea was immediately calm'd. So that in thirteen days sailing, they arriv'd at the Port of Sancian, where the Portuguese Merchants of the Ship had traffique. As the season of sailing in those Seas, was already almost past, there were remaining but two Ships of the Indies in Port; one of which be­long'd to Iames de Pereyra. The Ship of Edward de Gama not being in con­dition, to go on directly for Malacca, without stopping by the way, and ha­ving need of refreshment at Sian, the Saint went into the Ship of his friend Pereyra. It was wonderful, that at the same moment when he pass'd into that Vessel, the wind which for the space of fifteen days had blown at North, which was full in their faces, who were go­ing for the Indies, came about on the sudden, so that the day following, which was the last of the year, 1551, they set Sail again. Another Ship, which was waiting also for a wind, set out in their Company; but that Vessel found afterwards to her cost, that she carri'd not the Apostle of the Indies.

Before they put to Sea, His Prediction to the Pi [...]. Xavier dis­coursing with the Pilot concerning the [Page 552] dangers of the Ocean; it was the same Pilot, who had brought him from Iapan, whose name was Francis d' Aghiar, fore­told him that he shou'd not end his days upon the water. And, that no Vessel, wherein he shou'd be, shou'd suf­fer Shipwrack, were the Tempest ne­ver so outrageous. d'Agh [...]ar was pos­sess'd with so firm a belief of what the Father told him, and afterwards found the effect of it so manifest, on va­rious occasions, that without observing either Winds or Seasons, he often put to Sea, in an old crazy Vessel, ill pro­vided; insomuch, that they who were ignorant of the secret cause of this his confidence, took him for a rash pre [...]u­ming man, and of little understanding in Sea affairs.

Once, A m [...]rvell [...]us effect of the Saints Pr [...]phecy amongst many ot [...]er times, he gave a demonstration, how much he re­ly'd on the promise of the Saint, and that was, in going from Tenasserim to the Kingdom of Pegu, in a light Barque, which was quite decay'd, and out of order. A Tempest ri [...]ng in the midst of his Voyage, dash'd against the Rocks, and split in pieces some great Vessels, which were following the Barque of d'Aghiar. She alone seem'd to defy the Rocks; and while the Sea was in this [Page 553] horrible confusion, the Pilot sat singing at his ease, as if the Waters had been hush'd beneath him. A Passenger, who shook with fear, demanded of him, With what courage he cou'd sing, when he was just upon the brink of death. 'Tis because I fear nothing [...] reply'd Aghiar; and I shou'd fear nothing, added he, though the wa [...]es should mount as high again, as now we see them, and my Barque were also made of glass: For the Father Master Francis has assur'd me, that I shou'd not dye upon the Seas, in what­soever Vessel I shou'd go. Some Sara­cens, who were in the Barque, and who heard these sayings of the Pilot, were so mov'd with this continu'd Miracle, that they vow'd to become Christians, so soon as ever they shou'd come on shore: and they comply'd religiously with their promise. The Barque casting Anchor at Tanar, they receiv'd Baptism at that place; so much the more per­swaded both of the truth of the Miracle, and of the Christian Faith, because they saw before their eyes upon the Coast, the wrecks of other Vessels, which were floating round about it.

The Conversations which Xavier had with Pereyra, He [...]orm [...] the de [...]gn of [...] the [...]. during all the Navigation, were almost wholly relating to Iapan, [Page 554] and China. The Father told his friend, what progress the Faith had made in little time, in the Kingdoms of Saxuma, of Amanguchi, and of Bungo; and what hopes he had conceiv'd, to convert all those Islands with great ease, when once the Chineses shou'd be brought to ac­knowledge Iesus Christ. And on that motive, he had fix'd his resolution to go to China; that his return to the In­dies, was only in order to this intended Voyage, after he had regulated the af­fairs of the Society at Goa. That on this account, he had brought with him from Iapan, the Translation of his Ca­techism, into the Chinese Language: by the benefit of which he hop'd to over­come the first difficulties, which in matters of Conversion are still the great­est. Some Portugueses who were in the same Vessel, and were well acquainted with the Government of China, thought this proposition of the Father not a lit­tle extravagant. They told him, that besides the ill understanding which was betwixt China and Portugal, it was for­bidden to strangers on pain of death, or of perpetual imprisonment, to set a foot upon that Kingdom. And that the Merchants of their Nation, who had stoln thither, for the benefit of trade, [Page 555] having been discover'd, some of them had lost their heads, others had been put in Irons, and cast into Dungeons, there to lye and rott for the remainder of their lives. They added, notwithstand­ing, that there was a safe and certain way of entring into China, provided there was a solemn Embassy sent to the Emperour of that Country, from the King of Portugal. But since that cou'd not be compass'd without a prodigious expence, if nothing else were to be con­sider'd but only the Presents for the Emperour, and his Ministers of State, in all probability the Viceroy of the In­dies wou'd not burden himself with the cost of such an Enterprize, at a time, when he had enough to do, to de [...]ray more necessary expences.

These difficulties began to startle Fa­ther Xavier, [...]e takes his measures with Pereyra, for the Voyage of China. when Iames Pereyra, who under the habit of a Merchant, had the heart of an Emperour, and the zeal of an Apostle, made offer of his Ship, and all his goods, for the promoting of the ex­pedient which had been mention'd. The Father accepted of his generous pro [...]er, with transports of joy, and engag'd on his side, to procure the Embassy of China for his friend. Pereyra, who had re­ceiv'd intelligence of the Siege of Malacca, [Page 556] told the Saint, He apprehended lest a [...] Embargo might be put upon his Ship, for the immediate service of the Town: X [...] ­vier, to whom God had reveal'd the de­liverance of Malacca, and to whose Pray­ [...]rs that deliverance had perhaps been granted, chear'd up his Friend, with this assurance, That when the Fortress was just up [...]n the point of yielding, the Infidels had been struck with a panick fear, and fled away; so that the Town was wholly free.

Pereyra had yet another thing which troubled him, concerning the Voyage which Father Xavier had to make, be­fore that of China. The season being already far spent, he fear'd there vvert no Vessels at Malacca, which were bound for Goa. He cou'd not carry the Father to Cochin himself, because he vvas oblig'd to go on to Sunda, there to unlade his Merchandise. But that apprehension was soon at an end: For Xavier illuminated from Heaven, told him positively, That the Ship of Antonio Pereyra, was in the Port of Malacca, and that they shou'd find it just ready to weigh Anchor, and set [...]ail for Cochin.

Xavier discover'd these things to his Friend, He dissipac [...] a Tempest: his [...] con­cerning the Ship of James Pereyra. during a great calm, vvhich made the Navigation pleasing; vvhen [Page 557] suddenly they perceiv'd one of those ter­rible Hurricanes arising, vvhich in a mo­ment sink a Vessel. All the Company gave themselves for lost; or if they had any hope remaining, it was only in consideration of the Saint; and therefore they earnestly desir'd him, to intercede vvith God in their behalf. The holy Man, without replying, retir'd to his De­votions: he return'd to them not long after vvith his Countenance all on Fire, and gave his blessing to the Ship, pro­nouncing these follovving words aloud; This Vessel of the The holy Cross. Santa Cruz, (for so she was nam'd) shall never perish on the Seas; the place where she was built, shall behold her fall in pieces of her self. Might it please Almighty God, continu'd he, that the same cou'd be said, concerning that Vessel which put to Sea with us! But we shall be witnesses too soon of her unhappy destiny! At that very instant appear'd the signs, which were to begin the verification of the Prophecy; the Whirlwind vvas dissi­pated, and the Sea grew calm. Not long afterwards, they beheld the Mer­chandise, and dead Bodies, floating on the Waters, and from thence concluded, that the Hurricane had destroy'd the Ship vvhich follow'd them. Immediately their Opinion was confirm'd by two Ma­riners, [Page 558] vvho had gotten on a Plank, vvhen the Ship vvas foundering; and who having aftervvards struggl'd vvith the Waves, vvere driven by them to the Board of Pereyra's Vessel. The rest of the Navigation was prosperous; a cal­mer season was never known. The Ship being landed at the Port of Sincapour, Xavier, vvho knevv certainly that An­tonio Pereyra vvas at Malacca, ready to hoist Sail tovvards Cochin, as we have said, vvrote to him by a Frigate which went off, to desire, that he vvou'd wait for him three days longer. He vvrote also by the same conveyance, to Father Francis Perez, Superiour of the Iesuites at Malacca, and commanded all of them to provide refreshments for the Iaponneses, vvho came along with him.

When it was known in the City that Xavier vvas coming; they joy was so ge­neral, His reception at Malacca. that it almost blotted out the re­membrance of all they had suffer'd in the War. The Inhabitants ran crouding to the Shore, and at the first appearance of the Saint, nothing was to be heard, but acclamations and shouts of rejoicing on every side. They receiv'd him at his landing, with all the tenderness of af­fection, and all the Reverence imaginable. In conducting him to the House of the [Page 559] Society, they shew'd him, as he pass'd along, the Ruines of their Houses, and told him sighing, That if he had not left them, they had been preserv'd from the fury of the Javans, as they had formerly been protected from the Barbarians of Achen. But the Father answer'd them, That their cry­ing Sins had call'd down the wrath of Hea­ven upon them. That nothing cou'd divert it, but a speedy change of life; and that the only means of reconciling themselves to God, was to receive those chastisements at his Hands, with the Spirit of Humiliation and of Penitence. He visited the old Go­vernour Don Pedro de Silva, and the new one, who succeeded him, Don Alvarez de Atayda, and communicated to them his design, concerning an Embassy to China. Both of them concurr'd in the Opinion, that it wou'd be advantageous to the Crown of Portugal, and to the In­terests of Christianity. Iames Pereyra not being capable of accompanying the Father to Goa, for the reason above men­tion'd, furnish'd him at present with thir­ty thousand Crowns, for the prepara­tives of that intended Voyage; and sent a Servant with the Father, vvith Com­mission to dispose of all things. Xavier having often embrac'd this faithful Friend, enter'd with his Iaponians, into the Vessel [Page 560] of Antonio Pereyra, who attended but their company to set sail.

The Prediction which the Man of God had made in favour of the Ship call'd Santa Cruz, The History of the Ship call'd Santa Cruz. gave it the nevv name of the Saints Vessel. And from Malacca, from vvhence she departed at the same time, when Xavier went on board of Antonio, her Reputation was extended over all the East. Wheresoever she ar­riv'd, she was receiv'd vvith Ceremony, and saluted by all other Ships with the honour of their Canon. All Merchants were desirous of stowing their Goods in her, and willingly paid the Carriage of their Wares, and the dues of Custom, beyond the common price of other Vessels. The weight of Lading vvas never consider'd, but her Freight was alvvays as much as they cou'd croud into her. As she lasted very long, and that thirty years after the decease of the Father she vvas in be­ing, and was us'd for the traffick of the Indies, they never fail'd of lading her with an extraordinary Cargo, all worn and Worm-eaten as she was. The Ow­ners into whose hands she came, during the space of those thirty years took on­ly this one precaution, vvhich was to keep her off from Shore; so that when she was to be resitted, that vvork [Page 561] was constantly done upon the Sea. As to vvhat remains, 'tis true she met with many ill accidents and hardships; she was often ingag'd vvith Pyrates, and combated by Tempests: but she escap'd clear of all those dangers, and never a­ny one repented of embarking in her. One time 'tis acknowledg'd, sailing from Malacca, to Cochin, with an extra­ordinary lading, she sprung a leak, and took in so much Water, at the beginning of the Voyage, that the Passengers, who were very numerous, were of Opinion to unlade her of half her burden, and half her Men, and to put them upon o­ther Ships, vvhich were in their compa­ny. But those Vessels, vvhich had alrea­dy their whole lading, wou'd not con­sent to ease the Santa Cruz; so that fear overpowring the Ships Company, they return'd speedily into the Port. The whole Tovvn was surpris'd to see th [...] Ship so suddenly come back; and they were laugh'd to shame for apprehending Shipwrack in the [...]essel of the Saint. Being thus pulickly upbraided vvith their vvant of Faith, to mend their Errour, they took out nothing of the Lading, but put again to Sea. And vvhat [...] one said to them, concerning [...]e good fortune which perpetually attend­ed [Page 562] that Ship, for two and twenty years together, so much renew'd their Con [...]i­dence, that they perform'd their Voyage vvithout farther fear. The Santa Cruz continu'd in this manner, sailing over all the Seas, and to every Port of Asia, till she came into the possession of the Cap­tain, who commanded the Port of Di [...]; who perceiving her to be half rotten, and open'd in diverse parts, concluded she cou'd serve no longer, unless she were brought into harbour, and set upon the Stocks. For which purpose she was sent to Cochin, and hal'd ashore on the same Dock where she had been built; but she was no sooner there, than she fell in pieces of her self; nothing remaining of that great bulk, besides Planks and Beams of Timber, unprofitable for any thing, but for the Fire. The Inhabitants of Cochin, vvho knew the Prediction of [...]he Saint, to every Circumstance, came out to behold its accomplishment. An inconsiderable Merchant, call'd George Nugnez, who happen'd to be there pre­sent, began to think within himself, that there might be yet remaining in those Planks, somewhat of the Vertue, which the blessing of the Saint had imprinted in them; and thereupon took one of them, which he caus'd to be nail'd to [Page 563] his own Frigate, out of the perswasion he had, that with this assistance he shou'd be secure from Shipwrack. Thus being fill'd with a lively Faith, he boldly un­dertook, such long, and hazardous Voyages, that Ships of the greatest bur­den vvere affraid to make: and without consideration of the weather, adventur'd many times to cross the most tempestu­ous Gulphs. When he was told, that it vvas not the part of a prudent Man, to endanger himself in that manner, he an­swer'd, That the Winds and Seas were well acquainted with his Fright, and had a Reverence for the Plank of the Santa Cruz: In effect, his little Vessel, vvas ever fortunate enough, to escape the greatest perils: and vvhat was most remarkable, was, That having had the same destiny vvith the Ship in her Adventures, and Deliverances, she ended like her, break­ing in pieces of her self, on the Shore of Coulan, vvhere she was brought to be re­sitted.

To return to the Navigation of Father Xavier, He arrives at Cochin; and finishes the Con­version of th [...] King of the Maldivia's he arriv'd at Cochin Ian. 24th. in the year 1552. The King of the Maldi­via's had been there, for some months: He was a Prince of about twenty years of age, born in the Mahometan Reli­gion, and bred up in the hatred of Chri­stians: [Page 564] The revolt of his Subjects, who lov'd him not, or hated the Government, forc'd him for the safeguard of his life, to abandon his Kingdom, and to seek San­ctuary amongst the Portugueses, by whom he hop'd to be restor'd. The Fa­thers of the Society receiv'd him into their House, and went about to convert him, by letting him see the falsehood of his Sect. The ill posture of his Affairs, made him apt to receive the instructions which vvere given him by Father Anto­nio Heredia, who endeavour'd his Con­version with great Zeal. But his fear of farther exasperating his Rebellious Sub­jects, in case he chang'd his Religion, caus'd him to defer that change from time to time; and perhaps he had never forsaken the Law of Mahomet, if Father Francis had not arriv'd to compleat that work, which Heredia had begun. The holy Apostle preach'd the word vvith so much e [...]icacy to the King of the Maldi­via's, that at length he reduc'd him to the obedience of Christ, notwithstanding all the motives of worldly interest to the contrary. Having instructed him anew in the Mysteries of Christianity, he solemn­ly baptis'd him. In sequel of which, he excited the Portugueses to replace him on the Throne, and nominated some of the [Page 565] Fathers to accompany the Naval Army, which shou'd be sent to the Maldivia's. His intention was, that they shou'd la­bour in the Conversion of the whole Kingdom, when once the King shou'd be establish'd. But because it was of small importance to the Crown of Portugal, that those Islands, which produce neither Gold, nor Spices, nor Perfumes, shou'd be made tributary to it, the Governours did nothing for that exil'd Prince; who despairing to recover his Dominions, marri'd a Portuguese, and liv'd a private life, till the day of his death: Happy only in this, that the loss of his Crown, was made up to him, by the gift of Faith, and the Grace of Baptism.

When the holy Man was ready to de­part, He writes into Europe and comes to Goa. an opportunity was offer'd him of writing into Europe; which he laid hold on, thereby to render an account of his Voyage to Iapan, both to the King of Portugal, and to the General of his Or­der. Then imbarking for Goa, he had a speedy Voyage, and arriv'd there in the beginning of February.

So soon as he was come on shore, He cure [...] a [...] ­ing m [...]n imme­diatel [...] up [...]n his arrival. he visited the sick in the Town-Hospitals; and then went to the Colledge of St. Paul, which was the House of the Society. Af­ter the ordinary embracements, which [Page 566] were more tender than ever, he enquir'd if none were sick within the Colledge? He was answer'd, there was only one, who was lying at the point of death. Immediately Xavier went, and read the Gospel over him. At the sight of the Father the dying man recover'd his Spi­rits, and was restor'd to health. The Physicians had given him over, and all things had been order'd for his burial: But he himself had never despair'd of his recovery; and the day when Xavier ar­riv'd, he said with a dying voice, That if God wou'd grant him the favour of be­holding their good Father, he shou'd infal­libly recover.

The Relation which Xavier made to the Fathers of Goa, He hears ioyful news of the progress of Chri­stianity in the Indies. concerning the Church of Iapan, was infinitely pleasing to them: And he himself was fill'd with e­qual consolation, in learning from them the present condition of Christianity in the Indies. The Missioners whom he had dispers'd before his departure, were almost all of them united at his return. Some of them were come by his com­mand, and others of their own motion, concerning urgent business; as if the ho­ly Spirit had re-assembl'd them expresly, that the presence of the Man of God, might redouble in them their Apostolick [Page 567] Zeal, and Religious Fervour. God had every where blest their labours. The Town of Ormus, which fell to the lott of Father Gaspar Barzaeus, had wholly chang'd its Countenance: Idolaters, Sa­racens, and Iews ran in multitudes to Baptism: The Temples of Idols were consecrated to Christ; the Mosques and Synagogues were dispeopled, ill Manners were reform'd, and ill Customs totally abolish'd. Christianity flourish'd more than ever in the Coast of Fishery, since the death of Father Antonio Criminal, who had cultivated it with care, and in that cultivation was massacred by the Badages. The blood of the Martyr seem'd to have multiply'd the Christians; they were reckon'd to be more than [...]ive hundred thousand, all Zealous, and ready to lay down their lives for their Reli­gion. The Gospel had not made less progress at Cochin, and at Coulan; at Ba­zain and at Meliapore, at the Molucca's, and in the Isles del Moro. Put it is al­most incredible, with what profit, the Gospel Labourers preach'd at Goa. All the Priests of Idols had been driven out of the Isle of Goa, by Order from the Governour, and at the solicitation of one of the Fathers, belonging to the Colledge of St. Paul. It was also prohi­bited, [Page 568] under severe Penalties, to perform any publick action of Idolatry within the District of Goa: and those Ordinances by little and little, reduc'd a multitude of Gentils. As for the Portugueses, their lives were very regular; amidst the li­berty of doing whatsoever pleas'd them, they refrain'd from all dishonest actions; and Concubines were now as scarce▪ as they had been common. The Souldiers liv'd almost in the nature of men in Or­ders: and even their Piety edify'd the People.

But nothing was more pleasing to Xavier than the Conversion of two Prin­ces, The C [...]n [...]ersi [...]n of the King of Tanor. who during his absence had been at Goa. The first was King of Tanor, a Kingdom scituate along the Coasts of Malabar, betwixt Cranganor and Calecu [...]. This Prince who was party-per-pale, Mahometan and Idolater, but prudent, a great Warriour, of a comely shape, and more polite, than was usual for a Barbarian, had [...]om his youth a ten­dency to Christianity, without being well instructed in it. He was ena­mour'd of it, after he had been inform'd to the full, concerning the Mysteries of our Faith, by a Religious of the Order of St. Francis, who frequented his Pa­lace. In the mean time, the wars which [Page 569] he had with other Princes, for ten years together, hinder'd him from receiving Baptism. At length he was Christen'd, but very secretly, so that in appearance he remain'd an Infidel, to keep the bet­ter corresponde [...]ce with his People. Yet he was not without some scruple con­cerning the manner of his Life; and in order to satisfie his Conscience, on so nice a Point, he desir'd the Bishop of Goa to s [...]nd him an Apostle: for by that name the Fathers of the Society were call'd by the Indi [...]ns, as well as by the Port [...]gueses. Father Gomez, who was sent to the King of Tanor, told him po­sitively, that God wou'd be serv'd in spirit and in truth; that dissembling in Religion, was worse than irreligion; and that Iesus wou'd disown before his An­gels, those who disown'd him before men. The King, who preferr'd his Sal­vation before his Crown, believ'd Go­mez, and resolv'd to declare himself so­lemnly a Christian, as soon as he had made a Treaty with his Enemies. Ha­ving concluded a Peace through the me­diation of the Father, who had advis'd him to it; he came to Goa, in despight of all his Subjects, who not being able to gain upon him, either by their rea­sons, or their desires, had seiz'd upon [Page 570] his Person, and shut him up, in one of the strongest Citadels of the Kingdom: He escap'd out of his Prison, swam a Ri­ver, and having found eight Foysts or half Galleys belonging to Goa, which were purposely sent to favour his passage, he had the good fortune to arrive safely at the Town. The Bishop and the Vice­roy conducted him to the Cathedral, amidst the acclamations of the People; and at the [...]oot of the Altar, he made a publick profession of his Faith; with such expressions of true devotion, as melted the Assistants into tears.