The life of St. Francis Xavier, of the Society of Jesus, apostle of India : from the French of Father Dominic Bouhours

BOSTON

UNIVERSITY

Boston University School of Theology
Library

1

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER,

OF THE

SOCIETY OF JESUS,

C^postU of jïitàia.

fro:m the FnEScn op

FATHER DOiMINIC BOUHOURS,

OF THE SAME SOCIETY.

\:%

\%

BY A CATHOLIC CLERGYMAN. T^ ^

\

PHILADELPHIA:

PUBLISHED BY EUGENE CUMMISKEY,

130 South Sixlh Street.

1841.

frS. i^ ''

We approved the publication of the Life of St. Francis Xavier,
Apostle of the Indies, translated from the French by a Catholic
Clergyman of this diocess. Given under our hand this 9th day of
February, 1841.

t FRANCIS PATRICK KENRICK,
Bp.Arath, and Coadjutor of the Bishop of Philadelphia.

Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1841, by

EUGENE CUMMISKEY,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia.
PRINTED BY KING AND BAIRD,

No. 9 George Street.

m-

TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.

Among the many great Saints who have
illustrated the Church in these latter ages,
there is none whose virtues excite greater
or more universal admiration than St.
Francis Xavier. In his conversion, and
subsequent holiness of life, the power of
Divine grace is conspicuously displayed ;
and in his untiring zeal, and the extraor-
dinary success that crowned his missionary
labours, we have, perhaps, the most striking

IV PREFACE.

exemplification of the efficacy of the divine
word that is to be found after the times of
the apostles. Protestants no less than
Catholics have borne testimony to this
fact. In his lives of eminent Roman
Catholic Missionaries, Carne says, that
Xavier was "the greatest missionary of
his age f and the late Sir James Mack-
intosh, notwithstanding his strong anti-
catholic prejudices, pays a beautiful tribute
to his heroic zeal. "Francis Xavier,"
says this distinguished writer, " was a
very extraordinary man. Persuasion and
commanding eloquence, an ascendancy over
the minds of men, unconquerable patience
in suffering, intrepid courage amid the
most dreadful dangers, and a life devoted
with inflexible constancy to a purely dis-
interested purpose, form a combination
which varies its exterior and its direction,
according to the opinions and manners
of various ages and nations. In one age

FS£FACE.

it produces a Xavier ; in another a How-
ard 5 he (Xavier) taught to slaves the
moral dignity of their nature ; he preach-
ed humility to tyrants and benevolence to
savages. He must have told to the out-
cast Hindoo, that he vv^as, in the grandest
point of vievv^j the equal of his Kajah, and
the ferocious Malay, that his enemy was
his brother. He therefore diffused the
fruits of the best philosophy, and laboured
to improve and ennoble nature."* The
Kev. Mr. Palmer, of Oxford College, in
his compendium of Church history lately
published, says that the " labours and suc-
cess of Xavier are, perhaps, unequalled since
the days of the apostles." t

If Xavier was selected by God, as the
event sufficiently shows, to be, like St.

* Life of Sir James Mackintosh,
t Palmer's History of the Christian Church, New York,
1841, pa. 205.

VI PREFACE.

Paul, a vessel of election to carry his name
before kings and peoples, we cannot be sur-
prised at finding in him the same signs of
an apostleship, as established the divine
mission of the great apostle of the gentiles.
Hence, far from being astonished at the
supernatural events, which are occasionally-
narrated in the following pages, the judi-
cious reader will be convinced, that such
miraculous powers as the apostles possessed,
were no less necessary for the success of
Xavier's preaching, than in the first pro-
pagation of the Christian religion. Had
not Xavier to announce Christ crucified to
an idolatrous, and, very frequently, a bar-
barous people ? If miracles were required
for the success of the gospel, in the first
century, among the civilized nations of
the Roman empire, surely they were no
less necessary in the sixteenth century,
when the same mysterious truths, — the
same severe morality, were to be announc-

PREFACE. VU

ed to the people of the East,— so blindly-
attached to the superstitions of their fathers,
so prone to sensual indulgence, and so pre-
judiced against the Christians, on account
of the irregularities, injustices, and cruel-
ties, of most of the Europeans, who had
landed on their shores ? Besides, no mira-
cles have been better attested, or more
scrupulously examined, than those of Xa-
vier ; and the mass of evidence on vs^hich
they rest, cannot be rejected without en-
dangering the foundations of our moral
certitude. But as this is a subject which
would lead him beyond the legitimate
limits of a prefatory introduction, the
translator contents himself with referring
to the " End of Controversy," and " Vin-
dication" of it, by the Right Rev. Dr.
Milner, in which the certainty of these
miraculous facts is solidly established. As
many may not have the above named books,
it has been thought advisable to give in an

VUl PREFACE.

appendix, a sketch of the arguments ad-
vanced by those who have impugned, and
defended, the reality of these supernatural
events, that thus the reader may judge to
which side the weight of evidence inclines.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

CHAPTER I.

Birth of Xavier — Natural dispositions — He is sent to the Univer-
sity of Paris — Is made Lecturer of Philosophy — Becomes acquainted ^
with Ignatius of Loyola — Escapes the snares laid for his faith.

I AM about to write the life of a saint, who, in the
sixteenth century, renewed the wonders of the
apostoUc age, and exhibited in his own person, a
living proof of Christianity. A new world was con-
verted to the faith by the efficacy of his preaching,
and the miracles whereby it was accompanied.
Idolatrous kings and people bowed their heads to the
sweet yoke of the gospel ; faith was made to flourish
in the very midst of barbarism ; and the authority of
the Roman Church was acknowledged by nations
who had never heard of ancient Rome. This apos-
tolical man is Francis Xavier, of the Society of Jesus,
and one of the first disciples of St. Ignatius of
Loyola. He was of Navarre, and, according to the
testimony of Cardinal Antonio Zapata, was descend-
ed from the royal family of that kingdom. His
father, Don Juan de Jasso, was a distinguished noble-

2

10 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

man, and one of the privy councillors of King John III.
The name of his mother was Mary Azpilcueta Xavier.
She was tlie heiress of two ilkistrious houses in that
kingdom. Her father, Don Martin Azpilcueta, still
more celebrated for his great virtues than his illus-
trious descent, married Juanna Xavier, the sole heiress
of her family. Francis' mother, Mary, of whom we
have spoken, was the only fruit of this union ; she
was regarded as one of the most accomplished and
beautiful ladies of her time. She was married to Don
Jasso,by whom she had many children, the youngest
of whom was Francis, the subject of the present
memoir.

He was born on the 7th of April, 1506, in the cas-
tle of Xavier, at the foot of the Pyrenean mountains,
about twenty four miles distant from Pampeluna.
This castle was in possession of his mother's family
for two hundred and fifty years ; and was given by
King Thibald I., to her ancestors, in recompense
for the services which they had rendered to the
crown. From this circumstance the family laid aside
their former name of Asnarez, and took that of
Xavier, which was given to Francis, and some others
of his brothers, lest so celebrated a name should
otherwise become extinct.

Providence, who had selected Francis to be his
instrument in the conversion of many nations, gave
him the natural qualities requisite for the functions
of an apostle. He was of a strong habit of body, had
a lively and vigorous turn of mind, a lofty and en-
terprising genius, and was of a fearless disposition.
His manners were agreeable, and he himself natural-
ly of a gay and winning humour ; he was, however,
an avowed enemy of all immodesty, and had a great
inclination for study.

His parents, whose lives were most edifying, in-
spired him with the fear of God from his infancy,
and took a particular care of his education. When
he was of an age to choose his course, he preferred

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 11

the pursuit of learning to the profession of arms,
which his brothers had embraced : and as he had a
quick conception, a happy memory, and a penetrat-
ing mind, he made great progress in a short time.
When he had acquired a sufficient knowledge of the
Latin language, his father seiithim to the University
of Paris, which was then tne most celebrated in
Europe, and was frequented Ky the most distinguish-
ed youths of Spain, Italy, and Germany.

On his arrival at Paris, being then in the eighteenth
year of his age, he commenced the study of philoso-
phy, with extraordinary earnestness and success.
Although logic had not for him the same difficulties
it presents to the generality of students, he failed not
to apply himself with diligence, that he might be the
first in his class ; and, perhaps, no scholar ever united
so much ease with so much labour in the acquisition
of learning. The great object that engrossed his
mind, was to become an excellent philosopher. His
father, however, who had many children, and whose
income was hmited, was inclined to recall him from
college, after he had passed a few years there. He
communicated his design to Magdalene Jasso, his
daughter, who was abbess of the convent of St. Clare
of Gandia, then celebrated for the austerity of its
rule. It had been founded by some French ladies,
whom the calamities of war had forced to abandon
their native country, and seek refuge in the kingdom
of Valencia.

In her younger days, Magdalene had been maid of
honour to Queen Isabella ; but the love of retirement
and of mortification made her leave at once the Court
of Arragon, and the world. She chose the strictest
monastery in Spain for her retreat, and applied her-
self with such fervour to the exercises of penitence
and prayer, that while yet in her noviciate, she was
a model of religious perfection. During her life she
received extraordinary favours from God, who,
among other celestial communications, made her

13 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

know that an easy and agreeable death was prepared
for her, but that one of her nuns should die in ex-
cruciating agony. In this revelation, God wished to
afford her the opportunity of exercising an act of
heroic charity. She comprehended the design of
heaven, and asked to exchange the manner of her
death, with that prepared for her sister in religion.
God heard the prayer with which he himself had
inspired her, and made her sensible, by a new reve-
lation, that her petition was granted. Her confessor
heard from her the details of this supernatural com-
munication, which time fully verified. The sister,
the manner of whose death had been revealed to
her, died without agony, and by the calmness of her
last moments, seemed to have a foretaste of the joys
of heaven. The abbess, on the other hand, was af-
flicted with a painful disease, which made her suffer
excessive torture. Corporal pain was, however, the
least part of what she had to endure ; she suffered
much more from the interior afflictions by which her
soul was tried. She bore all with wonderful patience
and resignation to the Divine will, being satisfied that
it was the eflect of God's merciful designs upon her.

Six years before the death of Magdalene, her
father wrote to her concerning Xavier. After con-
sulting God in prayer, and receiving light from above,
she answered him, that he ought not to recal P^ancis,
whatever expense his maintenance in the university
of Paris might occasion. She added, that he was a
vessel oif election, whom God destined to be the
Apostle of India ; and that, one day, he would be a
great pillar of the church. Don Jasso received this
answer as an oracle from heaven, and gave up all
ideas of recalling his son from college. These letters
were preserved for a long time afterwards, and were
juridically proved in the process of the Saint's can-
onization.

Xavier was, accordingly, permitted to continue
his course of philosophy ; at the end of which, having

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 13

defended a thesis with great success, he was made
Master of arts, and was deemed capable of delivering
public lectures. This new post enabled him to display
his talents in a still more conspicuous manner than
before, and he acquired a high reputation for learn-
ing and ability, by his expositions of Aristotle. His
vanity was flattered by the praises which he received ;
he was proud to have augmented the glory of his
family by the pursuits of literature, while his brothers
were increasing it by the glory of arms; and he
hoped that the path on which he had entered, would
lead to something of still greater consequence. God,
however, had other designs on him ; and it was not
for these transitory honours that he had conducted
him to Paris.

About the time that Xavier began to teach philoso-
phy, Ignatius of Loyola came to Paris. This ex-
traordinary man had renounced the world, and now
contemplated the establishment of a Society, which
should unite learning with piety, and be wholly de-
voted to the salvation of souls. The obstacles he
found in prosecuting his studies in Spain, had induced
him to come to France, for the purpose of completing
them ; and shortly after his arrival in Paris he heard
of Xavier, with whom he soon became acquainted.
The new professor lived in the college of St. Barbe,
although he taught in that of Beauvois. A Savoyard,
named Pierre Le Fevre, better known as Peter Faber,
was his companion ; and Ignatius deemed them both
very suitable persons to aid him in his sublime under-
taking. That he might have the opportunity of better
cultivating their acquaintance, he took lodgings with
them, and occasionally exhorted them to live accord-
ing to the rules of religion.

Le Fevre was of a mild anc^ yielding nature ; and
as he was not enamoured with the world, he made
no opposition. Xavier, on the contrary, was a
haughty spirit ; his mind was filled with ambitious

14 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

designs ; and he, at first, rejected the advances of
Ignatius. His maxims and manner of Ufe, made this
latter appear in an unfavorable light to our worldly-
minded professor, who, accordingly, treated him with
contempt, and let pass no opportunity of making him
the subject of his raillery and amusement.

Ignatius was not to be so easily repulsed. He pro-
fited by every opportunity of representing to Xavier
the great affair of his salvation, and frequently re-
peated these words of Christ : " What does it profit
a man, to gain the whole world, and lose his own
soul?" Perceiving, however, that he could make no
impression on a heart, which was so full of conceit,
and which only esteemed the glory of this world,
he resolved to approach it on the weaker side. He
often congratulated Xavier on the rare talents he had
received from God, and endeavoured to procure
scholars for him, thus to augment his reputation by
the number of his disciples. He himself was ac-
customed to conduct them to him, and, on presenting
them, never failed to make the eulogium of their
future professor. Xavier was too vain not to be pleas-
ed with these commendations. Applause was grateful
to him, from whatever quarter it came ; but was
doubly so, when given by one whom he had used
so badly. Being conscious how little he deserved
such kindness, he felt it the more sensibly ; and he
began to look on Ignatius with other eyes than be-
fore. He heard also, about the same time, that this
man, whose appearance and manners were so humble,
was of one of the first families of Guipuscoa ; — that
his courage was equal to his rank ; — and that it was
the fear of God, which alone had inspired him with
the thought of choosing a mode of life so far. beneath
what his family and natural inclinations might seem
to demand. This intelligence made him listen to
Ignatius more willingly, than before he was wont to
do ; and the maxims which formerly appeared so re-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 15

volting and irrational, now seemed to have acquired
a charm and authority, by the character of the person
who delivered them.

Meanwhile, Xavier's money began to fail, as fre-
quently happens to persons distant from their own
country. As Ignatius had lately returned from
Flanders and England, where he had procured a
large contribution towards his own support, he as-
sisted Xavier in his pecuniary difficulties, and thus
attached him still more closely to him.

About this time the heresy of Luther began to
spread in Europe. It was an artifice made use of
by the innovators, to insinuate themselves into the
Catholic universities, and thus gradually instil their
doctrines into the minds of the youth educated there.
Francis I. being anxious to restore learning in his
kingdom, had invited learned men from all parts for
the promotion of his design. Among those who came
at the monarch's invitation, were some from Germa-
ny, who endeavoured to give their errors a great de-
gree of plausibility, and principally sought for prose-
lytes among those young scholars who were most
famed for their talents and acquirements. Xavier,
being naturally curious, took pleasure in these no-
velties, in which he would most certainly have been
involved, had not Ignatius rescued him from the
danger. He himself gives an account of this cir-
cumstance, in a letter to his eldest brother, Don Az-
pilcueta, of which Ignatius himself was the bearer,
when he went into Spain, as mentioned in his life.
In this he says : —

" Not only has he relieved me in the necessities to
which I was reduced, but what is of more import-
ance, he has withdrawn me from the occasion of
contracting friendship with young men of my own
rank, who, although full of talent and learning, had
imbibed the poison of heresy, and concealed the cor-
ruption of their hearts, under a fair and honest ap-
pearance. He alone broke off those dangerous in-

16 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

timacies, which I had imprudently contracted, and
prevented me from being deluded, by laying open the
snare that was laid for me. Had Don Ignatius given
me no other proof of his kindness,! could never be suf-
ficiently grateful. Without him I never would have
known, how much corruption was concealed under
the fair appearances of those young men who sought
my acquaintance."

We may see by this authentic testimony, that in-
stead of bringing the faith to remote nations,
Xavier was in danger of making shipwreck of his
own, had he not fallen into the hands of Ignatius,
who had a horror for every appearance of error, and
whose penetration of character easily discovered
heretics, no matter how speciously disguised.

17

CHAPTER II.

Change of life in Xavier — He consecrates himself to God by vow
— Goes to Venice — Painful mortification — He visits Rome — Is or-
dained a priest — Prepares to celebrate his first mass.

It was not enough for Ignatius to have preserved
Xavier from the snares of error ; he wished, more-
over, to detach him from the vanities of the world.
The favorable dispositions manifested by the young
professor, encouraged him to follow up what he had
begun, and gave him hope of success. One day,
finding Xavier more than ordinarily attentive, he
represented to him, with unusual emphasis, these
words ; " What doth it profit a man to gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul ?" — He then told him,
that a mind so noble and great as his was, ought not
to confine itself to the vain honours of the world ; —
that celestial glory was the only object worthy
of his ambition ; — and that reason itself would tell
him to prefer what was to endure eternally, to what
would vanish like a dream.

Then it was that Xavier's eyes were opened ; he
saw the nothingness of all earthly greatness, and felt
his heart inflamed with the love of heavenly things.
These first impressions did not, indeed, immediately
produce their full effect upon him. He frequently,
however, reflected in silence on what Ignatius had
said to him ; and after much serious consideration,
and many interior conflicts, he yielded at length to
the influence of the great truths of eternity : he re-
solved to live according to the maxims of the gospel.

18 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

and to imitate him who had made him sensible of
his former blindness.

After the example of Le Fevre, who had already-
reformed his life, and was full of zeal for the salva-
tion of others, Xavier gave himself up to the direc-
tion of Ignatius. The counsels of so enlightened a
guide, facilitated his advances in the paths of per-
fection, which were hitherto unexplored by him.
He learned from this new master, that the first object
of a sincere convert, should be to overcome his pre-
dominant passion. As vain glory had hitherto had
the greatest dominion over him, he applied himself,
from the very beginning, to practise acts of humility,
and to confound his pride by the perpetual recollec-
tion of his own nothingness and misery. As he
knew that he could not tame the haughtiness of his
soul, without mortifying the flesh, he undertook to
overcome the body by the use of hair-cloth, by fast-
ing, and other penitential practices.

He devoted the time of vacation to spiritual exer-
cises, as his lectures in philosophy during the year
did not permit him to do so before. Ignatius had
composed these exercises, when at Manresa, with
the particular assistance of God ; a sketch of them will
he found in the life of the holy founder of the Society
of Jesus.

Xavier commenced his retreat with extraordinary
fervour : he passed four days without taking any
food. His thoughts were wholly occupied on divine
matters, and an ancient memoir assures us, that he
went to his devotions, — bound hands and feet. This
he did, either to signify that he only wished to be
guided by the Holy Spirit ; or to anticipate, and thus
avert, the punishment of the man mentioned in the
parable of the gospel, who dared to appear at the
nuptial banquet, without being clad in a wedding
garment.

By meditating on the great truths of Christianity,

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 19

especially on the mysteries of our Saviour's life, ac-
cording to the method laid down by Ignatius, he
was wholly changed. The humility of the cross
appeared more attractive to him than all the glories
of the world. This change of feeling made him
refuse a canonry of Pampeluna, which was offered
to him about this time, and was very considerable on
account of its dignity and revenues. During this
retreat he formed the design of glorifying God by all
possible means, and of dedicating his whole life to
procure the salvation of souls. Being thus solidly
established in the principles of a spiritual life, he
continued his course of philosophy, which then oc-
cupied three years and a half After this, he com-
menced the study of divinity, being advised to do so
by Ignatius, whose disciple he now publicly avowed
himself to be.

Ignatius had for some time been strongly impelled to
devote himself to the conversion of Jews and infidels
in the Holy Land : and he discovered his intentions
to Xavier. He had already imparted them to Le
Fevre, and to four other learned youths, who had
embraced his manner of life. They all engaged
themselves, by mutual promise, and by a solemn
vow to Almighty God, to undertake a voyage to
Jerusalem ; or, in case after a year's delay, to be
reckoned from their arrival at Venice, they could not
find an opportunity of accomplishing their vow, to
present themselves to the Pope, and employ them-
selves in the service of the church, wherever, and
in what manner, he should think proper. They made
these vows at Montmartre near Paris, on the festival
of Our Lady's Assumption, in the year 1534. That
holy place, the ground of which had been moistened
by the blood of so many martyrs, whose bodies are
still deposited there, inspired Xavier with particular
devotion, and filled him with an ardent desire of
martyrdom.

20 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

Towards the end of the following year, he left
Paris, accompanied by Le Fevre, Laynez, Salmeron,
Rodriguez, Bobadilla, and three other companions,
whom Le Fevre had gained in the absence of Igna-
tius. Important reasons had obliged this latter to
precede them, and he was then awaiting their arrival
at Venice.

Before setting out, Xavier, who was sometimes
transported with excessive fervour, had tied his arms
and legs with small cords, that he might thus punish
himself, for some vain complacency he had formerly
taken in leaping and running ; in which exercises he
generally surpassed all his competitors. Of all the
recreations in which scholars indulge, he liked none
but those of active exercise. He did not now suspect
that the cords, which he had bound very tight round
his limbs, would prevent him from walking; but he
had scarcely begun his journey, before he . suffered
extreme pain from them. He gave, however, no
indication of the inconvenience under which he la-
boured, and journeyed on, as long as he was able,
until at length his strength entirely failed him. The
exercise had caused his limbs to swell, and the cords
were sunk so deep into his flesh, that they could
with difficulty be seen. The surgeons who were
called on to attend him, declared that an incision
would only increase his pains, and that the evil was
incurable.

In this trying circumstance. Le Fevre and his
other companions had recourse to God by prayer,
which obtained what the skill of the surgeon was
not able to accomplish. The following morning,
when Xavier awoke, he found that the cords had
fallen off, that the swelling had subsided, and that
the mark of the cords was the only indication of
his sufferings and danger. All fell on their knees to
thank the Almighty, for his providential interference,
so remarkably manifested in their regard. They

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 21

then continued their journey, notwithstanding the
ruggedness of the roads and the inclemency of the
weather.

Xavier attended his companions on all occasions,
and always anticipated them, in the discharge of the
duties of charity, whether it was that, being naturally
of an obliging disposition, he was anxious to employ
himself for them ; or that the miraculous circum-
stance of his recent delivery, rendered him more than
ordinarily attentive to those, by whose prayers it had
been procured.

When they arrived at Venice, their minds were
entirely engrossed with the desire of visiting the Holy
Land. They were delighted on meeting with Igna-
tius, whom they acknowledged to be their common
father. He was of opinion, that, while awaiting the
opportunity of going to ask the Pope's blessing,
previous to their intended voyage to Jerusalem, they
should devote themselves to works of charity in the
public hospitals of the city.

The hospital of the incurables was assigned to
Xavier. Not satisfied with occupying himself, during
the day, in dressing the sores of the sick men, — mak-
ing their beds, — and rendering them all the services
they stood in need of, he passed entire nights in
watching by them. His zeal, however, was not
confined to the supply of their corporal wants. Al-
though unacquainted with the Italian language, he
frequently spoke to them of God. He exhorted the
greatest libertines to repent, and endeavoured to
make them comprehend, that although their cor-
poral infirmities were incurable, those of the soul
were easily remedied. He shewed them that we
ought always to rely on God^s mercy, notwithstand-
ing the enormity of our offences ; and that the grace
of conversion was obtained by earnestly desiring it.

One of the incurables had an ulcer, that was ex-
ceedingly painful to behold, and which emitted an
intolerable stench. Every one shunned the miserable

3

22 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

creature, and no one dared so much as to approach
him. Xavier found at first a great repugnance to
attend him ; but he called to mind the maxim of Ig-
natius, that we make no progress in virtue unless
we overcome ourselves ; and that we should esteem
the occasion of making a great sacrifice too precious
to be lost. Strengthened by this reflection, and en-
couraged by the example of St. Catharine of Sienna,
he approached the sick person, applied his mouth to
the ulcer, and sucked out the corruption. His natural
repugnance immediately vanished, and never after-
wards did he feel any difficulty in similar circum-
stances. Who can estimate the importance of over-
coming ourselves, when God calls for some great
sacrifice! ^..

Two months were spent in these exercises of
charity ; at the end of which time, he set out for
Rome, with the other disciples of Ignatius, who him-
self remained at Venice. They suifered much on
the road, both from the heavy rain which fell alm^ost
continually, and from the want of food which they
often experienced. Xavier encouraged his com pan
ions, and sustained them by that apostolic spirit, with
which God, from that time, endued him, and which
made him delight in pain and suffering.

On his arrival at Rome, his first thought was to
visit the churches, and devote himself to the ministry
of the gospel, at the sepulchre of the holy Apostles.
He had the opportunity of speaking more than once
before the Pope. All were introduced to His Holi-
ness, by Peter Ortez, a Spanish ecclesiastic, whom
they had formerly known at Paris, and whom the
emperor had sent to Rome, on the subject of the
marriage of Queen Catharine of England. Paul III.
was a lover of learning, and, during his meals, was
accustomed to listen to the conversation of learned
men. He ordered these strangers, whose talents he
had heard much praised, to be admitted to his pre-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 23

sence, several days successively, and wished them to
discuss before him some point of scholastic divinity.

Having received the Holy Father's benediction on
their intended pilgrimage, and obtained permission
for those among them who were not ordained, to
receive priesthood, they returned to Venice. Xavier
and his companions made the vows of poverty and
perpetual chastity, before Jerome Veralli, the Pope's
Nuncio ; after which he took up his abode once more
in the hospital of the " Incurables,'' and resumed the
offices of charity, which his visit to Rome had
obliged him to interrupt. He resolved to occupy
himself in this manner until his embarkation.

In the meantime, war broke out between the Ve-
netians and the Turks, and thus interrupted the com-
merce of the Levant ; and the ships, which were
accustomed to transport the pilgrims, did not conse-
quently sail that year. Xavier was wonderfully
afflicted at this disappointment, because he not only
lost the hope of seeing places that had been conse-
crated by the presence and sufferings of Jesus Christ,
but was also deprived of an opportunity of dying for
his Divine Master. He consoled himself, however,
by reflecting on the wonderful ways of God's provi-
dence.

To be of still greater service to his neighbour, he
prepared himself for ordination, and soon after re-
ceived the awful dignity of the priesthood, with great
sentiments of humility and devotion. The city did
not appear to him a suitable place for his preparation
to celebrate his first Mass. He sought, therefore,
for a retired spot, where, separated from the society
of men, he might communicate in silence with God.
Such a place he found near Monteselice, not far from
Padua. It was a miserable thatched cottage, de-
serted by its inhabitants, and in a ruinous state.
Here he passed forty days, exposed to the injuries of
the air, lying on the ground, chastising his body with
frequent disciplines, fasting entire days, and never

24 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

having any other food than some fragments of bread,
which he begged in the neighbourhood. These
austerities were, however, all compensated for, by
the overflowing deUghts he found in contemplating
the truths of faith. As the cabin in which he dwelt,
might easily be supposed to resemble the stable at
Bethlehem, Xavier proposed to himself the extreme
poverty of the infant Jesus, as the model of his own ;
and felt, that as the Saviour of the world had been
pleased to suffer the want of all things, so those who
laboured, in his name, for the salvation of souls,
should imitate him, and possess nothing in this world.
Although his solitude was extremely agreeable to
him, yet, at the end of the forty days, Xavier left it,
that he might preach in the neighbouring villages
and towns, especially in Monteselice, where the peo-
ple were very ignorant, and knew but little of the
obligations of Christianity. He made daily exhorta-
tions to them, and his penitential appearance gave
authority to all that he said. The mere sight of him
was enough to convince all beholders, that he had
come from the wilderness, to point out the path that
led to heaven. Having thus disposed himself by re-
treat, and the exercise of apostolic zeal, during three
months, Xavier at length celebrated his first Mass at
Vicenza, whither Ignatius had convoked all the
members of the infant Society. During this solemn
act, his tears flowed so abundantly, that those present
could not but weep, through the excess of holy joy,
at beholding such seraphic piety.

«5

CHAPTER III.

Xavier falls sick — Has a vision of St. Jerome — He labours at
Bologna — Continued indisposition — He is recalled to Rome — Is ap-
pointed for the mission of India—Mysterious manifestations of God's
will — Xavier's interviews with Paul III.

Ignatius and his companions had bound them-
selves by vow, to wait, during a year, for an oppor-
tunity of going to Jerusalem ; and although there
now appeared no probability of such being afforded
them during that time, they resolved to adhere to the
terms of their promise to God. Meanwhile, the
austere and laborious life of Xavier, united with the
extraordinary sensibihty of his devotion, — which
not unfrequently impairs the health, — caused him to
fall sick, shortly after he had said his first Mass. He
was brought to one of the city hospitals, which, at
that time, was so full of patients, and so little pre-
pared to receive them, that Xavier got only part t)f a
chamber, which was exposed on all sides. The
treatment was no better than the lodgings, and
never, perhaps, was a sick man more destitute of
human consolation.

Xavier had great devotion to the great doctor of
the church, St. Jerome, to whom he had often recourse
when he met with difficult passages of Scripture.
One night the saint appeared to him, environed with
light, and gave him consolation in his sickness.
Among other things, he declared to him, that a far
greater trial than what he then endured, awaited
him at Bologna, where he and one of his companions
were to pass the winter.

This apparition was followed by the immediate
3*

36 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

restoration of Xavier's health. Whether it was, that
he had some doubts of its reality ; or, as is most pro-
bable, thought that such matters ought not to be un-
necessarily divulged; — certain it is, that he observed
at the time profound silence on the subject. What
afterwards occurred, showed that the vision was from
God. Ignatius, although entirely unaware of what
had been revealed to Xavier, assembled his disciples,
and observed, that as they were unable to visit the
Holy Land, they ought no longer to delay the offer
of their services to the Pope. He added, that it
would be sufficient, if some of them went to Rome,
and that the rest might divide themselves among the
Italian universities, where they would have the op-
portunity of inspiring the love of God into the minds
of the students, and of increasing their present num-
ber, by gaining some of the most able among them.
He then allotted to them their various stations, such
precisely as St. Jerome had announced to Xavier, to
whom, in company with Bobadilla, Bologna was
assigned.

On their arrival at Bologna, Xavier went to say
Mass on the tomb of St. Dominic, as he had a special
dev^otion to the founder of an order which was es-
tablished for the preaching of the gospel. A devout
lady, Isabella Casalini, judged that he was a man
of God, from his very appearance at the altar. She
felt herself moved to speak to this strange priest, as
soon as his Mass was over ; and she was so much
edified by his conversation, that she immediately in-
formed her uncle, Jerome Casalini, a distinguished
ecclesiastic, of the treasure she had discovered. This
virtuous clergyman went to seek after the Spanish
priest, who had been mentioned to him by his niece.
He found Xavier in the hospital, and by excessive
importunities, prevailed on him to . take up his
abode in his house. He was not, however, able to
induce him to partake of any other hospitality than
his mere lodging. Francis begged his bread from

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. J37

door to door, as he had been accustomed, and lived
entirely on the alms he received in the town.

He daily celebrated Mass, in the Church of St.
Lucia, of which Casalini was rector ; after which he
heard the confessions of all who presented themselves
to him. The rest of the day was spent in visiting
the prisons and hospitals, catechising the children,
and preaching to the people. He spoke a confused
medley of Italian, French, and Spanish ; but he ex-
pressed himself with such vehemence, and the matter
of his sermons was so solid and instructive, that the
imperfections of his pronunciation and language
were not regarded. All listened to him as to a mes-
senger from heaven ; and at the end of his sermon,
many came and cast themselves at his feet, confess-
ing their sins.

These incessant labours, joined with the severity
of the winter, brought on (as St. Jerome had fore-
told,) a much more dangerous fit of sickness than he
before had had. It was a severe and obstinate attack
of quartan ague, which, in a short time, reduced him
almost to a skeleton. Still, weak and emaciated as
he was, he endeavoured to crawl to the public
squares, and would there call on the passers-by, to
do penance for their sins. When no longer able to
speak, his pale and cadaverous aspect was the most
eloquent of sermons ; and many were converted by
his very appearance.

Jerome Casalini profited so much by the instruc-
tions and examples of Xavier, that he arrived, in a
short time, at a high degree of holiness. The more
intimately he knew him, the more he admired him,
as he himself relates. From him we learn that
Xavier, after having laboured all the day, was wont
to pass the night in prayer ; and that when saying
the Mass of the passion on Friday, he was accustom-
ed to shed abundant tears, and was often in ecstacy.
He says also, that he spoke but seldom, but that his
words were full of sense and unction.

28 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

In the midst of these apostolic labours at Bologna,
Xavier was recalled to Ronie by Ignatius, who had
already presented himself to the Pope, and offered
him both himself and his disciples. Paul III. gladly
accepted these new labourers, and bade them begin
their good work at Rome, where they might preach
under his immediate sanction. The principal churches
were assigned to them; that of St. Lorenzo in Damaso
fell to Xavier, whose health was by this time restor-
ed, and who now seemed to preach with more vigour
and vehemence than before. Death, the last judg-
ment, and the pains of hell, were the ordinary sub-
jects of his sermons. He proposed these important
truths in a plain, but affecting manner ; the people
who came in crowds to hear him, left the church in
profound silence, and thought less of admiring the
preacher, than of reducing to practice what he had
inculcated.

A famine, which then laid Rome waste, gave op-
portunity to the ten stranger priests to exercise their
charity and zeal in relieving the wants of an innu-
merable multitude of people, who, otherwise, would
have perished unregarded. The zeal of Xavier was
conspicuous : he spared no pains to procure* them
accommodation, and the means of subsistence. He
even carried them, on his shoulders, to the places as-
signed for them, and attended them with all imagina-
ble tenderness.

In the mean time, James Govea, a Portuguese
ecclesiastic, arrived in Rome, having been sent thither
by John III., King of Portugal, on important business.
He had known Ignatius, Xavier, and Le Fevre, at
Paris, where he had, been the rector of the College of
St. Barbe, when they lived together there. Seeing
the wonderful effects of their ministry, he wrote to
the King, — as he had already done from Paris, — that
such men as these, — learned, humble, charitable, and
zealous, who were indefatigable labourers, ardent
lovers of the cross, and who had no other object in

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 29

view than the promotion of God's glory, — were pre-
cisely the persons to plant and propagate the faith in
India. He added, that if his Majesty desired to make
use of the services of those apostolic men, he had
only to ask them from the Pope, who had the abso-
lute disposal of them.

John III. was the most religious prince then living.
He wrote immediately to his ambassador, Don Pedro
Mascaregnas, and ordered him to obtain from His
Holiness, at least, six of these zealous men, whom
Govea had so much recommended. On hearing the
demand of Mascaregnas, the Pope referred the whole
matter to Ignatius, for whom he had a great esteem,
and who had lately presented to him the plan of the
new Society, which he designed to establish.

But Ignatius contemplated nothing less than the
conversion of the whole world ; and as he saw the
pressing wants of Europe, which was, on all sides,
threatened with heresy, he replied to jyiascaregnas*,
that he could only spare two of his disciples for the
proposed mission. The Pope approved of this an-
swer, and ordered Ignatius himself to make the
selection. Simon Rodriguez and Nicholas Bobadilla,
— the one a Portuguese, the 'other a Spaniard, — were
chosen by him. Rodriguez was then employed at
Sienna ; Bobadilla was in the kingdom of Naples,
whither he had been sent by Ignatius. Although the
order reached Rodriguez, when he was suffering
from an attack of ague, he instantly obeyed the sum-
mons; and soon afterwards embarked at Civita
Vecchia for Lisbon in a Portuguese vessel. He
brought with him Paul Camerino, who, a short time
before, had joined the Society.

On his arrival at Rome, Bobadilla fell sick of a
fever. . This seems to have been an effect of God's
providence, which destined another to supply his
place in the Indian mission. What appears the effect
of chance, or the result of natural causes, is often a
special disposition of heaven. Çrod g^ttains the end

30 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

he proposes to himself, in a silent and mysterious
manner, which is not the less efficacious, because it
appears the result of casual occurrences.

Mascaregnas was now recalled from his embassy.
He was anxious to bring with him to Portugal, the
other missioner who had been promised to the king ;
and was on the eve of his departure, when Boba-
dilla arrived at Rome. Ignatius saw at once that he
was not able to undertake so long a journey, and
accordingly sought light from God, to direct him in
the choice of one to supply his place ; or rather he
prayed that he might select him, whom God himself
had already chosen. He was immediately enlight-
ened from above ; and understood that Xavier was
the vessel of election. He instantly sent for him,
and, full of the Divine Spirit, said : — " Xavier, I had
designed Bobadilla for India, but God has this day
chosen you. I announce it to you from the Vicar of
Jesus Christ. Receive an appointment, committed
to your charge by His Holiness, and delivered by
my mouth, as if it were conferred on you by onr
Divine Saviour in person. Rejoice at finding an
opportunity of satisfying that fervent desire we all
have, to carry the faith to remote countries. It is
not a narrow strip of land like Palestine, or a pro-
vince of Asia, that now lies before you : but immense
countries and numberless kingdoms. An entire
world is reserved for your labours ; and so large a
field is well worthy of your zeal and courage. Go,
brother, where the voice of God calls you, — where
the Holy See sends you, and spread among those
unknown nations the fire that burns within your own
breast.'^

Overwhelmed with confusion at these expressions
of Ignatius, Xavier, with tears in his eyes, replied,
that he could not but wonder that a weak and pusil-
lanimous creature like him, should be selected for
an enterprise that required an apostle. He expressed,
however, his obedience to the commands of heaven ;

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 31

and he offered himself, with all his soul, to do and to
suffer all things, for the salvation of the Indians.
Then, giving way to his internal joy, he told Ignatius,
in confidence, that his desires were now accomplish-
ed;— that he had long sighed for India, without
daring to declare it ; and he expressed the hope that,
in those idolatrous countries, he would have the
honour — which was denied him in the Holy Land,
of shedding his blood for the name of Jesus.

In the excess of his joy, he added, that he now
saw clearly what God had foreshown to him under
some mysterious figures. Xavier had frequently
dreamed, that he carried on his shoulders, a gigantic
and swarthy Indian. Oppressed with this strong
imagination, he would groan and sigh in those uneasy
slumbers, as if he were labouring under the weight
of some intolerable burthen. Those who slept in
the same chamber with him were often disturbed by
his sighs ; and one evening, Laynez, who had been
awakened by them, asked him, what it was that
troubled him. Xavier immediately told him the
dream he had had, and added, that it had made him
copiously perspire.

Moreover, he once beheld, — either in a dream or in
a vision, — vast and tempestuous oceans, rocks, desert
islands, and barbarous countries ; and he seemed to
suffer hunger and thirst, innumerable labours, bloody
persecution, and to be exposed to imminent danger
of death. On beholding this apparition, he cried out :
" Yet more, 0 God ! yet more !^' — Rodriguez dis-
tinctly heard these words; but although he often
importuned him to declare their meaning, he uni-
formly refused to reveal it ; until when about to em-
bark for India, he at length disclosed to him the
secret.

His mind was constantly full of these thoughts,
and his familiar conversation, in a great measure,
turned on the new world, and the conversion of infi-
dels. When speaking on that subject his face would

32 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

become inflamed, and his eyes fill with tears. Father
Jerome Domenec, who before he entered the Society,
had known him at Bologna, testified this fact.

As Xavier only knew of his destination to India,
the day before the ambassador's departure, he had
but time to mend his cassock, bid his friends farewell,
and go to ask the blessing of the Holy Father.

Paul III. was delighted that, in his pontificate, the
gospel should be promulgated in the East Indies.
He received Xavier with most paternal affection, and
excited him to conceive thoughts worthy of his high
vocation. To encourage him, he told him, that the
Eternal Wisdom never fails to supply us with strength
for the execution of the enterprises, to which he calls
us, however superior they may be to our natural
abilities. It would be necessary that he should be
prepared to undergo many privations and sufferings,
but the things of God succeed only by the way of
the cross, and none can aspire to the honour of
apostles, without being ready to emulate their zeal
and patience. Heaven had called him to labour for
the conversion of souls, in that place which had been
sanctified by the zeal and sufferings of St. Thomas.
He also should generously devote himself to revive
the faith, which that great apostle had planted there ;
and if it were necessary to shed his blood for the
name of Jesus, he should esteem martyrdom a hap-
piness and an honour.

These words made a great impression on Francis,
to whom it appeared that God spoke by the mouth
of his Vice-gerent. He felt himself full of holy courage ;
and displayed such magnanimity and humility in his
answer, that the Pope had, from that moment, a cer-
tain presentiment of the wonderful events that after-
wards occurred. After invoking on his labours the
divine blessing, the Holy Father embraced him
with extraordinary feeling, and gave him his apos-
tolical benediction.

33

CHAPTER IV.

Xavier leaves Rome — Letter to Ignatius — Remarkable incidents of
the journey — He passes by the castle of Xavier, without visiting it —
Arrives at Lisbon — Appears at Court — Apostolic labours — The doc-
tor of Navarre.

Without any other provision for his journey than
his breviary, Xavier set out from Rome, in company
with Mascaregnas, on the 15th of March, 1540. On
parting with Ignatius, he cast himself at his feet,
and, with all humility, desired his blessing. He left
with Laynez a small document, which he had written
and signed, and which is still preserved at Rome. In
it he approves, as far as in him lies, of the rules and
constitution, which should be drawn up by Ignatius
and his companions. He elects Ignatius to be General
of the new Society ; and, after him. Le Fevre. He
consecrates himself to God, by the three vows of
poverty, chastity, and obedience, in the Society of
Jesus, as soon as it shall be erected into a rehgious
order by the Holy See. This was an event daily
looked for, and at length providentially accompUshed,
as is mentioned in the life of its holy founder. The
journey from Rome to Lisbon by land, occupied
three months. The ambassador had assigned a horse
to Xavier, but as soon as they had left the city, this
animal was placed by him at the disposal of every
person. He would often alight, to relieve the ser-
vants who followed on foot ; or would exchange his
horse with others who were not so well m.ounted. At
the inns he was the servant of all ; and even attended
to the most abject offices, through an excess of hu-

4

34 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

mility, which, on those occasions, made him appear
to forget the dignity of his character. He gave up
his chamber and bed to whoever appeared to want
either, and always lay on the ground, or in the stable.
His conversation, however, was always agreeable,
although ever seasoned with something that might
edify both masters and their attendants, and inspire
them with thoughts of piety.

They went by the way of Loretto, where they re-
mained eight days ; thence they continued their jour-
ney to Bologna. From this city, Xavier wrote to
Ignatius the following letter.

"On Easterday, I received your letter, inclosed in
the packet of the ambassador : God only knows my
joy on the occasion. Believing, as I do, that we shall
never communicate again in this world, otherwise
than by writing, and that we shall meet only in
heaven, it behoves us, during our short exile, to
console each other by frequent letters. The corres-
pondence on my part shall be exactly kept ; as I am
convinced, from the reasons you mentioned at part-
ing, that this communication should be regularly
maintained between the colonies and the mother
country. In whatever part of the world I may be,
or any of our Society with me, I am determined to
maintain a regular correspondence with you and the
fathers at Rome ; and to send you as much informa-
tion as I can concerning our affairs. Agreeably to
your commands, I have taken the opportunity of
seeing the Cardinal of Invrea, and have conversed at
length with him. He received me with much cor-
diality, and kindly offered me the benefit of his influ-
ence for our common cause. During our conversa-
tion, I threw myself at his feet, and kissed his hand
in the name of our Society. As far as I was able to
gather from his words, he highly approves of our
mode of life.

" The ambassador loads me with so many favours,
that I should never conclude were 1 to begin to relate

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 35

them. I know not how I would be able to accept
so many kindnesses from him, had I not the hope of
repaying him in India, by the sacrifice of my Hfe.
On Palm Sunday, I heard his confession, and those
of his servants ; to all of whom I gave communion
in the Holy chapel of Loretto, where I said Mass. I
likewise heard their confessions, and gave them com-
munion on Easter-day. The ambassador's almoner
recommends himself to your prayers. He promises
to accompany me to India. I am more occupied
with confessions here than I was at Rome, in St.
Louis'. I cordially salute all our fathers, if I do not
mention them in particular, it is not from want of
memory or affection.

" Your brother and servant in Jesus Christ.

"Francis.
''Bologna, March Slst, 1540."

The city of Bologna was greatly excited at the ap-
proach of Francis, as the people were wonderfully
attached to him, and looked on him as their apostle.
All classes were anxious to behold him, and many
discovered to him the state of their consciences ; some
even offered to accompany him to India ; and all shed
tears at his departure, knowing that they should never
again see him. The worthy priest, Casalini, who
had been his host the preceding year, was particu-
larly attentive to him. He obliged him to reside in
his house once more ; and his church, that of St.
Lucy, became a public rendezvous, where Xavier
was continually occupied in hearing confessions.

Two remarkable circumstances happened during
the remainder of the journey. One of the ambassa-
dor's servants, who rode before as avant courier, a
violent and brutal man, having been reprehended by
his master for neglect of duty, fell into a violent pas-
sion, as soon as he was out of Mascaregnas' presence.
Xavier heard him, but took no notice of it at the time,
lest he should only provoke him to still greater ex-

36 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

cesses. On the following day, however, Xavier fol-
lowed him at full speed, as, according to his custom,
this domestic had set out earlier than the rest. He found
the wretched man at the bottom of a precipice, severely-
bruised, lying under his horse, which had been killed
by the fall. " Unhappy creatm'e," said Xavier to
him, " what would have befallen thee, hadst thou
died of this fall !" — These few words made the ob-
ject of his zeal blush at his blasphemies of the pre-
ceding day ; for which he now asked pardon of God.
Xavier alighted ; made him get up on his horse, while
he himself walked on foot to the place where the
company stopped for the night.

On another occasion, the groom of Mascaregnas,
in attempting to cross a narrow, but deep and rapid
river, together with his horse, was carried away by
the current. All regarded him as lost. Xavier was
moved with compassion at the danger of his soul,
because he had remained in the world, although God
had called him to a religious life. He began to im-
plore God's mercy in his behalf, in which devout
action he was joined by the ambassador, and, agreea-
bly to his orders, by the whole company. They had
not prayed long, when both man and horse appeared
above the water, and were transported to the bank.
When the unhappy man recovered himself, Xavier
asked him, v/hat thoughts he had, when he was on
the point of perishing. He candidly acknowledged,
that the recollection of his unfaithfulness to his voca-
tion to the religious life, filled his soul with the most
dismal apprehension for his salvation. He afterwards
declared, as Xavier himself relates, in one of his
letters, that at that awful moment, the dread of God's
judgment on souls unfaithful to their vocation, was
more terrible to him than death itself. He spoke of
eternal punishments, in such a lively and feeling
manner, as if he himself had experienced them ; and
frequently said, that, by a just judgment of God, those
who during life make no preparation for their last

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 37

hour, but rarely think on God, when death surprises
them.

All who witnessed this event ascribed the miracu-
lous escape of this man to the prayers of Xavier ;
while he, with characteristic humility, looked on it
as the effect of the ambassador's devotion. In a
letter to Ignatius, he says : — " Our Lord was pleased
to give ear to the fervent prayers of his servant Mas-
caregnas, who, with tears in his eyes, implored the
deliverance of an unhappy man, whom all looked on
as lost, but v/ho was rescued from the jaws of death,
by a most evident miracle.''

While crossing the Alps, the ambassador's secre-
tary dismounted, in order to walk in a part of the
road, which the snow had rendered extremely dan-
gerous. His foot slipped, and he rolled down a steep
precipice ; he would have been precipitated to the
bottom, had not his clothes become entangled in
some of the projecting rocks, by which means he re-
mained suspended in the air, — being completely
unable to disengage himself from his awful situation.
The dread of the frightful abyss, which yawned
beneath, deterred the most adventurous of the com-
pany from making any effort to save him. Xavier
alone was not terrified by the danger. He cautiously
descended to that part of the precipice, where the
secretary hung, and succeeded in rescuing him from
his perilous situation.

Having passed through France, and crossed the
Pyrenees at the side of Navarre, they were ap-
proaching Pampeluna,when Mascaregnas recollected
that Father Francis, — for that was the name by
which he was usually called, — had made no men-
tion of visiting the castle of Xavier, which was only
a short distance from the road. He reminded him
of the circumstance, and urged him to go, saying;
that as he was about to leave Europe, probably for-
ever, he could not in decency omit to visit his family,

38 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

and bid a last farewell to his mother, who was yet
living.

These arguments produced no effect on a man who
had forsaken all things for the love of God, and who
was of opinion, that flesh and blood are enemies to
the apostolical spirit. He refused to turn out of the
road ; but contented himself with saying to the am-
bassador, that he deferred seeing his relations, until
he should have the opportunity of meeting them in
heaven. He remarked that this transient satisfac-
tion would be accompanied with melancholy and
afiiiction, — the common attendants of a last farewell ;
whereas in Paradise, he would behold them with un-
alloyed satisfaction. Mascaregnas had already a
high idea of Xavier's virtue ; but this extraordinary
detachment from the world, made him still more
admire him. Before he arrived in Portugal, he
despatched a courier to the king, for the sole purpose
of informing him of the sanctity of the missionary
whom he was bringing witli him.

They arrived at Lisbon about the end of June,
Xavier retired to the hospital of « All Saints,' where
Rodriguez had already taken up his abode. He found
this latter much weakened by the effects of the ague,
which had not yet left him. The usual fit was about
to come on, when Xavier embraced him. Whether
it was, that the extreme joy which Rodriguez expe-
rienced on so unexpectedly seeing him, dissipated
the humour that caused his sickness, or that God
attached this effect to the action of Xavier, certain it
is, that the fit to which he had been subject did not
come on him; and thenceforward he was free from
that distemper.

After a few days, they were both called to court.
The king and queen already revered Xavier as a
Saint, having learned his character from Mascareg-
nas. They received them with all imaginable kind-
ness, and asked them many questions regarding their

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 39

mode of life, the origin of the new Society, and its
ultimate end and object. They also enquired, whence
arose the strange persecution to which it had been
subjected at Rome, and which had made so much
noise throughout Europe. Xavier replied to all
these questions, briefly, but satisfactorily. Their
majesties were highly pleased with his explanation,
as he himself states in his letter to Ignatius ; and ex-
pressed their approbation of the discipline, nature,
and object of the Society.

In the midst of the conversation, the king sent for
his son Don John, the prince of Portugal, and the
Infanta Maria his daughter, that the two missiona-
ries might see them. He also spoke to them of the
rest of his children ; and entered into conversation
with them on the education of youth. Before dis-
missing them, he recommended to their care a hun-
dred young noblemen, who were then being brought
up at court.

An officer of the court was ordered to prepare
a handsome lodging and suitable accommodations
for Xavier and Rodriguez ; but they declined the
proffered attention, and returned to the hospital.
They would not even so much as receive the allow-
ance made for their support by the court, but went
through the city, to beg alms at the usual hour ; —
thus preserving the spirit of poverty, agreeably to the
plan of life they had embraced.

As the fleet was not to sail for India before the
following spring, these holy men resolved not to
suffer so much time to pass away unoccupied. Not
content with instructing in piety those young gentle-
men whom the king had committed to his care,
Xavier employed himself at Lisbon, in the same
manner as formerly at Venice, Bologna, and Rome.
Besides attending the sick in the hospital, by day and
by night, he daily visited the prisoners, catechized
the children, and held pious conferences with the
principal persons at court, whom he persuaded to

40 LIFE OF ST. FRANCTS XAVIER.

perform the «spiritual exercises' of St. Ignatius.
Rodriguez was no less indefatigable in the service
of his neighbour.

Xavier did not at first preach in the churches, as
he thought that the ministers of the gospel ought to
begin with less pubhc actions. The king, however,one
day sent for him, and expressed the desire he had to
hear him preach : he also mentioned that the bishop
of Lisbon was of opinion, that he ought not longer
defer his pubUc exhortations.

Martin d'Azpilcueta, called the doctor of Navarre,
a maternal uncle of Xavier, and first professor of
divinity in the university of Coimbria, having heard
of his nephew's arrival at Lisbon, wrote a pressing
letter to the king, to induce his majesty to send him
to him. He promised to found two lectureships, — one
in canon law, the other in mystical divinity, — in case
Xavier were allowed to remain with him until the
departure of the fleet. He even promised to follow
him to India, and labour with him in the conversion
of its idolatrous inhabitants.

These letters availed nothing with a man who had
refused to turn from his road to see his mother, and
who was consequently much less Ukely to take a
journey, and abandon his present occupation, for
the mere gratification of visiting a relative. Xavier
requested the king to retain him at Lisbon ; and he
excused himself to his uncle, who had written to
him two very affectionate letters. As the doctor was
dissatisfied with the mode of fife, Avhich Xavier had
embraced, the latter replied : — "As to our institute, of
which so many reports have been circulated, 1 have
but one word to say in reply. It is not of much
consequence to be judged by men, especially by such
as will judge of matters they do not understand." —
As to his uncle's intention of going to India, he de-
sires him to think no more about it, as the doctor
himself mentions in his manual. " I had resolved,
writes he, to end my days in those parts, (India,) had

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 41

not Xavier, considering my great age, thought me
incapable of such missionary labours. He wrote to
me at his departure, that I should console myself for
his absence, by the hope of seeing each other in
heaven."

42

CHAPTER V.

Effects produced by Xavier and Rodriguez at Court — The King
wishes to retain ihem in Portugal — Intervention of Ignatius — Xavier's
parting interview with the King — Extraordinary disinterestedness
and magnanimity — He sails for India.

The labours of the two missionaries were not with-
out fruit at Lisbon ; the increase of piety among the
people was obvious from the beginning of their
preaching. Before this, few thought of receiving the
eucharist, except in Lent ; but now the practice of
frequent communion was adopted, and, from the
capital, was diffused over the whole kingdom of Por-
tugal. Many, who had long deferred their conver-
sion, now sought to be reconciled with God ; and some
even renounced at once their passions and the world.
The most inveterate enemies were reconciled, and
the most abandoned sinners relinquished the scandals
in which they before had lived.

The change was most remarkable at court. The
king, who was a truly good and religious prince,
was the first to protest against the disorders which
too commonly are found in the palaces of princes.
To introduce a gradual reformation, not only in his
own house, but also through the whole kingdom, he
obliged all the young courtiers to go to confession
once a week. He said that if the nobility were ac-
customed, from their tender years, to serve and fear
God, they would be more likely to live with edifica-
tion when they arrived at maturity ; and that their
example would induce the people to reform their
lives. Hence he considered that the reformation of

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER 43

all degrees of his kingdom, depended chiefly on the
virtuous education of the young nobility. The King
was not mistaken ; his own example and that of the
young courtiers, influenced all who frequented his
palace. Xavier, writing to Ignatius, says : —

" Nothing can be more regular than the court of
Portugal, which is more like a religious house than
a royal palace. The number of courtiers who ap-
proach, every week, the sacraments of penance and
the eucharist, is so very great, that it is for us a con-
tinual subject of wonder and gratitude to God. We
are so occupied with hearing confessions, that were
we twice as many as we are, there would be more
than enough to employ us. We remain in the con-
fessional the whole day, and even part of the night,
although none but courtiers come to us,

" I observed that when the King was at Almerin,
those who waited on him as is usual, from all parts of
the kingdom, were much struck with this favourable
change. When they beheld the young nobles ap-
proach the sacraments every Sunday and festival,
they thought themselves in another world. Most of
them imitated what they admired, and approached
the tribunal of penance and the holy table. Had
we confessors enough to attend to the numbers that
come to court, no man would venture to appear before
the King on business, who had not first propitiated
God by penance."

These indefatigable labourers were so exhausted by
their occupations, that they were, at length, obliged
to accept of the provision which the king had made
for their support. They justly thought that their
time was more profitably employed in the service of
souls, than in seeking alms through the streets. Still
they continued to solicit charity, once or twice a
week, in order to preserve the spirit of mortification
and poverty. It need not be said, that with such
feeUngs, they retained but little of what was as-
signed them by the court 3 the greater part of it was

44 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

distributed among the poor. The number of confes-
sions which they heard, afforded them but Httle
leisure for preaching. But, all things being well con-
sidered, they thought it more conducive to God's ser-
vice, to administer the sacrament of penance, than to
announce the word. Besides this, the court was
furnished with able preachers, but was very deficient
in judicious confessors, as Xavier observed in the
letter already cited.

This visible and wonderful change caused the
missioners to be regarded as extraordinary men, full
of the spirit of God. They were generally called
«apostles,^ which honourable appellation was given to
all the members of the Society in Portugal. The
King always exhibited to them marked affection,
and Xavier was so delighted with his kindness, that
in writing to Ignatius, he thus describes it.

"Our Society, whether in Rome or in Portugal,
stands much indebted to his Majesty, for his singular
partiality towards us. I have heard from the ambas-
sador, Mascaregnas, that the king declared he would
be glad if all the members of our Society v/ere
gathered together and established here, even at the
cost of a great part of his revenue."

In another letter, Xavier says : — " This prince has
as strong an attachment to our Society, and wishes
our success as much as if he were of our body. We
must feel forever bound to him. We would be
guilty of horrible ingratitude, and be even unworthy
to enjoy Ufe, if we made not public profession of our
service to him, and did not daily endeavour to
acknowledge as much as possible, by our prayers,
the favours we have received from so generous and
magnificent a benefactor."

The prince, Don Henry, who afterwards came to
the crown, had no less affection for them than the
king his brother. Some of the most influential
grandees at court were so much edified by the apos-
tolic lives of Xavier and Rodriguez, that they desired

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 45

to enter the Society, as some learned persons in the
city had already done. The success which followed
their labours was so great, that Xavier had some ap-
prehensions concerning this overflow of happiness.
He silently regretted it, and said, that prosperity was
always to be dreaded, even in the holiest enterprises ;
and that persecution was much more desirable, and
a much more certain mark of Christ's disciples.

Such was the Ufe and occupation of these two
missionaries, while they anxiously awaited the sea-
son in which they were to embark for India, The
King, however, considering the great good they had
so soon effected, both among the nobles and the great
mass of the people, was desirous of retaining them
in Portugal. He thought it but reasonable to prefer
the interests of his own kingdom, to that of foreign
nations ; and hoped that these new labourers would
produce more abundant fruits in a Catholic country,
than among barbarians.

Being resolved, however, to do nothing without
mature deliberation, he called a council, and proposed
the matter to the consideration of his advisers. The
King's opinion was approved of by all, except by
Don Henry, who strongly urged that as Xavier and
Rodrigiiez had been nominated for the India-mission
by the vicar of Christ, to oppose the intended voyage
would be, in some measure, to interfere with the or-
der of Providence. He added, that India was de-
serving of no less consideration than Portugal itself,
as it had been conquered by the Portuguese, and was
annexed to the crown of Portugal. He remarked,
that these idolaters were more favorably disposed
towards the Christian rehgion, than was generally
imagined ; and that they would easily be brought to
the faith, if it was announced to them by zealous and
disinterested preachers.

As the opinions of kings generally prevail, the ar-
guments of Don Henry were slighted, and it was re-
solved to keep the two missioners in the realm. This

5

46 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

determination sensibly afflicted them, as they burned
with zeal for the eastern missions. As a last resource
they wrote to Rome, and implored the intervention
of Ignatius. He accordingly appUed to the Pope,
but his Holiness refused to make an absolute deci-
sion, and referred the whole affair to the king. Ig-
natius hereupon wrote to them, that the King held
for them the place of God, and that they were bound
to pay him implicit obedience. At the same time he
wrote to Mascaregnas to inform him that Xavier and
Rodriguez were at the King's disposal, and that if
his Majesty required it, they should remain in Portu-
gal. He suggested, however, a means of satisfying
all, namely, to retain Rodriguez in Portugal, and per-
mit Xavier to proceed to India. This proposal of
Ignatius satisfied the King, who received it as an
inspiration of God. Xavier was overjoyed at it, and
gave thanks to Providence, which had thus chosen
him once more for the eastern mission; or rather
which had removed all opposition to the execution
of its eternal counsel.

When the time of departure drew nigh, the King
sent for Xavier, and discoursed at length with him
on the state of India, especially on its rehgious con-
dition, which he earnestly recommended to his zeal
and piety. He requested him to visit the Portuguese
forts, and see how God was served in them ; and
desired him to communicate to himself whatever
was yet wanting for the estabUshment of Christiani-
ty in those newly conquered countries. He ordered
him to write frequently, not only to his ministers, but
also to himself on these matters.

He then presented to him four briefs, which that
year had been sent from Rome. In two of them the
Pope constituted Xavier apostolical Nuncio, and in-
vested him with ample powers to extend and maintain
the faith throughout the east. In the third he recom-
mended him to David, Emperor of Ethiopia ; and in
the fourth, to all the princes — either in the islands or

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 47

on the continent, from the Cape of Good Hope to
the east of the Ganges. The King had himself
appUed for these briefs, and the Pope willingly-
granted them, as he wished thereby to render the
mission of Francis more illustrious and authentic.
Xavier received them from his Majesty with the most
profound respect; and said that, as far as his own
weakness did permit, he would endeavour to sustain
the burthen which was thus imposed on him.

A few days before he embarked, Don Antonio d'
Ataida, the supervisor of the naval stores, asked from
Xavier a memorandum of what he would want for
his voyage ; and at the same time assured him, in the
King's name, that all his desires would be attended
to : — " They want nothing," replied Xavier, " who
wish for nothing. I thank the King for his liberality,
and you for your attention ; but I owe more to Divine
Providence, and I am sure you would not wish that
I should distrust its care.''

The Count, who had an express order from the
King, to make a large provision for Xavier, continued
to press him to take something, and said, that we
ought not to tempt Providence, which does not work
miracles every day. Lest he should appear obstinate
and presumptuous, Xavier asked him for a few
books of devotion, which he foresaw he would stand
in need of in India ; as also a thick cloth habit, to
protect himself against the excessive colds, which are
experienced in doubling the Cape. Amazed at these
trifling requests, the Count urged him to make a
better use of the King's liberality. Seeing, however,
that he could not overcome the resolution of Xavier,
he said : " At least you shall not be master in every-
thing. You cannot certainly refuse the attendance
of a servant, which you will find indispensably ne-
cessary.'' « As long," replied Xavier, « as I have my
hands, I will have no servant." " But," observed
the Count, " decency requires you to maintain the
dignity of your character. How unbecoming would

48 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

it not be, to see an apostolical legate washing his own
linen on the deck, or cooking his own victuals ?" —
" 1 will endeavour," said Xavier, " to serve both my-
self and others also, without dishonouring my cha-
racter. As long as I do nothing sinful, I am not ap-
prehensive of scandalizing my neighbour, or of de-
basing that authority with which the Holy See has
invested me. Such human considerations and false
notions of honour and dignity, have reduced the
Church to the condition in which we now behold it."
The Count could say nothing in reply to this. He
afterwards gave great commendations to Xavier, and
openly said, that he found more difficulty in over-
coming the disinterestedness of Father Francis, than
in satisfying the desires of others.

The day of embarkation at length arrived, and all
things being ready, Xavier went to the port, accom-
panied by two members of the Society, whom he
was to bring with him to India. These were Father
Paul Camerino, an Italian, and Francis Mansilla, a
Portuguese, who was not yet ordained priest. Simon
Rodriguez went with him to the fleet. Embracing
him with extraordinary tenderness, Xavier said :—
" These are the last words I shall ever address to
you. We shall see each other no more in this life.
Let us sufier the separation with patience, and be
convinced that, if we be united in the Lord, we shall
commune with each other ; and that nothing can
separate those who are united in Jesus Christ. To
satisfy you," — he added, — "I will discover to you a
secret that I have hitherto kept concealed. You may
remember, that when we lodged in the same cham-
ber in the hospital at Rome, you heard me cry out
one night : < yet more, 0 Lord, yet more.' — You
have often asked me the meaning of this exclamation ;
and I have always answered, that you should not
trouble yourself about it. I will now tell you that 1
then beheld, — whether sleeping or awake, God only
knows, — all I was to suffer for the glory of Jesus

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 49

Christ. Our Lord infused into me so great a love of
sufferings, that, not content with the troubles which
were presented to my imagination, I asked to suffer
yet more. This is the meaning of these words, ^yet
more, yet more, 0 Lord !' — which I then uttered
with such fervour. I hope that Providence will
grant me to suffer in India, what he has foreshown
me in Italy, and that the desires with which he
inspired me, will be shortly satisfied."

They embraced each other once more and parted.
As soon as Rodriguez had returned on shore, the
signal for departure was given, and the fleet set sail
on the 7th April, 1541. It was commanded by Don
Martino Alphonso de Sosa, Viceroy of India, a man
of integrity and great experience in the things of
the east, where he had resided for many years. Sosa
desired to have Xavier in his own ship, called the
« St. James," on board of which he accordingly went.
It was the birth day of our Saint, who was now in
his thirty-sixth year, more than seven of which he
had passed as a professed disciple of Ignatius of
Loyola.

50

CHAPTER VI.

Passage to India — Xavier's occupation during the voyage — Sickness
on board — Xavier's zeal in attending the sick — Arrives at Mozam-
bique— Six months spent on the island — Xavier falls sick — Leaves
Mozambique — First prediction — Arrives at Melinda — State of Ma-
hommedanism there — Passes thence to Socotora — His regret at leav-
ing this island — Arrival at Goa — Interviev^ with the bishop.

While the Christian reUgion flourished in Asia
under the Emperors of Constantinople, there were
two ordinary passages to India ; — the one by Syria,
the Euplirates, and the Persian Gulf; — the other by
Egypt and tlie Red Sea. But when the Saracens
had got possession of those places, the Europeans,
finding these passages insecure, sought for a more
circuitous route, whereby they might avoid their
enemies.

The Portuguese were the first to think of coasting
Africa, and a portion of Arabia and Persia. By this
course they arrived at India, after a voyage of twelve
thousand miles, and after suffering twice the heat of
the torrid zone, and passing twice under the equi-
noxial line, which divides Africa almost into two
halves. The son of John L, Don Henry, one of the
most skilful mathematicians of his age, was the first
to attempt the navigation of those seas, and to double
the Cape of Good Hope. He desired to establish a
commerce between the crown of Portugal and the
Emperor of Ethiopia, commonly called Prester John.
This enterprise having succeeded, it was followed up
successfully by the King and his successors, and a
new passage to India was thus laid open to Europe.

LIFE OF ST, FRANCIS XAVIER. 51

This was the course which the Portuguese fleet now
held.

Xavier found sufficient employment for his zeal
during the navigation. He first endeavoured to put
a stop to those disorders, that are generally occasioned
by the idle Ufe which is led at sea. He began with
gaming, which is the sole amusement, or rather only
employment of the seamen. To banish games of
hazard, which almost always occasion quarrels, and
profane swearing, he introduced some little innocent
recreations, which might engage the mind without
exciting the passions. Finding, however, that, despite
of his efforts, they were still addicted to gaming, he
thought it more prudent to be a looker on, and thus
prevent, by his presence, the disorders which might
otherwise arise from it. Whenever they forgot
themselves, and broke out into any excess, he re-
strained them by mild rebukes: he appeared to sym-
pathize with them in their losses ; and sometimes
offered to take their hands, when he foresaw that
they were likely to offend God.

There were more than a thousand persons, of all con-
ditions,on board. Xavier made himself all to all, there-
by to gain all to Jesus Christ ; and entertained each
one with the conversation he judged most suitable
for him. With sailors he spoke of nautical affairs ;
of tactics, with the soldiers ; of commerce with the
merchants ; and of politics with men of rank. His
natural gaiety and obliging disposition, gained him
universal esteem. Men of the most rude and aban-
doned habits sought his company, and were even
pleased to hear him speak of God. He daily instructed
the seamen in the principles of religion, of which
most of them were wholly ignorant, or had but an
imperfect idea ; and preached to them, every Sunday.
All profited by his sermons, and in a short time
nothing was heard among them that was irreverent
towards God, offensive to Christian charity, or bor-
dering on obscenity or ill-manners. The veneration

52 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

in which he was held was so great, that a single
word from him sufficed to appease them when ex-
cited, and put an end to all their differences.

The Viceroy invited him, from the very first day,
to his table, an honour Xavier humbly but thankfully
declined. During the whole voyage, he lived on
what he begged about the ship.

Meanwhile, the insufferable colds of Cape Verde,
and the excessive heats of Guinea, joined with the
putrefaction of the water and other provisions, while
passing under the line, produced many dangerous dis-
tempers on board. A pestilential fever was accompa-
nied by a species of cancer, which broke out in the
mouth, and ulcerated the gums. The circumstance of
the sick being necessarily crowded together, caused the
infection to spread more rapidly ; and as others were
apprehensive of catching it, they would have been
destitute of all succour, had not Francis taken com-
passion on them. He cleansed their ulcers, washed
their linen, and rendered them all imaginable services.
Above all things, he had care of their souls, and
iaboured principally to dispose them for a Christian
death.

He was almost perpetually occupied in this man-
ner, although he himself was, at the same time, suf-
fering from continued fits of vomiting, and extreme
languor, which lasted for two months. Sosa caused
him to get a larger cabin than had at first been as-
signed to him. He accepted of it; but it was merely
for the purpose of accommodating others, who were
more dangerously ill. As for himself, he lay on the
deck, and pillowed his head on the ship's tackling.

The dishes which the Viceroy sent him from his
table, were divided by him among others, who had
most need of nourishment. These heroic actions of
charity, procured him the name of the "Holy Father,"
which remained ever afterv/ards attached to him, and
was given to him even by Mahometans and idolaters.

While Xavier was thus occupied, the ship pursued

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 53

her course ; and after experiencing several severe
tempests and contrary currents, during five months'
uninterrupted navigation, she arrived at Mozam-
bique, about the end of August. Mozambique is a
kingdom on the eastern coast of Africa, inhabited by
a black and barbarous people, although somewhat
less savage than their neighbours, the Caffres, in con-
sequence'of the trade they carry on with the Ethio-
pians and Arabs. There is no port on the whole
shore to secure shipping from the winds ; but a small
island forms a haven, equally convenient and safe.
It is about a mile's distance from the main land,
and, as well as the whole kingdom, bears the name
of Mozambique. It was formerly subject to the
Saracens. The Portuguese subsequently rendered
themselves masters of it, and built a fort to secure
the passage of their vessels, and refresh their seamen,
who commonly remain there for some time.

The troops under Sosa were obliged to winter in
this island, as the season was far advanced, and the
sick could no longer endure the inconveniences of
the voyage. The place, however, was not very suita-
ble for infirm persons, on account of the unhealthi-
ness of the climate. The sea generally overflows the
low lands of the isle at spring-tides, and the waters
that remain, being corrupted by the heat, emit nox-
ious exhalations, which cause fatal diseases, espe-
cially to strangers. Mozambique is for this reason
coimiionly called « the grave of the Portuguese.' In
addition to the general insalubrity of the air, an
infectious disease was then raging in the country.

When Sosa disembarked, he ordered the sick of
all the ships to be brought to the hospital, which the
kings of Portugal had founded on the island. Xavier
followed them, and, being assisted by his two com-
panions, undertook to attend them. The eflbrt was,
indeed, beyond his strength, and could only have
been inspired by the charity wherewith he was
habitually influenced in all his actions. His exertions

54 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

were incessant: he visited all the sick, and while he
gave medical remedies to some, he administered the
last sacraments to others. All were anxious to have
the benefit of his assistance ; and his very appear-
ance seemed to be for them the most effectual resto-
rative. Not content with spending the day in this
continual occupation, he generally passed his nights
by the bed of the dying. Sometimes he lay down to
snatch a few moments repose, but his short slumbers
were liable to almost continual interruptions. The
least sigh, or groan, uttered by any of the sick, was
sufficient to bring him to the place whence it pro-
ceeded.

These continued exertions at length produced a
fever, which was of so violent and malignant a cha-
racter, as to require him to have blood taken from
him no less than seven times, and that, at very short
intervals. For three days he was delirious. When
first taken sick, he was urged by many to leave the
hospital, where the contagion was most violent, and
take up his abode with them. He always declined
to accept these offers, and said, that as he had made
a vow of poverty, he would live and die among the
poor.

The violence of his fever having somewhat abated,
Xavier seemed to have no longer any thought about
himself, so much was he occupied in relieving the
wants of others. Although almost unable to sustain
himself, and habitually suffering from the fever, he
was unremitting in his visits to the other patients in
the hospital, whom he attended as well as his weak-
ness permitted. While thus occupied he was met,
one day, by the physician, who, having felt his pulse,
told him, that in the whole hospital there was none
more dangerously ill than himself He implored him
to take some rest, and to cease from his labours until
the fever had subsided. — "I will obey you," replied
Xavier, " as soon as I shall have discharged an urgent
duty. The salvation of a soul is at stake, and there

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 55

is no time to be lost on such an occasion." Saying
this, he ordered a sick cabin-boy, who was lying on
straw, to be transferred to his own bed. The young
man was speechless and in a state of insensibility,
from the effect of his fever ; but no sooner was he
placed on Xavier's bed, than he regained the use of
his faculties. Francis did not let this opportunity
pass ; but lying down beside him, he exhorted him,
for a long time, to repent of the disorderly life he had
led, and to cast himself on the mercy of God. Nor
were his efforts unavailing ; as he had the consolation
of seeing this poor creature expire with all the marks
of a sincere penitent.

Agreeably to the promise which he had made to
the physician, Xavier took now more care of his
health than before. His fever gradually abated, and
at length entirely disappeared ; but his strength was
not perfectly restored when the fleet put to sea again.
The viceroy began to suffer from indisposition ; and
as he was unwilling to remain longer in so unwhole-
some a place, or await the recovery of the sick among
his troops, he desired Xavier to accompany him,
and to leave the care of the sick to Paul de Came-
rino and Francis Mansilla ; who faithfully discharged
the trust reposed in him. After six months spent at
Mozambique, they re-embarked on the 15th of March,
1542. Instead of the ^ St. James,' the ship in which
they had heretofore been, they took a lighter and
more swiftly saiUng vessel.

According to the testimony of some of the passen-
gers, who came with Xavier from Portugal to Mo-
zambique, he now began to manifest the spirit of
prophecy, which throughout the subsequent part of
his history so much distinguished him. As the crew
and company of the ' St. James' were praising that
ship, as one of the strongest and best equipped of
the whole fleet, Francis expressly said that she would
be wrecked. The event justified the prediction.
While subsequently pursuing her course to India,

56 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

in company with some of her vessels, she was dashed
to pieces on the rocks in the vicinity of the island of
Salseta.

After a favorable sail of a few days, Sosa and
Xavier arrived at Melinda, on the African coast, near
the equinoctial line. This town, which is inhabited
by Saracens, is situated on the sea-side, in a level,
but well cultivated, country, which is thickly planted
with palm-trees, and abounds by delightful gardens.
The town, which has a large circumference, is sur-
rounded by walls, like the fortified cities of Europe.
The style of building is Moorish, and the houses are
agreeable and commodious. It is inhabited by ne-
groes of a martial character, who, on account of
their proximity to the equator, from which they are
distant but three degrees and a few minutes, are but
scantily clad. They have always been on friendly
terms with the Portuguese, by reason of the com-
merce which is carried on between them. When the
flag of Portugal was descried, the Saracen king, at-
tended by the principal persons of his court, came
down to receive the new governor of India. The
first object that caught the eye of Francis, as he dis-
embarked, drew from him tears of mingled joy
and pity. On account of the frequent trade carried
on there by the Portuguese, they are allowed to have
a cemetery near the town, for such of their nation as
should happen to die there. On all these graves,
were erected crosses, as is usual with Catholics ; and
amid and above all the rest, rose one of cut stone, and
of large dimensions.

Xavier hastened to it, and falling down, devoutly
reverenced this type of our redemption. He felt an
inward consolation to behold it raised so high, and,
as it were, triumphing among the enemies of Jesus
Christ. At the same time, he was deeply afiiicted
on remembering, that this sacred sign served less to
edify the living than to do honour to the dead.
Raising his hands to heaven, he besought the Father

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 57

of all mercies, to impress on the hearts of this infidel
people, that cross, which they had suffered to be
planted in their territory. After this he desired to
confer with the Moors on the subject of religion, that
he might shew them the absurdities of the Mahome-
tan belief, and impart to them the knowledge of the
truths of the christian faith. One of the principal
inhabitants, who was wonderfully attached to his
creed, anticipated him, by asking, if piety were not
entirely extinct in the cities of Europe as well as
in Melinda. — "For,'^ said he, "of our seventeen
mosques, fourteen are quite forsaken. There remain
but three, which we continue to frequent, and even
these are seldom visited, and that only by a few per-
sons. This is, doubtless," — continued the Mahome-
tan,— «owing to some grievous sin, which I am un-
able to discover, but which must have drawn on us
so terrible a misfortune.'^ — " Nothing is more readily
accounted for," said Xavier in reply. " God, who
detests the prayers of the infidels, has permitted a
species of worship which he abhors, to become ex-
tinct. Hence he gives you to understand that he
condemns your sect."

The Saracen was not satisfied with this answer ;
nor was he convinced of his errors, by any of the ar-
guments which Xavier employed against the Koran.
While they were thus engaged, a Cacique, or doctor
of the law, joined them, and repeated the same com-
plaints on the diminished attendance at the mosques,
and the coldness and tepidity of the people. « If
Mahomet," continued he, "does not come in two
years, to visit this congregation, which acknowledges
him to be a true prophet of God, I am resolved to
look out for some other religion." — Xavier compas-
sionated his blindness, and made every effort to effect
his immediate conversion ; but the Mahometan was
too much influenced by confidence in his own judg-
ment, to listen to his salutary counsel.

Leaving Melinda, where they remained but a few
6

58 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

days, they continued to coast until they came to
Socotora, beyond cape Guardafu, and opposite the
strait of Mecca : here they cast anchor. This isle
is called by the Moors, «the isle of the Amazons,'
because, they say, it is governed by women. The
inhabitants are proud of their country, which they
regard as an earthly paradise, although there are few
places less deserving that glorious title. The cli-
mate is always sultry ; the soil is dry and barren ;
and were it not for the aloes which it produces, and
which are the best in all the east, the name of Soco-
tora would not even be mentioned. Their worship
is so monstrous, that their real belief can scarcely be
ascertained. They adore Mahomet, have adopted
circumcision and some other Jewish rites, and yet
give themselves the name of christians. The men
are generally called by the names of the apostles ;
the women for the most part, have the name of
' Mary,' although they have no idea of baptism.
They adore the cross, and hang it about their necks.
They have a great veneration for St. Thomas, and
believe that this holy apostle, when going to India,
was shipwrecked on their coast. They say that
when he came to Socotora, he preached Jesus Christ
to its inhabitants, and, of the wreck of the vessel,
built a chapel in the middle of their island.

The state of these people much affected Xavier. He
did not despair of being able to bring them to the
faith, because, although barbarous in an extreme de-
gree, they still retained some vestiges of Christianity.
As he had no knowledge of their language, — which
bears no affinity to the dialects of Europe, and is en-
tirely different from the Ethiopie and Arabic, — he
was' forced at first to testify his sorrow for their ig-
norance and errors, by signs. But, whether it was
that among them was some one who understood Por-
tuguese, and who acted as interpreter for the rest ;
or that Francis now began to receive the gift of
tongues, which afterwards was so often bestowed on

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 59

him — certain it is, that he explained to them the neces-
sity of baptism, and shewed them that there was no
possibility of their being saved without a sincere be-
lief in Jesus Christ. He also declared that faith al-
lowed of no temporizing, and that if they wished to
be Christians, they should at once cease to be Jews
or Mahometans.

His words made a deep impression on the hearts
of those barbarians. Some of them presented him
with wild fruits, in token of their good will ; others
asked him to baptize their children ; all promised to
receive baptism themselves, and to lead Christian
lives, if he were to remain with them. When they
beheld the ships in which he had come, ready to
set sail, they ran in crowds to the sea-side, and,
with tears, besought the holy man not to abandon
them.

This spectacle deeply affected Xavier. He urged
the Viceroy to let him remain on that island, at least
until the vessel which had been left at Mozambique
should arrive. Sosa would not consent, but told him,
that as Providence had designed him for India, he
would be unfaithful to his vocation, if he endeavoured
to alter his destination, and stopt at the beginning of
his course. He added, that a wider field for the ex-
ercise of his zeal awaited him, and that elsewhere he
would find people better disposed than those of
Socotora, who «were naturally inconstant, and would
renounce the faith as readily as they had embraced
it.

Xavier submitted to these reasons of the Viceroy,
who, on this occasion, seemed to manifest to him the
will of God. When they weighed anchor, he was so
moved with the sight of these poor creatures, who
continued to follow the vessel with their streaming
eyes, and who raised up their hands to him, in token
of supplication — that he engaged himself before God
to return to them as soon as possible, or, if that were

eO LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

not in his power, to procure some preachers of the
gospel to instruct them in the way of salvation.

The latter part of the navigation was not long.
The fleet arrived at Goa on the 6th of May, 1542,
twelve months and thirty days having elapsed since
their departure from Lisbon. Goa is situated on
this side of the Ganges, in an island of the same
name, and is the capital city of the Portuguese pos-
sessions in India, an episcopal see, and the most
commercial city of the East. Forty years before the
Europeans had arrived in India, it was built by the
Moors, from whom Don Alphonso d' Albuquerque,
surnamed the " great," took it, and subjected it to the
crown of Portugal.

A prophecy, attributed to St. Thomas, the Apostle,
then appeared about to receive its accomplishment.
There was said to be a pillar, not far from MeHapore,
the capital of the kingdom of Coromandel, on which
might be read in the vernacular language, that " when
the sea," — which was then forty miles distant from
the pillar, — " would come up to the foot of it, white
foreigners should come to India, who would restore
the true religion." The infidels laughed at this pre-
diction, and looked on the condition, with which it
was connected, as impossible. But when Vasco de
Gama arrived in India, the sea, which in several
places gradually encroaches on the continent, had
then risen so much as to reach the lower extremity
of the pillar.

It must, however, be acknowledged that the pre-
diction was not fully verified before the arrival of
Xavier, as was foretold by a religious of the order of
the Most Holy Trinity, Peter de Couillan, a very
holy man, who accompanied Vb.sco de Gama to India,
as his confessor, and was put to death by the Indians
on the 7th of July, 1497 — forty three years before the
establishment of the Society of Jesus. While he was
being transfixed with arrows for the faith of Christ,

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 61

he distinctly declared, « that in a few years should
arise a new order to be called the « Society of Jesus/
and that one of its first fathers should pass over into
India, the greater part of which would embrace the
faith, through the ministry of his preaching.'^ This
is related by Juan de Figueras Carpi, in his history
of the order of the Trinity. He derived his authority
from manuscripts preserved in the convent of his
order at Lisbon, and in the library of the King of
Portugal.

On his arrival, Xavier went at once to the hospital,
where he resolved to remain, notwithstanding the
pressing invitation of the Viceroy, who was most
anxious to have him in his palace. He did not,
however, begin his missionary functions, until he had
visited the Bishop of Goa, Juan d' Albuquerque, of
the order of St. Francis, one of the most virtuous
prelates of the age. After having informed him of
the reasons which had induced the Pope and King
of Portugal to send him to India, he presented to him
the papal briefs. He then declared, at the same
time, that he did not intend to make use of them
without his consent and approbation, saying which
he cast himself at his feet and asked his blessing.

The prelate was no less edified by the manners of
Xavier, than favourably impressed by the air of sanc-
tity, which was visible in his countenance. He im-
mediately raised him up, and embraced him with
great tenderness. Having often kissed the briefs, in
token of his respectful attachment to the Apostolic
See, he gave them back to Xavier, with these words.
" An apostolic legate, sent by the Vicar of Jesus
Christ, needs not receive his mission from any other
hand. Freely use the power conferred on you by
the Holy See ; and be assured that if the episcopal
authority be necessary it shall not be wanting to
you.''

From that time they contracted a sacred friendship,
and seemed to have but one heart and one soul.

62 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

Xavier undertook nothing without first taking the
bishop's advice, who, on his part, always imparted
his designs to Francis. This holy union of feeling
and of action, wonderfully contributed to the propa-
gation of the faith, and the salvation of souls.

63

CHAPTER VII.

State of religion in India on Xavier's arrival — Corruption of the
Portuguese population — Idolatrous abominations — Zeal of Xavier —
Catechetical instructions — Extraordinary fruits of his public preach-
ing— Reformation of morals in Goa.

Before proceeding further, it may not be unne-
cessary to take a view of the state of religion in
India, at the time of Xavier's arrival in that country.
Although those who first discovered the East Indies
had endeavoured to restore Christianity, which was,
in a manner, quite forgotten in those parts, ambition
and avarice soon cooled the zeal of the new conque-
rors. Instead of extending the kingdom of Jesus
Christ, and procuring the spiritual advantages of the
inhabitants, they thought of nothing else than of en-
larging their own temporal dominion, and of enrich-
ing themselves. Even among the natives of India,
who had been converted to the faith, there were many,
who for want of salutary instructions and edifying
examples, insensibly forgot their baptismal engage-
ments, and relapsed into their ancient superstitions.
Those among them who remained faithful to their
religion, were persecuted by the Mahometans, who
were most powerful in several places along the coast ;
nor did the Portuguese governors, or magistrates,
interfere to protect them ; either because they were
unable, or permitted interest to predominate over
justice and religion. This timorous policy made the
new converts afraid openly to confess Jesus Christ,
and deterred many infidels from embracing the faith.

What was still more afilicting, the Portuguese
themselves lived more like heathens than christians.

64 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

According to the relation which an influential and
trustworthy officer sent from India to John III. of Por-
tugal, a short time before the arrival of Xavier, the
most unbridled licentiousness prevailed, and polyga-
my was openly practised. The ordinary evils of
slavery were increased by the cupidity and reckless-
ness of the masters, who obliged even their female
slaves, — whom they had either bought, or captured,
— to pay them a certain sum each day ; and in de-
fault of payment, punished them with extraordinary
cruelty. These unhappy creatures, not being always
able to accomplish the usual task, were not un fre-
quently induced to lead infamous lives, in order to be
enabled to satisfy the avarice of their masters. The
tribunals of justice were profaned by the most uncon-
cealed venality, and the most flagrant crimes were
unpunished, when the culprits had wherewith to
corrupt the judges. All means of amassing wealth
were regarded as lawful, and extortion was pub-
Ucly professed. When murder was not looked on as
an act of bravery, it was regarded, at most, but as a
light oflence.

The bishop of Goa in vain threatened them with
the terrors of God's justice, and the censures of the
ecclesiastical tribunals. The culprits seemed to bid de-
fiance to every remedy, as their hearts were hardened ;
and far from regarding themselves as unhappy in
being deprived of the sacraments, they seemed, on
the contrary, to exult in such a privation. The tri-
bunal of penance and the sacrament of the altar,
were but rarely approached ; and those who were
struck with a feeling of remorse, and desired to be
reconciled with God, were obliged to practise their
devotions privately, the better to escape the annoy-
ance of their worldly friends.

Among the causes of this extraordinary depravi-
ty, may be reckoned the licentiousness which con-
quest seems to sanction in a conquered country, —
the warm climate and luxurious habits of the East, —

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 65

and the intercourse with the infidels. Add to these,
the want of spiritual guides ; and the corruption of
the Portuguese, who are naturally reserved, will
cease to excite astonishment. Throughout all India
there were but four preachers, and scarcely any
priests except in Goa. In many forts, the garrisons
spent several years without once hearing a sermon,
or even assisting at Mass. Such was the state of
religion in India when Xavier arrived there. The
author of the relation, whence the foregoing facts
have been collected, seemed to have had a foresight
of his coming. In concluding his memorial, he
prays Almighty God to cause the King of Portugal
to send some holy man to India, who might reform
the manners of Europeans, by his apostolic instruc-
tions and exemplary virtues.

The idolatrous inhabitants lived more like brutes
than rational creatures : those who professed no reli-
gion were the least corrupt. Most of them adored
an obscene figure of the devil, whom they honoured
with abominable ceremonies. There were some
who changed their deity, every day, and who
made the first living creature they happened to meet
in the morning, — not even excepting dogs and swine
— the object of their worship during that day. They
all offered bloody sacrifices to their Gods; and
nothing was more common than to behold bleeding
infants on the altars, murdered by the hands of their
own parents.

Such multiplied abominations inflamed^the zeal of
Xavier. He wished, if possible, to apply a remedy
to all of them, at once ; but thought himself obUged,
according to the precept of St. Paul, to begin with
those of the household of the faith, that is, with
the christians. Among these he commenced with
the Portuguese, whose example he hoped would
have a powerful influence over the converted natives.

To secure the benediction of heaven on his labours,
he spent the greatest part of the night in prayer, and

66 LIEE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

scarcely allowed himself more than four hours' sleep.
Even this short repose was frequently broken in upon,
for as he lodged in the public hospital, and lay near
the sick, as at Mozambique, his rest was disturbed
by the least call, and he cheerfully rose to administer
relief.. At the dawn of day he resumed his prayers,
after which he celebrated Mass. The forenoon was
spent in the public hospitals, especially in that of the
lepers, which was in the suburbs of Goa. He was
accustomed to embrace those miserable creatures
with great cordiality ; and divided among them the
alms he had collected from door to door. After this
he visited the prisons, where he acted with equally
heroic charity. On his return he went through the
town, and by ringing a bell, invited the children
and slaves to catechism. Xavier was convinced, that
if the Portuguese youth were well instructed in the
principles of religion, and habituated from an early
age to the practices of a devout life, Christianity
would soon revive in Goa. On the other hand, if
the children were permitted to grow up without in-
struction or restraint, it was not to be expected, that
they who learned impiety and vice from their very
cradle, would ever become sincere christians.

The children gathered round him in crov/ds. Some
came of their own accord, through a feeling of natu-
ral curiosity ; others were sent by their parents, who,
although themselves steeped in iniquity, had a great
respect for Francis. He brought them to the church,
and expounded to them the apostles' creed, the com-
mandments of God, and all the practices of devotion
which are in use among the faithful. Their youthful
minds easily received the impressions he sought to
make on them ; and the commencement of a better
state of things in the town, was brought about by
these little ones. By daily hearing the man of God,
they became modest and devout, and their reserve
and piety were a silent censure on the irregularities
of those of a more advanced age. Sometimes they

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 67

ventured to rebuke their parents ; and their language
and manner, which displayed a wisdom far beyond
their age, caused the most dissolute libertines to blush.

Xavier at length began to preach in public, and his
sermons were attended by immense crowds of people.
That the Indians might understand him as well as
the Portuguese, he affected to speak that language,
according to the rude and imperfect dialect, that was
then common among the natives of the country. The
power which a preacher, animated by the Spirit of
God, has over the minds of men, was soon seen.
The most abandoned sinners were made sensible of
the enormity of their crimes, and, struck with the
fear of eternal punishment, were among the first to
seek the tribunal of confession. Their example took
from others that shame, which is so great an obstacle
to conversion, and all emulously sought to cast them-
selves at Xavier's feet, and pass over, in the bitterness
of their souls, the iniquities of their lives.

These outward demonstrations of sorrow were
accompanied by the certain proofs of a sincere con-
version. Unlawful obhgations were cancelled ; ill-
gotten goods were restored ; slaves who had been
unjustly acquired, or who had been treated with
unmerited severity, were emancipated ; and criminal
connexions were dissolved, or rendered lawful by the
sacrament of matrimony.

With this latter description of sinners, Francis
acted as Jesus Christ had done with the publicans
and sinners. Instead of treating them with severity,
he seemed to have greater tenderness for them in
proportion as they were more deeply involved in
vice. He declared himself to be their friend, and
made them frequent visits, without fearing to incur
reproach by frequenting their society. By his piety
and prudence, he at length succeeded in inducing
them to abandon their irregular habits, and live in a
more christian manner.

Nor was this change one of those transient fits of

68 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

devotion, which die away almost as soon as they are
produced. Pious practices were every where estab-
lished, and those who formerly came to confession
but once a year, now approached every month. All
were anxious to confess to Xavier, who, writing from
Goa to Rome, on that subject, said, that were it pos-
sible for him to have been in ten places at once, he
would have found enough to occupy him. The suc-
cess of his catechetical instructions was so marked,
that the bishop ordered that thenceforward the
children should be taught the Christian doctrine in
all the churches of the town. The heads of families
applied themselves to the good government of their
houses, and endeavoured to banish vice from its for-
mer receptacles. They gave large sums of money to
Xavier, who distributed them publicly in the hospi-
tals and prisons, whither the Viceroy accompanied
him, once a week, to hear the complaints of the pris-
oners, and to relieve the poor. This custom was so
pleasing to the Portuguese monarch, John III., that
he subsequently ordered Don Juan de Castro, gover-
nor of India, to do at least once a month what his
predecessor, Sosa, had done once a week. The
Portuguese of Goa became so habituated to the prac-
tices of piety, and such an entire change took place
in their morals, that they no longer resembled the
people whom Xavier had found on his arrival among
them.

69

CHAPTER VIII.

Xavier goes to plant the faith on the Fishery coast — Miracle at Cape
Comorin — Labours among the Saracens — He establishes catechists —
Fruits of his labours — He employs children in the miraculous cure of
sick persons, and in the delivery of a demoniac — Remarkable punish-
ment of a pagan.

About this time, Xavier learned from the Vicar
General of Goa, Michael Vaz, a man of great virtue
and zeal for the propagation of the faith, that on the
eastern coast, which extends from Cape Comorin to
the isle of Manar, called the Fishery-coast, were
certain people called Faravas, i. e., " fishers,^' who
had been baptized some short time before, but who
were Christians only in name, as they were entirely
without instruction. He told him that to complete
their conversion would be an act acceptable to God ;
but he did not endeavour to conceal from him, that
the heat was most intolerable during the fishing
season, that the land was barren, and so unprovided
with the conveniences of life, that no one was willing
to settle there. The merchants were the only persons
who frequented it, and they were attracted by the
pearl fishery.

No proposition could have been more agreeable to
Xavier. Without the least hesitation he offered to
go, and instruct this abandoned people ; especially as
his presence was no longer necessary at Goa, which
was now as remarkable for the piety, as it had before
been for the immorality, of its inhabitants.

Having received the episcopal benediction, he em«-
barked about the middle of October, 1542, in a small

7

70 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

vessel, which carried also the newcaptain of Comonn.
He took with him two ecclesiastics of Goa, who were
familiar with the Malabar language, which is spoken
on the Fishery-coast. Sosa offered to supply him
with money for all his wants: but apostolic men
prefer poverty to riches, and have no more certain
fund than that with which Providence supplies them.
He only accepted of a pair of shoes, to guard against
the effects of the burning sands on the coast. On
going away he desired the Viceroy to send him his
two companions, whom he had left behind at Mozam-
bique, as soon as they should arrive at Goa.

Cape Comorin is a high promontory, opposite the
isle of Ceylon, and about six hundred miles from
Goa. Soon after his arrival there, he came to a vil-
lage inhabited by idolaters, to whom he immediately
announced the name of Jesus. His exhortations,
which were conveyed to them by an interpreter, were
without effect, as the inhabitants told him they could
not change their faith, without the consent of their
Lord, on whom they depended. Providence, how-
ever, did not permit that their obstinacy should con-
tinue, or that the first efforts of Xavier for the con-
version of heathens, should be unsuccessful.

A woman of the village had been for three days
in the pains of child birth, without being relieved,
either by the natural remedies, or the prayers of the
Brahmins. Xavier, accompanied by one of his inter-
preters, went to visit her. — " And then it was,'^ says
he, in one of his letters, — " that forgetting I was in
a strange country, I began to call on the name of the
Lord. I could not, however, but remember that all
the earth is his, and all its inhabitants belong to him."

He expounded the doctrines of our faith to the sick
woman, and exhorted her to put her confidence in
the God of the Christians. The Holy Ghost wjbo
had decreed to save that people by her means,
moved her by his grace. On being asked, if she
believed in Jesus Christ, and if she desired to be

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 71

baptized, she answered: "yes." Xavier read that
portion of the gospel appointed for sick persons, and
baptized her, after which she was safely delivered,
and immediately restored to health. So obvious a
miracle filled all who witnessed it with admiration.
They cast themselves at his feet, and asked to be
instructed, after which they received baptism. The
fame of this event was spread abroad throughout the
country, and the Chief was cm-ious to see a man,
whose words and works were so wonderfully effica-
cious. Xavier preached to them the words of eternal
life ; but although he convinced their reason of the
truth of Christianity, they dared not become Chris-
tians, without the permission of their prince.

An officer sent by the prince to collect a certain
annual tribute, was at that time in the village.
Xavier visited him, and expounded the law of Jesus
Christ to him so clearly, that he at once acknowledged
its reasonableness, and permitted the inhabitants to
embrace it. Nothing more was required by a people,
whom fear alone had hitherto kept back : they alt
asked to be baptized, and promised to live according
to the maxims of Christianity.

Encouraged by so happy a beginning, Xavier joy-
fully pursued his course, and came to Tutucurin,
which is the first town belonging to the Paravas.
With the exception of baptism, which they had re-
ceived more for the purpose of throwing off the yoke
of the Moors, than of subjecting themselves to that
of Jesus Christ, these people were wholly infidels.
Assisted by his two companions, who acted as inter-
preters, he announced to them the truths of faith, of
which before they were entirely ignorant. But re-
flecting that these young ecclesiastics frequently
altered his expressions ; and that a man's words,
when spoken by himself, have ordinarily greater
efficacy, he endeavoured to devise some plan, where-
by he might make himself intelligible to the people.
He assembled some of them who knew the Portu-

72 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

guese language, and with them the two young eccle-
siastics, who had a knowledge of the Malabar. He
consulted both parties for several days successively,
and by dint of application, he translated into the
Paravas language the words of the sign of the cross,
the apostles' creed, the commandments, the Lord's
prayer, the angelical salutation, the confiteor, the
Salve Regina, and in fine, the whole catechism.

" I went about," says Xavier, "iwith a bell in my
hand ; and assembling all whom I met, — both men
and children, I taught them the christian doctrine.
The children easily learned it ni the course of a
month. When they understood it, I charged them
to teach it to their fathers and mothers, — to all their
friends and acquaintances.

" On Sundays, I assembled all, — men and women,
boys and girls, in the chapel. They came at the ap-
pointed hour, and evinced an earnest desire to hear
the word of God. I began with professing belief in
the unity of nature, and trinity of persons, in God.
I then repeated, in a distinct and audible voice, the
Lord's prayer, the angelical salutation, and the apos-
tles' creed, — which they all repeated after me with
inconceivable pleasure. 1 afterwards repeated the
creed by myself, and dwelt on every article it con-
tained ; asking them : — if they firmly believed in it.
To this they replied, with loud cries, and, placing
their hands across their breasts, signified their assent.
I am accustomed to make them repeat the creed
oftener than other prayers, and, at the same time, I de-
clare to them that they who believe it are true chris-
tians.

" From the creed I pass to the ten commandments,
and give them to understand that the christian law is
comprised in these ten precepts ; and that whoever
observes them, is a good christian, and will obtain
eternal life. I tell them, on the other hand, that
whoever violates them, or any one of them, is a bad
christian, and that unless he repent of his sin, he will

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 73

be eternally damned. All, not even excepting the
pagans, admire our law, as holy, reasonable and con-
sistent.

" Afterwards I am accustomed to repeat with them
the Lord's prayer and the angelical salutation. Once
more we repeat the creed ; and at every article we
say the " Our Father," and the " Hail Mary," with
some other short and appropriate prayer. Thus when
I have read aloud the first article, I say, — and they
repeat with me these words: — «Jesus, thou Son of
the living God, give me grace firmly to believe this
article of thy faith ; and with that intention we offer
to thee the prayer, of which thou thyself are the au-
thor.' We add : — « Holy Mary, Mother of our Lord
Jesus Christ, obtain for us, from thy beloved Son, to
believe this article, without any doubt of its truth.'
The same method is observed in all other articles : and
we go through the ten commandments almost in the
same manner. When we have recited together the
first precept, which is to love God, we say : — « 0
Jesus Christ, thou son of the living God, grant us thy
grace to love thee above all things !' — and immedi-
ately after we say the Lord's prayer. We then sub-
join : — < 0 Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, obtain for
us from thy son, that we may have the grace to
keep this first commandment !' — and then we say the
< Hail Mary.' The same method, with some slight
appropriate variation, is followed in going over the
other nine commandments.

" Such are the things which I accustom them to ask

-of God in their ordinary prayers ; and I occasionally

assure them, that if they obtain what they thus seek,

it will be a means of obtaining other things, greater

than they could demand.

" I oblige them all to say the « confiteor,' especially
those who are preparing for baptism, whom I also
make frequently repeat the creed. At every article
I ask them, if they beheve it without any difficulty.
When they have assured me that they do, I generally
7*

74 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

make them an exhortation, which I have composed
in their own language and which is an epitome of
the christian faith, and of the duties we must dis-
charge in order to be saved. 1 then baptize them,
and conclude by singing the Salve Regina, to im-
plore the assistance of the Holy Virgin."

It is evident that Xavier had not the gift of tongues,,
when he began to teach the Paravas ; although after
he had made the translation, which cost him so much
labour, he both understood and spoke the Malabar
tongue ; whether this was the result of his own natu-
ral efforts, or that God had facilitated its acquisition
to him in a supernatural manner. It is at least pro-
bable that when he applied to the study of any lan-
guage in India, the Holy Ghost assisted him, and was,
in some manner, his teacher; as it was universally
believed, that in a very short time, he learned the
most difficult languages ; and, according to the testi-
mony of many persons, he spoke them all as natu-
rally as if each was his native tongue.

Having spent a month in instructing the inhabi-
tants of one village, in the manner thus described,
Xavier, before proceeding further, assembled the
most intelligent among them, and gave them in writ-
ing what he had already taught by word of mouth.
He wished to make these so many teachers of the
rest, whom they were to convoke on Sundays and
Saints' days, and cause them to repeat what they
had formerly learned, in the manner he had estab-
lished.

To these catechists, called in the language of the
country, ' canacopoles,' he committed the care of the
churches, which he had caused to be built in thickly
inhabited places. He exhorted them to ornament
these sacred edifices as well as their poverty would
permit. But he was not disposed to impose this
duty on them, without appointing some kind of
salary ; and he accordingly obtained from the Vice-
roy of India, a certain sum for their maintenance.

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 75

This was charged upon the annual tribute, which the
inhabitants of tiiat part of the coast annually paid to
the king of Portugal.

It is not easy to conceive what a rich harvest of
souls resulted from his labours ; and how great was
the fervour of these new christians. Writing to the
Fathers of the Society at Rome, he acknowledges
that he had not words capable of expressing it. The
multitude of those who received baptism was so
great, that owing to the continual labour of baptizing,
he says he was unable to raise his arm. His voice
often failed him, repeating so often the apostles'
creed, the ten commandments, and the short instruc-
tion, concerning the duties of a christian, which he
always made before baptizing adults.

According to the same authentic testimony, the
number of infants who died after they had received
baptism, amounted to one thousand. Those who
survived, and had come to the use of reason, were
so moved with the things of God, and so desirous of
knowing the mysteries of faith, that they scarcely
allowed Xavier time for nourishment or repose.
Every moment they sought after him ; and he was,
not unfrequently, obliged to hide himself from them,
that he might have time to read his breviary.

By means of these fervent neophytes, he performed
many extraordinary works, and even many of those
miraculous cures which God was pleased to effect by
his means. The Fishery-coast was never so full of
sickness, as when he arrived there. It would seem,
as he himself remarks in a letter, that God had
afflicted these people, to force them, as it were, to
have recourse to him. When they either witnessed,
or experienced, an instantaneous and unhoped for
recovery, after the reception of baptism, or an invo-
cation of the name of Jesus Christ, they clearly saw
the difference between the God of the christians and
their own idols.

Hence it was that even among the infidels all who

76" LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

fell sick applied to Xavier. As it was impossible for
him to attend to all those who invoked his aid, he
was wont to send these christian children, when he
was unable to go himself. One took his beads, an-
other his crucifix, a third his reliquiary ; and under
the influence of a lively faith, dispersed themselves
through the towns and villages. Assembling about
the sick person all those whom they could bring
together, they frequently repeated the Lord's prayer,
the creed, the commandments, and all that they had
learned of the christian doctrine. They then asked
the sick person, if he believed unfeignedly in Jesus
Christ, and if he desired to be baptized ? When the
reply was in the affirmative, they applied the chap-
let, or cfrucifix, belonging to Xavier, to the sick man,
who immediately recovered.

One day while preaching the mysteries of faith to
a great multitude, a messenger came from Manapar,
to tell him that one of the most considerable persons
of that place had became a demoniac, and earnestly
besought Xavier to come to his relief. As he did not
deem it proper to interrupt his discourse, he called
some of these young christians, and giving them the
cross he always carried about him, he sent them to
Manapar, with orders to drive away the evil spirit.
When they arrived, the demoniac became more than
ordinarily furious, and began to yell most hideously,
and writhe in apparent agony. Far from being terri-
fied at this, as children would naturally be, they
began to sing the prayers of the church ; and then
forced him to kiss the cross, from which moment he
was freed from his infernal torment. Struck with
the miraculous power of the cross, many pagans, who
witnessed the fact, were at once converted to the
faith.

At Manapar was a distinguished man, an infidel,
and of a violent and brutal character. Xavier visited
him one day, and courteously requested him to attend
to what he had to say concerning his eternal happi-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 77

ness. The barbarian did not even condescend to
listen to him ; but thrusting him rudely out of the
house, said ; that if ever he went to the christians
church, he hoped they would shut the door against
him. A few days after, he was attacked by a troop
of armed men, who designed to kill him. He endea-
voured to save his hfe by flight. At some distance
he beheld a church open, and hastened to it, all the
while being pursued by his assailants. The chris-
tians were alarmed at the noise, and fearing that the
idolaters were coming to plunder the church, they
closed the doors. The unhappy man was thus ex-
cluded from the holy place, according to his own
former wish ; and having fallen into the hands of his
pursuers, was cruelly murdered by them. The cir-
cumstance was too visible a judgment of God, not to
excite the attention of all, and to increase the respect
with which the character of Francis was already in-
vested, on account of the numerous miracles, which
he wrought by means of his youthful neophytes.

78

CHAPTER IX.

Indian mythology — Celestial descent of the brahmins — Xavier
holds a conference with them — Interview with a famous brahmin-
Various miracles — Exposes the brahmins — His austere life and con-
tinual labours — Spiritual consolations.

As we shall frequently have occasion to mention
the brahmins, or idolatrous priests of India, it will be
proper to give a description of them, of the doctrines
which they teach, and of the rites they practise. The
brahmins are much esteemed for their learning and
sacred character by the inhabitants of India ; and
according to the fabulous traditions of that country,
they derive their origin from heaven, and are gene-
rally regarded as descendants of the Gods. To un-
derstand the nature and source of this descent, we
must recur to the mythology of the country.

In this, the Supreme God is called Parabrama, that
is to say, a most perfect substance, who exists by
his own nature, and gives being to all other things.
This God, being a pure spirit, and being desirous of
appearing under a sensible figure, became man. By
the mere desire he had to manifest himself, he con-
ceived a son, who issued from his mouth and was
called Maiso. After him, he produced two others, one
of whom was called Visnu, and the other Brama.
Before he returned to a state of invisibility, he as-
signed habitations and employments to his three chil-
dren. He placed the eldest in the first heaven, and gave
him absolute command over the elements and mixed
bodies. He placed Visnu under his elder brother,
and established him the judge of men, the father of
the poor, and the protector of the unfortunate.

y

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 79

Brama. had for his inheritance the third heaven, with
the superintendence of sacrifices, and other ceremo-
nies of rehgion. These three deities are represented
by the Indians, nnder one figure, — having three
heads growing out of the one body, to signify that
they all proceed from the same principle. It is not
hence unlikely but that they had formerly some
knowledge of Christianity, and that their supersti-
tions are only a corruption of the true religion.

Visnu is said to have descended a thousand times
on earth, and always under a different form ; — some-
times appearing under that of a beast, — at other
times assuming the appearance of a man. Hence
the origin of their pagods, or inferior deities, of whom
they relate so many fables.

Brama being also desirous of progeny, appeared
on earth for that purpose : and the brahmins derive
their origin from him. Although they are poor and
miserable creatures, they are regarded by the people
as so many demi-gods. Their austere and solitary
manner of living makes them pass for saints. They
frequently dwell in the trunk of a tree, or in a cave ;
and sometimes live exposed to the inclemency of the
weather, on the summit of a lofty mountain, or in
the uncultivated plains. They observe a profound
silence, — fast sometimes for a whole year, and pro-
fess to eat no animal food.

With all this appearance of sanctity, there is not
perhaps a more wicked race under heaven. To re-
compense themselves for the austerities of the de-
sert, they abandon themselves in public to the most
brutal licentiousness, without shame or any apparent
feeling of remorse. They affect to believe that all
things, how abominable soever in themselves, are
lawful for them, when they are impelled thereto by
the light that is within them. The people are so
besotted as to imagine that they themselves become
holy by participating in their crimes.

Their imposture is most shameless. They esti-

80 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

mate their talent by their faculty in inventing new
fables every day, and making them pass with the
people for wonderful mysteries. Among other de-
ceits practised by them, they endeavor to persuade
the people, that their pagods or idols eat, like men ;
and to the end that they may be plentifully supplied,
they make them of a gigantic and corpulent figure.
If the offerings with which they maintain their fami-
lies fail, they terrify the people by declaring that the
pagods will inflict on them some dreadful puishment,
or leave a country where they are permitted to die
of hunger.

The superstitions of the brahmins are as gross as
their lives are immoral. They ascribe an idea of
something sacred and divine to a cow. Happy is
the man, who can be sprinkled over with the ashes
of such an animal, burned by the hands of a brah-
min ! Still more fortunate is he, who in dying can
catch a cow's tail, and hold it until he expires ! In
such a case the soul issues from the body in a puri-
fied state, and sometimes even passes into the body
of a cow. This is a favour, however, only imparted
to heroic souls, who contemn life, and die magnani-
mously,— either by casting themselves down a pre-
cipice, or by leaping on a kindled pile, — or by throw-
ing themselves under the wheels of the chariots,
which carry the pagods in public processions.

We cannot, then, be astonished at the hatred which
the brahmins bear against the christians, and at the
cunning and artifice they employ in opposing them
in India. As they are a numerous, influential, and
closely united body, they generally succeed in what-
ever they undertake ; and as they are bigotedly
attached to their superstitions, and most obstinate in
their opinions, they are not easily converted.

The readiness of the people to receive the gospel,
convinced Xavier that if there were no brahmins in
India, there would be no idolaters; and he accord-
ingly made every effort to bring those unhappy men

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 81

to the knowledge of the true God. He often con-
versed with them about religion, and once had a par-
ticularly favorable opportunity of doing so. As he
was passing by a monastery, where above two hun-
dred brahmins lived together, he was visited by some
of the chief among them, who were curious to see a
man about whom every one spoke. He received
them with kindness, according to his custom, and,
having gradually engaged them in a discourse con-
cerning the eternal felicity of the soul, he asked them,
what their gods commanded them to do, in order to
attain future happiness. They remained for awhile
silent, looking at each other with mutual astonish-
ment. At length, a brahmin, who appeared to be
about eighty years old, said in a serious, tone, that
two things brought a man to glory, and associated
him with the gods : — one was, to abstain from the
murder of a cow; the other, to give alms to the
brahmins. They all expressed their approbation of
the old man's answer, which they received as an
oracle, emanating from the gods themselves.

A feeling of compassion for their blindness, brought
tears in the eyes of Xavier. He rose up, and in a
distinct and audible voice repeated the apostles' creed,
and the ten commandments — making a pause at the
end of each article, and briefly expounding it in their
own language. He then explained what heaven and
hell were, and enumerated the actions by which the
one was to be attained, as well as those which would
lead to the other.

The brahmins had never before heard of Chris-
tianity : they listened to Xavier with astonishment,
and as soon as he had ceased to speak, they rose up,
and affectionately embraced him. They acknow-
ledged that the God of the Christians was the true
God, as his law was so conformable to the principles
of reason. They proposed various questions to him ;
among others, whether the soul was immortal -, — if it

S

82 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

died with the body ; and if not, at what part of the
body it issued forth. They also asked, whether,
when we dreamt we were in a distant country, or
conversing with an absent person, the soui remained
then united with the body. They particularly in-
quired, of what colour God was, — their doctors being
divided on that point: the white maintaining that he
was white, the black, that he was black. Hence the
greater part of the pagods were represented black.

To all these questions Xavier replied, in a manner
adapted to their gross understandings, which were
no less ignorant of human, than divine sciences.
They were apparently much satisfied with him, and
manifested such favourable dispositions, that he ex-
horted them to embrace the faith of Jesus Christ.
He told them, that as the truth was now declared to
them, they could not plead ignorance, as an excuse
for their remaining in idolatry.

But how can truth triumph over men, who find
their interest in following error, and whose profession
is nothing but systematic imposture ? They answered,
as Xavier mentions in one of his letters, what too
many Christians now-a-days reply : what will the
world say of us, if we change ? What will become
of our families, who derive all their subsistence from
the offerings made to the pagods ? — Thus human
respect and worldly interests made them stifle the
voice of conscience, and detain the truth of God in
hijustice.

Shortly afterwards Xavier had another conference
with a Brahmin hermit, who passed for the oracle of
the country, and in his youth had been instructed at
one of the most famous academies of the east. He
had been initiated into all the mysteries of his sect,
which are only confided by the brahmins, to a select
few even among their wise men. Xavier heard of his
fame, and was desirous to see him; and the brahmin,
on his part, was no less anxious to see the European

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. S3

Francis intended to endeavour to gain
this brahmin, whose conversion would draw after it
many others, who gloried in being his disciples.

After civilities usual between distinguished stran-
gers at their first meeting, the conversation turned on
religion. The brahmin was so much taken with
Xavier, that he felt himself impelled to disclose to
him those mysteries, which he was bound by the
most solemn engagements to keep secret. He ac-
knowledged that their idols were devils; — that there
was but one God, who created the world, and who
alone deserved the adoration of men. He said that
those who were esteemed wise among the brahmins
solemnized the Sunday in his honour, as a holyday,
on which day they said only this prayer : — " 0 God,
I adore thee now and forever." These words, how-
ever, they pronounced in a low tone of voice, that
they might not be overheard, and might observe their
oath, by which they were bound to keep them secret.
In fine, he added, that it was to be found in their an-
cient writings, that all false religion should one day
cease, and that the whole world should observe only
one law.

The brahmin having disclosed these mysteries
to Xavier, desired him, in his turn, to reveal to
him what was most mysterious in the Christian law.
To engage him to do this, without the least disguise,
he bound himself to observe inviolable secrecy. " So
far,'^ replied Xavier, " from obliging you to silence, I
will inform you of nothing, unless you promise to
publish every where what I shall tell you.'^ — The
brahmin having made this promise, he began to in-
struct him, by explaining the words of Jesus Christ : —
"he who believeth and is baptized shall be saved.''
He shewed him that baptism was necessary for sal-
vation, and explained all the articles of faith. He
placed the truth of the gospel in so clear a light, that
the brahmin promised to become a Christian, provid-

84 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

ed he might be one in secret, and be dispensed with
certain duties of Christianity.

So imperfect a disposition rendered him unworthy
of the grace of baptism, and he remained unconverted.
He asked, however, for a copy of the apostles' creed,
as also of our Saviour's words, which Xavier had
expounded to him. The brahmin afterwards saw
him, and told him that he had* had a dream, in which
he appeared to receive baptism, and to accompany
Xavier in preaching the gospel. But this dream had
no effect. The brahmin would never undertake to
teach the people that there was only one God, creator
of the world. To excuse himself he alleged his fear,
that if he broke the oath which bound him to secrecy,
the devil would kill him.

Thus this man, who was regarded as a master in
his sect, had not strength of mind to act in accordance
with his convictions. His example was most fatal
in its influence on the other idol-priests, not one of
whom embraced the faith, although they were eye-
witnesses of many miracles, wrought by Xavier.
The process of his canonization makes mention of
fourdead persons, whom,about this time,God restored
to life, by the ministry of his servant. These were
Antonio Miranda, who had been stung by one of
those serpents of India, whose sting causes inevitable
death ; a child, who had fallen into a pit, and was
drowned ; and two more persons, who had died of a
pestilential fever.

These miracles, which procured for Xavier the re-
putation of a saint among the Christians, and caused
him to be regarded by the pagans, as a being of superior
nature, only served to harden the hearts, and obscure
the understandings, of the brahmins. Despairing of
effecting their conversion, Xavier thought himself
bound to publish all their bad actions, and bring them
into disrepute. These men, who were held in vene-
ration by the people, now began to be despised by

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 85

ever}^ one. The children laughed at them, and pub-
licly upbraided them with their impostures. At
first, they threatened the people with the anger of
their idols ; but finding their menaces despised, they
resolved to make use of another artifice, to regain
their credit.

Although their hearts were full of malice against
Xavier, they acted as if they were his warmest ad-
mirers. They visited him, sought to interest him in
their favour, gave him many commendations, and
sometimes urged him to receive pearls and money
from them. But he was inexorable, and did not
even condescend to look at the presents which they
offered.

The austere life of Xavier, no less than the disre-
pute into which he brought those idol-priests, contri-
buted to diminish the ranks of the pagans on that
coast. His food was of the simplest kind, — ricQ and
water. He slept only three hours, and that on the
ground, in a poor fisher's cabin, as he had already
disposed of the matrass and coverlet, which the
Viceroy had sent him from Goa. The remainder of
the night was passed in communion with God, or in
the service of his neighbour.

He himself states that his labours were unceasing,
and that he must have sunk under such great hard-
ships, had not God supported him. To say nothing
of the ministry of the word, and those other evangelical
functions, which occupied him, day and night, — there
was no quarrel or difference of which he was not
chosen umpire. And because these barbarians were
naturally choleric, and consequently often at variance,
he appointed certain hours to adjust their disputes,
and effect a reconciliation among them. All the sick
sent for him, and as these were in great number, and
mostly lived at a distance from each other, he was
unable to be present with all who required his assist-
ance. Notwithstanding these various occupations,
he continued to enjoy those spiritual consolations,

S6 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

which God bestows only on those who delight in
suffering. The excess of these was so great, that he
was often forced to ask the divine goodness to mode-
rate them, as he himself relates in a letter to Ignatius,
speaking in the third person. Having related what
he had done on the Fishery-coast, he says : —

" I have no more to add concerning this country,
except it be that those who come hither to labour in
the conversion of idolaters, receive so much consola-
tion from above, that if there be a perfect joy on
earth, they feel it." — He proceeds to say : — " I have
sometimes heard a man thus addressing God ; — ^ 0
my Lord ! give me not so much comfort in this life,
or if, by an excess of mercy, thou wilt force it on me,
take me to thyself, and make me partaker of thy
glory; for it is too great a punishment to live without
beholding thee.' ''

CHAPTER X.

Xavier returns to Goa — Seminary of the " Holy Faith" — Its foun-
dation, and subsequent transfer to the Society — Xavier returns to the
Fishery-coast — Visits the kingdom of Travancor — Gift of tongues —
Persecution by the brahmins — Miraculous dispersion of an invading
army — Two dead men restored to life — Conversion of the entire king-
dom of Travancor.

Xavier had now spent a year, labouring in the
conversion of the Paravas. His companions, Paul
de Camerino, and Francis Mansilla, had not come to
his assistance, although they had arrived at Goa some
few months before. The number of the Christians
had greatly increased on the Fishery -coast, and as
one priest was not able to suffice for the many con-
verts who had embraced the faith, he thought him-
self obliged to look out for succour. He had, more-
over, selected a few young men of good parts, well
adapted for the study of divinity, and whom he
thought likely, on the completion of their studies, to be
efficient in instructing their countrymen. Influenced
by these considerations, he left the Fishery-coast
about the end of 1543, and arrived at Goa, by way of
Cochin, in the latter end of the following January.
To understand better what relates to the education
of those young Indians, whom he brought with
him, it will be necessary to make a slight digression.

Before the arrival of Xavier in India, Christianity
had made but little progress in those parts; the
pagans who inhabited the isle of Goa, and its adjoin-
ing parts, scarcely thought of abandoning idolatry.
In 1541, John HI. sent to India James de Borba, a

88 LIFE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

zealous Portuguese divine, who found that this apathy-
was owing, — partly to the difficulty which the
Europeans experienced in learning the Indian lan-
guage,— and partly to the neglect with which the
Indian converts were treated by the Portuguese.
The orphans of such as died poor, were permitted to
suffer all the evils of poverty and destitution.

Borba communicated his views to Michael Vaz,
the Grand Vicar, Pedro Fernandez, the Deputy-
governor, and other persons of station and probity.
They thought themselves obliged to apply a remedy
to the evil, whose source had been pointed out to
them: and Borba secured the co-operation of the
people, in effecting this great work. Preaching one
day, he pathetically bewailed the loss of so many
Indians, — he charged it on the consciences of his
auditory, and declared, that the salvation of those
idolaters depended on them. — " I do not require,*'
said he, " that you yourselves should engage in the
care of souls, or learn barbarous languages, for the
purpose of labouring in the conversion of the pagans.
What I demand of you, in the name of Jesus Christ,
is, that you contribute something towards the main-
tenance of the newly converted. You v/ill thus
effect, what you cannot do by preaching the gospel ;
and thus gain by the sacrifice of your temporal goods,
those immortal souls, for whom the Saviour of the
world shed his blood."

The Spirit of God, under whose influence he spoke,
gave efficacy to his words, by touching the hearts of
those who heard him. They resolved to combine
their means, and form a company, to provide for the
subsistence of the newly converted Indians. This
society was at first called the confraternity of "Holy
Mary of the light," from the name of the church
where they assembled to regulate the affairs of the
new establishment. They began by opening a semi-
nary for the poor children of Goa, and its vicinity ;
but the revenues were subsequently so much in-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 89

creased, by the liberality of Don Estevan de Gama,
Governor of India, and by the munificence of John
III., of Portugal, that it was enabled to receive all
the convert-children without any local distinction.
There was also a fund for the erection of a large
house and magnificent church. The seminary, over
which Borba presided, was called, "the Seminary of
the Holy Faith. '^ It contained about sixty children,
who, being natives of various countries, spoke nine
or ten different languages. It was, however, soon
felt that masters capable of instructing and forming
their morals, agreeably to the design of the institution,
were most wanted in it. Providence seems to have
prepared the " Seminary of Holy Faith,^^ for the
" Society of Jesus ;" as it was established the very
year that Xavier and his companions arrived in India.

Immediately on his arrival, Borba offered him the
direction of his new establishment, and used all ar-
guments to prevail on him to accept of it. Xavier,
however, felt an inward call to something more im-
portant : he already contemplated the conversion of
a pagan world, and could not bear to be confined
within the limits of a single town. He designed to
give to one of his companions the situation which
had been offered to himself Borba wrote at the
same time to Father Simon Rodriguez in Portugal,
and urged him to send some members of the new
society, for whom, he said, the Almighty had already
prepared a house in the new world.

In the mean time, Paul de Camerino and Francis
Mansilla arrived from Mozambique, whom Borba,
with the Viceroy's permission, retained in the semi-
nary ; and this was the cause why they did not follow
Xavier to the Fishery -coast. On his arrival at Goa,
he yielded to the entreaties of Borba, and placed
Father Paul de Camerino over the seminarists,
among whom were the two neophytes whom, he had
brought with him. It was not however, until 1548,
after the death of Borba, that the Society got the

90 LIFE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

absolute control and dominion of the Seminary. It
then changed its name, and was called the college of
St. Paul, from the church dedicated to God under the
invocation of the apostle of the gentiles. Hence
also arose the name, by which the Jesuits were
known, and even are still called, in that country, —
Mhe fathers of St. Paul,' or ' Paulist fathers.'

Xavier remained but a short time at Goa, and re-
turned to the Paravas, with as much spiritual labour-
ers as he could procure. He was also desirous to
send a missioner of the Society to the isle of Soco-
tora, as he was not able to go there in person : for
he had not forgotten the promise which he made to
God, when he was obliged to leave that people. But
the small number of companions he had with him,
did not suffice for India ; and it was not till three
or four years afterwards, that he was enabled to send
Alphonso Ciprian to that island.

Besides Mansilla, who had not yet received the
order of priesthood, he brought two native Indian
priests with him to the Fishery-coast, and one Bis-
cayan, called John D'Ortiaga. On their arrival, he
visited all the villages with them ; and taught them
how they should convert the idolaters to the faith,
and confirm in it such as were already christians.
Having assigned a district on the coast to each of
them, he himself penetrated farther into the country,
and without any other guide than the Spirit of God,
went among a people with whose language he was
unacquainted, as he himself wrote to Mansilla, in
these words : —

" You may easily imagine what kind of life I lead
here, from what 1 shall tell you. I am wholly igno-
rant of the language of the people ; and they are un-
acquainted with mine. I have no interpreter. All
that I can do is to baptize the children, and serve the
sick, — an employment that is very easily learned,
without the help of an interpreter."

This was the preaching by which he declared

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 91

Jesus Christ, and caused the gospel to be beloved in
that kingdom. These barbarians had before imagined,
that benevolence consisted in the absence of positive
inhumanity ; they could not now but view with
admiration a stranger, without any motive of self
interest, apply himself to relieve the sufferings of
others, and attend on the poor with the affection of
a father, and the humility of a slave. The name of
the country where Francis thus laboured is not
known, nor the fruits which his apostolical charity
must have produced. It is, however, certain that he
did not continue there a long time, and that some
troubles on the Fishery-coast recalled him from it,
when he was most inclined to remain.

In the kingdom of Bisnagar is a people called
Badages : they are idolaters, and are distinguished by
their love of rapine, their natural ferocity and turbu-
lence, and their hatred of the christian name. After
they had violently seized on the kingdom of Pande,
which is between Malabar and the Fishery-coast,
they made a descent on the latter, during the absence
of Xavier. Affrighted at the sight of those depreda-
tors, whose very name struck them with terror, the
Paravas dared not to resist them but fled at their ap-
proach, and had no other thought than to save
their lives. Some cast themselves into their barks,
and sought refuge in small desert islands : others hid
themselves among the rocks and sand-banks, between
Cape Comorin and the isle^of Ceylon. Thither they
retired with their wives and children, while the
Badages overran the coast and destroyed their coun-
try. They seemed, however, only to have escaped
the sword to perish of hunger ; and were at once
exposed to the burning heat of the sun, and all the
horrors of want. Numbers of them daily perished.

The news of this excursion, and of the flight of
the christians, was soon communicated to Xavier.
The misfortunes of his dear Paravas, most sensibly
afliicted him. He hastened to their relief; and having

92 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

been informed that they were suffering from famine,
he passed speedily to the western coast, and implored
the Portuguese to succour them in their extreme ne-
cessities. He obtained twenty barks, laden with all
kinds of provision, which lie himself brought to the
places where the Paravas had retreated, and where
such of them as survived were yet languishing,
without any hope of relief, except what death might
afford.

The sight of Xavier, whom they all regarded as
their father, caused them to forget a portion of their
misfortunes, and seemed to give them new life. He
consoled them in every possible way, and when they
had partially recovered their strength, he brought
them back to their habitations, from which the Ba-
dages had retired, carrying away every thing useful
or valuable. To succour them in this emergency, he
wrote a letter to the christians of another coast,
whom he implored to supply their brethren in dis-
tress.

The Paravas having by degrees returned to their
homes, and resumed their former habits, Xavier left
them under the government of the missioners, whom
he had brought with him. Although he was anxious
to visit the more inland countries, which had never
heard of the name of Jesus Christ, he directed his
thoughts elsewhere ; as there were no Portuguese to
protect the newly converted, and the idolaters and
Saracens would not fail to persecute them. He
therefore returned by the western coasts, which were
in the possession of the Portuguese ; and, agreeably
to his custom, travelled on foot towards the coast of
Travancor, which extends for thirty leagues from
Cape Comorin, and is densely inhabited.

On his arrival, he succeeded, by means of the Por-
tuguese influence, in obtaining from the King of
Travancor permission to publish the law of God.
He pursued here the same plan he had adopted on
the Fishery -coast : and was so eminently successful

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 93

that the inhabitants of the whole coast were all con-
verted to Christianity, in a short space of time. No
less than forty five churches were immediately built.
In one of his letters, he states that in one month he
himself baptized ten thousand idolaters ; and that not
unfrequently he baptized a thickly inhabited village
in one day. He mentions also, that as soon as they
received baptism, they emulously ran to demolish
their idolatrous temples.

Then it was that, for the first time, God communi-
cated to Xavier the gift of tongues, as related by one
Vaz, a Portuguese of Coimbria, who accompanied
him in his travels, and who, on his return to Europe,
related what he himself had witnessed. According
to this unexceptionable testimony, Xavier spoke the
language of this barbarous people, and instructed
them in it, without the aid of an interpreter, although
he had never learned it. As there was no church ca-
pable of containing those who came to hear him, he
brought them into a wide plain, where he ascended
a tree, that he might be heard by all present — in
number six thousand, and thence preached to them
the words of eternal life. There, also, he occasion-
ally celebrated the divine mysteries on an altar,
covered with the sails of ships, and open on all
sides.

The brahmins, indignant at beholding the worship
of their idols abandoned, resolved to be revenged on
the author of so sudden a change. To accomplish
their design, they employed some assassins to lie
in wait for, and murder him. These wretches, ac-
cordingly, endeavoured to shoot him, in the silence
and obscurity of night, but Providence did not per-
mit their murderous attempts to succeed. Of all the
arrows they shot at him, one only wounded him, and
that but slightly ; as if it were to afibrd him the
satisfaction of shedding his blood for the faith, with-
out, however, endangering his life. Impelled by
rage at having missed their aim, they sought him

9

94 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

every where, and even set fire to three or four houses,
where they thought he might be concealed. Once
he was forced to hide himself in a forest, and pass
the whole night in a tree, in order to elude the fury
of his enemies, who pursued him even to this retreat.
The faithful were frequently obliged to keep guard,
night and day, about his dwelUng, and thus protect
him from the violence of his persecutors.

In the mean time, the Badages, who, the year be-
fore, had ravaged the Fishery-coast, — impelled by
their own feelings of hatred against the christians,
by their desire of glory, and above all, by the hope of
booty, entered the kingdom of Travancor, by one of
the mountain-defiles that border on Cape Comorin.
Their former success rendered them proud and inso-
lent, and made them think that every thing would
yield before them. Still as they had not now to con-
tend with poor fishermen, they came well armed and
in military order, and were conducted by the Naire,
or lord of Madura, a valiant and experienced cap-
tain.

The inhabitants of the villages on the sea coast,
terrified at the approach of an hostile army, retired
in great hurry and confusion into the interior of the
country, and v/ere the first to announce at court the
news of the invasion. The King of Travancor,
called by the Portuguese, ' the great monarch,' be-
cause the most powerful of all the kings of Malabar,
hastily drew his troops together, put himself at their
head, and advanced to meet the invaders. The strug-
gle was likely to be fierce and sanguinary : and the
superior numbers and discipline of these vagrant
marauders, seemed to promise them the victory.

When Xavier understood that the Badages were
approaching, he fell on the ground, and prayed : —
" Remember, 0 Lord ! that thou art the God of mer-
cies, and the protector of the faithful. Give not up
to those ravening wolves, the flock of which thou
hast made me pastor. Let not these christians, who

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 95

are as yet young and weak in the faith, have reason
to repent for having embraced it ; and permit not the
enemies of thy holy name, to oppress those who
confide in thy protection."

Having terminated his prayer, he rose up. Full
of supernatural courage, which knows not fear, he
took with him a troop of fervent christians ; and
holding up the crucifix, he ran with them in the
direction of the marauders, who were advancing in
the order of battle. When he came within hearing
of them, he stopped, and cried out, in a commanding
tone : " I forbid you, in the name of the living God,
to pass further ; and by his authority I command
you to return by the way you have come."

The advance guard of the invading army were
terrified at these words, and remained motionless
with fear. Those who followed enquired, what had
caused them to halt, and were told by those in the
front ranks, that they had before their eyes a myste-
rious person, of more th-in ordinary stature, and of
terrific aspect, whose look struck them with horror.
The more courageous of the troops resolved to see
the cause of this imexpected delay ; but on advancing
to behold it, were seized with such a panic, that the
whole army turned back, and fled in confusion.

Those who had accompanied Xavier, ran imme-
diately to announce to the neighbouring villages so
wonderful an event. Tt was soon spoken of every-
where ; and the king, who was marching at the head
of his troops to oppose the enemy, having heard of
it, caused Xavier to be brought before him and
loaded him with honors. He publicly thanked him,
for so eminent a service ; called him the Saviour of
Travancor, and said to him : — " I am called the
« great Monarch :' henceforward you shall be called
the great Father."

Xavier told the King that all his acknowledgments
were due to Jesus Christ ; and that he himself was
only a weak instrument, incapable, of itself, of doing

96 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

any good. The pagan did not comprehend this
sublime truth ; and two vices, which commonly
prevent the conversion of the great, — impurity and
pride, hindered him from embracing the faith. He
caused, however, an edict to be published through-
out the kingdom, whereby he commanded all to obey
the " Great Father," as himself; and permitted his
subjects to embrace Christianity. He styled Xavier
" his brother ;" and bestowed on him large sums of
money, which the servant of God instantly disbursed
among the poor.

So favourable an edict caused the Christians to
multiply exceedingly, even at court, where, ordinarily,
men are most influenced by the example of the
monarch. The miracles of Xavier completed the
conversion of the entire kingdom. Besides numerous
cures, which God wrought by him, he raised four
dead persons — two men and two women — to life.
The bull of his canonization relates no more of the
resurrection of the women, than the mere fact ; but it
minutely details the facts connected with the resto-
ration of the men to life, of which the substance is
as follows.

While preaching in Coulan, one of the maritime
villages of Travancor, near Cape Comorin, Xavier
found that the greater part of the people continued
to be attached to their ancient superstitions. They
Hstened to him with delight; and acknowledged the
reasonableness of the gospel-maxims ; but were con-
tent with admiring, without caring to practise them.
Finding that he spoke to them of God, without pro-
ducing any effect on their hearts, he one day prayed
more fervently than ordinarily for their conversion.
With his eyes raised to heaven, and his countenance
much inflamed, he shed abundance of tears, and im-
plored God to have pity on these infatuated idolaters.
— "All hearts, 0 Lord!" — said he — "are in thy
hands : thou canst incline, as it pleases thee, the
most stubborn, and soften the most obdurate. Glorify,

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 97

on this day, the name and blood of thy beloved Son.'^
He felt assured that God had heard his prayer. Turn-
ing to the people, with the air of one inspired, he
said :— " Since you will not believe my words, be-
lieve at least my works. What proof do you require
of those truths that I have announced to you ?" He
then called to mind, that a man had been buried
there the preceding day. Resuming his address in
the same tone that he had commenced it, he said : —
"Open the sepulchre, which you closed up yesterday,
and bring out the body. Observe first whether he
who was buried, be really dead."

The corpse was immediately disinterred, and cau-
tiously examined, but far from exhibiting any sign
of life, putrefaction had already commenced. They
took off the shroud, and laid the dead man at the feet
of Xavier, who had come to the place of burial. The
barbarians beheld the scene with amazement, and
impatiently awaited the event. Xavier knelt down,
and, after a short prayer, addressing himself to the
dead body, he said: — " I command thee in the holy
name of the living God to arise, for the confirmation
of the religion which 1 announce." — At these words,
the dead man arose, and appeared to be in the enjoy-
ment of vigorous and perfect health. All present
cried out, with a loud voice, that, the God of the
Christians was omnipotent ; and that the law which
the great Father announced was true. They cast
themselves at his feet, and earnestly desired baptism,
which they accordingly received.

Xavier raised to life another dead person, a young
christian, who had died of a pestilential fever at
Mutan, on the same coast, between Carjapatan and
Alicale. He had been dead for about four and
twenty hours ; and the corpse was casually met by
Xavier, as it was being borne to the grave. The
parents of the deceased, who were the most distin-
guished people of the country, and all their relations,
accompanied the funeral procession according to the

9*

98 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

custom of those parts. Although overwhelmed with
grief, they no sooner saw Xavier, than they felt hope
spring up within them; and, persuaded that what
was beyond the power of human art, would cost him
but a word, they fell down before him, and, embrac-
ing his knees, implored him to restore their son.
Moved by their affliction and faith, Francis begged
the assistance of the Most High, and made the sign
of the cross over the corpse on which he threw holy
water ; then taking the young man by the hand, he
commanded him to rise in the name of the Lord, and
restored him once more to his overjoyed parents.

To preserve the memory of an action so wonderful
and public, a great cross was erected on the spot
where the miracle was wrought; and the father and
mother of the youth often visited it, and prayed be-
fore it. These miracles were so notorious throughout
the country, and made so great an impression on the
minds of its inhabitants, that people came from all
parts to see the great Father, and receive baptism at
his hands. With the exception of the monarch, and
some of the principal courtiers, the whole kingdom
of Travancor was converted to Jesus Christ in a few
months. The blindness and obduracy of those, is an
awful instance of the judgments of God, who some-
times abandons the great and wise to their irregular
passions, while he communicates himself without
reserve to the poor and simple.

99

CHAPTER XI.

Xavier seeks to obtain a fresh supply of missionaries — Writes to
Rome, and to Paris — Sends a missionary to Manar — Constancy of
the christians of that island — Their martyrdom — Conversion of the
king of Jafanatapan's son — His martyrdom — Miraculous cross — Con-
version and flight of two princes — Xavier sets out for Cambaya —
Sends Michael Vaz to Portugal — Letter to the king — Its consequences.

The reputation of Xavier was not confined to the
kingdom of Travancor : it was diffused throughout
all India ; and the God of the christians was held in
such veneration that the most idolatrous nations in-
vited the holy man to come and baptize them. He
rejoiced exceedingly to find the pagans spontaneously
seeking after the way of eternal life ; but he regretted
that he alone was not able to announce the gospel
to so many vast countries, as were ignorant of it.

Seeing the harvest was so great, and the labour-
ers so few, he wrote pressing letters to Ignatius in
Rome, and Rodriguez in Lisbon, to obtain a supply
of missionaries. So strong were his feelings on that
subject that he says in one of them : — " I have often
thought of running over all the universities of Europe,
especially that of Paris ; and of crying aloud to those
who abound more in learning than in charity : — <Ah
how many souls are lost to heaven, through your
fault!' Would that these men applied themselves
as zealously to save souls as they do to acquire
science. Then they might render to God a good
account of their learning, and of the talents they
have received from him. Under the influence of
thoughts Hke these, many would make a spiritual
retreat, and meditate on heavenly things in silence,

100 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

that they might hear the voice of God. They would
renounce their passions, and, trampUng on all worldly
vanities, would prepare to follow the impulses of
the Divine Will. They would say from the bottom
of their hearts: — 'Behold me in readiness, 0 my
Lord ; send me wheresoever thou shalt please, even
to India, if thou dost command it.'

" Good God ! how much more happily would
those learned men then live ! What more assurance
of their salvation would they then have ! And in
the hour of death, when they are about to stand be-
fore the tribunal of God, how much greater reason
would they have to hope for God's eternal mercy Î
Then they might say : ' Lord thou hast given me
five talents ; behold I have gained five more.'

" Not being able to return to Europe, I have re-
solved to write to the university of Paris, and espe-
cially to our former masters. Cornet and Picard ; and
to tell them that millions of idolaters might be con-
verted, if we had more preachers, who would sin-
cerly seek the interests of Jesus Christ, rather than
their own."

It is to be regretted that his letter to the doctors of
the Sorbonne is lost. It is certain that he wrote to
them from India, and invited them to come and join
him in preaching the gospel. We have the testimony
of Don Juan Derada, one of the chief men of Navarre,
who when studying in Paris saw the letter of Xavier ;
and, full of admiration at the apostolic spirit which it
displayed, took a copy of it, as did also many divines
to whom it was addressed in common.

Among the idolatrous people who so earnestly
desired to be instructed and baptized, the Manarese
were the first to send a deputation to Xavier for
that purpose. The isle of Manar is situated towards
the most northern port of Ceylon, at the head of the
banks of Remanancor ; it has a good port, and is a
place of great commerce. With the exception of a
few spots, which are cultivated with extraordinary

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 101

care, the soil is so sandy that it is incapable of culti-
vation. The island is very different from Ceylon,
which is the most delightful and fruitful of all the
countries of the East. There the trees are clothed
with perpetual verdure, and bear fruit throughout
the whole year. It abounds with mines of gold and
silver, crystal and precious stones. It is covered with
forests of ebony, cinnamon and cocoa ; and the air is
so salubrious, that the inhabitants live to an extreme
old age, without experiencing any of the incon-
veniences which elsewhere accompany it. It is par-
ticularly remarkable, that although but six degrees
from the equator, the temperature is mild ; and the
rains which fall regularly once a month, together
with the springs and rivers on the island, amply
compensate for the warm sun to which its soil is
exposed.

When this embassy came from Manar, Xavier was
employed in establishing Christianity in Travancor.
Not being able to abandon this infant church, which
thus might be exposed to ruin, he sent to Manar one
of the priests whom he had left on the Fishery-coast.
The labours of this missionary were accompanied
by the benedictions of heaven : the Manarese not
only became christians, but died generously for the
faith, on the following occasion.

The isle of Manar was then under the dominion
of the king of Jafanatapan, as the northern part of
Ceylon is called. This prince had usurped the crown,
which was the right of his elder brother, and had
enslaved his subjects. He was an implacable enemy
of the christian faith, although he affected to be a
friend of the Portuguese, whose power alone could
restrain his tyranny. His fury knew no bounds,
when he heard that the people of Manar had become
christians. He immediately ordered his army to pass
over into the island, and put all its christian inhabit-
ants to the sword. His orders were punctually exe-
cuted ; and all who had embraced the faith, were

102 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

slaughtered without distinction of age or sex. Be-
fore being put to death, they were examined sepa-
rately, and were offered their lives if they would re-
nounce their faith : yet not one of them hesitated to
declare himself a christian. Parents answered for
their children, and produced them, with a degree of
courage that amazed the executioners of these help-
less innocents. Of the inhabitants of this island, six
or seven hundred laid down their lives for the name
of Jesus Christ. The place which was consecrated
by so much, and such holy blood, laid aside the name
« Pasim,' by which it was formerly known, and was
thenceforward called the ^ field of martyrs.'

Instead of uprooting Christianity, this sanguinary
persecution only served to render it more flourishing.
Despite of the tyrant's cruelty, he had the mortifica-
tion to behold his oflicers and domestic servants
abandon the superstitions of their fathers. His
eldest son was among the converts, and the rage
of the father was inconceivable. This young prince
had caused himself to be instructed by a Portuguese
merchant, who frequented the court; which could not,
however, be so secretly done as not to come to the
knowledge of the king; who on hearing it, put him
to death, and cast his body as food to savage beasts.

God did not permit that a death so precious in His
sight, should be without honour before men. The
Portuguese merchant buried his disciple by night ;
but on the next morning there appeared a beautiful
cross, printed on the ground which covered the body
of the martyr. This spectacle caused great surprise
among the infidels, who endeavoured to deface, and,
as it were, blot out the cross, by treading on it, and
covering it with earth. It appeared, however, again
on the following day ; they once more endeavoured
to efface it, but it suddenly appeared above them in
the air, radiant with light. The barbarians who
beheld it, were affrighted, and, being influenced by
divine grace, declared themselves christians. The

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 103

king's sister, who had privately embraced the faith,
instructed both her own son and nephew, the brother
of the martyred prince, in the faith. While opening
for them the way of heaven, she was careful to pre-
serve them from the cruelty of the tyrant : and for
this purpose she confided them to the care of the
above named Portuguese merchant, whom she or-
dered to convey them to the seminary of Goa. This
man, in concurrence with the two princes, acted so
prudently, that he succeeded in effecting their escape
from the island. He went by the way of Travancor,
to have the opportunity of seeing Xavier, and pre-
senting these illustrious converts to him, who received
them as angels from heaven, and returned thanks to
God for so great a blessing. He confirmed them in
the faith, gave them excellent instructions, and pro-
mised to exert his influence in their favour with the
Viceroy of India, that they might have no occasion
of repenting for having abandoned all things, for the
sake of Jesus Christ.

As soon as the king of Jafanatapan had notice of
the flight of his son and nephew, his fury against the
christians was rekindled, and many of them were put
to death. Fearing lest his brother, whose crown he
had usurped, and who now wandered about from
place to place, should also change his religion, and
interest the Portuguese in his favour, — he dispatched
messengers to seize him, and bring him back, dead or
alive. His efforts were unsuccessful. The victim
of his injustice, attended only by ten horsemen,
passed over to Negapatan, and thence came by land
to Goa, — a journey of six hundred miles, in accom-
plishing which he suffered incredible hardships.

Xavier was informed of all these circumstances,
and thought it necessary to profit, without loss of
time, of so favourable an opportunity. Considering
how perfectly those christians would have lived, who
had died so generously for the faith, into which they
had only been initiated ; and, on the other hand, re-

104 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

fleeting that if the injustice of the tyrant remained
unpunished, other idolatrous princes might be in-
duced to imitate his cruelty ; — he saw that justice, as
well as mercy towards the new converts, required
that the crown should be restored to its lawful owner,
and that the Portuguese were bound by every mo-
tive, to dispossess the usurper, and punish this merci-
less persecutor of the christians. He accordingly re-
called Mansiîla from the Fishery-coast, and having
committed to him the infant church at Travancor,
he set out by land for Cambaya, where the Viceroy
of India then resided.

Francis had other motives for this journey, besides
those relating to the king of Jafanatapan. A great
number of the Europeans in India, and especially
the officers of the crown of Portugal, led such ir-
regular lives, that they brought odium on the faith,
and scandalized both infidels and christians. The
public worship of idols was tolerated at Goa ; and
the sect of the Brahmins daily increased in power,
these pagan priests having bribed the Portuguese
officers. Public situations were sold to Saracens for
money, while the christian natives, who were unable
to bribe those in power, were excluded from them.
The receivers of the king's revenues, who were bound
to pay the Paravas of the Fishery-coast, forced them
to deliver their pearls almost for nothing, and thus
changed a high and lawful tribute into an oppressive
and unjust exaction. Men were sold like so many
beasts ; and christians were transferred as slaves to
pagans for trifling sums. The king of Cochin, who
was tributary to the crown of Portugal, was suffered
to confiscate the property of such of his subjects as
had received baptism.

Xavier was most sensibly afflicted to behold that
the greatest obstacle to the progress of Christianity in
Asia arose from the christians themselves. Some-
times he wept over it before God, in all the bitterness
of anguish ; and he once said that he would willingly

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 105

return to Portugal, and complain of it to the king ;
not doubting but that so religious and just a prince,
would apply an effectual remedy to this wide spread
and constantly increasing evil, as soon as he should
know of its existence.

On the 16th of December, 1544, he arrived at
Cochin, where he met with Michael Vaz, Vicar
General of India. He imparted to him the motives
of his journey, and convinced him that the weakness
of the government was the principal cause of the
avarice and injustice of its officers. He said that
Don Alphonso de Sosa was, indeed, a religious man,
but that he wanted vigour, and that it was not suffi-
cient to mean well, unless evil-doers were resolutely
and strongly opposed. He added that it was neces-
sary, that the king of Portugal should be informed of
all the disorders that prevailed in India, by one who
was an eye witness of them, and whose integrity
would be above suspicion. Vaz at once entered
into the views of Xavier, and offered to return to
Portugal, in a vessel that was then about to sail.
Francis thanked God for this favourable opportunity,
and sent by Vaz a letter to John III., which commen-
ces thus : —

" Your majesty ought to be assured, and frequentl^r
call to mind, that God has chosen you among all the
princes of the earth, for the conquest of India, that
he might try your faith, and see- what requital you
would make him for all his benefits. You should
also consider, that in conferring on you the empire of
a new world, he did not so much intend you to fill
your coffers with the riches of the east, as that you
should display your zeal, by making known the
Creator and Redeemer of the world to the idolaters,
by means of your servants."

He then informs the king of the good intentions
of Michael Vaz, and the scandalous conduct of the
Portuguese, employed in the government of India.
He suggested to him a means of putting a stop to

10

106 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

those disorders, and advised liim above all things,
not only to recommend by letters the interests of reli-
gion, but also to punish all those officers who failed
in their duty in this regard. — " For there is danger,"
said he, "that when God shall summon your Ma-
jesty to judgment, — a thing inevitable, and which
v/iil happen, when you least expect it ; — you may
hear from him those words : — ' Why did you not
punish your officers, who made war on me in India ;
— you, who were wont to punish them so severely,
when they were negligent in collecting your reve-
nues?'— It will not avail you any thing to say in
reply to Jesus Christ: — * Lord, I recommended yearly,
by letters to my subjects, all that concerned thy
honour and service.' — You will undoubtedly be an-
swered : — ^ your orders were never executed ; and
yet you permitted your ministers to act as they
pleased.'

" I therefore implore your Majesty, by the fervent
zeal you have for God's glory, and by the care you
have always manifested for your own salvation, to
send here a vigilant and efficient minister, who shall
direct all his actions to procure the conversion of
souls : — who may act independently of the officers of
your treasury, and not sufler himself to be led astray,
by the policy of worldly minded men, who regard
nothing else than the profit of the state. May your
Majesty be pleased to inspect your revenues from
India, and then see what expenses are incurred for
the advancement of religion ; that when you shall
have weighed all things well, you may see if what
you give bears any proportion to what you receive.
You will then, perhaps, find that you have just
ground for fear, lest you should only have given an
inconsiderable pittance to God, in return for the im-
mense treasures he has heaped upon you.

" Let not your Majesty defer any longer to pay so
just a debt to so bountiful a benefactor ; and apply at
once a remedy to these enormous evils. Whatever

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 107

diligence you will manifest, or whatever remedy you
ma)^ apply, — all will be too little and too late. The
sincere and ardent affection of my heart for your
Majesty, has obliged me to write to you in this man-
ner. I am urged to it, when I consider the complaints
which these poor Indians send up to heaven against
you, for employing so little of the vast weahh you
receive from them, in relieving their spiritual neces-
sities."— The letter concludes with a prayer to Al-
mighty God, that the king might have, during hfe,
the same sentiments, which, at the hour of his death,
he would wish to have had regarding this subject.

Michael Vaz negotiated so well with John III.,
that he caused a new governor of India to be ap-
pointed, and brought back such orders and decrees,
signed by the king, as Xavier had desired.

108

CHAPTER XIî.

Extraordinary effort of Xavier's zeal — Remarkable conversion —
Project of war against the King of Jafanatapan — Remarkable predic-
tions— Xavier raises a dead child to life — Visits the island of Manar,
which he delivers from the pestilence — Enterprise against the King
of Jafanatapan defeated — First converts of Macassar — Antonio Gal-
van — The soldier-missioner — The conversion of the Kings of Supa
and Sion — Xavier sets out for Meliapore — Miraculous foreknowledge.

Xavier embarked at Cochin for Cambaya. In
the ship was a Portuguese gentleman, of the most
abandoned morals, and of such unconcealed impiety,
as openly to profess atheism. This was a sufficient
motive to make Francis anxious to become acquaint-
ed with him. He associated with him, and occasion-
ally entertained him with agreeable conversation.
The Portuguese was much pleased with his good
humour, and listened to him with attention, when he
discoursed on indifferent subjects. But if Xavier
mentioned a word about reUgion, he was accustomed
to laugh at it, and would refuse to continue the con-
versation. When the holy man mildly rebuked him
for his profane and scandalous life, the other would
begin to declaim against the practices of the church,
and swear that he never would go to confession.

Not in the least discouraged by these evil disposi-
tions, Xavier treated this hardened sinner, as physi-
cians treat a patient who raves in his sickness ; he
was all gentleness and compassion to him. One day,
they cast anchor before the isle of Camanor ; both
went ashore together and walked into a wood of
palm trees, that was near the landing place. After a
few minutes, Xavier suddenly stopped, and partially
stripping himself, pulled out a sharp pointed disci-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 109

pline, which he appUed to his back and shoulders so
violently as to cover them with blood in a few mo-
ments.— " It is for your sake," — said he, to his com-
panion,— " that I do what you see ; and all this is
nothing to what I would willingly suffer for you :
but," added he, " you have cost Jesus Christ much
more. Will neither his passion, nor his death, nor
all his blood, suffice to soften the obduracy of your
heart ?" — Then addressing himself to our Saviour,
he said : " 0 Lord, be pleased to look on thy own
adorable blood, and not on that of so vile a sinner as
myself." — The gentleman, confounded and astonish-
ed at such an excess of charity, cast himself at the
feet of Xavier ; he besought him to forbear, and
promised to go to confession, and entirely change his
life. In effect, before leaving the wood, he made a
general confession, with all the marks of a sincere
contrition for his sins; and ever afterwards led a
most exemplary life.

When they arrived at Cambaya, Xavier went to
wait on the Viceroy, to whom he easily imparted his
own sentiments regarding Jafanatapan. Sosa reposed
entire confidence in him, and was himself zealous
for the faith. The expedition now proposed was
most honorable to the Portuguese ; as it was to pun-
ish a tyrant and persecutor, to dispossess an usurper,
and restore a lawful king. He immediately sent off
couriers, with dispatches to the captains of Cape
Comorin, and the Fishery-coast, by which they were
commanded to assemble all their forces at Negata-
pan, and make a sudden irruption into the tyrant's
country. He charged them to take the usurper alive,
if possible, and put him into the hands of Francis ;
who desired not his death, but his conversion, and
who hoped that the blood of the martyrs of Manar,
might obtain for him the forgiveness of his crimes.

Encouraged by these hopes, Xavier returned to
Cochin, where he proposed to occupy himself with
the duties of the ministry, while awaiting the event

10^

110 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

of the war. Coming back by Camanor, he lodged
in the house of a religious Christian, whose son,
however, was a slave to the worst of vices. Discon-
solate at the evil conduct of his son, the good man
wept, day and night, over his disorders ; but was
comforted by Xavier, v/ho said, that these vices were
common in youth, and expressed the hope that the
maturity of age would at length reclaim him. Having
spoken to this effect, he stood for a while silent ;
when suddenly raising his eyes to heaven, he said
to the disconsolate parents : — " You are the happiest
father in the world. This son, who now causes you
so much uneasiness, will one day change his life. He
will enter into the order of St. Francis, and eventually
die a martyr. The event justified this prediction.
The young man afterwards took the habit of St.
Francis ; he went to preach the gospel in the kingdom
of Candé, where he received the crown of martyrdom.
On his return to Cochin, Xavier was kindly re-
ceived by Cosmo Annez, secretary of state, and his
own intimate friend, who had come there on import-
ant business. Speaking one day with Annez, Xavier
asked him, if the year had been prosperous with the
Portuguese merchants. The other replied, that it
could not have been more so, and that not long be-
fore seven vessels richly laden had sailed for Europe.
He added, that he himself had sent a diamond of
great value, which had cost six thousand ducats at
Goa, and would be worth more than thirty thousand
crowns at Lisbon. Xavier then asked, which of
the ships carried the diamond ; and was told that
it was the "Atoghia," to whose captain, Juan de
Norogna, Annez had entrusted it. After some
moments' silence, Xavier remarked, that he would
have been pleased, had a diamond of such great
value been sent by another ship. " For what rea-
son ?*' asked Annez. " Is it because that ship for-
merly sprung a leak? But, father, she has been
since refitted 5 and is now equally safe as a new

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. Ill

vessel." Xavier said no more ; but Annez, on re-
flection, conjectured, both from his language and
subsequent silence, that the ship was in some danger;
and accordingly begged of him to recommend it to
the protection of God. — " The loss of the Atoghia,"
said he, " would be a great injury to me. I had no
order to buy that diamond ; and consequently if it be
lost, I shall receive no compensation."

While they were one day at table, Xavier observed
that Annez was very pensive. " Return thanks to
God," said he to him, "your diamond is safe : at this
moment it is in the hands of the Queen of Portugal."
Annez implicitly believed these words of Xavier ;
and afterwards learned by letters from Norogna, that
the ship had sprung a leak in the midst of her pas-
sage ; and that when she appeared to be on the point
of sinking, and the sailors were about to abandon her,
and commit themselves to the mercy of the sea, they
suddenly changed their minds without any apparent
reason. The leak closed up without any visible
cause, and the ship pursued her course with only
two masts, — as they had cut down the mainmast, —
and arrived safely in the port of Lisbon.

After remaining at Cochin for three months, Xavier
set sail, about the end of May, for Negapatan, where
the Portuguese fleet was now stationed. Passing by
the isle De las Vaccas, near the lowlands of Ceylon,
he raised to life the child of a Saracen. He visited
the isle of Manar, where so many christians had suf-
fered for the faith; and going on shore, he reverently
kissed the ground, which had been moistened with
the blood of the martyrs of Pasim. While he rejoiced
at the happiness of the dead, he had reason to bo
afilicted at the misery of the living, as a contagious
disease laid waste the island, and daily carried off" a
hundred persons.

When the Manarese were told that the great father,
so celebrated throughout India, was at Pasim, three
thousand of them, most of whom were pagans, as-

112 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

sembled and most earnestly besought him to deliver
them from the pestilence.

Xavier demanded three days, that he might ask of
God the favour which they sought. During this
time his prayer principally consisted in offering up
to God the merits of the blessed martyrs, who had
suffered for his name at Pasim. Before the termina-
tion of the three days, his prayers were heard ; the
plague ceased, and all the sick were simultaneously
restored to health. So visible an interposition of God's
power, caused them all to believe in Jesiis Christ, and
demand baptism, which they received from the hands
of the apostle. He was not able to remain longer
with them ; for the fleet was awaiting his arrival,
and his presence was deemed necessary to encourage
both men and officers in the discharge of their duty.

From Manar he passed over to Negapatan, where
he found things in a very different state from what
he had expected. The Portuguese navy daily
dwindled away : those among the officers who had
been at first most zealous for the expedition, now
condemned it. To no purpose, did Xavier urge
every motive of national honour, and zeal for God's
glory: he addressed men in whom self interest had
extinguished every better feeling.

This unexpected change was caused by the follow-
ing circumstance. While they were equipping the
fleet, a Portuguese vessel from Pegu, whence she
carried a rich cargo, was driven by the tempest on
the shores of Jafanatapan. As is usual with barba-
rians, the king seized on it, and made himself master
of it and cargo. The captain and owners of the
vessel, foreseeing that if war were declared against
the king in these circumstances, their property would
be irretrievably lost, prevailed on the commanders
of the fleet, by means of large bribes^, to desist from
their undertaking. The tyrant was thus maintained
in his usurped kingdom, by means of the avarice of
the Christians. Providence thus occasionally permits

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 113

the persecutors of the church to reign in peace, that
a trial may be made of those who have courage to
remain faithful.

With that perfect resignation of the will to the de-
crees of God, which is the character of the saints.
Xavier abandoned the enterprise, and resolved now
to return to the kingdom of Travancor. While at
sea, the island of Ceylon was seen at a distance.
Xavier continued to look in its direction for a long
time ; and at length cried out : — " Ah ! unhappy
island, with how many slain do I behold thee cover-
ed ! What rivers of blood inundate thee !" These
words were prophetic of what happened, when Don
Constantine de Braganza, and afterwards Don Hur-
tade de Mendoza, invaded it, and put its inhabitants
to the sword. The King of Jafanatapan himself,
with his eldest son, was taken and put to death in his
own palace ; as if Providence had only deferred the
punishment of this persecutor, in order to render it
more terrific and memorable.

Xavier was most desirous to return to Travancor ;
but contrary winds always drove him off the coast.
He inferred from this that God had called him to
some other place ; and accordingly resolved to carry
the light of the gospel from isle to isle, and from
kingdom to kingdom, even to the extremities of the
east. During the navigation, he received some intel-
ligence which caused him to direct his thoughts to a
populous and rich island, under the equinoctial, be-
tween the Moluccas, and Borneo, called Celebes and
Macassar, from the names of the two capital cities
of the two principal kingdoms it contains. It was
inhabited by idolaters.

He was told that about the year 1531, two brothers
of Macassar, having gone to Ternate, the principal
of the Moluccas, had some conversations on religion
with the Portuguese governor, Antonio Galvan,
distinguished among his contemporaries no less by
his piety than valour. Being convinced by him of

114 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

the vanity of their idols, they agreed to embrace
Christianity, and, at their baptism, took the names of
Antonio and Michael. On their return to their coun-
try, they publicly taught the faith of Jesus Christ ;
and their countrymen unanimously agreed to send a
deputation to the governor of Ternate, from whom
they asked some person to instruct them in the prin-
ciples of faith. The leaders of this embassy were
the two brothers whom Galvan had converted.
This latter received them jo^^fully ; and as he had
not a priest to send with them, gave them f^rancis
de Castro, a soldier by profession, but whose know-
ledge of religion and exemplary piety, rendered him
capable of instructing them in the principles of Chris-
tianity. A tempest unfortunately prevented Castro
from arriving at Macassar.

Xavier was, moreover, informed that shortly before,
a Portuguese merchant, Antonio Payva, having been
sent on some business to JNIacassar, by Ruys Vaz Pe-
rcy ra, captain of Malacca, the King of Su pa, one of the
principalities of Macassar, came himself to see him,
and asked him many questions concerning the chris-
tian faith. This merchant, although more versed in
matters of commerce than of religion, answered
very satisfactorily, and spoke of the mysteries of re-
ligion, so forcibly, that he converted the king, and,
with him, his whole family and court. Another
knig of the same island, called the King of Sion, fol-
lowed his example. These two princes were bap-
tized by Payva ; and on his departure they requested
him to send some priests, who might instruct and
baptize their subjects.

Such excellent dispositions convinced Xavier, that
it was a most favorable opportunity for introducing
Christianity into Macassar. The excess of his joy
made him shed tears ; and he adored the hidden
judgments of God, who had permitted the King of
Travancor to remain obdurate, while all his subjects
were converted ; but who now began the conversion

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 115

of Sion and Siipa, by that of their respective sove-
reigns. He beUeved that Providence required him
to undertake the conversion of these two kingdoms.

Before he would resolve on the voyage to Macas-
sar, he thought himself bound to consult God by
prayer ; and to do this more effectually, he deter-
mined on imploring the light of heaven, at the se-
pulchre of St. Thomas, whom, as apostle of India,
he had taken for his patron in all his undertakings.
He accordingly resolved on a pilgrimage to Melia-
pore, which is only one hundred and fifty miles dis-
tant from Negatapan, whither the wind had driven
him back. On the Palm Sunday of 1545, the 29th
of March, he embarked in the ship of Michael Perey-
ra, and sailed along the coast of Coromandel. They
had at first a favorable wind, but had not made more
than forty miles, when the weather suddenly changed,
and the sea became so rough that they were forced
to make land, and cast anchor. There they lay for
seven days in expectation of a propitious wind,
during the whole of which time Xavier was occupied
in heavenly contemplations, and took neither meat nor
drink, as was observed by all in the vessel, among
whom was John Madeira, who subsequently testified
it on oath in due form. On Easter eve, at the re-
quest of Madeira, he took a little water, in which an
onion had been boiled, pursuant to his own direction.
On that day the wind having changed, they weighed
anchor, and continued their voyage.

While all things seemed favorable, Xavier, to
whom God continued to communicate a spirit of pro-
phecy, asked the pilot, if the ship were strong, and
capable of weathering a storm. — The pilot answered
in the negative, and said, that she was an old and
crazy vessel. — "Then,'^ said Xavier, "it would be bet-
ter to bring her back to port." — " How, father," said
the pilot, " can you fear a storm, with so favourable
a wind ? All the signs indicate good weather, and
even a small bark need not fear." To no purpose

116 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

did Xavier urge him, not to trust these deceitful ap-
pearances : neither he, nor the passengers, attended
to his advice. Soon, however, they had occasion to
repent of their incredulity. They had not proceeded
far, when a furious tempest arose ; the sea became
dreadfully agitated, and the waves rolled mountain
high. Unable to withstand the storm, the ship was
obliged to put back for the port of Negatapan,
whence she had set out, and where she at length ar-
rived after having been, more than once, in imminent
danger of being wrecked.

117

CHAPTER XIII.

Xavier arrives atMeliapore — Monuments of St. Thomas — Remark-
able conversions — Wonderful events — A rich merchant aspires to
evangelical perfection — Temporary weakness of this man — Xavier's
charity in favour of a distracted; gamester.

The impatience of Xavier to visit the tomb of St.
Thomas, caused him to make the journey by land.
Notwithstanding the rough and difficult way through
which he had to travel, such was his ardour, that in
a few days he arrived at Meliapore. This city is
also called by the name of St. Thomas, as that apos-
tle lived there for a long time, and at length was
crowned with martyrdom in it. According to the
tradition of its inhabitants, it once suffered much from
an inundation of the sea; and the ruins of many
buildings are yet to be seen under the water. The
new town of Meliapore was built by the Portuguese.
Adjacent to the walls, is a small elevation called by
the people, the Little Mount; and in it a grotto,
wherein, they say, St. Thomas concealed himself in
times of persecution. At the entrance of this cave,
is a cross, cut in the rock ; and at the foot of the
mount rises a spring, the waters of which are drunk
by the sick, as a remedy for their infirmities, which
are ordinarily cured.

Above this elevation is a much larger mountain,
which seems designed by nature as a habitation for
those who would wish to lead a lonely and contem-
plative life. On one side it overhangs the sea, and
on the other it is thickly covered with evergreens.
Hither St. Thomas was wont to retire and pray with
his disciples, and here also he was §lain by ^ brahmin.

H

118 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

The Portuguese, who had rebuilt Meliapore, found
on the top of the mountain, the ruins of a small stone-
church. Being anxioi:^s to repair it, in honour of the
holy apostle, they dug round its foundations, and dis-
covered a white marble slab, whereon was a cross,
with characters cut round it, which declared the
eternity of God, the divine maternity of the Virgin
Mary, and that God had taught his law to twelve
apostles ; one of whom had arrived at Meliapore, where
he led a holy and austere life, built a church, and
converted the kings of Coromandel, Malabar, Pandi,
and of other nations, together with their people, to
the faith.

As this marble slab had on it many stains of blood,
it was thought to be that on which the apostle suffered
death.

When Xavier came to Meliapore, he was wel-
comed by the Vicar, who had heard of him, as an
apostolic man who was sent by God, for the conver-
sion of the inhabitants of India. He offered to him
his house, of which Xavier accepted, as it was adja-
cent to the church wherein were the relics of St.
Thomas ; and thus afforded him the opportunity of
passing the night in prayer, before his sacred shrine,
without attracting observation.

While engaged in his devotions in this place, he
suffered much from the assaults of hell ; but the
favours he received from God, made him ample
amends for the malice of his infernal assailants. The
particular lights he received from God are not known;
it is, however, certain that he was given clearly to
imderstand, that he should pass to the south, and
labour in the conversion of the islands in that direc-
tion. The increase of fortitude he received at the
same time, caused him to disregard all the dangers
he might naturally fear ; as is evident from what he
wrote from Meliapore, to two of his friends at Goa,
Paul de Camerino, and James Bof ba, of whom men-
tion has been already made.

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 119

« I hope that God will confer many favours on me
durmg this voyage, since, through His infinite good-
ness, I have learned with so much joy, that it is his
holy will, that I should go to those kingdoms of
Macassar, where so many christians have lately been
made. I am so determined on executing what our
Lord has revealed to me, that if I should be wanting
on my part, I would act in direct opposition to his
orders, and render myself unworthy of his favour,
both in this life and in the next. If I cannot this
year find any Portuguese vessel bound for Malacca,
1 will embark on any ship, whether it belongs to the
pagans or the Saracens. I place so much confidence
in God, for whose sake I undertake this voyage, that
if there should pass this way a little bark of Malacca,
I would unhesitatingly go in it. All my hope is in
God ; and I conjure you, by his love, always to re-
member, in your prayers, so great a sinner as I am."

Although in coming to Meliapore, he only intended
to receive direction from heaven in his solitude, he
still employed a portion of his time in promoting the
good of others. His holy life gave a lustre and value
to his discourses; and the sight of him alone sufficed
to touch the heart. The people looked on it as cer-
tain, that whoever followed not the counsel of Father
Francis, should die an enemy of God. They related
the unhappy death of some sinners, who being urged
by Xavier to repent, deferred the work of their con-
version. This popular opinion greatly contributed
to the change of manners in the town ; and the fear
of a disastrous death, produced effects which no other
motive perhaps could have caused.

At Meliapore was a Portuguese gentleman, whose
irregularities were enormously scandalous. His
house was a seraglio ; and the greatest part of his
business consisted in making a collection of beautiful
slaves. Xavier went one day to visit him, about
dinner time. « Are you willing," asked he, " that
we should begin our acquaintance, by dining to-

120 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

gether ?" The gentleman was somewhat annoyed,
both by the visit and the compliment. Still he
affected good humour, and appeared to be very glad
of the honour the Father did him. At table Xavier
spoke not a word of his irregularities, and discoursed
on indifferent subjects ; although the dress and ap-
pearance of all the attendants were sufficient indica-
tions of this man's wretched state. After dinner he
spoke as before, and took his leave, without making
him the least reproach.

Surprised at this conduct of Francis, his host con-
cluded that his silence was ominous; and that he had
nothing else to expect than an unhappy death, and a
still more unhappy eternity. Impelled by this
thought, he anxiously sought Xavier, and falling
down before him said : " Your silence has spoken
powerfully to my heart. I have not enjoyed a
moment's repose since you left me. If my everlast-
ing doom be not already determined, Ï put myself
into your hands. Do with me, Father, what you
may judge necessary for the salvation of my soul.
Behold me ready to obey you."

Xavier embraced him with tender affection; and
having assured him that the mercies of the Lord are
Infinite, he shewed him that we are bound never to
despair ; and that although God sometimes refuses
sinners time to repent, he always pardons the truly
penitent. He caused him to put away the occasions
of his sins, and prepared him for a general confes-
sion, the fruit of which was a regular and christian
life.

So great was the favorable change produced by
Xavier at Meliapore, that, according to the solemn
depositions of witnesses of known integrity, he left
the town quite a different place from what he had
found it on his arrival. He himself was so well
pleased with the result of his labours, that he ac-
cumulated his benedictions on it ; and said that in all
India there was not a more christian town. At the

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 121

same time he foretold that one day it should become
flourishing and wealthy ; which prediction was ac-
complished a few years afterwards.

While all these conversions made Francis an object
of public veneration, God was pleased to glorify his
name by certain wonderful events. A merchant of
Meliapore was about to embark for Malacca, and
went to take his leave of Francis. On receiving his
blessing, he asked of him some little token of his
friendship. Xavier was very poor, and had nothing
to give but the beads which he wore round his neck.
" These beads, said he to the merchant, will not be
useless to you, provided you put your confidence in
the Virgin Mary. The merchant embarked, full of
confidence in the protection of heaven, and without
any fear of pirates, storms, or other dangers of the
sea. God, however, tried his faith. He had almost
crossed the gulf, between Meliapore and Malacca,
when a furious storm suddenly arose. The sails
were torn, the rudder broken, and the mast came by
the board. In this state the vessel was dashed against
the rocks, and opened. Most of the crew and pas-
sengers were drowned. Some of them, among whom
was the merchant, clung to the rocks, on which they
had been cast. In this destitute condition, deprived
of all means of sustaining life, they took a resolution,
with which despair alone could have inspired them.
Having gathered up some floating planks of the
wreck, and joined them together as well as they
could, they put themselves on them, and committed
themselves to the mercy of the waves, without any
other gleam of hope, than that of falling into some
current, which might carry them ashore.

Full of confidence in the protection of the Blessed
Virgin, the merchant still reserved the beads, and
had no apprehension of being drowned, as long as
he held them in his hand. No sooner was the raft adrift
on the water, than he seemed to be transported to
Meliapore, and thought he was conversing with

11*

122 LIFE OF ST. FKANCIS XAVIEll.

Francis. When he recovered from this ecstacy, he
was amazed to find himself on an unknown coast,
without being able to discover any of his former
companions, or the planks on which he had risked
his life ; but he learned from some people who approach-
ed him, that he was on the coast of Negatapan.
Transported with joy at his miraculous preservation,
he told them how God had delivered him from a
watery grave.

A Portuguese soldier, Jerome Fernandez de Men-
doza, received assistance from Xavier, in a manner
somewhat different, although no less wonderful.
Having sailed in a westerly direction from the coast
of Coromandel, in a ship belonging to himself, and
in which was all his wealth, Fernandez was taken
near Cape Comorin by Malabar pirates, who were
no less remarkable for their cruelty than for their
love of plunder. To save his life, while he lost his
goods, he threw himself into the sea, and was happy
enough to reach the coast of Meliapore. He met
there with Francis, to whom he related his mis-
fortune, and of whom he asked an alms. Xavier
almost regretted his own poverty, which prevented
him from relieving this poor creature. He put his
hand into his pocket, as if in search of something ;
but finding nothing, he raised his eyes to heaven,
and then turning to Fernandez, said : — ' Courage,
brother, heaven will provide for you.' Then ad-
vancing four or five paces, he once more put his
hand into his pocket, and drew forth fifty pieces of
gold. — " Take,"— said he, as he gave them to Fernan-
dez,— " what heaven sends you : make use of it, but
speak not on the subject." His joy and surprize
were too great, to allow Fernandez to keep silence.
He published every where the bounty of his bene-
factor ; and the very appearance of the gold gave
no obscure indication of its miraculous origin.

Nothing, however, is more remarkable than Xa-
vier's conduct towards John Duro or Deyro, as he has

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 123

been differently called. He was about thirty-five
years old, and, in the beginning of his career, had
been a soldier. He then became a merchant, and
accumulated great wealth. Still, he was dissatisfied
with the world, uneasy amidst all his riches, and had
a deep conviction that God alone could satisfy the
desires of his soul. One day, he went to see Xavier,
and told him that, for many years, he had a desire
of changing his state of life, and of serving God with
all perfection. Two reasons hitherto prevented him.
He never could meet with any person, who was ca-
pable of shewing him the way of perfection ; and he
had a great dread of falling into poverty. These
difficulties, he said, no longer existed. He hoped to
walk in the way of perfection, under the direction of
so able a guide as Xavier ; and as for the apprehen-
sion of poverty, he said that he had as much wealth
as would supply all his wants for the remainder of
his days. He, therefore, begged Xavier's permission
to follow him, and promised to defray all his ex-
penses.

Francis made Deyro sensible, how far he yet was
fromthe kingdom of heaven. He told him that to arrive
at perfection, he should follow the counsel given by
our Saviour to -the young man, who was willing to
follow him : — " Sell all thou hast, and give it to the
poor.'^ Deyro acknowledged his error; and imme-
diately begged Xavier to take all his goods and give
them to the poor. This however the latter would not
do ; neither would he permit Deyro to dispose of any
thing until he made his confession. He doubtless
foresaw, that he would be obliged to make restitu-
tion of, at least, some part of the wealth he had gained.

Deyro made his confession, which occupied him
three days ; after which having sold his ship and his
merchandise, he restored whatever he had got un-
justly, and gave great alms. Under Xavier's direc-
tion, he applied himself to the exercises of piety and
penance, thereby to lay the solid foundation of that

124 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

perfection, to which he aspired. This auspicious be-
ginning was not attended with corresponding fruit ;
and the spirit of retirement, of mortification, and of
poverty, was soon extinguished in one, who had
been so Jong accustomed to the turmoils of the world,
who had always lived in plenty, and who passion-
ately loved wealth. His former habits returned, and
having recovered some jewels, he privately bought
a small vessel, with the intention of resuming his
former line of life.

He was upon the point of setting sail, when a
catechist, called Antonio, came to tell him that Xavier
desired to speak with him. Deyro who thought of
nothing but of making his escape, and who, therefore,
had not communicated his design to any one, affected
to believe that the messenger had made a mistake.
Antonio however insisted that there was no mistake ;
and Deyro, being no longer able to dissemble, went
to meet Xavier, to whom he resolved to deny every
thing, as he thought that the latter could have at
most but a suspicion of his intended flight. Assum-
ing, therefore, an air of confidence, he presented
himself to Xavier, to whom God had revealed Dey-
ro's intention. — "You have sinned,'^ said the saint to
him, " you have sinned." — These words so deeply
afiected him, that casting himself at his feet, he cried
out in the accents of fear : " It is true, father, I have
sinned." — "Penance,then,myson," — replied Xavier,
"penance." — Deyro immediately went to confession :
he sold his ship, and distributed the proceeds among
the poor. He then returned to put himself once
more under the direction of Xavier, being firmly
resolved to follow his advice more faithfully, and to
serve God with greater disinterestedness in future.

How sincere soever the repentance of Deyro ap-
peared to be, Xavier had no confidence in it. He
refused to receive him into the Society of Jesus,
which requires solid spirits, and such as are steady
in their vocation. He did not, however, refuse to

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIEH. 125

take him as a companion, in quality of a catechist,
and brought him with him to Malacca ; for which
he sailed from Meliapore in September, 1545, amid
the tears of the people who in vain endeavoured to
retain him. Before going on board, he wrote to
Father Paul de Camerino, and told him, that when
the fathers of the Society who \vere daily expected
from Portugal, should arrive, two of them were to
■accompany the princes of Jafanatapan, whenever
the Portuguese should think fit to re-establish the
lawful king. It was rumoured that this expedition,
which had been so unworthily frustrated, was to be
renewed. This project, however, was not realized ;
and both the young princes died, successively, in less
than two years after their conversion.

While the ship that bore Xavier was crossing the
gulf of Ceylon, an opportunity was afforded hira
for exercising his charity, which he did not permit
to pass by unheeded. The mariners and soldiers, as
is usual with such people, passed their time in play-
ing at cards. On one occasion, two soldiers having
engaged at play, more out of avarice, than from a love
of amusement, one of them was so unlucky as to
lose not only all his own money, but even that with
which others had entrusted him for purposes of
traffic. When he had lost all, he withdrew in dread-
ful rage, which he vented in imprecations and blas-
phemies. So far was he influenced by this feeling,
that he would have leaped into the sea, or have run
on the point of his sword, had he not been prevented
by his companions. Xavier was informed of his
misconduct and dreadful intentions, and at once en-
deavoured to assist him. Embracing him cordially,
he used all the persuasion of which he was master,
to console him ; but the soldier, still excited by his
fury, drove him away, and poured out a volley of
abuse upon him. Xavier remained recollected for a
few moments, during which he implored God's assist-
ance and counsel. He then borrowed fifty reals from

126 LIFE OF ST. FRAxVCIS XAVIER.

one of the passengers, which he brought to the sol-
dier, and advised him once more to try his fortune.
The unhappy man took courage, and had such good
success, that he won back all he had lost. Xavier
had been looking on, and took from the overplus of
the winnings, the money he had borrowed for him.
Seeing then the gamester once more in a tranquil
state of mind, he expostulated with him on his con-
duct so forcibly and so successfully, that he, who
before refused to listen to him, now yielded to the
weight of his reasons and authority. He never after-
wards played at cards, and became an exemplary
christian.

127

CHAPTER XIV.

Xavier arrives at Malacca— State of that city — Efforts of Xavier's
zeal for its reformation — He learns the Malaya tongue — Miraculous
recovery of Antonio Fernandez — Raises a dead woman to life — Arri-
val of new missioners from Portugal — Inconstancy of the people of
Malacca — Xavier sails for Amboyna — Extraordinary gift of speech
— Great zeal — Pestilence on board the Spanish fleet — Charity of Xa-
vier towards the sick — John Araus — Remarkable prediction.

They arrived at Malacca on the 25th of September.
As Xavier frequently visited, and laboured much in
this place, it will not be unnecessary to enter into some
details, concerning its character and situation. It lies
beyond the gulf of Bengal, near the head of the
great peninsula, which extends south from the Ava,
within two degrees and a half of the equator, oppo-
site the island of Sumatra, which the ancients be-
lieved to be joined to the continent. Malacca was
under the dominion of the kings of Siam, until the
Saracens, who traded thither, insinuated Mahome-
tanism into the minds of its inhabitants, and then
induced them to revolt against their lawful prince, in
whose place they setup a monarch of their own sect,
called Mahomet. At this time, it was celebrated for
its commerce ; and its port was frequented by ships
of many nations. Besides, the people of Guzarette,
Aracan, Malabar, Pegu, Sumatra, Java, and the
Moluccas, — the Arabs, Persians, Chinese, and Ja-
panese, carried on business there. The town stretched
along the sea coast, for the convenience of trade.

Of all the Asiatics, the people of Malacca are,
perhaps, the most inclined to pleasure ; owing, in a
great measure, to the delightful climate they enjoy,
for although near the equator, they have a perpetual

128 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

Spring. Tlie inhabitants follow the natural bent of
their inclinations, and delight in perfumes, banquets,
and music ; not to say any thing of grosser pleasures,
in which they indulge without restraint. They speak
the Malaya tongue, which of all the languages of
the east has the most harmonious pronunciation.

In 1511, Don Alphonso Albuquerque conquered
Malacca, which was defended by thirty thousand
men, numerous pieces of artillery, and a great
number of elephants and ships. It was carried by
storm, at the second assault, by eight hundred Portu-
guese, aided by some Malabars. During three
days it was given up to pillage ; and the king, ac-
companied only by fifty horsemen, was forced to fly.
The Portuguese built a citadel, which the succeeding
governors endeavoured to fortify : this the barbarians
often attacked, and sometimes with destructive effect.

When Xavier disembarked, he went to visit the
governor of the town, to inform him of his intended
voyage to Macassar. The governor told him, that
he had lately sent thither a holy priest with some
Portuguese soldiers, and that he expected to hear
from them very shortly. In the mean time, he was
of opinion, that our saint and his companions should
stay at Malacca, until news should come from Ma-
cassar. Xavier assented to the proposition of the
governor, and retired to the hospital, which, as usual,
he had chosen for his residence. The people flocked
in crowds to behold the great apostle, whose fame
was spread over all India, and generally throughout
the east. Parents shewed him to their children ; and
it was observed that the man of God called every
one of these little ones by their names, as if he had
previously known them, and was not a stranger who
had lately arrived.

The morals of this city were awfully corrupt. The
Portuguese who were there at a distance, both from
the bishop and the viceroy of India, lived in the most
unconcealed irregularity, without fear of any laws,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 129

either ecclesiastical or civil. Avarice, intemperance,
impurity, and forgetfulness of God, every where
prevailed ; and the christians were distinguished from
the unbelievers both by their dress, and the excess
and enormity of their vices. This state of things
convinced Xavier, that it would be necessary for him
to remain some time in Malacca, where he hoped to
be able to do some good. Before, however, under-
taking the reformation of a town, so deeply sunk in
corruption, he employed some days in serving the
sick ; he passed many nights in prayer, and perform-
ed extraordinary austerities.

After having made these preparations, he began
his public instructions, according to the method he
had practised in Goa. He went through the streets
at evening, with a bell in his hand, and crying out
with a loud voice : — " Pray to God, for those who
are in a state of mortal sin.'^ — By this means many
were reminded of their sinful state, and of the pun-
ishments that awaited them. Seeing the evil inchna-
tions of their minds, and that the disease was likely
to be aggravated, if violent remedies were applied,
he moderated more than ever the ardour of his zeal.
Although he was naturally of a serene countenance
and amiable manners, he seemed at Malacca to be
more than ordinarily gay and affable ; so that John
Deyro, his companion, was astonished at the change.

By thus acting he succeeded in gaining the hearts
of all, and became most influential in the city. At
first, he abolished a long established custom, which
authorized an unbecoming interchange of dress, and
was the source of an infinite number of disorders. He
induced those who lived publicly in sin, to dismiss
the partners of their crimes, or to contract the bands
of lawful wedlock. As the children had no knowledge
of God, and learned indecent songs as soon as they
began to speak, he paid particular attention to their
religious instruction. They corresponded so well
with his efforts, that, in a short time, they learned the
12

130 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

christian doctrine, and were accustomed to assemble,
and sing the hymns of the church in the streets. He
restored the practice of confession, which before his
time was almost neglected. So many penitents of
both sexes now crowded to the tribunals of penance,
that he was not able to satisfy all who applied to him
for spiritual relief.

He applied himself diligently to acquire the Malaya
tongue, which is spoken in all the islands beyond
Malacca. As soon as he was able, he translated a
short catechism into it, — the same he had composed
on the Fishery-coast ; as also a longer instruction on
the principal duties of Christianity. He committed
all this to memory, and was very attentive to acquire
a correct pronunciation, that he might be better un-
derstood.

By means of these books, and with the aid of
interpreters, who were never wanting to him when
necessary, he converted many idolaters, and some
Mahometans and Jews. Among these latter was a
famous Rabbi, who made a public abjuration of
Judaism. Before seeing Xavier, this man regarded
all the wonderful actions that were related of him,
as so many juggler's tricks ; but now being convinced
by the evidence of his own senses, — for never did
the holy man perform so many miracles as at Ma-
lacca,— he acknowledged their truth. The juridical
depositions of eye witnesses assure us, that all the
sick who touched him, were immediately cured.
Among others, Antonio Fernandez, a youth of fifteen
years of age, was so sick that recovery seemed
hopeless. His mother, although professedly a chris-
tian, was not without some remains of pagan super-
stition. When she saw that all natural remedies
were of no effect, she had recourse to some supersti-
tious practices of the heathens. Instead, however,
of getting better, Fernandez grew sensibly worse ;
his death was hourly expected, when a christian
woman suggested that Xavier should be called. On

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 131

his arrival at the house, the dying youth, who lay
insensible, began to cry out, and make violent con-
tortions of his frame ; all which appearances were
increased, when Xavier presented to him the crucifix.
He was convinced that these manifestations were not
the effect of natural causes ; and that God, to punish
the superstition of the mother, had delivered her son
to the power of the infernal spirit. He, therefore,
knelt at his bed side, and read aloud the passion of
Our Lord. He then placed his own reliquiary about
the neck of the sick person, whom he also sprinkled
with holy water. The young man's violent agitation
immediately ceased, and he lay motionless as before.
Xavier rose up, and told those in attendance to give
him something to eat. He also ordered the father of
the youth to lead him as soon as he should be
able to walk, for nine days successively, to the church
of " our Lady of the mount," — where, said he, to-
morrow I will say Mass for him. While he was
celebrating the divine sacrifice on the following day,
Fernandez suddenly came to himself, and was per-
fectly restored to health.

The astonishment caused by this extraordinary
cure, was much increased by his restoring to life a
young woman, who had died at Malacca, while
Xavier was a short distance from the city. Her mother
sought for him in vain, while her daughter was sick :
on his return she came to him, and casting herself at
his feet, said to him as Martha said to Christ, — that
if he had been there, her daughter would not have
died ; and that if he would but invoke the name of Jesus
Christ, the dead might be restored to life. Xavier
was overjoyed to behold so great faith, in one who
had been but lately baptized ; and judging that she
v;as worthy of the blessing which she sought, he
raised his eyes to God, and prayed silently for some
time. Then, turning to the woman, he said to her
with great confidence : — "go ; your daughter liveth."
— The mother seeing that he did not offer to accom-

132 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

pany her to the place of burial, replied, with mingled
sentiments of hope and fear, that it was now three
days since she had been interred. — "It is no matter,"
said Xavier ; "open the grave, and you will find her
living." — Without further reply, she ran full of hope
to the church, and, having caused the tomb-stone to
be removed in the presence of many persons, found
her daughter living.

While Xavier was thus employed at Malacca, he
received letters by Goa from Italy and Portugal,
which informed him of the progress of the Society,
and of what it had already done in Germany, for
the good of the church. He never tired of reading
these letters, which he affectionately kissed, and be-
dewed with his tears, and which seemed to restore
him once more to his brethren in Europe, or render
them present to him in Asia. At the same time, he
learned that three missioners, sent by Ignatius, had
arrived, in company with Don Juan de Castro, the
successor of Don Alphonse de Sosa in the govern-
ment of India. Their names were Antonio Crimi-
nali, Nicholas Lancilotti, and John Beyra; the two
first were Italians, and the last a Spaniard. They
were all men of an apostolical spirit and eminent
holiness of life ; especially Criminali, who of all the
disciples of Ignatius, was the first to receive the
crown of martyrdom. Xavier sent letters, by which
he ordered Lancilotti to remain in the seminary of
Holy Faith, that he might teach the Latin language
to the young Indians ; he directed the other two to
accompany Mansilla to the Fishery-coast.

Having waited in vain, during three months, for
news from Macassar, when he saw that no vessel
came from that island, although the time for the re-
turn of the ship, which the governor of Malacca
had sent to those parts, had elapsed, he concluded
that Providence would not make use of him, at
present, for the instruction of that people, especially
as they had a priest already with them. That he

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 133

might, however, be able to profit by any opportunity,
which God might afford him, of going tliither, he
purposed to visit the islands of the neighbouring
coast, which were in a state of great spiritual desti-
tution.

At that time, God made known to him the calami-
ties, both of pestilence and war, which impended
over Malacca, and the utter desolation to which it
was to be reduced, for the chastisement of its crimes.
Although the inhabitants had reformed their morals,
when he first came among them, they relapsed insen-
sibly into their former evil habits ; and became more
dissolute than ever, as is commonly the case with
those who have been long habituated to criminal
indulgence. To no purpose did Xavier denounce to
them the judgments of God, and exhort them by
every motive, even that of their own interest, to
practise piety. His menaces and promises were
equally ineffectual; and he was obliged to say of
Malacca, the very contrary of what he had said of
Meliapore ; — that he had not seen in all India a
more wicked place.

On the 1st of January, 1546, accompanied by
John Deyro, he embarked for Amboyna, in a vessel
bound for the isle of Banda. With the exception of
the captain, who was a Portuguese, the ship's com-
pany and passengers were natives of India, of various
countries, and almost all were mahometans and
pagans. During the voyage, Xavier converted them
all to Jesus Christ ; for when he expounded to them
the mysteries of faith in one language, they all under-
stood him, each in his own tongue, as if he had
simultaneously spoken different languages. This
evident miracle convinced them of the truth of his
doctrine.

They had been now six weeks at sea, without dis-
covering Amboyna. The pilot thought that they
must have passed it ; and he was unable to tack
about, as the wind was unfavourable. Xavier per-
12*

134 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

ceived his perplexity, and said; "do not annoy yonr-
self : we are yet in the Gulf. To-morrow at break
of day we shall be in view of Amboyna." On the
next morning they came in view of the island, as he
had foretold ; and as the pilot did not wish to cast
anchor, Xavier and some other passengers, were put
into a boat, and the ship continued on her course.
When they were near the shore, two light pirate
vessels suddenly appeared, and commenced a chase.
As there was no hope of any succour from the ship,
and as they were without any means of defence,
they were forced to put out to sea, and by this
means they were soon lost sight of by their pursuers.
Although this danger no longer appeared, still they
were not entirely without apprehension, lest the
pirates should lie in wait for them, and intercept them
on their return. Xavier, however, assured them,
that all danger was over, and they accordingly
made for the island, where they arrived in safety on
the 16th of February.

Amboyna i-e distant from Malacca about two hun-
dred and fifty leagues, and is about ninety miles in
circumference. It is a celebrated commercial mart,
and merchants of all the neighbouring countries trade
to it. While Antonio Galvan was governor of Ter-
nate, the Portuguese conquered it, and placed in it
a garrison. Besides this there were also seven villages
of native christians; but the only priest in the island
had lately died. Xavier immediately visited these
villages, and baptized many infants, several of whom
died soon after, as if, according to his own remark,
Providence had prolonged their lives, imtil the
gates of heaven were opened to them.

Having been informed that many of the inhabi-
tants had retired from the coast, to the woods and
caves of the mountains, the more effectually to avoid
the rage of their barbarian neighbours, who were
accustomed to pillage the coasts, and put to death
or capture all who Tell into their hands ; Xavier

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 135

went in search of these poor creatures. He lived
with them in their terrific abodes, until he made
them all acquainted with the duties of Christianity,
of which the greater part of them were before entirely
ignorant.

Having thus instructed the faithful, he applied
himself to announce the gospel to the Moors and
idolaters. So abundant was the harvest, with which
God rewarded his exertions in disseminating the
divine truths, that almost all the inhabitants of the
island became christians. In every village he built
churches, and made choice of the most intelligent and
fervent among them, to preside over the rest, until
the arrival of new missioners. He wrote to Goa,
and commanded Paul de Camerino to send him
Francis Mansilla, John Beyra, and one or two more
of the first missioners who should arrive from
Europe. He gave a special order to Mansilla, to
come, as he intended to establish a house of the So-
ciety in one of those isles, whence missioners might
go forth, to announce the gospel in all the islands of
the Archipelago.

While Xavier was thus employed at Amboyna,
two fleets, — one of Portugal, the other of Spain, —
arrived there. The Spaniards were coming from
New Spain or Mexico, to conquer the Moluccas in
the name of the Emperor Charles V., as they as-
serted. They had spent two years in cruising, and
delayed a long time with the king of Tidore, who
received them kindly, that he might annoy the Por-
tuguese, who were allied to the king of Ternate, his
avowed enemy; they now made for Amboyna, in-
tending thence to pass into India, and return to
Europe by this route. They were engaged in an
unjust expedition against the rights of Portugal ; and
that, without the orders of Charles V., who, on the
remonstrances of John III., disavowed their acts,„
and permitted them to be treated as pirates.

The Portuguese did not, "however, act so severely

136 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

towards them ; but it would appear that Providence
punished their misdeeds, for a pestilential fever broke
out in the Spanish fleet, — consisting of six men of
war, — and carried off great numbers of them. It
was a melancholy spectacle to behold the seamen
and soldiers lying on the decks, or on the shore in
tents covered with leaves. The disease that con-
sumed them, kept all others at a distance from them ;
and the more need they had of relief, the less of it
they received from the people of the island.

As soon as Xavier heard of the pestilence, he
went to assist the sufferers, and discharged towards
them all the duties which extreme charity could sug-
gest. Day and night he was occupied in relieving
their corporal and spiritual necessities ; not only did
he assist the dying, but he also buried the dead with
his own hands. The sick were before without
suitable food or medicine : he procured both for
them, from the the liberality of a Portuguese
merchant, Juan Araus, who accompanied him
from Molucca to Amboyna. As the malady con-
tinued daily to increase, Araus began to fear, lest he
should impoverish himself by these charities ; and
from being a tender hearted man, became so obdurate
that nothing more was to be expected from him.
Xavier sent once for some wine to give a sick man,
who had continual faintings. Araus gave it with
great reluctance, and charged the messenger to
trouble him no more, saying, that he had need of
the remainder for his own use, and that when his
own was out, he knew not where he should go for a
supply. When this was related to Francis, he be-
came indignant, and said : " What ? Does Araus
think of keeping his wine to himself, and of refusing
it to the suffering members of Jesus Christ. The
end of his life is very near ; and after his death, all
his estate shall be distributed among the poor." The
event verified the prediction, as will hereafter appear.

Although the pestilence had not entirely ceased,

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 137

and many were yet sick in the fleet, the Spaniards
sailed for Goa, to avoid the winter, which in those
places begins about May. Before their departure,
Xavier made provision for the necessities of the
soldiers, and furnished them with all that he could
obtain from the charity of the Portuguese. He re-
commended them hkewise to his friends at Malacca,
where they were to touch; and wrote to Father Paul
Camerino at Goa, not to fail to receive into the Col-
lege of the Society, some religious of the order of St.
Augustin, who had ;,come along with the fleet from
Mexico. He enjoined him to pay them all the at-
tention, which their character and virtues called for.

138

CHAPTER XV.

Xavier preaches the gospel in several islands — Miraculous restora-
tion of his crucifix in Baranura — Solitary conversion at Rosalao —
Remarkable prediction — Xavier obtains rain from God for the people
of Ulate — Their conversion — Sails for the Moluccas — Preaches at
Ternate — Deaths of Juan Galvan, and Juan Araus — Great success
at Ternate — Conversion of a distinguished lady.

After the departure of the Spaniards, Xavier
visited some places, in the neighbourhood of Am-
boyna, as also some other islands, which were but
thinly inhabited. This he did, while waiting for a
vessel to bring him to the Moluccas, which are nearer
to Macassar than Amboyna. One of these islands
is called Baranura, where he miraculously recovered
his crucifix, as related in the following manner by
Fausto Rodriguez, an eye-witness of the fact, and
whose sworn testimony is recorded in the process of
the saint's canonization.

"We were at sea," says Rodriguez, — "Father
Francis, John Rapose, and myself, when a violent
storm arose, which alarmed all the crew. Xavier
drew from his bosom a small crucifix, which he
always carried about with him, and leaned overboard
intending to dip it into the sea ; but the crucifix
dropped out of his hand, and immediately disap-
peared. It was very manifest that this loss much
afilicted him. We landed safe, however, next morn-
ing on the island of Baranura, although from the
time when the crucifix was lost, up to the moment of
our landing, a space of twenty fours, — we had been
in continual danger. Francis and I were walking
on shore, towards the town of Tamalo ; we had
proceeded about five hundred paces, when we per-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 139

ceived a crab fish coming from the sea, and bearing
— suspended in his claws — the identical crucifix that
was lost. 1 saw the crab approach the Father, and
stop before him. He knelt down and took the cru-
cifix; after which the crab returned to the sea.
Xavier continued in the same posture for half an
hour, pressing the crucifix to his breast, and aifec-
tionately kissing it. I joined him in returning thanks
to God for so evident a miracle ; after which we
arose, and continued our journey." — Such is the re-
lation of Rodriguez.

After remaining eight days on that island, they
afterwards set sail for Rosalao ; where Xavier preach-
ed as soon as he landed, as he had previously done
at Baranura. The idolatrous inhabitants of these
islands were extremely vicious and brutal, and seemed
to have nothing more than the figure of men. They
did not pay much attention to his preaching, and of
all their number, one only believed in Jesus Christ.
On departing from Ro^jalao, he took off" his shoes,
and shook ofi" the dust, that he might not carry away
anything belonging to so unbelieving a people.

The conversion of that one man was, however,
equal to that of man)'^ : he took in baptism the name
of Francis ; and Xavier foretold to him, that he
should die a very happy death, — invoking the name
of Jesus. This prophecy, which was taken notice of,
and which was accomplished forty years after, has
commended the fame of this convert to posterity.
This neophyte subsequently left this barbarous island,
and became a soldier ; he served on various occasions,
until the year 15SS, when he was mortally wounded
in a battle with the Saracens. He was immediately
brought to the camp, and many of the Indians and
Portuguese came to Avitness the accomplishment of
Xavier's prediction. He died with sentiments of
extraordinary piety, and the words, — " Jesus, assist
me," — were perpetually on his lips.

The island of Ulate, which is better peopled, and

140 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

less savage, than those of Baraniira and Rosalao,
was not so rebellious to the exhortations of the holy-
man. When he arrived, the people were all under
arms, and the king was besieged in his capital. They
were on the point of surrendering, as the enemy had
cut off all the springs of water, and there was no
probability of rain ; so that both men and beasts
were exposed to perish through drought. This
seemed to Xavier a favorable opportunity of gaining
the vanquished party to Jesus Christ, and, perhaps,
of converting also the conquerors. Full of noble
confidence in God, he got into the tov/n, and present-
ing himself to the king, offered to supply him with
the water he so much needed. — " Permit me," said
he, " to erect a cross, and place your confidence in
the God whom I announce to you. He is the Lord
and Governor of nature ; and whenever he pleases,
he can open the fountains of heaven, and inundate
the earth. In case the rain comes down, promise
me to acknowledge his power, and, together with
your subjects, to receive his law," — In the extremity
to which the king was reduced, he readily consented
to the conditions, and pledged the pubUc faith for
the performance of his promise, in case Xavier pro-
cured for him the expected favour. Francis then
caused a great cross to be made, and placed on an
eminence in the town, where kneeling down before
it, in the presence of a multitude, attracted by the
novelty of the sight, as well as by the hope of speedy
relief, he implored God, by the death of his beloved
Son, and the merits of that crucified Saviour, who
had poured forth his blood for the sake of all man-
kind, not to refuse a little rain for the conversion of
an idolatrous people."

As soon as he began to pray, the sky became
overcast with clouds ; when he had finished, the rain
poured down in torrents, and continued to fall, until
a plentiful provision of water was made. On behold-
ing this, the enemy gave up all hopes of taking the

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 141

town, and immediately decamped. The king and
all his people were baptized by Xavier ; and this
prince ordered all the neighbouring islands that de-
pended on him, to adore Jesus Christ, and, for that
purpose, engaged the holy man to announce the faith
to them. More than three months were spent in
these excursions, after which Xavier returned to
Amboyna, where he had left his companion, John
Deyro, to instruct the newly converted christians.
He continued him in this office, and embarked for
the Moluccas in a Portuguese vessel.

The Moluccas are a cluster of islands in the eastern
ocean, famous for their fertility in cloves and other
spices. The principal islands are Ternate, Tidor,
Motir, Macian, and Bacian. The first is in 50' north
latitude, and the rest follow in the order above men-
tioned. Ferdinand Magellan caused much discus-
sion among geographers in regard to the exact
situation of these islands ; and the courts of Spain
and Portugal had serioas quarrels on the 5ame sub-
ject. The Portuguese discovered them while sailing
in an easterly direction, and the Spaniards, while
sailing to the west ; and hence, each nation endea-
voured to comprize them within the limits of their
conquests, according to the degrees of longitude
which they reckoned.

Ternate is the greatest of the Molucca islands, and
thither Xavier directed his course. He was obliged
to cross a gulf, ninety leagues in extent, which is ex-
ceedingly dangerous by reason of its strong current
and uncertain winds. The ship which carried Xavier
was one of those vessels, called in those parts ^ cara-
cores,' of a long and narrow form, and which are
impelled either by sails or oars. A similar vessel
bore Juan Galvan, who had much merchandize with
him. Both sailed from Amboyna, and at first kept
company by the way, as they were both bound for
the same port of Ternate ; but in the midst of the
gulf, they were parted by a violent storm, and lost

13

143 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

sight of each other. After escaping from many im-
minent dangers of being wrecked, the «caracore' of
Xavier gained the port of Ternate. What became
of Galvan was not known, until manifested by God
in the following manner.

While Xavier was preaching on the first festival
after his arrival, he suddenly stopt in the midst of his
discourse, and said after a short pause : — " Pray for
the soul of Juan Galvan, who has been drowned in
the gulf." Some of Galvan's friends, and other per-
sons interested in his return, were present ; they im-
mediately asked the sailors if they had brought any
intelligence of so tragical an event. These replied
that all they knew was, that the storm had separated
them. Imagining that Francis knew no more than
the seamen, the Portuguese were somewhat en-
couraged : but, three days after, the corpse of Galvan
and the wreck of his vessel, were thrown on the
shore, by the waves.

About the same time, Xavier turning to the peo-
ple, at the "Orate Fratres" of Mass, said: — "Pray
also for Juan Araus, who has lately died at Amboy-
na." The day and hour of this announcement were
carefully observed, and when, ten or twelve days
after, a ship arrived from Amboyna, the fact of his
death, at the very moment that Xavier addressed the
people, was ascertained, both by letters and by the
testimony of a Portuguese, who had been present on
the occasion. This was the merchant who refused
to give wine for the sick Spanish seamen, and whose
sudden death Xavier had foretold. After Xavier's
departure he fell sick, and as he had no children or
other heirs, all his property was distributed among
the poor, according to the custom of that country.

The shipwreck of Galvan, and the death of Araus,
caused the fame of Francis to increase much at Ter-
nate ; the inhabitants of which island conceived an
exalted idea of his holiness. Without this, indeed, he
would not have been able to effect any reformation,

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 143

or even to be heard with patience, by a people who
unblushingly committed the most shameful and
abominable crimes. To have a correct idea of the
success of his labours in this place, it is enough to
read what he himself has written, namely, — that of
an infinite number of dissolute persons, whom he
found there at his arrival, there were only two who
had not abandoned their vicious courses, when he
departed. Their insatiate desires of riches and plea-
sures was extinguished ; restitutions became com-
mon ; and alms were dispersed so liberally, that the
charitable establishments of the town, which before
were almost extinct, now revived and flourished
more than ever.

This visible improvement in the morals of the
christians, made a great impression on the idolaters
and Saracens, many of whom embraced the faith.
Among these converts was an illustrious lady, Nea-
chile Pocaraga, daughter to Almanzor king of Ti-
dore, and widow of Boliese, who had been king of
Ternate before the arrival of the Portuguese. She
was a princess of great mind, and of a generous dis-
position ; but was much attached to Mahometanism,
and a great enemy of the christians, especially of the
Portuguese. This last was not indeed to be won-
dered at. She had received them into her kingdom
with great kindness, and permitted them to establish
themselves in a part of the island, for the purposes of
trade. In return for this hospitality, they despoiled
her of all her possessions, leaving her nothing but
the empty title of Queen ; and by their intrigues de-
prived the three princes, her sons, of their crown,
their liberty, and even their lives. She herself had
been forced to wander about from isle to isle ; but
Providence had designs of mercy on her, and con-
ducted her to Ternate, about the time of Xa-
vier's arrival. She lived there as a private person,
although in great splendour ; and manifested in her

144 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

appearance and manner that dignified air, which the
great retain even in their misfortunes.

Xavier was introduced to her, and taking the op-
portunity of conversing with her about religion, he
gave her an exalted idea of the kingdom of God,
which, however, he told was easily attained ; and
added, that when we once were in possession of it,
there was no reverse to be feared. As she had no
remaining hopes of recovering her eartiily posses-
sions, she more willingly turned her thoughts to hea-
ven. Still being a woman of considerable talents,
and well instructed in the law of Mahomet, she did
not at once yield : but Xavier removed all her doubts,
and shewed her, more and more clearly, the false-
hood of the koran, and the truth of the gospel. —
Overcome by his arguments, or rather by the grace
of Jesus Christ, she was publicly baptized by him,
and took the name of Isabella.

Finding her dispositions very favourable for piety,
he was not satisfied with making her a christian, but
resolved to cultivate her great and noble inclinations
with great care, and conduct her in the most sublime
and solid ways of a spiritual life. Under the direc-
tion of Xavier, Neachile arrived at a high degree
of perfection, and instead of being disdainful and
haughty became humble and modest. She was mild
to others, but severe upon herself, and endured her
misfortunes without complaint. She lived in retire-
ment, enjoying the union of her soul with God; and
only appeared in public, to exercise deeds of charity
to the poor. Thus she lived, more respected and
honoured both by the Indians and Portuguese, than
when she sat upon the throne, encompassed by all
the pomp and pride of royalty.

145

CHAPTER XVI.

Xavier proposes to visit the isle del Moro — Martyrdom of Simon
Vaz, a former missioner there — The people of Tern ate oppose the
intended voyage— Decree of the governor—Apostolic remonstrance of
Francis — Letter to Rome — Manifestation of supernatural knowledge —
Eight Portuguese murdered— Arrival at the isle del Moro— Wonder-
ful success — Conversion of all the inhabitants of Tolo and Momoya —
Miraculous escape — Spiritual consolations.

While Xavier was in Ternate,he heard of certain
islands, about sixty leagues to the east of Ternate,
which are called del Moro, from the name of the
largest one among them. It was reported to him,
that most of the inhabitants of those islands, although
barbarians, had been baptized ; but that the faith
had been abolished there immediately after its intro-
duction.

The inhabitants of Momoya, a town in the isle
del Moro, constantly refused to embrace Mahometan-
ism, although all the neighbouring villages had re-
ceived it. The prince, or ruler of that town, prefer-
red to remain an idolater than become a Mahometan ;
and being molested by the Saracens, had recourse to
Tristan d' Atayda, governor of Ternate, to whom he
promised that he and his subjects would become
christians, if the Portuguese would take him under
their protection. These propositions being favoura-
bly received by Atayda, the prince was accordingly
baptized at Ternate, and in honour of the King of
Portugal, took the name of John. On his return to
Momoya, he brought with him a Portuguese priest,
Simon Vaz, who converted many idolaters. The
13*

146 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

number of christians having daily increased, another
priest, called Alvarez, came to aid Vaz, and both of
them laboured so successfully, that all the inhabitants
of Momoya renounced idolatry, and embiiaced the
christian faith.

In the meantime, the Portuguese troops, sent by
the governor of Ternate, came to defend the town
against the enterprises of the Saracens. But the
crueltreatmentof the mother of Cacil Aerio, an illegiti-
mate son of king Boliefe, so much exasperated those
princes and the neighbouring people, that they re-
solved to put all the Portuguese to death. The in-
habitants of Momoya, naturally changeable and
cruel, commenced the slaughter by the murder of
Simon Vaz, their first pastor ; and would have killed
Alvarez, whom they pursued and shot arrows at, as
he fled to the sea side. There he providentially
found a bark in readiness, which bore him away,
wounded as he was, and thus saved him from the
fury of those christian barbarians.

The Saracens profited by those disorders, and
made themselves masters of the town, the religion of
which they changed. The prince was the only one
who remained constant, and, notwithstanding the
severe treatment he received, continued to profess
the faith. Shortly after, Atayda was succeeded in
the government of Ternate by Antonio Galvan,
illustrious both for his piety and valour. He sent to
the isle del Moro, an able and zealous priest, by
whose ministry the people were once more brought
back to the fold of Christ. This ecclesiastic did not,
however, remain long on the island; and the people,
owing partly to the want of instruction, and partly
to their natural changeableness of character, relapsed
into their original barbarism.

Such was the state of things in the isle del Moro,
when Xavier fi.rst heard of it. He resolved at once
to go and preach the gospel there, after he had re-
mained three months at Ternate. As soon as his

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 147

design was known, every effort was made to dissuade
him from executing it. He was told that it was
a barren and terrific country, which seemed to be
under a cwrse, and which was a more fitting habita-
tion for beasts than for men. The air was said to be
dense and unwholesome, so that strangers could not
live in the country : the mountains vomited forth
fire, and the ground itself was frequently agitated by
terrible earthquakes. To this was added, that the
people of the country surpassed, in cruelty and per-
fidiousness, all the barbarians of the world ; — that
they poisoned each other, and were cannibals. They
were even so savage, as on great occasions to beg
from their friends, some old and useless parent, whom
they served up for the entertainment of their guests,
and undertook to be as obliging when asked for a
similar favour.

If these people, said they, spare not their own
countrymen and parents, how would they treat an
unknown person. They could not become christians,
without first being humanized ; for how could
the divine law be imprinted on their hearts, which
were hardened against all the impressions of humani-
ty ? Who would guide him through those thick and
tangling forests, where they mostly dwelt, like so
many wild beasts ? And even were he to succeed
in taming and converting them ? — how long would
such conversion last ? At most, while he continued
with them. None would venture to succeed him in
a mission to those parts ; as it would only expose
them to certain and unavailing death. The blood of
Simon Vaz was yet flowing. There were, besides,
many other isles, which had never heard of the name
of Jesus Christ, and which were better disposed to
receive the faith.

These representations and remonstrances, although
urged with all the earnestness of strong affection,
were not sufficient to move Xavier from his résolu-

148 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

tion. Seeing that entreaties were useless, his friends
had recourse to a kind of constraint. They obtained
from the governor of Ternate a decree, by which all
vessels were forbidden, under severe penalties, to take
Father Francis to the isle del Moro.

Xavier deeply felt this conduct of his friends, and
publicly complained of it. " Where," said he, " are
those who dare limit the power of the Almighty God,
and have so poor an idea of our Saviour's love and
grace ? What hearts so hard as to resist the influ-
ences of the Most High, when it pleases him to
soften and to change them ? Can they withstand the
gentle, yet pervading power, that can make the dry
bones live, and raise up children to Abraham from
the stones ? What ? — Shall he who has subjected
the whole universe to the cross, by the ministry of
the apostles, not be able to cause his power to be
felt, in this petty corner of the world ? Is the isle
del Moro the only place, that shall not profit by the
benefit of redemption ? When Jesus Christ offered
to the Eternal Father, all the nations of the earth, as
his heritage, was the isle del Moro excepted ? I
admit that they are barbarous and brutal ; but were
they even more inhuman than they are, it is because
I can do nothing of myself that I have better hopes
of them. I can do all things in him who strengthens
me, from whom alone proceeds the power of those
who labour in the gospel."

He added, that less savage nations would never
want preachers, but that he should evangeUze these
islands, as no other person would undertake to con-
vert them. In fine, giving way to his holy hidigna-
tion he said : — " If these isles abounded with precious
wood, or mines of gold, christian merchants would
have the courage to go thither; nor would any
danger be sufficient to deter them. They are only
timid and co^vardly, when there is question of saving
souls. Shall it then be said that charity is less daring
than avarice ? You tell me that they will take away

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 149

my life, either by open violence, or secret treachery ;
but those favours are too great for me to receive from
heaven. Yet I am bold to say, that whatever kind
of torture or death they may inflict on me, I am
prepared to suffer still more for the salvation of a
single soul. Should I happen to die by their hands,
who knows but all may receive the faith? For it
is most certain, that since the establishment of the
church, the gospel-seed has fructified more abun-
dantly in the field of paganism, by the blood of
martyrs, than by the labours of missionaries.''

He concluded his discourse, by telling them that
the undertaking was not really hazardous ; that God
had called him to the isle del Moro, and that man
should not prevent him from following the voice of
God. Such was the impression made on them by
this discourse, that not only was the decree against
his departure revoked, but many ofi*ered to accom-
pany him, and share in all the dangers of the under-
taking.

Having thus surmounted all the obstacles to his
voyage, he embarked with some friends, amid the
tears and prayers of the people who accompanied
him to the beach. They were impressed with the
conviction, that they should never more behold him.
Before embarking he wrote to the fathers at Rome,
informing them of his intended voyage.

"The country to which I go, is full of danger, and
dreaded by strangers, on account of the barbarity of
the inhabitants, who mangle various poisons with
their food. Hence priests fear to go and instruct
them. For my own part, considering their extreme
necessity, and the duties of my ministry, which oblige
me to hazard my life for their salvation, I have re-
solved to venture all for their sake. All my confi-
dence is in God, and all my desire is to obey the
word of Jesus Christ, who says : — * he who is willing
to save his life shall lose it ; and he who will lose it
for my sake shall find it.' — Believe me, dear brethren,

/

150 LIFE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

although this evangelical maxim is easily understood,
yet when the moment to act on it comes, when we
are called on to die for God, the text which was
before so clear, becomes obscure ; and he alone can
comprehend it, to whom God in his mercy has re-
vealed its hidden meaning. Then it will appear how
frail and feeble is human nature. Many who love
me much in this place, have done all in their power
to make me abandon this design ; and when they
could not prevail upon me, either by their entreaties
or tears, furnished me with antidotes. These I would
not take, lest by making provision of remedies, I
might begin to fear the danger; besides, having placed
my life in the hands of Providence, I have no need
to employ preservatives against death. It appears
to me that the more I employ remedies, the less I
trust in God."

They had a favourable wind at setting out, and
had made about one hundred and eight miles, when
Xavier, whose mind was absorbed in meditation, and
whose eyes were directed to a certain part of the
sea, cried out suddenly ; — " Ah Jesus ! how they
massacre the poor people V He continued to repeat
these words, when the sailors and passengers ran to
him in alarm, and asked him their import, as they
could see nothing. Xavier, who had been ele-
vated in spirit, and who was enabled to see this sad
spectacle, had no sooner come to himself, than they
renewed their solicitations for an explanation of his
mysterious language. Deeply confounded at the
words which had escaped him, he would make no
reply ; but retired to his devotions. They soon,
however, beheld what he had refused to tell them.
Having anchored before an isle, they found on the
beach the bodies of eight Portuguese, who had just
been murdered : and they understood, that it was
the fate of these unhappy creatures, that excited the
compassion of Francis. They buried them there, and
planted a cross over their graves; after which they

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 151

pursued their voyage and in a little time arrived at
the isle del Moro.

On their arrival, Xavier went at once to the next
village, the greater part of the inhabitants of which
had been baptised. They retained, however, only
a confused notion of their baptism ; and their religion
^as a medley of Mahometanism and idolatry. The
appearance of the Portuguese put the barbarians to
flight, as they imagined they had come to revenge
the massacre of their countrymen, which occurred
the preceding years. Xavier followed them into the
thickest of the woods ; and his benignant counte-
nance soon convinced them, that he was not an
enemy, but a friend. He addressed them in the
Malaya tongue, and declared to them the motives of
his voyage. In the isle of Moro there prevailed a
great diversity of languages, so that persons who
lived but a short distance from each other, did not
understand one another in the languages of the is-
land, but they all were acquainted with the Malaya.

The roughness and barbarism of these islanders,
were not able to resist the gentle and winning man-
ners of Xavier. He prevailed on them to return to
their village, and spoke most kindly to them, as they
journeyed home. He then sang aloud the christian
doctrine in the streets, and afterwards expounded it
for them, in so intelligible a manner that they easily
understood it. By this means he brought back those
christians to the faith, which they had forsaken, and
announced it to those idolaters who had refused to
embrace it, when it was first preached to them by
Simon Vaz and Francis Alvarez. There was no
town, or village, which he did not visit, and in
which crosses were not set up and churches built
by the new converts. The inhabitants of Toio, the
chief town in the island, twenty -five thousand in
number, were entirely converted, together with those
of Momoya.

The isle del Moro was now called by Francis the

152 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

isle of **' Divina Esperanza/* because those things
which God accomplished there, were beyond ail hu-
man hope and expectation ; as also because the fruits
of his labours surpassed the hopes, which had been
entertained of them, when his friends at Ternate
wished to make him believe, that his voyage would
prove unprofitable.

To engage those new christians, who were dull of
apprehension, in the practices of a holy life, he threat-
ened them with eternal punishment, and made them
sensible of what hell was, by the terrific objects
which they had before their eyes. Sometimes he
would lead them to the brink of those volcanoes,
which cast up vast masses of burning stones into the
air ; and at the view of the flames, which, mingled
with a dusky smoke, obscured the light of day, he
explained to them the nature of those pains, that
were prepared on the fiery abyss, not only for Ma-
hometans and idolaters, but also for those christians
who lived not according to the faith.

During the great earthquakes, when no one was
secure, either in his house or in the open plain, he
exhorted them to do penance. He declared to them,
that those convulsions of nature were caused, — not,
as they imagined, by the souls of the dead buried
under the ground, — but either by the demons, who
were desirous of destroying them, or by the omnipo-
tence of God, who gave increased effect to natural
causes, that he might imprmt the fear of his justice,
and of his wrath, more deeply in their hearts.

One of those violent earthquakes happened on the
festival of St. Michael, when they were assembled
in great numbers at the mass of Xavier. During the
sacrifice, the earth was so violently shaken, that the
people ran out of the church. Although Francis
feared lest the altar should be overthrown, he did not
abandon it, but continued to offer the divine mysteries ;

* Divine Hope.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 15d

thinking, as he himself says, that the holy arch-angel
was then driving the devils down to hell, and that
all that noise was the result of their indignation, at
seeing themselves banished from a place, where they
had held dominion for so many ages.

The undaunted resolution of Xavier amazed the
barbarians, and made them believe, that a man who
remained immovable, while the rocks and mountains
trembled, was of a supernatural character. The
high opinion they conceived of him, gave him an
absolute authority over them. Assisted by God's
grace, which operated in them, while he was em-
ploying outward means, he effected so extraordinary
a change in their hearts, that they who before were
like wolves and tigers, now seemed as mild and
docile as lambs.

There were, however, some among them who did
not at once divest themselves of their natural ferocity
of character : either because divine grace does not
produce its due effect unless aided by natural dispo-
sitions ; or because God wished the patience of his
servant to be tried. The most rebellious to the grace
of God were the Javares, — an uncouth and inhuman
people, who dwell at night in caves, and in the
day roam through the forests. Not only did they
neglect the instructions of Xavier, but even laid
divers ambushes for him ; and, one day, while at the
side of a river, he was explaining the rules of the
gospel-morality to them, they were so excited by the
zeal with which he condemned their dissolute man-
ners, that they cast stones at him with intent to mur-
der him. On one side were the barbarians, and on
the other the river which was broad and deep ; so
that it seemed impossible for Xavier to escape, if
any thing were impossible to one whom heaven pro-
tects. Lying on the bank was a large beam of wood,
which he gently pushed into the water ; and placing
himself on it was instantly transported to the other
side, where the stones could not reach him.

14

154 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIEE.

Besides this, he endured in this barren and un-
grateful soil, all imaginable miseries of hunger, thirst,
and destitution : but the consolations he received from
God, sustained him in all his labours, as he himself
wrote to Father Ignatius. After giving him a faith-
ful description of the place, he continues : — " I have
given you an account of it, that you may conclude,
what abundance of heavenly consolations I have en-
joyed in it. The dangers to which I am exposed,
and the pains I take for the service of God, are the
inexhaustible source of spiritual joys ; so that these
islands, destitute as they are of all worldly necessa-
ries, are the places for a man to lose his sight with
weeping through excessive joy. For my part, I do
not remember ever to have tasted such internal de-
hghts. These consolations of the soul are so pure,
so exquisite, and so perpetual, that they take from
me all sense of corporeal sufferings.^^

155

CHAPTER XVII.

Xavier returns to Ternate — Remains there during Lent — Endea-
vours to convert the king of that island — Conversion of the king's
brother — Departs from Ternate — Arrives at Amboyna — Exercises his
zeal among the soldiers — Remarkable prediction — Miraculous cross —
Constancy of the christians of x\mboyna — Xavier leaves that island —
Probable time of his visit to Macassar.

After remaining three months in the isle del
Moro, Xavier returned to the Moluccas, intending
to sail thence to Goa, where he hoped to procure
some missioners, for the new churches he had estab-
lished in all those isles, and which he alone was not
able to supply. The affairs of the Society, which
was daily increasing in India, also called him thither.

At Ternate he resided near a chapel, called " Our
Lady of the Port," from its situation, contiguous to
the port ; as he only intended to remain, until the
ship that was destined for Malacca was ready to sail.
The christians were overjoyed at his return, as
they had despaired of seeing him again. As Lent
was approaching, they besought him to stay with
them, especially as he would be obliged to pass that
holy time in the island of Amboyna, awaiting the
proper season for navigation to Malacca. To induce
him to stop, the captain of the fortress, and the con-
fraternity of La misericordia, undertook to have him
brought to Amboyna, in time for the departure of
the ship. This proposition was so reasonable, that
Xavier could not refuse his assent ; and he hoped
that their anxiety to retain him, might aid him in
procuring the salvation of their souls.

He remained three months at Ternate, during

156 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

which time he was constantly occupied, day and
night, in the tribunal of penance. Agreeably to his
custom, he preached twice on all holy days, — in the
morning to the Portuguese, and in the evening to
the newly converted natives of the place.* He cate-
chised the children every day of the week, except on
Wednesday and Friday, which he set apart for the
instruction of the wives of the Portuguese. These
women had been for the most part either mahometans
or idolaters, and had only received baptism, for the
purpose of being able to intermarry with the chris-
tians. They were, consequently, unable to profit by
the usual sermons, not being sufficiently instructed in
the mysteries and maxims of Christianity. In these
separate instructions, he explained to them the articles
of faith, the commandments, and other points of
christian morality. These exercises of penitence and
piety, filled up the time of Lent, and prepared them
for worthily receiving the holy sacrament at Easter.
All approached the holy table at that solemnity,
which they celebrated with a degree of fervour that
recalled the happy days of the primitive church.

Xavier was particularly anxious to eftect the con-
version of the king of Ternate, commonly called the
"king of the Moluccas." This prince, Cacil Aerio,
was the son of king Boliefe, before mentioned. His
mother was a mahometan, remarkable for her oppo-
sition to the Portuguese, whom Atayda, the former
governor of Ternate, had caused to be thrown out of
a window. This barbarous conduct justly irritated
Cacil, who, however, suppressed his feelings, on ac-
count of the great power of those who had murdered
his parent and his brothers. This unnatural mode-
ration did not delude the Portuguese. According to
the maxims of those politicians who hold, that those
who inflict an injury should never pardon, they
treated him as a rebel and an enemy, upon every
shght conjecture or pretext. The governor of the
fortress of Ternate, Jordan de Treitas, a rash and

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 157

imprudent man, — the very opposite of Galvan, —
seized on the person of this prince, stripped him of
alJ the insignia of royalty, and, in 1546, sent him a
prisoner to Goa,in the Spanish fleet before mentioned.

The cause having been duly investigated, before
the sovereign tribunal of Goa, Cacil was declared
innocent, and the injustice of Treitas condemned.
The new viceroy of India, Don John de Castro, sent
him back to Ternate, with orders to the Portuguese
to replace him on the throne, and compensate, by
their respect, for the injustice they had done him.
Treitas was not only deprived of his government, but
was recalled to Goa, where he remained a prisoner
of state.

The king of Ternate had been just restored, when
Xavier visited the island for the second time. Another
son of king Boliefe, Tabarigia, experienced similar
ill-treatment some years before. He was acquitted
of the charges against him, and was sent back to his
kingdom, with a splendid equipage. Before he left
Goa, he was so edified by the equity of the christians,
that he embraced the faith.

Xavier hoped that the example of his brother,
would not be lost on Cacil, if any care were taken
to instruct him after his restoration. At first this
hope seemed not to be destitute of foundation. Cacil
received his visits with great civility ; he testified a
great affection for him, and seemed anxious to enjoy
his company. He listened to him while speaking of
God for several successive hours ; and many thought
that he would eventually renounce mahometanism.

But licentious morals are a great obstacle to the
grace of God ; and the dissolute life of the king
of Ternate, who kept a large seraglio, and would not
listen to the salutary restraints of christian morality,
blasted all these hopes. When Xavier endeavoured
to persuade him, that the law of God could not be
avoided, he reasoned on the principles of his sect, and
replied, that as the God of the christians was the
14*

158 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

same as the God of the Saracens, he could not con-
ceive why the christians should not enjoy the liberty
which the Saracens possessed.

Sometimes, however, he spoke differently; and
said that he would not lose his soul, or the friendship
of Xavier, for such unworthy motives. Still he con-
tinued obstinate in his errors, as he did not wish to
observe the restrictions of christian purity, and was
not able to make the law of Mahomet agree with
that of Jesus Christ. He promised, however, to re-
ceive baptism, if the Portuguese would invest one of
his sons with the sovereignty of the isle del Moro.

Xavier obtained from the Viceroy of India, what
the king of Ternate desired, but so far was the bar-
barian from keeping his word, that he commenced a
persecution of his christian subjects. Queen Neachile
felt the first effects of it : he dispossessed her of all
her lands, and reduced her to extreme poverty, in
which she spent the remainder of her days. Her
faith sustained her in these new misfortunes; and
Xavier, who had baptized her, made her so sensible
of the advantage of losing all things for Christ, that
she gave continual thanks to God for the entire des-
truction of her fortune.

The labours of the saint were not entirely unpro-
fitable in the court of Ternate. He converted many
persons of the royal family; among others, two sisters
of the prince, who preferred the quality of christians
and spouses of Jesus Christ before all earthly crowns.
They suffered patiently the ill-treatment of their
brother, rather than abandon the faith.

As the time of his departure drew nigh, Xavier
composed in the Malaya tongue, a long instruction
concerning the faith and morality of the christians.
He gave this to the people of Ternate, written with
his own hand, which might partially compensate for
his absence. Many copies were taken of it, and dis-
tributed among the neighbouringislands, and through
other countries of the east. It was read on holydays

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 159

in the public assemblies ; and the faithful listened to
it, as if coming from the mouth of the holy man.

He chose also some virtuous young men to ac-
company him to Goa, designing to educate them in
the college of the Society, and afterwards send them
back to preach the Gospel in the Moluccas. Having
made all these necessary arrangements, and the
" caracore, ' which was to bring him to Amboyna,
being in readiness, he resolved to depart as privately
as possible at night, that he might thus spare the in-
habitants the pain of the parting scene. All his pre-
cautions were, however, fruitless. They followed
him in crowds to the shore : men, women, and
children pressed round him ; with tears they be-
wailed his loss, begged his blessing, and besought
him at least to return quickly.

Unable to bear so moving a scene, Xavier mingled
his tears with those of his spiritual children. He
was afraid lest their great affection for him, might
cause his absence to prejudice their spiritual welfare.
Considering, however, that God had otherwise dis-
posed of him, he contented himself with enjoining
on them, to assemble, daily, at a certain church to
repeat the Apostles' creed, and excite each other to
the practice of virtue. He ordered the new converts
to commit to memory the exposition of the Apostles'
creed, which he had composed, and left with them in
writing : and was much consoled on hearing that a
priest, who was then present, promised to devote two
hours, every day, to the instruction of the people.
After this Xavier parted from his well beloved chil-
dren ; and as the ship set sail, the universal cry that
rose from the shore at his departure, pierced his
heart.

On his arrival at Amboyna, he found four Portu-
guese vessels, the company of which consisted en-
tirely of sailors and soldiers, — a description of persons
but badly instructed in the duties of religion, and,
from the continual bustle in which they live, but

160 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

little accustomed to reduce them to practice. To
profit by the leisure he then enjoyed, he constructed
a small chapel on the sea-shore, wherein he was wont
to converse with them concerning the great affair of
their salvation, — sometimes separately, at other
times, when all would be assembled. The most
irregular and scandalous among them were reclaim-
ed by his discourses ; and one soldier, all whose life
had been spent in vice, died with such sentiments of
true contrition, that on his death, Xavier said : —
« God be praised, who has brought me hither for the
salvation of that soul." This made some think he
had had a particular revelation of the fact.

By the same extraordinary favour, he knew that a
person whom he had left at Ternate in the vigour of
health, was at the point of death. Preaching one
day, he suddenly interrupted his discourse, and said
to his auditors ; — " recommend to God James Giles,
who is now in the agonies of death." The news of
his decease, which came soon after, verified the words
of Xavier.

After a delay of twenty days at Amboyna, the
four ships sailed for Malacca. The captain of the
merchantman, which was the strongest and best
equipped of all, invited him to go in her , but this
he refused, out of horror for the enormous crimes
which had been committed by the ship's company.
Turning to Gonsalvo Fernandez, he said : " This
ship will be in great danger, God deliver you out of
it." The prediction and wish of Xavier Avere ac-
complished. At the passage of the strait of Saban,
she struck upon a rock, broke the iron work of her
prow, and had well nigh foundered : she, however,
escaped that danger, and performed the rest of her
voyage in safety.

During the few days that he spent on the island,
he visited the seven christian villages in it, and caused
crosses to be set up in all of them, for the consolation

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 161

of the faithful. One of these crosses became after-
wards famous for the following remarkable miracle.

Extreme drought having caused a general famine
to be apprehended, some women, who previous to
their baptism, had been accustomed to use charms to
procure rain, — assembled round an idol, and wor-
shipped it with the usual magic ceremonies. It need
scarcely be said, that these were without effect. A
devout christian woman, who knew what they were
doing, ran thither ; and having sharply reprehended
them for their impious folly, reproached them par-
ticularly for not having sought protection, by means
of the cross which they had so near them. — " Did
not the holy father promise us,'^ said she, " that we
should infallibly obtain whatsoever we sought at the
foot of the cross ?'^ — Saying this, she conducted the
other women to the river side, where Xavier had
erected a cross ; where falling down before it, she
besought our Saviour to confound the idol by giving
them water. Immediately the clouds began to collect,
and the rain soon poured down in great abundance.
They all then ran to the idol, pulled it down, and
trampled it under foot ; after which, throwing it into
the river, they said contemptuously, that though they
could not get a drop of rain from him, they would give
him a whole river.

This strong and lively faith corresponded with the
hopes Xavier entertained of the christians of Am-
boyna. He sometimes compared them to the primi-
tive christians ; and believed that their constancy
would be proof against the cruelty of tyrants. He
was not deceived in the estimate he formed of them ;
as was seen, when the Javese, exasperated by their
abandonment of Mahomet, invaded their island.
While the Saracen army ravaged the country, six
hundred christians retired to a castle, where they
were immediately besieged. Although they had all
to dread from the fury of the barbarians, they most

162 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

feared lest their enemies should exercise their malice
against a cross which was raised in the midst of the
castle, where Xavier himself had put it up. To
preserve it, therefore, from the enemies of Jesus
Christ, they wrapt it up in gold cloth, and buried it
in the earth.

Having thus secured their treasure, they opened
the gates to the infidels, who suspecting what had
been done, ran to search for the cross, that they
might avenge on it, the contempt which had been
manifested for Mahomet. Not being able to find it,
they fell with fury on those who had concealed it,
and who now refused to discover where it was.
Death was the least part of the tortures they inflicted.
The mahometan soldiery cut off one man's leg,
another man's arm ; they tore out this man's eyes,
and that man's tongue. The christians thus died by
a slow death, without, however, letting a sigh, or a
groan, escape, or showing the least sign of weakness ;
so powerfully were they supported by the omnipo-
tent grace of Jesus Christ, for whom they suffered.

After Xavier had left Amboyna, he went to Ma-
cassar, as sqems most probable from the sequel of his
life. For, although it is not known when he visited
that island, or the particular fruits his labours pro-
duced there, it is certain that he was there. We have
the juridical testimony of a Portuguese lady of Ma-
lacca, Jane Melo, who often heard from the princess
Eleonora, daughter of the Ring of Macassar, that
Xavier had baptized the king her father, her brother,
and a great many of their subjects. At whatever
time, however, he made this voyage, he returned to
Malacca in July, 1547.

163

CHAPTER XVIII.

Mansilla dismissed from the Society — New missionaries — John
Deyro again relapses — Remarkable vision and prediction — Incessant
occupations of Xavier — Hostilities against Malacca — Expedition of
Achen — Sudden, and destructive attack on the city — Bombastic de-
fiance— Counsel of Xavier — He overcomes great difficulties in its
execution — Vow of the soldiers — Loss of a vessel — Tumult among
the people — Prophecy of Xavier — Its accomplishment — Departure
of the fleet — False rumour — Consternation in Malacca — Insidious
attempt of the King of Bintan — Engagement of the two fleets —
Dreadful slaughter of the enemy — Miraculous manifestations of the
victory — Triumphant return of the fleet.

At Malacca, Xavier found three missioners of the
Society, who in obedience to his directions commu-
nicated by letter, were going to the Moluccas. These
were John Beyra,Nugnez Ribera, priests, and Nich-
olas Nugnez, who had not yet received priest's
orders. Mansilla was not with them, notwithstand-
ing the directions he had received to that effect. Being
a self-willed man, he preferred to labour where he
was, rather than follow the command of his superior.
His disobedience did not remain unpunished. Xavier
expelled him from the Society, as he thought that
a disobedient member would do it more injury, than
an active labourer could do it service.

These three missioners had come to India in the
fleet with Don Perez de Payvra: seven other disci-
ples of Ignatius accompanied them. Some of these
were left at Cape Comorin, and the Fishery-coast, to
attend to the new christians of those parts, who were
so beloved by Xavier. The ships which were bound
for the Moluccas, not being ready to sail before the
end of August, Beyra, Ribera, and Nugnez, profited

164 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

by the intermediate time, to enjoy the company of
Xavier, and to prepare themselves, under his direc-
tion, for the apostoUc functions. He himself remained
four months at Malacca, waiting for a ship to take
him to Goa, during all which time he was contin-
ually occupied in the service of his neighbour.

His old companion John Deyro came with him
from Amboyna. He was not, however, a member
of the Society, and deserved not to be, for the causes
already mentioned, and for those which we are
about to mention. Some rich merchants placed in
his hands a sum of money for the subsistence of
Xavier, to whom, however, he mentioned nothing
of the circumstance. The holy man, who lived on
the alms that were daily given him, hated money as
much as Deyro loved it. He looked on this action
as an injury done to evangelical poverty, and se-
verely punished the offender. Not content with
giving him a sharp reprimand he ordered him to re-
tire to a desert isle, not far from the port, and im-
posed on him prayer, and rigorous fasting on bread
and water, until he should recall him. Deyro, who
was of a changeable and easy disposition, neither
constant in good nor obdurate in evil, — obeyed these
orders, and lived according to the rule prescribed
for him.

One night he had a vision, but whether sleeping
or waking does not appear, — in which he seemed to
be in a beautiful temple, where he beheld the Blessed
Virgin, seated on a magnificent throne. Her coun-
tenance appeared severe, and when he endeavoured
to approach near her, he was rejected as unworthy
to be of the Society of her Son. Some time after
Deyro was recalled from his solitude, but said nothing
of the vision he had seen : but Xavier, who had a
supernatural knowledge of the event, repeated it to
him, and yet Deyro persisted in denying it. The
holy man, more scandalized than ever with this con-
duct of Deyro, refused to have any farther commu-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 165

nication with so insincere a character. He parted
with him, but told him, that God would be merciful
to him, and change his evil inchnations ; and that
he should hereafter enter the order of St. Francis.
This was hterally fulfilled, and when judicial infor-
mations, concerning the holiness and miracles of
Xavier, were taken in India, Deyro wore the habit
of St. Francis, and led a most holy life.

After the departure of the three missioners for the
Moluccas, Xavier had to bear all the burthen and
heat of the day. His sanctity was so highly es-
teemed by the Portuguese and Indians, that all men
were anxious to treat with him concerning their
spiritual necessities. Being unable to satisfy all,
many were so unreasonable as to murmur against
him ; but at this he was rather consoled than
offended, as he himself states in one of his letters.
He was ordinarily employed in preaching either to
the christians or pagans, instructing and baptizing
catechumens, teaching children the christian doctrine,
visiting the sick and imprisoned, reconciling ene-
mies, or in other such works of charity. While thus
occupied, a circumstance occurred which increased
very much his fame throughout all India. To un-
derstand it well, it will be necessary to digress a
little.

After the conquest of Malacca by the Portuguese,
the neighbouring princes became jealous of their
power, and made many efforts to expel these foreign
invaders from India. These efforts, although often
sustained by numerous armies, were always unsuc-
cessful ; and the barbarians learned, by dear bought
experience, how much superior valour and discipline
are to mere numbers. The king of Achen, Sultan
Alaraddin, was rather provoked than humbled by
his want of success. Achen is the principal kingdom
of the island of Sumatra, distant about twelve leagues
from Malacca. This prince was a mahometan, and
an implacable enemy of all christians, especially of

15

166 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

the Portuguese. As he dared not openly assault the
fortress of Malacca, he contented himself with in-
festing the coasts with a strong fleet, that thus he
might injure the trade of the Portuguese, and cut off
the supplies that came to them from Europe. He
accordingly designed to attack the town, when it
should be destitute of provisions and means of de-
fence. For this purpose he wished to seize on a
port to the north of Malacca, which might serve as
a secure place of retreat for his fleet, and a fortress
for his own security. He accordingly made himself
master of the port, and commenced the building of a
citadel.

So secretly did he make his preparations for war,
that the Portuguese were perfectly unaware of them,
and had not even any suspicion of his design. He
selected five thousand veterans for this expedition ;
of these five hundred, called ' Orabalons,' were the
chief men of the country, and as a mark of their
nobility, wore gold bracelets. There was moreover
a number of Janissaries, lately arrived at Achen,
who volunteered their services, and were burning
with the desire to manifest their courage against the
christians. The fleet consisted of sixty ships, all
well equipped and manned; — not to speak of the
barks, transports, and fire-ships, that accompanied
them. A distinguished captain, Bajaja Soora, com-
manded the expedition ; and such v/as the confi-
dence reposed in him by the king, that he conferred
on him a royal title, to reward him for the capture
of Malacca — even before he had laid siege to it !

The inhabitants of this town received the first
intelligence of this expedition from the approach
of their enemies. On the 9th of October, 1547,
about two o'clock in the morning, the hostile fleet
entered the port, intending to assault it while
protected by the darkness. They began by dis-
charging their artillery, and sending their fire-ships
among the Portuguese vessels. The most bold

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 167

and adventurous of them landed, and, without ob-
serving any order, ran to that part of the wall which
they thought to be the weakest, or least defended ;
they filled up the ditch, and applied ladders, on
which they mounted, determined to carry the place
by storm. They met, however, with unexpected
resistance. The garrison and inhabitants were at
first terror-struck, at the shouts of the barbarians,
and the discharge of their artillery ; but immediately
recovering courage, and convinced that there was
no other alternative than to conquer or to die, they
flew to the ramparts, and vigorously repulsed the
assailants. They overturned their ladders, tumbled
the barbarians down into the ditch, where great
numbers of them lay dead or in a dying state.

Soora consoled himself for this failure, by the ex-
ecution his artillery and fire ships had done. All the
vessels in the port were either entirely burned, or so
injured as to be unfit for service ; and although a
violent fall of rain seemed hkely to extinguish the
flames, it was accompanied by a violent wind, that
contributed to spread the devastating element. The
enemy exulted in their success, and appeared next
morning on deck, shouting with joy as if already
victorious ; but the cannon of the fortress forced
them to retire to the isle of Upe. Seven poor fisher-
men, as they were returning to the town were taken
by them, and brought to the Admiral. He ordered
their ears and noses to be cut ofl', and dismissed them,
with a letter directed to Don Francisco de Melo,
governor of Malacca, in these words :

" I Bajaja Soo]^, who have the honour to carry in
golden vessels the rice of the great Sultan Alaraddin,
King of Achen, and of the territories washed by
both seas, give thee due notice, to write to thy king,
and inform him, that I am spreading terror and dis-
may in his fortress ; and that I will remain here as
long as I please. I adjure, not only the earth and
all the nations thereof to witness what I declare, but

163 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

also the elements, even to the lunar heavens, before
all of whom I declare, that thy king is a man of no
reputation or courage ;— ^that his standards, which
are now trampled under foot, shall never be lifted up
without the conqueror's permission ; — and that by
the victory I have achieved, the head of thy king is
under the feet of my master. From this day for-
ward, he is his subject and slave ; and to make thee
thyself confess this truth I defy thee to battle in the
place where I now am, if thou feelest sufficient
courage to oppose me.'^

This challenge, although couched in such absurd
and bombastic terms, perplexed the governor and
officers of the fortress. How could they accept the
challenge, while they were destitute of ships ? And
how could they decline it, without compromising the
honour of Portugal ? A council of war was imme-
diately summoned, at which Xavier attended. He
was saying mass at the church of ' Our Lady of the
mountain' near the city, so called from its situation,
when the governor sent for him. He gave him the
letter of Soora to peruse, and asked his advice in this
perplexing situation of affairs.

Xavier was well aware that the King of Achen
not only intended to expel the Portuguese from Ma-
lacca, but also to extirpate Christianity from the
East. Having read the letter, and raised his eyes
to heaven for a few moments, he replied, that the
honour of the christian religion was still more con-
cerned in it than that of the crown of Portugal.
Should this insult be borne, to what extremity of
audacity would not the enemy go ? Would not other
mahometan princes learn to imitate his example?
He concluded by declaring that the challenge ought
to be accepted, that thus the infidels might see, that
the King of heaven was more powerful than their
King Alaraddin. — " But how,^' asked the governor,
" shall we meet them ; since of eight galleys that we
liad, four only remain, and these are so shattered

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 169

and burned as to be almost useless ? Were we even
able to refit them, what would they avail against so
large a fleet ?" — " If," — replied Xavier, — " the bar-
barians had twice the number of ships, are not we
stronger, who have heaven on our side ? — how can
we fail to conquer, when we fight in the name of
our Lord and Saviour?"

No one now dared to oppose the man of God :
but all went immediately to the arsenal, where they
found a tolerably good bark, called in those parts
< catur,' and seven galleys, which were, however, old
and unfit for service. The superintendent of the
naval stores, Duarte de Bareto, was ordered to fit
them out, immediately ; but he declared that the
king's stores were unprovided with all necessaries,
and that the treasury was likewise empty.

The governor, who had no other fund at his dis-
posal, was ready to lose courage, when Xavier cor-
dially embraced seven sea captains, who were then
present, and besought them to undertake the fitting
out of the galleys, by each of them taking one ; and
without giving them time to reply, he assigned to
each his task. These men were unwilling to oppose
Xavier, or rather God, who moved them to comply
with his request. Above an hundred workmen were
immediately employed on each galley ; and in four
days they were all in fighting condition. Andrea
Toscano, a courageous and experienced seaman, took
the command of the < catur,' by the governor's direc-
tion ; who divided among the seven captains, one
hundred and eighty soldiers, and appointed Francis
Deza, admiral of the fleet. Xavier wished to go
with them ; but the people, who looked up to him as
their only consolation and protection, in case of any
disaster, made such a tumult on the occasion, that it
was deemed advisable to retain him in the town.

On the day before their embarkation, he called
together the captains and soldiers, and told them that
he would accompany them at least in spirit, and that,
15*

170 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

while they were contending with the enemy, he
would raise np his hands to heaven for their suc-
cess. He exhorted them to fight valiantly, — having
before their eyes the acquisition, not of vain and
transitory, but of solid and imperishable glory ; and
to remember, during the contest, their crucified Re-
deemer, whose cause they maintained, that they
might learn from his sufferings and death, not to fear
such things, but rather to esteem themselves happy,
if they could render life for life.

These words inspired them with such noble and
generous sentiments, that with one voice they so-
lemnly promised to shed the last drop of their blood
in defence of their religion. Xavier was affected
even to tears by this magnanimous vow ; and giving
them his blessing, in order to encourage them, he
called them the * Saviour's soldiers.' After this he
heard the confessions of all, and administered to them
communion with his own hand.

On the following day, they embarked, with such
sentiments of joy and confidence, as seemed to pre-
sage certain victory. Their feelings were, however,
but momentary ; for they had scarcely weighed
anchor, when the "catur," which carried the ad-
miral, opened, and sunk, and there was scarcely suf-
ficient time to save those on board. This melancholy
accident occurred in the sight of the multitude who
had assembled to see them depart. They looked on
it as a bad omen; they began even to murmur
against Xavier, and called out that the other vessels
should be recalled. The governor apprehended some
evil consequences from this popular commotion, and
sent in haste for Xavier, who had retired to say Mass
in the church of "Our Lady of the Mount," and
who was about to receive the communion when the
messenger arrived ; to whom he gave a sign, as he
drew near to him, to be silent and retire. After
Mass was over, — " return," — said Xavier to him,
without giving him time to communicate the intel-

LIFE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 171

ligence — " return, and assure the governor, that he
need not be discouraged at the loss of one vessel."
By this he shewed that God had revealed to him
what had occurred. He continued some time pray-
ing before the statue of the Blessed Virgin, and
these words were overheard by those present. — " 0
my Jesus, the desire of my heart ! regard me with a
favorable eye ; and thou, Holy Virgin, be propitious
to me ! Lord Jesus ! look on thy sacred wounds,
and remember that they give us a right to ask of
thee every thing that can conduce to our good."

When his prayer was over, he went to the citadel,
where he found the governor, who, terrified with the
cries and mumurs of the people, could not dissemble
his anxiety, but reproached Francis, for having
engaged him in this enterprise. Xavier chided him
for his distrust in God ; and said to him ; " why are
you so dejected for so slight an accident?" They
then went together to the shore, where the soldiers
who had been rescued from a watery grave, were in
great consternation at the hazard they had so lately
escaped. Xavier bade them be of good cheer, and
exhorted them to remain constant in their holy
resolution, notwithstanding their misfortune. He
told them that heaven had permitted the vessel to
sink, thus to make trial of their faith ; and had saved
themselves from shipwreck, to give them the oppor-
tunity of performing their vow. In the meantime,
the governor having deemed it necessary to summon
the great council, all the officers and principal in-
habitants of the town were inclined to give up the
enterprise, which they looked upon as rash in its
origin, and likely to prove unsuccessful. The cap-
tains and soldiers of the fleet, encouraged by the ex-
hortations of Xavier, and inspired with more than
ordinary confidence, protested that they would rather
die, than violate the vow they had made to Jesus
Christ. "What have we to fear," said they, "to-day,
more than yesterday ? Our number is not diminished,

172 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

although we have one vessel less : and we shall fight
as well with six galleys as with seven. On the
other hand, what hopes may we not conceive under
the auspices of Father Francis ?"

Then Xavier cried out with a prophetic voice;
" the lost galley shall soon be made good. Before
the sun goes down, two vessels better than that
which perished will arrive. This I declare to you
on the part of God.'' The whole assembly were
amazed at this declaration, and determined to defer
the further consideration of the matter to the next
morning. The remaining part of the day was passed
in the most eager impatience to see the fulfilment of
the holy man's promise : and the sun was just on
the point of setting, and many were disposed to
question the accomplishment of the prediction, when
from the steeple of the Church of " Our Lady of the
Mount," were discovered two European ships, sail-
ing directly from the north. Melo, perceiving that
they were Portuguese vessels, sent out a skiff to hail
them, and learned that one of them belonged to
James Suarez Gallego, and the other to Balthazar
Melo, his own son. They were coming from the
kingdom of Patau, by way of Pegu, but did not
intend to anchor at Malacca. Xavier, who was at
his devotions in the Church of Our Lady, was im-
mediately sent for, and told that the accomplishment
of his prophecy would avail but little, unless the
ships entered the port. He accordingly undertook
to effect this, and going into the skiff went to the
two ships, by whose captains he was received with
great respect. He told them of the present juncture
of affairs, and besought them, both by their attach-
ment to religion and love of country, to aid the town
against the common enemy of Christianity and Por-
tugal. He shewed them also, that their interest, no
less than their duty, required this of them ; as they
could not pursue their course, without running the
evident danger of falling into the hands of the bar-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 173

barians. They yielded their assent to his request,
and accordingly entered the port next morning, amid
the shouts and acclamations of the people.

All apprehension of encountering the enemy now
vanished, and those who before v/ere most timorous,
openly adopted the opinion of the captains and sol-
diers of the fleet. All things being thus favorably
arranged, Deza, the admiral, having received the
flag from the hands of Xavier, who had solemnly
blessed it, went on board the ships of his brother,
George Deza, as his own vessel had sunk the day
before. The small fleet was increased by the two
vessels lately arrived, and its strength by fifty addi-
tional men, making in all two hundred and thirty
Portuguese. They sailed on the 25th of October,
and had strict orders not to pass Pulo Cambylan,
which is the extreme westerly limit of the kingdom
of Malacca. The motive of this order was, that as
they were vastly inferior to the enemy, in men and
shipping, they would save their honour by driving
them off the coasts, without pursuing them further.
Although we should place hope in God, it is not pro-
per to tempt heaven by rashness and presumption.

They arrived in four days at Pulo Cambylan,
without having met with the enemy, or discovering
any trace of them. In obedience to the governor,
the admiral was disposed to return at once, although
the courage and ardour of his men prompted them
to pass the prescribed bounds, and go in pursuit of
the enemy, wheresoever they had retired. But a
strong wind having arisen, they were forced to re-
main at anchor for twenty three days, when their
provisions growing short, and the wind not permit-
ting them to return, they resolved to take in fresh
provisions at Tenasserim, towards the kingdom of
Siam.

Meanwhile the greatest consternation prevailed at
Malacca, where the hopes imparted by Xavier, had
kept up the people for a few days ; but as a month

174 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

had now elapsed, without any news of the fleet, they
thought that it must have been either wrecked, or
destroyed by the enemy. The Saracens confidently
reported that the fleets had met, that the men of
Achen had destroyed the Portuguese, and sent their
heads as presents to their king. This rumour was
confirmed by the minute details of the supposed en-
gagement, its time and place being duly assigned.
The pagans who had friends in the fleet, consulted
the sorcerers and soothsayers, and these confirmed the
falsehood by their answers. In this state of things
the people of Malacca were greatly incensed against
Xavier, nor was the governor himself wholly free
from this unworthy and unreasonable feeUng.

Far, however, from distrusting the promises of
God, or doubting of the certainty of the knowledge
he had of the state of the fleet, Xavier confidently
assured them that they should see it return victorious.
He did not diminish his prayers and vows to heaven
for the success of the expedition ; and at the conclu-
sion of all his sermons, he recommended his congre-
gation to pray for the return of the fleet. But the
minds of the people were so much embittered, that
some were not ashamed to use reproachful language
to him ; while others, less violent, told him that his
prayers might be of some use to the souls of the
fallen soldiers, but were not likely to gain a battle
that was already lost.

The intelligence which came from Sumatra, in-
creased the terror and anxiety of the town. The
king of Bintan, whose father had been despoiled of
the kingdom of Malacca by Albuquerque the great,
was always watching for an opportunity to reconquer
his lost patrimony. As he heard that the town was
now destitute of soldiers, and believed that the Por-
tuguese had been defeated by the army of the king
of Achen, he sailed with a considerable force, and
anchored in the river of Minar, six leagues west of
Malacca.

LIFE DP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 175

The better to accomplish his design by concealing
it, he wrote thence to the governor, Melo, that he had
prepared an armament against the king of Patan, but
that learning of the defeat of the Portuguese, he had
come, as a brother and ally of the king of Portugal,
to defend Malacca against the king of Achen. He
therefore asked to be admitted into the place, before
it came into the hands of the enemy, who would not
fail to make himself master of it, unless the progress
of his victories were speedily arrested.

Melo, whose confidence was somewhat revived
by the assurances of Xavier, saw the snare that was
laid for him ; and answered the king of Bintan, that
the town was amply provided with men and ammuni-
tion, and had, consequently, no need of relief He
advised him, therefore, not to lay aside or defer the
expedition in which he was engaged. So far from
crediting the rumours concerning their fleet, he said
that they were in hourly expectation of seeing it re-
turn triumphant, and laden with the spoils of their
enemies ; and that the report of its defeat originated
with the Saracens, whose tongues were generally
longer than their swords.

This reply made the king of Bintan suspect that
his design had been discovered ; and he concluded
that prudence required him to wait, until he should
have some more certain information of the two fleets.

It is time to return to the christian fleet. Before
arriving at Tenasserim, they were forced by the
want of water to enter the river Parlez, at Queda.
While here, they observed a fishing smack pass close
to them at night, from the men in which they learned,
that the fleet of Achen was in the river, and had been
there for six weeks. They had plundered all the
low-lands, and were now engaged in building a
fortress.

This news filled the Portuguese with joy. To
testify his satisfaction at having found the enemy,
whom he despaired of meeting, the admiral put on

176 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

his richest apparel, and discharged all his artillery,
without reflecting that he thus lost his powder, and
put the enemy on their guard. With somewhat
more prudence, he sent three galleys up the river, to
reconnoitre the enemy: and in the mean time he put
all things in order for engaging.

The three Portuguese galleys met with four light
vessels, sent by the enemy to ascertain the cause of
the firing. Three of them were respectively seized
by the three galleys, but the fourth escaped. All
the enemy's force in these galleys, were killed in
the fray, with the exception of six, from two of
whom the Portuguese learned where the rest of the
king of Achen's fleet lay, as also that the number of
his forces, including the sailors, was above ten
thousand. They also understood, that the king of
the country where they now were, had been com-
pelled to avoid a shameful death by flight ; that these
marauders had massacred above ten thousand of the
natives, and made an equal number of prisoners ;
and that they were now building a fort, to command
the passage through which ships ordinarily came
from Bengal to Malacca. Their design .was not
only to render this route impassable, but also to put
to death all the christians who should fall into their
hands.

This report gave new zeal and courage to the
Portuguese, who were still further incited by the
address of the admiral. He went from vessel to
vessel, and exhorted them to remember the advice of
Father Francis, and during the battle to have Christ
crucified before their eyes ; to be mindful of the
solemn promise they had made ; and above all to
entertain an assured hope of victory, relying on the
promise of so holy a man. All unanimously
answered that they would fight as long as life re-
mained, and would be happy to shed the last drop
of their blood, for the defence of their religion.
Animated by their reply, Deza took a favourable

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 177

position on the river, whence he might be able to
fail on the enemy, without exposing his small fleet
to be surrounded by their superior numbers.

The fleet of Achen was, in the meantime, no less
busily engaged in making preparations to attack the
Portuguese, whose proximity they learned from the
brigantine that had escaped. Confiding in their
greater number, and irritated by the loss of the three
vessels, they sailed down with all their forces, — ex-
cepting two vessels and two hundred land soldiers,
whom they left to guard the two thousand captives
and the rich booty they had taken. The wind and
course of the river favoured them, so that they de-
scended with amazing rapidity. Deza had scarcely
returned from the general visit before mentioned,
and had got on board his own vessel, when he heard
their shouts and yells, which were re-echoed from
the banks and hills as they came on. They were
in ten divisions, each composed of six vessels, except
the first, which had bat four, but these were the
largest in the whole fleet. Among them was
the admiral's vessel, and with him three Turkish
large galleys. The barbarians were so transported
with rage, at the sight of the Portuguese fleet, that
they discharged at once all their artillery, but with
so little skill, as to render it only a puerile and harm-
less display. The ships in which were the two
admirals, met and engaged with each other so
fiercely, that for a long time the result was doubtful,
until a ball from the vessel of John Soarez sunk
Soora's vessel. The three vessels that fought abreast
with his, now turned aside, and left ofl" fighting, in
order to save their leader, and the principal lords of
his retinue. Thus it happened that these vessels
completely blocked up the river, and the remaining
vessels as they came down rapidly, struck against
them and against each other, and soon became in-
volved in inextricable confusion.

Seeing the enemy's ships thus entangled, the Por-
16

178 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

tuguese opened their guns on them on all sides, and
with such effect, that nine of the larger vessels were
sunk, and alitiost all the rest disabled. Having grap-
pled with, and boarded them sword in hand, a fright-
ful carnage ensued ; so that it is supposed that in
less than half an hour, two thousand of the enemy
fell. The confusion increased among them, at the
sight of this slaughter, and at the continued and de-
structive fire of the Portuguese guns ; so that many
of the Achen soldiers leaped into the river, preferring
a watery grave to the terrible retribution they ex-
pected at the hands of the christians.

Soora had been taken up, when he was on the
point of drowning. He endeavoured to rally those
that were about him, but a musket shot, which he
received, obliged him to consult for his own safety
in a speedy .flight, in which he was accompanied
only by two vessels. The five hundred "Orabalans,'*
or chief nobility, together with the Janissaries, were
either slain or drowned. Of the christians only
twenty-six were killed, among whom were only
four Portuguese. The spoil was immense. Besides
the two guard-ships, which, together with all the
pillage the enemy had gained, came into the power
of the conquerors, they captured forty-five vessels,
most of which might easily be refitted for service.
Among the spoils were a great quantity of Turkish
arms, three hundred pieces of artillery of all sizes,
and what was particularly gratifying, sixty-two
pieces of ordnance, whereon were engraved the arms
of Portugal, and which had been taken in divers
wars.

When the king of Parlez heard of Soora's defeat,
he issued from the woods where he had lain concealed,
and with five hundred men, fell upon those who
were erecting a fortress, by Soora's orders. Having
entirely overcome them, he visited Deza, and con-
gratulated him on the signal success of his arms.
He acknowledged that he owed the preservation of

LIFE OF ST. FRANCTS XAVIER. 179

his kingdom to the Portuguese arms, and offered to
pay an annual tribute to the crown of Portugal.

Deza immediately despatched a frigate, to carry
the news of his victory to Malacca, — where, how-
ever, it was already fully known, together with all
the circumstances by which it was accompanied.

As Xavierwas preaching in the church, on the morn-
ing of Sunday the 4th of January, between the hours
of nine and ten, — the very time the fleets were en-
gaged,— he suddenly stopped, and appeared so ab-
sorbed in some important thought, that the change
in his appearance excited universal attention. Hav-
ing partially recovered himself, he announced, in a
mysterious and figurative manner, the meeting and
engagement of the two fleets; but the people did
not at once comprehend his meaning, and were of
opinion that he was distracted. As the engagement
became closer, his appearance was proportionably
excited, and manifested all the symptoms of one
under the influence o; a supernatural power. At
length, fixing his eyes on the crucifix before him, he
said with tears and sighs, in an audible and distinct
voice ; — "Ah Jesus ! God of my soul, and Father of
mercies ! I most humbly beseech thee, by the merits
of thy sacred passion, forsake not those who fight
thy battle." — After this he hung down his head as
if wearied, and leaned over the pulpit in silence.
After continuing some time in this posture, he sud-
denly rose up, and said with indications of irrepres-
sible joy : — " My brethren, Jesus Christ has van-
quished for you. At this moment, while I am
speaking, the soldiers of his blessed name have com-
pleted their victory, by the entire defeat of the
enemy, of whom many have been killed, while we
have lost only four of our Portuguese. You will
receive the news on next Friday, and may shortly
expect the return of your victorious fleet."

Although this news seemed in itself incredible, yet
the governor and the principal persons in the town

180 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

unhesitatingly believed it, as the manner of the holy-
man indicated a divine communication, and suffi-
ciently attested its truth. The mothers and wives
of the absent soldiers, were so much influenced by
their anxiety and fears, that they assembled at the
Church of Our Lady in the afternoon, where they
heard him repeat distinctly all that he had said in
the morning, so that they might no longer doubt of
its truth.

In the early part of the week the intelligence they
received of the king of Bintan, confirmed them in
the belief of what Francis had announced. As soon
as he had learned from his spies, that the Portuguese
had been victorious, he quitted Micar in haste,
lamenting, at the same time, the misfortune of his
ally, and his own ill-timed expedition.

The frigate dispatched by Deza, under the com-
mand of Emmanuel Godigno, arrived on Friday, as
Xavier had foretold ; it was soon followed by the
fleet, which entered in triumph into the port, amid
sound of trumpet and a general discharge of artillery.
On the shore was Francis, at the head of the people,
who welcomed back the victors with reiterated
shouts of applause. He held up a crucifix in his
hand, by which he reminded both soldiers and peo-
ple, that they owed the victory to Christ. All united
in rendering solemn thanks to the Saviour of man-
kind, and in praising that extraordinary man, whose
counsels had directed them in their enterprise, and
to the efficacy of whose prayers, they attributed the
wonderful success with which it was crowned.

ISl

CHAPTER XIX.

Arrival of a Japanese — Causes of his visit — Providential inter-
position— Xavier sends him to Goa — Sails himself for Cochin —
Strait of Ceylon — Dreadful storm — Miraculous preservation — Xavier
writes to the King of Portugal — His letter — Writes also to Father
Simon Rodriguez — Spiritual delights during the storm.

To escape from the veneration of the people,
Xavier availed himself of the opportunity which
was afforded by the affairs that called him to Goa.
He had been now four months at Malacca, since his
return from the Moluccas, and was on the eve of
his departure, when some ships arrived from China,
in one of which was a native of Japan, named
Anger, who had come expressly to see him. About
two years before, the Portuguese who had discover-
ed Japan, became acquainted with him at Cangox-
ima, the place of his birth, and learned from him
that as his mind was much troubled by the recollec-
tion of the sins of his youth, he had retired among
the solitary bonzas ; but that neither the solitude in
which he lived, nor the conversation of those heathen
priests, had been able to calm the agitations of his
soul; and that therefore he had returned to the
world, more disquieted than ever by remorse of
conscience.

Among the Portuguese at Cangoxima were some
merchants who had seen Francis, when he first
came to Malacca, and who were intimately acquaint-
ed with Anger, who discovered to them the anxiety
of his mind, which time only served to increase.
They told him that in Malacca there was a reli-
gious man, eminent for holiness of life, and of

16*

182 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

great experience in spiritual things, who would pro-
bably restore tranquillity to his mind. They offered
to afford him the means of visiting Xavier, for it was
of him that they spoke, if he himself were willing
to seek consolation from one who was no less famed
for his compassion to sinners, than his power in calm-
ing agitated consciences.

Anger felt a strong desire to visit this holy man,
of whom he heard such great things ; but the length
of the voyage, — eight hundred leagues, the dangers
of the sea, and the thought of his family, deterred
him from yielding at once to his own inclinations.
At length he was determined by a disagreeable oc-
currence, in which he became involved. Having
been so unfortunate as to kill a man in a quarrel, he
was obliged to take refuge in the ships of Portugal
to elude the pursuit of justice ; and he now consented
to make the proposed voyage as the best means of
preserving his life.

The Portuguese merchant, Alvarez Vaz, who had
particularly urged him to visit Xavier, and had fre-
quently offered to conduct him to him, had not
finished all his affairs, when the Japanese sought
refuge in his ship. He sent him, however, to
another Portuguese, Ferdinand Alvarez, who was
about to sail for Malacca, from another port of Japan.
Anger, accompanied by two servants, set out for this
latter place, where when he arrived he met with
George Alvarez, who was on the point of weighing
anchor. This was a wealthy and virtuous man, and
was extremely fond of Xavier. He received the
letters of Alvarez, as if they had been directed to
himself, and took the three Japanese on board.
During the voyage he treated them with all imagina-
ble kindness, and was much gratified at the idea of
the satisfaction he would have, in presenting them
to the man of God, who would probably make them
the first christians of their country. On their arrival
at Malacca, they foiuid that Xavier had set out for

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 183

the Moluccas, a short time before. More "troubled
by remorse in a foreign land than he had been in his
own country, and despairing of meeting with him
of whom he had heard so much, Anger was thinking
of returning, without adverting to the danger to
which he exposed himself, or the cause of his depar-
ture from his native country. He accordingly went
again to sea, and having delayed for some time in a
port of China, he pursued his voyage to his native
country. He was already in sight of some of the
islands of Japan, when a furious tempest arose,
which drove him back in four days to the same port
in China, from which he had sailed. This was a
special interference of Providence on behalf of An-
ger, for the same hand that urges forward the guilty
to the precipice, sometimes withdraws them from its
brink, in a miraculous manner.

He met there most providentially with Alvarez
Vaz, who was on the eve of sailing for Malacca.
This affectionate friend reproved Anger for his im-
patience ; he offered to bring him back to the place
which he had so abruptly left, and represented to
him that in all probability Xavier had now returned
from the Moluccas. Anger, whose troubled mind
still agitated him, and who was easily induced to
assent to any proposal, that promised him tranquillity
of conscience, yielded to the request of Vaz, and
returned to Malacca with him.

On his arrival he met with George Alvarez, who
was surprised to see him once more, and from whom
he received the agreeable information that Xavier
had returned from the Moluccas, and was then in
Malacca. He was immediately conducted to the
holy man, who received him with great joy and
cordiality ; for he foresaw that this man would be
the first christian of his nation, and that by means of
him the christian faith should be preached in^that
distant and hitherto unknown region of the earth.
The appearance of Xavier, and the kindliness of his

184 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

manner, were for Anger a certain presage thai he
would entirely correspond with all his expectations.
As he understood a little of the Portuguese language,
Xavier assured him that the uneasiness of his soul
would soon cease, and that he would speedily find
that repose, in search of which he had undertaken
so long a voyage. He told him, however, that before
he could attain this, he should first understand and
practise the law of God, which alone could impart
true happiness to his soul, and make it enjoy unin-
terrupted tranquillity. Desiring nothing more anx-
iously, than quiet of conscience, — and captivated by
the amiability and goodness of Xavier, Anger oflered
to be directed by him in all things ; and was accord-
ingly instructed by him in the principles of faith, of
which his Portuguese friends had already given
him some idea. That his conversion, however,
might be more solid and permanent, he thought it
advisable to send him and his two attendants to the
Seminary of Goa, where they might be fully instruct-
ed in the truths and practices of Christianity before
they received baptism. He wished also, that these
first fruits of religion in Japan, should be consecrated
to God by the bishop of the capital city of the Por-
tuguese possessions in India.

As he himself designed to visit the Fishery-coast
on his way to Goa, he would not take the three
Japanese with him, but intrusted them to the care of
George Alvarez. He wrote by them to the rector
of the college of St. Paul, and ordered him to in-
struct them with all diligence ; and at the same time
he put on board the ship of another Portuguese,
twenty or thirty young men, whom he had brought
from the Moluccas, that they might go through their
studies in the same college. After which he himself
departed in another vessel, that was bound directly
for Cochin.

Jn passing through the strait of Ceylon, the ship

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 185

in which was Xavier, was overtaken by a terrific
tempest. At first they were obHged to cast all the
cargo overboard, and the pilot, being no longer able
to hold the rudder, abandoned the vessel to the fury
of the waves. During three days and three nights,
they had death continually before their eyes ; and
the only source of consolation for the ship's company
was the presence of Xavier, whose countenance re-
mained serene and undisturbed, while all about him
was tumult and confusion. After he heard their
confessions, he implored the protection of heaven,
and exhorted them to resign themselves to the holy
will of God, whether it should be for life or death.
He then retired into his cabin, where Francis Pereyra
found him, in the very midst of the storm, absorbed
in recollection, before his crucifix, and unmindful of
all things but God. The ship at length struck on the
sand-banks of Ceylon, and the crew gave themselves
up as irrecoverably lost. Francis came out of his
cabin, and asked the pilot for the line and plummet,
with which he was wont to take soundings. Having
received it, he let it down to the bottom of the sea,
and said these words : — '« Great God ! Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost ! have mercy on us !" At the same
moment the wind fell, and the vessel suddenly stop-
ped. After this they pursued their voyage, and
arrived at Cochin, on the 21st of January, 1548.

A Portuguese vessel being then about to leave
that port for Europe, Xavier profited by this oppor-
tunity to write several letters, among others, one to
John III. king of Portugal, to Simon Rodriguez, and
to the fathers at Rome. The letter to the king was
full of the most wholesome counsel, on the duties and
obligations of a ruler. He told him that he would
have to answer before God, for the misconduct of
the officers of his government ; and that, one day, a
rigorous account would be demanded from him, of
those souls that perished through his neglect, or

186 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

want of perseverance in his efforts. But these
severe truths were conveyed to the monarch, with
all due precautions of christian moderation and
humihty.

*« I have long deliberated, whether I should inform
your majesty of the acts of your officers in India,
and of what is necessary yet to be done for the es-
tablishment of our failh. On the one hand, I am
moved to write to you, by zeal for God's honour and
glory; but on the other, I am deterred from doing
so, by the apprehension of effecting no good. I
have, however, concluded, that I could not remain
silent, without betraying my duty to God, who had
inspired me with these designs, to the end, probably,
that I should communicate them to your majesty.
Still I have always dreaded, that if I communicated
my thoughts freely to you, my letter would only
serve as evidence against you at the hour of your
death, and would only increase the rigour of your
trial before God, by depriving you of the plea of
ignorance. These considerations give me much un-
easiness, as your majesty must know ; for my heart
will answer for me, that I desire to employ all my
strength, and even spend my life itself, in endeavour-
ing to effect the conversion of the inhabitants of India,
that, as far as in me lies, I may free your majesty's
conscience, and render your future judgment less
terrible. In this I only do my duty, as the special
attention whh which you cherish our Society, well
deserves that I should sacrifice myself for you."

He then informs the king, how much the jealousy
and secret divisions of his officers had impeded the
progress of the gospel. He declares, that he would
wish the king to bind himself, by a solemn oath, to
punish whosoever should oppose any further obstacle
to the establishment of the faith in India; and as-
sures him that if those invested with authority were
convinced, that their faults would not pass without

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 187

due punishment, the whole isle of Ceylon, Cape
Comorin, and many of the Malabar princes, would
receive the faith within the space of a year. He de-
clares that the divinity of Jesus Christ would be
acknowledged, and his doctrine professed, through-
out all India, if those men in power, who had ne-
glected to promote the interests of the faith, had
been deprived of their offices and revenues.

After this he implores the king to send him a supply
of missioners of the Society, whom he deemed best
adapted to the wants of India. " I beg and adjure
your Majesty, by the love you bear our Lord, and
by the zeal wherewith you are inflamed for the divine
honour, to send, next year, preachers of our Society
to India. Your fortresses are in extreme want of
such suppUes, both in regard of the Portuguese, who
garrison them, as also of the native christians, in the
towns and villages dependent on them. I speak
from experience, and what my own eyes have seen,
obliges me to urge this request. When I was at
Malacca and in the Moluccas, I preached twice on
all Sundays and festivals, because I saw that both
the soldiers and the people had great need of being
instructed in the law of God.

" I preached in the morning to the Portuguese at
Mass : in the afternoon I went again into the pulpit,
and instructed their children, their slaves, and the
newly converted christians, accommodating my dis-
course to their understanding, and explaining to them
the principal points of the christian doctrine. Besides
this, on one day of the week, I assembled the wives
of the Portuguese in the church, and instructed them
in the articles of faith, especially on the sacraments
of penance and the eucharist. If this method were
every where adopted, great good would be done.
Every day in the fortresses, I explained the principles
of religion to the children and servants of the soldiers,
as also to the natives of tiie country, who were born

188 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

of christian parents. These instructions had so much
effect on the latter, that tliey abandoned the supersti-
tious practices which are so prevalent among these
dull and uninstructed converts.

" I enter into all these details, that your Majesty
may, in your prudence, judge what number of
preachers is necessary for us here, and that you may
not forget to send us many. Unless the ministry of
preaching be more frequently exercised, there is
reason to fear, that not only the Indians who have
embraced the faith will abandon it, but that many of
the Portuguese will insensibly forget the duties of
religion, and henceforward live more like heathens
than christians.''

As Father Simon Rodriguez, who governed the
Society in Portugal, had great interest at court,
Xavier urged him to support his request with all
his influence. He specially recommended to him to
make choice of preachers of tried virtue and ex-,
emplary austerity. He says : — " If I thought that
the king would not be offended at the counsel of a
faithful servant who sincerely loves him, I would
advise him to meditate, for fifteen minutes every day,
on this divine sentence : — 'what does it profit a man
to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?' It
is time to undeceive him, and let him know that the
hour of death is nearer than he imagines it to be, —
that momentous hour, when the king of kings will
summon him to judgment, with these awful words:
' give an account of your stewardship.' For which
reason, my dear brother, act in such a manner, that
he may fulfil his whole duty, and that he may send
the necessary supplies into India, for the promotion
of the faith."

In his letter to the fathers of Rome, he gives them
a detailed account of his voyage to Malacca, Am-
boyna, the Moluccas, and the isle del Moro ; and of
the success with which God blessed his labours. He

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 189

did not omit the extreme danger in which he was,
while in the Ceylon strait.

"In the height of the tempest, I took for my inter-
cessors with God, all the hving members of our
Society, as well as all who are well affected towards
it. With these I united all christians, that I might
be assisted by the merits of the Spouse of Christ, the
holy Catholic Church, whose prayers are heard in
heaven, although she dwells on earth. I then im-
plored the aid of the departed, and particularly of
Pierre Le Fevre, that the wrath of God might be
appeased. I went through all the orders of the
angels, and the saints, all of whom 1 invoked in my
distress. But that I might more easily obtain the
pardon of my innumerable sins, I took as my special
patroness and protectress, the most holy Mother of
God, and Queen of Heaven, who easily obtains from
her divine Son, whatever she asks. In fine, having
placed all my hope in the infinite merits of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, I enjoyed a greater satis-
faction in the midst of this raging tempest, than
when I was wholly delivered from the danger.

" And, indeed, being, as I am, the very worst of
men, I am ashamed of having shed so many tears of
joy, through an excess of pleasure, when I was on
the point of perishing. I humbly prayed the Lord
that he would not save me from the danger of ship-
wreck, unless it were to preserve me for other and
greater dangers, for his honour and service. God
has often interiorly discovered to me from how
many dangers I have been delivered by the prayers
and sacrifices of those of the Society, — both of those
who labour here on earth, and of those who enjoy
the reward of their labours in heaven. When I
have once begun the mention of our Society, I can-
not leave off. The vessel, however, is about to sail,
and I must conclude with what I deem the most
appropriate termination of my letter. ' 0 Society of
Jesus ! if ever I forget thee, may my right hand be

17

190 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

unprofitable to me, and may I even forget to use it.^
I pray our Lord Jesus Christ that as he lias united
us in the Society, during this miserable life, he may
re-unite us in a blessed eternity, in the company of
all his saints who behold his glory.' "

* Si oblitus unquam fuero tui, Societas Jesu, oblivioni detur dextera
mea.

191

CHAPTER XX.

Xavier visits the Fishery-coast — Is consoled by the faith and piety
of its inhabitants — Encourages and instructs his fellow missioners —
Passes over to Ceylon — Attempts the conversion of the king of Jafana-
tapan»

After he had written those letters, and devoted
some time to the service of the people at Cochin,
Xavier again doubled Cape Comorin, and visited
once more the Fishery-coast. The Paravas were
overjoyed to behold their "good father," as they
named him ; and the inhabitants of all the villages
came forth to meet him, singing the christian doc-
trine, and praising God for his return. The satisfac-
tion of Xavier on beholding these his first children in
Jesus Christ, was no less than theirs ; and he was
particularly consoled at seeing that the number of
the christians was considerably augmented, by the
labours of his brethren. Many of the Society were
there, the chief of whom were Antonio Criminali,
Francis Henriquez, and Alphonso Cyprian. Xavier
having written from Amboyna, for the greatest num-
ber of missioners that could be spared, for the in-
struction of these new converts on the Fishery-coast,
— all those who came from Portugal after his own
arrival in India, were sent thither, with the exception
of three, who went to the Moluccas, and of two, who
remained at Goa, to aid in the management of the
college

Xavier was no less edified by the fervour, than
consoled by the number, of these new christians.
While visiting one of their villages, a yoimg man
was shown to him, who had embarked in company

192 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

with a Portuguese, and was shipwrecked on the coast
of Malabar. The Saracens, who inhabit that place,
murdered the Portuguese, and endeavoured to make
this youth renounce the faith. They brought him
into a mosque, and promised him much riches and
great honours, if he would abandon the faith of
Christ and embrace Mahometanism. Seeing, how-
ever, that these promises did not move him, they
threatened iiim with death, and drew the sword, as
if about to kill him ; but this did not make the least
impression on him. He was then loaded with heavy
irons, and otherwise treated with great cruelty; until
he was at length delivered by a Portuguese captain,
who being informed of the affair, came to his relief.
Xavier tenderly and frequently embraced him, and
returned thanks to God for having impressed the
faith so firmly on the heart of a barbarian. He also
heard with great joy of the constancy of some slaves,
who had fled from the houses of their Portuguese
masters, but complied exactly with the obligations of
their baptism, and lived in a most religious manner
even am.ong the gentiles. He also heard, that when
one of these slaves died, they did not permit the body
to be burned, as was the custom of the pagans, but
buried it according to the ceremonies of the church,
and set up a cross over the grave.

Although their infidel masters did not hinder them
from living as christians, and they themselves Avere
all resolved to persevere in the faith, still they
anxiously desired to return to the society of the
faithful, where they might have those spiritual
succours of which they stood in need. When they
heard of the return of Xavier, who had baptized the
greatest part of them, they came to beg of him to
make their peace with their former masters, whom
they had left, for the purpose of freeing themselves
from slavery. They now declared that they were
ready to lose their liberty once more, rather than en-
danger the salvation of their souls. Xavier received

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 193

them with open arms, and easily reconciled them
with their masters.

After he had visited all the villages, he remained
sometime at Manapar, not far from Cape Comorin.
As his only object was to propagate religion in
India, and for that purpose establish the Society
there, he began to regulate all things according to
the principles, and in the spirit of Ignatius. He ac-
cordingly assembled all the missioners on that coast,
and examined their respective talents and virtues, by
familiarly conversing with them, and causing them to
give an account of what passed between God and
their own hearts. When he had assigned to each of
them the post, for which his bodily strength and
spiritual advancement most fitted him, he made
father Antonio Criminali superior of all. He ordered
them to apply with all possible diligence to acquire
the Malabar language, which prevails on that coast,
that thus they might be made capable of serving the
people ; and he required father Francis Henriques to
compose a grammar of it. This seemed an impossi-
ble undertaking, to one who but lately arrived from
Europe, and who was but little versed in the langu-
ages of India : still Henriques accomplished it in so
short a time, that it was looked on as a miracle of
obedience. In the meantime, Xavier thought that
the exposition of the christian doctrine, which he had
composed for those of Molucca, might be of use to
his dear Paravas, and he accordingly ordered a
Malabar priest, who was well versed in the Portu-
guese, to translate it into his own language. That
the conduct of the missioners might be uniform, and
that they might all be animated with the same spirit,
he gave them the following written rules, besides
others which he delivered by word of mouth.

" In the first place, wherever you are, be careful
to baptize the newly born infants ; and do this your-
selves, without confiding it to any other person. At
present, there is nothing of greater importance. Do
17-.

194 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

not wait until they invite you, as they easily neglect
it. It behoves you to go through all the villages,
to enter into the houses, and baptize all the children.

" After the important duty of giving baptism, you
should be particularly careful to teach the principles
of faith to such children as are capable of receiving
instruction. As you cannot be in all places, you
shall cause the " canacopoles," and the teachers of
the catechism, to perform their duty, and religiously
observe the established customs. For which pur-
pose, 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 accustomed to instruct them, what
progress they have made since their last communion.
This will increase both the zeal of the teachers and
of their pupils.

" On Sundays, assemble the men in the church, to
repeat their prayers, and observe if the chief people
of the place are present. You are to expound the
prayers which they repeat, and reprove them for
the vices that most prevail. Make your instructions
intelligible to them, by adducing familiar examples.
You shall threaten the most obstinate sinners with
the wrath of God, and tell them that unless they re-
form, their lives will be embittered and shortened
by all kinds of disease, that pagans will enslave
them, and that their immortal souls will be fuel for
the everlasting flames of hell.

" When you come to any place, you shall enquire,
if any, and what quarrels prevail there, and who are
the parties : after which you shall endeavour to re-
concile them. These reconciliations are to be made
in the church ; where also it will be proper to assem-
ble the women on Saturdays, and the men on Sun-
days. As soon as the Malabar priest shall have
translated the exposition of the creed, you shall take
copies of it, which you shall cause to be carefully

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 195

read to the women on Saturdays, and to the men on
Sundays. If you are present, you shall read it your-
selves, and add to the exposition, whatever you think
necessary to render it more intelHgible.

«'Distribute to the poor those collections which are
made for them in the churches, by the charity of the
faithful. Beware of applying any part of them to
your own use.

" Every Saturday and Sunday, give the faithful
due notice to call you when any one falls sick, that
you may visit him. Tell them that unless they give
you notice, in case the sick person dies, you will not
allow him christian burial, in punishment of their
neglect.

" When you visit the sick, be careful that they re-
peat the apostles' creed, in their own language. In-
terrogate them on every article, and ask them, if they
sincerely believe. After this, make them say the
« Confiteor,' and other Catholic prayers, and then
read the gospel over them.

" For the burial of the dead, you shall assemble
the children, and be accompanied by them in proces-
sion, following the cross, and singing the christian doc-
trine, both while going and coming. You shall say the
prayers of the church at the house of the deceased, and
also before the body is committed to the earth. You
shall also make a short exhortation to the assembly,
in the presence of the corpse, upon the certainty of
death, the amendment of life, and the practice of
virtue.

" 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 gos-
pel over them for their cure. The parents will hence
receive an increase of faith and respect for the temples
of God.

" You shall decide all lawsuits, and if you cannot
accomplish it on the spot, put off the matter to the
next Sunday. After divine service, cause them to

196 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

be expedited by the principal inhabitants of the
place. I do not, however, wish much of your time
to be taken up with these affairs, or that you should
prefer the care of your neighbour's goods, to the solici-
tude you should have for his soul. When any affair
of importance occurs, refer it to the Portuguese com-
mandant.

" Do all things in your power to make yourself
beloved by these people; thus you will do more good
than if they feared you. Condemn none to punish-
ment without the assent of Father Antonio Criminali;
and if the commandant of the Portuguese be present,
do nothing without his order. Banish those from
the village who attempt to make pagods, or idols, if
Father Criminali thinks proper. Shew great kind-
ness to the children who frequent the christian
schools : pardon them readily, and occasionally over-
look their faults, lest ill-timed severity might drive
them away.

" Abstain from reproving, and condemning the
christian natives of the country, in the presence of
the Portuguese ; but rather commend and excuse
them on all occasions. When we reflect how lately
they have embraced the faith, and how much they
stand in need of encouragement, we should only
wonder that they are not more vicious.

" Render all the services in your power to the
Malabar priests, in regard to their spiritual advantage..
Encourage them to frequent the tribunal of penance,
to say Mass, and lead edifying lives. Never write
any thing against them to any person whatever.

" Endeavour to be on good terms with the Portu-
guese commandants, and let no coldness be perceived
between you and them. Endeavour, by all means
in your power, to make friends of the rest of the
Portuguese. Never have any quarrel with any of
them, even were they to go to law with you, or
quarrel without the least provocation. Oppose them
firmly but mildly, if they treat the new christians

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 197

unjustly. If you find your interference likely to do
good, complain to the Portuguese commandants, with
whom I again beseech you never to have any dif-
ference.

" With the Portuguese let your conversation be
always on spiritual subjects, on death, judgment,
purgatory, hell, the fréquentation of the sacraments,
and the exact observance of God's commandments.
If you only speak to them of these things, they will
not rob you Of that time that is required for your
ministerial functions.

" Forget not to write to the fathers and brothers of
our Society at Goa, and give them an account of the
fruit of your labours ; and propose to them what you
think may be for the advancement of piety. You
shall also write to the bishop, but always with great
reverence and submission, as to the common father
and pastor of this new world.

" I recommend to you, above all other things, and
I cannot sufficiently repeat it, that, wherever you go,
or wherever you may be, you endeavour to gain the
love of all people, by your good works, and edifying
example. By this means you will find greater op-
portunities of gaining souls than otherwise you
would have, which may Almighty God give you the
grace to do, and abide with you for ever.''

Having made these regulations on the Fishery-
coast, Xavier desired to pass over to Ceylon, before
he returned to Goa. He hoped to reap the harvest
of that precious seed, which he expected the blood
of the martyrs made by the king of Jafanatapan would
cause to fructify ; or at least to see what were the dis-
positions of a people who had witnessed the heroic
constancy of so many christians. The death of the
two convert princes, who claimed the crown of
Jafanatapan, destroyed all hopes of propagating re-
ligion in that isle ; still Xavier effected the conver-
sion of the king of Cande, one of the princes of Cey-
lon. He then went to the tyrant, who had persecuted

198 LIFE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

the Christians so wantonly, to try, — what to all
human appearances seemed impossible, — if he would
permit the gospel to be preached in his kingdom,
and even embrace Christianity himself.

As political motives prevail most with rulers,
Xavier represented to this prince, that his throne
could never be established without the aid of the
Portuguese, with whom if he contracted a strict
alliance, he would be secure from all enemies, foreign
or domestic. The barbarian was, indeed, apprehen-
sive of attacks from every quarter ; and he now
seemed to forget that Don Alphonso de Sosa had
been on the point of making war upon him, for the res-
toration of the two princes who had embraced the faith.
He listened to the propositions of peace, and even
permitted Francis to explain to him the mysteries of
the christian faith ; and so great was the impression
made on him by these instructions, that being
changed in a short time he promised to embrace the
faith, and aid in bringing his^subjects to profess it. As
a pledge of his sincerity, he offered to put his king-
dom in the hands of the king of Portugal, and to pay
him such a tribute as might be thought suitable, on
two conditions. The first was, that the governor of
India should conclude a firm alliance with him, as
with the other Indian kings, who had become vassals
of the crown of Portugal. The other, that in order
to guard against the commotions, which generally
arise from a change of religion, he might have a
company of Portuguese soldiers, to be maintained at
his own charges.

Satisfied at having succeeded so far beyond his
expectations, Francis set sail with an ambassador
from the king, and arrived at Goa on the 20th of
March, 1548. Having learned there that the Vice-
roy, Don John de Castro, was at Bazain, towards the
gulf of Cambaya, he embarked once more, notwith-
standing the unfavourable season for navigation. He
thought that so important an affair should be speedily

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 199

concluded, as delays often blast the most promising
prospects. Although Castro had never seen Xavier,
he was most anxious to meet him, from the reports
he had heard of his character. He received him
with all the honours due to a holy man, and willing-
ly accepted of the offer of the king of Jafanatapan ;
on the conditions above mentioned. He retained
Xavier, however, for some time, both to hear him
preach, and to consult him on some difficult affairs,
where the interests of the state and of religion were
equally involved.

In the meantime he appointed Antonio Monis
Barretto, a brave and experienced officer, with a
hundred well disciplined soldiers, for the garrison of
Jafanatapan. At the same time he ordered a mag-
nificent provision for the ambassador, who remained
at Goa ; and commanded that if any of his suite re-
ceived baptism, no expense should be spared on the
occasion. Notwithstanding these auspicious pros-
pects, the king of Jafanatapan afterwards broke the
faith which he had pledged both to God and men ;
and hence, probably, arose the misfortunes which
subsequently befel his person and kingdom.

200

CHAPTER XXL

Xavier reproves a young nobleman — Cosmo de Torrez joins the
Society — Baptism of Anger 'and his two attendants — Their great
piety — Xavier determines to go to Japan.

The presence of Xavier at Bazain was not unpro-
fitable to a dissipated young nobleman, Rodriguez
Segueyra, whom he had known a few years before,
when he first visited Malacca. Segueyra, after having
committed a murder in that town, fled to the hospital,
as a place of refuge, where Francis became acquainted
with him, and by his amiable and courteous manners,
succeeded in gaining his confidence. When he had
secured the affection of the young man, he spoke to
him of eternity with such effect, that Segueyra en-
tered seriously into himself, and made a general con-
fession. To advance him in the ways of virtue, and
to free him from the restraints of the hospital, Xavier
reconciled him with the friends of the murdered man,
and obtained his pardon from the governor of Ma-
lacca. But as the dissolute manners of that city were
likely to destroy all the good that had been done, he
advised him, to leave India and return to Europe.
Segueyra was conscious of his own weakness, and
being sincerely desirous of saving his soul, promised
compliance. With that design he went to Goa, in-
tending to pass thence to Portugal ; but Don John de
Castro prevailed on him to accept of the office of
receiver of the public revenues j and he not only laid

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 201

aside all thoughts of returning, but soon relapsed
into his former disorders.

He had succeeded in banishing all remembrance
of Xavier from his mind, when he happened to meet
him at Bazain. The appearance of the holy man at
first confounded him; but recovering himself a little,
he advanced to make the usual salutation by kissing
his hand. Although Xavier was habitually courteous
and polite, he at first sternly repulsed him ; but, by
degrees softening his manner somewhat, he said : —
" What, my son, are you still in India ? Were you
not advised to leave Malacca and return to Por-
tugal ?"

The other blushed deeply at the rebuke, and laid
the whole blame on the governor, who had detained
him, in some manner, against his will. — " But," —
replied Xavier, with a holy indignation, — " has the
governor obliged you to lead a wretched life, and to
be two years without approaching the confessional ?
Be that as it may, added he, we cannot be friends
with one another, as long as you are at enmity with
God." — These words pierced the soul of Segueyra;
he asked pardon of Xavier for his breach of promise,
and his infidelity to divine grace : he went to confes-
sion on that very day, and made an entire change of
life, under the direction of him whom God had sent
to bring him back to a better way.

Don John de Castro was anxious to retain Xavier,
for the purpose of profiting by his counsels, for the
regulation of his own life ; but when he saw him
intent on going, he permitted him to depart. He at
the same time begged of him to pass the winter at
Goa, that when he himself should have returned
thither, he might avail himself of his spiritual assist-
ance.

The return of Xavier to Goa was very acceptable
to Cosmo de Torrez, a Spanish priest, distinguished
for his great talents and extensive acquirements. He

18

202 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

was on board the fleet that sailed from Mexico to the
Molucca islands, and which, as before stated, after
cruising for a long time stopped at Amboyna. There
he met with Xavier, and was so charmed with his
manner of Ufe, that he had some thoughts of becom-
ing his disciple. He was, ho wever,somewhat deterred,
by the labour and fatigue inseparable from the apos-
tolic ministry, and, moreover, thought that he ought
to undertake nothing, without the advice of the bishop
of India. He accordingly left Amboyna, without
coming to any resolution, and even without commu-
nicating with Xavier on the subject.

On the arrival of the Spanish fleet at Goa, he pre-
sented himself to the bishop, who being then in great
want of spiritual labourers, gave him one of the
chief vicariates of his diocess. Torrez thought that
God required nothing more from him ; and continued
for the space of four or five months to discharge all
the functions of the office confided to him by the
bishop. The continual disquiets of his own soul
rendered him, however, doubtful of the course he
had pursued, and made him think that God had
punished him for not having followed the new-
apostle of the east.

One day, being more than ordinarily agitated, he
went to the college of St. Paul, and addressed Father
Lancilotti, from whom he sought a description of the
institute, of which he had conceived so favourable an
idea, by seeing Xavier at Amboyna. He had long
felt himself impelled by the internal motions of grace,
to perform something great for the glory of Jesus
Christ ; and he now found the institute of Ignatius
so conformable to the dispositions of his own soul,
that without further hesitation, he resolved to go
through the spiritual exercises, as a preparation for
his change of state. From the very commencement,
he received such light and consolation, that he seemed
to enjoy the tranquillity of the blessed. He could

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 203

not suppress his astonishment, that those plain and
simple truths, which he had often read without emo-
tion, should now make such a lively impression on
him, as he mentioned to Lancilotti in terms of
amazement. Being, however, somewhat terrified at
the prospect of a perpetual engagement, and, proba-
bly, assaulted by the devil, he could not determine
on any thing, and became every day more and more
irresolute.

In this state of things Xavier arrived ; he had
scarcely seen Torrez, when the latter asked to be
admitted among the disciples of Ignatius. The holy
apostle immediately received him, and took great
pains to form him to the spirit of the Society. He
also admitted some Portuguese, who had great
talents for the mission, and were inflamed with zeal
for the salvation of souls. They all Uved together
in the College of St. Paul ; where fervour reigned,
not only among the Jesuits, but also among those of
the Seminary, whose numbers daily increased.
Among these was the Japanese, Anger, who lead a
most edifying life, and who was most anxious to re-
ceive baptism, which had been deferred until the
return of Xavier. This latter, not satisfied with in-
structing him anew, consigned him to the care of
Torrez, who explained to him the mysteries of faith ;
and at length Anger with his two attendants, who
had received the same instruction, were solemnly
baptized on Whitsunday, by the bishop of Goa, Don
John d' Albuquerque. Thus on the same day that
the Holy Ghost descended on the apostles, and
gave them power to announce the gospel to the
whole earth, the church entered on the possession
of the most remote country in the eastern hemi-
sphere.

Anger took the name of Paul de Sainte Foi,i. e. of
Holy Faith, in honour of the college, where he had
received the exact knowledge of the divine law.

204 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

This college now belonged to the Society, and was
sometimes called the ^ College of St. Paul/ and some-
times the * Semhiary of holy faith.' One of his
attendants took the name of John ; the other, that of
Anthony. Baptism imparted to him that peace of
soul, which before he was never able to attain, as he
himself wrote to Rome in a letter to Ignatius, dated
the 25th November in the same year.

That these new converts might have the true prin-
ciples of christian morality, and that their lives
should be influenced by its dictates, Xavier commis-
sioned Torrez to give them the spiritual exercises of
the Society. During the thirty days that they were
thus occupied, the Holy Spirit communicated himself
to them, by heavenly illustrations of their minds,
holy thoughts, and interior delights. Anger was
able to speak of nothing but God ; and he spoke
with such fervour, that he seemed quite inflamed
with divine love. He was specially affected at the
mystery of the passion, and his soul was so over-
whelmed with the contemplation of the goodness
and charity of God, manifested in the crucifixion of
our divine Saviour, that he was anxious to suffer
martyrdom for the salvation of his brethren. In the
midst of his devotions, he was often overheard to
exclaim ; — " How gladly would I die for thee, 0 my
God ! — 0 my dear countrymen, how much are you
to be pitied ! how much do I compassionate you !" —
They came out of their retreat so filled with zeal, that
Xavier wrote to Europe, that he was animated by
their example to renewed fervour in God's service ;
and that he could not regard them without blushing
for his own imperfection.

In conversing with them he learned, — what he had
formerly heard from George Alvarez and other Por-
tuguese,— that the empire of Japan was most popu-
lous ; and that the people were naturally docile
and intelligent, and exceedingly desirous of infor

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 205

mation. He was also assured, that if they were
instructed in the truths of rehgion, by apostolic
preachers, the whole nation would submit to the
yoke of Jesus Christ, if not all at once, at least
after obtaining a satisfactory solution of their
doubts.

This was enough to induce Xavier to determine
on announcing the faith in Japan. He was led to
conceive a high idea of the Japanese from the mild-
ness, affability and talents of the three converts. The
Portuguese merchants, who traded in those parts,
assured him, that he might see the ^character of the
whole nation in these three persons ; and he himself
felt confident that the christian religion would make
great progress among them, if once introduced. He
learned also from Anger, that there were many mo-
nasteries of heathen priests, who lived in solitude
and contemplation ; and that each monastery was
governed by a Superior, highly respected for his age,
and learning. These priests come out of their monas-
tery only once a week, to preach to the people ; and
their mortified looks, and lively representations of
heaven, made a deep impression on their auditory.
All this appeared to Xavier to be very likely to
facilitate the introduction of the faith ; and he ad-
mired the providence of God, which sometimes
makes the errors of men, and the artifices of their
infernal enemy, subservient to his own merciful de-
signs upon them. He also adored the counsels of
that same Providence, which made use of a man,
v/ho had fled from the justice of his country, to serve as
a guide to a missioner, who should announce ever-
lasting justice to it.

To render Anger and his companions more ser-
viceable, he deemed it necessary that they should
learn to write and read in the Portuguese language.
This Japanese, whom henceforward we shall name
Paul de Sainte Foi, was easily instructed in every
18^

206 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

thing to which he applied. He was of a Hvely and
ready mind, and had so great a facility for learning,
that he easily committed to memory the gospel of St.
Mathew, which Father Cosmo de Torrez had ex-
pounded to him before baptism.

207

CHAPTER XXII.

Expedition to Aden — Extraordinary zeal — Xavier converts a licen-
tious soldier — Return to Goa — Sickness and death of Don John
de Castro — Interior delights — Arrival of five missioners from Europe
— Many apply to be received into the Society — Xavier consoles
Father Henriques — Returns to Cochin — Thence to Bazain.

Don John de Castro was now occupied in
preparing a fleet, to take possession of Aden, one
of the strongest towns of Arabia Felix, situated at
the foot of a high promontory, with which it was
joined by a narrow tongue of land. This port com-
mands the passage to India by the Red Sea ; and on
that account had been attacked by Albuquerque,
surnamed the « great,' who was, however, obliged
to raise the siege. The inhabitants of the town
afterwards offered to give it up to the Portuguese, in
order to free themselves from the tyranny of the
Turks. The offer, however, was not accepted of;
owing to the timidity of Soarez, the captain to whom
it was made, who, as he had no orders to receive it,
refused this voluntary cession to the Portuguese
crown.

The Turks subsequently treated the inhabitants
of Aden with still greater cruelty than before ; and
these persecuted people now renewed their offer to
Castro, who thereupon sent a fleet consisting of eigh-
teen vessels, to the strait of Mecca, under the com-
mand of his son, Alvarez de Castro. Among the
soldiers embarked in the expedition, was one equally
notorious for his courage and military prowess, and
the irregularities of his life. He seemed to have

208 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

nothing human about him but the figure, and was
in his conduct more a pagan than a christian. He
had not been for eighteen years at confession ; and
although he once presented himself to the bishop of
Goa, it was not so much for the purpose of reconcil-
ing himself with God, as to avoid the imputation of
being a renegade.

Xavier observed the conduct of this wretched
man, and only waited for the opportunity to effect
his conversion. Learning that he was to join the
army in the fleet, the holy man, who was in the col-
lege of St. Paul when the news came, immediately
embarked in the same vessel, bringing nothing with
him but his breviary. Those who saw Xavier,
thought that the governor had sent him to accompany
his son, Alvarez ; and all, with the exception of the
above mentioned soldier, were happy at the circum-
stance. When they had weighed anchor and begun
their voyage, Xavier entered into familiar conversa-
tion with the object of his zeal ; and those who were
less guilty than he was, could not conceal their as-
tonishment at his affability. Some of them said,
what the pharisees formerly said of our Lord : —
" If this man were indeed a prophet, he would dis-
cover what manner of man he is, with whom he
speaks."

Nowise discouraged by these remarks, Xavier con-
tinued to treat the infidel soldier with his accustomed
gentleness of manner. He seemed to take no notice of
his immoderate love of play, which made him spend
whole nights at cards ; nor did he seem to hear the
oaths which constantly escaped his lips. He, how-
ever, told him one day, that play requires a tranquil
mind; and that if he took not better heed, passion
would make him lose his game. Brutal as the sol-
dier was, he insensibly conceived a kindly feeling for
one who appeared so much interested in his success,
and he listened to him with pleasure when he spoke
not only of war and naval affairs, but also of religion

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 209

and its moral precepts. At length he began to reflect
on his own misconduct, and felt great remorse of
conscience at his bad life.

When he was one day in a retired part of the
ship with Xavier, the latter asked him, to whom he
had gone to confession before embarking. " Ah !
father," replied the soldier, "I have not been to con-
fession for many years.'^ " And what,'' said Xavier,
" do you imagine would become of you, were you
to fall in this action, in your present situation ?"
" Once," said the soldier, " I presented myself,
through formality, to the vicar of Goa ; but he refused
to hear me, and told me that I was a reprobate who
deserved only hell-fire." " In my opinion," replied
Xavier, " the vicar was too severe in thus rejecting
you. He may have had his reasons ; but I have
mine for treating you otherwise. The mercies of
the Lord are, indeed, infinite ; and God would have
us to be as indulgent to our brethren, as he himself
is to us. Although the sins of which you are guilty,
were a thousand times more numerous and enormous
than they are, I will have patience to hear them all,
and will give you absolution, if, indeed, you enter
into the sentiments and take the resolutions I shall
endeavour to impart to you."

These words induced the soldier to make a general
confession, for which Xavier prepared him by causing
him to pass over the years of his past life, and ex-
amining the sins which a man of his character and
profession might be supposed liable to. In this state
of feeling, the ships anchored at a port in Ceylon.
Many of the fleet went ashore, among whom were
Xavier and the soldier ; who both retired to a wild
and solitary place. There the soldier with many
tears made his confession; he declared his resolution
to perform whatever penance should be imposed on
him, no matter how rigorous. Xavier, however,
only bid him say the " Lord's prayer," and the
"Hail Mary !" Amazed at this, the penitent cried

210 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

out ; « Why, father, do you give so light a penance
to such a sinner as I am ?" " Be satisfied," said
Xavier, " we will appease the divine justice." —
While the soldier was performing his penance,
Xavier withdrew to a wood, where, as on a former
occasion, he bared his shoulders, and disciplined
himself so severely, that the noise of the strokes drew
the soldier to the spot. Beholding Xavier covered
with blood, and perceiving the motive of so extra-
ordinary an action, he snatched the discipline from
him, and, exclaiming that the guilty, and not the in-
nocentj'should endure punishment, he chastised him-
self in like manner. Xavier then cordially embraced
him, and told him that it was solely for his sake that
he had come on board. Having given him salutary
counsels, for the future regulation of his life, he left
him, and returned to Goa, by the first vessel that
sailed from the port where they had stopped. After
the expedition to Aden, this soldier entered one of
the most austere religious orders, w^here he led a
most holy life, and died in the odour of sanctity.

The governor, Don John de Castro, returned to
Goa, shortly after Xavier. His health had been for
some time on the decline, and he was now suifering
from a fever. Believing that the end of his life was
now approaching, he gave his exclusive attention to
the concerns of his soul, and occupied himself with
the thought of death, and of the great truths of eter-
nity. He refused to see any one but Xavier, with
whom he often had long conversations on these sub-
jects. A vessel from Lisbon arrived about this time,
and brought letters to the viceroy from the king of
Portugal, in which great praises were bestowed on
his administration, and he was also continued in
office for three years more. As Don John was much
beloved, public rejoicings were made in the town, on
the receipt of this intelligence. The dying viceroy,
beholding from his couch the illuminations, and
hearing the discharges of the artillery, could not but

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 211

smile, although in the agony of death. " How de-
ceitful is this world," said he, "it presents us with
honours for three years, when we have but a few
moments to live !" Xavier remained by him until
he had breathed his last ; and expressed his satisfac-
tion at beholding a great man of the world expire
with the humble piety of a saint.

The death of Don John of Castro left Xavier at
liberty to execute what he had long since designed,
but what the entreaties of the viceroy had hitherto
induced him to defer, namely, to visit the fishery
coast. The bad weather prevented him from doing
so immediately ; for at certain seasons the sand ac-
cumulates so much in the port that no ship can either
enter into, or come out of, harbor.

While awaiting the favorable season for naviga-
tion, Xavier applied himself particularly to the exer-
cises of a spiritual life, as is usual with apostolical
men, who seek to regain strength from their past
labours, by communicating in solitude with God.
Then it was, that while walking in the garden of St.
Paul's College, near a hermitage which was there, and
to which he was wont to retire, he was heard to ex-
claim:—"enough, 0 Lord, enough." — He was obliged
to open the breast of his cassock, by reason of those
flames of divine love that burned within him, being
otherwise unable to support the abundance of
heavenly consolations. His exclamation shews, that
he would have preferred to suffer for the service of
God, rather than enjoy these spiritual delights. It
was a prayer to God to reserve those pleasures for
another life, and, in the mean time, a petition not to
be spared here below.

These inferior occupations did not, however, pre-
vent him from following his ministerial vocation, or
from succouring the sick in the hospitals and prisons :
on the contrary, the more lively and ardent the love
of God was in him, the more he desired to manifest it,
and excite it in others. His charity often obliged

212 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

him to relinquish the repose of solitude, and the de-
lights of prayer ; in which he acted on the principle
of Ignatius, that sometimes it is necessary to leave
God for God.

When the season permitted Xavier to depart, and
he was on the eve of sailing for Cape Comorin, a
Portuguese vessel from Mozambique arrived, bringing
five missionaries of the Society. The most conside-
rable of these was Gaspar Barzeus, a Fleming, whom
Xavier had already heard commended as a laborious
missioner and excellent preacher. His own appear-
ance and the testimony of all on board confirmed him
in this opinion, and made him regard him thencefor-
ward as the apostle of the east.

He spent five days with these new companions,
and often caused Father Gaspar to preach, that he
might himself judge of his talents for the pulpit,
which he found to be of the first order. Many Por-
tuguese gentlemen, who had come to India at the
same time, were so much edified by the life and con-
versation of Barzeus during the voyage, that they
came, and besought Xavier to receive them into the
Society. Among them was the captain of the ship,
and the governor of one of the chief citadels the
Portuguese had in India. Some of them he admitted
before his departure ; others he put oif until his re-
turn ; but he made them all perform the spiritual ex-
ercises of Ignatius.

At length on the 9th of September, Xavier sailed
for the Fishery-coast, where he consoled and con-
firmed the faithful, who were incessantly persecuted
by the Badages, — irreconcilable enemies of the chris-
tian name : he also encouraged the missioners of the
Society who laboured there, and who were daily ex-
posed to lose their lives by the hands of those barba-
rians. Here Xavier heard that Father Francis Hen-
riques, who was charged with the mission of Travan-
cor, was somewhat dissatisfied, and believed that he
lost his time ; because some of the new converts,

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 213

moved either by the promises or threats of the new-
king, who was opposed to the christians, had relapsed
into their superstitions. He wrote to him, and de-
sired him to be of good courage ; — assuring him that
his labours were more profitable than he imagined ;
and that if he did nothing more than baptize the chil-
dren who died in their infancy, God would be satis-
fied with his efforts, as the salvation of one soul was
a sufficient consolation for a missioner in all his la-
bours. He added that God has regard to our good
intentions, and that a faithful servant of his was never
to be looked on as unprofitable, whatever might
be the success of his efforts.

Not satisfied with fortifying his fellow missioners,
both by word and example, Xavier requested Igna-
tius to encourage them by his letters, and especially
wished him to write to Henriquez, a mortified
and laborious missioner.

Having thus arranged all things on the Fishery-
coast, he returned to Cochin, where he remained for
two months, constantly occupied in instructing the
little children, attending the sick, and reforming the
morals of that place. He then went to Bazain, to
speak with the deputy governor of India, Don Gar-
cia de Sa, whom Don John de Castro had named at
his death, as his temporary successor. Xavier was
anxious to obtain letters of recommendation from him
to the Governor of Malacca, that thus his voyage to
Japan might be facilitated. On this subject he now
received rather unfavourable intelligence, which
would have damped the zeal of any other person.
The Chinese had become dissatisfied with the Portu-
guese, and had expelled them from their country.
This seemed to interfere with all his plans, as it was
impossible to arrive at Japan, by the way of Malac-
ca, without touching at some Chinese port. But
apostolic men disregard apparent impossibilities, and
are never more confident than when they have difii-
culties to encounter.

19

214

CHAPTER XXIIL

His friends oppose Xavier's Toyage to Japan — He rebukes them
fw their puallanimilj — ^He writes to Ignatius — He constitutes Father
Paul Cameriao^ e^enorni kii akeenoe — Instructions for his conduct
in th&t office — He sends Fadier Caspar Barzaeos to Ormuz— Gives
him written directions for his gnidance.

Whex Xavier returned to Goa, and made known
his intention of going to Japan, his friends used all
their efforts to make him change his resolution. Some
represented to him the length of the voyage, which
was thirteen hundred leagues, and the inevitable
danger to which he would expose himself, of either
felling into the hands of the numerous pirates, by
whom those seas were infested, or suffering ship-
wreck in a dangerous and tempestuous ocean. The
whiiiwinds, which prevail on the sea between China
and Japan, and the rocks with wliich the coasts
abound, were also pointed out as almost certain
causes of destruction. And even were he to escape
these dangers, they added, he could not promise him-
self safety in the ports of China, whence the Portu-
guese had been expelled. If he wished to exercise
his zeal, there were other vast kingdoms in the east,
where the light of the gospel had not shone. In the
neighbourhood of Goa, were isles and territories,
filled with idolaters, whither he might go, and aban-
don the design of visiting those remote islands, which
nature seemed to have separated from human inter-
course, and where, the Portuguese power not being
established, Christianity was not likely to maintain
itself against the persecution of the pagans.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 215

Xavier was too deeply convinced that God would
have him go to Japan, to listen to these reasons of
his friends. He derided their fears, and told them
that he should be as successful as George Alvarez,
or Alvarez Vaz, each of whom had made the voyage
of Japan, without suffering from these pirates and
tempests, with which they sought to terrify him.
He smiled, as he said this ; and then assuming a
serious air he said : — " I am, indeed, amazed that you
would endeavour to prevent me from going to a
place, where you yourselves would go for the acqui-
shion of perishable wealth. I must tell you, that I
am ashamed of your want of faith. I am also
ashamed at having been anticipated ; and I cannot
bear the thought that merchants should have more
courage than missioners." — He added that having so
often experienced the care of Providence, it would
be impiety to distrust ; that he had not been preserved
from the swords of the Badages, and the poisons of
the isle del Moro, to perish in other dangers ; that
India was not the boundary of his mission ; and that
in coming to it, he designed to carry the faith, even
to the utmost limits of the world.

He then wrote to Ignatius, and informed him of
his intended voyage, and of his own views and feel-
ings on the subject. — " I cannot express to you, with
what joy I undertake this long voyage. It is so full
of dangers, that whoever saves one out of four ships,
thinks he has succeeded well. — Although these perils
surpass all that I have hitherto experienced, I am not
the least discouraged in my undertaking ; so firm a
conviction has God been pleased to produce within
me, of the great fruit the cross will produce in those
countries, when once it shall be planted there.'^

From a letter written the same time to Father
Simon Rodriguez, we also learn what were his feel-
ings on the subject, — " Some ships have arrived here
from Malacca," saj'^s he, " which confirm the intel-
ligence that all the ports of China are closed against

216 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

US ; and that the Chinese are about to make war on
Portugal. Still I am resolved to go to Japan, for I
find nothing more pleasing or agreeable in hfe, than
to live in continual danger of death, for the honour
of Jesus Christ, and the interests of the faith. It is
the characteristic of the christian, to take more de-
light in the sufferings of the cross, than in the tran-
quilhty of repose.^'

Before going to Japan he established Father Paul
Camerino, superior general in his place, and Father
Antonio Gomez, rector of the Seminary at Goa. At
the same time, he gave each of them regulations for
their mutual advantage ; and instruction as to the
manner in which they should govern their inferiors.
Addressing Camerino, he says: —

" I adjure you, by the desire you have to please
Our Lord, and by the love you bear to Father Igna-
tius, and all the Society, to conduct yourself towards
Gomez, and all our fathers and brothers in India,
with much mildness ; giving no orders without ma-
ture deliberation, and then in gentle and moderate
language.

"Judging by the knowledge which I have of all
the labourers of the Society, at present employed
here, I might conclude that they had no need of a
superior. But not to deprive them of the merit
of obedience, and because the order of discipline so
requires, I have thought proper to place one above
the rest, and have chosen you for that purpose, on
account of the experience I have had, both of your
modesty and prudence. I have only to command,
and pray you, by the obedience you voluntarily
vowed to our Father Ignatius, to agree so well with
Antonio Gomez, that every appearance of misunder-
standing and coolness between you, may be avoided,
and that you may be always seen to be united, and
mutually co-operating with all your strength, for the
common welfare of the church.

" If our brethren who are at Cape Comorin, the

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 217

Moluccas, or elsewhere, write to you, to obtain any
favour for them from the bishop, or the viceroy, or
demand any spiritual or temporal supplies from you,
do all in your power to effect what they desire. In
your communications with those unwearied labour-
ers, who bear the burden and heat of the day, let
there be found nothing indicative of acerbity of man
ner ; on the contrary, let every word breathe tender-
ness and sweetness.

" Whatsoever they shall require of you, for their
support, clothing, preservation or recovery of health,
— supply them with it, speedily and liberally ; for it
is just that you should sympathize with those who
labour incessantly, and without any human consola-
tion. This is particularly true of the missioners of
Comorin and the Moluccas: their mission is the
most painful, and they ought to be encouraged, lest
otherwise they should sink under the burden of the
cross. Let them not then be obliged to apply to you
twice for what you want. Remember, that while
you are in the camp, they are in the battle field. For
my part, I find those duties of charity so just and
indispensable, that I venture to adjure you in the
name of God, and of our Father Ignatius, to perform
them with all exactness, with all dihgence, and with
all joy."

After his arrival at Goa, Xavier had sent Nicholas
Lancilotti to Coulan, Melchior Gonsalez to Bazain,
and Alphonso Cyprian to Socotora. He now sent
Gaspar Barzaeus to Ormuz, together with one com-
panion, who was not yet in orders. The people of
this celebrated town, at the entrance into the Persian
gulf, were then distinguished for the enormous vices
to which the concourse of so many different nations
and sects naturally give rise. Xavier designed to go
there himself, to prepare the way for other mission-
ers ; as his maxim was not to send any of the priests
to a place of which he himself had no experience.
19*

218 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

The voyage to Japan, however, made him abandon
the idea of visiting Ormuz.

Although he highly esteemed the prudence and
virtue of Father Gaspar, he thought it proper to
leave with him some written instructions, which
might be of service to him in his important mission.
To the general reader this document cannot be un-
interesting, as it admirably displays the sentiments
of Xavier; and to the missioner it will be, at once, both
pleasing and profitable. The following is a faithful
translation of the original manuscript, preserved in
the archives of Goa.

I. " Above all things endeavour to attain perfec-
tion, and discharge with fidelity what you owe to
God, and your own conscience. By this means you
will become most capable of assisting your neigh-
bour and gaining souls. Take pleasure in the most
abject employments of your ministry, that by exer-
cising them, you may acquire humility, and daily
advance in that virtue.

II. " Be careful to teach the ignorant those
prayers which every christian ought to know, and
do not transfer to another so humble a duty. Make
the children and slaves repeat them, word for word,
after you ; and observe the same method with the
children of the christian natives. Those who behold
you thus occupied, will be edified by your humility.
And as humble persons attract the esteem of others,
they will judge you to be a suitable person to instruct
themselves in the mysteries of the christian religion.

III. " You shall frequently visit the poor in the
hospitals, and, from time to time, exhort them to
confess and communicate. For that purpose, tell
them that confession is the remedy for past sins, and
the communion, a preserv^ative against relapse ; and
that both remove the causes of the miseries they suf-
fer, which are the punishments of sin. Whenever
they are wiUing to confess, you shall hear their con-
fessions with all the leisure you can afford. While

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 219

you take care of their souls be not unmindful of their
bodies. Recommend the distressed, with all diligence
and affection, to the notice of the administrators of
the hospital ; and otherwise procure them all the re-
lief in your power.

IV. " You shall also visit the prisons, and excite
those detained there to make general confessions.
They have greater need of it than others, because
few of such people have ever made good confessions.
Interest the brotherhood of mercy on behalf of those
unhappy creatures, and, if possible, procure their
liberation. In the meantime, forget not to provide
for the necessitous, who often have no means of sub-
sistence.

V. " Promote and serve, as much as in you lies,
the brotherhood of mercy. If you find any rich
merchants, who possess ill gotten goods, which they
are willing to restore, but know not to whom resti-
tution is to be made, and who spontaneously intrust
you with the money ; — give it all to the brotherhood
of mercy, even in cases when you know some neces-
sitous person, on whom such charities might be well
employed. Thus you will not be exposed to be de-
ceived by impostors, who counterfeit piety and indi-
gence, but who will not be able to deceive so easily
the brotherhood, whose principal duty is to distin-
guish between real and apparent objects of charity.
Thus also you will have more leisure for those func-
tions which are particularly your own ; you will be
able to devote your whole time to the conversion of
souls, which otherwise would be filled up by the
troublesome and distracting occupation of distributing
alms. In fine, by this means you will prevent the
suspicions and complaints of many, who are ever
ready to view things in their worst light, and who,
perhaps, might believe that while pretending to dis-
charge the debts of other people, you applied to your
own use some of the money intrusted to you for that
purpose.

220 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

VI. " With secular persons, however familiar or
intimate they may be with you, act alv/ays as if one
day they were to become your enemies. Thus you
will neither do nor say any thing of which you will
have occasion afterwards to repent, or with which
they might subsequently upbraid you. We are
obliged to adopt this precaution, by reason of the
corruption of the world, in the midst of which we
live, and which continually looks on the children of
light with distrustful and malignant eyes.

VII. " You ought to have no less circumspection
in what relates to your own spiritual advancement ;
and be assured that you will make more progress in
contemning yourself, and in cultivating a union of
the soul with God, if you regulate all your words
and actions by prudence. The particular examen
will assist you much in it. Fail not to make it twice
a day ; if not, at least once, whatever other business
you may have.

VIII. " Preach to the people as often as you can,
for preaching is an universal good, and among all
the evangelical functions, there is none more profit-
able. Beware, however, of advancing any doubtful
propositions, on which opinions are divided. Make
your sermons on clear and unquestionable subjects,
which immediately tend to, and regard, the reforma-
tion of manners. Set forth the enormity of sin, by
making your hearers conceive an idea of that Infi-
nite Majesty which is offended by the sinner. Im-
press on all, a lively dread of that sentence, which
will be thundered out against reprobates at the last
judgment. Represent with all your powers those
pains which the damned are eternally to suffer. Of-
ten hold forth the threat of death, and even of a sud-
den death, to those who neglect their salvation, and
who rest in security, although their conscience is
loaded with many sins. To all these considerations,
you are to add those of the cross, and the death of
the Saviour of mankind.; but you are to do it in a

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 221

moving manner ; and for that purpose employ those
figures that are calculated to produce in the heart a
deep sorrow for our sins, and to make your auditory
weep in the presence of an offended God. This is
the plan which I wish you should adopt for preach-
ing profitably.

IX. When you reprove vices from the pulpit, never
characterize any person, especially the chief ofiicers
or magistrates. If they do any thing of which you
disapprove, and of which you think proper to admon-
ish them, visit them and speak with them in private ;
or when they come to confession, tell them what you
have to say, but never speak of them in public.
These people are generally proud, and are easily of-
fended ; instead of profiting by public admonitions,
they become furious, like impatient animals under
the goad. Besides this, before you undertake to give
them private admonition, be careful first to gain their
confidence by becoming familiarly acquainted with
them. Admonish them with more or less energy,
according as you have more or less acquaintance
with them. Be always careful to soften the asperity
of your rebuke, by the gaiety of your air and man-
ner,— by the use of kind and courteous language, —
and by a sincere protestation, that what you do is the
effect of your affection for them. It is good also to
add expressions of submission to the conclusion of
your discourse, and all the marks of affection and
good will, which you have for the persons of those
whom you thus correct. If a severe manner and
harsh language accompany reproof, — so bitter in it-
self and so hard to be borne with, — there is no doubt
but that men, who are accustomed to hear flattery,
will not bear with it. A burst of indignation on the
reprover, is all the fruit it probably will produce.

X. "As to what regards confession, this is the
method 1 deem best adapted for the east, where li-
centiousness is so great, and penance so rare. When
a person, who is hardened by long habits of sin,

222 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

comes to confession, exhort him to take three or four
days to prepare himself, and to examine his conscience
thoroughly. To assist his memory, make him write
down the sins he has committed in the course of his
hfe, from his youth to the present time. When thus
prepared, after he has made his confession, it will not
be always well that you should at once absolve him.
It would be advisable for him to retire, and, for two
or three days, abstain from ordinary Society, or inter-
course with men, in order to excite himself to sorrow
for his sins, in consideration of the love of God ; for
thus he will derive more benefit from the sacramen-
tal absolution. During these days of retreat, you
shall teach him how to meditate ; and obhge him to
make some meditations from the first week of the
exercises. You shall counsel him to practise some
corporal austerity, for example, to fast or discipline
himself; which will serve to make him conceive a
true sorrow for his offences, and to shed tears of
penance. Besides, if he has enriched himself by
unjust gains, or injured the reputation of his neigh-
bour by malicious reports, cause him to restore his
ill-gotten goods, and make reparation of his neigh-
bour's honour, during these three days. If he is given
to unlawful love, and actually engaged in sinful com-
merce, make him break off those criminal engage-
ments, and forsake the occasions of sin. There is no
more suitable time, to exact from sinners those duties,
the performance of which is no less difficult than
indispensable. Once their fervour shall have passed
away, it will be in vain to demand of them the exe-
cution of their promises. You will then, probably,
have the affliction of beholding them fall back into
the precipice, from which you did not sufficiently re-
move them.

XI. " In administering the sacrament of penance,
be careful not to discourage those who begin to dis-
cover the wounds of their souls to you, by appearing
too rashly and hastily severe. How enormous so-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 223

- ever their sins may be, listen to them not only with
patience, but with mildness ; assist their false delicacy,
by sympathizing with their misfortunes, and not ap-
pearing to be amazed at what you hear. Let them
understand that you have heard sins, even still more
grievous; and to prevent them from despairing, speak
to them of the infinite mercies of the Lord.

"When they appear unwilling, or ashamed, fully
to confess any of their crimes, interrupt them, and let
them know that their sin is, probably, not so great as
they may imagine ; but that with God's assistance,
you can heal the most mortal wounds of the soul.
Tell them to proceed without any hesitation, and to
make no diifîiculty of confessing all. You will find
some whom a false delicacy will prevent from reveal-
ing their most shameful sins. When you perceive
that bashfulness keeps them tongue tied^ anticipate
them, and tell them that they are not the first, or the
only, persons who have fallen into disorder. Attri-
bute their misfortune to the frailty and corruption of
nature, — to the violence of temptation, — to the cir-
cumstances in which they were placed, which ren-
dered their fall almost inevitable. Nay more ; to
take their false shame from such persons — whom the
devil ordinarily makes as bashful after sin as they
were shameless before its commission — it might some-
times be necessary to discover, in general terms, the
sins of your own past life. For what can a true and
fervent charity refuse, for the salvation of souls, re-
deemed by the blood of Jesus Christ ? To know,
however, when this is to be done, how far to proceed,
and with what precautions, must be taught you by
the interior spirit and your own experience.

XII. " You will sometimes meet with christians,
who believe not the truth of the Holy Sacrament of
the altar ; either because they neglect to receive it,
or by conversing withmahometans, pagans and here-
tics ; or by the scandal which is given by some chris-
tian, especially — what I say with shame and sorrow

224 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

— by some priests, whose lives are not more holy
than those of the people. When men see them ap-
proach the altar, without any preparation, and cele-
brate without decency or reverence, they imagine
that Jesus Christ is not in the sacrifice of the Mass;
as otherwise he would not permit such unholy hands
to touch him. Make such unbelieving christians pro-
pose to you all their thoughts; and when you have
discovered them, prove the real presence of Jesus
Christ by all those arguments which solidly establish
it. Declare to them, that the surest means to disen-
gage themselves from their errors and vices, is to
approach that holy sacrament with suitable prepara-
tion.

XIII. " Although your penitents may be well pre-
pared for confession, think not that when they shall
declare their sins, all is done. You must sound
the depths of their consciences, and by means of
prudent examination, discover to themselves the sins
of which before they were ignorant. Ask them by
what means they have accumulated wealth : — what
are their principles and practice, in their sales, loans,
and in a word, in all their business. You will find
usury pervading all their transactions ; and that the
greatest part of their riches have been acquired by
unjust dealings, which, however, cause in them no
remorse of conscience. But wherever there is ques-
tion of money, many are so hardened, that they
have little or no scruple of the injustices by which
they acquired it.

XIV. " Adopt this method especially with the
governors, treasurers, receivers of the customs, and
other officers of the revenue. Whenever they ap-
proach you in the holy tribunal, ask them by what
means they have grown so rich, and by what secret
their offices and employments bring them in such
large sums? If they appear unwilling to tell you,
endeavour, with all possible mildness, to make them
speak out. You will soon discover their artifices and

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 225

means, by whicli many of those men divert to their
own purposes, what was intended for the public ad-
vantage. They buy up goods with the king's money,
and sell them again at an enormous profit. By mo-
nopolizing all the goods in the port, they oblige the
people to buy from them, at their own prices. Fre-
quently also, they exhaust the patience of those to
whom the exchequer is indebted, by their tedious
delays and other cunning artifices ; and thus these
men are forced to compound with the state, for one
half of their just demands, the other half being
pocketed by those harpies. These gentlemen call
this unblushing injustice, by the mild name of ' in-
dustry' and «management,' When you have made
them once acknowledge these transactions, you will
more easily become acquainted with their unjust
gains ; and will see more clearly the restitution they
are bound to make, before they can hope to be re-
conciled with God, than you could expect to be, by
general questions concerning injustice. Ask them
for instance ; have they wronged any one ? — ^and
they will answer ; no ! — The reason is obvious ; cus-
tom has for them the force of law, and what they
see others do, appears to them lawful for them to do
likewise. But custom cannot authorize what in itself
is vicious and unjust. You must not recognize any
such right ; but must tell such people that, if they
will secure their salvation, they must restore their
unjust gains.

XV. " Remember especially to obey the vicar of
the bishop ; when you arrive at Ormuz : go and wait
on him, and, falling on your knees, humbly kiss his
hand. Without his permission, you shall neither
preach, nor exercise any other function of our insti-
tute. Above all things, avoid having any différence
with him ; on the contrary, endeavour by all means
in your power, to gain his confidence, that so he may
be willing to profit by your ministry, and make the
meditations of our spiritual exercises, at least thoso

20

226 LIFE OP ST. FRAxNCIS XAVIER.

of the first week. Act also in the same manner
with all the other priests. If you do not succeed in
persuading them to make a month's retreat, as is
usual with us, endeavour at least to make them spend
a few days in retirement. During that time, fail not
to visit them daily, and propose to them the subjects
of the meditations.

XVI. " Pay great respect to the governor, and
show by your whole deportment how much you
honour him. Beware of having any difference with
him, on any occasion whatsoever. Should you ob-
serve that he neglects important duties, as soon as
you shall have acquired his confidence, visit him, and
testify to him the anxiety you feel for his salvation and
reputation. Then subjoin, with all possible prudence
and modesty of expression, the regret you experience
to see both endangered by what is said of him. Then
you shall tell him the reports in circulation ; and de-
sire him to reflect on the evil consequences such ru-
mours must produce ; that they might be committed
to writing ; and possibly go farther than he would
wish, unless he endeavours to satisfy the public in
time. Do not, however, undertake this, before you
are certain of his good dispositions, and you deem it
likely that your advice may have a good eflect. Be
even still more cautious in bearing to him the com-
plaints of individuals, and absolutely refuse such
commissions, excusing yourself on the ground of your
ministerial functions, which do not permit you to
frequent the great, or to wait a long time for an au-
dience, which is always difficult to obtain. Say also,
that even had you leisure, and were the doors of the
palace always open to you, you should have no hope
that your remonstrance would be attended to. If
the governor be such a man as they pretend, he
would disregard you, as being nowise influenced by
the fear of God, or the dictates of his own conscience.

XVII. " You shall devote whatever time remains
from your ordinary duties with the christians, to pro-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 227

cure the salvation of infidels. Prefer always those
employments which are of extensive utiUty, to others
of a more limited influence. Proceeding on this rule,
you must never omit a sermon in pubhc, for the pur-
pose of having leisure to hear a confession. You
shall not omit the daily catechism at the appointed
hour, to visit any particular person, or for any good
work of the like nature. An hour before catechism,
either you, or your companion, should go to the
most public places of the town, and with a loud
voice invite all to come and hear the exposition of
the christian doctrine.

XVIII. « You shall write from time to time, to
the superior at Goa, informing him how you are
employed for the advancement of God's glory, what
method you follow, and what blessing God gives to
your efforts. Let your relations be so exact, that
they may be sent to Europe, as so many authentic
proofs of what you perform in the east, and of what
success God is pleased to bestow on the labours of
our little Society In these accounts let there be
nothing that may offend any one, — nothing impro-
bable,— nothing, in a word, but what may tend to
edify the reader, and magnify the name of God.

XIX. " When you shall have arrived at Ormuz,
I am of opinion that you should visit those who have
the greatest reputation for probity and sincerity, and
who are best acquainted with the state of society' in
the town. Enquire from such persons, what vices
most prevail, and what artifices are generally em-
ployed in business. When you have thus acquired
an accurate knowledge of those things, you will be
better able to instruct and reprove, either in confes-
sion or familiar conversation, those who are guilty
of secret usury, and of those artifices in commerce, that
must needs be so common in a place which is visited
by so many different nations.

XX. "Every night you shall go through the
streets, and recommend the departed souls to the

228 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

prayers of the living. Let the language you employ
on such occasions, be calculated to excite the sympa-
thy of the faithful, and to impress them with strong
sentiments of reUgion. You shall also desire them
to pray to God for such as are in mortal sin, that
they may obtain the grace of rising from such a de-
plorable situation.

XXI. <^ At all times, endeavour to be agreeable.
Let your countenance be gay and cheerful, — never
clouded by melancholy or anger. Those who ap-
proach you will never otherwise open their hearts to
you, or repose in you all that confidence they ought
to have in you, in order to profit by your discourses.
Speak always with civility and mildness, even when
you reprehend, as I have heretofore told you. When
you reprove, do it with all possible charity, that so it
may be evident that it is the fault, and not the per-
son, that displeases you.

XXII. " On Sundays and holy days, you shall
preach at two in the afternoon in the principal church
of the town. Before the sermon, send your com-
panion about the streets, with the bell, to invite the
people to church, unless you prefer to perform that
duty yourself. Bring to the church the exposition of
the apostles' creed, which I have placed in your
hands, and the method of spending the day in chris-
tian duties, which I have composed. Give copies of
that method to those whose confessions you hear ;
and impose the practice of what it contains as a
penance. By this means, you will accustom them
to the duties of a christian life, and they will at length
do of their own accord what, at first, they were
obliged by their confessor to perform. But as you
cannot have copies for so large a number of people,
I advise you to have that ^method' written out in
large characters, and exposed in some public place,
that those who wish to use it, may read or transcribe
it at their leisure.

XXm. " Those who apply for admission into the

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 229

Society, and whom you shall judge suitable for it,
you shall either send to Goa, — giving them a letter,
in which you state their wish and their talents, — or
retain them with you. In this latter case, after you
shall have made them perform the spiritual exercises
for a month together, you shall try them in such a
manner, as may edify the people, without rendering
them objects of ridicule. Order them to serve the
sick in the hospitals, and to perform the humblest and
most revolting duties. Make them visit the prisons,
and teach them how to console the unfortunate. In
a word, exercise your novices in all the practices of
humility and mortification ; but suffer them not to
appear in public in a manner that might expose them
to the laughter of the people. Engage not all novices
indifferently in those trials, which their nature most
abhors ; but examine well the strength and temper
of each one, and adapt the mortifications in which
you exercise them to their disposition, education, and
progress in virtue ; so ihat the trial may not be un-
profitable, but may produce its effect according to the
measure of grace that is imparted to them. If he
who directs the novices acts not in this manner, it
will happen that those who, under good manage-
ment, would be capable of making a great proficiency
in virtue, will lose courage and fall away. Moreover,
those indiscreet trials are too difficult for beginners,
and diminish the love and affection which the novices
and the master should have for each other. In the
meantime, whoever forms young people to a religious
Ufe, should leave nothing untried to make them can-
didly discover their evil inclinations, and the sugges-
tions of the devil when they are tempted. Without
this they will never be able to disentangle themselves
from the snares of the tempter, or arrive at religious
perfection. On the contrary, those first seeds of evil
being deposited in the heart, and matured in silence,
will eventually produce most melancholy effects.
The novices will grow weary of regular discipline,
20*

230 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

and will, at length, throw off the yoke of Jesus Christ,
and return to the disorders of the world.

XXIV. (' Such among the novices as you shall
observe to be most subject to vain glory, and inclined
to vicious indulgence, should be corrected in this
manner. Make them search for reasons and proofs
against the vices to which they are most inclined,
and make them compose short discourses on them.
Let them then deliver those discourses, either at the
churches, or in the hospitals of the convalescent, or
elsewhere. It may be expected that the things
which constant application shall have impressed on
their minds, v/ill be no less profitable to themselves
than to their auditory. They will be ashamed not to
profit by the remedies they propose, and to be
attached to vices from which they have dissuaded
others. Use also the same remedy with those sin-
ners who cannot prevail upon themselves to put
away the occasion of their sin, or to restore ill gotten
goods. When you shall have gained their confidence,
by your familiarity with them, advise them to apply
to themselves the counsel they would give a friend,
in similar circumstances.

XXV. <' Sometimes men will present themselves
to you in the tribunal of penance, so infatuated with
their passions, as to be moved by no motive of God's
love, or thought of death, or fear of hell, to put away
the occasions of their sin, or restore ill gotten goods.
The only way to affect such people is, to threaten
them with the misfortunes of the present life which
they apprehend most. Tell them, then, that if they
do not soon appease the divine justice, they will suf-
fer heavy losses at sea, — be badly treated by the
governor,— be cast.in their lawsuits, — seized with in-
curable diseases,— reduced to extreme poverty — or
that they and their children will become infamous,
and be the objects of the public hate and execration.
To give them the reason of these visitations, tell them
that no man offends God with impunity, and that his

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 231

vengeance is the more to be dreaded, the longer his
patience is abused. Tlie representation of these tem-
poral punishments will terrify those carnal men, who
are only to be moved by the apprehension of sensi-
ble evils. These will produce within them the first
motives of the fear of God, which is the beginning of
wisdom.

XXVI. «Before treating with any one on the
affairs of his conscience, endeavour to ascertain what
is the state of his soul ; whether it be calm, or agi-
tated by any violent passion — ready to follow the
right way when it shall have been shewn to him, or
wandering from it on purpose. See also whether
his temptations arise from the suggestions of the devil,
or the propensity of his own nature ; — whether he
be docile, and prepared to listen to good advice, or
of that stubborn mould which no care can form.
You must vary your instructions according to those
several dispositions. But while you take greater
precautions with obdurate sinners, take heed not to
flatter them in their disorders, or to say any thing
that may weaken the efficacy of the remedy you ap-
ply, or hinder its eflect.

XXVII. " Wherever you are, or through what-
ever place you pass, endeavour to form some ac-
quaintances ; and ask of those who have most repu-
tation for virtue, what crimes are most generally
committed there ; as also what frauds are most
common in traffic ; as I have already mentioned in
regard to Ormuz. Learn also the inclinations of the
people, — the customs of the country, — the form of
government, — the received opinions, — and all things
concerning the state of society. Be assured, that
the knowledge of all these things are most profitable
to a missioner, and enables him to apply appropriate
remedies to the spiritual diseases of those who pre-
sent themselves to him for relief. You will hence
understand on what points you are most to insist in
preaching, and what chiefly to recommend in con-

232 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

fession. Thus nothing will be new to you, nothing
will surprise or amaze you ; it will aid you in direct-
ing souls, and give you authority over them. Men
of the world are wont to despise religious persons,
as unacquainted with it ; but when they meet with
one, whose conversation shews that he has a know-
ledge of its ways, they look on him as an extraordi-
nary person. They permit themselves to be conducted
by him without any difficulty ; and will even offer
violence to their own inclinations, and do whatever
he desires, how repugnant soever to their corrupt
nature. This is the result of having a knowledge of
the world, which, therefore, you must no less endea-
vour to acquire, than you formerly did to learn phi-
losophy and theology. This science, however, is
not to be learned from books, but must be studied in
the conversations of men. It will more avail you in
your intercourse with others, than all the arguments
of the doctors, and all the subtleties of the schools.

XXVIII. " You shall set apart one day of the
week to reconcile differences, and regulate the affairs
of such as are at variance, and are preparing to go
to law. Hear them in succession, and propose to
them terms of accommodation. Above all things,
make them sensible that their mutual interest requires
a friendly reconciliation, rather than a law suit ;
which, besides the injury it commonly does to the
conscience and reputation of those concerned, gene-
rally costs much money and more trouble. I am
aware that this will not please the lawyers and proc-
tors, who enrich themselves by the artifices of the
law ; but disregard their murmurs, and teach them
that by their artful and unjust delays, they expose
themselves to the danger of losing their souls for ever.
Endeavour also to engage them to make a spiritual
retreat, which may give them other and more chris-
tian sentiments.

XXIX. " Delay not to preach until you arrive at
Ormuz, but begin at once on board the ship. In your

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 233

sermons, make not a show of much learning, or of
happy memory, by citing many passages out of the
ancient authors. Some are, indeed, necessary, but
they should be few and appropriate. Employ a good
portion of your discourse in describing the interior
state of worldly souls : place before their eyes, as it
were in a mirror, all their disquiets and artifices, —
their trifling projects and deceitful hopes. You shall
also shew them the unhappy termination of all their
projects. Discover to them the snares laid for them
by the evil spirit ; and teach them how to avoid
them. Tell them, besides, that if they permit them-
selves to be surprised by them, they have every
thing to fear. Thus you will gain their attention ;
for a man is always heard when he interests his au-
ditory. Fill not your discourse with sublime thoughts,
and difficult questions of the schools. These things
are too high for worldlings ; they make a noise, but
produce no other effect. If you wish to gain men,
you must exhibit them to themselves. To describe,
however, what passes within their hearts, you must
know them thoroughly ; and on that account, must
frequent their society, — observe them closely, — and
penetrate all their artifices. Let these living books
be your study, and be assured that the knowledge
you will acquire from them, will enable you to dis-
pose of sinners as you please. I do not, however,
forbid you to consult the Holy Scriptures, or the
fathers of the church, — the canons, moral treatises,
or books of devotion. These will supply you with
convincing arguments, for establishing the truths of
religion, — efl[icacious remedies against temptation, —
and heroical examples of virtue. But all these will
appear cold, and be of no avail, if souls be not dis-
posed to profit by them; and this can only be effected
by the way I have described. The duty of the
preacher is, to sound the depths of the human heart,
— to have an exact knowledge of the world — to give

234 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

a true representation of man, — and make it so exact,
tiiat each one will discover in it his own resemblance.
XXX. " As the king of Portugal has ordered you
an allowance from the treasury, avail yourself of the
liberality of so charitable a prince, and receive
nothing from any one but his ministers. If other
persons offer you any thing, decline to accept it. It
is of great importance for an apostolic man, not to
owe his subsistence to those whom he is to conduct
in the way of salvation, and whom he must reprove
when they stray from it. Of these presents we may
truly say : — that whoever receives them is himself
taken. Hence it is that when we have to reprehend
those from whom we have received them, we know
not how to begin, or in what words to address
them. And although zeal should embolden us to
speak freely, our words have less effect on them, be-
cause they regard us with a feeUng of superiority ;
as if what we had received from them made them
our masters, and authorized them to despise us.
This is particularly true of a certain class of persons,
who, although plunged in vice, willingly seek the
honour of your friendship, and endeavour, by all
means, to conciUate your good will. They do not
intend to profit by your conversation, for the amend-
ment of their lives ; all they aim at is to escape the
censure which they are conscious of having deserved.
Beware of such people, although I do not advise
you to reject them, or wholly to disregard their civih-
ty. Should they invite you to their table, refuse not
to go ; still less refuse to accept of trifling presents,
which are usually made in India by the Portuguese
to each other, and which cannot be refused without
giving offence. Tell them, however, that you take
these little gifts from them, in the hope that they will
profit by your advice ; and that you go and eat with
them, that you may dispose them by a good confes-
sion to approach the holy table. Send such presents

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 235

as I have named to the sick, the poor, and the im-
prisoned, as soon as you shall have received them.
This will edify all, and'there will be no room left for
suspecting you of delicacy or covetousness.

XXXI. " As for your residence, you will see
when you arrive, and taking into account the state
of things, determine whether it be more prudent for
you to dwell, either in the hospital or house of mercy,
or some other convenient place. Should I think
proper to call you to Japan, you shall give notice of
it, by letter, to the rector of this college, and send two
or three copies of your letter by different vessels ; so
that he may be able to supply your place with one
of the fathers, who will console the city of Ormuz
for your absence. In fine, I recommend you to
yourself, and particularly charge you never to forget
that you are a member of the Society of Jesus. Cir-
cumstances will of themselves best instruct you, in
what is most for God's service. Experience and
observation are the best teachers in affairs of pru-
dence. Remember me always in your prayers, and
take care that those under your charge recommend
me to the common Master whom we serve. To con-
clude this long instruction, I give you, as my last
advice, to read this paper carefully over, once a
week, in order that you may not forget any of the
articles it contains. May it please the Lord both to
accompany you in your voyage, and also remain for-
ever with us.'^

236

CHAPTER XXIV.

Xavier sets out for Japan — Stops at Cochin — Extraordinary con-
version— Arrives at Malacca — Deplorable state of the Grand vicar —
Xavier prepares him for death — He is consoled by the edifying lives
of Francis Perez and Roch Oliviera — Juan Bravo joins the Society —
Xavier abridges his noviceship, and gives him special instructions —
Extraordinary circumstance in Japan — Xavier departs from Malacca
— He is afflicted at the idolatry of the crew — Melancholy occurrence
— He arrives in Japan.

In April 1549, a few days after Father Gaspar
Barzaeus and his companion, Ra^^mond Pereyra, de-
parted for Onnuz, Xavier set sail for Cochin, on his
way to Japan. At Cochin was a vessel that was to
bring him to Malacca. He was accompanied by
Cosmo de Ferrez, and Juan Fernandez, together with
the three Japanese, Paul de Sainte Foi and his two
attendants, Juan and Antonio. In the same galley
with him were Emanuel Moralez and Alphonso de
Castro, who accompanied Xavier as far as Malacca,
whence they were to be sent to the Molucca islands.

On their coming to Cochin they found the ship
which had awaited their arrival, ready to sail, so that
they only remained a short time there, which, how-
ever, was not unprofitably employed. Walking one
day through the streets, Francis met with a Portu-
guese whom he knew, and of whom he asked the
state of his health. The other answered that he was
very well. »«Yes," replied Xavier, " as far as your
body is concerned, but as to your soul, no one can
be in a worse condition." This man, who was then
designing an evil action, saw at once that Xavier was
acquainted with his intentions ; and seriously reflect-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 237

ing on the extraordinary circumstance, followed him,
went to confession, and changed his Avicked hfe.
The people were so pleased with the preaching of
Castro, that they were anxious to retain him among
them, for the purpose of establishing there a college
of the Society. Xavier had already destined him for
the Molucca islands, and therefore opposed it, in
which he concurred with the designs of Providence,
which had prepared the crown of martyrdom for this
zealous missioner, and, accordingly, suffered him not
to remain in a place, where he was so much vene-
rated.

They departed from Cochin, on the 25th of April,
and arrived at Malacca on the 31st of the following
month. The whole town came to see Xavier, and
his return occasioned universal joy. The grand vicar
of the bishop, Alphonso Martinez, lay at that time
dangerously ill ; and the state of his soul was still
more deplorable than that of his body. Having ne-
glected the frequent admonitions he had received, to
put himself in a condition to give to God an
account of the ministry he had exercised for thirty
years, he was now so terrified at the prospect of im-
mediate death, and the retrospect of his Ufe, that he
fell into a deep melancholy, and wholly despaired of
salvation. He uttered frightful cries, that struck all
who heard them with horror ; he openly declared his
sins, not, however, in a spirit of penance, but from a
feeling of despair. When God's infinite mercy was
mentioned to him, he appeared to grow furious ; and
exclaimed that there was no mercy for the lost soul, —
no hope in the bottomless pit ! The unhappy man
was informed of Xavier's arrival ; and was asked if he
would wish to see him. Martinez had formerly been
very intimately acquainted with the holy man, and
the mention of his name seemed to inspire him with
hope. He even attempted to rise, to go, as he said,
and visit the man of God ; but the attempt brought
on a fainting fit, in which he was found by Xavier,

21

23S LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

who just then entered. It had always been his cus-
tom to pay his first visit to the ecclesiastical authority ;
and the report of the vicar's danger made him on this
occasion hasten to discharge this duty. When the
sick man had partially recovered himself, Xavier be-
gan to speak with him on eternity, and the disposi-
tions necessary for a christian death. This discourse
made Martinez relapse into all his former terrors, and
Francis saw, on this occasion, how true it is, that
nothing is more difficult than to persuade a dying man
to hope for mercy, if in his life he has made the pros-
pect of a death-bed-conversion, the motive for more
freely violating God's law.

Perceiving that the evil was almost beyond remedy,
he undertook to offer holy violence to heaven, to
obtain for the unhappy man, the grace of sincere
conversion. He made a vow on the spot, to say a
great number of masses, in honor of the Holy Trini-
ty, of the Blessed Virgin, of the angels, and some of
the saints to whom he was particularly devoted.
Scarcely had he done this, when Martinez began to
grow tranquil; his fears entirely vanished ; and hav-
ing received the sacraments, with sentiments of a
lively sorrow for his sins, and a full reliance on God's
mercies, he expired in the arms of Xavier, while in-
voking the name of ' Jesus.'

The consolation he felt at this happy termination
of a case, apparently so hopeless, was still further
increased by the apostolic labours of Francis Perez,
and Roch OUviera, who had been sent by him, the
preceding year, to found a college of the Society at
Malacca. Perez had opened a public school, for the
education of the youth in learning and piety, accord-
ing to the spirit of the institute. Oliviera devoted
himself entirely to the ministry of preaching, and the
direction of souls ; he was particularly employed with
the Turks and Jews, who are always in great num-
ber in the town. The Turks came from Mecca, and
the Jews from Malabar, for the purpose of establish-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 239

ing their respective errors in a place where Christian-
ity flourished.

The example of the two missioners attracted many
of the Portuguese to that method of life, of which
they made profession. Of these the most dis-
tinguished was Juan Bravo, a young gentleman
whose family, and personal merits gave him flattering
prospects in the world ; but he preferred evangelical
poverty, and religious obedience, to all his earthly
expectations ; and was about to embark for Goa, to
execute the design with which God had inspired him,
when he learned that Xavier was daily expected at
JNIalacca. He accordingly resolved to await his arri-
val, and, in the meantime, lived with Perez and 011-
viera, as if he were one of the Society. He con-
formed, as far as possible, to their rules ; instead of
rich garments to which he had been accustomed, he
wore an old cassock ; and thus triumphed over the
world before he had actually abandoned it. He
spent a month in the spiritual exercises, and only left
his retirement, to attend to works of charity in the
public hospitals. During three months he attended
the sick, lived in poverty, begging his bread from
door to door, — even before the eyes of his kinsman,
James Sosa, admiral of the fleet which was about to
sail for the Molucca islands.

So severe a trial induced Xavier to receive Bravo
into the Society, and admit him, soon after, to make
the first vows. Finding in him excellent disposition
for the apostolical virtues, he carefully cultivated
them, and, before setting out for Japan, left him the
following rules in writing.

" My dear brother, the form of life you are con-
stantly to practise is as follows. In the morning, as
soon as you awake, prepare to meditate on some
mystery of Our Lord's life, — beginning from the Na-
tivity and continuing to his glorious Ascension ; ac-
cording to the order laid down in the book of the ex-
ercises. Spend at least half an hour in prayer, and

240 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

bring to it all these interior dispositions, which you
were wont to do during your retreat of a month.
Every day consider one mystery, so that if, for ex-
ample, the birth of our Saviour was the subject of
your meditation on Monday, his circumcision should
occupy you on Tuesday ; thus in the course of a
month you will have passed through all the actions
of Jesus Christ, and have contemplated his triumph-
ant return to heaven. Begin these meditations every
month in the same order.

"At the end of each meditation, renew your vows
of poverty, chastity and obedience, by which you
have bound yourself, and offer them to God, with
the same fervour with which you first made them.
This renewal of your vows will weaken in you the
violence of concupiscence, and render you less open
to the attacks of the enemy of your soul. On this
account, I am of opinion that you should never omit
it.

" After dinner, resume the subject of your morn-
ing's prayer, by reflecting on the same mystery for
half an hour ; renew also your vows at the end of this
meditation. Let this be your interior occupation, in
all the distractions of your exterior employments.
Give an hour every day to the meditation of the most
holy life of our Lord Jesus, in whatsoever affair you
are engaged, or whatever obstacles you may have.
You will do this most conveniently, by following my
direction, and giving half an hour in the morning, and
half an hour in the afternoon.

" Before retiring at night, examine your conscience
diligently ; pass over all the thoughts, words, and
actions of the day. See if you have omitted any of
your duties; and make this examination with the
same exactness, as if you were about to go to confes-
sion. When you have conceived a lively sorrow for
your sins, from the motive of the love of God, hum-
bly ask pardon of Jesus Christ, and promise him to
amend. In fine, so compose yourself to rest, that

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 241

sleep may come on you, while occupied in pious
thoughts, and in resolutions of passing the next day
with greater holiness.

" On awaking in the morning, think of the sins you
discovered in the examen of the preceding evening;
and while dressing yourself, ask the assistance of
God's grace, not to relapse, that day into those offen-
ces. Then go through your morning's meditation,
and proceed in the manner I have before pointed out.
Endeavour to be so punctual and constant in all
these spiritual duties, that nothing but sickness may
cause you to omit them. If on the pretext of business
you neglect or defer them while in health, be sure to
accuse yourself of it in the presence of your brethren.
Ask also a due penance for having omitted or neg-
lected, what was so strictly imposed on you by your
Superior.

"Whatsoever you do, or whatever De your feelings,
labour strenuously to overcome yourself Subdue
your passions ; embrace what is most disagreeable
to your senses ; resist all desire of vain glory.
Be not sparing of yourself in this particular, and do
not give over until you shall have eradicated all pride
from your heart, so as not only to bear with patience
the contempt of men, but even to take pleasure in
encountering it. Be assured, that without humility
and mortification, you can neither advance in virtue,
nor serve your neighbour as you ought, nor be ac-
ceptable to God, nor^ in fine, persevere in the Society
of Jesus.

"Obey the father with whom you live, in all things ;
and however disagreeable or difficult may be what
he commands you, perform it with much cheerfulness.
Never object to his orders, or make exceptions to
them. In a word, suffer yourself to be directed by
him in all things, as if Father Ignatius himself gave
you the command.

"Make known, with great candour, the temp-
tations with which you may be assaulted, to him

21-^

242 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

who governs you ; and be persuaded that this is the
only means of overcoming them. Besides other ad-
vantages resulting from this practice, the violence
you do your own feelings, in surmounting your natu-
ral unwillingness to acknowledge your imperfections
and frailties, will draw down the grace of God upon
you. This openness and frankness will frustrate all
the designs of the evil spirit, who can only harm
when concealed, but who, when discovered, is so far
disarmed and weakened, as to be the object of ridi-
cule, to those for whom he lays snares."

Thus it was that Xavier instructed the novices of
the Society, and nothing, perhaps, could be produced,
better calculated to exhibit the identity of views be-
tween him and Ignatius.

About this time some vessels came from Japan,
and brought letters in which it was stated, that one
of the kings of those islands had sent an embassy to
the viceroy of India, to ask for some preachers of the
gospel. Tlîis prince had learned something of the chris-
tian law ; and an extraordinary circumstance had made
him desirous of knowing it still more perfectly. It
was thus related in those letters.

Some Portuguese merchants having arrived at the
port of the capital city of one of those kingdoms of
Japan, were lodged by the monarch's order in a
house, said to be haunted by evil spirits. The
general opinion did not appear to be entirely without
ground, as the Portuguese asserted, that their slum-
bers were disturbed by horrible noises, — they them-
selves dragged out of their beds, and violently beaten
by invisible hands ; — and their servant declared that
he had seen a frightful apparition, such as that by
which painters represent the devil. As this man was
neither credulous, nor deceitful, credit was given to
his assertions by the Portuguese, who immediately
caused crosses to be placed in all the rooms ; after
this they were no more disturbed.

The Japanese were astonished to hear that the

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 243

house was now quiet, and the king was so struck
by the declaration of the Portuguese, that this freedom
from annoyance was to be attributed to the crosses
placed in the rooms, that he ordered them to be set
up in his own palace, on the roads, and in other
public places. He also desired to be informed, whence
the cross derived this wonderful efficacy; and, he was
thus gradually initiated in the mysteries of faith ; but
as the Japanese are naturally curious, he was not
satisfied with what he learned from soldiers or mer-
chants, but determined to send an embassy to India,
to procure some preachers of the gospel.

This intelligence gave great satisfaction to Xavier,
who resolved to accelerate his departure, as he found
that the Japanese themselves were, in some measure,
prepared to receive him. At Malacca there were
many Portuguese vessels ready to sail for Japan, but
all of them were to make other voyages on the way,
which would occasion considerable delay ; and there-
fore he resolved to go in a Chinese junk, or small
vessel, which was to sail directly for Japan. Neceda,
the master of the vessel, was on friendly terms with
the Portuguese, notwithstanding the war which had
been lately declared against them by the Chinese.
He was, however, so notorious a pirate, that his ves-
sel was commonly called " the robber's junk." Don
Pedro de Sylva, governor of Malacca, made him
solemnly promise to bring Xavier in safety to Japan,
and obtained from him hostages to secure the inviola-
bility of his promise.

In the evening of the 29th of June, Xavier and his
companions embarked, and at the dawn of day, next
morning, set sail, with a favourable wind. When
they were out at sea, a paged was set up on the
poop, by the captain and his idolatrous crew. The
remonstrances of Xavier, did not prevent them from
sacrificing to it, and employing superstitious ceremo-
nies, to ascertain the success they would have in their
voyage. Sometimes the answers were favourable ;

244 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

at Other times, unpropitions. They cast anchor be-
fore an isle, where they stopped to take in timber,
and at the same time they renewed their questions
to the idol, and cast lots to know whether they should
have good winds. The lots having promised a
favourable passage, they resumed their voyage in
fine spirits; but they were no sooner out at sea, than
they drew lots a third time, to ascertain whether the
vessel should arrive safely at Malacca, from Japan.
The result of their inquiry was, that they should ar-
rive happily at Japan, but were never more to see
Malacca. The captain, who was extremely super-
stitious, being much alarmed by this answer, resolved
to change his course, and immediately tacked about,
and cruised among the islands that came in view.
The regret of Xavier was great, on beholding the
enemy of man's salvation, thus made the master of
their destiny, and all things ruled by his malignant
counsels.

While sailing thus slowly, they approached the
coasts of Cochin China, off which they were often in
danger of being shipwrecked by furious tempests.
The idolaters had recourse to their accustomed su-
perstitions, and learned from their lots that the winds
would fall, and that there was no danger; but a sud-
den and impetuous gust obliged the sailors to take in
all their sail, and cast anchor. The unexpected shock
of the vessel, threv/ a young Chinese, whom Xavier
had baptized, into the sea: he was,however,taken out,
but was injured by the accident. While they were
engaged in restoring him, the captain's daughter fell
in also, and, notwithstanding all the efforts made to
save her, was lost.

This melancholy occurrence made Neceda almost
despair. '^It was," says Xavier, in one of his letters,
<* a melancholy sight to behold the disorder that
every where prevailed on board. The loss of the
captain's daughter, and the imminent danger of being
wrecked, filled all with terror and alarm."

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 245

Instead, however, of acknowledging that the idol
had deceived them, these deluded men endeavoured
to appease him ; as if the death of the young woman
had been the effect of his displeasure. They sacrificed
birds, burned incense in his honour, and again cast
lots, to ascertain the cause of the misfortune which
had befallen them. They were answered, that the
captain's daughter would not have perished, had not
the young christian been saved. Neceda, in a trans-
port of rage, designed to throw Xavier and his com-
panion overboard ; but as the storm suddenly ceased,
and his mind grew more calm, he weighed anchor,
and steered for Canton, where he intended to pass
the winter. The designs of men, and the machina-
tions of devils are, however, unable to frustrate the
decrees of God. A strong wind arose, which drove
the vessel towards the coast of Japan, and they landed
at Cangoxima, the birth place of Paul de Sainte Foi,
on the 15th of August, 1549.

246

CHAPTER XXV.

Sketch of Japan, its government and religion — Paul de Sainte
Foi at the court of Saxuma — Xavier commences the study of the Ja-
panese language — Is presented at court — Begins to preach — Visits
the bonzas — They oppose him — Austere life of Xavier.

It is not necessary to give a minute description of
Japan, — its situation, the manners and customs of its
inhabitants, as this appertains more to geography
than to history ; and it suffices for our purpose to
know that Japan is a cluster of islands opposite to
China, the chief one of which gives its name to all
the rest. The mountains of these islands are re-
remarkably high, the cold is excessive, and the soil,
which abounds in mines of gold and silver, is not
cultivated, and therefore does not produce much
grain. A short notice of the government and reli-
gion of Japan will naturally find its place here, and
is indeed necessary for the perfect understanding of
the history of Xavier.

Japan was formerly subject to one ruler, who was
called the Deiri, and was supposed to descend in a
direct line from the sun ! The first office of the em-
pire was that of the Kubo, or captain general of the
army. To elevate this dignity, in itself so con-
spicuous, in process of time, the name of Sama or
lord was added to that of Kubo. Thus the generals
of Japan were called " Kubo Sama."

When the sceptre of Japan was in the hands of a
weak and effeminate prince, the Kubo Sama revoUed
from him, and seized on the regal dignity. He in-
tended to reduce the whole state under his power,
but v/as only able to make himself master of Meaco,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 247

the capital city, and of the provinces depending on
it. The governors of other provinces maintained
themselves in their respective jurisdictions, by force
of arms, and formed independent principalities. The
empire thus became partitioned into sixty six can-
tons, each of which assumed the name of kingdom.

After these revolutions, the kingof Meaco was called
Kubo Sama, and the former sovereign continued to
be called the Deiri. In consideration of his supposed
divine descent, he retained the insignia, but not the
powers, of royalty ; and his descendants enjoyed the
same title and advantages. Such was the state of
things when Xavier arrived in Japan. In the year
1585, the Kubo deprived the Deiri of the last sem-
blance of political power, and since that time, the
government of Japan may be considered as an abso-
lute and hereditary monarchy.

With the exception of a small number who profess
atheism, and deny the immortality of the soul, the
Japanese are idolaters, and believe in the transmi-
gration of souls. Some of them worship the sun and
moon; others adore the Camis, or immediate descend-
ants of the sun, and the gods of China. There are
many of them who adore beasts ; and some even
worship the devil, under hideous figures. Besides
these, they recognize a certain mysterious deity,
called Amida, who, they say, resides in a palace so
far from the earth, that the souls take three years in
passing to it. But the god of whom they report the
most extraordinary things, is called Xaca, who was
born of a virgin queen, and, having retired into the
deserts of Siam, endured severe penances for the ex-
piation of the sins of the world. On coming out of
this wilderness, he assembled some disciples, and
preached a heavenly doctrine in various countries.

An incredible number of temples have been built
in honour of Amida and Xaca ; all the cities are full
of them, and they are equally magnificent and nu-
merous. In the worship of these deities, superstition

248 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

hurries its votaries to the greatest excesses. They
precipitate themselves from the summits of high rocks,
or bury themselves ahve in caves ; and it is not an
unusual thing, to see barks filled with men and
women, with weights suspended from their necks,
who after singing the praises of the ffbds, cast them-
selves into the sea.

They have a kind of ecclesiastical hierarchy, which,
Uke other parts of their religious system, seems to be
a corruption of the institutions of Christianity. The
chief priest of their religion, called Saco, keeps his
court in the capital city of the empire ; he approves
of the various sects, — institutes ceremonies, — inaugu-
rates the Tundi, or subordinate religious chiefs, by
whom the priests are ordained, and empowered to
offer sacrifice. These priests are called bonzas ; the
greater part of them reside in deserts ; others, in
towns. All affect a great austerity of hfe, and re-
semble much the brahmins of India, whom, hov/ever,
they surpass in impiety and hypocrisy.

Xavier and his companions, immediately on their
arrival, went to pay their homages to the king of
Saxuma, on whom Cangoxima depends, and who re-
sided about eighteen miles from this latter place.
This prince had formerly shewn great favour to An-
ger, now called Paul de Sainte Foi; and he received
him with great cordiality, especially as he had be-
lieved that he was dead. Encouraged by this re-
ception, Paul asked the king, to pardon him the ac-
tion which had occasioned his departure. This he
easily obtained.

The prince being, like all the Japanese, very
curious, made a multitude of inquiries concerning
India, the nature of the country, the character of the
people, and the valour of the Portuguese. When
Paul had satisfied him on these subjects, the conver-
sation turned on the different religions that prevailed
in India, and, at length, on Christianity, which the
Portuguese had introduced into it.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 249

Paul took this opportunity of laying before the
prince an account of the mysteries of faith ; and per-
ceiving that he was listened to with attention and
pleasure, he exhibited a picture of the Virgin with
the child Jesus in her arms. Xavier had given this
painting, which was well executed, to Paul, that he
might use it on suitable occasions. The king was
so affected at the sight, that he reverently knelt down,
as did also all his attendants, to honour those supe-
rior beings whom he saw represented before him.
He ordered it to be brought to the queen, his mother,
who was equally charmed with it, and paid it similar
marks of her respect. But as the Japanese women
are still more inquisitive than the men, she asked a
multitude of questions, concerning the Blessed Virgin,
and the child Jesus ; and thus afforded Paul an op-
portunity of relating to her the principal events of
the life of Our Divine Saviour. The queen was so
well pleased with what she heard, that some days
after, she sent to have a copy taken of the picture she
had seen, but could not find a painter who would
undertake the performance. She asked, at least, for
an abridgment in writing of the principal doctrines
of Christianity, with which Paul joyfully supplied her.

Overjoyed at these favourable dispositions of the
court, Xavier was desirous to render himself capable
of preaching in the language of the country. Although
there is but one tongue spoken throughout all Japan,
it is so copious and rich, that it may be said to com-
prise many different languages. In common conver-
sation they have a different dialect, from that which
they employ in studied compositions. Persons of
rank have a dialect quite different from that of the
mass of the population : merchants and soldiers speak
a language peculiar to themselves ; and the women
have an idiom, which differs from the other varieties
of this comprehensive language. Nay, more, the
language varies according to the nature of the sub-
ject treated of, so that religion, state affairs, and such

22

250 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIEH.

elevated matters, have each a phraseology peculiar
to itself, and which cannot be confounded with
another dialect, without giving offence.

Xavier had already some little knowledge of all
these languages, by means of his intercourse with
the three Japanese converts ; but he knew not
enough to enable him to speak with ease and
fluency ; as we learn from his own letters, in which
he says, that, at first, he and his companions stood
mute and motionless as statues. He accordingly
applied himself with all diligence, to acquire the lan-
guage of the country, as he relates, in these words : —
" We are become children again, and are at present
wholly occupied in learning the first elements of the
Japanese grammar. May God grant, that while we
are employed in the exercises, we may imitate the
simplicity and innocence, of children V

We must not be astonished, that one to whom God
had on so many occasions communicated the gift of
tongues, should be obhged to learn that of Japan.
Xavier never expected the renewal of these transient
favours. Accordingly whenever he intended to re-
side in a country, he studied the language of it with
as much industry as if application were the only
means of acquiring it. The Holy Spirit assisted him
in a most extraordinary manner, as we have formerly
observed ; and the facility with which he learned so
many different languages, may be regarded as some-
thing like the constant gift of tongues.

While Xavier and his companions were labouring
to acquire that knowledge so necessary to enable
them to announce Christ to the people of Cangoxima,
Paul de Sainte Foi, with whom they resided, in-
structed his own family with such effect, that his
mother, wife, and daughter, together with many of
his relations, were converted, and solemnly baptized
by Xavier. In the space of forty days, this holy man
had acquired enough of the language, to enable him
to undertake the translation of the apostles' creed, and

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 251

the exposition of it which he had composed in India.
He committed it to memory, according as he translated
it; and judged that by means thereof, he might begin
to preach the gospel. But as in Japan all the laws
and customs are scrupulously observed, and nothing
is attempted without previous permission from the
government, he determined to visit the king, and ac-
cordingly selected the feast of St. Michael for the oc-
casion. He commended the whole empire to the
protection of that glorious arch-angel, — the leader of
the heavenly host ; and besought him in his daily
prayers to banish from Japan the demons, who for
so many ages held undisturbed sway over it.

The apostle of India was not unknown at the court
of Saxuma. Paul de Sainte Foi had already spoken
of him in such high terms, that all desired to behold
him, and, on his appearance, regarded him with ad-
miration. The king and queen paid him great hon-
our, testified particular kindness for him, and spent
a considerable portion of the night, in Hstening to his
conversation. They could not suppress their amaze-
ment, at hearing that he and his companions had
come from such a distant quarter of the earth, — passed
through so many dangers, — navigated such tempes-
tuous seas, — not for the purpose of enriching them-
selves with the gold of Japan, but with no other view
than to announce the glad tidings of eternal happiness
to its inhabitants. At the very first audience, the
king cautioned Xavier to keep very carefully all the
books and writings, that contained the christian doc-
trine : " for," said he, " if your faith be true, the de-
mons will be sure to attack you, and exert all their
malice against you." — He then gave the required
permission to preach the christian law throughout all
his domains : and published an edict, by which he per-
mitted all his subjects to embrace Christianity, if they
were so disposed.

Profiting by these favourable dispositions of the
court, Xavier began to preach at Cangoxima, by ex-

252 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

plaining the first article of the creed. The existence
of one God, — all powerful, and Creator of heaven and
earth, strangely surprised his hearers, who had no
notion of a First Cause, from whom all other beings
have derived existence. The other articles of the
Trinity and Incarnation, appeared to them still more
incredible ; and some regarded the preacher as a
mad-man, and openly scofîed at him. The more
reflecting among them, however, began to consider
that a stranger, who had no possible interest in de-
ceiving them, would not have come so great a dis-
tance for that purpose. Influenced by this rational
principle, they listened to Xavier, and then proposed
to him the difficulties they felt in the mysteries he
announced. The holy man answered them so dis-
tinctly and satisfactorily, by means of Paul de Sainte
Foi, whom he occasionally used as an interpreter,
that many of them were perfectly satisfied with his
solutions, and embraced the faith.

The first who desired to receive baptism, was one
of humble station, and quite destitute of the goods of
fortune ; as if God wished that the church of Japan,
like the universal church itself, should have its first
professors among the humbler classes of Society.
This first fruit of Xavier's labours in Japan, took the
name of Bernard, and afterwards was distinguished
for his sanctity.

In the meantime, Xavier visited the bonzas, and
endeavoured to ingratiate himself with them, as he
was persuaded that the progress of the gospel would
be greatly impeded by their opposition. His modest
deportment and candour immediately acquired for
him the favour of the chief, a venerable old man of
eighty years of age, — one so highly esteemed for his
wisdom that the king consulted him on his most im-
portant afliairs. He was such an adept in the knowl-
edge of his religion, that he was sirnamed, < Ningit,'
or «heart of truth !' — an appellation, which Xavier
soon perceived, but badly applied to him. In fact,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 253

he knew not what to believe concerning the immor-
tality of the soul ; sometimes saying, that our souls
were nowise different from those of beasts ; at other
times, that they were of heavenly origin, and so many
divine emanations.

These uncertainties of a mind fluctuating between
truth and error, gave Xavier the opportunity of
proving the immortality of the soul, on which he
reasoned from purely natural principles. His argu-
ments merited the approbation, but did not effect the
conversion, of Ningit, who commended the knowl-
edge of the European bonza — as he called Xavier, —
and said that no one had a clearer insight into the
natural truths. Still he continued in a state of uncer-
tainty on the question of religion : either because he
was ashamed to change his opinion at that age ; or,
perhaps, because those who have doubted all their
lives, are more hard to be converted than those who
have never believed.

The esteem which Ningit testified for Xavier
caused the latter to be held in great repute with the
bonzas. They listened to and applauded him, when
he spoke of the divine law ; and publicly declared
that one who had come from the extremity of the
world, and encountered so many perils, to preach a
new religion, must be inspired by the spirit of truth,
and could propose nothing that was unworthy of belief.

This favourable testimony of the bonzas, gave
great authority to the preaching of Xavier, although
their own immoralities hindered them from following
the gospel. Before the end of the year, two of them,
however, less corrupt than the rest, or more faithful
to the grace of Jesus Christ, embraced Christianity.
Their example had great influence on the inhabitants
of Cangoxima, many of whom desired to be baptized.

This auspicious beginning seemed to promise a
still greater harvest, and the faith was becoming
every day more strongly rooted in Cangoxima, when
a persecution suddenly arose, which blasted these

22^

254 LIFE OP ST. FRAWCIS XAVIER.

fair prospects, and retarded the progress of the gos-
pel. Surprised and alarmed at beholding the religion
of the country about to be abandoned by the people,
the bonzas opened their eyes to their own interest,
which they easily saw would be compromised, if
this new religion were received ; as they lived prin-
cipally on the offerings made to their deities. They
resolved therefore to remedy the evil, before it was
too late, and to procure the banishment of these Por-
tuguese preachers from the country. Those who at
first appeared so favourable to Xavier, now violently
opposed, him, and decried him every where as an
impostor. One day as Xavier was preaching in one
of the public places of the city, a bonza interrupted
him in the midst of his discourse, and told the people
not to listen to him, as it was a devil who had as-
sumed the appearance of a man, in order to deceive
them. This insult failed to produce its intended effect.
The Japanese are naturally of acute minds, and easi-
ly saw the motives of the change of manner, so visi-
ble in the conduct of the bonzas towards Xavier.
Finding that self-interest was the grand spring by
which they were actuated, they listened with in-
creased attention to the doctrine of the holy man.

Some of them even upbraided the bonzas with
that attachment to their own interest, which had
roused their zeal so suddenly against Xavier. They
told them that religion was not to be defended by
calumnies and outrages, but by solid arguments ; and
that if the European bonza taught false doctrines,
they ought to convict him of his error. They added,
that it was of little moment whether this new
preacher were a demon or a man, that truth was to
be received, by whomsoever it was announced ; and
that he lived more holily, and was more worthy of
credit, than any of them.

And, indeed, Xavier, to edify the people, who or-
dinarily judge by appearances, — abstained altogether
from flesh and fish, and lived entirely on some bitter

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 255

roots and boiled pulse. Thus he practised to the
very letter that austerity, which the bonzas professed,
or rather pretended to observe. He acted thus from
his arrival in the country, as Paul de Sainte Foi had
told him, it would not look well if a christian preach-
er should live less austerely than the priests of idols.

256

CHAPTER XXVI.

Miraculous draught of fishes — Cure of a leper — A young woman
restored to life — Exemplary chastisements — Deputation of the bon-
zas to the king — Edict against the christians — Xavier proposes to
leave his infant flock — Sets out from Cangoxima — Visits the fortress
of Ekandono — Makes many converts there — Piety, zeal, and lively
faith of these new christians.

" The wonders which God vouchsafed to work by
the ministry of his servant, gave an additional con-
firmation to his preaching. Walking one day by the
sea-shore, Xavier met with some fishermen, who
were spreading their empty nets, and who complained
much of their bad success. He compassionated their
misfortune, and having spent a few moments in
prayer, advised them to cast their nets once more. —
They did so, and took so large a quantity of fish, that
they could scarcely draw in their nets. Nay more,
they continued to have the same success during
several days ; and what is still more extraordinary,
the sea of Cangoxima, which before was scarce of
fish, from that time abounded with them.

A woman having heard of the miraculous cures
performed by Xavier in India, brought to him her
child, whose entire body was deformed by unnatural
tumours. The holy man took the child in his arms,
looked at him with an air of pity, and pronounced
thrice over him the words : — " God bless thee." —
He then gave the child — who was perfectly restored
to health, and now as beautiful, as he before had
been deformed, — to his mother, who remained
motionless with gratitude and admiration.

The report of this miracle having spread through

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 257

the town, a leper, who had for years vainly sought
for relief, now conceived strong hope of being cured.
Not daring to appear in public, as the leprosy exclu-
ded him from all intercourse with society, he sent
for Xavier, who then happened to be engaged in
some business, and therefore could not go, but sent
one of his companions to visit him. He bade him
ask the leper, three times, if he would believe in
Christ, in case his leprosy were cleansed ; and in case
lie assented, to make the sign of the cross over him
three times. All these injunctions were exactly
observed ; the leper engaged to become a christian
on the recovery of his health, and as soon as the sign
of the cross was made over him, his leprosy entirely
disappeared. This sudden cure made him at once
believe in Christ, and earnestly desire to be baptized,
that the same power which had cleansed his body,
might also purify his soul.

The most wonderful of the miracles which Xavier
wrought in Cangoxima, was the restoring of a young
iady of rank to life. Her death had overwhelmed
her' father with grief, who refused to receive any
consolation. As he was an idolater, he had nothing
to sustain him under this severe trial; and those who
came to condole with him, increased, rather than
diminished, his sorrow. Two of those who had
been lately converted to the faith, came to visit him
before the interment of his daughter, and advised him
to apply to Xavier, who had wrought such astonish-
ing wonders, and in whose power they exhorted him
to have every confidence. The father lent a willing
ear to this advice, and being persuaded by what these
new christians told him, that nothing was impossible
to the European bonza, he perceived a slight ray of
hope penetrate the thick darkness, with which his
soul, up to this moment, had been enveloped. He
accordingly went to Xavier, cast himself at his feet,
and with tears in his eyes, besought him to restore to
him his beloved daughter. Affected by the faith and

258 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

tenderness of the disconsolate parent, Xavier retired,
together with Fernandez his companion, to recom-
mend the matter to God. Returning in a short time
to the sorrowing father, he said : — " Go, your
daughter Uveth."

The pagan thought that Xavier would accompany
him to his house, and invoke the name of God over
the body of his departed child, and believing that he
was trifled with, went away dissatisfied ; but he had
not proceeded many steps homewards, when he was
met by one of his servants, running towards him in
great joy, and exclaiming, " Your daughter is alive !"
and soon after beheld his daughter herself, who
came to confirm the joyful intelligence. She told
him, that she had no sooner departed out of life, than
she was seized by two hideous fiends, who were
about to precipitate her into a pool of fire, when two
unknown, but venerable persons snatched her out of
their hands, and, in a manner altogether inconceiv-
able, restored her to life.

Her father conjectured who these two unknown
persons were, and brought her directly to Xavier and
Fernandez. On seeing them, she exclaimed, " Be-
hold my deliverers," and her father immediately
desired to be baptized. Nothing of the kind had
ever been seen or heard of before in that country ;
and even the mythology of Japan did not ascribe
such a power to its deities. The fame of Xavier, and
the power of the christian faith, were wonderfully
celebrated by this event.

The exemplary chastisement of an impious man,
who either impelled by his own fury, or urged on by
the bonzas, one day railed at, and publicly insulted,
Xavier, shewed, if possible, still more evidently how
much he was beloved of heaven. The only reply he
made to the outrage was : — " God preserve your
mouth." The unhappy man felt his tongue imme-
diately eaten away by a cancer ; and from his mouth

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 259

came forth worms and a purulent matter, which was
intolerable.

Notwithstanding this terrific and notorious visita-
tion of God, which ought to have struck the bonzas
with salutary dread, they seemed to borrow strength
from their great numbers. Their indignation indeed
passed all bounds, on the conversion of the wife of
one of the greatest lords of the court, who had for-
merly been a liberal supporter of the idol priests, but
who now, together with all her family, was solemnly
baptized. Seeing that all their efforts against Xavier
were of no effect, and that the rich and powerful, no
less than the poor and humble, embraced Christianity,
which they dared not openly oppose, on account of
the royal edict, — they devised a new artifice, which
was to remonstrate with the king, in the name of the
deities of the country.

A deputation of the most considerable of the bon-
zas accordingly waited on the king, and said, in rather
a threatening tone, that they came in the name of
Xaca and Amida, and the other gods of Japan, to
ask of him, to what country he was about to banish
them. They said that the gods were looking out for
new habitations and new temples, as he had driven
them shamefully from his dominions, or rather from
theirs, and, instead of them, had received a strange
God, who usurped all divine honours to himself, and
admitted no equal or superior. They said, moreover,
in an insulting tone, that although he was a king,
he was a profane man, who was not capable of being
an arbiter in reUgion, or of judging between the Gods.
" Besides," added they, " what likeUhood is there
that Japan, the wisest nation in the world, should
have erred for so many ages ? What will posterity
say, when they shall be told, that the king of Saxu-
ma, who held his crown from Xaca and Amida,
overthrew their altars, and deprived them of the
honours they had so long onjoyed ? — Will not the
neighboring provinces avenge the insult offered to

260 LIFE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

their divinities ? On such occasions every thing was
allowable, and the least evil he had to fear was a
civil war, which would be the more bloody, because
originating in religious motives.

The circumstances in which the bonzas addressed
the king, were favourable to them. He had been
lately informed that the ships of Portugal, which
were wont to come to Cangoxima,now directed their
course towards Firando. This greatly annoyed him,
both because his kingdom would suffer by the loss
of their commerce, as also because his enemy, the
king of Firando, would profit by the change. As
the kindness he had at first exhibited to Xavier, was
principally grounded in the motive of his own inter-
est, this news made him at once grow cold in his
manners to the holy man, and lend a favourable ear
to the suggestions of the bonzas. He granted all that
these men asked of him, and forbade his subjects, on
pain of death, to abandon the religion of the country.
This edict caused the people of Cangoxima, who be-
fore were so well disposed to receive the gospel, to
break off all intercourse with Xavier and his com-
panions. So much does the prince influence the
people !

Those, however, whose heart God had already
moved, about a hundred in number, far from being
unfaithful to the grace of their vocation, seemed to
have been strengthened in their belief. They ceased
not to return thanks to God, for having chosen them
to compose this small, but precious flock. Persecu-
tion served only to increase their fervour ; and they
unanimously declared to Xavier, that they were pre-
pared to suffer death rather than deny Christ.

Although he had no distrust in their constancy, he
ceased not to strengthen them by good discourses,
before he left a place, where all hope of farther pro-
moting the gospel was thus taken away. He, ac-
cordingly, assembled them every day, and read for
them some portions of the Scripture, translated into

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 261

their own language, and adapted to their circumstan-
ces. He also explained to them some of the myste-
ries of our Saviour's Ufe ; and these fervent souls re-
ceived such an abundance of spiritual consolations,
that they interrupted his words each moment, by
their sighs and tears.

He caused many copies of this instruction to be
taken, for the use of the faithful. He gave in it a
more ample exposition of the creed, and added various
spiritual instructions : he then got it printed in Japan-
ese characters, that it might be circulated more exten-
sively. About this time, two converted bonzas, and
two other baptized Japanese, undertook a voyage to
India, that they might behold the splendour of the
church ceremonies, the multitude of christians, and
the magnificence of the churches at Groa, of which
Xavier had spoken so much.

At length in the beginning of September, 1550,
accompanied by Cosmo de Torrez and Juan Fer-
nandez, he left Cangoxima. Agreeably to his cus-
tom, he carried on his back whatever was required
for the sacrifice of the Mass. Before his departure,
he recommended the faithful to Paul de Sainte Foi.
It must appear wonderful that, in the midst of
paganism and of persecuting bonzas, these few chris-
tian converts should preserve the faith; yet not only
did they not abandon it, but their exemplary lives
caused numbers to join this «< little flock." In the
course of a few years the number of christians was
increased to five hundred ; and the king of Saxuma
wrote to the viceroy of India, to ask for some fathers
of the Society, who might publish so pure and holy
a law throughout all his territories. The intelligence
that the Portuguese, who fonnerly came to Japan,
now went to Firando, caused Xavier to go thither.
He hoped that he and his companions would be
favourably received by the king of that place, as his
enemy, the king of Saxuma, had, in a manner, ban-
ished them from his dominions. '

23

262 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

Their way lay by a fortress, belonging to a prince
called Ekandono, a vassal of the king of Saxuma. It
was situated on a rock, and defended by ten great
bastions. It was encompassed by a thick wall and
deep ditch, — cut through the solid rock. On every
side were frightful precipices, and the only way by
which the fortress could be approached, was guarded
day and night, so that it could not be taken by sur-
prise. The interior of this fortress was the very
opposite of its external appearance. In it were
porticoes, galleries, halls, and suites of apartments —
all of admirable beauty and workmanship.

Some of the inhabitants who were returning from
Cangoxima, where they had seen Xavier, invited
him to enter, and visit their lord, who, they doubted
not, would gladly see so celebrated a character.
Anxious to profit by every opportunity of announc-
ing the gospel, Xavier assented ; and the reception
he met was so favourable, that he at once began to
announce the truths of salvation. The prince's at-
tendants and soldiers who were present, were so
moved, both by the sanctity of his manner,and the sin-
cerity which was manifested in his words, that after
they had received the solution of their difficulties,
seventeen of them asked to receive baptism. They
were, accordingly, baptized in the presence of their
lord, who, although himself inclined to the faith, pre-
vented some more from embracing it, who were so
disposed, lest he should incur the anger of the king
of Saxuma. He was in his heart a christian, and
permitted Xavier privately to baptize his wife and
eldest son ; and promised also to receive baptism him-
self, as soon as his sovereign should be favourable to
the new religion.

Among those who embraced the faith, was the
steward of Ekandono's house, an old and very
prudent man. Xavier committed to his care the new
christians, he gave him the written form of baptism,
the exposition of the creed, the epitome of our

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 263

Saviour's life, the seven penitential psalms, the
litanies of the saints, and a list of the festivals of the
church. He set apart a place in the palace, for the
assemblies of the faithful, and exhorted the steward
to collect as many of the pagans as he could, and read
to both some part of the christian doctrine, on every
Sunday, and to cause the penitential psalms to be
sung on every Friday, and the litanies every day.
These orders were so faithfully attended to, that some
years after, Louis Almeyda found an hundred chris-
tians in the fortress of Ekandono, all of whom were
edifying in their conduct, devoted to prayer, to the
practice of austerities, and works of mutual benevo-
lence ; so that they seemed more like the inmates of
a religious house, than the inhabitants of a garrison.
Ekandono, although still an idolater, assisted at these
exercises, and caused two of his children to be bap-
tized.

One of these new converts composed in his native
tongue, the history of human redemption, from the
fall of Adam to the descent of the Holy Ghost.
Being once asked what reply he should make to the
king, in case he was commanded to renounce his
faith, he said that his answer would be in these
terms : — " Sire, you desire that as I have been born
in your kingdom, I should remain faithful to you,
and be ready to hazard my life in your service. You
would also wish that I were moderate with my
equals, condescending to my inferiors, obedient to
those placed over me, and, in a word, equitable to
all. For these reasons, command me to remain a
christian ; for a christian is obliged to be all that I
have said. But if you forbid me to be a christian, I
shall immediately become hard-hearted, insolent, re-
bellious, unjust, and wicked."

In taking leave of the steward, whom he had
made superior of the rest, Xavier left with him a
discipline, which he himself had formerly used. The
old man kept it with religious care, and would not

264 LIFE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

permit any one to use it ; saying, that they should
abstain from using it for the punishment of their
flesh, that it might remain for the preservation of their
health. And, indeed, God ordinarily made use of
this instrument of penance, as a means of curing the
sick in the castle. Among other remarkable instances,
when the wife of Ekandono was in the agonies of
death, she was instantly restored to health, by the
sign of the cross being made over her with this disci-
pline. She had herself received from Xavier, at his
departure, a small book containing the history of the
saints and some prayers, written by himself. This
was also the occasion of several extraordinary cures,
not only among the christians, but also among
the idolaters. Ekandono himself was restored to
health by its application, when he was so ex-
ceedingly ill, that his recovery was regarded almost
as equivalent to a resurrection from the grave.

26b

CHAPTER XXVIL

Xavier arrives at Firando — Great success of his preaching — Sets
out for Meaco — Stops at Amanguchi — Journey thence to Meaco —
Zeal of Xavier — He is miraculously preserved from being stoned
to death — Leaves Meaco and returns to Amanguchi — Trait of dis-
interestedness— The king protects the missioners — Importunities of
the Japanese — Letters to Ignatius — Miraculous multiplication of
Xavier's words — Wonderful success of his ministry — Interior delights
— Admirable patience of Fernandez — The bonzas lose credit with
the people — They inspire the king with distrust of Xavier — Xavier
determines on returning to India.

Xavier and his companions pursued their journey-
alternately by sea and land, and after encountering
a multiplicity of dangers, they arrived in safety at the
port of Firando. The Portuguese exerted themselves
to procure for Xavier an honourable reception ; and
on his arrival ail the artillery was discharged, and
the colours were hoisted. He landed amid sound of
trumpets, and re-echoed acclamations from the va-
rious vessels; and, notwithstanding his unwillingness,
was conducted in the same pomp to the royal palace.
This had a great and beneficial effect on the pagan
court, which, otherwise, might have contemned him,
on account of the simplicity and poverty of his ap-
pearance. The king of Firando learned from the
Portuguese, how much Xavier was esteemed and
valued by the king their master ; and, on that ac-
count, received him with marked attention, particu-
larly as he knew that the king of Cangoxima had
forced him to leave his states. To gratify the crown
of Portugal, and at the same time oppose his adver-
sary, he at once gave leave to the three missioners,
23*

266 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

to publish the law of Jesus Christ, throughout all his
dominions.

The people flocked in crowds to hear the European
bonzas ; and the first sermon of Xavier made such
an impression, that in less than twenty days he bap-
tized more infidels in Firando, than he had done
during a whole year in Cangoxima. The facility he
found in bringing these people to the faith, made him
determine to follow out his original design of visiting
Meaco, the capital of Japan, and, in the meantime,
leave them to the care of Torrez. He thought that
the faith of Christ would be more easily propagated
from the chief city, throughout all the empire.

Towards the end of October 1550, he accordingly
set out, accompanied by Fernandez, and two Japan-
ese christians, Matthew and Bernard.

They went by sea to Facata, which is twenty
leagues distant from Firando; and thence they em-
barked for Amanguchi, a hundred leagues distant
from Facata. This is the capital of the kingdom of
Nangato, and one of the richest cities of Japan, by
reason of the great concourse of foreign merchants
who frequent it, of the silver mines with which its
vicinity abounds, and of the fertility of its soil. As
vice is the general concomitant of wealth, it was no
less notorious for the immorality than for the wealth
of its inhabitants.

Although Xavier only intended to touch on that
place, on his way to Meaco, the corruption of man
ners which he beheld so moved him, that he was un-
able to pass on, without preaching the name of
Christ, and making known the purity of the chris-
tian law, to this blind and besotted people. So much
was he transported with zeal, at hearing the crimes
that were perpetrated in the town, that he did not
even wait, until he obtained permission from the
king, as was his custom elsewhere. He at once ap-
peared in public, displaying, by the fire that inflamed
his countenance, the fervour of his soul, and unhesi-

LIFE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 267

tatingly announced to them the truths of faith. Jn
another part of the town his companion, Fernandez,
did the same. The people hstened to them through
curiosity ; and when they heard of all the dangers
they had been exposed to, they admired their cour-
age and disinterestedness, as the Japanese are natu-
rally noble minded and magnanimous. They were
even invited to private houses, and there asked for a
more detailed exposition of their doctrine. The
principal men of the town declared, that if the chris-
tian law appeared more reasonable than their own,
they would at once embrace it.

Notwithstanding these favourable dispositions,
they were too much enslaved by vicious indulgence,
to see, or at least to follow, what was best ; and not
a single conversion took place among them. When
they had compared both laws, they agreed, almost
unanimously, that Christianity was more in accord-
ance with reason ; but, as the gospel forbade ven-
geance, polygamy, and impurity, they found these
things to be practically unreasonable ; — such at least,
did they appear to their corrupted understanding.
They looked on Xavier and his companions as hot
headed enthusiasts; and by the influence of their au-
thority so far exasperated the people's minds against
them, that contemptuous terms were publicly applied
to them, and even stones hurled at their devoted
heads. " See," cried out the people, as they cast stones
at them, "the bonzas, who would persuade us to wor-
ship one God only, and have but one wife."

The king of Amanguchi, Oxindono, felt his curi-
osity excited by the reports, he had heard of these
strangers ; and he wished to form his own judgment
of the law they announced. He accordingly sent for
them, and asked, in the presence of all his court, of
what country they were, and for what purpose they
had come to Japan. Xavier answered in a few
words, that they were Europeans, and that they had
come to announce the divine law. "For/' added he,

268 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

" no man can be saved who adores not God, and the
Saviour of all men, Jesus Christ, with a pure heart
and pious worship." " Shew me," said the prince,
" this law, which you call divine." Xavier then be-
gan to read some of the book he had composed in
the Japanese language, which treated of the creation
of the world, of which none of those pagans had
before heard, of the immortality of the soul, of
our last end, of Adam's fall, of the eternal re-
wards and punishments of another life, of the
coming of Christ, and of the fruits of our redemp-
tion. Whatever might seem to require elucidation,
was explained by Xavier, who continued to speak
for more than an hour.

The king listened to him with attention, and dis-
missed him without giving him any indication of his
opinion of what had been said. His silence and
politeness seemed to Xavier to augur favourably, or
at least, to be equivalent to a permission to continue
his public preaching ; which he accordingly did with
renewed zeal, but with inconsiderable success. Of
those who heard him, the greater part laughed at
himself, and ridiculed the truths of faith; and although
some compasionated the sufferings of Christ, the re-
cital of which drew tears from their eyes, the number
of converts was very small.

Having continued there for more than a month,
without any other advantage than the affronts he
received, he resolved to continue his journey to
Meaco. He wept, with his companions, over the
bUndness and obduracy of those who refused to re-
ceive the gospel ; but he consoled himself with the
thought of God's mercies. An inward voice seemed
to tell him that the seed, which had been cast on so
ungrateful a soil, would not eventually be lost.

They set out about the end of December, when
the rains usually fall in great abundance, and the
winds on land are almost as dangerous as tempests
are at sea. Owing to the cold, and heavy falls of

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 269

snow, the people in the towns do not venture abroad,
and have no other communication with each other
than by means of covered galleries. In the country,
every thing has a still more dreary aspect. Nothing
is to be seen but thick forests, steep and rugged rocks,
and violent torrents, which sometimes overflow the
plains. The ice renders the roads so slippery, that
travellers are every instant in danger of falling, —
while the long icicles which hang from the trees,
threaten them with instant destruction.

Such was the season, at which these four servants
of God begun their journey through these dreary
wastes. They were quite unprovided with warm
clotliing, to resist the inclemency of the weather, and
had not even always shoes to protect their naked
feet from the icy roads. Their whole means of sup-
port was some roasted rice, that Bernard carried in
his wallet. They could have been more abundantly
supplied, had Xavier accepted the money which
the Portuguese merchants of Firando offered him
for the journey, or had he made use of the supply
which the viceroy of India was empowered to grant
him. But the holy man thought, that such a provi-
sion would argue a distrust of Providence ; and he
accordingly employed the thousand dollars he had re-
ceived from the treasury, in relieving the necessities
of the newly baptized christians. Not content with
this alms, he got what he could from Goa and Ma-
lacca. He was accustomed to say, that the more
these new converts were destitute of worldly goods,
the more they were deserving of relief; — that their
zeal was worthy of the primitive ages of the church ;
— and that there was not a christian in Japan, who
was not prepared to forfeit his life, rather than re-
nounce Jesus Christ.

In good weather, the journey from Amanguchi to
Meaco, occupies about fifteen days; but our travel-
lers were obliged to spend two months in it ; — some-
times crossing over torrents swollen by heavy rains,

270 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

or penetrating through forests choked up with snow,
or cUmbing up rocks, or rolUng down precipices.
These excessive and constant fatigues brought a
fever on Xavier, during the journey, and he was
obliged to stop at Sacay. He would not, however,
take any remedies, and soon afterwards resumed his
journey.

It unfortunately happened that Bernard, who un-
dertook to be their gliide, generally led them astray.
One day when they were involved in the intricacies
of a forest, from which they could not extricate
themselves, a horseman passed by on his way to
Meaco. Xavier followed him, and offered to carry
his valise, if he would direct him how to get out of
the forest, and avoid the dangerous passes. The
offer was accepted, but the stranger advanced so
rapidly, that Xavier was obliged to run after him,
and that, for the greater part of a day. On his com-
panions coming up to the place where the horseman
had left him, they found him in a state of complete ex-
haustion. His feet were much torn by the briers
and ruggedness of the road, over which he had been
obliged to hasten ; but the union of his soul with
God supported him under all these trials.

In passing through the towns and villages, Xavier
always read some part of the catechism to the peor
pie who assembled round him. The greater part
laughed at him, and the children cried out : < Deos,
Deos, Deos ;' — because when mentioning God, he
commonly used the Portuguese word, which he sel-
dom pronounced without repeating it. In speaking
of God to them, he abstained from using the Japan-
ese term for indicating the Supreme Being, not only
because there was no term in the language which
accurately expressed the true idea of the Divinity,
but also lest the idea of God should be confounded
with their Garnis, and their Potoques, in case he
should express it by the name which was common
to those idols. He accordingly took occasion to tell

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 271

them, that as they had never had any knowledge of
the true God, they were unable to express his name ;
but that the Portuguese who knew him, called him
Deos; and he repeated that word with so much
energy, and in such a tone, as made even the pagans
themselves sensible, how great veneration was due
to that sacred name.

His zeal had well nigh cost him his life, on two
different occasions, when he had confuted the errors
of the sects prevailing in Japan, and attacked the
enormous vices which were every where to be found.
The people took him out of the town to stone him to
death ; but just as they were about to cast the stones,
a violent storm, accompanied with thunder and light-
ning, obliged them to retire. Amid the confusion,
Xavier remained undisturbed, admiring and adoring
the counsels of that providence, which so visibly
protected him.

They arrived at Meaco in February 1551. This
city is celebrated as the seat of empire and religion.
The presence of the Kubo Sama,the Deiri, and the
Saso seemed to promise much to Xavier, but the
event did not correspond with his expectations. In
the language of Japan, Meaco signifies ^a thing worth
seeing ;' but it was now a heap of ruins ; wars and
conflagrations had laid it waste. All the neighbour-
ing princes had combined against the Kubo Sama,
and nothing was to be heard but the din of arms.

Xavier vainly endeavoured to procure an introduc-
tion to the Kubo Sama, the Deiri,^ or the Saso, who
is the high priest of the Japanese religion. To obtain
these several audiences would have cost about six
thousand French cro-wns, which Xavier had not to
give. Despairing of doing any good in that way, he
preached in the public places, by virtue of the au-
thority which God gives to his ministers. As the
city was all in confusion, and every one's thoughts
occupied with the prospect of the approaching con-

273 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

test, no one listened to him, or such as casually heard
him, paid him no attention.

After a fortnight's stay at Meaco, Xavier seeing no
UkeUhood that he should make converts, felt strongly
inclined to return to Amanguchi. He did not, how-
ever, look on as lost all that he had suffered in
coming to Meaco, not only because sufferings are the
delights of the saints, but also because he had an-
nounced Jesus Christ in the most idolatrous city of
the universe. He also felt assured that he had
opened the way, in which others would follow, and
establish there the christian faith.

He sailed from Meaco, which is connected with an
arm of the sea by a navigable river. While borne
away from it, he ceased not to turn his eyes to the
city ; and Fernandez tells us, that he often sung the
beginning of the 113th Psalm. — " In the coming forth
of Israel from Egypt ;" — either because he looked on
himself and his companions as Israelites departing
from an infidel and barbarian land ; or saw that that
Unbelieving people would one day receive the faith,
and become the people of God. As he perceived
that presents are of wonderful efficacy in causing
strangers to be introduced to the princes of India, he
returned to Firando, to take with him a small musi-
cal clock, and some other musical instruments, which
the viceroy of India and the governor of Malacca
had persuaded him to bring to Japan.

Having also perceived that his poor dress shocked
the Japanese, who, like most other people, judge of
men by their appearance, and who can scarcely listen
with patience to a man that is badly dressed, he pro-
cured for himself a new garment ; as he was per-
suaded that apostolic men ought to make themselves
all to all, and that sometimes it was necessary to
conform one's self to such petty weaknesses of
worldly men, when we wish to gain them to God.

On his return to Amanguchi his presents procured

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 273

for him a favorable reception with the king, who,
not content with admiring the European worlcman-
ship, thanked Xavier in a very obliging manner, and
sent him on the same day a large sum of money.
This Xavier absolutely refused to accept : and this
refusal gave the king a still higher idea of his virtue
and disinterestedness. " How much,^^ said he, " does
this European bonza differ from our covetous priests,
who love money so excessively, and mind nothing
but their temporal interest V

On the following day, Xavier presented to the king
the letters of the governor and of the bishop of
India, in which the christian faith was much extolled ;
and he asked, as the greatest favour, permission to
preach it once more, assuring him it was the only
motive of his journey. The king admired more and
more the magnanimity of Xavier, and gave him,
both by word of mouth and by a public edict, the
required permission. The edict was placed in several
parts of the town ; it contained a free permission for
all to embrace the European belief, and prohibited,
under grievous penalties, any hindrance or obstacle
to be placed in the way of the foreign bonzas, in the
exercise of their functions.

The king assigned them also for their residence an
old habitation of the bonzas, where, as soon as they
were settled, vast multitudes came to hear them.
Some visited them out of policy, to please the king ;
others to watch them, and find fault with them ; and
many out of mere curiosity, and a desire to hear
something new. They all proposed their doubts, and
argued with great warmth. The house was con-
stantly full ; and these perpetual visits took up all
the time of Xavier, as he himself relates in his letters
to Ignatius, in which he gives an account of his
voyage to Japan. After having pointed out the
qualities required in whatever missioners the Society
should send thither, who, he said, ought to be no less
solidly established in science than in virtue, as the

24

274 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

Japanese were very intelligent and easily scandalized,
he adds, that a missioner should come prepared to
suffer all kinds of hardships, and be disposed, if ne-
cessary, to endure with heroic fortitude tortures and
even death itself. He subjoins : — -

" I write to Father Simon, and in his absence to '
the rector of Coimbra, to send here only such men
as are well known and approved of by you. They
must expect to meet with much more difficulties in
their undertaking than, perhaps, they at first imagine.
They will be wearied out by visits, and by trouble-
some questions both day and night. They will be
incessantly sent for to the houses of the great, and
will sometimes be obliged to omit their accustomed
prayers and meditations. Nay more, they will not
always find time to say Mass, or read their breviary,
or take their necessary refection and repose. It is
inconceivable how importunate these Japanese are,
especially to strangers, of whom they make no ac-
count, but rather seem to sport with them. What,
then, will they have to endure, when they declare
against their sects and vices ?"

These importunities, however, became at length
agreeable to Xavier, and produced salutary effects.
As the Japanese are naturally docile and intelligent,
the more questions they asked, the more they under-
stood the truth. When their doubts were solved,
they plainly saw that there was nothing contradictory
in our faith, nothing but what could bear the test of
the most severe discussion.

It was during these interrogations, that by an ex-
traordinary, and before unheard of, gift of speech,
Xavier was enabled to satisfy by one answer the
questions of many persons, on different, and some-
times opposite subjects ; such as, the immortality of
the soul, and the motions of the heavens, the eclipses
of the sun and moon, and the colours of the rainbow,
sin and grace, hell and heaven. It was astonishing
how in a few words he answered ail these questions

'" LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. S75

simultaneously proposed. His replies, being multi-
plied and varied by a divine virtue, conveyed to
each one the answer he expected. They noticed this
prodigy with astonishment, and looked at each other
and at Xavier, with feelings of inexpressible amaze-
ment. Notwithstanding their ordinary good sense,
they did not think that this was above the power of
nature ; but ascribed it to some secret science which
the foreign bonza possessed. Hence when Father
Cosmo de Torrez returned from Firando lo Aman-
guchi, the bonzas remarked: "this man is not so
learned as Father Francis, and has not the art of an-
swering many questions at once.^^

The process of his canonization makes mention of
this miracle; and Father Antonio Quadros, who went
to Japan four years after Xavier, thus wrote about it to
Father Diego Moron, provincial of Portugal. — " A
Japanese informed me that he had witnessed three
miracles performed by Xavier in his country. One
was the cure and restoration to speech of a palsied
and dumb person. The others were the cure of two
persons, one of whom was deaf, the other dumb.
This man also told me that Father Xavier was es-
teemed by the Japanese as the most learned of the
Europeans. He said that the other fathers of the
Society were not to be compared with him ; because
they could only answer one person at a time, whereas
Xavier, by a single word, answered ten or twelve
questions. When I remarked that this might proba-
bly be accounted for, by supposing the questions to be
somewhat similar,he assured me, that suchwasnotthe
case, but that they were on many different subjects.
He added, in fine, that this was not a rare thing with
him, but rather his ordinary practice.'^

As soon as Xavier and his companion, Fernandez,
were somewhat relieved from these importunities,
they began to preach publicly twice a day, notwith-
standing the opposition of the bonzas. In Amangu-
ehi there were seven or eight contending sects, the

276 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

partizans of which defended their respective doctrines
as the only true ones. The bonzas who were leaders
of different parties, had hence frequent disputes
among themselves; but these they forgot for a mo-
ment, and united to oppose Xavier, when he began
to announce the gospel. They did this, however,
rather covertly, not daring to declaim openly against
one who was so much esteemed at court, and who
seemed even to themselves to have something super-
natural in his character.

About this time also God restored to Xavier the
gift of tongues, which he had had on so many occa-
sions in India. Although he had never learned the
Chinese language, he preached every day in it to the
Chinese merchants, many of whom traded at Aman-
guchi. In the afternoon he preached to the Japanese,
in their own language, but with such fluency and
accuracy that he spoke more like a native of the
country than a foreigner.

The evidence of truth, to which their doctors were
not able to oppose any thing reasonable ; the miracles
which we have mentioned and many others that
Xavier wrought about this time ; his austere life and
the divine energy with which he spoke, produced so
great an impression, that in less than two months,
five hundred were baptized. The greater part of
these converts were men of learning and of talent ;
they had thoroughly examined Christianity, and only
yielded when they had nothing further to oppose
to it.

It was wonderful to observe, as Xavier himself
remarks, that the most ordinary subject of conversa-
tion in the town was about Jesus Christ, and that
those who had most warmly opposed Christianity,
were now the most fervent in defending its princi-
ples and practising its duties. All were affectionately
attached to Xavier, and could with difficulty be
separated from him. They delighted in putting
many questions to him concerning the mysteries of

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 277

faith, and experienced great satisfaction even in the
most ordinary ceremonies. On his part, Xavier en-
joyed no less pleasure, as he sometime afterwards
thus related in a letter to the Jesuits of Europe.

" Although my hairs are aheady gray, I feel more
vigorous and robust than ever ; for the trouble taken
to convert an intelligent people, who love the truth
and desire to be saved, affords me great joy. Seldom
have I had more satisfaction than at Amanguchi,
where multitudes flocked to see me by the permis-
sion of the king. The pride of the bonzas was
humbled, and the most determined enemies of the
christian name were subjected to the humility of the
gospel-yoke. I witnessed the joy of these new chris-
tians, who came to me in triumph, after having over-
come the bonzas in dispute. I was no less pleased
to witness their zeal in labouring to convince the
gentiles, and emulating each other in their efforts.
They dehghted to relate the victories they had
achieved, the argument by which they had silenced
them, and by means of which they brought them to
the truth, and destroyed the heathen superstitions.
All these particulars gave me such joy, that I seemed
to lose the sense of my own afflictions. Would to
God, that while I recall to mind the consolations I
have received from the fountain of mercies during
my labours, I could also impart a sense of them, and
cause them to be felt and appreciated as they ought,
by the youth of our European universities. I am as-
sured that many who now study there, would come
and employ all their learning and talents in convert-
ing an idolatrous people, if they had once tasted the
iieavenly consolations which accompany our la-
bours.''

These inward delights of the servant of God were
not unmixed with suffering. He was particularly
moved with compassion for Oxindono, king of.
Amanguchi, who, although persuaded of the truth
of Christianity, was retained in idolatry by the force
24*

278 LIFE OP ST. FllANCIS XAVIER.

of evil habits ; as also for Neatondono, the first prince
of the kingdom, who possessed noble and virtuous
inclinations, which might have made him the apostle
of the court, had he not been kept back by worldly
considerations. Both he, and the princess his wife,
loved Xavier as a father, and reverenced him as a
saint ; they were also liberal in relieving the necessi-
ties of the newly converted, and always spoke of our
faith in terms of great veneration. But as they had
founded many houses of bonzas, they dreaded, as
they said, lest they should lose the rewards which
these crafty hypocrites had promised them, as the
fruits of their charity. Thus the delusive hope of
an imaginary benefit, made them forfeit that certain
and eternal recompense which God was prepared to
bestow on them.

Although the example of the monarch generally
influences the people in matters of religion, many con-
tinued to embrace Christianity. An action of Fer-
nandez, the companion of Xavier, contributed in no
small degree, to gain over the most stubborn to the
faith. Among the crowd that was assembled round
him, while preaching one day in the most frequented
part of the town, were some so bigoted ly attached to
the errors of their sect, that they only listened in order
to make sport of him. During the discourse, a man
from the crowd spat in the face of Fernandez, who,
without saying a word, applied his handkerchief to his
face, and continued his discourse.

All present were astonished at the moderation of
the preacher. Those who before had laughed at the
insult, were now the first to express their admiration
at his forbearance; they acknowledged that one who
had such a mastery over his passions, must necessa-
rily be endued with true greatness of soul and heroic
courage. One of the principal men there present
saw in it something more than mere magnanimity.
He was the most learned of all the doctors of Aman-
guchi, and at first most violently opposed to the gos-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 279

pel. He thus argued with hhnself ; a law which
teaches such patience and such insensibility to insults,
can only come from heaven ; and those who preach
with such perseverance, and endure the vilest out-
rages, cannot be deceivers. It would cost them too
dear a price, and no one willingly deceives another
at his own expense. He alone who made the heart
of man, can give it such tranquillity. The force of
nature cannot reach so far; and this patience can
proceed only from some divine principle. These
people must have some infalUble assurance of the
doctrine they receive, and of the recompense which
they expect. They are ready to suffer all things for
God, and have no human expectation in view. And
after all, what inconvenience or danger can there be
in embracing their law? If what they tell us of
eternity be true, I shall be eternally miserable, unless
I believe it : and even were there no other life than
the present, would it not be better to follow a reli-
gion, which raises man so much above himself, and
gives such an unutterable peace to the soul, rather
than adhere to our own sects, which leave us in all
our weakness, and are incapable of appeasing the
disorders of the heart.

These reflections, aided as they were by superna-
tural grace, produced a great impression on him ;
and as soon as the sermon was concluded, he de-
clared that the virtue of the preacher had convinced
him ; he asked to be baptized, and received that sa-
crament with great solemnity. His example had a
most extensive influence. Many who before had
endeavoured to exclude the light, which Francis had
let in on their understanding, now yielded to the evi-
dence of truth. Among these was a young man,
about twenty five years old, much esteemed for his
talents and learning. He had studied in the most
celebrated universities of Japan, and had come to
Amanguchi to become a bonza. But finding that
these idol-priests did not admit a first principle, he

280 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

changed his intention, and was unresolved on what
course he should determine. At length being con-
vinced, both by the arguments of the doctor and of
Xavier, he became a christian, and took the* name
of Lawrence at his baptism. He was subsequently-
received into the Society, by Xavier, and appUed
himself to preaching with such success, that vast
multitudes were brought by him to the faith, among
whom were many learned and distinguished men,
who were subsequently the pillars of the church of
Japan.

The monasteries of the bonzas were daily thinned,
by the numbers of young men who, having some re-
mains of virtue and decency, abandoned those abodes
of hypocrisy and licentiousness. They had become
ashamed of the corrupt life they there led, and re-
turned to the world, that they might more easily be
converted. From them Xavier learned the abomina-
tions which were concealed from the public view by
these men ; and as he was openly at war with them,
on account of their unprincipled opposition to the
propagation of the faith, he published all that he had
heard, in order that their real characters might be
known to the people. These impostors now became
the subject of general ridicule ; and they who before
were regarded as oracles of wisdom, were now pub-
licly reproached for their ignorance. Xavier having
accurately learned all the secrets of every sect, ena-
bled the new converts to contend successfully with
the bonzas, so that simple people, and sometimes
even women, made them fall into manifest contra-
dictions, which the Japanese regard as the greatest
infamy that can befal a man of letters. It was not,
however, merely their reputation that the bonzas
lost ; the contributions of their deluded followers,
the only source of their support, were likewise with-
drawn. The greater part of them were forced to
leave the houses in which many of them dwelt to-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 281

gether ; and, that they might not perish of hunger,
they laid aside their profession, and became either
soldiers or tradesmen. The christians hence took
occasion to say, that there would soon be no more of
these impostors in Amanguchi, than was absolutely
necessary to keep possession of their houses.

In the meantime the elder bonzas, more attached
to their profession and more obdurate than the rest,
spared no effort to maintain their station. They
threatened the people with the infliction of the divine
vengeance, and denounced the total overthrow of
the city and the kingdom. They said, that the God
whom the Europeans adored, was not, as the
Portuguese called him, ' Deos,' but Dajus, which in
the Japanese language signifies « lie,' or « forgery.'
They added, that this God imposed on men a heavy
yoke. « Where," they asked, " was the justice in
punishing men for the trangression of a law, which
it was impossible to keep ? If the law of Christ
were necessary to salvation, why did it remain con-
cealed for fifteen hundred years from the most noble
part of the world ? A religion which represented
God as partial in the distribution of his favours,
could not possibly be true. Moreover, if the christian
doctrine were true, China would have, long since,
embraced it."

These were the principal difficulties, which they
were accustomed to urge, as we learn from the let-
ters of Xavier, who does not, however, mention the
answers he returned. Without, then, imitating some
historians, who make him speak according to their
own ideas on the subject, I shall content myself with
what he himself has written. Instead of congratu-
lating themselves on their own happiness, in being
enlightened by the gift of faith, the idolaters began
to lament the blindness of their ancestors, and ex-
claimed : — "What ? — Are our forefathers l3urning[in
hell, because they did not believe in a God, of whom
they had never heard, or observed a law that was

282 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

unknown to them ?" — The bonzas made the matter
still worse, by saying that the Portugese priests were
unable to redeem a soul from hell, whereas they
could easily do it by their fasts and prayers.

We know not the particular replies which Xavier
made to all these questions, except that he consoled
the Japanese, for having been so long deprived of
the knowledge of Christianity, by suggesting them
more seasonable thoughts. He showed them that
the most ancient of all laws, is the law of God ; — not
that which is published by the sound of words, but
that which is written by nature in the hearts of men ;
so that each one brings with him into this world cer-
tain rules or precepts for the direction of his actions.
— " Before Japan received its laws from the wise men
of China," said Xavier, " it was known among you
that theft and adultery were to be avoided ; and
hence it was that thieves and adulterers sought out
secret places for the perpetration of these crimes.
Remorse follows the commission of such acts, and
ceases not to afflict the guilty, although their wicked-
ness be not known to others, or prohibited by
human laws. A person bred up in forests among
the beasts, far from the society of men, and without
any knowledge of the rules of civil life, if asked,
whether it be an evil action to murder a man, to
despoil him of his goods, — to surprise him by force,
— or circumvent him by fraud, — would answer,
without hesitation, that nothing of all this should be
done. If this be true of one who has no moral cul-
ture, how much more true is it of persons well edu-
cated and living in society ? It is not then true,"
added Xavier, "that God has left you for so many
ages, without a knowledge of this law." — Hence he
gave them to understand, that the law of nature led
insensibly to the christian law; and that whoever
complied with the precepts of the one, could not fail
to arrive at the knowledge of the other, by ways best
known to God, who would either send some apostolic

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 283

man to such a person, or enlighten his mind by some
immediate revelation. These reasons, which the
fathers of the church often used on like occasions, so
satisfied the pagans, that they found no longer any
difficulty in what had before given them such trouble.

The bonzas perceiving that the king preferred the
authority of Xavier before theirs, and being unable
to refute him in argument, laid a plan to diminish the
good opinion which the king entertained of the chris-
tians. To inspire him with jealousy of them, they
represented them to him, as designing intriguers,
who were enemies of the public safety, and hostile
to the monarch. Oxindono, who had been at first so
favorably disposed towards them, suddenly became
opposed to them; but as the Japanese are very tena-
cious of their word, when they have once pledged it,
he did not revoke the edict which he had published
in their favour. In order to frustrate it, he treated
the christians with great severity, and seized on the
property of the most considerable among them. The
bonzas became at the same time overbearing in their
conduct towards Xavier, whom they calumniated in
a multitude of libels. They represented him at one
time, as a wandering mendicant, who being unable
to maintain himself in India, had come to Japan, to
subsist on charity ; at another time, as a notorious
magician, who by his incantations, forced the devil
to obey him, and was thus enabled to delude the
people by his apparent prodigies.

The progress of the gospel was not, however, im-
peded by the coolness of the king, or the calumnies
of the bonzas. In a few days, the number of chris-
tians at Amanguchi was about three thousand ;
who were all so fervent, that they were ready to
sacrifice fortune, and even life, rather than renounce
the faith. Tlie injurious reports concerning Xavier
were not' believed ; and his name was so famous
throughout the whole country, that all were anxious
to see the great European bonza.

284 LIFE OP ST. FRAx\CIS XAVIER.

Xavier now determined to return to India, for the
purpose of selecting some labourers, adapted to the
mission of Japan ; and he intended to return by
China, as the desire of converting that country much
influenced his heart. From the conversations he had
with the Chinese merchants resident at Amanguchi,
he was persuaded that so polished and intelligent a
people, would easily be brought to embrace the
christian religion ; and he knew that if China were
once converted, Japan would soon imitate such an
example. The more incredulous among the Japanese
were accustomed to say, that they would not alter
their religion, until the Chinese had led the way.
" Let him carry the gospel,'^ said they, " to that vast
and flourishing empire ; and when he has gained it
to Jesus Christ, then we may entertain the idea of
adopting it."

In the meantime, a Portuguese vessel, commanded
by Edward de Gama, arrived in the kingdom of
Bungo ; and news came to Amanguchi that this ves-
sel would return to India in the course of a month.
To ascertain the truth of this report, Xavier sent a
Japanese convert, named Mathew, to Bungo, and
gave him a letter directed to the captain and mer-
chants of the vessel. He requested them to inform
him, who they were, — whence they had come, — and
when they designed to return. He told them, that
he wished to return, and that he would be glad to go
with them. He concluded by exhorting them to
devote some time to the thought of their souls' sal-
vation, and declared that all the silks of China, or
whatever gain they might derive from them, would
not compensate for the spiritual advantages they
would receive, by a daily examination of their con-
sciences.

The ship was at the port of Figen, about fifty
leagues from Amanguchi, and within a league of
Fucheo, otherwise called Funal, the metropolis of
Bungo. The Portuguese were delighted to hear news

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 2S5

of Xavier, to whom they sent back the required in-
telUgence. They informed him that within a month,
at farthest, they should sail for China, where they had
left three vessels, bound for India, on board of one of
which was his familiar friend James Pereyra. Be-
sides the letters which Mathew brought to Xavier
from the captain and Portuguese merchants, he de-
livered to him some from Goa, by which the fathers
of the College of St. Paul informed him, that the in-
terests of the Society required his immediate return.

25

286

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Xavier leaves Amanguchi — Is honourably received by the Portu-
guese at Fichen — Invitation from the King of Bungo— Grand proces-
sion—Extraordinary child — Xavier is graciously received by the
King — Insolence of a bonza — Xavier receives extraordinary honours.

Having commended the care of the newly con-
verted Japanese to Cosmo de Torrez and Juan Fer-
nandez, whom he left behind him, Xavier departed,
from Amanguchi in the middle of September, 1551.
He might have made this voyage by sea, but he pre-
ferred to travel by land, and on foot, as was his
custom. He took with him Matthew and Bernard
as his companions, along with two christian lords,
whose property had been confiscated for having em-
braced the faith. The grace of Jesus Christ made
them glory in this tribulation, and they esteemed
themselves richer than they had been before. They
were accompanied by a christian convert, called Lau-
rence, who suffered from an imperfection of his
sight.

Xavier walked cheerfully on with his companions
as far as Pinlaschau, a village a few leagues distant
from Figen, where he found himself so exhausted
with fatigue, and suffered so much from a violent
head-ache, that he was unable to proceed further.
Mathew and Bernard brought the news of his illness
to the vessel. As soon as Edward de Gama knew
that Xavier was nigh, he collected the Portuguese
who resided at Fucheo ; and, accompanied by the
chief among them, went to receive him with becom-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 287

ing solemnity. The holy man was much recruited
by a little rest, and had already set out on his jour-
ney, in order to avoid the honour which he suspected
was intended for him ; but within a league's distance
from Figen, he unexpectedly met the cavalcade, as
he was walking with the two noble converts of
Amanguchi, and was carrying his own baggage.
Amazed at beholding so celebrated a person in so
humble a situation, Gama descended from his horse,
as did also all his companions, and saluted Xavier
with all possible demonstrations of respect. After
this they invited him to mount one of the horses, to
which proposal, however, he would by no means
assent. The Portuguese accordingl}^ accompanied
him on foot to the port, — having given their horses
to be led after them by their attendants.

The ship was beautifully equipped ; its flags and
streamers w.ere floating on the breeze : those who
remained on board appeared on deck in their most
splendid dress. Xavier was welcomed by the dis-
charge of four rounds of artillery, which being heard
at Fucheo, caused some alarm ; as it was feared that
the Portuguese had been attacked by the pirates who
infested these coasts. A messenger was immediately
despatched by the king to ascertain the real cause of
the firing. Gama, pointing to Francis, told the mes-
senger that the noise which had been heard, was
only a small indication of the honour due to one,
who was a special favourite of heaven, and was
much esteemed in the court of Portugal.

The Japanese, who only regarded the poverty of
Xavier's appearance, remembered what had been
written about him from Amanguchi. After a mo-
ment's pause, he said, with evident astonishment : —
" I know not what answer I shall give to my prince ;
for what you tell me does not correspond either with
what I behold, or what we have heard from the bonzas
of Amanguchi. They say, that your bonza enter-
tains a famihar spirit, by whose agency he performs

288 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

certain magical operations, and thus deludes the
ignorant ; and they describe him as an abandoned
wretch. I fear were 1 to relate all that they report
against him, you might be tempted to take our
priests for idiots, or persons of weak understanding,
or else condemn them as envious impostors." —
Gama in reply mentioned every thing that could
remove the unfavourable impression, which the
humble appearance of Xavier had produced. He
said, that this man of so very abject appearance, was
of noble family ; — that he had been abundantly pro-
vided with wealth, which he had magnanimously
abandoned, as his soul despised all those vain pomps
that worldlings so much esteem. This discourse filled
the messenger with admiration. He made a report
of what he had witnessed to the king; and said, that
the Portuguese appeared happier in the possession of
this stranger, than if their vessel weif^ laden with
gold.

The king of Bungo, who was young and intelligent,
had already heard much of Francis, and he gave no
credit to what the bonzas of Amanguchi had written
about him. What he now heard served to increase
the desire he had long had to see Xavier, to whom
he accordingly wrote, on the very same day, the fol-
lowing letter.

"Father bonza of Chemachicogin, (the Japanese
name for Portugal,) May your arrival among us be
as pleasing to God, as the praises he receives from
his saints. My domestic servant, Quansyonafama,
informs me, that you have arrived from Amanguchi,
at the port of Figen, whither I sent him. All my
court will bear witness with what joy I received this
news. As God has not given me power to command
you, I earnestly request you to come before the rising
of the sun to-morrow, and to knock at my palace-
gate, where I shall impatiently await you. Let me
not appear troublesome, in demanding this favour
from you. In the meantime, prostrate on the ground,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 289

before your God, whom I acknowledge to be the
God of all gods, — tlie best and greatest of all who
live in heaven, I beg of him to make known to the
proud and haughty of this world, how much your
poor and humble life is agreeable to him, that thus
the children of men may not be deceived by the false
promises of earth. Let me have news of your health,
that I may be able to sleep tranquilly, until I be
awakened by the welcolne intelligence of your ap-
proach."

This letter was carried by a young prince, accom-
panied by thirty young lords of the court ; and by a
venerable old man who was his governor. The
honour which was given by the Portuguese to Xavier,
so surprised the prince, that turning to his governor,
he said : " The God of these people must be truly
great, and his counsels hidden from men ; since it is
his pleasure .that these wealthy men, should be obe-
dient to so poor a man as is this bonza of the Portu-
guese."

" Although we have a horror for poverty," replied
the governor Poomendono, "and believe the poor to
be incapable of happiness, this poor man may be so
contented with his indigence, and may so much es-
teem it, as to please the God whom he adores. Ob-
serving it with all possible rigour for his sake, he
may be richer than the greatest monarch of the
world."

When the young ambassador returned to court,
he reported to the king with what respect the letter
had been received, and convinced him that the
European bonza was to be treated with more respect
than their ordinary bonzas. He was not, he remark-
ed, so poor as his enemies had suggested. Were he
willing to accept of them, the captain and other Por-
tuguese, would give him their ship and all their trea-
sures. He who possesses as much as he desires
cannot be accounted poor.

In the meantime, the Portuguese assembled to
25*

290 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

consult how Xavier should appear in court the next
morning : they were unanimously of opinion that he
should appear with all possible pomp and magnifi-
cence. Xavier was averse to such an exhibition as
unsuitable in a religious ; he at first opposed it, but
at length yielded to the wishes of the assembly. The
reasons advanced in support of this pomp, were, that
as the bonzas of Amanguchi had done all that they
could to render Xavier contemptible, it was necessary
to remove these false ideas from the minds of the
people, and at the same time shew them how much
the christians venerate the ministers of the gospel.
They said that the honour given to the priest of
Christ, was referred to his divine Master, and that
the doctrine was respected in proportion to the ex-
alted opinion entertained of him v/ho announced it.

They prepared, therefore, with all diligence, for
the entry of Xavier; and they set out the next morn-
ing before day light. Thirty of the most considera-
ble among the Portuguese were splendidly dressed,
and adorned with gold and jewels, — followed by
their servants richly clothed. Xavier wore a cassock
of black camlet, and over it, a surplice, with a stole
of green velvet, adorned with gold brocade. The
sloop, and the two boats in which they passed from
the ship to the town, were adorned with beautiful
Chinese tapestry, and hung round with silken ban-
ners of various colours. During the passage, the
trumpets, flutes, and hautboys, which were in the
sloop and boats, formed a most harmonious concert.
A vast multitude among whom were many persons
of rank, had assembled on the sea-shore, to witness
the arrival of the great European bonza.

Quansyandono, one of the principal men of the
court, attended Xavier by the king's orders. He re-
ceived him on landing with great courtesy, and offer-
ed him a litter to carry him to the palace, which,
however, Xavier refused, preferring to go on foot.
The procession advanced in this order. First came

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER 291

Edward de Gatna, bareheaded, followed by five of
the principal Portuguese, carrying various articles
belonging to Xavier, among which was a beautiful
image of the Blessed Virgin. He himself followed,
in the dress before mentioned, and manifesting in his
countenance a combination of modesty and majesty.
The rest of the Portuguese succeeded him. The
procession passed through the streets, accompanied
by various instruments of music, and followed by an
immense concourse of people. The windows, bal-
conies, and roofs of the houses, were likewise covered
with persons anxious to catch a gUmpse at the dis-
tinguished stranger. Six hundred of the king's
guards were on the square which fronts the royal
palace ; on his approach they opened their ranks,
and let Xavier and his suite enter.

After passing through a long gallery, they entered
a large hall, which was filled with courtiers, among
whom was an old man. holding a child by the hand.
This latter, coming up to Xavier, saluted him in these
words : " May your arrival in the palace of the king
be as welcome to him, as the rain of heaven to the
labourers in a long and parching drought. Enter
without fear, for I can assure you of the love of all
good men ; although the wicked cannot behold you,
without melancholy in their faces, which will make
them appear Uke a black and stormy night," — Xa-
vier answered in a manner suitable to the age of the
person who thus complimented him ; but the child
replied in a style far above his years : — " You must
indeed be endued with extraordinary courage, to
come from the end of the world to a strange country,
and expose yourself to contempt on account of pov-
erty. The goodness of your God must, indeed, be
boundless, to be pleased with poverty, which is so
much condemned by the world. The bonzas are
not able to do any- thing of this kind : indeed they
publicly afiirm, that neither women, nor the poor can
be saved."

292 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

« May it please the Divine Goodness," replied
Xavier, " to enlighten these dark and wretched souls,
that they may acknowledge their error on that, as
also on the other points of their doctrine."

The child discoursed on other subjects with so
much sense and depth of thought, that Xavier did
not doubt but that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit,
who, when he pleases, can give wisdom to little
ones, before age has matured their intellectual
powers.

They now passed to another hall, on entering into
which, all that were there assembled bowed pro-
foundly three times to Xavier, which with them is
a mark of peculiar respect and attachment. Two of
them then approached and addressed him. " May
your arrival, holy father bonza, be as pleasing to our
king, as the smiles of a babe are to his mother. All
of us, and even the very walls seem to exult with
joy at your presence. We doubt not but that it will
redound to the glory of that God, of whom you
spoke so much at Amanguchi." When they had
paid him this compliment, they were about to follow
him, but remained stationary at a sign given by the
child, whom Xavier continued to lead by the hand.
Ascending a terrace, bordered with orange trees, they
passed into another hall, more spacious than either of
the two former ones. Here they were received by
the king's brother, splendidly attired, who told Xavier
that the king felt himself happier in having him in
his palace, than if he were master of all the silver
contained in the two and thirty treasuries of China.

The child who had hitherto guided Xavier now
retired, and the king's brother passed with him into
the anti-chamber of the monarch, where the principal
lords of the kingdom were in attendance. At length
he was introduced into a gorgeously furnished cham-
ber, where the king himself was, who not only ad-
vanced to meet him, but, to the amazement of all
present, bowed thrice to the ground to honour him.

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 293

On his part, Xavier prostrated himself before the
prince, who raised him up, without even permitting
him to observe the customary ceremonies used on
approaching the kings of Japan. He made the holy-
man sit with him on the same couch ; and laying
aside all the reserve of royalty, treated him with the
kindness and familiarity of a friend. The father
answered all these civilities of the king by giving
every indication of profound respect. He then took
occasion to announce Jesus Christ to him, and ex-
pfained, in a few words, the principal maxims of
christian morality; and did this in so persuasive a
manner, that when he had finished, the king exclaim-
ed : "How can any man learn these profound secrets
from God ? Why has he suffered us to live in dark-
ness, and given this Portuguese bonza,such wonderful
light ? We ourselves are eye-witnesses of what we
heard formerly by report ; and all that we hear is
maintained by so strong and evident proofs, and is so
conformable to the Ught of reason, that in whatever
way we examine it, we find it every way consistent
with itself. Not so the doctrine of our bonzas ; they
cannot make any discourse without contradicting
their own principles : and hence it is that the more
they speak, the more they embarrass themselves.
They reject to day, what they taught yesterday;
they contradict themselves, and every moment recant
their opinions. Hence the most intelligent cannot
comprehend their doctrine ; and as for eternal hap-
piness, we are always left in doubt as to what we
should believe. This is a manifest proof that they
only follow the extravagancies of their own fancy,
and have no permanent and solid truth, for the rule
and foundation of their faith.'^

The king expressed these sentiments in a manner,
which shewed that he spoke from the abundance of
his heart. A bonza, who was present, named Fax-
iondono, and who was esteemed for his supposed
knowledge, became indignant at the insult thus of-

294 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

fered to his profession, and was often about to inter-
rupt tlie king. He, however, so far restrained his
feelings as to await the termination of his discourse,
when seeming entirely to forget himself, he cried
out :— " How dare you decide matters relating to
religion, when you have never studied in the univer-
sity of Fianzima, — the only place where the sacred
mysteries of the gods are explained ? If you know
not these things, consult the learned : I am here to
instruct you.'^

The king was the only person present who did not
appear moved by the insolence of the bonza. He
bade him, with a smile, proceed, if he had more to
say. Emboldened by the moderation of his prince,
Faxiondono began to extol the profession of a bonza.
He said that nothing was more certain, than that the
bonzas were the favourites of heaven, because they
observed the laws themselves, and caused them to be
observed by others. They passed whole nights during
the severest colds, in praying for their benefactors,
and abstained from all sensual pleasures. They ad-
ministered to the sick, instructed children, comforted
the distressed, reconciled enemies, appeased seditions,
and pacified kingdoms. What was, however, the
chief thing, they gave letters of exchange for another
life, by which the dead became rich in heaven, In
fine the bonzas were the familiar friends of the stars,
and the confidants of the saints.

These extravagancies set all present in laughter,
at which the bonza became so enraged, that the king
commanded him to withdraw, and told him that his
choler was a convincing proof of a bonza's holiness ;
and that a man of his character seemed to have more
intercourse with hell than with heaven. At these
words, the bonza cried out with excess of rage, that
the time would come, when no one would be worthy
to serve him, — meaning thereby when he would be
transformed into a divinity. Hereupon the king bade
him go and do penance for the pride and insolence

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 295

of his speech, wherein he had made himself a com-
panion of the gods. On going out of the room, the
enraged bonza said , — " May the gods consume thee
with fire from heaven, and all those kings who shall
presume to speak like thee."

The king and Xavier continued their discourse on
several articles of religion, until dinner-time, when
the king invited the holy man to eat with him. Xa-
vier endeavoured to excuse himself, but the king
would not accept of any apology. " I know," said
he, "that you are not in want of my table ; but if
you were a Japanese, you would know that a king
cannot give a higher mark of his favour, than to per-
mit others to eat with him." Xavier kissed the royal
scimitar, which act indicates the most profound respect
in Japan, and said : — " I pray the God of heaven
from the bottom of my heart, to reward your majesty
for all the favours you have heaped on me, by im-
parting to you the light of faith, and the virtues of
Christianity, that you may serve God faithfully during
life, and enjoy him eternally after death." — The king
embraced him, and prayed that God might hear his
prayers -, and hoped that he would have the happi-
ness of Xavier's society in paradise. At length they
sat down to dinner, during which the Portuguese
and all the nobility present remained on their knees,
as also some bonzas, who were, however, restrained
by the example of Faxiondono's disgrace, from mani-
festing their indignation.

296

CHAPTER XXIX.

Xavier labours with great fruit at Fucheo — Converts a famous
bonza — Favourable change in the morals of the court — Laboura and
sufferings of Xavier's companions at Amanguchi — Revolution in
that kingdom — New king — Parting address of Xavier to the King of
Bungo.

The honours which Xavier received from the king
of Bungo, caused him to be universally esteemed by
the people, who flocked in crowds to his lodgings to
hear him speak of God. His public sermons and
private discourses made so deep an impression, that
vast multitudes renounced their idols, and declared
their belief in Jesus Christ. He was employed so
constantly, either in baptizing converts, or preparing
others for that sacrament, that it was only at night
that the Portuguese v/ere able to enjoy his company,
for their own spiritual advantage. They were ap-
prehensive that these continual labours might en-
danger his health, and they accordingly besought
him to take greater care of himself, and to take the
repose which nature required, before his health
should be entirely prostrated. To all their instances,
he replied, that if they truly loved him, they would
give themselves no farther trouble about him, whom
they ought to consider as dead to all human consola-
tions. He added that his food and rest, and even his
life, consisted in delivering from the tyranny of the
devil, those precious souls for whose sake God had
called him from the extremity of the earth.

Among the conversions made at Fucheo, that of a
famous bonza, called Sacai-Feran, one of the most

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 297

learned supporters of his sect was particularly cele-
brated. Observing that none of his brethren dared
argue with Xavier on the subject of religion, he
undertook to hold a disputation with him. The con-
ference took place in a public place, before a great
multitude of people. Xavier had scarcely terminated
his explanation of the christian doctrine, when the
bonza was convinced of the errors of his sect. He
endeavoured, however, for some time, to oppose the
truth, of which he had already a partial conviction;
but at length, overcome by the powerful arguments
of his adversary, and interiorly moved by God'b
grace, he fell on his knees, and raising his hands and
streaming eyes to heaven, he exclaimed ; — " 0 Jesus
Christ, thou true and only Son of God ! I believe in
thee. I confess from my heart and with my mouth, that
thou art God, — eternal and omnipotent. I beg par-
don of all my hearers, for having so often taught as
so many truths, what I now acknowledge and declare
before them were only forgeries and fables."

So extraordinary an action affected all present, and
Xavier might have baptized on that day, five hun-
dred persons, who, like Sacai-Feran, asked to be ad-
mitted into the church. But he judged that a more
extensive instruction was necessary for them, as he
knew they would be constantly exposed to hear the
arguments and sophisms of the bonzas.

To prepare these converts for the sacrament of
baptism, he began by endeavouring to effect the
reformation of their morals. On this principle he
deferred the baptism of the king of Bungo, judging
that his conversion would be sufficiently soon, if it
were only solid and sincere. He was particularly
careful to instil into the mind of this prince a horror
for certain abominable ^vices, in which he indulged
without scruple, on the authority of the bonzas. The
king profited by the zeal of Xavier, and commenced
a change of life, — by banishing from his court such
as had been the partners of liis crimes, — by giving
26

298 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

liberal alms to the poor, whom, before, the bonzas
had taught him to disregard, — and by forbidding,
imder pain of death, the inhuman and abominable
practice of procuring abortion, which the bonzas
not only allowed but openly defended. He also
prohibited several pagan ceremonies, which were of
a lascivious nature ; and forbade the bonzas to ap-
proach his palace. His admiration and veneration
for Xavier knew no bounds ; and he acknowledged
to his courtiers, that the appearance of the holy man,
filled him with awe and confusion at the recoi'lection
of the sins of his past life.

While Xavier was thus successful at the court of
Bungo, Cosmo de Torrez and Juan Fernandez were
suffering much for the faith at Amanguchi. After
the departure of Xavier, all the bonzas conspired
against his companions, and endeavoured to puzzle
them in public disputes. They thought that the
companions of Xavier were not so learned as him-
self, and hoped that some shght advantage, gained
over them, would re-establish the declining affairs of
paganism.

They were, however, completely deceived in their
calculations. Torrez, for whom Fernandez acted as
interpreter, answered their questions so satisfactorily,
that they were entirely overcome. Unable to con-
quer him in argument, they resolved to decry him
by calumny ; and accordingly gave out, that the
companions of the great European bonza cut the
throats of little children by night, — sucked their
blood, — and eat of their flesh. They also asserted
that the devil had declared, that these Europeans
were his disciples, and that it was from him they
had learned those subtle answers they gave in their
public disputations. Some of them even said, that
they had seen a demon, darting flakes of fire against
the palace of the king, as a judgment against those
who had received the preachers of the new faith.
Perceiving, however, that none of these absurdities

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 299

gained credit, they succeeded in exciting one of the
chief men of the kingdom to revolt against his
sovereign. This rebellious subject accordingly ap-
peared before Amaiiguchi, having been aided by the
bonzas in raising an army within a few weeks.

The king was neither in a condition to give battle,
nor to sustain a siege ; he feared all things from his
subjects, by whom he was much hated ; and he saw
no remedy for the surrounding evils but voluntary
death. Fearing, above all things, to fall alive into
the hands of the enemy, and urged on by a barbar-
ous despair, he murdered his own son, and then
committed suicide, having first given orders to have
the bodies burned, so that not even his ashes, or
those of his son, might fall into the hands of his
enemies.

In the mean time, the city experienced the cruelty
of a successful and barbarous enemy. The bonzas
instigated the soldiers to search for Torrez and Fer-
nandez, whom they would have put to death without
mercy, had not the wife of Neatondono, of whom we
have already spoken, preserved them in her palace,
until tranquillity was restored. She was yet a pagan ;
but her respect for Xavier made her exert herself to
preserve his companions, from the destruction, which
otherwise they could not have avoided.

When the storm had subsided, and the people had
resumed their former habits, the chiefs assembled to
elect a new king, and unanimously chose the brother
of the king of Bungo, a young and enterprising
prince. Xavier was yet at Fucheo, when the em-
bassy came from Amanguchi, to offer the crown to
the new king, whose election was celebrated with
great magnificence at his bro therms court. Xavier
rejoiced much on the occasion, because he hoped that
the revolution, which the bonzas had planned for the
destruction of Christianity, might be the means of
solidly establishing it. Nor was he mistaken in his
conjecture. At his request, the king of Bungo recom-

300 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

mended the state of Christianity in Amangnchi to the
new king, who promised to be no less favourable to
it than that prince was from whom he had received
the suggestion.

After remaining forty days at Fucheo, the Portu-
guese merchants gave notice to Xavier, that they
were now ready to proceed to China, as had been
previously agreed upon. They all went to talî:e their
leave of the king of Bungo, who told them that he
envied them the possession of Xavier ; that in losing
him he seemed to lose his father ; and that the
thought of never again beholding him, was to him a
sensible affliction. Xavier respectfully kissed the
prince's hand, and told him, that he would return as
soon as he possibly could; that he should always re-
member him ; and that in acknowledgment for all
his favours, he would incessantly invoke the blessings
of heaven on his head.

The king having engaged in private conversation
with Xavier, this latter profited by the opportunity
to give him most important advice for the salvation
of his soul. He especially exhorted him to bear in
mind, how soon the greatness and pomp of this life
passes away ; that we scarcely have begun to live,
when we are overtaken by death ; and that his eter-
nal happiness depended on his dying a good christian.
He desired him also to reflect, on what was become
of so many kings and emperors of Japan, and what
did it profit them to have sat on the throne, and to
have enjoyed all the pleasures their heart could de-
sire. What a madness was it not, to incur eternal
misery for a momentary gratification ? What crown
could compensate for the loss of heaven? — These
truths had been concealed from his ancestors, and
from all the Japanese, but they were now made
known to him, and he should think, what an account
he would have to render to God, who had brought a
preacher to him from the ends of the earth, if he
neglected to avail himself of so great a mercy. —

LIFE OF ST. FRAKCIS XAVIER. 301.

" Which," added Xavier, « may the Lord avert, and
be pleased to listen to the prayers, which I will,
day and night, pour out for your conversion.
Wheresoever I shall be, the most agreeable news that
I can receive will be, that the king of Bungo is be-
come a christian, and lives according to the maxims
of the gospel."

This address brought tears into the king's eyes ;
these were, however, only the effect of natural sen-
sibility ; for although he had effected a considerable re-
formation in his life, he still continued a slave to
some vices, which he had not the courage to renounce.
It was not until many years after, that the admoni-
tions of Francis produced their full effect, and that
this highly favoured prince received baptism.

26^

302

CHAPTER XXIX.

Conspiracy of the bonzas against the king of Bungo — Calumnies
against Xavier — Conference with a celebrated bonza — Excitement
of the people against the Portuguese — Xavier refuses to depart with
his companions — Heroic conduct of Edward de Gam a— New con-
ference with Fucarandono — Xavier leaves Japan.

The prospect of Xavier's departure was a subject
of joy to the bonzas, although the honours which
were exhibited to him on that occasion, were deeply-
mortifying to their pride. It appeared to them that
all the favours conferred on him, were taken from
them; and that unless they retrieved their credit, by
inflicting a signal vengeance, they should be forever
disgraced with the people. After much deliberation,
they determined to raise a rebellion in Fucheo, as
their brethren had already done in Amanguchi,
and excite the people, by giving up the Portuguese
vessel and its owners to their cupidity. If this
proved successful, they proposed to make themselves
masters of the king, and not only murder him, but
also involve all his family in his ruin.

The reputation of Xavier was great even among
the pagan inhabitants of the town; and the bonzas
saw that their efforts would be fruitless, unless they
first made him an object of popular suspicion and
hatred. They accordingly diffused the calumnies
which the bonzas of Amanguchi had published
against him, and added new ones of their own in-
vention. They said that he was the most wicked of
men, — that he was wont to dig up the bodies of the
dead for the purposes of enchantment, — and that he
had a devil in his mouth, by which means he fasci-

LIFE OF ST. niANCIS XAVIER. 903

nated his hearers. They added, that the khig him-
self was the victim of his dehision, and hence pro-
ceeded those strange acts which he had lately done:
but that unless he recovered from this fit of insanity,
he would lose both his crown and his life. Amida
and Xaca, two most powerful deities, had resolved
to inflict exemplary punishment on him. If his sub-
jects were wise, they would endeavour to antici-
pate the wrath of the gods, by punishing this Euro-
pean bonza, and those pirates by whom he was ac-
companied, and who adored him.

The people were, however, too well convinced of
the sanctity of Xavier, to believe such improbable
tales; and the eftbrts of the bonzas served only to
increase the hatred with which they were regarded.
They accordingly devised another plan for destroying
him in the good opinion of the king.

One of the most celebrated and learned of the
bonzas, named Fucarandono, resided about thirty
six miles from the town. He had taught the mys-
teries of his sect, during thirty years, in the most re-
nowned university of the kingdom. Implicit faith
was given to his words, and he was regarded as the
oracle of Japan. The bonzas were persuaded, that
if they could bring him to Fucheo, and oppose him
to Xavier, they should easily confound the latter, and
thus regain their lost ascendancy. They accordingly
sent a pressing invitation to Fucarandono, and be-
sought him to visit the town, and avenge the insult
they had received, — saying, that they would carry
him back in triumph to his residence.

Fucarandono, whose vanity was as great as his re-
putation for learning, immediately came, and brought
with him six bonzas who were his disciples. He
arrived at the palace, just as Xavier and his compa-
nions were taking leave, as they were to sail on the
following morning. The king was informed that
Fucarandono was anxious to pay him his respects
in presence of the Portuguese bonza. The men-

304 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

tion of Fucarandono made him hesitate for a moment,
as he suspected he had come to offer a challenge to
Xavier; and he was anxious to devise some means
of avoiding this troublesome affair, as he afterwards
acknowledged. Although he had a high idea of the
powers of Xavier, he did not, however, think him
able to encounter so formidable an adversary; and
therefore sought to spare him the humiliation of a
public defeat. Xavier perceived his perplexity, and
suspecting whence it proceeded, earnestly entreated
him to permit the bonza to enter. "As to me," said
he, " you need not be under any apprehension. The
law which I preach is no earthly science, such as is
taught in your universities. It is not a human inven-
tion, but a doctrine which God himself has revealed.
All the bonzas of Japan, and all the learned of the
entire world, can no more prevail against it, than the
shadows of night can obscure the lustre of the rising
sun."

Fucarandono was accordingly admitted. After
the usual reverences to the king, he sat down by
Xavier, on v/hom he, for some time, intently fixed
his eyes. " I know not," said he, at length, with a
haughty air, "if you recognize me." "I do not re-
member," replied Xavier, "to have ever seen you
before." At this the bonza began to laugh, and
turning to his companions, he said : — " I will have no
difficulty in overcoming this antagonist, who denies
that he knows me, although he has spoken with me
more than a hundred times." Then casting a look
of scorn on Xavier, he said : " Have you none of
those goods on hands, that you sold me at the port
of Frenajoma ?" " Indeed," said Francis, with a com-
posed and modest countenance, "I have never been a
merchant, nor have I ever been at Frenajoma."
"What stupidity," said the bonza, attempting to
keep up the laugh, — " how can you possibly forget
it ?" " Bring it to my remembrance," said Xavier in a
mild tone, — "as you have so much more talent, and

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 305

a more faithful memory than I have.'^ "That I will
do," said the bonza, proud of the commendations
Xavier seemed to give him. "It is now just fif-
teen hundred years since you and I traded at Fre-
najoma, where I bought from you three hundred
bales of silk. Do you now remember it ?" "How
old are you," asked Xavier ? "I am now fifty-two
years of age," said the bonza. "How then," ex-
claimed Xavier, " could you have been a merchant
fifteen hundred years ago, when by your own ac-
knowledgment you are scarcely half a century old ?
How also could you and I have trafficked at Frena-
joma, at a time when, as most of the bonzas main-
tain, Japan was then a desert and entirely uninha-
bited?" "Hear me," repUed the bonza, "I will
make you acknowledge that we have a greater
knowledge of the past, than you and your compa-
nions have of the present. You must know, then,
that the world has had no beginning, and that men
never die. The soul indeed breaks loose from the
body, in which it is confined, and when the body is
dissolved, looks out for another more vigorous habi-
tation,— sometimes in the nobler, sometimes in the
weaker sex, according to the difierent aspects of the
moon and the various appearances of the heavens.
These alterations in oux birth produce the like chan-
ges in our fortune. It is the recompense of those who
have lived virtuously, to remember all that they have
passed through. On the other hand those who, like
you, know not who, or what, they were, shew that
their crimes deserved death, as often as they have
lost the remembrance of their lives in every change."
The Portuguese writer from whom we have taken
the foregoing, and who was present at the dispute,
as he himself informs us, does not give us the answers
of Xavier to the absurdities of the bonza. He only
says, that this latter was soon silenced, and became
anxious to change the question; but that he succeeded
no better with the second, than with the first subject.

306 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

He seemed at length entirely to forget himself, and
dared to advance the most absdrd and infamous pro-
positions ; but this only served to render his confusion
more evident to the king and all the court. The
bonza finally lost all patience, and spoke and acted
so indecorously, that one of the lords present repri-
manded him for his intemperance of language. "If,"
said he, "you wished to fight, why did you not go
to Amanguchi, during the disturbances. But if you
wish to dispute, why do not you imitate this European
bonza, and argue with mildness and good manners?"

This rebuke had no other efiect on the enraged
bonza, than to excite him to still further excesses. —
The king ordered him to withdraw, and this affront
was so much resented by all the bonzas that they
declared that religion was profaned, and that the
king, the court, and the whole nation had incurred
the wrath of heaven. They accordingly closed the
temples, and would neither offer up sacrifice, nor ac-
cept of alms. The multitude which had been already
excited, were disposed to rebel, had not the king by
his prudent conduct suppressed the rising tumult.

The Portuguese did not think their persons secure
in the midst of a superstitious and excited people;
and fearing that they should have to suifer for the
affront Fucarandono had received, they retired to
their ship, with the intention of sailing by the first
fair wind. They besought Xavier to accompany
them ; but he did not wish to depart hke a fugitive,
or forsake those new christians, against whom the
heathen priests were particularly enraged.

Although eager to leave a place where their lives
and property were not secure, these merchants were
not willing to leave Xavier encompassed by such,
dangers; and they accordingly sent the captain,
Edward de Gama, to him, imploring him to hasten
his departure. After a long search, Francis was
found by him, in a poor hut with eight christians,
who had been distinguished for their opposition to

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 307

the bonzas, and were now prepared to offer up to
God the sacrifice of their Uves, provided that they
could die in the arms of Xavier.

The captain urged all possible motives, to induce
the holy man to accompany him to the ship, stating
that once the tempest broke out, there would be
no longer any chance of averting its fury. In-
stead, however, of yielding to these arguments, he
seemed displeased with De Gama and his compan-
ions, for endeavouring to snatch from him the crown
of martyrdom, to obtain which he had come so far.
" How happy," said he in reply, and with a degree
of fervour that expressed the holy ambition of his
soul, — " how happy should I be, to receive what you
account a disgrace, but what I esteem a sovereign
happiness Î I am indeed unworthy of so great a jfa-
vour : but 1 shall not render myself more unworthy
of it by embarking with you. What scandal would
not my flight give to the faithful ? Might they not
hence take occasion to violate the promise they have
made to God, if they found me wanting to the duties
of my ministry ? If in consideration of the money
you have received from your passengers, you think
yourself bound to secure them from the approaching
danger, and therefore have summoned them aboard,
how much more ought not I to guard my flock, and
die with them, for the sake of a God who ha^
suffered for me on the cross? Ought not I proclaim,
by the sacrifice of my life, that all men are bound
to offer up their lives to this God of infinite goodness
and mercy ?"

This magnanimous answer had so great an effect
on De Gama, that he resolved to remain with Xav-
ier, and share his fate. With this determination, and
without further anxiety as to what might happen to
himself or his property, he returned on board to
announce the answer of Xavier, and the resolution
he himself had taken. In case they would not

SOS LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

remain, he told his companions that they might take
his vessel, which was abundantly supplied with
experienced seamen and provisions, together with
ammunition for its defence, that they might go where-
soever they pleased, but as for him, he was resolved
to live and die with the man of God.

They ail, hov/ever, adopted the resolution of the
captain, and resolved to make common cause with
Xavier. They immediately put back to port; for
the ship had lain at some distance from the town, to
avoid any sudden attack that otherwise might be
made on it. A guard was left for its protection, and
the captain and merchants marched in a body to
Fucheo. Their return inspired the christians with
new courage, v/hile it amazed the pagans, who could
not conceal their astonishment, that a poor man
should be so highly esteemed by his countrymen,
who were prepared to risk life and property in his
defence.

This speedy return confounded all the designs of
the bonzas, whom the departure of the Portuguese
had rendered fearless in their cabals against the
christians. Fearing that their plans might fail, and
finding that they were challenged to a new conference
on religion, they deemed it advisable to yield to cir-
cumstances, and renew the dispute between Xavier
and Fucarandono. That they might appear to an-
ticipate the christians, they presented a petition to
the king, who assented to it, on conditions that
secured good order, while they provided for the free
expression of argument. These were : 1st. That no
intemperate language was to be used. 2nd. That the
arguments were to be proposed in precise terms, and
subject to the control of the judges, who were to
regulate the dispute. 3rd. The approbation of the
audience was to decide the victory. If the point
appeared doubtful, the suffrages of the assembly
should be taken, and whoever had the majority of

LIFE OF ST. FHANCIS XAVIER. 309

voices, was to be considered victor. 4th. Whoever
was willing to do so, might embrace Christianity
without hindrance or molestation from any man.

These conditions were too reasonable to be agree-
able to the bonzas. They remonstrated v/ith the
king, and told him, that in matters of religion, it was
not just that the laity should be umpires ; but finding
that the king was not to be moved, they relinquished
their opposition. On the following day, the confer-
ence took place, and some of the most intelligent
persons of the court were appointed moderators of
the assembly. Fucarandono was accompanied by
no less than three thousand bonzas, only four of
whom, however, were allowed to enter, as the king
was apprehensive of some disturbance. He also
sent word to those that were excluded, that it was
not honourable for so many to appear against a
single man.

Xavier was attended by the Portuguese, who
were most richly dressed ; they remained standing
with uncovered heads, and always bent the knee
when addressing him. The bonzas were enraged,
when they beheld the magnificence of his suite; but
their fury knew no bounds, when they overheard
the lords of the court saying, one to another : —
" Observe the poor man of whom so many absurd
stories have been told. Would to God that our chil-
dren were hke him, although the bonzas were to
speak as slightingly of them as they do of him. Our
own eyes are witnesses of the truth ; and the palpa-
ble lies they have invented, shew that no reliance can
be placed on their assertions.'^ — The king was evi-
dently pleased with these discourses, and he told his
courtiers, that the bonzas had assured him that the
first sight of Francis would not fail to disgust him.
He had been, at first, inclined to believe them, but
he now discovered that the character of divine envoys,
which these men assumed, did not prevent them
from lying occasionally. Fucarandono heard all
'27

310 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

these discourses, and turning to his companions he
said, that he suspected that this conference would be
more unsuccessful to them than the last had been.

The king received Xavier with great cordiality,
and after some private conversation, ordered him to
begin the dispute. At the king's suggestion, he com-
menced by asking the bonza, for what reason the
christian rehgion should not be received in Japan ?
The bonza, whose arrogance was much diminished,
replied, because it was a new law, — entirely opposed
to the established laws of the empire, — bringing into
contempt the faithful servants of the gods, — annulling
the privileges which the Kubo-Samas of former ages
had conferred on the bonzas, — and excluding the
professors of all other religions from salvation. He
added, with particular emphasis and warmth, that it
ought to be rejected, especially because it presumed
to maintain that Amida and Xaca, Gizon and Canon
— deities of the Japanese- — were in the bottomless
pit, condemned to eternal punishment, and a prey to
the dragon of the abode of darkness.

The king having made a sign to Xavier to reply,
the latter said, that although Fucarandono had mixed
up many things, it would be better for the clear un-
derstanding of the question, to confine him to a single
proposition, which should not be abandoned until it
was ultimately determined. All assented to the just-
ness of this demand ; and Fucarandono then called
on Xavier, to justify himself for speaking ill of the
gods of the country.

Xavier replied, that he gave not the name of God
to idols, which were unworthy of a title which only
belonged to the Sovereign Lord, who had created
heaven and earth. He then spoke of God, of his
nature and perfections, as far as natural reason can
discover or discourse of so sublime and mysterious a
Being. He shewed that liis self-existence, eternity,
omnipotence, wisdom, goodness, justice, immensity.

LIPE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 311

etc., were necessarily incomprehensible by all created
intellects. Having thus given his hearers a lofty
idea of God, he shewed how unworthy of that name
were the idols of Japan, who were acknowledged to
have been men ; and who, however they might be
reverenced as philosophers, legislators, and princes,
could not, without impiety, be considered as immor-
tal beings. The date of their birth and death were
registered in the public monuments : and far from
being omnipotent, they had not been able to preserve
their magnificent palaces and gorgeous mausoleums
from decay. Hence he argued, that they could never
have built the great fabric of the world, or maintain
it in its present state. He then shewed how worthy
of God was the idea the christians had of him; and
concluded by saying, that the beauty of the heavens,
the order of the seasons, and the fertility of the earth,
proved that the Creator and Preserver of the world
was an eternal, omnipotent and omniscient Being.

When Xavier concluded, the whole assembly
declared their assent to what he had said ; and the
judges immediately pronounced, as a manifest truth,
that the pagan idols were not Gods. Fucarandono
attempted to reply, but the assembly declared, that
the affair admitted no longer of dispute ; and the
king, agreeably to the rules of the discussion, imposed
silence on him.

The bonza then asked Xavier, why he disallowed
those bills of exchange which were given to the dead.
He answered, that the right we have to heaven, was
founded — not on such deceitful letters, — but on good
works, accompanied by the faith which he announced.
Jesus Christ, the true and only Son of God, who
had been crucified for the salvation of sinners, im-
parted it to our souls ; and those who preserved it
unto death should certainly attaia eternal happiness.
This law did not, he said, exclude the poor, or
women, from heaven ; on the contrary, poverty, when

312 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

patiently endured, was a means of gaining it, and the
weaker sex had great advantages over the other, by
reason of their natural incUnation to piety and vir-
tue. General approbation was expressed at the ter-
mination of this answer. Fucarandono and his com-
panions did not, however, attempt to reply, but ob-
served a sullen silence. Xavier's opinion was, ac-
cordingly, judged to be the more reasonable, and the
dispute was adjourned to the following day.

Fucarandono appeared on the next morning, ac-
companied by six of the most learned of the bonzas,
who were not to be mere spectators of the contest,
but were to assist and relieve each other. They
began by proposing some very subtle questions, con-
cerning the mysteries of faith, which surprised Xavier
much, and which he deemed the effect of diabolical
suggestion. He acknowledged that to answer them,
he stood in need of an extraordinary assistance from
above, and accordingly desired the Portuguese to
assist him by their prayers, during the disputation.
He replied, however, so satisfactorily, that the as-
sembly decided in his favour. One of the bonzas,
whose heart was devoured by the love of riches,
undertook to prove that God did not love the poor,
because he refused them the blessings he bestowed
on the rich.

Xavier denied the consequence which the bonza
drew from this disposition of Providence, and argued,
both from natural morality, which looks on riches as
false goods, and from the principles of christian faith,
which teach that they are, for the most part, real
evils. His adversaries were obliged to yield to the
force of his reasoning. They then advanced some
most extravagant propositions, which he easily con-
futed. At length the bonzas began to dispute and
wrangle among themselves, not being able to agree
on some point of their own doctrine. The dispute
was beginning to assume a serious aspect, and even

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 313

threatened to terminate in blows, when the king in-
terposed his authority, and dissolved the conference
for that day.

On the next morning the king walked out through
the town, and passing by the quarter where the Por-
tuguese lodged, he sent for Xavier, and conducted
him to the palace, amid the acclamations of the peo-
ple. The seven bonzas were already there, and ex-
hibited in their manners the extreme of arrogance
and self-sufficiency. They commenced by protesting
against the proceedings of the preceding day, and
formally appealed from the sentence of the umpires.
But the king would not permit these questions to be
again debated, and said that as Xavier was ready to
depart, they should propose whatever new difficul-
ties they had yet to object to him.

This positive answer obliged them to withdraw
their appeal. Fucarandono then objected to the
christians the use of the word 'sancte,' applied to
the saints in paradise, which word had in the lan-
guage of Japan an immodest signification. Xavier
answered, that in the Latin language to which it be-
longed, its meaning was pure and pious. In order,
however, to avoid offending the ears of the Japanese,
he substituted the word "beate,'^ for it, which has
the same signification, and is not liable to the same
objection. They found fault also with the use of the
word "deus,^' because "^r/;W in Japan signifies
a " lie." Both judges and audience concluded that
it was a mere play upon the sound of words, and ridi-
culed the objection.

The bonzas advanced other arguments of a more
serious character, drawn from the foresight of God,
the permission of evil, and the delay of redemption.
These difficulties were not new to Xavier, who was
versed in what the fathers and school divines had
said on these subjects. The bonzas made many re-
plies, ta all of which the holy man, in a few words,
gave satisfactory answers. Either unable to com-
27*

314 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

prehend his solutions of their difficulties, or unwilling
to appear defeated, they raised their voices louder
than before. They contended more for victory than
for truth, and rather than assent to his conclusions,
they denied even self-evident principles, for the pur-
pose of embarrassing their antagonist. Xavier saw
the advantage he had gained, and, profiting by it,
made them fall into manifest contradictions, from
which they were unable to extricate themselves.
Instead of replying, they gnashed their teeth, and
exhibited other indications of overwhelming rage.
This conduct of the bonzas roused the king's indig-
nation, who said to them, " For my part, as far as I
can judge, I find that Xavier speaks good sense, and
that you know not what you say. You should be
more enlightened, or at least less violent, than you
are, in order to judge of these truths impartially.
Reason would tell you, that you should not deny
what is self-evident, or indulge in unmeaning cla-
mour.'' Then rising from his seat, and taking Xavier
by the hand, he conducted him back to his residence.
The people, who followed in great multitudes, gave
loud plaudits to the holy man as he passed by ; while
the bonzas, driven furious by rage, invoked fire from
heaven on the head of a prince who suffered himself
to be seduced by a foreign magician, as they termed
Xavier.

Thus terminated this famous discussion, which
although glorious for Xavier, and the religion he
preached, did not produce the great fruit that might
have been expected from it. Neither the Portuguese
writer, from whose relation we have taken the ac-
count, nor the other historians of Xavier, mention
any new conversions which it occasioned. It is, in-
deed, wonderful that those courtiers, who seemed so
favorable to Christianity, should have continued at-
tached to their idolatry and vices. But the convic-
tion of the understanding avails but little, unless the
heart be moved; and many, like the ancient philoso-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 315

phers mentioned by St. Paul, when they know God,
do not glorify him as God. Still it is probable, that
these discussions were not entirely without effect;
and that they prepared the way for those extraor-
dinary conversions which took place there in the
following years.

On the following morning, the 20th of November,
1551, Xavier took his leave of the king, and on the
same day sailed from Japan, where he had remained
two years and four months.

316

CHAPTER XXXI.

Prediction of Xavier — Terrific tempest — Prophecy — Miraculous
multiplication of Xavier's presence — Arrives at Sancian, and saiip
thence for Malacca — Francis D'Aghiar — Fulfilment of Xavier's
assurance to him — Xavier confers with Pereyra on the embassy to
China — Generous offer of the merchant — Arrival ât Malacca —
History of the " Santa Cruz."

Before leaving the port, Xavier made known to
De Gama, and the rest of the ship's company, what
God had revealed to him concerning Malacca. This
was in substance — that that town had been besieged
both by sea and land, — that the king of Gentana was
before it with an army of 12,000 men, — that neither
the courage of the governor, Don Pedro de Silva,
nor the succours of Don Fernandez Carvaglio, had
preserved it from falling into the hands of the Javese,
a fierce and warlike people, — and that of the three
hundred Portuguese who resided there, one hundred
had been put to death, and the remainder obliged to
seek safety in the fortress. He declared that the
sins of that corrupt city, had drawn down the curse
of God upon its inhabitants, as he himself had fore-
told; but he exhorted them to unite their supplica-
tions with his to the Father of mercies, for the pur-
pose of appeasing the Divine wrath. Besides the
two Japanese converts, Mathew and Bernard, who
could not bear to be separated from him, there was
on board an ambassador of the king of Bungo to the
Viceroy of India, in order to cultivate friendly feel-
ings between the two powers, and to obtain a mis-
sioner, who might complete the conversion of that
kingdom which Xavier had so happily begun.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 317

During six days, they sailed along the coasts, and
had a prosperous navigation as far as the isle of
Meleitor, belonging to the king of Minato, whence
crossing a strait, they put out into the main ocean.
At that time there was a change in the moon, and a
furious south wind arose, against which the pilot
could not bear up. The ship was driven before the
wind into a sea, before unknown to the Portuguese ;
the heavens were obscured by thick clouds, and,
during five days and five nights, neither sun nor stars
were to be seen. As no observation could be taken,
they knew not their situation. Towards the end of
one of those days, the wind was so strong, and the
waves rose so high, that they were obliged to cut
down the forecastle, that they might be able to work
the ship better. They then bound the long boat that
followed, with thick cables to the ship; but were pre-
vented, by the night and the rain that fell in torrents,
from taking in the five Poi tuguese and ten IndianSjWho,
together with some slaves and mariners, were in her.
' Those in the ship had no other consolation than
the presence of Xavier. He exhorted them to re-
pentance, thereby to appease the anger of Heaven ;
and he himself shed copious tears in his prayers to
God. In the middle of the night, a piercing shriek
was heard ; it proceeded from the boat, which the
fury of the tempest had torn from the ship, and
which was now being hurried away by its violence.
The captain's nephew, Alphonso Calvo, was in it,
and notwithstanding the desire of his uncle to make
an effort to save him and his companions, the attempt
was unsuccessful, and had almost caused the loss of
the ship. A mountain- wave now swept the deck,
and cries arose from all, who thought they were
about to perish. Xavier was then at his prayers, in
the captain's cabin ; he ran out, and saw the immi-
nent danger of the vessel, and that confusion and
despair were depicted in every countenance. Rais-
ing his hands and eyes to heaven, he said in a trans-

318 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

port of fervour : — " 0 Jesus, thou love of my soul !
succour us, I beseech thee by those five wounds,
which thou didst receive for us on the cross." The
ship was already sinking in the water, when instantly
she rose, and, without the intervention of any appa-
rent cause, gained the surface of the waves. The
seamen, encouraged by so visible a miracle, suc-
ceeded in tacking about, and having the wind now
more favourable to them, pursued their course.

Nothing was known of the fate of the boat, and
no one doubted but that she had been swallowed up
by the waves. The captain lamented the loss of his
nephew, and the sailors wept over their companions ;
but Xavier was particularly afflicted at the loss of
the two Mahometan slaves, whom he had vainly
endeavoured to convert to the faith. In the midst
of his lamentations for their loss, it occurred to him
to pray to God for their safety, in case they were not
already lost. He followed in this the inspiration of
the Holy Ghost, and he had not entirely finished his
prayer, when he felt assured that it was heard.
Turning to De Gama, who was inconsolably afflicted,
he said : — " Be not distressed, brother ; before three
days are over, the daughter will come back, and find
the mother." The captain was too deeply afflicted
to have a strong faith in what appeared so improba-
ble. However, at break of the third day, he sent
one of the sailors up to the mast-head, to see if there
was any thing in sight ; but nothing was to be seen
except the agitated sea, which all around was white
with foam. About two hours after, Xavier, who
had been at his private devotions, came out, and
with the same cheerful countenance, asked the cap-
tain, who was conversing with some of the passen-
gers, if they had yet seen the boat ? He was an-
swered, no. When he desired that some one should
be sent up the mast, to look out, one Pedro Voglio
addressed him in these words: — "Yes, father, the
boat will return ; but not until another one be lost ;"

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 319

meaning thereby, that that which had been already-
lost, would never come back.

Xavier mildly rebuked Voglio for his little faith,
and told him that nothing was impossible to God.
" Tlie confidence 1 have in the divine mercy," added
he, "gives me hope that those whom I have com-
mended to the protection of the holy Virgin, and
for whom I have promised to say three masses at
«Our Lady of the Mount,' will not perish.'' He
then repeated his request to De Gama to send up
some one to look out, which the captain accordingly
did, and even went up himself with the sailor. After
looking in all directions during half an hour, nothing
was discovered.

In the mean time, Xavier, whose stomach was
affected by the motion of the vessel, and who had
not eaten any thing for three days, was taken with a
violent headache, and such a dizziness as to be
scarcely able to stand. One of the Portuguese, Fer-
dinand Mendez Pinto,* offered his cabin to the holy
man, who usually lay on the deck. Xavier asked
as a favour, that the Chinese servant of this merchant
should watch at his door, to secure him from inter-
ruption. It was not so much his intention to give
rest to his body, as to occupy himself in prayer;
and the Chinese related, that from seven in the morn-
ing, when he retired, until the evening, he was al-
ways on his knees, — groaning in agony of spirit, and
shedding abundant tears. After sunset, he came
from his retirement, and once more inquired of the
pilot, if he had seen the boat, which could not now
be far distant. The pilot replied, that it was in vain
to think of her, as it was impossible she could have

* This traveller, in common with most who have given early
notices of newly discovered, or imperfectly known, countries, was
regarded as a fabulous narrator. His voyages were translated and
published in 1653, by H. C.Gent, who, in his preface, vindicates the
veracity of Pinto, from the charges with which it has been generally

320 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

resisted so furious a tempest. At all events, he
added, she could not be less than fifty leagues from
the ship. Christian confidence, however, remains
unshaken, even when reason leaves no hope ; and
accordingly Xavier did not question the arguments
of the pilot, but still expressed his conviction that
the boat would return. He maintained that she
could not be far off, and even pressed the pilot to
'^end up some one to look out. This the pilot him-
self did, but could discover nothing. Regardless of
the pilot's answer, Xavier immediately desired the
captain to lower the sails, that the boat might more
easily come up. His authority prevailed over the
remonstrances of the pilot : the sails were taken in,
and the ship stopped for three hours.

The passengers at length grew weary, and unwil-
ling to bear any longer the rolling of the vessel, they
unanimously demanded that she should pursue her
course. Xavier upbraided them with their impa-
tience, and actually laid hold of the cordage of the
yard-arm, when the sailors were about to raise it.
He shed abundant tears, and then raising his eyes to
heaven, he exclaimed : "0 Jesus, my Lord and my
God ! I beseech thee by thy holy passion, to have
pity on those poor people who are coming to us,
through so many dangers.'^ After this, he seemed
somewhat more tranquil; and leaning against the
ropes, lie appeared to sleep.

A small child, who was sitting at the foot of the
mast, now suddenly cried out: A miracle! a mira-
cle ! the boat, the boat ! All looked in the direction
to which the child pointed, and to their amazement,
saw her within musket-shot of the ship. Shouts of
joy rent the air while she was approaching the ves-
sel ; and all fell at the feet of Xavier, confessing that
they were sinners, unworthy of his company, and
asking pardon for their want of faith. Confounded
at these testimonies of their respect, Xavier ran off
as quickly as he could, and shut himself up in his

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 321

cabin. Although the sea was much agitated, it was
observed that the boat approached the ship in a
straight Une, and without any rolling. When she
came up to the ship, she suddenly stopped, and con-
tinued motionless, until all on board had left her, and
the sailors had fastened her to the stern. After the
first expressions of mutual satisfaction at this unex-
pected meeting, those who had come in the boat
related, that they had encountered a most awful tem-
pest, without, however, being under any apprehen-
sion of being wrecked, or losing their way : " For,'^
said they, " Father Francis was our pilot, and his
presence took from us even the idea of fear." The
ship's company assured them that Francis had re-
mained with them on board the ship ; but they could
scarcely gain credit with those who were in the boat,
and who affirmed that they had beheld him con-
stantly steering it. This evident miracle made a
deep impression on the minds of the two Saracen
slaves, and they immediately abjured Mahometan-
ism. Xavier was obliged to come out, and gratify
the impatient curiosity of those fifteen men, who
were eager to behold the miraculous steersman, who
had so happily brought them through the danger,
and who vanished as soon as they joined the ship.
They reverenced him as their protector ; but Xavier
refused to accept their homages, and declared that it
was the hand of God, and not his, which had deli-
vered them from shipwreck. He gave public thanks
to God for so extraordinary a favour, and ordered
the pilot to pursue his voyage, assuring liim that he
would presently have a favourable wind. This the
pilot was not inchned to expect from appearances;
but his late experience of Xavier's power, made him
easily believe his words, and he soon found that he
who rules winds and sea, had authorized Francis to
make this prediction.

As soon, therefore, as the sails were spread, a north

ind arose, and the sea ceased to roll. In fifteen

28

322 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

days they arrived at the port of Sancian, where the
Portuguese merchants were permitted to traffic.
The season for navigating those seas was past, and
there were but two ships from India in the port, one of
which belongecl to James Pereyra. As De Gama's
vessel was not in a condition to go at once to Ma-
lacca, and was, moreover, to stop at Siam, Xavier
passed into that of James Pereyra. It was remarked,
that when he entered the vessel of Pereyra, the wind,
which for fifteen days had been directly opposed to
those going to India, suddenly came round, so that
they were able to sail on the following day, which
was the 31st of December, 1551. Another vessel,
which had been waiting for the same wind, set out
at the same time, but found, when too late, that she
carried not the apostle of India.

Before they embarked, Xavier, while conversing
with the pilot, Francis D'Aghiar, — the same who had
brought him from Japan, — on the dangers of the
ocean, told him that he should not end his days at
sea, and that no vessel wherein he might be, would
be wrecked. So convinced was D'Aghiar of what
Francis told him, that he often went to sea in old
and badly equipped vessels, without any regard to
the season of the year. Many persons, unacquaintd
with the secret cause of this confidence, regarded him
as a rash and presumptuous man, and as one who
had no skill in sea affairs.

At one time, when going from Tennasserim to
Pegu, in a light and sea-worn bark, a furious tempest
having risen, many vessels which accompanied
D'Aghiar's sloop, were dashed against the rocks and
wrecked. D'Aghiar, ho we ver, appeared unconcerned
during this confusion, and on being asked by a trem-
bling passenger, how he could presume to sing when
every moment he was liable to be swallowed up by
the waters, he replied : — " Were the waves to mount
thrice as liigh as they now are, and were my bark of
glass, I would not fear, for Father Francis told me

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 323

that I should not die at sea, in whatsoever vessel 1
might be." Some Saracens on board, were so moved
by this continual miracle, that they promised to be-
come christians as soon as they should get on land.
When the bark anchored at Tanor, they asked for,
and received, baptism, — being convinced of the truth
of the christian faith by the evident miracle they had
witnessed.

To return to Xavier. The conversations he had
with Pereyra, during the voyage, were almost exclu-
sively in relation to Japan and China. He related
to this worthy merchant, v/hat progress the faith had
made in the kingdoms of Saxuma, Amanguchi, and
Bungo ; and what hopes he had of being able to con-
vert all the inhabitants of those islands, as soon as
China should acknowledge the law of Jesus Christ.
He told him, that he was resolved to go to that
country; and that he was returning to India, to make
arrangements for that purpose, after he had regulated
the affairs of the Society at Goa. For this purpose
he brought with him from Japan a Chinese transla-
tion of his catechism, by the aid of which he hoped
to overcome the first difficulties, which are generally
the greatest.

Some Portuguese merchants, who were in the
same vessel, and were well acquainted with China,
thought that this was an extravagant idea. Inde-
pendently of the misunderstanding between China
and Portugal, they remarked, that strangers were
forbidden to set foot in that country, under pain of
death, or perpetual imprisonment. Some Portuguese
who had attempted to get into the country, had been
either decapitated, or incarcerated for life. They
said, however, that there was a safe and certain way
of entering China, namely, by means of a solemn
embassy from the king of Portugal to the emperor of
China. But as that could not be effected without an
immense expense, were there no other outlay than
the presents to be made to the king and his ministers ;

324 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

it was not probable that the Viceroy would incur the
cost of such an enterprise, especially at a time, when
he was hardly able to defray more necessary expen-
ses. These difUculties appeared, indeed, formidable ;
but James Pereyra, who under the dress of a mer-
chant concealed the spirit of a prince and the zeal of
an apostle, offered his vessel and all his wealth to
promote so laudable an object. Xavier accepted of
this offer with joy, and engaged to procure for his
friend the embassy to China.

Pereyra had received news of the siege of Malacca,
and he told Xavier that he feared lest an embargo
should be laid on his ship for the immediate service
of the town. This apprehension was, however, re-
moved, by the assurance of Xavier, to whom God
had revealed the deliverance of that town, which
had been granted to his prayers. He told him that
when the fortress was on the point of yielding, the
infidels had been struck with a sudden terror, and
fled, leaving the town entirely free. There was yet
another difficulty in the mind of Pereyra, in regard
to the voyage which Xavier had to make, before he
would set out for China. As the season was far ad-
vanced, he feared lest there should be no vessel at
Malacca, prepared to sail for Goa : and as for him-
self, he was obliged to land his cargo at Sunda, and
therefore could not bring Xavier to Cochin. This
latter, however, told him that the ship of Antonio
Pereyra was in the port of Malacca, and that on their
arrival, they should find it ready to weigh anchor,
and sail for Cochin.

Xavier was communicating all these things to his
friends during a great calm, when suddenly there arose
one of those terrific hurricanes which, in a moment,
sink a vessel. All the company gave themselves up
as lost, or if they had any lingering hope, it was in-
spired solely by the presence of the servant of God,
whom they besought to intercede with Heaven in
their behalf. Without replying a word, he retired to

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 325

his devotions, and shortly after returned, and with
an ardent expression of countenance, gave his bles-
sing to the ship, saying aloud : — " This vessel of the
« Santa Cruz," shall never perish on the seas. The
place where she was built, shall see her fall suddenly
in pieces. Would to God," added he, "that the
same might be said of that vessel, which sailed in
company with us ! But we shall soon witness her
unhappy destiny." At that very moment, the whirl-
wind ceased, and the sea grew calm. Shortly after-
wards, they beheld merchandise and dead bodies
floating on the water ; and hence concluded that the
hurricane had destroyed the ship that had set out with
them. This conjecture was changed into a positive
certainty, when two seamen belonging to her were
taken up. They had seized on a plank when the
vessel was foundering, and were providentially borne
by the waves to the "Santa Cruz." The remaining
part of the navigation was prosperous ; and the ship
having put into Sincapore, Xavier sent to Malacca,
by a frigate which immediately sailed, a letter to
Antonio Pereyra, whom, as the holy man knew he
was there and about to sail, he desired to wait three
days for him. By the same opportunity he wrote
to Father Francis Perez, Superior of the Jesuits at
Malacca, whom he commanded to prepare for re-
ceiving and entertaining the Japanese who accompa-
nied him.

When it was known in the city that Xavier was
coming, the joy was universal; its inhabitants seemed
to forget all that they had recently sulSered. They
ran in crowds to the shore, and received the man of
God, with every demonstration of aftection and re-
verence. While accompanying him to the house of
the Society, they shewed him, as they passed, the
ruins of their habitations, and remarked, with deep
sighs, that if he had been with them, he would have
protected them against the Javanese, as formerly
against the king of Achen. Xavier told them in re«
28*

326 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

ply, that their enormous sins had drawn down the
wrath of heaven upon them, which nothing but a
speedy change of Ufe could avert ; and that the only
means of reconciUng themselves to God, was to re-
ceive these chastisements in the spirit of humiliation
and penance. He visited the former governor, Don
Pedro de Silva, and his successor, Don Alvarez de
Atayda, to both of whom he communicated his pro-
ject of an embassy to China. They concurred with
him in opinion, that it would be no less advantageous
to the crown of Portugal, than to the interests of
Christianity. James Pereyra not being able, for the
reasons before mentioned, to accompan}'- Xavier to
Goa, gave him for the present thirty thousand
crowns, to prepare for the projected voyage ; and
sent one of his agents to make ail the necessary ar-
rangements. Having bid a cordial adieu to this
faithful friend, Xavier embarked in the vessel of
Antonio Pereyra, who had only awaited his arrival
in order to sail.

The prediction which he made in favour of the
Santa Cruz, caused it to be called the " Saint's ves-
sel," and she became famous throughout all the
east. Wherever she arrived, she was received with
great honours, and saluted by all the other ships in
the harbour. All merchants were anxious to send
their goods by her, and paid more than the customary
freight. She always carried large cargoes, and for
thirty years that she lasted after Xavier's death, she
was always heavily laden, notwithstanding her de-
cayed condition. The only precaution which the
owners deemed necessary to take, was to keep her
from shore ; so that even when she was refitted, the
work was always done at sea. She often encountered
heavy gales, and was often engaged with pirates ;
but she escaped all these dangers, and never had any
one cause to regret his having embarked himself, or
his goods, in her. Once between Malacca and
Cochin, in the beginning of her voyage, being very

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 327

heavily laden, she sprung a leak, and took in so much
water that the passengers were of opinion that the
half of her cargo and company ought to be transfer-
red to one of the ships which accompanied her. The
captains of these vessels, however, had full cargoes,
and would not consent to receive the superabundant
lading of the "Santa Cruz;" and the ship's company
were so worked upon by their fears, that they re-
turned into port, where their want of confidence in
the " Saint's vessel," was a subject of general sur-
prise and reproach. To redeem their character, they
were obliged to put to sea, without at all lightening
the vessel ; and such was the confidence with which
the history of this ship, which was in every body's
mouth, inspired them, that they pursued their journey
without further fear. Thus the Santa Cruz continued,
until she came into the hands of the captain of the
port of Diu, who perceiving her to be half rotten and
open in several parts, concluded that she would no
longer serve until she underwent a thorough repair.
For this purpose he sent her to Cochin, where she
had been built, and brought her ashore, when she
immediately went to pieces. The inhabitants of
Cochin, who had heard of the prediction of Xavier,
now came in crowds to behold its accomplishment.
Among them was a poor merchant, George Nugnez,
who thinking that there might be some virtue in the
planks of the late vessel, took one of them, and nailed
it to his own, being persuaded that with a portion of
the vessel which God had so wonderfully blessed, he
should be protected against shipwreck. This lively
faith in the divine protection, made him undertake
long and perilous voyages, and cross the most tem-
pestuous gulfs, without any regard to the weather.
When told that it was not the part of a prudent man
to act thus, he replied, that both winds and waves
were well acquainted with his vessel, and had a re-
verence for the plank of the Santa Cruz. The event

328 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

justified the confidence which his hvely faith gave
him. His vessel encountered, and escaped, the most
appaiUng dangers; and what is particularly remarka-
ble, had an end similar to that of the Santa Cruz,
having gone to pieces on the coast of Coulan, where
she was brought to be refitted.

329

CHAPTER XXXII.

Conversion of the king of the Maldive islands — Xavier writes to
Europe — Arrives in Goa — Flourishing state of the missions — The
kings of Tanor and Trichenamalo embrace the faith — Letter of the
bishop of Goa to Ignatius — The king of Portugal continues to favour
the missions of the Society — Father Antonio Gomez ; his extrava-
gancies and punishment.

Xavier arrived at Cochin on the 24th of January,
1552. He met there the king of the Maldive islands,
who had been at Cochin for some months. This
prince was about twenty-two ^^ears old; and was a
Mahometan into whom a hatred of Christianity had
been instilled from his earliest infancy. He had
been forced to seek an asylum among the Portuguese,
as he had been exiled by his subjects, who hated him
and his government. The fathers of the Society re-
ceived him into their house, and endeavoured to con-
vince him of the falsehood of his sect. The circum-
stances in which he was placed, made him listen to
the instructions which the zealous Father Antonio
Heredia gave him ; but the apprehension of increas-
ing the exasperation of his rebellious subjects, by a
change of religion, caused him to hesitate and delay ;
and he would, probably, never have renounced the
law of Mahomet, had not Xavier arrived to complete
the work of Heredia. The apostolic man spoke to
the king with so much efficacy, that he made him
resolve to disregard all viev/s of temporal interest
and ambition, and embrace the law of Christ; and
having duly instructed him in the mysteries of reli-
gion, he solemnly baptized him. He recommended
the Portuguese authorities to replace him on the

330 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

throne ; and appointed some of the fathers of the
Society, to accompany the fleet that was to sail to
the Maidive islands. He intended that as soon as
the King was re-established, they should labour in
the conversion of his subjects. But as islands which
produce neither gold, nor spices, nor perfumes, seemed
not of any importance to the crown of Portugal, the
governor did nothing for the exiled prince. Despair-
ing at length of recovering his kingdom, he married
a Portuguese lady, and lived as a private gentleman
ever after, — rejoicing that the loss of his kingdom was
so abundantly compensated for, by the gift of faith,
and the grace of baptism.

Before embarking for Goa, Xavier profited by an
opportunity afforded him of writing to Europe ; and
sent letters, giving an account of his voyage to Japan,
both to the king of Portugal, and the general of the
Society. After a prosperous voyage he arrived at
Goa, in the beginning of February. As soon as he
came on shore, he visited the sick in the public hos-
pitals, and then went to the college of St. Paul, which
belonged to the Society. After the ordinary saluta-
tions, which were accompanied by extraordinary in-
dications of feeling and attachment, he asked if there
were none sick in the college; and having heard that
there was one lying at the point of death, he visited
him, with the design to read the gospel over him.
At the sight of Xavier, the dying man recovered his
spirits, and his health. The physicians had given
him over, and all things had been ordered for his
funeral, but he himself never despaired of his re-
covery; and on the day of Xavier's arrival, he said,
with a dying voice, that if God would only preserve
him to behold their good father, he should infallibly
recover.

The relation of the state of the church of Japan
made by Xavier, was very gratifying to the fathers
of Goa, who, on their parts, consoled him much by
the account they gave of the state of Christianity in

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 331

India. Almost all the missioners, whom he had dis-
persed before his departure, met at his return. Some
of them had returned by his order ; others, on affairs
of importance : and it seemed as if the Holy Ghost
had assembled them, that they might be renewed in
their spirit of apostolic zeal and religious fervour, by
the presence of him whom they regarded as their
common father. Their labours had been very suc-
cessful. The town of Ormuz, which had been con-
fided to Gaspar Barzaeus, had entirely changed its
appearance. Idolaters, Saracens, and Jews, emu-
lously asked to be baptized; the temples of the gods
were dedicated to Christ ; the mosques and syna-
gogues were abandoned. A very salutary change
had also taken place in the morals of the people, and
many evil customs, which formerly prevailed, were
now abolished.

Christianity was also in a flourishing condition
on the Fishery-coast, especially since the death of
Father Antonio Criminali, who had the care of that
district, and who was martyred by the Badages.
The blood of this martyr was the fruitful seed of
christians, who were now reckoned at five hundred
thousand, — -uU of whom were so full of zeal as to be
ready to lay down their lives for the faith. The gospel
was no less successful at Cochin, at Coulan, at
Bazain, at Mehapore, the Moluccas, and the isles
del Moro; but the labours of the missioners were
particularly successful at Goa. The number of the
idolaters was ;considerably reduced; the marais of
the Portuguese were regular, and free from any of
the licentiousness so common m such colonies : and
public sinners were now as rare as formerly they had
been common. The soldiers lived with the regularity
of rehgious persons, and edified all who witnessed
their piety.

Xavier was particularly gratified by learning the
conversion of two princes, who had visited Goa
during his absence. The one was the king of Tanor,

332 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

situated on the coast of Malabar, between Cranganor
and Calcutta. The religion of this prince v;as a com-
pound of Mahometanism and idolatry, although he
had from his infancy a tendency towards Christianity,
of which, however, he knew little or nothing. When
he was duly instructed in its principles, by a rehgious
of the order of St. Francis, who frequented his palace,
he became quite attached to it; although the wars in
which he was engaged, prevented him from receiv-
ing baptism until ten years after. He was, however,
at length baptized, but in private, in order to avoid
irritating his subjects, who still regarded him as an
idolater. Not being at ease in his conscience with
regard to this secrecy, he sent to the bishop of Goa
for an "apostle," as the fathers of the Society were
called, both by the Indians and Portuguese. Father
Gomez was sent to him, who told him that God re-
quired to be served in spirit and in truth; that to dis-
semble one's rehgion, was worse than not to have
any; in fine, that Jesus Christ would disown before
his angels, those who had disowned him before men.
The king, who had preferred the salvation of his soul
to the possession of an earthly kingdom, resolved to
declare himself a christian, as soon as lie should have
made a treaty with his enemies. Having concluded
a peace, by means of Gomez, who had urged him to
it, he determined to visit Goa, notwithstanding the
opposition of his subjects, who seized upon him and
confined him in one of the strongest citadels of the
country. He contrived, however, to escape from his
palace, and by means of some Portuguese vessels, that
were prepared to receive him, he arrived safely at
Goa. The bishop and the viceroy conducted him to
the church amid the acclamations of the people ; and
at the foot of the altar, he made his profession of
faith with such fervour and piety as drew tears from
all present.

The other conversion was that of the king of
Trichenamalo, one of the sovereigns of Ceylon. He

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 333

had succeeded to the crown while yet an mfant, but
was dethroned by an usurper, when only eight years
old. Not content with depriving him of his throne,
the tyrant would also have taken from him his life,
had he not been rescued from his grasp, and brought
to the Fishery-coast, whither forty lords of the loyal
party accompanied him. The Paravas received him
with all the consideration due to his illustrious birth
and early misfortunes: they promised his attend-
ants to serve him as far as was possible, but at the
same time advised them to procure for him a more
valuable and permanent crown than that which he
was anxious to recover. They then told them all
that they themselves had learned, concerning the
adoption of the sons of God, the kingdom of heaven,
and the inheritance of the saints. The young prince,
moved by these glorious hopes, and still more by the
divine grace, complied with what the Paravas re-
quired of him, and put himself under the direction of
Father Henriquez. All his followers imitated his
example, and were baptized along with himself; on
which occasion he manifested a degree of intelligence
much above his years. The rulers of the christians
on the Fishery-coast having subsequently raised an
army for his re-establishment on the throne, made a
descent on Ceylon ; but the usurper was so firmly
established, that the Paravas were forced to abandon
the project. The young prince was brought to Goa,
and placed by the Portuguese in the college of St.
Paul. Xavier returned thanks to God, for having
subjected the princes of this world to the power of
Jesus Christ, by means of the sons of Ignatius. He
also congratulated his brethren on the satisfaction
which the bishop, Don Juan d' ^Albuquerque, testified
at their conduct. This wise and holy prelate showed
Xavier the copy of a letter, which, during his absence,
he had written to Ignatius. It was dated the 20th
of November, 1550. The following is what particu-
larly relates to the subject of the present narrative.
29

334 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

"The great actions of your children and subjects,
throughout all the east, the holiness of their lives,
the purity of their doctrine, their zeal in reforming the
morals of the Portuguese, both by preaching and the
administration of the sacrament of penance ; their in-
cessant journeys throughout all the east for the con-
version of idolaters and moors; their continual appli-
cation to acquire the languages of this new world,
and to teach the mysteries of faith, especially at Cape
Comorin ; all these things oblige me to write to you,
and to give testimony to what I have seen with my
ov/n eyes. Indeed, the fathers of your Society are
admirable labourers in the vineyard of the Lord,
and they serve the bishops so faithfully, that I hope
their endeavours in behalf of the souls intrusted to
me, will cause me to remain less time in purgatory
than I otherwise could hope. I have not courage to
attempt the enumeration of all their actions ; and if I
had, time would not permit me. I shall only say,
that they are like torches, set up to dissipate the pitchy
darkness in which these barbarous people were in-
volved. Already by their means many nations have
been brought to the faith of the adorable Trinity. I
give them willingly all powers required for the good
of souls; and they all freely participate in my author-
ity. I look upon myself as one of the members of
that holy body, although my life is far removed from
the perfection it requires. In fine, I love them all in
Jesus Christ, with a fervent and sincere charity."

About the same time, Xavier received intelligence
that the Portuguese officers of the crown at Goa, had
sent word to Lisbon of the great success of the Socie-
ty in India. The new Viceroy, Don Antonio de
Norogna, had also written, that the Jesuits gave
great satisfaction in the east; that no one could
look on their labours without blessing the name of
God, for sending men whose holy lives corresponded
to the sanctity of their calling. He was also informed
that the king of Portugal had communicated all these

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 335

things to the Pope, especially the conversion of the
king of Tanor,ancl the martyrdom of Father Antonio
Criminali. This monarch had also mentioned to his
Holiness, that he intended to found many colleges for
the Society, in order to supply the east with apostolical
labourers; and that, in the meantime, he had ordered
that all the seminaries in India not already under
their direction, should be confided to the care of the
Jesuits. Xavier also heard that the Viceroy of India,
and the captains of the various fortresses, had orders
from the king to defray all the expenses incurred by
the missioners in their various journeys. Thus this
most religious prince endeavoured to exonerate his
own conscience, and transfer his obligations to the
Society, by imposing on its members the duty of in-
structing the infidels, according to the conditions of
the agreement made between the Holy See and the
crown of Portugal, at the time of the discovery and
conquest of those eastern countries.

Amid so many consoling circumstances, the con-
duct of Father Antonio Gomez gave Xavier great
cause of grief. Before setting out for Japan, he had
made him rector of the college of St. Paul, according
to the order of Father Simon Rodriguez, who sent
him to India, three years after his noviceship, and who,
as provincial of Portugal, on which the missions of
India then depended, had absolute authority in them.
Gomez had many excellent qualities, not frequently
found united in the same person. He was not only
a great philosopher, divine, and canonist, but also an
admirable preacher, and very conversant with the
management of affairs. Besides this, he was full of
the most ardent zeal for the conversion of souls ; and
was always prepared to labour in the most painful
employments. He had, however, one capital defect:
he was wonderfully attached to his own opinion ;
never followed any other judgment than his own,
and acted rather by the impulse of his own fancy, than
by the dictates of the Holy Spirit, or the rules of right

^36 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

reason. As he was advanced in years when he en-
tered the Society, he had not made sufficient efforts
to overcome those caprices which always tend to ob-
scure the understanding. When made rector, he
began to govern more by whim, than by the dictates
of good sense, even before Xavier had left India for
Japan. Perceiving that the government of Gomez
was not conformable to the spirit of the institute of
Ignatius, Francis would at once have transferred
him from Goa to Oimuz ; but the Viceroy, to whom
Gomez had been highly recommended, would not
suffer him to be moved, or his authority to be taken
from him. Xavier endeavoured to remedy this in-
convenience, by establishing Father Paul de Came-
rino, Superior General of all the missions in India.

As soon, however, as Xavier left Goa, Gomez
usurped the whole authority; alleging, in his justifica-
tion, that Rodriguez had given him absolute power ;
and that Camerino was, indeed, a good, well meaning
creature, but more fit, however, to visit the prisons
and hospitals of Goa, than to manage the missions,
and govern the colleges, of the Society. He began
by prescribing new rules to his subjects, and declared
to them, that they should be born over again and be
transformed into spiritual men. They did not indeed
stand in need of reformation, as they were all models
of holiness; but the new superior had brought with
him from Europe, a novel and extraordinary system
of perfection, of his own fanciful imagining. He un-
dertook to change their domestic discipline, and to
regulate the studies of the Jesuits, after the model of
the university of Paris, where he had studied in his
youth. Every day brought some new improvement :
and he exercised his power with such haughtiness
and obstinacy, that he gave orders more like an im-
perial autocrat than as the Superior of a religious
body. In order to make himself feared and obeyed,
he went so far as to declare, that he had an order
from Father Rodriguez, by virtue of which he could

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 337

imprison or send back to Portugal, whoever would
presume to oppose his government. His conduct to-
wards the young men educated in the Seminary, the
greater number of whom were natives of India, was
not less extraordinary and unjustifiable. While yet
novices in the faith, and but imperfect christians, he
imposed on them the practice of the most perfect in-
terior life, and punished them severely when they
did not acquit themselves of those exercises, which
were so far above their understanding. Hence mur-
murs and combinations were not unfrequent among
them : and some of the young Indians almost fell into
despair, while many of them, unable to endure so se-
vere a system, fled away. This only served to ren-
der Gomez, who could brook no opposition, still more
unreasonable and absurd. One day he expelled all
the remaining seminarians, as if they were incapable
of observing discipline ; and, in their stead, received
twenty-seven Portuguese, who, without any profi-
ciency in learning, wished to enter into the Society ;
and thus he changed the Seminary into a noviciate. As
Gomez had acquired an absolute ascendancy over the
Viceroy of India, Don George Cabrai, no one dared
to oppose him in his extravagancies ; not even the
bishop, who was unwilling to come into colhsion
with the King's representative, and who feared that
by endeavoring to apply a remedy, he might only in-
crease the evil. Nor did the rector confine all his
zeal to Goa ; he made frequent visits to the country,
either through the impulse of his unbridled zeal and
restlessness of disposition, or, because he looked upon
himself as Superior General of the missions, and
therefore thought himself bound to inspect every
thing, or rather, do every thing himself.

The citizens of Cochin having expressed a desire
to found a college of the Society, he went thither to
receive the offer, but spoiled the whole business by
his singular imprudence. The captain of the fortress
gave him a church, dedicated to the Mother of God,

29*

338 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

contrary to the will of the vicar of Cochin, and in
despite of the remonstrances of the confraternity to
which it belonged. The donation having been con-
tested in law, Gomez, whom obstinacy of character,
great influence, and, above all, good intentions, com-
bined to lead astray, resolved to maintain its validity,
and get the church upon any terms. This proceed-
ing exasperated the people, who had before been so
much edified by the charity and disinterestedness of
the fathers of the Society: and their indignation caused
them to send a formal complaint on the subject, both
to the King of Portugal and Ignatius.

Such was the state of things when Xavier returned
from Japan : his return, indeed, had been hastened
by the letters he had received at Amanguchi, which
were written on occasion of these disorders. He
first endeavored to repair the faults committed by
the rector ; and for this purpose when he touched at
Cochin, he assembled the magistrates of the town and
the confraternity, in the choh' of the cathedral ; and in
the presence of the vicar, he fell on his knees before
them, and implored their pardon for what had oc-
curred. He presented to them the keys of the
church which had caused the dispute, and gave it up
to them. The members of the confraternity were so
affected by this act of Xavier, that they gave him
back the keys, and spontaneously executed a convey-
ance of the church to the college of the Society. He
also dismissed those Portuguese whom Gomez had
received into the Society at Goa ; and having assem-
bled as many of those young Indians as Gomez had
expelled, or terrified into flight, he re-established the
seminary, whose temporary dissolution had caused
no small injury to religion in India.

Nothing now remained but to punish the criminal
who had so much abused his authority. Xavier
was resolved to inflict an exemplary chastisement, es-
pecially, as instead of acknowledging his errors,
Gomez prepared to defend and vindicate them.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 33 9

He judged that one who was neither humble nor obe-
dient, was unworthy to belong to the Society of Jesus ;
but yet he was un willing to dismiss him at Goa, lest the
affair should make too great a noise. Having con-
vinced the Viceroy of the justice of his proceeding, he
sent him to the fortress of Diu, towards Cambaya, and
gave directions to the fathers there to dismiss him,
and prevail upon him to return to Portugal by the first
opportunity. All was done as he desired. Gomez
took shipping for Lisbon, but the vessel foundered at
sea, and he was unfortunately lost. So tragical an
end shows, that the gifts of nature and grace are of
no avail to a religious that is not endued with the
spirit of humility and obedience.

340

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Embassy to China — Zeal for the missions — Xavier is made Pro-
vincial of the Society in India — He makes Father Gaspar Barzaeus,
Rector of the College at Goa, and Vice Provincial — Contest of humi-
lity— Instructions to Barzaeus — Xavier sends Andrew Fernandez to
Europe — Letters to the King— Parting admonition to the Fathers
of Goa.

The affairs of the Society being thus arranged,
Xavier directed all his thoughts to supply the mis-
sions of India with labourers in sufficient number to
meet its ordinary wants. He accordingly sent JNlel-
chior Nugnez to Bazain, Gonsalvo Rodriguez to
Cochin, John Lopez to Meliapore, and Louis Mendez
to the Fishery coast, where he confirmed the choice
which the missioners of that district had already
made of Father Henriquez as superior, in place of
Father Antonio Criminali.

He then applied all his efforts to procure an em-
bassy to China. The viceroy, Don Alphonso de
Norogna, willingly nominated James Pereyra, am-
bassador, as Xavier had requested. He promised
also to forward the project, with all his influence ;
and even gave a large sum lo wards procuring pre-
sents for the Emperor of China. The most magnifi-
cent of these, however, were furnished by James
Pereyra ; who had also procured chasubles of gold
tissue, precious ornaments for the altar, and devo-
tional paintings, executed by some of the best artists
of Europe, together with capes and other church
vestments — all of which were well calculated to give
the Chinese a high idea of the magnificence of the
external rites of the christian religion. The bishop

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 341

was no less favourable to Ihe embassy than the vice-
roy. He wrote a letter to the Emperor of China, in
commendation of the law of God : it was written in
characters of gold, and adorned with beautiful ara-
besques.

Nothing now remained but to make a selection of
missioners who might accompany Xavier to China,
and to provide others for Japan ; for he had not for-
gotten his dear Japanese ; and the ambassador of the
King of Bungo, who accompanied him, failed not to
urge his master's demand for a supply of evangelical
labourers. So many oflered themselves for this ar-
duous mission, that Xavier was unable to satisfy all
their desires. There were then thirty members of
the Society in the College of Goa ; some of whom
had been in India from the time of Xavier's arrival
in that country ; others had either recently come from
Europe, or had been lately admitted among the dis-
ciples of Ignatius. They were all men of approved
virtue, and well worthy of the mission they so
earnestly desired ; but there was none among them
who sought it with such eagerness, or more signally
deserved it, than Gaspar Barzaeus.

Before setting out for Japan, Xavier had recalled
him from Ormuz, designing either to send him to
Japan, or to take him with himself to China. After
much deliberation, he determined to leave Barzaeus
at Goa, where, since his return from Ormuz, he had
laboured in the ministry with great success. He was
moved thereto, by the state of the college of St. Paul,
which had not yet recovered from the bad effects of
the mismanagement of Gomez. On this account he
made him rector of the college of Goa, and vice-
provincial of India, by the authority he had received
from the General of the order. At his return from
Japan, Xavier found two documents which had been
expected from Rome, one dated the tenth of October,
the other on the twenty-third of December, 1549. By
the former, Ignatius declared Xavier provincial of

342 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

India, and of all the East, of which he made a dis-
tinct province from that of Portugal. By the second,
he imparted to him all the privileges which the Popes
had granted to the General of the order, and to such
members of it as he should please to appoint. Bar-
zaeus was appointed by the following document, all
in the handwriting of Xavier, and still preserved in
the archives of Goa.

" Master Gaspar : As Superior of the Society of
Jesus in India, I command you to undertake the
government of this college of Santa Fe ; being fully
persuaded of your virtue, your humility, your pru-
dence, and of the other qualities which render you
capable of governing others.

" I order all the Portuguese fathers, and lay bro-
thers of the Society of Jesus, who are spread over
this new world, from the cape of Good Hope, as far
as Malacca, the Moluccas, and Japan, to be subject
to you. I also direct, that all those who come from
Portugal, or from any other part of Europe, to the
houses of the Society which are subject to me, should
acknowledge you as their Superior, unless our Father
Ignatius name some other rector of this college. 1
have already requested him to do so, by letters in-
forming him of the necessity of sending hither some
experienced person, in whom he would have entire
confidence, to govern this college, and all the missions
of our Society depending on it. If then any of the
Society, sent out by our Father Ignatius, or any
other General of the Society of Jesus, come to Goa,
with letters duly authenticated, and be empowered
to take on him the government of this house, I com-
mand you, in virtue of holy obedience, to resign it
immediately into his hands, and to be obedient to
him in all things.'^

Having thus declared Barzaeus Superior, before
the whole college, assembled on the occasion, Xavier
knelt down and gave a public example of submis-
sion, by acknowledging him as such. He then

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 343

commanded them all, in virtue of holy obedience, to
be subject to him ; and ordered him to expel from
the Society all such as should contravene his author-
ity, or disobey his commands. He also enjoined him
to have no regard to their talents, eloquence, or any
other gifts of nature ; as whatever excellent qualities
they might have, they wanted the most essential of
all — humility and obedience.

When Barzaeus understood that he was not to go
to China, he said not a word, although he was most
desirous to undertake that mission. On this occasion
he generously sacrificed his zeal to his obedience.
But when he heard himself named rector and vice-
provincial, he was confounded at the mention of these
dignities, and openly declared that he was not fit for
government ; but when he saw the holy man on his
knees before him, he was overwhelmed with shame,
and falling down beside him, he besought him with
tears to compassionate his infirmity. To this Xavier,
who knew him perfectly well, would not hearken,
and esteemed him the more worthy of these employ-
ments, because he considered himself unfit. As
Barzaeus was every where sought for, and yet his
presence was so much required at Goa, both for the
due regulation of the college, and the advancement
of the missions, Xavier forbade him to leave Goa,
during the space of three years ; that thus Barzaeus
having this prohibition imposed on him, would be
enabled to resist the importunities of those who might
seek him, and who could not reasonably find fault
with him for obeying the command of his superior.

Xavier gave the new rector written instructions to
guide him in the government of others, and for his
own conduct, conformably to the spirit by which
they all were animated, of seeking nothing but the
greater glory of God. Of these instructif; ns the most
important are as follow : —

" Have always before your eyes, your own

344 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

nothingness, and let this thought so occupy your
mind, as that the contempt of the world may never
leave you. Treat the fathers of the Society, both re-
siding with you and elsewhere, with great mildness
and respect. Let no haughtiness of manner appear
in you ; but do not, however, let your moderation
and humility expose you to contempt. In such cir-
cumstances have nothing in view but the good of
your subjects; and without designing to avenge the
contempt of your authority, you will succeed in
making the guilty sensible of your power. But you
shall punish them only so far as may be necessary
for their own amendment and the edification of their
brethren, who may have witnessed their fault. All
the violations of obedience, either by the fathers or
lay brothers, are to be punished by some chastise-
ment ; nor should the sacerdotal character shield the
offender. If any of your inferiors act presumptuously
against you, and proudly resist your authority, op-
pose them with resolution, and let your manner indi-
cate severity rather than mildness. Impose on them
some public penance, and especially beware lest they
perceive in you the least remissness, as nothing en-
courages the untractable so much as the timidity of
a weak governor. It is not easy to conceive how
arrogant such people become, when they observe
pusillanimity in a superior. Impunity only hardens
them, and makes them more audacious, and thus
destroys the peace of religious communities. Be
careful, then, to execute my orders, without regard-
ing the opinion or speech of men ; and let no consi-
deration deter you from discharging this duty.

" Among your subjects you will find some who
are neither obstinate nor disobedient, but who are
weak, — who forget what is enjoined on them, and
neglect the orders of their superiors, through want of
courage or of sense. Reprehend such characters
with much gentleness and moderation, with a pleas-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 345

ing and agreeable countenance ; and if you find it
necessary to punish them, impose on them an easy
penance.

" Never admit into the Society persons of weak
judgment or poor talents, — nor those who are of
sickly constitution, or unsuitable for any employment,
or such as you may justly suspect of entering religion
more from interested views, than from a sincere de-
sire of serving God. When the candidates shall
have ended the exercises, you are to employ them in
the service of the sick in the public hospitals, and in
the meanest offices of the house. You shall make
them explain to you how they acquit themselves of
their ordinary meditations, according to the prescrib-
ed form. If you are assured that they are cold and
tepid in their devotions, you ought to dismiss them
at once. If there be any hope of amendment, with-
draw them for a few days from these interior exer-
cises, and by way of penance, deprive them of the
honour of communing with God in prayer, of which
they have shown themselves unworthy. They will
thus be ashamed of being excluded from this heavenly
communion, and will ardently desire to be permitted
to enjoy it once more.

" I particularly recommend to you to pay great
respect to the bishop, and to be obedient to him.
Avoid everything which might offend him, and en-
deavour to serve him in all things within your power,
and thus acknowledge the obligations we owe to so
charitable a father and benefactor. Command those
fathers, who are not in Goa, to write to him from
time to time, but not with too much prolixity, and
to give him an account of their labours. In their
letters they should commend, as far as truth may
permit, the conduct of his vicars, as also the good
actions of the members of the other religious orders.
If they can say no good of them,Jet them be silent ;
for it would be an error to suppose that we should
complain to the bishop of the ill-conduct of others,

30

346 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

especially as there will be always people enough to
relieve us from that duty.

"Beware lest you involve yourself or your subjects
in worldly affairs. When secular men desire to en-
gage you in such business, tell them that the time not
occupied by the duty of preaching, and the adminis-
tration of the sacraments, is scarcely sufficient for
your studies and devotion, which are yet so necessary
a preparation for your appearance in the pulpit, or in
the tribunal of penance ; and that to prefer the care
of worldly things to that of souls, would be to per-
vert the order of charity. By this means you will
free yourself from all such impediments, and without
this precaution you will do great evil to the Society ;
for by this door the world often enters into religious
houses, to the extreme injury of the institute and its
members.

" In the visits that are made to you, endeavour to
find out the design of those that come. Some will
desire not so much to be instructed in spiritual things,
as to forward their temporal interests : and you will
even find many who come to confession, with no
other view than to acquaint you with the distresses
of their family. You must be on your guard against
such people, and let them know at once, that you can
neither furnish them with money, nor procure any
favour for them from others. Speak as little as pos-
sible with them; they are cornmonly excessive talkers,
and they will only make you lose your time. Trou-
ble not yourself with what they say or think of you :
let them murmur, and do you make a resolution of
acting firmly ; as the manifestation of any natural
sensibility would show that you were hesitating be-
tween the world and Christ. Remember that you
cannot desire popular applause, without betraying
your ministry, and abandoning that evangelical per-
fection which you are obliged to follow with such
ardour."

He then gave Barzaeiis sundry particular orders,

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 347

relating to the persons and houses of the Society.
He chose for his own companions, Balthazar Gago,
Edward Silva, Peter Alcaceva, Francis Gonzalez,
and Alvarez Ferreira de Monte Mayor, as also a
young secular Chinese, named Antonio, who had
been brought up in the seminary of St. Paul. Of
these, some were intended for China; others for
Japan. Ignatius had written to Xavier, that it was
of great importance to send from India to Europe,
one of the Society who Avas well acquainted with
the aifairs of the East, and who might render an
exact account of all things to the king of Portugal
and the Pope ; and thus procure temporal aid
from the one, and spiritual favours from the other.
These letters were not received until after Xavier's
return from Japan. He himself had formerly enter-
tained this idea, and was now confirmed in it by the
authority of Ignatius : he, accordingly, sent Andrew
Fernandez, a man of religion and probity, but not
yet ordained priest. He gave him ample information
concerning the present condition of India, and sent
also by him long letters on the same subject to the
king of Portugal, to Ignatius, and to Simon Rod-
riguez. He gave notice to the king of his approach-
ing departure for China, in these terms :

" I shall leave Goa, within the space of five days,
and go first to Malacca, whence I shall embark for
China in the company of James Fereyra, who is ap-
pointed ambassador. We carry with us rich presents,
partly supplied by your Majesty, and partly by the
liberality of Pereyra. We bring with us, however,
a much richer present, — such as no king, as far as 1
know, has ever made to another prince, — namely,
the gospel of Jesus Christ. If the Emperor of China
once knew its value, I am confident he would prefer
this treasure to all his riches, how immense soever
they may be. I hope that God will at length look
with eyes of pity on that vast empire, and make
known to those great multitudes who are made to

348 LIFE OP ST. FRANCTS XAVIER.

his own image, their Creator and the Saviour of
mankind, Jesus Christ.

" Three of us accompany Pereyra to China ; and
we design to free from prison those Portuguese who
languish there in chains, and procure the friendship
of the Chinese for the crown of Portugal ; but, above
all things, we purpose to ma lie war on the demons
and their partizans. In the name of the King of
Heaven, we will declare to the emperor and all his
subjects, the immense injury they have done him, by
giving to devils that adoration which is due only to
God, the Creator of mankind, and to Jesus Christ,
their judge and master. To the barbarians it may
seem a bold undertaking, to appear before a mighty
monarch, to declare the truth to him, and reprehend
his vices. But we are encouraged by the conviction,
that God has inspired us with this design. He has
filled us with an assurance of mercy, and we trust
in his power, which far surpasses that of the Empe-
ror of China. Our whole confidence being in the
power of God, why should we fear ? We should be
only apprehensive of offending him, and incurring
those punishments which are reserved for the wicked.
My hopes are, indeed, increased, when I consider
that God has chosen such weak instruments, and
such sinners as we are, for so sublime a duty, as to
carry the light of the gospel to what may be looked
upon as another world, — a nation buried in idolatry
and vice."

AVhile they were preparing the vessel that was to
bring the missioners of China and Japan, Xavier
assembled the fathers of the college by night, as he
was not able to do so by day, in consequence of his
perpetual occupations. He spoke to them on the
virtues of the apostolic vocation ; and his words had
such an effect on his audience, that they all burst
into tears, as some who were present have left in
writing. His parting address was particularly touch-
ing. I cannot do better than copy the relation of

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 349

it, given by one who heard it from the lips of
Xavier.

" Father master Francis, embracing his brethren
before his departure, and weeping over them, recom-
mended them to be constant in their vocation ; to
cultivate a profound humility, which should have for
its foundation a true knowledge of themselves, and
especially a prompt obedience."

On this last point he expatiated at some length,
and enjoined on them the practice of this virtue,
which he declared was most pleasing to Almighty
God, much recommended in the Holy Scriptures, and
absolutely required in the members of the Society.

SO

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Xavier departs from Goa— Violent tempest— Xavier announces the
pestilence which raged at Malacca — Attends the sick — Restores a
dead man to life— Unexpected opposition from the governor— His ty-
rannical conduct — Xavier threatens him with excommunication — Ex-
communicates him — Affliction of Xavier — Letter to Pereyra — Xavier
perseveres in his resolution to go to China— Predicts the punishment
of the governor — Leaves Malacca.

Xavier sailed from Goa on the 14th of April, 1552.
The voyage was favorable, until they came to the
islands of Nicubar, somewhat to the north of Suma-
tra, where a furious tempest arose, and left scarcely
any hope of escape. The cargo Avas about to be cast
overboard, when Francis desired the captain not to
be too hasty. The sailors replied that the storm
generally increased towards evening, and the ship
could not be so easily lightened at night ; but he told
them not to be troubled at it ; that the storm would
soon cease, and that they should make land before
sun-set. The captain knew the prophetical character
of Xavier, and placed implicit confidence in his
words. The sea soon became calm, and they came
in sight of land before the settiug-sun.

While all were exulting at the proximity of port,
Xavier was observed to draw deep sighs, and his
countenance was unusually serious. When asked of
the cause, he bade them pray for the city of Malacca,
which was visited by an epidemical disease. Such
was indeed the case ; the sickness was so general and
so contagious that it seemed to be the beginning of
a pestilence. Never was the sight of the holy man
more pleasing to the inhabitants of Malacca; all

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 351

promised themselves relief of body and of mind ;
nor were they disappointed in their expectations.

As soon as he landed, he visited the sick, among
whom he found sufficient employment for the exer-
cise of his charity. All desired to confess to him, and
to expire in his arms, being firmly persuaded that in
such case they should infallibly be saved. Accom-
panied by his companions, he went from street to
street, to reheve the poor who lay there languishing,
for want of succour. He brought them to the public
hospital, and even changed the college of the Society
into an hospital on this occasion. When both col-
lege and public hospital were filled, he caused sheds
to be erected along the shore, out of the remains of
some old vessels, for the benefit of these poor crea-
tures. He procured for them food and medicine, by
begging from the pious portion of the population ;
and he himself attended them, day and night. What
appeared most extraordinary was, that notwithstand-
ing the infectious character of the sickness, Xavier
and his companions enjoyed perfect health, in the
midst of such dangerous employments. This was,
indeed, wonderful ; but a miracle of undoubted char-
acter, which God wrought by the ministry of his ser-
vant, in raising a dead man to life, was the subject
of universal admiration.

This young man, named Francis Ciavus, was the
only son of a devout woman, and had incautiously
endangered his life by putting into his mouth one
of those poisoned arrows which are so common in
the east. They were engaged in burying him, when
Xavier happened to pass by. Deeply affected by the
cries and lamentations of the disconsolate mother,
he took the hand of the deceased youth, and said:
" Francis, in the name of Jesus Christ, arise !" and the
young man immediately arose. Believing that he
was obUged to dedicate entirely to God, a life which
was thus miraculously restored, he resolved to enter
the Society.

352 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

When the disease had almost entirely ceased, Xa-
vier applied himself to forward the design of the em-
bassy to China, and treated with Atayda,the governor
of Malacca, to whçm the viceroy had referred the
matter. When it had been first proposed on Xavier's
return from Japan, the governor approved of it, and
promised to support it with all his power. But envy
and interest are two passions which blind men, and
make them forget their most solemn protestations.

The governor entertained a dislike to Pereyra, who,
the preceding year, had refused to lend him ten thou-
sand crowns. Besides this, he could not endure that
a merchant should be sent as ambassador to the
greatest monarch of the world. He accordingly said
that Pereyra whom the Viceroy had empowered by
his letters, was certainly not James Pereyra, who had
formerly been in the domestic service of Don Gonsal-
vo de Cotigno, but rather some Portuguese nobleman.
It was not, however, so much the honour of the em-
bassy that excited his envy, as the vast profit which Pe-
reyra was likely to make by the sale of his merchandise
in China. The governor said, that he himself had he-
reditary claims on the patronage of the government,
and that the hundred thousand crowns which Perey-
ra would gain by the voyage, would be a more suita-
ble sum for the son of Atayda, than for the domestic
servant of Cotigno. With these views and feehngs,
he sought various pretexts to break off the voyage,
although he would not openly declare himself at first ;
and the better to conceal his purpose, he made fair
promises to Xavier, to whom he was unwilling to
appear ungrateful. This holy man had procured for
him the post of captain-major of the sea, and had him-
self brought him the appointment, because Atayda
seemed to have espoused the project with such ear-
nestness, and had promised to make it succeed if the
ports and navigation of the Portuguese were depen-
dent on him. To oblige him yet further, he had pro-
cured from the viceroy certain extraordinary privi-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 353

leges, not comprised in the document of his nomina-
tion ; and when he arrived at Malacca, finding the
governor very sick, he attended him with care, both
day and night, and said Mass every morning for his
recovery. All these good offices were, however,
lost on a heart which was a prey to the passions of
jealousy and avarice.

Xavier soon saw through the flimsy pretences of
Don Alvarez; and he at once wrote to Pereyra, who
was at Sunda, to come without any equipage, or
magnificence, that he might not further exasperate
an interested and jealous soul. But all these pre-
cautions were vain. At the first news of Pereyra's
arrival the governor sent officers of justice to the
port, with orders to seize on the ship called the « Santa
Cruz,' to take away the rudder, and put it in his pos-
session. Thus was the first act of jurisdiction exer-
cised by Don Alvarez as captain of the sea; he
thus employed against Xavier the power which the
latter had procured for him. To conceal his malice
under the cloak of the public good, as is usual with
men in power, he publicly protested, that the interests
of the crown had constrained him to act in this man-
ner. He asserted that he had received intelligence
that the Javanese were preparing to attack Malacca
once more ; and that, as he could not have too many
ships in readiness to meet such formidable enemies,
the " Santa Cruz' was indispensably requisite for the
king's service. This false rumour was, however,
soon dissipated, by the arrival of some Portuguese
merchants from Java, who testified on oath, that
these barbarians were too much occupied by civil
dissentions, to think of making a descent on Malacca.
Unable any longer to conceal the real motives of
his conduct, Don Alvarez openly opposed the expe-
dition. Xavier knew well that avarice was his
ruling passion, and he accordingly caused Pereyra
to offer the governor thirty thousand crowns ; but
the wish to engross all the advantages likely to result

354 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

from the embassy, caused Alvarez to reject this libe-
ral proposal.

The treasurer and other officers of the crown re-
monstrated with the governor on the illegality of his
conduct, inasmuch as the king's orders permitted all
merchants to depart, who had paid the port-duties ;
but the only effect of this remonstrance was to cause
him to break forth into a violent passion. Not only
did hé dismiss them with contumely, bnt declared
that as long as he was governor of Malacca, and
captain of the sea, James Pereyra should not go to
China, either as ambassador, or merchant. He added,
that if Xavier was intoxicated with zeal for the con-
version of the heathen, he might go to Brazil, or to
the kingdom of Monomotapa.

The royal auditor, Francis Alvarez, who had great
credit in the town, being unable either by arguments
or entreaties, to induce the governor to release the
rudder of the ^ Santa Cruz,' resolved to force it from
him : but Xavier opposed the design, lest the strug-
gle should cause the shedding of blood. He himself
adopted another method. He sent the Grand Vicar,
John Suarez, accompanied by the most considerable
persons of the town, to shew the Governor the let-
ters of John HI., appointing Xavier to extend the
faith throughout all the kingdoms of the East, and
ordering the governors to aid him on all occasions.
Suarez read at the same time to the governor, the
letter of the viceroy, Don Alphonso de Norogna, in
which, whoever would oppose this voyage of Xavier,
was declared guilty of high treason. This, how-
ever, only served to increase the exasperation of Don
Alvarez. Rising from his seat, in a transport of
frantic fury, he stamped on the ground, like a mad-
man, and dismissed the grand-vicar, saying : " The
king's interest, you say, requires this to be done.
But I am master here, and will not allow it to be
done."

These frantic proceedings of the governor affected

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 355

not only those who remonstrated with him, but ex-
tended even to Xavier, whom he considered as the
author of the enterprise. He addressed to him con-
tumeUous words, and otherwise treated him rudely
on various occasions ; so that the people considered
Xavier as suffering a martyrdom. The servant of
God resented nothing that had immediate reference
to himself: on the contrary, he blessed God for
having afforded constant occasions of suffering ; but
he was extremely afflicted at the obstacles opposed
to the progress of the gospel, and was often seen to
shed abundant tears.

He ceased not, however, for a whole month, to
address the governor ; at one time, imploring him by
the wounds of a crucified Saviour, — at another, re-
presenting to him the consequences of the miserable
eternity to which he exposed himself, by opposing
the propagation of the gospel. These reasons availed
no more with Don Ah:arez, than those which had
been already urged with reference to the royal will.
Inexpressibly dejected at his want of success, and
perceiving that the season for navigation was rapidly
passing away, he resolved, after consulting God in
prayer, to try an extreme remedy in so desperate a
case. Although he had been ten years in India, the
bishop of Goa alone knew that Francis was Apos-
tolic Nuncio; as he kept this a profound secret, and
never once exercised his faculties as such. In a
matter of such importance as that now under consi-
deration, bethought himself obhged to make known
his powers, and inflict ecclesiastical censures on the
man who openly opposed the Church.

He would not, however, fulminate the excommu-
nication himself, but resolved to employ the grand
vicar for that purpose. Having sent for him, he
showed him one of the briefs of Paul III., consti-
tuting him Nuncio in all the kingdoms of the East;
and he requested him to shew it to Don Alvarez, to
whom he was to explain the penalties incurred by

356 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

those who opposed the Pope's legate, in matters of
religion, and whom he was to exhort, by all that
was sacred, to suffer the embassy to proceed. In
case he continued obstinate, the vicar was to threaten
liim with ecclesiastical censures, and, at the same
time, implore him, by the death of the Saviour of
mankind, to take compassion on his own soul.

Xavier still continued to hope that the governor
would, at length, open his eyes; and in the letter of
instructions to the vicar, he expressed his belief that
Don Alvarez would not remain obdurate, when he
knew the intentions and orders of the Holy See. He
moreover desired the vicar, to send back that paper
to him, as well as the answer of Don Alvarez ; that
both might be authentic evidence to the bishop of
Goa, that he had omitted nothing for the advance-
ment of the embassy, and that the fault lay not at
his door. Suarez proceeded according to these di-
rections, but without success. Alvarez laughed at
the threats, and ridiculed the person, of Xavier, who,
he publicly said, was an ambitious hypocrite, and an
encourager of vicious characters.

Unable any longer to endure such revolting and
impious conduct in the governor, the vicar excom-
municated both him and his adherents, agreeably ta
the instructions of Xavier. So extinct, however,
were all sentiments of religion and honour in the
mind of this unhappy man, and so regardless was h.&
of the wrath of heaven, to which he exposed him-
self, that he seized on the ship " Santa Cruz," gave
her to a captain devoted to his interests, and prepared
to send her to trade at Sancian, where the Portuguese
had established a profitable commerce. Xavier wa&
deeply afflicted at the ruin of his plan, and acknoW"
ledged to Father Francis Perez, that nothing had
ever so much affected him. He also grieved for the
deplorable condition of Don Alvarez, who had ren-
dered himself answerable before God for the conse-
c[uences of the abandonment of the embassy. With

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 357

the humility, however, peculiar to the saints, he
looked on himself as the cause of all these misfor-
tunes ; and he expressed his feelings to his friend,
James Pereyra, who lay hidden in Malacca, by the
following letter, as he was unwilling to undergo the
trial of a personal interview.

" Since the greatness of my sins has been the
cause why God Almighty would not make use of us
for the embassy to China, I charge my own con-
science with all the fault. My offences have ruined
your fortune, and caused you to lose all the expenses
of the embassy to China ; and yet I declare before
God that I love him, and you also. Had not my in-
tentions been right, I would have been yet more
afflicted than I am. 1 ask you as a favour not to
visit me; lest the condition to which you are reduced,
should give me additional pain, and thus your sorrow
only tend to increase mine. I hope, however, that
this disappointment will turn to your advantage, as
I have no doubt but that the king will reward your
zeal, as I have requested him by letters. As for the
governor, who has broken up our plans, I have no
further communication with him. May God forgive
him : I pity him, and deplore his condition ; for he
will be soon punished, and that much more severely
than he imagines."

But although Xavier wrote very pressing letters to
the king of Portugal in favour of Pereyra, he said not
a word against Don Alvarez, a thing which the
governor himself knew, as he had the injustice to in-
tercept the letters. He was wonderfully surprised at
not discovering the least expression of complaint
against himself, but was unaffected even by this in-
stance of magnanimous forbearance. Xavier con-
tinued to offer the holy sacrifice daily for his conver-
sion; and shed abundant tears at the foot of the
altar, to obtain for him this grace. He said, one
day, that he should lose at once his property, his

31

358 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

honour, and his life ; and added ; — " God grant that
he lose not his soul also !"

Although China seemed closed upon him, by the
abandonment of the embassy, still Xavier did not
despair of announcing the gospel to the people of
that kingdom. He hoped that if he could get to an
island near Canton, he might thence pass over to the
continent. Were he taken and put in prison, he
could, at least, preach to the prisoners ; and by that
means the gospel might, possibly, be diffused through
the towns and villages. He even hoped that it
would reach the court, and that the emperor himself
would be anxious to see one who announced a new
doctrine.

Influenced by these motives, he determined to em-
bark in the " Santa Cruz," which the governor of
Malacca was about to send to Sancian. Perceiving,
however, that he could not attempt to enter China
by the way he proposed, without considerable risk,
he resolved to expose no one but himself to so great
danger. He accordingly sent Balthazar lago, Ed-
ward Silvia, and Peter Alcaceva,— the first to the
kingdom of Bungo, the other two to Amanguchi. He
retained with him Antonio de Santa Fe, a Chinese
brother of the Society, as also a native of India.

In the mean time, John Beyro returned from the
Moluccas, to seek for some more assistance for the
further promotion of the faith in these islands. The
accounts he gave of the progress of religion in those
parts was most agreeable to Xavier, who sent him to
Barzaeus, whom he ordered to give him some com-
panions, and send him back to his mission, with all
possible expedition.

When the "Santa Cruz" was ready to sail, Xavier
retired to the church of " Our Lady of the Mount,"
to recommend himself and his voyage to the protec-
tion of the Blessed Virgin. He continued his devo-
tions until evening, and would also have spent the

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 359

whole night in prayer, had not the departure of the
vessel been announced.

The grand-vicar, who accompanied iiim to the ship,
asked him if he had taken leave of the governor ;
and remarked, that if he failed in that respect, some
might be scandalized, as it would appear to be an in-
dication of resentment. Willing to shew by his con-
duct, how excommunicated persons ought to be treat-
ed, Xavier answered : " Don Alvarez will never see
me in this life ; I expect him at the judgment seat of
God, where he will have a great account to render."
Having walked a few paces on, he stopped at a
church-door, which was near the sea; and in a trans-
port of spirit, he raised his eyes to heaven, and
prayed aloud for the conversion of the governor. He
prostrated himself on the ground, and remained for
some time in silent prayer. Rising up, he took off'
his shoes, and shaking them, said, with a feeling of
holy indignation, that he would not bring away with
him the dust of an accursed place. He then foretold,
more in detail than before, the punishments which
heaven had decreed for the governor of Malacca,
and left those who heard him no Jess astonished at
his prediction than affected at his departure.

360

CHAPTER XXXV.

Miraculous supply of water — Some Arabs converted — Extraordi-
nary restoration of a child — Conversion of many at Cincheo — The
ship arrives at Sancian — Anecdote of Peter V^eglio — Francis foretells
his death — Accomplishment of that and other predictions.

The ship's company amounted to about five hun-
dred persons, including the crew and passengers.
They had advanced somewhat on their voyage, when
one day the wind suddenly fell, and the sea became
quite motionless ; and the *< Santa Cruz" remained
for fourteen days as if she were at anchor. Many
died for want of water, which could not be obtained,
although the boat had been sent out with the hope
of discovering some coast. The only land in view
was the island of Formosa, or rather what they be-
lieved to be such; for, notwithstanding their incessant
efforts for some days, they were unable to effect a
landing.

In the meantime the number of the sick daily in-
creased in the ship, and all would have inevitably perish-
ed, had not some among them, full of confidence in the
efficacy of Xavier's prayers, besought him to obtain
for them either a favorable wind or a supply of water.
He told them to apply to God by prayer, and for that
purpose exhorted them to have firm confidence in
Jesus Christ, and caused them to recite the Litany on
their knees, before a large crucifix. He himself re-
tired to his cabin ; and after some time, coming out
of it, he went into the boat, accompanied by a little
child, whom he made taste of the sea water, asking
at the same time, whether it was salt or fresh ? On

LIFE OF ST. FHANCTS XAVIER. 361

the child answering, that it was salt, he made the
sign of the cross over it ; and bade those present to
drink of it. They all found the water to be as fresh
as any they had ever tasted, and protested that it was
even better than that of Bangar, with which the ships
are generally provided, and which is esteemed the
best in India.

Among the ship's company were some Mahometan
Arabs, who, together with their families, were going
to China. So much were they affected by this mira-
cle, that, throwing themselves at the feet of Xavier,
they acknowledged the God of the christians, and
desired baptism. The veneration which the faithful be-
fore had for him, was now greatly increased, and they all
unanimously acknowledged that they owed the pre-
servation of their lives to his presence among them.
He, however, told them that it was not to a poor
sinner, such as he was, that they were to return thanks,
but to God. Most of those on board kept a portion
of this water, as a perpetual memorial of the miracle ;
and it 'was afterwards the means of effecting many
supernatural cures in India. A few drops of it being
infused into any other sort of drink, sufficed to restore
health.

While the vessel was pursuing her course, a child
of five years old fell into the sea. The father was
an infidel, whom the miracle just mentioned had not
converted ; he was inconsolable for the loss, and re-
mained for three days, separated from all intercourse
with others ; and when he, at length, appeared on
deck, his tears and lamentations for his lost son were
incessant. Xavier, who had not heard of the acci-
dent, asked him the reason of his grief; and on being
told of what had occurred, he seemed, for a moment,
to be absorbed in thought, and then said : — " If God
were to restore the child to you, would you become
a sincere christian ?'' The other answered in the
affirmative. Three days after this conversation, the
child was discovered on the hatches ; and when in-

31*

362 LIFE or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

terrogatecl, was unable to say what had become of him
during those six days ; he only remembered, that he
had fallen into the sea, but was not able to say how
he had returned to the ship. Overjoyed at this un-
expected recovery, the father, together with his wife,
son, and servant, embraced the faith, and were bap-
tized. The child took the name of Francis.

When the vessel touched at an isle called Cincheo,
much frequented by merchants from all the eastern
countries, these miracles were so much spoken of by
the company to the people of the port, that about sixty
persons, — Ethiopians, Indians, etc., who were all
either mahometans or idolaters, came on board to
behold so extraordinary a man. Xavier profited by
the opportunity to announce Jesus Christ to them,
and instructed them m the holy duties of the Chris-
tian religion. When he had terminated his exhor-
tation, they all professed their belief in Christ, and
received baptism.

It v/as remarked that, while baptizing these new
converts, he appeared to be of a higher stature than
ordinarily, so that those who witnessed the ceremony
from the shore thought that he was standing on a
bench. But perceiving him moving about, and
always presenting the same appearance, they suspect-
ed that there might be something supernatural in
the circumstance, and resolved to ascertain the reality
of what they surmised. For that purpose, Stephen
Ventura went to the ship, and saw that, while Xavier
touched the hatches with his feet, his head was higher
than the tallest of those on whom he poured the sa-
cred waters of baptism. He likewise observed, that
after the ceremony, Xavier seemed to return to his
natural size.

From Cincheo the ship sailed for Sancian, a small
Island, six leagues distant from the main land, and
opposite to Canton, a Chinese port. The sailors be-
lieved that they had not yet got into the latitude of
Canton, although they had passed it j but Xavier en-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 363

cleavored to undeceive them ; and induced the cap-
tain, despite of the remonstrances of the sailors to send
out the long boat, to examine the coast. Three days
elapsed before the boat returned; and fears were
openly expressed for her safety. Xavier, however,
assured the company, that the boat would soon return,
and bring with it some refreshments sent by the
Portuguese of Sancian ; and that she would be fol-
lowed by other vessels, to accompany them into port.
This prediction was literally verified, and after a
voyage of twenty-three days from Malacca, the Santa
Cruz cast anchor before the isle of Sancian.

Sancian is the largest of three small islands, so
close to each other that they appear but one ; and
are therefore called in the Chinese language Samcen
or, Uhree islands.' It has a convenient and safe
harbour, encircled with mountains, and is of a semi-
circular form towards Macao. There are but few
native inhabitants on it ; and it is so barren, unculti-
vated, and dreary, that it seems more like a place of
banishment, than of commerce. As the Chinese do
not permit strangers to visit their country, they al-
lowed the Portuguese to carry on their trade here ;
as they could not approach the main land without
hazarding their lives, or at least their hberty. They
were not, however, permitted to build houses on this
island, although they might construct slight cabins,
covered with mats and boughs of trees.

Among the Portuguese merchants at Sancian was
one Peter Veglio, a rich and very charitable man,
but so fond of pleasure and amusement, as to indulge
in all that the law of God does not absolutely prohi-
bit. He was affectionately attached to Xavier, who,
on his part, was most anxious to secure the salvation ■
of his friend, and therefore exhorted him, from time
to time, to restrain his great fondness for pleasure,
and to mortify himself in expiation of his past sins.
This was an advice which Veglia did not compre-
hend^ or, at least, act upon : instead of disciplining

364 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

himself, as Xavier had advised, he gave great alms ;
so that the man of God received from him constant
supplies for the relief of the distressed. One day
Xavier applied to him for some aid for an orphan
girl, whose beauty and poverty exposed her to much
danger ; and although he found Veglio occupied in
playing at some game with another merchant, he
forbore not to make his request. The merchant, who
loved to jest, affected to be displeased, and said : —
<• Father Francis, when a man is losing, he is not in
a condition to give alms. I wonder that a prudent
man, like you, would make so unseasonable a de-
mand." " It is never unseasonable," replied Xavier,
<Oo do good : the best time for a man to give money,
is when he has it in his hand.'^ Veglio re-
joined in the same tone, and, as if to rid himself of
Xavier's importunity, said : — " Here is the key of my
chest. Take all my money, if you will ; and leave
me to play in quiet." In his chest were thirty
thousand taes, which make about thirty five thousand
crowns of gold. Xavier took only three hundred
crowns, which were sufficient for the portion of the
young orphan; but when Veglio, sometime after-
wards, counted his money, he found the sum entire,
and reproached Xavier with not having taken any of
it, as he had wished him to do. The holy man as-
sured him that he had taken three hundred crowns ;
but Veglio replied that not a single one was missing;
and added, that he intended to divide the whole sum
between Xavier and himself: and that he expected
that he would have taken at least the half of it.

Finding that Vegho had spoken to him sincerely,
and from a pure principle of charity, Xavier said, as
if impelled by the Spirit of God : — " Your design,
Peter, is a good work in the eyes of him who sees
the motions, and values the dispositions, of the heart.
He himself will recompense you, and even that
uhich you have not given will, one day, be restored

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 365

to you an hundred fold. In the meantime, I tell you
that temporal goods shall never fail you; and that
when you meet with misfortunes, your friends will
assist you with their purses. I further assure you,
that you shall not die, until you have first had due
notice of your death." From that time, Veglio be-
came quite a new man, — applying himself almost
entirely to the exercises of piety ; and although by
profession a merchant, his life was, in fact, as regular
as that of a rehgious man. He often thought of that
part of the prediction that regarded his death, and,
one day, asked his holy friend, what sign he should
expect. Xavier replied : «' When you shall find the
taste of your wine bitter, prepare for death, as you
will then have but one day to hve."

This prophecy was literally accomplished. Veglio
lived to extreme old age, in opulence and splendour;
and although he often incurred heavy losses in trade,
he was always relieved by the liberality of his
friends. One day, being at a large party, he found
himself more than ordinarily happy, — when he sud-
denly felt the taste of the wine bitter, while those
around him praised its excellence. He called for
other wines, and tried them, but found that they all had
a bitter taste. Convinced that the hour of his death
was nigh, he disregarded the remonstrances of his
friends, who chided him for credulity, and endea-
voured to flatter him with the hope of many years
of life. He distributed his goods among his children
and the poor, — ^bade adieu to his friends, whom he
himself invited to his funeral, for which he made all
due preparations, — and went to the church in which
he was to be interred. There, in presence of all, he
received the holy viaticum ; and stretching himself
on a bier, caused a solemn mass of Requiem to be
chaunted. After the customary ceremonies at the
end of Mass, called ' the absolution,' — during which
he seemed to be as well as usual, — his servants ap-
proached the bier to help him off, but found him, to

366 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

their astonishment, a lifeless corpse ! All present
witnessed this extraordinary fact, and returned home,
blessing the memory of the Apostle of India, and
praising God for his mercy towards one who had
been distinguished for his charity to the poor.

Nor was this the only instance in which Francis
at this time displayed the gift of prophecy. A vessel
which had sailed from Macao for Japan, was over-
taken by a terrific hurricane in sight of Sancian.
The Portuguese had great interests involved in the
ship, and implored Xavier's prayers for her protec-
tion; but he assured them that they might dismiss all
uneasiness, as the ship was already safe in port.
They at first believed his word ; but subsequently
finding that she did not return in the usual time, they
began to fear that she had been lost. Xavier re-
proved them for their want of faith, and told them
that before the end of the week she should return ; as
she did. At the same time, Xavier learned from God
the dispute between Don Alvarez, the governor of Ma-
lacca, and Don Bernard de Sosa, who had lately ar-
rived from the Moluccas. He communicated it to
some of the Portuguese, who subsequently heard
what Xavier had told them, from some merchants
from Malacca. Among other miraculous actions of
Xavier at Sancian, the acts of his canonization speak
of the restoration of a dead infant to life. He also
cleared the country from the tigers by which it was
infested, and which caused dreadful havoc among
the inhabitants.

367

CHAPTER XXXVI.

The Portuguese of Sancian oppose Xavier's design — He is encour-
aged by some Chinese merchants — The Portuguese prevail on him to
defer it — Letters to Pereyra, and to Father Barzaeus — Abrupt depar-
ture, and melancholy fate, of a merchant — Xavier suffers great dis-
tress— He is disappointed by the Chinese interpreter and captain —
Falls sick — Foreknowledge of his approaching death — Unskilful
treatment — Heartless desertion — His last moments.

The joy which the Portuguese had felt on the
arrival of Xavier at Sancian, soon gave way to sad-
ness, when they found that he was about to proceed
to China. All endeavoured to dissuade him from
this design, and represented to him the rigour of the
laws, and the care with which the ports were watched
by vigilant and faithful officers. They said, that the
Mandarins were cruel to all strangers; and that,
during the preceding years, some Portuguese had
been shipwrecked on the coast of Kwantong, and
after enduring a great deal, had been eventually con-
fined in dark dungeons, where they as yet lay, being
probably reserved for new tortures. The least that
Xavier might expect, was, they said, to be condemned
to perpetual imprisonment, which would prevent
him from discharging the duties of an apostolic mis-
sionary. These arguments made no impression on
him : he answered the merchants, as he wrote to
Father Francis Perez, that he could not distrust
the Divine goodness, especially as he felt himself
impelled by God, to attempt the conversion of the
Chinese. — "I am chosen," said he, for this great
enterprise by the special grace of heaven. If

36S LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIEK.

I should hesitate to execute it, in consequence of
the difficulties which are to be overcome, I would
expose myself to incomparably greater evils than
those with which you threaten me. The demons
and their ministers can do nothing against me, except
by the permission of the Sovereign Lord of the world.
Besides, in giving up myself in this manner, I shall
obey the command of my Lord Jesus, who declares
in his gospel, that whoever will save his life shall
lose it, and that whoever will lose it for his sake,
shall save it. Our Saviour also says, that he who has
put his hand to the plough and looks back, is not fit
for the kingdom of heaven. As the loss of the body
is much less to be feared than that of the soul, I am
resolved to sacrifice a miserable and frail life for
eternal happiness. In fine, my resolution is taken ;
I will undertake this voyage ; nothing shall dissuade
me from it. If God be with me, I disregard all the
powers of hell : for if he be for us, who shall be
against us?"*

Imagining that the determination of Xavier arose
partly from ignorance of the dangers, which he
seemed to think they exaggerated, they sent some
Chinese merchants to discuss the matter calmly
with him. Instead, however, of dissuading Xavier,
these Chinese, to whom he spoke of Christianity,
exhorted him to persevere. They advised him to
bring only such books as treated of the Christian re-
ligion, and told him that shortly before, the Emperor
had sent learned meninto the neighbouring kingdoms,

* The strong conviction of Xavier, that God called him to preach
the gospel in China, has been regarded by some as irreconcilable with
the event of his efforts. But this appears to be a hasty conclusion.
God sometimes inspires his servants with designs which he does not
permit them to accomplish, in order to try their faith ; as in the case
of Abraham, who was ordered to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and was yet
prevented from so doing. Besides, who can say what results might not
have followed from Xavier's visit to China, had not Don Alvarez
placed obstacles to the embassy, which apppeared the most effectual
way of introducing religion to the authorities of the celestial empire ?

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 369

to seek information on the religions different from
that of the Chinese. They concluded, by ex-
pressing their conviction that the christian doctrine
would be well received at court, and that whoever
first announced so rational a belief, would require
no other passport.

Overjoyed at finding a means of introducing the
gospel to the most extensive empire of the world,
Xavier felt more and more convinced that if the
christian religion were compared by intelligent men
with the systems of the east, it would midoubtedly
be preferred. He resolved, in the first place, to pro-
vide himself with a good interpreter, as Antonio, the
Chinese whom he had brought from Goa, was mi-
acquainted with the language spoken at court, and
had almost forgotten that which prevailed among
the mass of the community. He found, however,
another Chinese, who was quite familiar with the
language of the Mandarins, and what is by no means
common in China, could write perfectly well. He
was a man of fine appearance, great natural parts,
and pleasing manners. He seemed to be much de-
voted to the christians, and promised to use all his
efforts to promote the success of the enterprise ;
whether it was that he hoped to make his fortune,
by presenting to the emperor one who announced a
new law, or that God had inspired him with these
thoughts.

There was still more difficulty to find persons who
would transport Xavier to China, as the penalty of
death was annexed to the violation of the law which
prohibited such an act. Interest, however, often
predominates over the apprehension of the greatest
dangers ; and a Chinese merchant, called Capoceca,
offered to bring Xavier to the province of Canton,
provided he were well paid. He promised to take
him on board at night, and to land him, before day,
on some unfrequented part of the coast. In case
this plan did not appear feasible or safe, he en-
32

370 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

gaged to conceal Xavier in his own house, and bring
him, four days afterwards, to the gates of Canton.
Xavier, on his part, promised to go immediately to
the Mandarin, with the letters which the viceroy of
India and the bishop of Goa had written to the Em-
peror, and which he 3^et retained ; as also to observe
inviolable secrecy, so that no torments should make
him discover the name or house of him who had set
him ashore.

Xavier solemnly engaged to observe the conditions
imposed on him by the Chinese merchant, although
he was not unaware of the danger to which he ex-
posed himself, as he thus relates in a letter to one of
his dearest friends. ^'I perceive two dangers almost
inevitable in this affair. There is danger that the
idolatrous merchant, when he has received my
money, may throw me overboard, or abandon me
on some desert isle ; and in the second place, it is to
be feared that the governor of Canton may discharge
his fury on my head, and by putting me to a cruel
death, or consigning me to perpetual imprisonment,
make me an example to all foreigners. But in case
I follow the voice that calls me, and obey the Lord,
I esteem life and hberty as nothing."

When all things were thus arranged for entering
into China, the Portuguese opposed an unexpected
obstacle to its accomplishment. Their love of gain
made them fear lest Xavier's zeal should involve
them in trouble. The Mandarin -governor of Canton,
might avenge on them the boldness of their country-
man ; he might confiscate their goods, and even en-
danger their personal safety. This feeling of appre-
hension daily increased, and at length the wealthier
of the Portuguese residing at Sancian, besought
Xavier to have pity on them, and to spare their
wives and children, if he had no regard for his own
safety.

The holy man was no less anxious to preserve un-
hurt the interests of others, than prepared to sacrifice

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 371

his own ; and he accordingly promised not to pass over
to China, until they had terminated their business,
and quitted Sancian. This afforded the Chinese cap-
tain, with whom he had engaged for his passage, an
opportunity to make a short voyage, obHging himself,
however, to return at the time appointed. In the
meantime, Xavier fell sick of a violent fever, which
lasted fifteen days. The Portuguese took this oppor-
tunity of representing to him, that heaven had de-
clared against his intended undertaking ; but on his
recovery he continued to pursue his design with re-
newed ardour. He entertained himself, day and
night, with the prospect of converting China, and he
delighted in the anticipation of withdrawing the
greatest empire in the world from the dominion of
Satan. He feared, indeed, that God would not em-
ploy so unworthy an instrument as he esteemed him-
self to be, in so glorious an enterprise. Occupied
with these thoughts, when walking on the shore, he
would testify by his sighs, how much he desired to
reach that land towards which he turned his anxious
eyes. He desired only to be set down at the gate of
Canton ; and expressed to his friends his perfect in-
difference as to what might afterwards happen ; too
happy, if he were able to announce the Son of God
to the Chinese, and still happier, if he could testify
his love for Him, by laying down his life for a testi-
mony of his faith.

The Portuguese vessels, with the exception of
the "Santa Cruz," now sailed for India. Xavier
profited by the opportunity to send letters to Malacca
and Goa. He wrote to James Percy ra, in terms of
gratitude and affection. "May God abundantly re-
ward you, as I cannot. As long, however, as I con-
tinue on earth, I will not fail to implore the Divine
Goodness to confer on you grace and health in this
life, and eternal happiness in the next. But as I am
convinced that I cannot acquit myself of my obliga-
tions to you, by these prayers, I beg of all our Society

372 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

in India to join me in them. If I succeed in entering
China, and introducing the gospeJ, it is» to you, after
God, that both I and the Chinese will be indebted for
so great a favour. You will have the merit of it
before God, and the glory of it before men. Both
the Chinese who may embrace the faith, and such of
our Society as may go thither, will be obliged to
offer their unceasing prayers to God in your behalf.
God grant us both the happiness to meet once more
at the court of China. I am of opinion, that if I get
into that empire, and that you follow me thither, you
shall find me either a prisoner at Canton, or at Pekin,
the capital city of that great empire. I beseech the
Lord that we may meet, either in the kingdom of
China, or, at least, in the kingdom of immortal glory."

He wrote at the same time to Father Francis
Perez, Superior of the Jesuits at Malacca, and order-
ed him by virtue of holy obedience, to depart imme-
diately from that unhappy town, and to bring his
subjects with him to Cochin, where he established him
rector of the college in place of Antonio Hereda,
whom he sent to Goa. Although he deplored the
unhappy state of Don Alvarez, he ordered Barzaeus
to cause the bishop to declare him excommunicated,
by the grand vicar of Malacca. He did this, not
only to induce public sinners, such as Don Alvarez
was, to do penance for their sins, by reason of the
disgrace they entailed on them, but also to warn
others, — especially succeeding governors, — from op-
posing any missionary expedition that might here-
after be sent to the Molucca islands, Japan, or any
other such place.

In the same letter, he desired Barzaeus to admit
but few persons into the Society, and to make a se-
vere trial of those whom he received. — " For I fear,'^
added he, <-that many who have been admitted, and
are daily admitted, would be better without, than
within, our walls. You ought to act with such people
as you perceived me to act at Goa ; and as I have

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 373

lately acted in regard of my companion, whom I
have dismissed from the Society, not finding him
suitable to our purpose." He alluded to Alvarez
Pereyra, whom he had brought with him from India,
and whom he sent back from Sancian, in the Portu-
guese vessels.

Among the merchants who left Sancian, there
' was one who departed more abruptly than the
rest, without even giving any notice to Xavier,
who lodged in his cabin, or without waiting for
a Chinese vessel, which he had bought at the port of
Canton. One morning, while Xavier was saying
mass very early, this merchant departed in great
precipitation. After mass, Xavier looked about every
where, and not finding the merchant, said with the
air of one inspired:— << where is my host ?" Being
told that he had sailed, he replied : — " What could
have prompted him to take so hasty a resolution?
Why did he not awaii the arrival of his vessel from
Canton ? Whither does his unhappy fate impel
him ? — The vessel from Canton arrived that very
evening ; and the unhappy merchant was waylaid
on his arrival at Malacca, and murdered by robbers.

As all the Portuguese vessels had departed, except
that of which the governor of Malacca had violently
taken possession, Xavier was reduced to great dis-
tress and had not always the means of supplying
himself with food.

It is a wonderful, and, at the same time, a humili-
ating fact, that those whom he had preserved, by
miraculously changing the sea into fresh water,
should now abandon him to die of hunger. Instead
of ascribing this almost incredible hard-heartedness
to the orders given by Don Alvarez, as some have
done, it is more reasonable to refer it to the secret
counsels of God's providence, which permitted this
total abandonment of his servant, for his greater
perfection.

He was not, however, so much afflicted at his own
32^

^4 LIFE OP ST. FRANCTS XAVIER.

wants, or the ingratitude of his countrymen, as at
the conduct of the Chinese interpreter, who now re-
called the promise he had made, — being either alarmed
at the danger to which its execution would expose him,
or influenced by the friends and creatures of Don Al-
varez. Still, he did not despair of God's assistance,
some other way : and, at all events, resolved to make
what use he could of his companion, Antonio. To
fill up the measure of his misfortunes, the Chinese
captain failed to return at the time appointed, and
Xavier in vain waited for him many days.

Although deprived of all hope of his return, he did
not abandon his design, but thought of a new expe-
dient to accomplish, it. He heard that the king of
Siam, whose territories border on Malacca, and who
was an ally of the king of Portugal, was preparing to
send a magnificent embassy to China, in the follow-
ing year. He resolved, therefore, to return to Ma-
lacca, in the hope of being able to accompany the
Siamese ambassador to the Celestial Empire.

But God who sometimes inspires his servants with
designs, which he does not intend they should ac-
complish, although he expects that nothing on their
part be wanted to carry them into effect, — was
pleased to act with Xavier as formerly with Moses,
who died in sight of that land to which he had con-
ducted the Israelites. On the 20th of November,
Xavier was seized with a fever ; and at the same
time had a clear foresight of the day and hour of his
death, as he openly declared to the pilot of the vessel,
Francis D'Aghiar, who subsequently declared it on
his oath.

From that moment he perceived within himself an
unusual disgust of all earthly things, and thought of
nothing but of that heavenly country whither God
had called him. Being much exhausted by the
fever, he retired into the vessel, which was the com-
mon hospital of the sick, that he might die there in
poverty. The captain, Louis Almeyda, received

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 375

him, notwithstanding the positive orders of Don
Alvarez to the contrary. The motion of the vessel
gave him, however, such an intolerable headach,
that he was not able to apply his mind to God, as he
desired ; and, on the following day, he requested to
be brought on shore. There he lay on the sand, ex-
posed to the inclemency of the season, especially to a
piercing north wind ; arjd in this place he would have
died, without relief, had not George Alvarez, some-
what more humane than the rest, brought him to his
cabin ; which was nothing more than a miserable
shed, open on all sides.

As he complained of an acute pain in the side,
and a great oppression, Alvarez deemed it necessary
to have him bled, to which Xavier submitted, al-
though he well knew the inutility of the operation.
The surgeon of the ship — an ignorant and inexpe-
rienced man — bled him so unskilfully, that he fell
into convulsions ; and yet, notwithstanding this, he
was bled once more, and once more relapsed into a
convulsive swoon. He was not able to take any
nutriment, except a few almonds, with which the
humanity of the captain supplied him. The disease
continued to increase, and he grew weaker every
day. His countenance, however, continued serene,
and his mind enjoyed a perpetual calm. Sometimes
he would raise his eyes to heaven ; at other times,
fix them on his crucifix ; and these communings of
his soul with God were accompanied by abundant
tears. On the 28th of November, he became deli-
rious,— and during this stage of his illness, he spoke
of nothing but of God and of his entrance into China,
and that, in more than ordinarily ardent terms.

He now lost his speech, and continued thus for
three days, when he became suddenly weaker, and
his death was momentarily expected. He, however,
rallied a little ; and having recovered his speech and
his reason, he renewed his afiectionate colloquies
with his Saviour. Nothing but devout aspirations,

876 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

short and ardent ejaculations, escaped his lips. Those
present, knew not always what he said, as he con-
tinually spoke in Latin ; and Antonio de Santa Fe,
who never quitted him, has only recorded that he
frequently repeated these words, with which he was
so familiar : — " Jesu, fill David, miserere me/' —
(" Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.") " 0
Sanctissima Trinitas," — (" 0 Most Holy Trinity.")
Addressing the Blessed Virgin, he would say : —
" Monstra te esse matrem," — (" Shew thyself a mo-
ther.") He passed two days without taking any
nourishment ; and having ordered his sacerdotal
vestments, and other things used in the celebration
of Mass, together with the books he had composed,
for the instruction of the people in the East, to be
brought on board the ship, he prepared himself for
his last hour, which now rapidly approached.

Besides Antonio de Santa Fe, there was a young
Indian with him, whom he had brought from Goa.
Xavier looked at him intently, and, with a degree of
emotion, exclaimed: — "Ah, wretched man!" His
tears flowed abundantly while uttering these words.
God had, at that moment, revealed to him the im-
happy death of this young man, who, a few months
afterwards, fell into great irregularities, and was
killed by a shot from an arquebuse. Thus the spirit
of prophecy accompanied Xavier, even in his last
moments.

On Friday the 2nd of December, his eyes bathed
in tears, and fixed on his crucifix with great aflection
of soul, he pronounced these words : — *' In te Domine,
speravi, non confundar in œternum," — (" In thee, O
Lord ! have I hoped, I shall not be confounded for
ever.") At the same moment, in a transport of
heavenly joy, which beamed forth from his counte-
nance, he calmly expired, at two o'clock in the after-
noon, in the year 1552.

At the time of his death, he was forty-six years
old, — ten and a half of which he had passed in

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 377

India. His stature was about the middle size ; his
constitution naturally vigorous ; and his countenance
was an union of majesty and condescension. He
was of a florid complexion, large forehead, blue and
lively eyes ; his hair was of a dark chestnut colour,
although his continual labours had made him prema-
turely gray, and, in the last year of his life, perfectly
white. This circumstance induced some of his his-
torians to make him fifty-five years old, before
certain proofs of his real age were subsequently
discovered.

878

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Xavier's burial — Shameful neglect — Cross of Navarre — Preserra-
tion of Xavier's body — It is brouglit to Malacca — Miraculous events
accompanying its arrival there — Neglect of the people of that city —
Re-examination of the body — It is sent to Goa — Preservation from
shipwreck — Solemn reception of the body at Goa — Great devotion of
the people.

As soon as Xavier's death was known, many from
the ship, and among them those most devoted to the
governor of Malacca, hastened to the cabin. The
appearance of the departed servant of God was so
little altered by death, that at first they could scarcely
believe in the reality of that event ; but, at length
convinced, by a nearer inspection, of the fact, and
giving way to the feeling of piety which rose in their
breasts, they knelt down reverently, kissed his hands,
and recommended themselves to his intercession with
God, whose beatific vision they felt assured he was
now enjoying.

He was not buried until the following Sunday,
about mid-day. There was no funeral ceremony,
and only four persons assisted at his interment, —
Antonio de Santa Fe, Francis d'Aghiar, and two
others. An historian of India says, that the intole-
rable coldness of the day was the cause of this aban-
donment ; but the fear of incurring the displeasure
of the governor of Malacca, is a more probable cause
of such inexcusable neglect. The four persons who
paid him the last sad duties, took oïï his cassock,
which was torn in several places, and divided it
among themselves, as the relic of a departed saint ;

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LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 379

after which they dressed him in his sacerdotal
habits.

George Alvarez undertook to put the body into a
large Chinese chest. He caused it to be filled with
unslaked Ume, that the flesh being quicidy consumed,
the bones might be more conveniently brought in
the vessel, which in a few months was to return to
India.

Near the port was a small eminence, at the foot of
which the Portuguese buried Xavier, and marked
the spot by two heaps of stones, — one at his head,
the other at his feet.*

In the mean time, God made manifest the holiness
of his servant, in the kingdom of Navarre, by a mi-
raculous event, or rather, by the ceasing of a miracle.
In a small chapel of the castle of Xavier, was a large
plaister crucifix, which, during the last year of
Xavier's life, seemed to be covered with a bloody
sweat on every Friday, and especially when Xavier
was engaged in some unusually arduous undertak-
ing. After his death, this extraordinary appearance
ceased ; but the crucifix is yet preserved, and on it
may be seen the streaks of congealed blood.

When the " Santa Cruz" was about to sail from
Sancian, Antonio de Santa Fe, and George Alvarez,
besought the captain not to leave the remains of
Xavier on the island. He accordingly commissioned
one of his servants to open the coffin, and if the flesh
were entirely consumed, to collect the bones, that
thus they might be brought to India. Having re-
moved the lime from the face, the person charged
with this commission, was astoniche j find it of a

* The spot where Xavier was interred, at Sancian, is still marked
by a memorial, erected in 1639, by some of the Society, who
were proceeding to China. A fac-simile of the inscription on it,
both in Portuguese and Chinese, is given in the accompanying litho-
graph. This inscription, in English, is : — " Here was buried St.
Francis Xavier, of the Society of Jesus, Apostle of the East. This
monument was erected in the year 1639."

380 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

natural flesh colour, like that of one in tranquil sleep
He found the whole body equally free from any in-
dication of the ravages of death ; and being prompted
by curiosity, he ventured to cut off a piece of the
flesh, about the knee, when, to his amazement, the
blood began to flow from the wound which he had
made. He hastened to give notice of this to the
captain, and brought with him the piece of flesh he
had cut out. Immediately they all ran to the place,
and, after closely examining the body, found it quite
free from putrefaction. The vestments in which the
body lay, were nowise injured by the lime ; and the
body itself exhaled so fragrant and delightful an
odour, that many present declared that the most ex-
quisite perfumes were not to be compared with it.

Those who, in obedience to Don Alvarez, had
abandoned Xavier during his sickness, now did him
due honour, and besought him with streaming eyes
to pardon their unworthy treatment of him in his last
moments. Some of them openly declaimed against the
governor, and said, — what was afterwards remarked
by the viceroy of India, Don Alphonso de Norogna,
— that Alvarez d'Atayda had caused the death of
Francis, both by his persecutions at Malacca, and the
cruelty of his servants at Sancian.

The unslaked hme was again laid on the body of
Xavier, whose sacred remains were brought on
board the ship. Soon afterwards they set sail,
esteeming themselves happy in bearing with them so
rich a treasure to India. They arrived at Malacca
on the 22d of March, without having experienced in
their passage any of the whirlwinds which are com-
mon in those seas, as if the remains of the holy man
were as powerful after death as his prayers had been
during his life. Although none of the Society were
in Malacca, and the plague was raging there, the
whole nobility and all the clergy came with James
Pereyra, each one bearing a wax taper in his hand,
and received from the ship the sacred remains, which

LIFE OP ST. niANCIS XAVIER. 381

they carried in procession to the church of «our Lady
of tlie Mount.' They were followed by an immense
multitude, — Christians, Mahometans and idolaters,
who seemed, on this occasion, to emulate each other
in venerating the departed servant of God.

There was but one exception to the universal ex-
pression of deep reverence for the remains of Francis ;
and this was Don Alvarez. He was actually en-
gaged at play when the procession passed by ; and
rising from the table, he looked out of the window, and
ridiculed the devotion of the people as superstitious
silliness. He soon afterwards, however, received
the punishment of his impiety ; and the predictions
of Francis were even now on the eve of being ac-
complished.

On complaints made to him concerning the tyran-
nical conduct of Alvarez, the viceroy of India, de-
prived him of the government of Malacca, caused him
to be brought to Goa as a state-prisoner, and sent him
to Portugal, where all his goods were confiscated,
and he himself was condemned to perpetual impris-
onment, in which he died of a shameful disease
brought on by his irregularities. The king, at the
same time that he punished Don Alvarez, made com-
pensation to the victim of his avarice and envy, James
Pereyra, to whom he restored all that had been un-
justly taken from him, and accumulated many royal
favours on his head, as Xavier had foretold.

To return to Malacca. The devotion of the people
was not without an immediate recompense. The
pestilence, which for some weeks had afflicted the
town, as Francis had foretold shortly before his death,
suddenly ceased. The infection ceased to spread, and
the sick were restored to health, without the application
of any remedy. It was not, however, from pestilence
alone that the town suffered : multitudes fell victims to
the famine which accompanied it. This second visita-
tion ceased almost as miraculously as the former j for

33

382 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

at the very time that the 'Santa Cruz' entered the har-
bour, a fleet of ships, laden with provisions for the
town, cast anchor before the city.

Such extraordinary manifestations of the Divine
favour, might be supposed capable of exciting the in-
habitants to honour the body of their deceased bene-
factor, with a monument worthy of its sacred charac-
ter. But whether it was, that fear of the governor
influenced them, or that God, for the greater glory of
his servant, so ordained, they took the body out of
the chest in which it had been brought from Sancian,
and interred it in the common grave yard ; and what
was still more disgraceful to them, having made the
grave too short, they forced the body into it, so that
blood gushed forth from one of the shoulders, and
emitted a most sweet fragrance. Besides this, they
trampled down the grave so forcibly, that they caused
the body to be considerably bruised ; as if it were the
order of heaven that Francis, both in life and death,
should be maltreated by the people of Malacca. It
thus remained there without any mark of respect,
until the following August, when Father John Beyra
came from Goa, on his return to the Molucca islands,
accompanied by two companions, whom Barzaeus,
the vice-provincial, had given him, pursuant to the
orders of Xavier. As Beyra had always had a most
tender afl'ection for the departed servant of God, and
was most sensibly afflicted at his death, he did not
wish to continue his voyage to the Moluccas, until he
beheld the body of Francis, of which he had
heard so many wonders related. Accompanied by
James Pereyra, and a few more friends of the de-
ceased apostle, be, one night, privately disinterred the
body, which was yet fresh and entire, and exhaled"a
most delightful odour. The linen which covered his
face was tinctured with vermillion coloured blood.

Astonished at this continued miracle, they deter-
mined not to restore the body to the earth, but to seek

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 383

an opportunity of transporting it to Goa. Pereyra got
a coffin made of precious wood, into which the body
of Xavier was put — wrapped up in a gold tissue
cloth, his head supported by a rich brocade pillow.
The coffin was then privately deposited in a secure
place, known only to a few friends, and God was
pleased to declare by a visible miracle how acceptable
this devotion was to him. A wax taper which was
placed before the coffin — instead of ten hours, its
usual time, — burned for eighteen days, without in-
termission ; and it was observed, that the droppings
of the wax were heavier than the original weight of
the taper.

An opportunity of continuing his voyage to the
Moluccas having presented itself to Beyra, he de-
parted from Malacca, more than ever inflamed with
zeal, and filled with a double portion of the apostolic
spirit, with which the sight of the departed apostle
of India had inspired him. Of the two companions
assigned to him for the Moluccas, he left Emmanuel
Pavoria at Malacca, as guardian of the holy treasure.
Peter of Alcaceva returned at this time from Japan,
whither he had been sent from Goa for the affairs of
that church. These shortly afterwards carried the
sacred remains with them to Goa, in the vessel of
Lopez de Norogna.

The ship was so old, and so much out of repair,
that few ventured to embark in her, until it was
known that the remains of Father Francis were to
be on board ; and this circumstance excited a degree
of eagerness to secure a place in her, equal to the
unwillingness which before had been manifested.
The confidence of the passengers was not without
its reward, for on more than one occasion, they ex-
perienced the miraculous assistance of God. Once,
the vessel had struck upon a sand-bank, and there
appeared no human probability of getting her oif,
when the wind suddenly changed, and released her

384 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

from her perilous situation. Immediately after, the
wind died away.

When they were entering the gulf of Ceylon, the
vessel lost her rudder by striking, with great impetu-
osity, against one of the hidden rocks with which it
abounds; and the keel was jammed in between them,
so that it was a miracle that the vessel did not go to
pieces. The sailors cut down the masts, and intended
to throw their cargo into the sea, but were prevented
by the violent motion of the waves. They at length
had recourse to the holy man, whose remains they
carried with them : these they brought out of the
pilot's cabin; and falling down, besought Xavier, as
if he were yet living, to hear their prayers and save
them from the destruction which impended over them.

They had scarcely finished their prayer when they
heard a loud noise under the water, and presently
found that the vessel was pursuing her course.
Hence they concluded that the rock must have been
cleft, and thus had left a free passage to the ship.

They touched at Cochin, where all the inhabitants
came to pay their homage to the remains of their
beloved teacher and spiritual father. Thence they
sailed for Baticula, where the wife of Antonio Rodri-
guez, one of the king's officers, who had been long
sick, and who was convinced that she would recover,
if she once saw Father Francis, caused herself to be
brought to the ship, and, on beholding his sacred re-
mains, was instantly restored to health.

When they were within twenty leagues of Goa, a
head wind arose, and prevented them from making
land. The captain, and some of the company, took
the long-boat, and were rowed to shore, where they
informed the Viceroy, and the fathers of the Society,
of the sacred treasure which they brought with them.
Father Gaspar Barzaeus was no more ; he was suc-
ceeded, both as rector of the college, and vice-pro-
vincial of India, by Father Melchior Nugnez, accord-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 385

ing to the instructions left by Xavier, when about to
depart for China, and which, according to his orders,
were opened after the death of Barzaeus.

The viceroy immediately ordered a light galley,
for Nugnez and some members of the Society and
seminary, that they might convey the body of Francis
to the city. They received it into the vessel, amid
the discharge of cannon, from the ship of Lopez, and
of six others that were then in her company. The
galley stopped at Rebendar, within a mile and a
half of Goa, while preparations were being made in
the town, for the solemn reception of the sacred re-
mains of the apostle of India. On the next morning,
Friday in Passion week, the 16th of March, 1554,
six barks, magnificently adorned, and having in them
the chief of the Portuguese nobility, came up to
Rendebar. These were followed by twelve other
barks, in which were three hundred of the principal
inhabitants, each bearing a wax taper in his hand.
The barks were all supplied with select bands of
instrumental and vocal music; and formed them-
selves into two divisions, in the midst of which was
the galley that bore the sacred body of Francis. It
was placed on the deck, richly dressed, covered by a
magnificent canopy, and surrounded by a great
number of lighted torches.

At Goa all the inhabitants were collected on the
shore, awaiting the arrival of the body of their be-
loved Father. When the vessel came in sight, they ex-
pressed their feelings of joy and affection by alternate
shouts and tears. Some, more impatient than the
rest, threw themselves into the sea, and swam to
the galley, which they thus accompanied to the
shore. The viceroy and his guards, the remaining
portion of the nobility, the royal council, and the
magistrates, — all clad in deep mourning, were there
awaiting its arrival. At the moment when it was
landed, a choir of young aspirants to the sacred min-
istry, intoned the canticle of Zachary. — "Benedictus

386 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

Dominus Deus Israel." (*^ Blessed be the Lord God
of Israel") ; and the procession advanced in the fol-
lowing order.

First, came ninety children, in long white robes,
with chaplets of flowers on their heads, each holding
in his hand an olive-branch. The brotherhood of
mercy, — preceded by a magnificent standard, — fol-
lowed. Then came the clergy, immediately before
the corpse, which was borne by the fathers of the
Society. The viceroy with his court closed the pro-
cession, which was followed by an innumerable mul-
titude of people. The houses of the streets through
which they proceeded, were hung with tapestry, and
as the body passed, flowers were thrown on it from
the windows, and roofs, where an immense number
of persons was assembled to view the procession.

Nothing, however, rendered the ceremony more
imposing than the miracles which were wrought on
the occasion. A virtue seemed to go forth from the
body of Francis ; many sick persons who had caused
themselves to be placed in the streets, were cured as
the procession passed ; and several who were not
able to leave their homes, were restored to health by
the mere invocation of his name. Among these lat
ter were two remarkable cases ; that of Jane Pereyra,
whom a sickness of three months' continuance had
brought, as it was thought, to the verge of the grave ;
and also that of another lady, of whose recovery no
hope was before entertained, but who was suddenly
restored to perfect health, as the sacred remains of
Francis were borne by the house in which she
dwelt.

Although a strong enclosure had been erected in
the church of St. Paul, where the body was to be, for
the present, deposited, it was not able to withstand
the crowd that pressed around, to catch a last look of
all that remained on earth of the devoted Francis.
Guards were placed to moderate the devotion of the
people ; three times the body was raised in an erect

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 3S7

posture, so that all in the church might behold it ;
and it was at length found necessary to let it remain
exposed, during three days successively, to satisfy
the eagerness of the people, who gazed on it with un-
tiring affection, and seemed to find in its contempla-
tion additional motives for the practice of virtue.
During these three days God was pleased to testify
the holiness of his deceased servant, by numerous
miracles wrought in presence of his mortal remains.
The blind recovered their sight ; the palsied limbs
were strengthened ; and lepers were made clean.
These miracles brought to the people's minds all the
wonders of Xavier's life ; and his old companion,
John Deyro, then a religious of the order of St. Fran-
cis, recounted, with tears of admiration and gratitude,
the prophecy which all saw fulfilled in his person.

On the first day the canons of the cathedral sung
the solemn mass of the cross ; on the following day,
the religious of the order of St. Francis, towards
whom the man of God had always entertained a
strong affection, sung the mass of the Blessed Virgin,
in the church of the Society. When the public de-
votion was thus satisfied, the coffin was deposited
on an eminence, near the high altar, on the gospel
side.

388

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Process of the life and miracles of Xavier — His memory is raver-
enced by Mahometans and Christians — The King of Portugal peti-
tions for his canonization — Virtues of Xavier — His spirit of recollec-
tion and prayer — His zeal for the Divine honour — His charity for his
neighbour — Instance of heroic virtue.

As soon as the death of Xavier was known in Eu-
rope, his canonization was immediately spoken of;
and John III. king of Portugal, gave orders to Don
Francis Barretto, viceroy of India, to make a verbal
process of the life and miracles of the deceased ser-
vant of God. This was accordingly done at Goa,
Cochin, the Fishery-coast, Malacca, the Molucca
islands, and other places, where he had laboured ;
and persons of integrity and sound judgment were
sent to these several places, to hear witnesses, and
examine into the certainty and nature of the facts
related, with all possible diligence and exactness.

So notorious, however, were these facts, and
so universally believed, that the people were at
first somewhat displeased at the formality of an ex-
amination, which, in their minds, seemed to suppose
the possibility of mistake or delusion, in what was of
so frequent occurrence, and so unquestionable a na-
ture. They would not consent to await the decision
of the ecclesiastical tribunals, but began, at once, to
invoke the name of Francis, and implore his interces-
sion with God. In all their necessities and dangers,
they called on his name, and placed his picture in

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 389

their private oratories. Nor were these marks of re-
ligious veneration confined to the laity. The arch-
bishop of Goa carried about with him a portrait of
Xavier, which he frequently and reverently kissed ;
and his devotion caused him to obtain immediate
relief, in a painful and dangerous malady.

It even sometimes happened, that the newly con-
verted Christians, through an excess of devotion,
which ignorance alone can excuse, built churches in
honour of Francis : and among the rest, one on the
coast of Travancor, v/hich became particularly fam-
ous. The Saracens having demolished that, and
eleven other churches, the Christians were unable to
rebuild all, but satisfied themselves with restoring
that of Francis, who had first announced to them the
faith. Wherever churches were dedicated to God,
under the invocation of Francis, the concourse of
people from all parts, was immense ; and the vicar
of Coulan, Francis Nugnez, reports, that even the
churches dedicated to the apostles, lost their titles, as
soon as the image of Xavier was exposed in them to
public veneration. Thenceforward they were called
the churches of Father Francis.

What is particularly remarkable is, that not only
the Christians, but the pagans themselves, reverenced
him after death, and gave him the titles of " the man
of prodigies,^^ <' the friend of heaven," and "the
arbiter of nature." Some of them came from remote
countries to Goa, for the express purpose of behold-
ing his body, which was free from all signs of putre-
faction, and seemed to be that of a living person in
sleep. Still more surprising must it appear, that
some Pagans and Mahometans gave him religious
homage. On the western coast of cape Comorin,
some people of a Mahometan sect, dedicated a
mosque to him ; and the king of Travancor, although
himself a Mahometan, built a magnificent temple to
him. So great was the veneration in which the de-
parted apostle of India was held by the infidels, that

390 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

if we may credit the testimony of native writers,
they abstained from spitting on the pavement of this
temple, through a principle of religious respect; and
instead of the superstitious practices, by which they
had been accustomed to confirm the truth of what
they asserted, they now solemnly invoked the name
of Father Francis, and looked upon this oath as the
highest attestation of truth.

Nor was his memory in less honour in Japan than
in India. The Christians of the kingdom of Saxuma
religiously kept a stone, from which Xavier had been
accustomed to preach. The house in which he had
lodged at Amanguchi, was respected as a sacred
place, and was always preserved from ruin amid
those bloody wars, which more than once destroyed
that city. The fame of Xavier spread abroad to
countries where he himself had never been. Alfonso
Leon Barbuda, who travelled through all the coasts
of Africa, reports, that in the kingdom of Sofala, be-
yond the river of Cuama, and the circumjacent isles,
the name of Father Francis was famous, and the
Moors always spoke of him as an extraordinary
man.

So many illustrious testimonies, both from the nu-
merous Christians, whose conversion was the " seal
of his apostleship,'^ and from the infidels, who hon-
oured him as a thaumaturgus, induced the king of
Portugal to solicit his solemn canonization by the
Holy Father. On that occasion, a detailed account
was made of the virtues by which he had been par-
ticularly distinguished, from which we have taken
the following sketch of the spiritual character and
labours of this faithful servant of God.

No exterior employments, however numerous or
important, could distract him from the contemplation
of heavenly things. When at Goa, he was wont to
retire after dinner, to the steeple of the church, where
he might enjoy, undisturbed, for two hours, the com-
munion of his soul with God. As he was not always

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 391

able to moderate his feelings or regulate his time^ he
ordered one of the seminarists, named Andrew, to
call him when the two hours were passed. One day,
when Xavier was to visit the viceroy, Andrew went,
as usual, to give him notice that the time had elapsed ;
but found the holy man in a sitting posture, — his
hands crossing his breast, and his eyes fixed on
heaven. After considering him attentively for a few
moments, he at length called him, and did so repeat-
edly in a loud tone of voice ; but finding all inefifec-
tual, he departed, not wishing to disturb aman, who
was absorbed in the contemplation of God. Two
hours afterwards, he returned, and found him still in
the same posture ; but apprehensive of not discharg-
ing his duty, unless he succeeded in recalling him to
himself, he shook the holy man, who, when he had
recovered from this ecstacy, expressed his surprise at
the rapidity with which the two hours had passed
away. He went out, accompanied by Andrew, with
the intention of visiting the Viceroy ; but scarcely
had he crossed the threshold of the college, when he
was once more absorbed in contemplation. After
walking a short distance, without seeming well to
know whither he went, he turned back, as night ap-
proached, and said to his companion : — " My son,
we will take another time to see the Governor. It
is God's will that this day be wholly his."

On another occasion, he was so rapt in contem-
plation, while walking through the streets, that he
did not perceive the uproar caused by the escape of
a furious elephant, from which all were flying in
terror and dismay. The people endeavoured to warn
Xavier of his danger, but he heard them not ; and
the animal passed close by him, without his being at
all aware of the circumstance.

When travelling, he generally spent from midnight
to sunrise in prayer. The sailors took hence occa-
sion to say, there was no necessity to watch the
vessel during the night, as Father Francis discharged

392 LirE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

that duty; and that no danger could befal them,
while he held communion with God. An inhabitant
of Manapar, with whom he lodged, having profited
by the opportunity he had of observing him often
during the night, found him always on his knees be-
fore the crucifix, and frequently saw the chamber
illuminated by the light which beamed from his coun-
tenance. When among Christians, the little rest he
took was generally in the church, near the Holy
Sacrament, in the adoration of which he spent the
greater part of the night. Where there were no
churches, he generally spent the night in the open
air; and was never tired of gazing on the starry
firmament, which always raised his thoughts to the
great Creator.

In consideration of his multiplied duties and apos-
tolic labours, the Pope had given him the privilege
of saying an office of three lessons, called « the office
of the cross," instead of the usual one of nine lessons
in the Roman Breviary. Xavier, however, never
used the permission, and was accustomed to say the
invocation of the Holy Ghost, — " Veni Creator Spi-
ritus," — before each canonical hour. He daily cele-
brated the holy sacrifice of the Mass, ordinarily at
dawn of day, and always with as much devotion as he
had first performed that sacred duty. The spiritual
consolations he enjoyed in it, seemed to be commu-
nicated even to those who assisted thereat, — as was
the case with Antonio Andrada, a young soldier^
who found such inward satisfaction in serving his
mass, as made him dehght in performing that holy
duty.

While engaged in conversation with seculars^ he;
was often favoured by God with celestial communi-
cations, and frequently withdrew to enjoy in solitude
these Divine consolations. Many witnesses deposed
on oath, that they saw him in these circumstances,
absorbed in contemplation, raised from the earth,
and displaying, in the radiant brightness of his coun-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 393

tenance, the Divine fire which burned within his
breast, and with which his whole being — soul and
body — was inflamed. During the celebration of the
Holy Sacrifice, especially at Meliapore and Malacca,
he was seen elevated from the earth ; as also when
he administered communion, which is the more re-
markable, as it was then the custom to give the
sacrament in a kneeling posture.

It was not, however, only in these extatic trans-
ports that Xavier was intimately united with God ;
in the midst of his labours, his soul was entirely
recollected, and was never disturbed by the multitude
or intricacy of afiairs. So close and intimate was
this union of his soul with God, and such the effects
of it on his whole frame, that, more than once, he was
obliged to throw cold water on his breast, as if to
cool the ardour of his feelings. Oftentimes, when
preaching or walking, he felt himself unable to bear
the effects of the Divine fire that glowed within him,
and would open his cassock, to afford himself tempo-
rary relief. This was the case at Malacca and Goa ;
while walking in the garden of St. Paul's college,
and on the beach.

Fervent ejaculations, the scintillations of an in-
flamed heart, were every moment on his lips. These
generally were : 0 Most Holy Trinity. — 0 my Crea-
tor,— 0 Jesus, the desire of my soul. — He spoke these
words in Latin, that he might not be understood by
those who heard him. When at the Fishery-coast,
Travancor, and the Molucca islands, he was so often
heard to say : " O sanctissima Trinitas,'' — that the
idolaters themselves, when threatened with any dan-
gers, would make use of these words, although all
they knew of them was, that they were holy and
mysterious. During his sleep the same ejaculations
were not unfrequently heard from his lips; and when
he was suffering from delirium in a violent fever,
both at Mozambique and Sancian, he spoke to God,
and of God, with more than ordinary fervency.

34

394 LII'E OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER*

He was so jealous of the interests of God, and so
grieved at the enormous crimes which were commit-
ted in India, that he thus wrote to one of his
friends : — " I am, sometimes, weary of my hfe, and
would rather die, than behold so many outrages
offered to Jesus Christ, without being able to prevent
or remedy them." He always had present to his
mind the sufferings of Our Lord ; and the contem-
plation of his bleeding wounds, caused him to shed
copious tears. He was most anxious to return life
for life, and aspired to the crown of martyrdom, as
the summit of his earthly ambition. Thus in one of
his letters, he says :— " It sometimes happens, through
the special favour of God, that we find ourselves in
danger of death. We ought, however, to remember
that we are born to die, and that a christian can de-
sire nothing more than to sacrifice his life for Jesus
Christ.'^ Hence he rejoiced whenever the new con-
verts shed their blood for the faith ; and he, accord-
ingly, wrote to Rome, on occasion of the massacre of
the christians of Manar : — "We are bound to rejoice
in Jesus Christ, because, even in our degenerate
times, martyrs are not v/anting; and to give him
thanks that while so few persons profit by his grace,
he permits the number of the blessed to be filled up
by the cruelty of man." And again : — " Admirable
news from the Molucca islands! Those who labour
there in the vineyard of the Lord, suffer much, and
are in continual hazard of their lives. I expect that
the "isle del Moro," will one day be called "the
isle of Martyrs," from the number of our brethren
who will there suffer for the faith. Let, then, the
members of our Society be of good courage, and re-
joice, by anticipation, at their future happiness. A
seminary of martyrs is ready for them, where they
will have wherewithal to satisfy their desires." The
same love, which made him wish to suffer for his
Saviour, made him constantly sigh after the posses-
sion of God. His conversation was most commonly

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 395

on the joys of Paradise, and he concluded all his
letters by desiring to meet his brethren there.

His charity was displayed in his active exertions
for the benefit of his neighbours, and he seemed, in-
deed, to have been born for the distressed. He ten-
derly loved the sick, and esteemed himself happy in
being occupied in their service. Not content with
merely supplying their absolute necessities, he en-
deavoured to provide for their comfort, and, for that
purpose, gave them the best of every thing presented
to himself. He was not ashamed to go about the
town, with a wallet on his back, begging linen for
the wounded soldiers, on whom he attended, without
being repulsed, but rather apparently attracted, by
the stench of their putrid sores. Not unfrequently
was he seen, bearing on his shoulders to the hospital,
some poor beggar, whom he had found in a state of
exhaustion from poverty and sickness.

Although all the unfortunate were dear to him,
his charity towards prisoners was most conspicuous,
and in Goa, where the supreme court of India was
held, he employed one day every week, in assisting
those who were loaded with debt. When unable to
pay off the entire amount, he gained the creditor's
good will, by his courtesy and kindness, and fre-
quently prevailed on them to abate their demands.
The poor universally regarded him as a common
father ; and he always looked on them as his most
dear children. Whatever he received, was given to
them. Not only did he assist those who were in ab-
solute indigence, but he supplied the wants of some
respectable families, whom disasters at sea had sud-
denly reduced to poverty. Most especially did he
labour to procure dowers for young virgins, whom
their destitution would otherwise have exposed to
danger.

Most of the miracles which are recorded of him,
were wrought, either in times of public calamity, or
for the relief of particular persons. While occupied,

39^ LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

one day, in hearing confessions at Goa, he rose
abruptly, and went out of the church, — impelled by
some interior impulse which he could not control.
After walking some time about the town, without
knowing well whither he went, he met with a
stranger, whom he cordially saluted, and conducted
to the college of the Society. There the unhappy
man acknowledged that, urged on by despair, he
was about to destroy himself; and he pulled out the
halter with which he intended to effect his wicked
purpose. Xavier knew by a supernatural light that
extreme «misery had driven thé wretched man to
take that resolution ; and after retaining him some
time in the college, he dismissed him, giving him at
the same time a considerable sum of money for the
relief of his distressed family.

He incessantly recommended his friends and bene-
factors to the protection of God, especially the king
of Portugal, whom he called the protector of the So-
ciety of Jesus. The persecutors of the holy man had,
however, a still greater share in his prayers; and at
the time that he was so badly treated by the governor
of Malacca, he daily offered the Sacrifice of the Mass
for his conversion. In this he acted on his own
principle, that to return good for evil is a Divine
revenge. Thus in a letter to Father Mansilla, speak-
ing of the governor of cape Comorin, he says : — " My
dear brethren, I hear unpleasant news, that the gov-
ernor's ship is destroyed by fire, that his houses are
burned down, and that he has been obliged to retire
to an island where he is destitute of the very neces-
saries of life. I desire you therefore, as also your
christians of Punical, to go as soon as possible to his
relief: get what vessels you can, and bring in them
all kinds of provisions. 1 have sent pressing letters
to the chief of the people, urging them to furnish you
with all things necessary, especially with fresh water,
which you know is very scarce in these islands. I
would go myself to the governor, did I think that my

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 397

presence would be acceptable to him ; but of late he
appears to hate me, and has declared that he could
not write, without giving scandal, all the evil I have
done him. God and man can bear witness, if ever 1
have done him any injury."

34^

398

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Xavier's labours for the conversion of souls — Extent and clangers
of his travels — Prayer of Xavier — Diversified character of his zeal —
Heroic intrepidity — Confidence in God — Wonderful humility — Rela-
tion of Ordognez Cavalio — Various extracts from the letters of Xavier
— His perfect obedience — Letter of Ignatius — Love of the Society —
Poverty of Xavier — His spirit of mortification — His devotion to the
Blessed Virgin.

The zeal of Xavier for the service of his neighbour,
was principally displayed by his labours for the con-
version of souls. It is difficult to enumerate all his
voyages and journies by sea and land , a superficial
observer might think that he did nothing else than
travel. Without speaking of his travels in Europe,
he went from Lisbon to Mozambique, thence to
Melinda, Socotora, and finally to Goa. From Goa
he passed to cape Comorin, to the Fishery-coast, to
Cochin ; then back to Goa ; afterwards to the Fishery-
coast, and into the interior of the country ; thence
back to the Fishery-coast, from which he travelled to
the kingdom of Travancor, on the west of cape
Comorin.

When he had visited all these coasts, he returned
to Goa, by way of Cochin. From Goa he went to-
wards Cambaya, and crossed the whole region which
stretches out between the mouth of the Indus and
Cochin ; he thence doubled cape Cori on his passage
to the islands of Ceylon, Manar, and Las Vaccas.
There he embarked for Negatapan, and thence sailed
for Meliapore along the coasts of Coromandel. From
Meliapore he passed to Malacca ; and, having crossed

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 399

the line, he entered the southern hemisphere as far as
the isles of Banda, Amboyna, Nuliager, Ulate, Bara-
nura, and Rosalao, — not to mention others, then un-
known to mariners and geographers.

He now turned towards the Molucca islands, visited
Ternate, and thence to the isle del Moro. He return-
ed to Ternate and Amboyna, again passed the line,
and returned to Malacca. From this place he sailed
to the Fishery-coast, and to Ceylon. He returned
again to Goa, then sailed lower down to Bazain ; once
more to Goa and Cochin. He went once more from
Cochin to Goa, and from Goa to Cochin ; and thence
coasted down to cape Comorin, and made for Malac-
ca. Having remained here for some time, he con-
tinued his course in a northerly direction, until he
arrived at Japan. During the two years that he
stopped there, he went from Cangoxima to Firando,
thence to Amanguchi, and thence to Bungo, where
he embarked for India, on his voyage to which he
touched at Sancian, and was driven by a tempest on
Mindanoa, one of the PhilUpine islands. From Ma-
lacca he returned to Goa, thence, for the fifth time,
to Malacca, where he embarked for Sancian, — the
scene of his last sufferings and labours.

Such were the principal travels of Francis Xavier,
apostle of India, who, however, is known to have
announced the gospel in many other islands and
kingdoms, not here enumerated. I have not inserted
them, as the dates, and other particulars of such
voyages, are not known. Although it is not possible
to calculate the exact extent of his travels, it is cer-
tainly no exaggeration to say, that they far exceed
in extent the circumference of the earth.

Those who were best acquainted with him, apply
to him what St. Chrysostom says of St. Paul : — " He
ran, or rather flew, through the world with incredible
swiftness, and yet not without labour, or without
fruit ; but preaching, baptizing, confessing, disputing
with the gentiles, destroying idolatry, reforming

400 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

morals, and every where establishing christian piety.
His apostolical labours were attended with all the
inconveniences of life ; and according to those who
closely observed him, it was a wonder how he was
able to exist, so that the greatest miracle of Xavier
was, — not that he raised so many dead persons to
life, but that he himself continued to live.

Nothing but his zeal could have sustained him:
however painful the functions of his ministry were,
he acquitted himself of them with so much prompti-
tude and joy, that he seemed to do all his acts from an
impulse of nature. « Father Francis," says Nugnez,
" while labouring for the conversion of the Saracens
and Idolaters, seemed not to act by any infused or
acquired virtue, but from an impulse of nature ; for
he could neither live, nor take delight in any thing
but evangelical labours. In them he seemed to find
happiness and repose ; and it never seemed trouble-
some to him, to conduct others to the love and know-
ledge of God."

Whenever there was the least hope of planting
the faith in any country, he flew thither, undismay-
ed by the difficulties that opposed his resolution.
The exact number of those whom he converted is
not known ; but it is estimated at seven hundred
thousand. It must not be supposed that he was
content with giving these numerous converts a super-
ficial knowledge of the gospel. Before baptizing
them, he was wont to instruct them well in the
mysteries of faith : and these instructions were
adapted to different persons, according to their re-
spective duties of children and parents, husbands
and wives, masters and servants. He never left
a place until he had established religion in it on a
solid footing ; and of all the people he converted,
none relapsed into idolatry, unless the temporary
defection of the town of Tolo, be regarded as an
exception. Many of those converts, although for
sixteen years without the assistance of a priest, were

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 401

found, by the missionaries who succeeded Xavier,
solidly instructed in their duties, and fervent as neo-
phytes. Pedro Martinez affirms that the prince of
the isle of Rosalao, whom Xavier had converted,
declared that were all mankind to rise up against him,
he would not renounce the faith he had embraced.
Many of the newly converted christians, lost their
Uves in testimony of the faith, when taken by the
barbarians.

The zeal of Xavier for the conversion of the Pagans
made him address God every day for that purpose,
especially during the holy Sacrifice. He composed a
most devout prayer in Latin, of which the following
is a translation.

" 0 Eternal God, Creator of all things ! mercifully
remember, that the souls of the infidels are the work
of thy hands, and that they have been created to thy
likeness. Behold, 0 Lord ! how the infernal abyss
is filled with them, to the dishonour of thy name.
Remember that thy Son, Jesus Christ, suffered a
most cruel death for their salvation : permit him
not, I beseech thee, to be despised by those idolaters.
Vouchsafe to listen propitiously to the prayers of thy
spouse, the church ; and remember thy tender mer-
cies. Forget, 0 Lord ! their infidelity, and grant that
at length they may acknowledge for their God, Our
Saviour Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent into this
world, and who is our life, our resurrection, and our
salvation, by whom we have been redeemed from
hell, and to whom be all glory now and for evermore.
Amen."

The zealous efforts of Xavier to convert the nations
of the East, and to confirm them in the faith, were
as diversified as the circumstances in which he found
himself Wherever he preached the gospel, he erect-
ed crosses, on the sea shore, on hills, and in public
places ; so that the view of that sacred symbol of our
salvation might excite the curiosity of the pagans to
know what it meant j or, if they had already heard

402 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

of Jesus Christ, might inspire them with salutary
thoughts. As it was not possible for him to preack
always, and everywhere, he composed many brief
instructions on faith, and morality, in the languages
of the different nations through which he passed, by
means of which the children learned to read. He
also composed pious hymns, and set the Lord's prayer,
the Angelical salutation, and the Creed, to music;
by which means he banished the ribald songs which
they had been wont to sing before their conversion.
They were so pleased with those composed by Xa-
vier, that they sung them almost constantly.

As the example of princes generally influences
their subjects, Xavier, on entering a strange country,
directed his principal efforts to effect the conversion
of the rulers and principal men of the State. He was
affable with all descriptions of persons, especially with
great sinners, whom he affected not to know as such.
In his intercourse with soldiers, whose habits, espe-
cially in India, are so unfavourable to morality, he
was particularly charitable and condescending. He
did not forbid them to enjoy occasional amusements,
but sought, both by his counseland example, to teach
them that moderation, the want of which alone con-
stitutes the guilt of those games which were then so
common among men of their profession. A Portu-
guese gentleman, Don Diego Norogna, was once
much scandalized at seeing Xavier — of whom he
had heard so much, — playing at chess with a soldier.
He expected to find a man of serious countenance
and austere manners, whose features were never re-
laxed by the smile of innocent gaiety, and whose
tongue never moved but to speak of God and eternity.
" What?" asked Norogna, " is this your saint ? For
my part, I am no believer in his sanctity, and if I am
not much mistaken, he is not better than most of his
cloth." — In vain did his cousin, Don Pedro de Castro,
endeavour to undeceive him with regard to Francis ;
he remained inflexible in his opinion ; because, for-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 403

sooth, he always found him gay and cheerful.—
Once when he had touched on the Malabar
coast, and had left the ship, to enjoy a walk on shore,
he perceived Xavier retire privately to a thick wood,
and sent one of his servants to observe his actions.
Soon after, this messenger came back to his master,
whom he conducted to the spot where they beheld
Xavier absorbed in contemplation and consideraby
elevated from the ground. The prejudices of Norog-
na were at once dissipated ; and he saw that the affa-
bility and gaiety of Xavier were the result of his zeal,
by which he made himself all to all, that he might
gain all to Christ.

In conversation with merchants, beseemed to take
the liveliest interest in all that concerned their success
in business. He gave his benediction to the vessels
they sent out, and enquired after the success of their
affairs, as if he himself had some interest in the con-
cern. But while talking of ports, winds, and mer-
chandise, he ingeniously turned their thoughts to
heaven and its eternal happiness. — " How intent are
we" — he would say—" on heaping up the frail and
perishable goods of this world, as if there were no
other hfe than this, nor other riches besides the gold
of Japan, the silks of China, and the spices of the
Molucca islands ! — Ah ! what does it profit aman, to
gain the whole world and lose his own soul ?" He
had ever in his mouth these words of our Lord,
which had been so efficacious in his own regard,
when addressed to him by Ignatius.

His conduct was altogether paternal towards the
newly converted Christians. He bore patiently with
their imperfections ; and as they were, for the most
part, poor, he took particular care of their families,
as in the case of the Paravas, for whom he obtained
from the king of Portugal, a release from their yearly
.ribute. He protected them more than once from the
fury of their neighbours, who made war on them out
of hatred to the faith, and induced the Viceroy of

404 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

India to send an army to their relief. He saved them
also from the violence of the officers, who despoiled
them of their goods; and he set bounds to the unjust
exactions of those ministers, by threatening to com-
plain of them, both to the Idng, John III., and the
Cardinal Infanta.

As voluptuousness was the prevailing vice among
the Portuguese in India, Francis spared no eflbrts to
withdraw them from it. By his courtesy and conde-
scension, he gained the confidence of those who
were most notorious for their irregularities; and, far
from rejecting any one, no matter how sunk in this
debasing passion, he sought, like the good shepherd,
by prayer, labour, and penitential austerities, to effect
the conversion of the most hardened sinners. To
give but one example. In the garrison at Amboyna,
were three soldiers, who, for five years, had lived in
the most scandalous debauchery. Xavier won their
affections by his amiable manners, and obtained from
God, by his sighs and prayers, their entire con-
version.

When he went from Ternate to Amboyna, he left
behind him only two persons, who were openly en-
gaged in vice. He wrote, by the first opportunity,
to one of his friends there, that he should remember
him most affectionately to these two scandalous sin-
ners, and let them know, that upon the least indica-
tion of their good will, he was ready to return and
hear their confession. His gentleness and modera-
tion are not, however, to be confounded with weak-
ness or excessive indulgence, as was evinced on
many occasions of his life.

Although Xavier made an immense number of
converts by his apostolic zeal, he always regarded
what he did, only as the beginning of greater good ;
and in 1549, he said, that if God would give him ten
years more of life, he hoped that these small com-
mencements would produce happy results. His ar-
dent zeal to extend the kingdom of Jesus Christ,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 405

caused him to write the most pressing letters to the
king of Portugal, and Ignatius, to obtain fresh sup-
plies of missioners, whose labours he luidertook to
Hghten, by his attentions and kindness. In the last year
of his life, he wrote, that when he would have accom-
plished the conversion of China and Tartary, he pur-
posed to return to Europe by the North, that he
might labour in the conversion of heretics and other
sinners. Thence he proposed to go into Africa, or
return to Asia, in search of new kingdoms, where he
might preach the gospeh

Although he was always forming new designs, as
if he was to live beyond an age, he laboured each
day, as if it were to be the last of his life. Sometimes
he was known, while thus engaged, to pass two or
three days without taking any nourishment. When
saying his office, he would interrupt one of the
canonical hours, five or six times, whenever called
upon by any duty connected with the salvation of
souls ; and frequently left off his prayers, whenever
any one desired to see him.

No one, probably, ever escaped so many dangers,
both by sea and land. Not to speak of the violent
tempests which he so often encountered, during his
ten years almost continual navigation ; it is known
that when at the Molucca islands, he was thrice
shipwrecked, in passing from isle to isle, although
the time and places are not ascertained with sufficient
accuracy to be recorded in his history. Once he was
for three days and three nights on a plank, at the
mercy of the winds and waves. The barbarians
often attempted his life, — sometimes by shooting ar-
rows at him, at other times by endeavouring to stone
him to death ; and the brahmins once set fire to all
the houses where they thought he might have con-
cealed himself from their fury.

Instead of being dismayed at the sight of these
dangers, Xavier seemed to derive from them addi-
tional motives for zeal. When at Japan, he repre-
35

406 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

hended the king of Amanguchi so boldly, for the
disorders of his life, that his interpreter, Juan Fer-
nandez, declares he was astonished, and trembled
when he explained the words of the intrepid apostle.
Perceiving the uneasiness of his companion, Xavier,
one day, forbade him to change, or soften down,
any thing he had said. " I obeyed," continues Fer-
nandez, " but I expected every moment, that the
barbarian would strike me with his scymetar, and I
must acknowledge that I feared death, as much as
Father Francis appeared to disregard it."

Death was not an object of fear, but rather of de-
sire, for Xavier. " If we die for a good cause," — he
said on one occasion, — " we ought to place it among
the greatest benefits we receive from God; we should
be thankful to those who free us from a mortal life,
or rather, a living death, and put us in possession of
life eternal. Encouraged by the hope of God's as-
sistance, we are resolved to preach the faith among
them, — despite of all their threats; for we must obey
the precept of our Saviour, who commands us to prefer
the salvation of others to our own lives."

In all undertakings, however hazardous, he looked
to God alone, for success. Thus, speaking of the
voyage to Japan, he says : — " We set out with full
confidence in God, being assured that as we have
him for our protector, we cannot but triumph over
all our enemies. We fear not to engage with the
doctors of Japan ; for what knowledge can they have,
who know not the only true God, and his only Son,
Our Lord Jesus ? Besides, what have we to fear,
who have no other object in view but the glory of
God and of Christ, — the preaching of the gospel, and
the salvation of souls ? Were we not only among bar-
barians but among demons, — could the most ferocious
barbarity, or the rage of hell itself, hurt us, without
God's permission ? We are afraid of nothing but of
offending God ; and provided that we do not offend
him, we promise ourselves, through his assistance,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 407

ati assured victory, over all our enemies. As he
affords sufficient strength for his service, and for the
avoiding of sin, we hope his mercy will not be want-
ing to us. But as all depends on the good or evil
use of his benefits, we also hope that he will give us
grace to employ ourselves for his glory, by the prayers
of his Spouse, and our Holy Mother the Church, —
especially by the prayers of our Society, and of all
who are well affected towards it. Our great conso-
lation is, that God beholds the design of this voyage,
and that we have no other object in view, but to
make known the Creator of the universe to souls
made after his image, — to make them give him the
homage which they owe him, and to spread the
christian religion throughout the world.

" Encouraged by this principle, we cherish the
hope that our voyage will be prosperous. Two
things give us this special confidence, and seem to
assure us, that we shall overcome all the opposition
of hell ; one is the greatness of the enterprise ; the
other, the protection of Divine Providence, to whose
power all creatures — men and devils — are subject.

''I acknowledge that I see great dangers, and al-
most immediate death, in the voyage I am about to
undertake. I am, moreover, convinced that if the
more learned members of our Society, came into
India, they would condemn our rashness, and accuse
us of tempting God. And yet, upon mature delibe-
ration, 1 cease to fear, and I hope that the Spirit of
our Lord, with which our Society is animated, will
regulate their judgments concerning it. For my
part, I think often on what 1 have heard our good
Father Ignatius say, — that the members of our So-
ciety ought to endeavour by all means to overcome
themselves, and banish all those fears which gene-
rally prevent us from placing our whole confidence

'' in God.

"For although this divine hope is the pure grace

•5' ef God, which he dispenses, according to his good

408 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

pleasure, those, however, who labour most strenuous-
ly to overcome themselves, receive it in greater abun-
dance than others. As there is a great diiference
between those who trust God, while they abound in
all things, and those who voluntarily deprive them-
selves of all things to imitate Jesus Christ; so also
there is a great distinction to be made between those
who trust in God's providence, when there is no
danger, and those who freely expose themselves to
the greatest perils, which they might easily avoid.'^

In the same spirit of holy confidence, he says, in a
letter to Simon Rodriguez : — " Our God holds in his
hands the tempests that sweep the seas of China and
Japan ; the rocks, the gulfs, the sand-banks, on which
so many have suffered shipwreck, are in his domin-
ion : he is the Lord of all those pirates that infest those
seas, and exercise such unheard-of cruelties on the
Portuguese ; for this reason, I do not fear them.
My only fear is, lest God should punish me for
having been too pusillanimous in his service, and so
incapable, through my own frailty, of extending the
kingdom of his Son through the nations that know
him not.'^

He expressed the same sentiments to the fathers of
the Society at Goa, when giving them an account of
his arrival at Japan. "We render infinite thanks to
God," says he, " for permitting us to enter into these
barbarous countries, where we are to be regardless,
and, in a measure, forgetful of ourselves. As the
enemies of the true religion are everywhere masters,
on whom can we rely, but on God alone? To
whom can we have recourse but to him ? In coun-
tries where Christianity is established, every thing, in
a mysterious way, seems to prevent us from repos-
ing entire confidence in God ; — love of relatives, the
bonds of friendship, the conveniences of life, and the
remedies we use in sickness. But here, at a distance
from our country, and living among barbarians,
where all human succour is wanting, we are abso-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 409

liUely forced to place all our confidence in the pro-
tecting arm of God."

But Xavier never expressed himself better on this
subject, than in a letter, written at his return from the
Molucca islands, afier a dangerous navigation : —
"God has been pleased," says he, "to preserve our
lives : He has also been pleased to teach us by the
dangers in which we were, how weak we are, when
we rely on ourselves, or on human aid. When
we fully comprehend the deceitfulness of our
hopes, and are perfectly distrustful of human help,
we rely on God, who alone can deliver us from those
dangers, in which zeal for his service has involved
us. We shall soon experience that he governs all
things ; and that the celestial delights he confers on
his servants, in such circumstances, should make us
despise the greatest dangers. Death itself has no
terrors for those who have tasted of these consola-
tions; and although we want words to express the
horror of the dangers from which we have escaped,
there remains in our heart a feeling sense of what
God has done for us ; and this recollection excites us
day and night, to labour in the service of so good a
Master. We are also impelled by it to honour him
during the remainder of our lives, hoping that
through his abundant mercy, he will give us addi-
tional strength and vigour, to serve him, faithfully^
and generously, until death."

He says elsewhere :- — " Would to God, that good
men, whom the devil endeavours to frighten from
the service of their Maker, feared nothing more than
to incur his displeasure, by leaving off what they
have once begun for his sake. If they acted thus,
how happy a life would they lead ! how much
would they advance in virtue, — knowing by their
own experience, that they can do nothing of them-
selves, but that they can do all things by the assist-
ance of Divine grace."

He was accustomed to say, that our surest pro-
35*

410 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

tection in all dangers and temptations, was to have
courage, arising from diffidence in ourselves, and en-
tire confidence in God. He also said, that in such
cases, the want of this confidence was more to be
apprehended than any assault of the enemy ; and
that we incurred much greater hazard, by the want
of this confidence during the greatest dangers, than
in exposing ourselves to those dangers. He added,
that this danger was the more to be dreaded, as it
was the more hidden and uuperceived.

These principles produced in the soul of Xavier the
most profound sentiments of humility and self-distrust.
Although he was the object of universal admiration
in India ; although pagans no less than christians
honoured him ; although God gave such efficacy to
his word, that the people said that it was a miracle,
when Xavier did not work a miracle ; — still he found
nothing in himself but weakness and corruption, and
was unable to comprehend, and therefore most un-
willing to receive, the honours that were every where
paid to him. Before going to India, he wrote to
his uncle, the doctor of Navarre, and told him, among
other things, that it was a singular favour, to know
one's-self; and that by God's grace he knew himself to
be fit for nothing.

Writing from India to Father Simon Rodriguez, he
says :— " Humbly beseech Our Lord, that I may have
power to prepare the way to China for others:
where I am, I shall do but little.'^ In many pas-
sages of his letters, he calls himself an exceedingly
evil man,' — " a great sinner," — and implores the in-
tercession of his brethren with God on his behalf. —
To one of them he wrote : — " Although my sins have
rendered me unworthy of my vocation, pray that
God may yet vouchsafe to* make use of me.'' To
another, he writes : — « I beseech you to implore the
Divine assistance for us: and that you may do it
with greater fervour, I implore the Lord to make you
know, how much I stand in need of your interces-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 411

sion." He thus addresses the fathers at Goa : — " It
is of extreme importance for my consolation, that
you should be informed of the great perplexity in
which I am. As God knows the multitude and
heinousness of my sins, I am tormented by the
thought, lest he may not second our efforts, unless
we amend our lives. It is necessary, on this ac-
count, to employ the prayers of all the members of
our Society, and of all our friends ; in the hope that
by their means, the Catholic Church, — the Spouse of
the Lord Jesus, may communicate to us his infinite
merits ; and that the Author of all good may accu-
mulate on us his grace, notwithstanding our offences.^'

Habitually impressed with these sentiments, he
attributed all the fruits of his labours to an evident
miracle of the Divine power, which made use of so
weak an instrument as he was, that the hand of God
might be more evidently displayed. He said, that
those who had great talents, ought to labour with
great courage for the salvation of souls; since one
(himself) altogether deficient in the qualities requisite
for so high a calling, was not entirely unprofitable in
his ministry.

The humble estimate he had of his own powers,
made him frequently request his brethren in Italy
and Portugal, to instruct him in the best method of
preaching the Gospel with effect. " I am about,"
said he, " to preach Jesus Christ to people, some of
whom are idolaters, and others, Mahometans. I im-
plore you by Jesus Christ to send me word, in what
manner I should address them. I am convinced that
God will suggest to you the means best adapted for
bringing them to his fold. Should I wander from
the right way, while awaiting your letters, 1 will, I
hope, return to it, when I shall have received it." —
Hence whatever good success he had, he attributed
it to the prayers of his brethren. Writing to the
fathers of the Society at Rome, he said : — " Your
prayers have certainly obtained for me the know-

412 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

ledge of my infinite offences, and the grace of labour-
ing unweariedly in the conversion of idolaters, not-
withstanding the multitude of my sins." Whenever
his plans for the advancement of religion did not
succeed, he attributed the failure to his own offences,
and only complained of himself.

With regard to the miracles which he continually
wrought, he looked on them as the effect of innocence
in children, and of faith in sick persons. He always
avoided the honours which the people proffered to
him, when they witnessed the display of the Divine
power, through his instrumentality, or when he
could not withdraw, he brought to mind his own
nothingness, and thus preserved himself from the
temptation to vain-glory. The humble opinion he
had of himself seemed to blind him to the real
character of the wonders he so frequently per-
formed.

As it was publicly reported at Goa, that he had
raised the dead to life, on the Fishery-coast, he was
requested, on his return to that city, by James Barba
and Cosmo Annez, to relate the particulars of actions
which so much redounded to the glory of God. They
enquired particularly about the restoration of a child,
who was drowned in a well. On hearing this ques-
tion, Xavier held down his head, and blushed deeply.
Recovering somewhat from his surprise, he said : —
" Can you believe these things of such a wretch as I
am?" After this, he said, with a smile: — "Alas!
poor sinner that I am ! They placed a child before
me, who, they said, was dead ; but who, perhaps,
was not. 1 commanded him to arise, in the name
of God. He arose: — but where is the miracle in
that?"

A celebrated traveller, Ordognez Cavalio, who
passed over a great portion of the earth, tells us in
his "travels," that when in India, he heard from
a Japanese, the following circumstance : — " When I
was in Japan, I was a bonza by profession, and was

LIFE OP ST. FKANCIS XAVIER. 413

present at a meeting of our bonzas, who resolved to
enrol Father Francis among the gods, on account of
the stupendous miracles which were related of him.
They sent him an embassy, for that purpose ; but
Francis, moved with horror at the proposition of the
deputies, spoke of God to them in language so sub-
lime, and of himself in terms so humble, that we
were all much edified by his conduct. Most of us
seriously reflected on this act, rather than on his
words ; we renounced the ministry of idols, and be-
came the worshippers of Jesus Christ."

From a deep conviction of his own unworthiness,
Xavier carefully* avoided all offices of the Society.
He wrote from Cochin to Ignatius : — " I cannot say
how much I am indebted to the Japanese, on whose
account God has made me sensible of the infinite
number of my sins. Before that time, 1 was so little
recollected, and paid so little attention to myself, that
I did not perceive the abyss of imperfection that was
in my heart. It was only during my labours and
sufferings in Japan, that I began, at length, to open
my eyes ; and, through God's grace, clearly saw that
it was necessary for me to have one to watch over
and govern me. See, then, what you do in placing
under my command so many saintly souls and breth-
ren of our Society. I am so little endued with the
quaUties requisite for such a charge, and am so sen-
sible of this, through God's mercy, that I may rea-
sonably hope, that, instead of imposing on me the
care of others, you will impose on others the care
of me."

He had a great esteem for those who laboured
whh him, and always thought his own efforts of no
account, when compared with theirs. In a letter to
Paul de Camerino and Antonio Gomez, he concludes
his relation of all that Father Francis Perez had done
in Malacca, in these words : — " I confess, that I am
ashamed when I see these things ; I blush for my
own cowardice, when I behold a missioner, who,

414 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

although weak and infirm, labours uninterruptedly
for the salvation of souls." These sentiments occur
more than once in the letter referred to.

In his advice to the preachers of the Gospel, he
dwelt especially on the necessity of acquiring a know-
ledge of themselves, and avoiding all kinds of pride.
In a general instruction addressed to his brethren, he
says : —

"Be careful to cultivate humility in all the things
which depraved nature instinctively shuns. Endea-
vour, with the assistance of God's grace, to acquire
a thorough knowledge of yourselves, which is the
mother of Christian humility. Be especially on your
guard, lest the good opinion that men have of you,
should give you too much pleasure ; for these vain
things are apt to make us negligent, and this negli-
gence, by a kind of fascination, destroys the humility
of our hearts, and introduces pride into them.

" Distrust your own strength, and place no reliance
on human wisdom, or the esteem of men. By this
meth )d you will be enabled to bear whatever troubles
shall happen to you. God strengthens and animates
the humble : he is able to endure the greatest labours;
and nothing can separate him from the charity of
Jesus Christ, — neither the demon with his assaults,
nor the ocean with its tempests, nor the most savage
nations with all their barbarity. If God sometimes
permits the devil to put impediments in his way, or
the elements seem to make war against him, — he is
convinced that all this tends to expiate his sins, to
augment his merits, and render him more humble
than before.

" Those who fervently desire to advance God's
glory, must humble themselves, and be nothing in
their own opinion ; they must be diffident of their
own abilities, even in the smallest matters, so that on
important occasions, being thoroughly distrustful of
themselves, they may place entire confidence in God.
This confidence will give them courage ; for who-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 415

ever knows that he is assisted from on high, cannot
be subject to degenerate weakness.

" Whatever you undertake will be acceptable in
the sight of God, if there appears profound humility
in your conduct, and if you commit the care of your
character to him. He will not fail to give you au-
thority and reputation with men, when they are
needful for you ; and when he does it not, it is be-
cause he knows that you will not ascribe to him
what proceeds from him alone. I console myself
with the reflection that the sins of which you find
yourself guilty, and of which you daily accuse your-
selves, produce in you a deep horror of pride, and
a love of perfection ; so that human praises will be
painful to you, and only serve to admonish you of
your failings.

" Take heed of yourselves, my dearest brethren ;
many ministers of the gospel, who have opened for
others the way to heaven, now sufl'er in hell, because
they had not true humility, and were carried away
by a vain opinion of themselves. On the other hand,
there is not to be found in hell a soul that was truly
humble."

Such were the instructions on the subject of hu-
mility, which Xavier gave to his brethren in general.
He gave also frequent admonitions to particular
members, of which we extract a few.

" I beseech you," — says he to Father Cyprian,
missioner at Meliapore, — " to be humble and patient
towards all men. Believe me, haughtiness and anger
lose what mildness and modesty gain. We deceive
ourselves in exacting submission and esteem from
men, without any other title than that of being
members of the Society, when we do not cultivate
the virtues, which have gained us so much authority
in the world. We must not seek to recommend our-
selves by that credit and reputation, rather than by
humility, patience, and those other virtues, by which
our Society has maintained its dignity with men."

416 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

Writing to Father Barzaeus, rector of the college
at Goa, he says : — " Frequently read the instructions
I left with you, especially with regard to hunriility ;
and be particularly careful not to forget yourself,
when you consider what God has done by you, and
by all the labourers of the Society. I wish that all
of you would seriously think on the many things
G od leaves undone, — on account of your infidelity
to his grace. I would prefer that such a consideration
should occupy your mind, rather than the contem-
plation of the great works which God has wrought
by your ministry. The one will fill you with con-
fusion, and make you blush for your weakness ; the
other will inflate you with the thoughts of vanity,
and expose you to the danger of pride.''

This well grounded humility in Xavier was the
principle of the most perfect submission of his will to
God. He never undertook any thing without pre-
viously consulting him, and the Divine decrees were
his only rule. " I have made continual prayers," —
says he, speaking of his voyage to Macassar, — " to
know what heaven requires of me ; for I was firmly
resolved not to be wanting on my part, to fulfill the
will of God, whensoever it should be made known
to me. May it please Our Lord, graciously to give
us to understand his designs upon us ; so that we
may entirely conform ourselves to his holy will, as
soon as it shall be known. He commands us to be
always ready to obey him at the first signal ; and we
must be strangers in this world, — always prepared
to follow the voice of our leader."

In another place, he says : — " 1 wish that God
would make known to us his most holy will, con-
cerning the ministries and countries, where I may
best employ my labours to his glory. I am ready
by his grace to execute whatever he shews to be
most pleasing to him. He undoubtedly has admira-
ble ways of signifying his good pleasure to us : such
are our interior sentiments and heavenly illumina-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 417

tions, which leave no doubt concerning the place he
designs for us, or the service he expects us to perform.
For we are like travellers, not permanently attached
to any country through which we pass : we are
bound to be prepared to fly from one region to
another, wherever the voice of God may call us.
East and West, North and South, — are alike in-
diiferent to me, provided I have an opportunity of
advancing the glory of our Lord.'^

Elsewhere, he says : — " I would wish that you
impressed this truth deeply on your mind, — that a
ready and obedient will is a more pleasing sacrifice
to the Divine Majesty than all other actions, however
grand or glittering they may appear, if they be not
accompanied with this disposition.'^

Being deeply convinced that the perfection of the
creature, consists in the conformity of his will with
that of the Creator, he was always speaking of God's
holy pleasure, and concluded all his letters with an
expression of his desire to know and fulfil it. He
sacrificed all to that principle, even his ardent wish
to die for the name of Jesus, by the hands of the
barbarians. For although he aspired after martyr-
dom, he well knew that the ofî*er of our life is not
acceptable to God, when he does not require it ;
and he was more fearful of displeasing the Divine
Majesty, than anxious to lay down his life for his
sake. He was perfectly resigned to die of a natural
death, when he was on the point of carrying the
faith into China, because such was the will of God,
to which he made even his desires of extending the
kingdom of Jesus Christ subservient.

One so submissive to the orders of heaven, could
not but be obedient to the will of his Superior, which
he regarded as the expression of God's designs upon
him. He had for St. Ignatius, the founder and first
General of the Society of Jesus, a deep veneration,
united with a most tender affection. In one of his
letters he calls him < Father of his soul,' and says : —
36

418 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

" I v/rite this to you upon my knees, as if you were
present, and that I beheld you with my eyes.^'
Such indeed was his posture when writing to Igna-
tius, for whom he had a profound veneration.

In another letter, he says : — " God is my witness,
dearest father ! how much I desire to behold you in
this life, that I might communicate to you many
matters, which cannot be remedied without your aid;
for no distance can exempt us from the duty of obey-
ing you. I implore you, 0 best of fathers, to have
regard to your children in India ; and send us some
holy men, whose fervour may rouse us from our
tepidity. As I am convinced that God vouchsafes
to make known our dispositions to you, I trust that
you will not fail to excite our languishing virtue, and
inspire us with a love of perfection.'^ In another
letter, addressed to " Ignatius, my holy father in
Christ Jesus," — he sends him word, that^the letter he
received from him at his return from Japan had filled
him with joy, especially the concluding words: — " I
am all yours, even to that degree, that it is impossi-
ble for me to forget you, — Ignatius." " When I

had read these words," — writes Francis, — " the tears
gushed from my eyes; as they do now also as I
write, when I remember that sincere and holy friend-
ship you always have had, and still entertain for me.
I do not doubt but that God has delivered me from
so many dangers, principally by your fatherly inter-
cession." He calls himself his " son," in all his let-
ters, and in one he thus subscribes himself: — "the
least and most distant of your children, Francis
Xavier."

The high idea which he had of Ignatius, made him
frequently apply to him for advice. " You will do a
charitable work," said he, "in writing to me a letter,
full of spiritual instructions, as a legacy bequeathed
to one, who is the least of your children, the most
distant from you, and who is, as it were, banished
from your presence. By this means 1 may hope to

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 419

participate in the abundant treasures, which heaven
has so Uberally bestowed on you. I beseech you
not to be too niggardly in accomplishing my desires."

He frequently made use of the name of Ignatius,
when prescribing any thing that was difficult to his
inferiors : — " I pray you by Our Lord, and by Igna-
tius, the father of our Society I conjure you

by the obedience and love you owe to our Father,

Ignatius I require this in the name of our

blessed Father, Ignatius."

With these feelings of affection and esteem, he
left himself at the absolute disposition of his superior.
In a letter from India, to Father Simon Rodriguez,
he says : — " If I believed that the strength of your
body equalled that of your mind, I would invite you
to cross the sea and join us in this new world ; pro-
vided, however, that our Father, Ignatius, should ap-
prove of, and advise, such a voyage. For he is our
parent ; it behoves us to obey him ; and we should
not take any step without his order."

In this manner Xavier had recourse to Ignatius,
as much as the distance of places permitted, and
always inviolably observed the orders he received
from him. He wrote to Gaspar Barzaeus, rector of
the college at Goa, thus : — " You shall not permit
any one to be ordained priest, who is not sufficiently
instructed, and who, during many years, has not
given the example of a good iife in our Society ; be-
cause our Father, Ignatius, has expressly forbidden
it." Nothing, however, shows more clearly how
perfect was the obedience of Xavier than the opinion
entertained of it by Ignatius himself, who wrote
to him a letter, recaUing him from India, of which
the following is an extract. It is dated the 28th of
June, 1553.

" Having in view the greater glory of God and
the salvation of souls, I have resolved to command
you, in virtue of holy obedience, and in the name of
Christy to return to Portugal by the first opportunity.

420 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

That you may the more easily satisfy those who
would wish to retain you in India, I subjoin my
reasons. In the first place, you know of what
weight the orders of the king of Portugal are, for the
permanent establishment of religion in the East, and
for the propagation of it in Guinea and Brazil. You
may well conclude, that so religious a prince will do
all things necessary for the promotion of God's honour
and the salvation of souls, if personally instructed by
one of your ability and experience. It is, moreover,
of great importance that the Holy See should be ac-
curately informed of the present state of India, by
some authentic witness; so that spiritual aid may be
administered as well to the nev/, as to the old, chris-
tians, without which neither are likely to persevere.
No one is better suited than yourself for this, both
by reason of your experience in the affairs of the
East, and of your reputation here.

" You are also aware of how great consequence it
is, that the missionaries who are sent to India should
be adapted to that mission, and, therefore, it is ad-
visable that you visit Portugal and Rome. Not only
will many more be anxious to go to those parts, but
you will be enabled to make a better selection of
subjects ; and will more clearly see where they
ought to be sent. You know how important a cor-
rect judgment in this affair is, and that whatever let-
ters you may send, you will not be able to give so
correct an idea of what kind of labourers are re-
quired in India, as by coming yourself. It is, indeed,
necessary that you, or some person like you, should
know and have some experience of the missioncrs
destined for those countries. Besides what you will
be able to do for the general advantages of religion
in the East, you will excite the zeal of the king of
Portugal in relation to Ethiopia, for which nothing
has yet been done, although the affair has been
under consideration so many years. You will also
be of no little service to the affairs of Congo and

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 421

Brazil, on which you can have no influence from
India, as there is no intercourse between these coun-
tries. If you think your presence necessary for the
government of the Society in India, you can do that
as well from Portugal, as from China or Japan. 1
refer you for other reasons to the letter of Father
Polancus, and recommend myself most cordially to
your prayers, imploring the Divine Goodnes to mul-
tiply his ifavours on you; so that we may understand
his holy will, and perfectly fulfill it."

Father Polancus, who was the secretary of Ignatius,
and was aware of all his designs, subsequently testi-
fied, that it was his intention, to make Xavier Gene-
ral of the Society. Francis was dead, when the
letter arrived ; but there can be no doubt as to what
would have been his conduct, as he himself before
wrote to Ignatius, who had expressed a wish to see
him. " Your holy charity," says he, " expresses an
earnest desire to see me once more in this life. God,
who sees the secrets of my heart, knows how much
this proof of your affection has touched me. When-
ever I think of it, and I think of it often, I am unable
to restrain my tears. I acknowledge that it appears
difficult to attain what I so much desire ; but all things
are possible to holy obedience." Had the letter of
Ignatius found Xavier aJive, there can be no doubt,
but that he would at once have set out for Europe.

His maxims of obedience clearly show what his
own submission would have been. " There is no
surer, or more infallible, maxim, than always to be
willing to obey. On the other hand, it is dangerous
to follow the impulse of your own will, without
regard to the wishes of your superior. Although
we may chance to perform some good action, we
may rest assured that if we deviate, ever so little
from what is commanded us, what we do is rather
vicious than otherwise.

" The devil by his malicious suggestions, tempts
the greatest part of those who devote themselves to
36^

422 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

God's service. " What do you there," he msinuates,
" seemg that you only Jose your labour ?" — Resist
such a thought with all your strength ; for it is capa-
ble not only of obstructing you in the way of perfec-
tion, but also of turning you from it. Let each one
be persuaded, that he cannot better serve the Lord
than in the situation, where his Superior has placed
him. Be also assured, that when God's own time
shall come, he will inspire your Superiors with the
design of sending you to such places, where your
labours will produce an abundant harvest. In the
mean time, possess your souls in peace. You will
thus employ to advantage your precious time, which
too many do not sufficiently appreciate, and you will
make great progress in virtue. Far otherwise is it
with these restless souls, who do no good, either
where they are, or where they wish to be.

" Perform with great affection what your Superiors
may order you, in relation to domestic discipline ; and
suffer not yourself to be surprised by the suggestions
of the evil spirit, who will endeavour to persuade
you, that some other employment would be better
for yon. He thereby intends to make you execute
badly that office in which you are engaged. I entreat
of you therefore, by Our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, seriously to consider how you may overcome
such temptations as give you a distaste for your
employment. Think oftener on that, than on the
laborious duties which are not commanded you. It
is impossible to excel in great matters, beifore you
are successful in those of lesser moment; and it is a
gross error, under the pretext of saving souls, to
shake off the yoke of obedience, which is light and
easily borne, and take up a cross, which is incom-
parably more heavy and burdensome.

" It is meet, then, that you submit your will and
judgment to your superiors, and that you be con-
vinced, that God will inspire them with what will be
most profitable for you. Beware of asking any

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 423

thing of them with importunity, as some do, who
press their Superiors with such earnestness, that they
force from them, no matter how pernicious, the
object of their desires ; or if it be refused, complain
in pubUc of the irksomeness of such a Ufe. They do
not perceive, that their unhappiness proceeds from
the neglect of their vow, and their wish to appro-
priate to themselves, what they have already conse-
crated to God. The more such people live according
to their capricious fancy, the more uneasy and
melancholy will be their lives."

So deeply convinced was Xavier of the necessity
of holy obedience, and that the perfection of the
Society of Jesus, consisted in it, that he frequently
commanded his brethren by virtue of their obedience,
for the purpose of increasing their merit. " I pray
you,'' says he to two missioners of Comorin, " to go
to the isles del Moro ; and that you may have the
merit of obedience, I positively command you."

It is impossible to estimate the atfection he enter-
tained for the Society, or how much he concerned
himself in all that related to it. In almost all his
Jetters from Portugal, previously to embarking for
India, he testified his anxiety to know what progress
it made in Italy. Writing to Le Jay and Laynez,
he says : — "As our rule is confirmed, I desire very
much to learn the names of those, who are already
received into our order, and of such as are about to
be admitted." He exhorts them to thank the king
of Portugal for the design he had to build a house or
college for the Society ;" — " and we ought," adds
he, " make this acknowledgement to the king, and
thereby engage him to begin the building."

He was greatly consoled by the news which he
occasionally received from Ignatius, and the other
fathers, who were at Rome. " I have received," — he
writes, — "your letters which I impatiently expected,
and with them such joy as children feel on receiving
pleasing news from their mother. I learn from them

424 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

the prosperous condition of the Society, and the
holy employments, wherein you are incessantly en-
gaged.^' With difficulty could he moderate his zeal,
when he thought of the establishment of the Society.
Thus he wrote from India to Rome : — " Among all
the favours I have received from God in this life, the
most signal is the intelligence that the Institute of
our Society has been approved of, and confirmed, by
the Holy See. I give endless thanks to Jesus Christ,
for having been pleased that his Vicar should pub-
licly establish the form of life, which he himself pri-
vately revealed to his servant Ignatius."

He felt inexpressible satisfaction at the increase
of the Society, and at the establishment of new
colleges or houses, in Europe, or the East. He
had also a particular aflection for the individual mem-
bers who composed it; he had them ever present to
his mind, and carried about with him, as he testifies
in a letter, the names of the fathers in Rome, in their
own handwriting, taken from the letters which he
had received from them.

So great was his love of holy poverty?-, that he
voluntarily chose to subsist on the alms he collected
from door to door, even when in the college of Goa,
which was richly endowed. This he did, more per-
fectly to conform himself to the poverty of Jesus
Christ. He was always poorly clad ; and his cassock
was so much patched, that the children of the pagans
commonly derided him. He never changed his
dress,until it was entirely worn out, unless the honour
of God, or his neighbour's good, required it.

The Portuguese often pressed him to permit them
to present him with a new cassock, which he uni-
formly refused. One night, however, they contrived
to remove the old one, while he slept, and left, in its
place, a new cassock. Xavier did not perceive what
had been done, until the next evening, when supping
with Francis Payva, and others, who were aware of
the trick that had been played on him, one of them

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 425

said : — " It is, perhaps, to do honour to our feast,
that you have come in your new cassock." Francis
looked at himself, and was surprised at the novelty
of his appearance. When he was informed of the
whole aftair, he said, with a smile, — " That it was
no wonder, if a rich cassock, looking for its master
in the dark, could not find its way to some one who
deserved it better.'^ His domestic furniture consisted
of a mat, which served him as a bed, — a small table,
on which were his writings and a few books, — and a
crucifix, made of what in India is called the " wood
of St. Thomas." He cheerfully imderwent the great-
est trials of poverty ; and once wrote from Japan to
the fathers of Goa : — " Join with me, my dear breth-
ren, in thanking God for the signal favour he has
done me. I am at length arrived at Japan, where
there is an extreme scarcity of all things, — a circum-
stance that I place among the greatest blessings of
Providence."

He joined the practice of the most austere mortifi-
cation with the observance of evangelical poverty.
He constantly carried about him some instruments of
penance, — hair-cloth, iron chains, and sharp-pointed
disciplines. He treated his flesh with great severity,
on the principle of St. Paul, lest having preached to
others, he himself might become a reprobate.

While at sea, he commonly slept on the ship's
tackling ; and on a mat, or on the bare ground, when
on land. He eat so little, that his companions looked
on his life as a continual miracle. He very seldom
tasted wine, except when at the table of the Portu-
guese, where, to avoid singularity, he took whatever
was given him. When at cape Comorin, the viceroy,
Don Alphonso de Sosa, sent him two barrels of excel-
lent wine, which Xavier straightway distributed
among the poor, without ever tasting of it, although
he was at the time very much reduced in strength.

His ordinary food was boiled rice, or salt fish.

426 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

During the two years and a half that he was in
Japan, he entirely abstained from fish, for the greater
edification of the people; and in a letter to the fathers
at Rome, he said that he would rather die of hunger,
than give any one an occasion of scandal. He al-
ways walked when on land, even in Japan, where
the roads are almost impassable ; and in the depth
of winter, he often travelled with uncovered feet.

He rejoiced in the sufferings he endured, as he
mentions in one of his letters. "The hardships of
so long a voyage, so long a residence among the bar-
barians, and in a country where the heat is so exces-
sive,— all these, being endured for the sake of Christ,
are to me an abundant source of consolation. For
my part, 1 am firmly persuaded, that those who love
the cross of Jesus Christ, live happily in the midst of
sufferings ; and that it is a species of death for them,
when they have nothing to suffer. For what death
can be more cruel, than to live without Jesus Christ,
after having once tasted of his sweetness ? Wiiat
cross can be compared to that which we impose on
ourselves, when we abandon him to follow our own
inclinations ? What a happiness, on the other hand,
to die daily, and conquer our passions, not merely for
our own interests, but for those of Jesus Christ !"

His interior mortification was the principle of these
thoughts in Xavier. From the first years of his con-
version, he laboured to gain a mastery over himself;
and continually exhorted others not to permit them-
selves to be carried away by their natural feelings.
Writing from Malacca to the members of the Society
at Coimbra, he says : — " I have always present to my
mind what I have heard from our holy Father Igna-
tius,— that the true children of the Society of Jesus
ought to labour in overcoming themselves."

^' If you truly seek after the Lord," said he to the
Jesuits at Goa, — "and generously walk in the ways
which lead to him, you will enjoy spiritual delights,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 427

which will more than compensate for the bitterness
you felt in overcoming yourselves. 0 my God ! how
much deceived are men, who do not see that by not
courageously resisting the assaults of the devil, they
deprive themselves of the present enjoyments of
life!"

By the daily practice of these maxims, Xavier ac-
quired so much self-command, as to appear not to
feel the excitement of anger or passion. Thence also
proceeded that perpetual tranquillity of soul, and
cheerfulness of countenance, which rendered him so
agreeable to his companions. He was a special lover
of holy purity, which virtue he inviolably preserved,
notwithstanding the gay and lively disposition which
distinguished him, the bad example he had before
him while in the university of Paris, and the various
dangerous circumstances in which he was subse-
quently placed. When at Rome, the efforts he once
made, while asleep, to resist the phantoms of the
enemy of pure souls, caused the blood to gush forth
from his mouth and nostrils ; as he himself related to
Rodriguez, who slept in the same room, and heard
Xavier groan, as if in agony, and saw the blood come
forth, as already mentioned.

Notwithstanding his natural abhorrence of vice,
Xavier was particularly careful to shun all dangerous
occasions ; and both by his counsels and examples,
recommended to all that cautious circumspection
which is at once the safeguard, and the sign, of pure
morals. The perpetual restraint he imposed on his
senses, and the frequency with which he examined
his conscience, during the course of the day, facili-
tated for him the preservation of that angelic purity
for which he was particularly remarked.

He was scrupulously exact in the discharge of all
his duties. In the voyage from Lisbon to India, a
child of one of the passengers happened to die sud-
denly. Xavier enquired if the deceased had attended

428 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

the catechetical lectures, which he was accustomed
to give on board the ship. On being answered in
the negative, the holy man was grievously afflicted;
and when asked by the Viceroy, why he permitted
himself to be troubled at what was nowise attribut-
able to him, he replied, that he regarded it as an
omission of duty, if any of his fellow passengers
neglected to be instructed in the Christian doctrine.

So pure and saintly a soul could not but be par-
ticularly devoted to Mary, the Mother of holy love ;
and, accordingly, Xavier's veneration and affection
for her, knew no bounds. It was on the festival of
her Assumption, and in her church at Montmartre,
that he made his first vows: he received his first
inspiration in Loretto, where he conceived the desire
of going to India. He always implored her inter-
cession with God ; and in the exposition of the
Christian doctrine which he composed, after address-
ing himself to Jesus, to obtain the gift of a lively
faith, he always addressed himself to Mary, to obtain
by her the efiect of his petition. He concluded all
his instructions, with the *' Salve Regina;''^ he never
undertook any enterprise without placing himself
under her protection ; and in all dangers, invoked
the aid of this most powerful patroness. To mani-
fest his devotion to her, and encourage the faithful
to its practice, he commonly wore his beads round
his neck, and made frequent use of it in the perform-
ance of his miracles. When he spent whole nights
in the church, it was generally before the image of
the Blessed Virgin that he prayed ; and he endea-
voured to obtain from God, through her intercession,
the conversion of notorious sinners. '' I have taken,"
says he, in a letter, " the Queen of heaven for my
patroness, that by her prayers, I may obtain the
pardon of my innumerable sins." He had a great
devotion to her immaculate conception, which he
engaged himself, by a special vow, to defend. In

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 429

his ordinary conversation, he frequently spoke of
Mary, and sought to attract all men to her service;
and a moment before he expired, he invoked her
name with tender affection, and implored her «to
shew herself a mother,' ' — « Monstra te esse ma-
trem !"

37

430

CHAPTER XL.

Conversion of the king of Bungo — He solicits the canonization of
Xavier from the Holy See — The Portuguese ships salute Sancian —
Pilgrimage of an Indian convert to Navarre — Various miraculous
cures through the intercession of Xavier — Cross of Corate — Miracu-
lous medal — Continued preservation of Xavier's body — He is beati-
fied, and shortly afterwards canonized — Bull of his canonization —
Testimonies of Protestant writers.

The archbishop of Goa, and all the bishops of
India, seconded the designs of the king of Portugal,
in soUciting the canonization of Xavier from the Holy-
See. The king of Bungo, however, surpassed all
by the earnestness with which he joined in the
petition.

When Xavier left Japan, this prince seemed almost
prepared to embrace the faith. The bonzas, how-
ever, soon regained their ascendancy over him, by
their licentious maxims ; and although he acknow-
ledged the superior sanctity of the Christian law, he
persuaded himself that a prince, who had hitherto
lived so voluptuously as he had, could not endure it.
His love of pleasure did not, however, interfere with
the pursuits of his ambition ; and being a valorous
prince, his arms were uniformly crowned with suc-
cess. In the midst of his victories, the last words
that Francis addressed to him, on the vanity of the
world, and the necessity of baptism, frequently re-
curred to his mind, and at length induced him to
profess himself a Christian.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 431

The idols which he had hitherto kept in his palace,
and which he was accustomed to adore, he now cast
into the sea ; he renounced his sensual pleasures, and
gave himself up to the practices of piety and peni-
tence. He was at length finally baptized by Father
Cabira, of the Society of Jesus, and, to honour the
memory of Xavier, took, at his baptism, the name of
Francis.

Hitherto his prosperity had been so great, that it
had become proverbial ; but his baptism was followed
by a series of misfortunes, which in a short time de-
prived him of his kingdom. Far from listening to
the reproaches of the pagans, who attributed his
downfall to his change of religion, this faithful con-
vert declared, that were all the world to renounce
Jesus Christ, he would remain immoveably attached
to his service, and would even shed his blood, as a
testimony of the faith which he had embraced.
Having by his valour subsequently succeeded in re-
gaining what he had lost, his first act was to restore
the Catholic religion in his kingdom. He also sent
an embassy to Pope Gregory XHI., who then gov-
erned the Church, not only to testify his obedience to
the head of the Church, but also to petition for the
canonization of the apostolic man, who had first an-
nounced the gospel in Japan.

In the mean time, the memory of Xavier was daily
more and more venerated throughout Asia. An am-
bassador of the Great Mogul came to Goa, to ask for
some fathers of the Society, to instruct that monarch
in the mysteries of Christianity. He desired to see
the body of Father Francis; but before he approached
it, he and all his suite, took off their shoes, and fre-
quently prostrated themselves before it, with as much
respect as if they were not Mahometans. The ships
that passed by Sancian, fired a salute, and some of
them even touched at the island, for no other purpose
than to view the spot where the body of Xavier had
lain, two months and a half, — and to bear away some

432 LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

of the earth. The Chmese were unable to imagine
the cause of this respect, and suspecting that some
great treasure might be concealed there, placed a
guard over it.

An Indian convert, — one of the most devoted to
Francis, — not content with seeing the place of his
death, was also anxious to behold that of his birth.
After traversing a vast extent of country, and pass-
ing over immense oceans, he arrived at the castle of
Xavier ; and entering into the chamber where the
saint was born, he fell on his knees, and with great
devotion, kissed the floor, which he watered with his
tears. Without any thought or desire of seeing any
thing else in Europe, he returned to India, — rich in
the possession of a small piece of stone which he had
loosened from the chamber-wall, and carried home
with him as a most precious relic.

God vouchsafed to attest the sanctity of his servant
by innumerable miracles. The ship of Benedict
Coeglia from Malacca had six sick persons on board,
whose recovery seemed hopeless. As soon as they
arrived at Sancian, they caused themselves to be
carried to the spot where he had been originally in-
terred, and on applying to their heads some of
the earth in which the holy body had lain, were in-
stantly restored to health. On the coast of Travan-
cor, and on the Fishery-coast, numbers were restored
to health by a vision of their deceased apostle. His
name was invoked with confidence in the greatest
dangers. In the gulf of Bengal, the ship of Emanuel
de Silva was in imminent danger of being wrecked.
The masts had been cut down ; the cargo thrown
overboard, and the mountain-waves seemed every
moment about to overwhelm the vessel. At the
very moment that all invoked the aid of Francis, a
vast wave, that threatened them with destruction,
rolled back, and as long as they continued to call on
the name of the Apostle of India, the billows retired
as if in awe ; but when they neglected to implore

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 453

his protection, the surges lashed the vessel with re-
doubled fury.

It is almost inconceivable how many miracles
were wrought, by whatever had belonged to Xavier,
or had been anywise connected with him. The sig-
natures of his letters, his beads, the fragments of his
garments, — were the instruments which God made
use of to manifest the sanctity of Francis, as was
formerly the case with the handkerchiefs that touched
St. Paul's body.

The crosses which he erected on sundry coasts, to
be seen by mariners and travellers, were loaded with
the votive offerings which not only Christians, but
Mahometans and Idolaters, had suspended, in ac-
knowledgement of the favours they had received
from heaven through his intercession. Of these
crosses the most famous was that of Corate, on which
an image of Xavier was placed. A blind man re-
covered his sight by embracing it ; and two sick
men, who ha.d caused themselves to be carried there,
were also immediately cured. Copies of the mira-
culous cross of Corate, were made, one of which was
brought to Cochin, by Gaspar Gonzalez, where a fire
which threatened the whole town having broken out,
an hour after his arrival, it was instantaneously ex-
tinguished by Gonzalez, who held up the image of
the miraculous cross to the raging flames.

A medal, having on one side the image of the
Holy Virgin and the Infant Jesus, and on the other
that of Xavier, was also the instrument of God's
power in producing still greater wonders. It was in
the possession of a virtuous widow of Cochin, named
Lucy de Vellanzan, who was judicially examined on
the subject, in her hundred and twentieth year. She
was born in Tamuzay in China, and had been con-
verted by Xavier at Malacca. All sick persons who
oame to her, recovered their health, by her merely
making the sign of the cross with the medal over
them, or even by her sprinkling them with water
37*

434 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

wherein the medal had been dipped, and saying these
words : — " In the name of* Jesus and Father Francis,
be your health restored."

" I have seen," says an eye witness, « many who
were instantly cured by the sole touch of the medal."
But the most celebrated cures are those of Gonsalvo
Rodriguez, Mary Dias, and Emanuel Fernandez
Figheredo. The first of these was cured of a cancer
in the left side. The second, Mary Dias, was blind,
and paralyzed in her right side, so that her arm hung
as if dead, from her shoulder. After the application
of the miraculous medal by the Chinese Christian,
she recovered her sight, and walked to the Church
of the Society, where she left her crutches as a me-
morial of what had occurred. Figheredo's legs were
covered with ulcers, and were so rotten that worms
were continually crawling out of them. The phy-
sicians tried their art in vain. He was seized with a
dysentery, which, as he was sixty years old, was
deemed likely to terminate fatally. Full, however,
of trust in God, he drank of the water into which the
medal had been dipped, and found himself perfectly
restored to health.

But what was daily seen at Goa, eclipsed the prodigies
which were wrought elsewhere. The body of Xavier,
which still remained entire, the flesh being soft, and
of a fresh colour, was a perpetual miracle. Those
who beheld it, could scarcely believe that it was the
body of a dead man ; and Dias Carvaglio, who had
known Xavier, during his life, cried out when he
saw the body many years after death : — " Ah ! he is
yet living!" The vicar general of Goa, Ambrosio
Ribera, resolved to see if the interior of the corpse
was as well preserved as the outside ; and having
thrust his finger into the wound it had received at
Malacca, the blood and water issued from it. The
same thing happened at another time to a lay brother
of the Society. One day, when the body was ex-
posed, his feet being left bare, to satisfy the importu-

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 435

nity of the people, a woman, approached as it were
to kiss the feet, but being most eager to possess some
relic of him, actually bit off a small piece of the flesh.
The blood flowed copiously from the wound, and
was of as pure a crimson, as that of the most health-
ful person. The physicians who inspected the body
from time to time, declared that this could only be
the effect of supernatural agency.*

So many wonders, the fame of which spread
abroad throughout the East, were transmitted to
Europe, and moved Paul V. to carry into effect the
intentions of his predecessor ; and accordingly, after
a juridical examination of the virtues and miracles
above mentioned, he beatified Francis Xavier, priest
of the Society of Jesus, bv his bull of the 25th of
October, 1619. On the 12th of March, 1622, the
Blessed Francis was solemnly canonized by Gregory
XV"., the immediate successor of Paul V., although
the bull of the canonization was not issued, in con-
sequence of Gregory's death, until the pontificate of
his successor, Urban VIII.

This bull is dated the 6th of August, 1623, and is
an epitome, and an eulogium, of the miraculous life
of the saint. It says, that the new apostle of India
had spiritually received from God, the benediction
promised to Abraham; that he was the father of
many nations ; and that he saw his children in Jesus

♦ Extract from a letter of M. Cicala, priest of the Congregation of
the Mission, residing at Goa, in the year 1782. " During the three
days of Carnival, that is, on the 10th, Uth, and 12th of February,
1782, the body of St. Francis Xavier vsras solemnly exposed to the
veneration of the people. There was a great concourse from all parts
of India to contemplate this sacred relic : it is thought that for the
last thirty years, a greater number of persons were not assembled.
The body of the Saint is without the least corruption. The skin and
flesh, which are dried up, are united with the bones. The face is of
a beautiful white colour. With the exception of the right arm, which
is preserved at Rome, two toes of the right foot, and the intestines,
the body is entire. The feet are particularly well preserved." — Jour-
nal Historique et Littéraire. 1 Mars, 1788.

436 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

Christ multiplied beyond the stars of heaven, and the
sands of the sea. It declares that his apostleship
had the signs of a divine mission, such as the gift of
tongues, prophecy and miracles, with the mostsubhme
evangelical virtues.

Almost all the miracles which are related in this
life, are mentioned in the bull : particularly the re-
surrections of the dead, and amongst other miraculous
cures after his decease, it includes those of Gonsalvo
Rodriguez, Mary Diaz, and Emmanuel Figheredo,
before referred to. It also contains the account of
two famous cures — which we have not yet mention-
ed ; — one of a blind man who recovered his sight
after nine days' invocation of the saint, who appeared
to him, and restored him to his sight; and the oilier,
of a leper, who was cleansed from his leprosy, by
causing himself to be rubbed over with the oil of a
lamp which burned before an image of Xavier.
The pope also adds, that the lamps suspended before
the image venerated at Corate, often burned with
holy water instead of oil, to the amazement of the
heathens who beheld it. The other miracles men-
tioned in this work, not found in the papal bull, are
taken from the acts of canonization.

Since the Holy See enrolled the apostle of India
among the saints, public devotion has incredibly
augmented towards him. Cities have taken him for
their protector ; numberless altars have been erected
to God under his invocation ; men have visited his
tomb with more than ordinary devotion, and the
chamber wherein he was born has been converted
into a church, and resorted to by pilgrims of all nations.

The recital of the miracles which have been since
wrought through his intercession, would fill a volume
as large as the present one. It is enough to say that
God has been pleased to honour the memory of his
servant, by such wonders, as might seem incredible,
if what we have already seen did not prepare us to
believe any thing of St. Francis Xavier. The famous

LIFE OP ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 437

Father Mastrili, when in the agonies of death, was
instantaneously cured by the Saint ; and when going
to Japan by the command of the Saint himself, to be
martyred there, built at Goa a magnificent sepulchre
for his benefactor. It is enough to say that never,
perhaps, was a Saint more loved or honoured in the
Church than St. Francis Xavier ; and that even the
enemies of the Society of Jesus have spoken of him
with affection and veneration.

Nor are these sentiments confined to catholics;
protestants themselves have revered Xavier. In the
History of India, Baldeus says : — " Did the religion
of Xavier agree with ours, we ought to esteem and
reverence him, like another St. Paul ; but, notwith-
standing the difference of religion, his zeal, vigilance,
and sanctity^of life, ought to excite all good men, not
to do the work of God negligently : for the gifts which
Xavier received to execute the office of a minister
and ambassador of Jesus Christ, were so eminent,
that my soul is unable to express them. When I
consider the patience and sweetness with which he
presented to all, the holy and living waters of the
Gospel ; when 1 regard the courage wherewith he
suffered injuries and affronts ; — I am forced to ex-
claim with the apostle : ' who is capable like him of
these wonderful things ?' " Baldeus concludes by
an apostrophe to Xavier : — " Would to God that
having been what you were, you had been one of

us

t-'j

Richard Hackluyt, a minister of the Church of
England, gives unqualified commendation to Xavier.
" Sancian," says he, "is an island in the neighbour-
hood of China, near the port of Canton : it is famous
for the death of Francis Xavier, that worthy preacher
of the Gospel, and that divine teacher of religion in
India. After great labours, many injuries, and an
infinite number of afflictions, — all borne with patience
and joy, he died in a cabin on a barren rock, on the
2nd of December, 1552, — destitute of all worldly

438 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

conveniences, but enriched with all sorts of spiritual
blessings, having first made known Jesus Christ to
many thousands of those Eastern people. The
modern histories of India are filled with the relation
of the excellent virtues and miraculous operations of
that holy man."*

Monsieur Tavernier goes still further, and speaks
like a Catholic. " St. Francis," says he, "ended his
mission, together with his life, at Sancian, after he
had established the Christian faith with admirable
success in all the places through which he passed ;
and that no less by the example of his holy life than
by the efforts of his zeal. He was never in China,
but it is probable that the rehgion which he estab-
lished in the isle of Niphon, extended to the neigh-
bouring countries, and multiplied by the cares of that
holy man, who may justly be called a new St. Paul,
and' the apostle of India."t

If Xavier was endued with all apostolical virtues,
does it not follow, that the religion which he preached,
was that of the apostles ? Is it an admissible suppo-
sition, that the man who was chosen by God to des-
troy idolatry and impiety in India, was himself an
idolater, and an impious man ? And yet he adored
Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, — invoked the Holy
Virgin, — bound himself by solemn vows to God, —
sought indulgences from the Pope,^ — used the sign of
the cross and holy water in curing the sick, — prayed
and offered sacrifice for the dead ! Can we believe,
then, that this holy man, this apostle, this other St.
Paul, continued all his life in the way of perdition,
and instead of enjoying now the happiness of the
saints, is enduring the torments of the damned?

* The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Discoveries, &c., of the
English, &c., Vol. II. Part II. — The reader is referred to the original
English ; the words here given being a translation from the French.

j- For some testimonies of modern Protestants, regarding the holi-
r.ess, zeal, and success of Xavier, see the preface to this work.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 439

Let us rather conclude, as we began, this work,
and say that the life of St. Francis Xavier is an
authentic testimony of the truth of the Gospel ; and
that we cannot consider what God has done by the
ministry of his servants, without being fully convinced
that the Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church is the
true and faithful spouse of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

THE END.

APPENDIX.

[from The London catholic miscellany.)

MIRACLES OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.

The writers of the life of St. Francis relate the most
stupendous miracles and prodigies, wrought by the Al-
mighty at his intercession, and in consequence of his
prayers. They recount numerous instances, in which,
invested with divine powers, he commanded the elements,
calmed the waves of the sea, appeared in different places
at the same time, saw into futurity, read the secrets of the
heart, expelled devils, healed the sick, gave light to the
blind, and restored the dead to life. After his decease, the
same miracles, according to these writers, continued to be
wrought through his intercession.

As soon as the news of his death reached Europe, a
general wish for his canonization was expressed. John
III., who then sat on the throne of Portugal, gave orders
to his Viceroy in the Indies, to cause a verbal process,
with all legal formalities, to be drawn of the life, virtues,
and miracles of Xavier. This was done at Goa, Cochin,
on the Malabar and Coromandel coasts, at Malacca, in the
Molucca Islands, and in all other places which had been
the scenes of his missionary labours. The most distin-
guished persons in these places,— even Pagans, gave testi-
mony to his conduct, and to the prodigies wrought by him,
or at his intercession. The examinations being completed,
a verbal process of them was prepared, legalized, and
signed by the viceroy. It was sent to the king, and was

38

442 APPENDIX.

immediately transmitted to the pope, with a letter, solicit
ing Xavier's canonization. The process for it was insti-
tuted in due form. The virtues and miracles of the saint
were rigidly examined. On the 25th of October, 1619,
Pope Paul V. declared Xavier beatified : he was canonized
by Pope Gregory XV. ; but that pontiff did not live to
issue the bull of his canonization. It was published on
the 6th of August, 1623, by Pope Urban VII., Gregory's
immediate successor.

It has been mentioned, that Xavier died at Sancian, on
the 2nd of December, 1552: his body was buried in a
large chest, filled with unslaked lime. The sacred remains
were then carried to Malacca, and afterwards to Goa,
where they were placed in the church of the college of St.
Paul, on the 15th of March, 1554. On the 17th Decem-
ber, 1556, the grave was opened, and the body was found
entire, fresh-coloured, and retaining its natural moisture.
The flesh being a little cut in the leg, near the knee, the
blood ran from the wound. In 1744, in consequence of
an order of John V., king of Portugal, the archbishop of
Goa, accompanied by the Marquis of Castello Nuovo, per-
formed a visitation of the relics of the saint. " The body
was found," says Mr. Alban Butler, " without the least
bad smell, and seemed environed with a kind of shining
brightness ; and the face, hands, breast, and feet, had not
suffered the least alteration, or symptom of corruption.
In 1747, the same king obtained a brief from Benedict
XIV., by which St. Francis was honoured with the title of
Patron and Protector of all the Countries in the
East Indies.

Controversy between Dr. Milner and Mr. Grier, on the
Miracles worked by St. Francis Xavier,

Before we notice it, we beg leave to insert an observa-
tion.

The Roman Catholic Church has ever gloried in the
virtues and miracles of her saints. Relying, with entire
confidence, on the promises of Christ, she believes, that
the power of working miracles was given by him to his

APPENDIX. 443

Church ; and that it never has been, and never will be,
withdrawn from her. Not that the Church ever possessed,
or pretended to possess, miraculous gifts, to be exercised
by her, at her mere will and pleasure ; for even the apos-
tles had not this power ; but, because the Almighty has,
in every age, at the time and in the manner suited to his
own divine councils, illustrated his Church, and particu-
larly the members of it, who have been possessed of heroic
sanctity, by unquestionable miracles.

Dr. Middleton justly observes, that "it is a maxim,
which must be allowed by all Christians, that, whenever
any religious rite, or institution, becomes the instrument
of miracles, we ought to consider that rite as confirmed by
divine approbation !" Hence, Catholics refer to the mira-
cles of their saints, as so many divine attestations of the
truth of the doctrines of their Church ; and zealously pub-
lish and circulate accounts of them. For the same reason,
their Protestant adversaries as zealously attempt to dis-
prove the Catholic miracles, and to weaken the relations
of them. Both Catholic and Protestant act consistently
with their respective principles. One Roman Catholic
miracle is sufficient to establish the truth of the Roman
Catholic religion, and to confound its adversaries. It evi-
dently follows, that while it is quite unnecessary for Roman
Catholics to prove the truth of all the miracles said to have
been wrought in the Roman Catholic Church, it is abso-
lutely incumbent on Protestants to prove the falsehood of
them all. For, if a single Roman Catholic miracle be
proved, the Roman Catholics have gained their cause;
they have clearly and incontrovertibly shown, that theirs
is the true and the only true religion.

We now proceed to the proposed discussion : — We shall
successively consider what is said upon the subject of
Saint Francis Xavier's Miracles, — by Dr. Douglas, the late
Bishop of Salisbury, in his celebrated work, entitled " The
Criterion," — by Dr. Milner, in his observations on the
prelate's work, in his " End of Controversy," — by the
Rev. Mr. Grier, in his " Reply to that of Dr. Milner ;""
by Dr. Milner, in his " Vindication of it ;'' — by Mr. Grier,
in his ''answer to the Vindication ;'' — and by Dr. Milner,
in his ^^ Parting Word to Mr. Grier. '^

444 APPENDIX.

1.

Objections made to the authenticity of the Miracles of St.
Francis Xavier, by Dr. Douglas, late Bishop of Salis-
bury, in his " Criterion.''^

The controversy on the miracles of Saint Francis
Xavier, was begun by Dr. Douglas, afterwards Bishop of
Salisbury. In 1754, he published " The Criterion ; — or,
Rules by which the true Miracles of the New Testament
are distinguished from the spurious Miracles of Pagans
and Papists."

1. " I think," says the learned prelate, " I may safely
challenge the admirers of the Romish Saints, to produce
any writing of any of them, in which a power of working
miracles is claimed by him, for himself."*

2. " From Xaverius himself (namely, from his published
letters), we are furnished not only with negative evidence
against his having any miraculous power, but also with a
positive fact, which is the strongest possible presumption
against it, namely, his lamenting his want of the super-
natural gift of tongues. "t

3. " The miracles of Xaverius were performed in the
extremities of the East ; accounts of them were not pub-
lished on the spot, but in Europe, at an immense distance;
and this, not till thirty-five years after the saint's de-
cease."4:

4. " Joseph Acosta had been a missionary among the
Indians ; his work de prociiranda Indorum salute, was
printed in 1589, that is, about thirty-seven years after the
death of Xaverius ; in it, we find an express acknowledg-
ment, that no miracles had ever been performed by mis-
sionaries. Acosta," continues the prelate, " was himself
a Jesuit, and therefore from his silence, we may infer, un-
questionably, that between thirty and forty years had
elapsed before Xavier's miracles were thought of."§

All these objections of the Bishop have been adopted by

♦ Criterion, p. 369. f lb. p. 10.

t lb. pp. 78, 81, &c. § lb. 73.

APPENDIX. 445

different Protestant divines of eminence ; as Dr. le Mesu-
rier, in his "Bampton Lectures;" Mr. Hugh Farmer, in
his " Dissertation upon Miracles ;" and Mr. Peter Rogers,
in his *' Observations upon a Pamphlet."

2.

Dr. Milner''s Defence, in his " End of Controversy'''' of
the authenticity of the Miracles of St. Francis Xavier,
against the Bishop of Salisbury's Attack upon them.

1. In reply to the Bishop of Salisbury's challenge to
the Roman Catholics, to produce any writing of any saint,
in which he asserts his own exercise of miraculous powers.
Dr. Milner justly remarks, that the last things, which true
saints choose to speak of, are their own supernatural fa-
vours ; but, nevertheless, that this has sometimes been
done by them on particular occasions : — and he notices
two instances, in which St. Bernard appealed to miracles
wrought by himself.*

2. In reply to the Bishop's argument against St. Fran-
cis's Miracles, from the negative evidence furnished against
them by the Saint's alleged silence upon them in his own
letters. Dr. Milner produces St. Francis's own claim to
miraculous gifts, in a letter written by him to St. Ignatius,
He mentions in it a miraculous cure, which he wrought
upon a dying woman : he expressly calls it a miracle ; and
affirms that it caused the conversion of the whole village
in which she resided.t

* Addressing himself to Eagenius III., in answer to his enemies,
who had reproached him with the ill success of the second crusade, —
Unde scimus quod a Domino sermo egressus sit. Quae signa tu
facis, ut credamus tibi. Non est quod ad ista ipse respondeam, par-
cendum verecundiae meae : responde tu pro me et pro te ipso, secun-
dum ea quae vidisti et audisti." De Cons. lib. ii. c. 1. In like
manner, writing to the people of Toulouse, of the miracles wrought
there — Mora quidem apud vos brevis, sed non infructuosa veritati,
nimirum per nos manifestatae, non solum in sermone sed etiam in
viriute.

\ Ep. F. Xaverii, lib. i. ep. 4

38*

446 APPENDIX.

3. In reply to the Bishop's objection to St. Francis's
Miracles, from their not having been published on the
spot : and not till thirty-five years after the Saint's decease,
Dr. Milner observes, that St. Francis died at the end of
the year 1552 ; that, on the 28th March, 1556, a letter
was sent from Lisbon, by John III., King of Portugal, to
his Viceroy, in India, Don Francisco Barretto, enjoining
him to take depositions upon oath, in all parts of the Indies,
where there was a probability of finding witnesses, not
only concerning the life and manners of Francis Xaverius,
but also concerning the iniractes, which he had wrought,
both living and dead ; and to send these authentic instru-
ments, with all the evidences and proofs, signed with his
own hand-writing, and sealed with his ring by three dif-
ferent conveyances.* This was immediately done ; the
depositions were immediately taken, legalised, and trans-
mitted to the King. He forthwith transmitted them to the
Pope, with a letter, soliciting the canonization of the Saint.
The King died in 1557. Thus, contrary to the Bishop's
assertion, the miracles of Xavier were published and re-
corded, both in India and Europe, almost immediately
after the Saint's decease.

4. In reply to the Bishop's objection, from the silence

•

* " Prorex amice ! Tibi, ego rex salutem plurimam. Ffancisci
Xaverii vita ac labores exempli adeo salutaris exiterunt, ut Deo gra-
tissimum fore sestimamus, si ea, ad diviiiam gloriam laudemque pro-
ferantur in Incem. Quo circa, ut ilia in vulgus édita, quam par est,
omnem auctoritatem habeant ac fidem, magnopere tibi mandamus, ut
usquequaque in India, ubicunque locupletes atque idonei hujus modi
rerum testes esse videbuntur (qui scilicet cum Francisco usum con-
suetudinemquehabuerint), tabulas publicas, ac testificationes, testibus
jurejurando adactis, rite conficiendas quam diligentissime cures, cum
de vita ejus ac moribus, deque rebus omnibus ab eo ad hominum
salutem et exemplum, laudabiliter gestis, tum vero de iis, quaB divini-
tus ille paravit et mortuus. Eas tabulas simul cum testimoniis, auc-
toritatibusque omnibus, tuo chirographo subscriptas, annuloque,
obsignatas, triplici ad nos transmittes via. Hoc sedule et celeriter si
feceris magnam a nobis inieris gratia. — Olissponi. v, Kal. Ap. mdlvi.

The substance of this letter is given above.

This copy of the King's letter is taken from " Horatii Tursellinie
societate Jesu, de vita Francisci Xaverii, Romse 1604." — The letter
is also inserted by Emanuel Acosta, of the same society, in his work,
"Rerum in Oriente gestarum, Diligen, 1571, Paris, 1672.

APPENDIX. 447

of Joseph Acosta, on the subject of St. Francis's Miracles,
Dr. Milner observes, that Joseph Acosta expressly says,
that ," signs and miracles, too numerous to be related,
accompanied the preaching, both in the East and West
Indies, in his own time ;* and that blessed master, Fran-
cis," by which name the saint was known before his» can-
onization, " being a man of an apostolical life, so many,
and such great signs had been reported of him, that hardly
more in number, or greater in magnitude, were read of any-
one, except the apostles."!

Dr. Milner then notices the Bishop's arguments, from
Joseph Acosta's declaration, that miracles were not worked
by missionaries among the Indians. In reply to this ob-
jection, he explains the expression of Acosta| to mean that,
at the time he was writing, tliere was not the S2imefacid/y
or facility of working miracles as the apostles enjoyed.
In a note, Dr. Milner mentions the title of Acosta's work,
and the page in which the passages in question are to be
found ; the book being rare, he notices its existence and
locality in the Bodleian Library. § We shall soon have
another occasion to notice the expression of Acosta, that
miracles were not wrought in his time by missionaries.

* "Et quidem dona spiritus sandi et miracula, quae in fideli prse-
dicatione innotuerunt, his etiam lemporihus, quando charitas, usque
adeo refrixit, enumerari longum esset, turn in Orientali ilia India, turn
in hac occidentali." — Josephus Acosta de procuranda Indorum salute,
lib. j. c. 6, p. 141.

-j- " Convertamus oculos in nostri seculi hominem, B Magistrum
Franciscum virura apostolicae vitse : cujus tot et tam magna signa
referuntur per plurimos eosque, idoneos testes, ut vix de alio exceptis
apostolis, signa leguntur." — lb. lib. ii. c. 10, p. 2^6,

t Altera causa in nobis est, cur apostolica predicatio institui omnino
apostolice non posset, quod miraculorum nulla facultas sit, quae
apostoli pluriraa perpetrarunt. — lb. lib. ii. ch. 8, p. '217.

§ The edition, cited by Dr. Milner, is that published at Cologne,
in 1596. It is to be inquired after in the Bodleian Library, under
the title, Johannes Papissa ioto orbi raanifestata — 8vo. ch. 29, Art.
Seld.

448 APPENDIX.

3.

Dr, Oner's Reply to Dr, Milner's *^ End of Controversy:^*
-—Its Vindication by Dr. Milner.

1. Astonishing, as it must appear to every one, who has
read the passage just extracted by us from Acosta, Mr.
Grier (p. 267) thus intrepidly writes : — " Of Xavier's
Miracles, which Dr. Milner says, consisted in foretelling
events, in speaking unknown languages, calming tempests
at sea, and raising dead to life ; Acosta, a contemporary
writer, makes no mention. But had those singular docu-
ments taken place, he must have noticed them." The
obvious answer is, that Joseph Acosta particularises no
miracles : but he explicitly asserts, in general terms, that
the miracles worked by him, were not exceeded, either in
number or magnitude, Ijy any, except those of the apostles.

2. Mr. Grier then says (p. 268, 369,) " with respect to
Xavier's gift of tongues, which is ascribed to him in a
superior degree, it is certain that he himself deeply
lamented, in one of his letters, his deficiency in this very
particular;" I answer, first, that it is an enormous mis-
representation to say, that " Saint Francis deeply lamented
that he had not the gift of tongues." St. Francis more
than once lamented, that he did not understand the lan-
guages spoken in the countries to which his missionary
labours carried him ; he mentions the pains he took to
acquire the knowledge and use of them. This is not
lamenting the want of the gift of tongues. To have
aspired to that sublime and miraculous gift, or lamented
his not possessing it, would have been great pride and
impiety. — 2. None of the biographers of St. Francis have
ascribed to him a constant or habitual gift of tongues.
The writers of his life mention, that it was communicated
to him, for the first time, in one of his missions at Tra-
vancor,* — and afterwards! at Amanguchi ;— and on some
other occasions.

* Bouhours, liv. ii. f lb. 1. v.

APPPENDIX. 449

4.

Mr, Grier's Defence of his Reply. — Dr, Milner^s Parting
Word,

Here astonishment makes the pen drop from my hand !
— After Mr. Grier had read, in Dr. Milner's works, the
passages I have cited, both in the original and in a transla-
tion of them, in which Acosta mentions the numerous great
gifts and signs, exhibited by St. Francis Xavier,* Mr.
Grier boldly asserts that Joseph Acosta did not ascribe
miracles to him ! ! !

He then produces the sentence, which we have trans-
cribed from Acosta, in which he mentions, that " the
missionaries wantecV^ — I use Mr. Grier's own words,
(425) " the power which the apostles possessed of work-
ing miracles." He then cites, with some triumph, what
he calls the very heading of this chapter of Acosta's work,t
in which these words occur : — Cur miracula in conver-
sione gentiumnon fiunt nunc ut olim a Christi prœdica-
toribus. Why miracles in the conversion of the gentiles
are not wrought now as heretofore by the preachers of
Christ.

In answer to this strange misconception of Joseph
Acosta's meaning, I beg leave, 1st, to transcribe the title
of Joseph Acosta's next chapter. Quod etiarn exiguo
merito prœdicatorum signorum paucitas aliqua ex parte
attribuenda sit. That the paucity of miracles is also to
be attributed, in some part, to the small merit of the
preachers: — 2ndly, that in the ninth chapter, Acosta
mentions miracles worked by the missionaries ; 3rd]y,
that he mentions in the tenth the miracles of Father Gaspar
and others ; — and 4thly, that the work of Joseph Acosta
was not written till about forty years after the decease of
the Apostle of the Indies, and evidently refers to the time
at which it was written.

From all these, it is as clear as noon-day light that
Joseph Acosta explicitly and equivocally acknowledges,

♦ Aut. page. f Lib. ii. c. 9.

450 APPENDIX.

that miracles, both great and numerous, were wrought by
St. Francis Xavier ; — 2ndly, that the want of miracles, of
which Joseph Acosta complains, should be referred to a
time long subsequent to the death of Saint Francis, when
though India still abounded with edifying missionaries, it
had not Xaviers ; and, finally, that, as Joseph Acosta
laments the paucity^ he asserts their limited existence.
He most expressly says, that Father Caspar and his nu-
merous companions in the Oriental parts of India, wrought,
to the praise of the divine magnificence, wonderful works
for the conversion of new peoples ;* and that the same was
not unusual among the religious of other orders in its
western parts. Thus all the objections of Mr. Grier, and
of his Right Reverend antecessor in the controversy are
completely answered.

♦ Quid M. Gasper aliique socii non pauci in India Orientali, quantam
divinae magnificeiitiœ laudem novis convertendis populis, operibus
mirabilibus pepererunt. Quod in aliis sacrorum ordinuni viris, et in
nostra quoque occidentali India non omnino inusitatum." lb. p. 226.

END OF APPENDIX.

CONTENTS

Preface, 3

Chapter 1. ------ 9

Birth of Xavier — Natural dispositions — He is sent to the
University of Paris — Is made Lecturer of Philosophy — Be-
comes acquainted with Ignatius of Loyola — Escapes the snares
laid for his faith.

Chapter II. 17

Change of life in Xavier — He consecrates himself to God by
vow — Goes to Venice — Painful mortification — He visits Rome
— Is ordained a priest — Prepares to celebrate his first mass.

r
Chapter III. - ^ - - - 25

Xavier falls sick — Has a vision of St. Jerome — He labours at
Bologna — Continued indisposition — He is recalled to Rome —
Is appointed for the mission of India — Mysterious manifesta-
tions of God's will — Xavier's interviews with Paul III.

Chapter IV. 33

Xavier leaves Rome — Letter to Ignatius — Remarkable inci-
dents of the journey — He passes by the castle of Xavier, with-
out visiting it — Arrives at Lisbon — Appears at Court — Apos-
tolic labours — The doctor of Navarre.

452 CONTENTS.

Chapter V. 42

Effects produced by Xavier and Rodriguez at Court. — The
King wishes to retain them in Portugal — Intervention of
Ignatius — Xavier's parting interview with the King — Extra-
ordinary disinterestedness and magnanimity — He sails for
India.

Chapter VI. 50

Passage to India — Xavier's occupation during the voyage —
Sickness on board — Xavier's zeal in attending the sick — Ar-
rives at Mozambique — Six months spent on the island — Xavier
falls sick — Leaves Mozambique — First prediction — Arrives at
Melinda — State of Mahommedanism there — Passes thence to
Socotora — His regret at leaving this island — Arrival at Goa —
Interview with the bishop.

Chapter VII. 63

State of religion in India on Xavier's arrival — Corruption of
the Portuguese population — Idolatrous abominations — Zeal of
Xavier — Catechetical instructions — Extraordinary fruits of his
public preaching — Reformation of morals in Goa.

Chapter VIII. 69

Xavier goes to plant the faith on the Fishery-coast — Miracle
at Cape Comorin — Labours among the Saracens — He estab-
lishes catechists — Fruits of his labours — He employs children
in the miraculous cure of sick persons, and in the delivery of a
demoniac — Remarkable punishment of a pagan.

Chapter IX. _ _ _ - - 78

Indian mythology — Celestial descent of the brahmins —
Xavier holds a conference with them — Interview with a famous
brahmin — Various miracles — Exposes the brahmins — His aus-
tere life and continual labours — Spiritual consolations.

Chapter X. 87

Xavier returns to Goa — Seminary of the " Holy Faith" — Its
foundation, and subsequent transfer to the Society — Xavier

CONTENTS. 453

returas to the Fishery-coast — Visits the kingdom of Travancor
— Gift of tongues — Persecution by the brahmins — Miraculous
dispersion of an invading army — Two dead men restored to
life — Conversion of the entire iing Jom of Travancor.

Chapter XI. 99

Xavier seeks to obtain afresh supply of missionaries — Writes
to Home, and to Paris — Sends a missionary to Manar — Con-
stancy of the christians of that island — Their martyrdom —
Conversion of the king of Jafanatapan's son — His martyrdom
— Miraculous cross — Conversion and flight of two princes —
Xavier sets out for Cambaya — Sends Michael Vaz to Portu-
gal— Letter to the king — Its consequences.

Chapter XII. .... - 108

Extraordinary effort of Xavier*s zeal — Remarkable conver-
sion— Project of war against the King of Jafanatapan — Re-
markable predictions — Xavier raises a dead child to life — Visits
the island of Manar, which he delivers from the pestilence —
Enterprise agains the King of Jafanatapan defeated — First
converts of Macassar — Antonio Galvan — The soldier-mission-
er — The conversion of the king of Supa and Sion — Xavier sets
out for Meliapore — Miraculous foreknowledge.

Chapter XIII. - - - - - 117

Xavier arrives at Meliapore — Monuments of St. Thomas —
Remarkable conversions — Wonderful events — A rich mer-
chant aspires to evangelical perfection — Temporary weak-
ness of this man — Xavier's charity in favour of a distracted
gamester.

Chapter XIV. ..... 127

Xavier arrives at Malacca — State of that city — Efforts of
Xavier's zeal for its reformation — He learns the Malaya tongue
— Miraculous recovery of Antonio Fernandez — Raises a dead
woman to life — Arrival of new missioners from Portugal — In-
constancy of the people of Malacca — Xavier sails for Amboyna
— Extraordinary gift of speech — Great zeal — Pestilence en
board the Spanish fleet — Charity of Xavier towards the sick —
John d'Araus — Remarkable prediction.

Chapter XV. - - - - - 138

Xavier preaches the gospel in several islands — Miraculous
restoration of his crucifix in Baranura — Solitary conversion at
39

454 CONTENTS.

Rosalao— Remarkable prediction — Xavier obtains rain from
God for the people of Ulate — Their conversion — Sails for the
Moluccas — Preaches at Ternate — Deaths of Juan Galvan, and
Juan d'Araus — Great success at Ternate — Conversion of a
distinguished lady.

Chapter XVI. 145

Xavier proposes to visit the isle del Moro — Martyrdom of
Simon Vaz, a former missioner there — The people of Ternate
oppose the intended voyage — Decree of the governor — Apos-
tolic remonstrance of Francis — Letter to Rome — Manifesta-
tion of supernatural knowledge — Eight Portuguese murdered
— Arrival at the isle del Moro — Wonderful success — Conver-
sion of all the inhabitants of Tolo and Momoya — Miraculous
escape — Spiritual consolations.

Chapter XVII. 155

Xavier returns to Ternate — Remains there during Lent —
Endeavours to convert the king of that island — Conversion of
the king's brother — Departs from Ternate — Arrives at Am-
boyna — Exercises his zeal among the soldiers — Remarkable
prediction — Miraculous cross — Constancy of the christians of
Amboyna — Xavier leaves that island — Probable time of his
visit to Macassar.

Chapter XVIII. 163

Mansilla dismissed from the Society — New missionaries —
John Deyro again relapses — Remarkable vision and prediction
— Incessant occupations of Xavier — Hostilities against Malac-
ca— Expedition of Achen — Sudden, and destructive attack on
the city — Bombastic detiance — Counsel of Xavier— He over-
comes great difficulties in its execution — Vow of the soldiers —
Loss of a vessel — Tumult among the people — Prophecy of
Xavier — Its accomplishment — Departure of the fleet — False
rumour — Consternation in Malacca — Insidious attempt of the
King of Bintan — Engagement of the two fleets — Dreadful
slaughter of the enemy — Miraculous manifestations of the vic-
tory— Triumphant return of the fleet.

Chapter XIX. 181

Arrival of a Japanese — Causes of his visit — Providential
interposition — Xavier sends him to Goa — Sails himself for

CONTENTS. 455

Cochin — Strait of Ceylon — Dreadful storm — Miraculous pre-
servation— Xavier writes to the King of Portugal — His letter —
Writes also to Father Simon Rodriguez — Spiritual delights
during the storm.

Chapter XX. 190

Xavier visits the Fishery-coast — Is consoled by the faith
and piety of its inhabitants — Encourages and instructs his fel-
low missioners — Passes over to Ceylon — Attempts the conver-
sion of the king of Jafanatapan,

Chapter XXI. 200

Xavier reproves a young nobleman — Cosmo de Torrez joins
the Society — Baptism of Anger and his two attendants — Their
great piety — Xavier determines to go to Japan.

Chapter XXII. 207

Expedition to Aden — Extraordinary zeal — Xavier converts
a licentious soldier — Returus to Goa — Sickness and death
of Don John de Castro — Interior delights — Arrival of five
missioners from Europe — Many apply to be received into the
Society — Xavier consoles Father Henriquez — Returns to
Cochin — Thence to Bazain.

Chapter XXIII. 214

His friends oppose Xavier's voyage to Japan — He rebukes
them for their pusillanimity — He writes to Ignatius — He con-
stitutes Father Paul Camerino, superior in his absence — In-
structions for his conduct in that office — He sends Father
Caspar Barzaeus to Ormuz— Gives him written directions for
his guidance.

Chapter XXIV. 236

Xavier sets out for Japan — Stops at Cochin — Extraordinary
conversion — Arrives at Malacca — Deplorable state of the Grand
vicar — Xavier prepares him for death — He is consoled by the
edifying lives of Francis Perez and Roch Oliviera — Juan
Bravo joins the Society — Xavier abridges his noviceship, and
gives him special instructions — Extraordinary circumstance in
Japan — Xavier departs from Malacca — He is affiicted at the
idolatry of the crew — Melancholy occurrence — He arrives in
Japan.

456 CONTENTS.

Chapter XXV. 246

Sketch of Japan, its government and religion — Paul de
Sainte' Foi at the court of Saxuma — Xavier commences the
study of the Japanese language — Is presented at court — Be-
gins to preach — Visits the bonzas — They oppose him — Aus-
tere life of Xavier.

Chapter XXVI. 256

Miraculous draught of fishes — Cure of a leper — A young
woman restored to life — Exemplary chastisements — Deputa-
tion of the bonzas to the king — Edict against the christians —
Xavier proposes to leave his infant flock — Sets out from Can-
goxima — Visits the fortress of Elkandono — Makes many con-
verts there— Piety, zeal, and lively faith of these new christians.

Chapter XXVII. ^ ^ - ^ - 265

Xavier arrives at Firando — Great success of his preach-
ing— Sets out for Meaco- — Stops at Amanguchi — Journey
thence to Meaco — Zeal of Xavier — He is miraculously pre-
served from being stoned to death — Leaves Meaco and returns
to Amanguchi — Trait of disinterestedness — The king protects
the missioners — Importunities of the Japanese — Letters to Ig-
natius— Miraculous multiplication of Xavier's words — Won-
derful success of his ministry — Interior delights — Admirable
patience of Fernandez — The bonzas lose credit with the
people — They inspire the king with distrust of Xavier — Xavier
determines on returning to India.

Chapter XXVIII. 286

Xavier leaves Amanguchi — Is honourably received by the
Portuguese at Fichen — Invitation from the King of Bungo —
Grand procession — Extraordinary child — Xavier is graciously
received by the King — Insolence of a bonza — Xavier receives
extraordinary honours.

Chapter XXIX. 296

Xavier labours with great fruit at Fucheo — Converts a
famous bonza — Favourable change in the morals of the court —
Labours and sufferings of Xavier's companions at Amanguchi
— Revolution in that kingdom — New king — Parting address
of Xavier to the King of Bungo.

CONTENTS. 457

Chapter XXX. ----- 302

Conspiracy of the bonzas against the king of Bungo —
Calumnies against Xavier — Conference with a celebrated
bonza — Excitement of the people against the Portuguese —
Xavier refuses to depart with his companions — Heroic conduct
of Edward de Gama — New conference with Fucarandono —
Xavier leaves Japan.

Chapter XXXI. 316

Prediction of Xavier — Terrific tempest — Prophecy — Miracu-
lous multiplication of Xavier's presence — Arrives at Sancian,
and sails thence for Malacca — Francis D'Aghiar — Fulfilment
of Xavier's assurance to him — Xavier confers with Pereyra on
the embassy to China — Generous offer of the merchant —
Arrival at Malacca — History of the " Santa Cruz."

Chapter XXXII. 329

Conversion of the king of the Maldive islands — Xavier
writes to Europe — Arrives in Goa — Flourishing state of the
missions — The kings of Tanor and Trichenamalo embrace the
faith — Letter of the bishop of Goa to Ignatius — The king of
Portugal continues to favour the missions of the Society —
Father Antonio Gomez ; his extravagancies and punishment.

Chapter XXXIII. . - . - 340

Embassy to China — Zeal for the missions — Xavier is made
Provincial of the Society in India— He makes Father Gaspar
Barzaeus, Rector of the College at Goa, and Vice Provincial —
Contest of humility — Instructions to Barzaeus — Xavier sends
Andrew Fernandez to Europe — Letters to the King — Parting
admonition to the Fathers of Goa.

Chapter XXXIV. 350

Xavier departs from Goa — Violent tempest — Xavier an-
nounces the pestilence which raged at Malacca — Attends the
sick — Restores a dead man to life — Unexpected opposition
from the governor — His tyrannical conduct — Xavier threatens
him with excommunication — Excommunicates him — Afflic-
tion of Xavier — Letter to Pereyra — Xavier perseveres in his
resolution to go to China — Predicts the punishment of the
governor — Leaves Malacca.

39*

458 CONTENTS.

Chapter XXXV. - - - - - 360

Miraculous supply of water — Some Arabs converted — Ex-
traordinary restoration of a child — Conversion of many at
Cincheo — The ship arrives at Sancian — Anecdote of Peter
Veglio — Francis foretells his death — Accomplishment of that
and other predictions.

Chatter XXXVI. 367

The Portuguese of Sancian oppose Xavier's design — He is
encouraged by some Chinese merchants — The Portuguese pre-
vail on him to defer it — Letters to Pereyra, and to Father Bar-
zaeus — Abrupt departure, and melancholy fate, of a merchant —
Xavier suffers great distress — He is disappointed by the Chinese
interpreter and captain — Falls sick — Foreknowledge of his ap-
preaching death— Unskilful treatment — Heartless desertion —
Hia last moments.

Chapter XXXVII. - - - - 378

Xavier's burial — Shameful neglect — Cross of Navarre —
Preservation of Xavier's body — It is brought to Malacca —
Miraculous events accompanying its arrival there — Neglect of
the people of that city — Re-exaraination of the body — It is sent
to Goa — Preservation from shipwreck — Solemn reception of the
body at Goa — Great devotion of the people.

Chapter XXXVIII. . ... 388

Process of the life and miracles of Xavier — His memory is
reverenced by Mahometans and Christians — The King of Por-
tugal petitions for his canonization — Virtues of Xavier — His
spirit of recollection and prayer — His zeal for the Divine
honour — His charity for his neighbour — Instance of heroic
virtue.

Chapter XXXIX. ----- 398

Xavier's labours for the conversion of souls — Extent and
dangers of his travels — Prayer of Xavier — Diversified charac-
ter of his zeal — Heroic intrepidity — Confidence in God —
Wonderful humility — Relation of Ordognez Cavalio — Various
extracts from the letters of Xavier — His perfect obedience —
Letter oÇ Ignatius — Love of the Society — Poverty of Xavier —
His spirit of mortification — His devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

CONTENTS. 459

Chapter XL. 430

Conversion of the king of Bungo — He solicits-the canoniza-
tion of Xavier from the Holy See — The Portuguese ships sa-
lute Sancian — Pilgrimage of an Indian convert to Navarre —
Various miraculous cures through the intercession of Xavier —
Cross of Corate — Miraculous medal — Continued preservation
of Xavier's body — He is beatified, and shortly afterwards
canonized — Bull of his canonization — Testimonies of Protest-
ant writers,

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6. Grounds of the Catholic Doctrine, - 25

7. Catholics Represented and Misrepresented, 37è

8. True Way to find out the True Religion, 25

9. Net for the Fishers of Men, 1 5' td

10. The Conversion of Andrew Dunn, t o c 37è

11. The Conversion of Rev. John Thayer, J p p-

12. Challoner's History of the Protestant Re-

ligion, ------ 25

13. Familiar Instructions, . - - 371

14. Happy Family, . - - - 37è

15. The Young Communicants, by the author of

Géraldine, 31

16. On the Use of the Bible, - - - 50
Following of Christ, ----- 50
Spiritual Combat, - - - - - 50
Catholic School Book, - . - - 15
Catholic Primer, 6

Catholic Tracts, Small Size, 32 mo.

Conversing with God, (bound,) - - - 25

Angelical Virtue, or Holy Purity, - - 25

Four Maxims of Christian Philosophy, - 25

Month of Mary, 50

Life of St. Joseph, 25

463

Bossuet's Exposition of the Catholic Docflrine, 25

Fenelon's Pious Reflections, - - , 25

Way of the Cross, Muslin, - - - - 25

Pious Biography of Young Men, - - . 62è

" " " " Ladies, - - 50

Life of St. Patrick, ' 75

Christian at the Foot of the Cross, - - 12é

Short Examination of Conscience, - - 10

Golden Book of Humility, - - - - 6

The Pious Sodality of the Most Sacred Heart, 6

Instructions on God for Children, - - - 5

Small Catechisms, Old Edition, per 100, - 2 50

New Edition, large type, *' 100, - 2 00

Fleury's Historical Catechism, " 100, - 8 00

Butler's Catechism, " 100 - 4 00
Dovvay Catechism, Revised by Dr. Doyle, per 100 12 50

Roman Missal, from 1 25 to - - - 3 00

True Piety " 75 to - - - 3 00

Key to Paradise " 75 to - - - 2 50

Prince Hohenlohe's Prayer Book, 75 to - 2 50

Pious Guide, 75 to 2 50

Catholic Piety, 50 to 2 00

Christian Guide, 37è to - - - - 1 50

Vade Mecum, 25 to 1 00

Daily Exercise, 25 to - - - - i OO

The above Prayer Books vary in price according to the
style of binding.
Lingard's History of England, 14 volumes, boards, 17 50

For sale at the publishers prices.

Memoir of Missionary Priests, - - - 1 50

Geram's Visit to Rome, _ - - - 75

Gampell and Dr. Purcell's Debate, - - 1 25

Letters on Religious Subjects, -, - 25

Ligouri's Short Treatise on Prayer - - 37è

Lingard's Tracts, 1 vol. 12mo. - - - 1 00

Ursuline Manuel, from $1 to - - - 3 00

Key of Heaven, " 50 to - - - 1 50
Amicable Discussion on the Church of England,

and on the Reformation in general, 2 vols. 12mo.

cloth backs, 1 75

Answer to the Rev. G. S. Faber's Difficulties of

Romanism. 12mo. cloth backs, - - 75

464

Catechism of the Council of Trent. 8vo. bound. 1 50

Daily Companion, 25

Devont Communicant. By the Rev. P. Barker, O.
S. F. 32 mo. bound. - . - - 50

Daily Devotion, ------ 25

Dictionary of all religions,'or the Wanderings of the
Human Intellect. By the Rev. John Bell. 8vo.
bound. 125

Difficulties of Protestantism. By the Rev. John
Fletcher, D. D. 12mo. bound. - - 75

Devotion des Confréries, 18mo. bound. - 75

Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus
Christ. ISmo. bound. _ . - 50

England's Reformation. A poem in four Cantos.
By Thomas Ward. 18mo. bound. - - 87è

Exposition of the doctrine of the Catholic Church,
in matters of controversy. By the Rt. Rev. James
B. Bossuet, D. D. A new edition, with copious
notes. — By the Rev. John Fletcher, D. D. 18mo.
bound, 62d

Explanation of the construction, furniture, and orna-
ments of a church, of the vestments of the clergy,
and of the nature and ceremonies of the Mass. By
the Right Rev. John England, D. D., Bishop of
Charleston, S. C. 12mo. muslin. - - 75

Father Rowland, a North American Tale. Extra
boards, 50

Faith of Catholics, Compiled by the Rev. Joseph
Berrington and Rev. John Kirk. 12mo. muslin. 1 00

Felicity of the Saints, translated by the Rt. Rev. Dr.
David. 32mo. bound, - - - - 50

Garden of the Soul. 18mo. bound, - - 75

Hornihold's 20 discourses on the Sacraments. 12 mo.
bound, 1 00

History of the Reformation in England and Ireland,
in a series of letters. By William Cobbett. 2
vols. 12mo. bound, - - - - 1 25

Hornihold's 32 Discourses on the Commandments.
12mo. bound, 1 00

History of the Church, from its establishment to the
Reformation. By the Rev. C. C. Pise, 5 vols.
8vo. cloth backs. 7 50

Bellarmine College Library
Plattsburg, New York

BX8319,X3B68
Bouhours, Dominique

The life of St. Francis Xavier, 3. J,