The life of St. Francis Xavier, of the Society of Jesus, apostle of the Indies, and of Japan written in French by Father Dominick Bohours, of the same Society ; translated into English by Mr. Dryden.

THE LIFE OF St. FRANCIS XAVIER. (Book 6)

BOOK VI. (Book 6)

THE Affairs of the Society be∣ing accommodated in this manner,* 1.1 Xavier thought on nothing more than how to supply the Missions of the Indies with good Labourers; or rather to increase the number of the Missioners, who were not sufficient for the common needs. He therefore sent Melchior Nug••ez to Bazain; Gonsalvo Rodriguez to Cochin, Iohn Lopez

to Meliapore, and Luys Mendez to the Fishery, where he confirm'd Henry Hen∣riquez for Superiour, whom the Missio∣ners of that Coast had already chosen in∣stead of Antonio Criminal.

After this,* 1.2 he bent his whole endea∣vours to Procure an Embassy to China. The Viceroy, Don Alphonso de Norogna, with great willingness granted to Iames Pereyra, that employment, which Xa∣vier had desir'd for him. He promis'd even to favour it, in all things depend∣ing on him; and gave wherewithal to furnish out Presents for the Emperour of China. Notwithstanding, the most mag∣nificent were made at the charges of the Embassadour. He had prepar'd Cloth of Gold, Ornaments for an Altar of Bro∣card, Pictures of Devotion in rich Frames, made by the best hands of Europe, with Copes and other magnificent Church-stuff, all proper to represent to the Chi∣neses, the Majesty of the Christian Reli∣gion. The Bishop, Don Iuan d' Albuquerque, was not less favourable to the designs of the Father, than the Viceroy. And be∣ing willing to write to the Emperour of China, thereby to give an honourable te∣stimony to the holy Law of God, he or∣der'd his Letter to be written in Cha∣racters of Gold, and border'd about with

curious Painting. Nothing more was wanting, than only to make choice of such Missioners, as were to accompany Xavier to China, and to provide others for Iapan: For, besides that the Saint himself, had his dear Iaponians always in his memory, the Ambassadour of the King of Bungo, who was come with him to Goa, requested some Evangelical Preachers, in his Masters name. The man of God▪ had enough to do, to con∣tent all those, who were desirous of that Employment. There were at that time thirty of the Society in the Colledge of G••a. Some of them had been in the In∣dies, from the first years of Xaviers ar∣rival in those Ports: Others were either new comers▪ or had been lately admit∣ted; all of them were of approv'd vertue, and well worthy of that vocation, which they so earnestly desir'd; but there was none amongst them, who sought it with more eagerness, nor who more signally deserv'd it than Gasper Barzaeus.

Xavier,* 1.3 before his Voyage to Iapan, had recall'd him from Ormuz, with design of sending him to that Country, or else of ta∣king him with himself to China. Yet he alter'd both those intentions; for after many serious debates within himself, he thought it most convenient, to leave Bar∣zaeus

at Goa, where since his return from Ormuz, he had labour'd in the Ministry with great success: but his principal rea∣son was, the necessity of the Colledge of St. Paul, which had not yet shaken off all the ill symptoms of the government of Gomez, and which stood in need of a Superiour, whose conduct shou'd be re∣gular. On these considerations he made him Rector of the Colledge of Goa, and also Vice-Provincial of the Indies, by the authority which he had receiv'd from the General of the Order. For the Saint at his return from Iapan, found two Patents waiting for him, which had been expedited from Rome, in the year 1549, one bearing date the 10th. of October, the other the 23d. of December, as the minutes, which are kept in the Archives of the Society, declare; by the first Ignatius constitutes Father Xa∣vier Provincial of the Indies, and of all the Kingdoms of the East, of which he made a particular Province, distinct from that of Portugal; by the second he en∣dows him with all the priviledges which the Popes have granted to the head of the Order; and to those Members of it, to whom the General shall please to im∣part them. For what remains, see here the form of Barzaeus his establishment,

which is preserv'd in the Archives of Goa; and written by the hand of Father Xavier.

Master Gaspar,* 1.4 I command you in vertue of holy obedience, as Superiour of the Com∣pany of Iesus in these Countries of the In∣dies, to take the Government of this Col∣ledge of Santa Fe; in quality of Rector; perswaded as I am of your vertue, your humility, your prudence, and of all those qualities which make you proper for the governing of others.

I will, that all the Fathers, and Por∣tuguese Brothers of the Society of Jesus, who are spread over this new world, from the Cape of Good Hope, as far as Ma∣lacca, the Molucca's, and Japan, be subject to you. I will, in like manner, that all those who shall come from Portugal, or from any other Country of Europe, into the Houses of the Society, under my obe∣dience, shou'd acknowledge your for their Superiour; if it happen not, that our Fa∣ther Ignatius name some other Rector of this Colledge of Goa, as I have already requested him by my Letters, informing him at large of the necessity of sending hither some experienc'd person, in whom he much confides, to Govern this Colledge, and all the Missions of our Society depending on it. If then, any of the Society, sent by

Father Ignatius, or by any other General of the Society of Jesus▪ with Patents sign'd in due form, shall arrive at Goa, to take the Government of this House, and of those which are subjected to it, I command you, in the same vertue of holy obedience, to re∣sign the Government into his hands, forth∣with, and to be obedient to him in all things.

Xavier having thus declar'd Barzae•••• Superiour,* 1.5 in a full Assembly of the Colledge, kneel'd down, and acknow∣ledg'd him for such; thereby giving a publick example of submission. After which, he commanded all of them in vertue of holy obedience, to be subject to him: and order'd him to expel from the Society, all such, as shou'd enterprise ought against his authority, or refuse o∣bedience to his Orders. He order'd him, I say, positively to expel them, without consideration of their capacity, their ••loquence, or any other gifts of Nature; adding, that what ever excellent qualities they had, they wanted those which were essential, namely humility and obedience.

Barzaeus reply'd not one word,* 1.6 when it was intimated to him, that he shou'd not go to China, how desirous soever he were of that Voyage: and it may be

said, that on this occasion, he made a noble sacrifice of all his fervent zeal to his Obedience. But when he was nomi∣nated both Rector and Vice Provincial, confounded at the mention of those dig∣nities, he said aloud, That he was not en∣du'd with the Spirit of Government: he was ready to dye of shame, when he saw the Saint upon his knees before him; and with great precipitation, fell also on his knees, and humbly beg'd of him with tears in his eyes, that he wou'd consider his infirmities. The Saint, who had a perfect insight into his integrity, wou'd not hearken to him, and judg'd him to be so much the more worthy of those two Employments, as he judg'd himself to be uncapable. As Barzaeus was the desire of all, in all places, and yet his presence was necessary at Goa, not only for the due regulation of the Colledge, but also for the good of Missions; Xa∣vier forbad him in vertue of holy obe∣dience, to depart out of the Isle of Goa, during the space of three years ensuing; and for this reason, that Barzaeus having this tye of prohibition upon him, might be priviledg'd to refuse any Towns which might desire him amongst them: and that if his refusal shou'd displease them, yet at least the unkindness might not rest on him.

After all these punctual Orders,* 1.7 Xa∣vier gave in writing, to the new Rector, such instructions, as he was to use in the government of his inferiours, and in re∣ference to the conduct of himself; ac∣cording to what all of them had propos'd to themselves, to have no design, save onely ad m••j••rem Dei gloriam; to God's greater honour. Those Instructions are very ample; and I shall give you onely the most material.

Have before your eyes continually your own nothingness, and endeavour above all things to have your mind so possess'd with it, that the contempt of your self may ne∣ver leave you. Always treat the Fathers of the Society with great mildness and re∣spect; as well those who inhabit with you, as those who live in other places, at a di∣stance: let not the least rough••ess, or haughty carriage appear in you, if it be not when your moderation and humility are turn'd into contempt; for on such occasions, having nothing in your intentions but the good of your Inferiours, and not making the con∣tempt of your authority the object of your vengeance, you are to make the guilty some∣what sensible of your power. But you shall only punish them so far as need requires, and for their amendment▪ and the edifica∣••ion of our Brethren, who were witnesses of

their fault. All the offences which shall be committed either by the F••thers or the Brothers against the rule of obedience, ought to be punish'd by some correction: and in so doing, the Character of Priesthood, must be no priviledge to the Offendour. If any of your Inferiours, act presumptuously a∣gainst you, and full of self-opinion, resist you with stubbornness, raise your self in opposition to their pride; and speak magi∣sterially to them: let your behaviour to∣wards them, have more of severity than of mildness. Impose some publick penance on them: and beware of all things, that they may not observe in you the least re∣misness, which they will be sure to inter∣pret fear; for nothing more encourages the ••••tractable and haughty to Rebellion, than the softness and fearful spirit of a Gover∣nour. And it is not credible, how assu∣ming, proud, and peremptory they will grow, when once they find the reins are slacken'd, and that their p••silanimous Superiour is afraid of punishing their want of due re∣spect. Impunity hardens that sort of Peo∣ple in their insolence; or rather, it makes them more and more audacious; which di∣sturbs the peace of Religious Houses. Exe∣cute then my Orders, without fearing the opinion or speech of People: and let no consideration, no regard of persons, hinder

you from the performance of your duty. Amongst your Inferiours, you will find some, who are neither obstinate nor disobe∣dient, but who are weak; who are forget∣ful of what is enjoyn'd them, who indeed despise not the Orders of their Superiours, but sometimes neglect them, either out of faintheartedness, or want of sence. Re∣prehend such men, with more gentleness and moderation, and temper your reproof with the mildness of your countenance; and if you find it necessary so punish them, im∣pose but an easie penance on them. Never admit into the Society, such as are not en∣du'd with judgement, and good natural parts: nor those who are of a weak consti∣tution, and proper for no employment, or of whom you may reasonably suspect, that they wou'd enter into Religion for secular respects, rather than out of a sincere devo∣tion of serving God. When they shall have ended their exercises, you are to em∣ploy them in the service of the Sick, in the publick Hospitals, and in the meanest Of∣fices of the House. You shall cause them t•• give you an account of the endeavours they have made, to acquit themselves well of their ordinary meditations, according to the form prescrib'd. If you are assur'd, that they are luke-warm and faint, at their de∣votions, you will do well to d••smiss them,

and turn them out of the Society betimes: or, if there be any hope of their amend∣ment, you shall withdraw them for some days from those interiour exercises; depri∣ving them by way of penance, of an honour which their negligence has made them un∣worthy to enjoy; (and such indeed is that of communicating with God in Prayer) to the end that being asham'd, to stand ex∣cluded from that coelestial commerce, they may desire more ardently to be re-admitted to it. I recommend extreamly to you, that you pay an extraordinary respect to my Lord the Bishop; and that you be obedient to him. Beware of doing any thing which may displease him: Endeavour, on the contrary, to serve him in all things, ac∣cording to your power: and acknowledge by all manner of good Offices, those infinite obligations which we have to so charitable a Father and Benefactour. Command those Fathers who are out of Goa, to write to him from time to time, but not too prolixly: and to give him an account of the fruit of their labours. That they mention in their Letters, as far as truth will give them leave, the commendation of his Vicars; and omit not the other good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Re∣ligious: and if they can say no good of them, let them be silent of them; for we are not to imagine that our duty o••liges us, to

complain to the Bishop, of the ill conduct of his Vicars, or of other Gospel-Labourers: There will never be wanting those who will ease us of that trouble. Beware, not to trouble your self with the management of worldly business; nor even to encumber your Inferiours with it, on any occasion whatso∣ever. When Secular men shall desire to ingage you in the employments of civil life, return this answer, That the time which remains free to you from preaching, and the administration of the Sacraments, is scarce sufficient for your studies and de∣votions, which are yet necessary to you before you go into the Pulpit, or appear in the Tribune of Penance: that you cannot prefer the care of Worldly things, before the cure of Souls, without per∣verting the Order and Rule of Charity. By this means you shall disengage your self from all those sorts of encumbrances; and without this circumspection, you will do great prejudice to the Society: for you ought to understand, that the World often enters by this door into Religious Houses, to the extream damage both of the Reli∣gious, and of Religion.

In the visits which are made to you, endeavour to find out the bottom and end of their design, who come to see you. For some there are, the least part of whose bu∣siness

is to be instructed in S••irituals; 'tis only Temporal inte••est which brings them to you: There will even be some, who will come to Confession, on no other m••tiv••, than to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yo•• with the necessities of their Family: The be••t counsel I c••n give you, is to stand upon your guard with such; and to he rid of them, l••t them k••••w from the very first, that you can n••ither furnish them with money, nor procure them any favour from other men. Be warn'd to have as little disco••rse with this so••t of Pe••ple, as possibly y••u can; for most commonly they are great talkers, and if you trouble your self with giving them the hearing, you are almost certain to lose your time. For what remains, disquiet not your self, with what they think or say of you; let them murmur on, and do you take up a res••lu••i••n of standing out so firmly, that they m••y n••t find the least concernment in you: f••r the shew of any natural sensibility w••u'd dis∣cover that you are not enough disengag'd from the World; as if you were wavering what part to take, betwixt the World and Christ. Remember, that you cannot co∣vet popular approbation, without betraying your Ministry, or becoming a des••rtou•• of your Sacred Colours, in going back from that Evangelical Perfe••tion, which you are oblig'd to follow, with an unrelenting ard ••ur.

After this, Xavier gave Barzaeus sun∣dry particular Orders, relating to the Persons, and Houses of the Society.

And now he chose for his Companions,* 1.8 Baltha••ar Gago, Edward Silva, and Peter Alcaceva, with Francis Gon••alez, and Al∣varez Ferreyra de Monte Major; without reckoning into the number a young se∣cular Chinese nam'd Antonio, who had been brought up in the Seminary of Sainte Foy. Some of these were intend∣ed for China, and others for Iapan. Father Ignatius had written to Father Xavier, that it was of great importance, to send from the Indies into Europe, one of the Society, well vers'd in the Eastern affairs, who might render an exact ac∣count of all things, to the King of Per∣tugal, and the Pope; as a means of pro∣curing Temporal supplies from the one, and Spiritual favours from the other: both which were necessary for the ••ur∣ther increase of Christianity in Asia. Father Francis did not receive those Let∣ters, 'till after his Voyage of Iapan. He had thought of these very things for∣merly, but now seeing that the judg∣ment of Ignatius concurr'd with his, he deputed into Italy and P••rtugal, Andrew Fernandez, a man of parts and probity, who was not y••t in Priests Orders. He

not only gave him ample informations concerning the present condition of the Indies, but also wrote large Let••ers on the same Subject, to the King of Portu∣gal, to Father Ignatius, and to Simon Ro∣drigúez. Being now ready to go for the Voyage of China, he gave notice of his intentions to King Iohn, in this insuing Letter.

I Shall depart from Goa,* 1.9 within the compass of five days, intending first for Malacca; from whence I shall take the way of China, in the company of James Pe∣reyra, who is nam'd Embassadour. We carry with us the rich Presents which are bought, partly at the cost of your Majesty, and partly at the proper charges of Pereyra. But we carry also a far more precious pre∣sent, and such an one, as no King, at least to my knowledge, has made the like to ano∣ther Prince; namely, the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and if the Emperour of China, once knew its value, I am confident he wou'd prefer that treasure, before all his own, how immense soever they may be. I hope, that at length Almighty God, will look with Eyes of pity, on that vast Empire, and that he will make known, to those great multitudes, who are all made af∣ter his own Image, their Creatour, and

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men. But my hopes are incomparably greater, when I consider, that God has made ch••ice of such w••ak instruments, and such sinners as we are, for so high an em∣ployment, as to carry the light of the Go∣spel, almost, I may say, into another World, to a Nation blinded with Idolatry, and gi∣ven up to Vice.

While they were sitting out the Ship,* 1.10 which was to carry the Missioners of China and Iapan, Xavier assembled the Fathers of the Colledge by night, not being able to do it by day, because they were in continual employment, till the Evening. He discours'd with them, con∣cerning the vertues requisite to the A∣postolick Vocation; and spoke with so much ardency and unction, that the Congregation was full of sighs and tears, according to the Relation of some who were present, and have left it us in wri∣ting. But the instructions which he gave, in taking his last farewel of them, are very remarkable. And I cannot, in my Opinion report them better, than in the very words of the Author, who took them from the mouth of the Apo∣stle. The Father, Master Francis, says he, embracing his Brethren before his departure for China, and weeping over

them, recommended Constancy, in their Vocation to them: together with un∣••eign'd ••umility, which was to have for its Foundation, a true knowledge of themselves, and particularly a most prompt Obedience. He extended his Ex∣hortation on this last point, and enjoin'd them Obedience, as a vertue most plea∣sing to Almighty God, much commend∣ed by the holy Spirit, and absolutely necessary to the Sons of the Society.

The Apostle went from Goa,* 1.11 on Holy Thursday, which fell that year 1552, on the fourteenth day of April. The Sea was calm enough, till they came to the height of the Islands of Nicubar, which are somewhat above Sumatra, towards the Nort••. Thereabouts the Waves be∣gan to swell; and presently after, there arose so furious a Tempest, that there scarcely remain'd any hopes of sa••ety. That which doubled their Apprehensi∣on, was, that two Foysts, which bore them company, unable to sustain the fu∣ry of the Waves, sunk both by one ano∣ther▪ The ••hip which carry'd Xavier and his Companians, was a Royal Vessel, ve∣ry large and deep laden, so that her un∣w••ldy bulk, and heavy fraight, hinder'd h••r ••ailing, and her steering. It was t••ought necessary to ease her, and the

Merchandises were ready to be cast over∣board, when Father Francis desir'd the Captain not to be too hasty. But the Sailours saying, that the Tempest in∣creasing, as usually it does towards eve∣ning, the Vessel cou'd not so convenient∣ly be disburden'd in the dark, he bid them not disturb themselves about it, for the storm shou'd cease, and they shou'd make Land before Sun-set. The Captain, who knew how certain the Predictions of Xavier were, made not the least scru∣ple of believing him; and the event ve∣rify'd the Prophecy. The Sea grew calm, and Land appear'd before the setting of the Sun.

But while every one was rejoicing at the nearness of the Port,* 1.12 the holy Man had sadness in his Countenance, and of∣ten sigh'd. Some of them enquir'd the cause, and he bade them pray to God for the City of Malacca, which was visi∣ted with an Epidemical disease. Xavier said true, for the sickness was so general, and so contagious, that it seem'd the be∣ginning of a Pestilence. Malignant Fe∣vers rag'd about the Town, which car∣ry'd off the strongest Constitutions in a little space, and the infection was caught almost at sight. In this condition the Ship sound Malacca; and never was the

sight of the holy Man, more pleasing to the Inhabitants. Every one promis'd himself ease of Body, and consolation of Mind from him; and they were not de∣ceiv'd in their expectation.

So soon as he was set on shore,* 1.13 he went in search of the Sick, and found employ∣ment enough amongst them for the ex∣ercise of his Charity. Not a man of them, but desir'd to confess to Father Francis; and to expire in his Arms; ac∣cording to the popular opinion, that whoever dy'd in that manner, cou'd not fail of being sav'd. He ran from Street to Street with his Companions, to ga∣ther up the poor, who lay languishing on the ground, for want of succour. He carry'd them to the Hospitals, and to the Colledge of the Society, which on this occasion he chang'd into an Hospital. And when both the Colledge and the Hospitals were full, he order'd Cabins to be built along the Shore, out of the re∣mainders of rotten Vessels, for Lodgings, and necessary uses of those distress'd Crea∣tures. After which he procur'd them Food and Medicines, which he begg'd from the devouter sort, and himsel•• at∣tended them both day and night. That which appear'd most wonderful, was, that though the sick cou'd not be serv'd,

nor the dying assisted, nor the dead bu∣ry'd without taking the infection, and it was death to take it, yet Xavier and his Companions enjoy'd their perfect health in t••e midst of such dangerous employ∣ments. This indeed was wonderful, but there was also an undoubted miracle, which it pleas'd Almighty God to work by the Ministry of his Servant, on a young man, whom at that time he re∣stor'd to li••e.

This young m••n,* 1.14 nam'd Francis Cia∣vus, the only Son of a devout Woman, who had long been under the conduct of Xavier, having put into his mouth, without thinking of it, a poison'd Ar∣row, such as are us'd in those Eastern parts, dy'd suddenly, so subtile, and so mortal was the venome. They were al∣ready burying him, when Xavier came by chance that way. He was so mov'd with the cries and lamentations of the Mother, that taking the dead by th•• h••nd, he reviv'd him with these words; Francis, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 name of Jesus Christ, a∣rise. The youth thus rais'd, believ'd from that moment, that he was no more his own, and that he was oblig'd to con∣secrate that li••e to God, which was so miracul••usly restor'd: In effect, he did it, and out of acknowledgment to Xa∣vier,

took the Habit of the Society. When the Mortality was almost ceas'd, the Saint pursu'd his design of the Em∣bassy to China, and treated with Don Alvarez'd Atayda, the Governour of Ma∣lacca, on whom the Viceroy had repos'd the trust of so important an Affair. Don Alvarez had much approv'd this enter∣prise, when Xavier had first open'd it, at his return from Iapan, and had even promis'd to favour it with all his power. But Envy and Interest are two passions, which stiflxse the most reasonable thoughts, and make men forget their most solemn Protestations.

The Governour had a grudging to Pe∣reyra,* 1.15 who, the year before, had refus'd to lend him ten thousand Crowns; and cou'd not endure, that a Merchant shou'd be sent Ambassadour to the greatest Mo∣narch in the World. He said, That cer∣tainly that Pereyra, whom the Viceroy had impower'd by his Letters, was some Lord of the Court of Portugal, and not James Pereyra, who had been Domestick Servant to Don Gonsalvo de Cotigno. But that which most disturb'd him, was, that be∣sides the honour of such an Embassy, the Merchant shou'd make so vast a pro∣••it of his Wares, which he wou'd sell off at an excessive rate in China. The Go∣vernour

said, That in his own person, were to be consider'd the services of the Count his Fa∣ther, and that those hundred thousand Crowns which wou'd be gain'd at least by Pereyra, were a more suitable reward for the Son of Atayda, than for the Valet de Chambre of Cotigno. With such grating thoughts as these he sought occasions to break off the Voyage; yet he wou'd not declare himself at first; and the better to cover his design, or not to seem unthankful to Father Xavier, he fed him with fair pro∣mises. For the holy Man had procur'd him the command of Captain Major of of the Sea; and himself had brought him the provisions for that place: be∣cause when first the Father had open'd his purpose of going into China, Atayda seem'd to have espous'd the project with great affection, and ingag'd himself to make it succeed, in case the Ports and Navigations of the Portugu••ses, were once depending on him. To oblige him yet farther, the Saint had procur'd from the Viceroy, and brought along with him, certain extraordinary priviledges, which had not been compris'd in the provisions of the Command. And lastly, That he might wholly gain him, at his arrival, finding the Governour very sick, he at∣tended him with great diligence, and

made himself at once, both his Nurse and his Chaplain; watching by him all the night, and saying Mass for him in the morning. But all these Offices of friendship, wrought nothing on a heart, where Jealousy and Avarice were predo∣minant.

What care soever Don Alvarez took,* 1.16 to conceal his ill intentions, Xavier quickly discover'd them, and at the same time wrote to Pereyra, who was yet at Sunda, advising him to come without a∣ny Equipage, and to affect nothing of magnificence, that he might not farther exasperate an interessed and jealous Soul. But all the modesty of the Ambassadour cou'd not hinder the Governour from breaking out. At the first noise of his arrival, he sent Officers of Justice, and Souldiers to the Port, with Orders to make seisure on the Ship call'd Santa Cruz, to take away the Rudder, and give it into his hands. This was the first act of Jurisdiction, which was exercis'd by Do•• Alvarez, as Captain of the Sea; employ∣ing against Xavier himself, that Autho∣rity which had been procur'd him by Xavier, and pushing his ingratitude as far as it cou'd go. In the mean time, to cover his Passion with the pretext of pub∣lick good, according to the common

practice of men in power, he protested ••oudly, That the interests of the Crown had constrain'd him to act in this man∣ner: That he had receiv'd information from his Spies, that the Iavans were making preparations of War, to come upon Malacca, once again: That he cou'd not have too many Ships in rea∣diness, against such formidable Enemies; and that the Santa Cruz, was of absolute necessity to the Kings service. This Fa∣ble, which was the product of his own Brains, was soon exploded by the arrival of some other Portuguese Vessels, who coming from the Isles of Iava, made Oath, that these Barbarians being ingag'd amongst themselves in Civil Wars, had no thoughts of any Forreign Conquest. Don Alvarez not being able any longer to support the credit of his Tale, pull'd off the Mask, and stood upon no farther Ceremonies. Xavier perceiving that the love of Iucre, was his governing Pas∣sion, made o••••ers to him by Pereyra, of thirty thousand Crowns in pure gift, but the desire of ingrossing all the gain, was the reason which prevail'd with Atayda, to refu••e it.

The Treasurer, with the rest of th•• Crown-Officers, being come to remon∣strate to him, that the Kings Orders

were positive, not to stop the Naviga∣tion of those Merchants, who had pay'd the duties of the Port; he threaten'd them with his Cane, which he held up against them, and drove them out of his Chamber with great fury, saying, That he was too old to be counsell'd, that as long as he continu'd Governour of Malac∣ca, and Captain ••f the Seas, James Pe∣reyra shou'd not go to China, either as Ambassado••r or Merchant; and if Father Xavier was intoxicated with the zeal of converting Heathens, he might go to Bra∣zile, or to the Kingdom of Monomota∣pa.

Francis Pereyra, who was Auditou•• Royal, and who had great Credit in the Town, not being able either by his In∣treaties, or his Arguments, to oblig•• Don Alvarez to restore the Rudder of th•• Santa Cruz, wou'd have forc'd it fro•• him; but this was oppos'd by Xavier•• who foresaw, that the Souldiers who kept the Rudder, wou'd defend it wit•• the hazard of their lives; and that this Affair wou'd have ill Consequences.

The way which was taken by the ho∣ly Man,* 1.17 was to send to the Governour•• the Grand Vicar Iohn Suarez, attende•• by the most considerable persons of th•• Town, to shew him the Letters of King

Iohn the Third, which expresly made out his intentions, That Father Xavier shou'd extend the Faith, as far as he was able, through all the Kingdoms of the East, and that the Governours shou'd fa∣vour him on all occasions. Suarez read also to the Governour, the Letter of the Vice King Don Alphonso de Norogna, in which he declar'd Criminal of State, whosoever shou'd hinder, or oppose this particular Voyage of the Saint. That which ought to have reduc'd Don Alva∣rez to Reason, or at least to have terri∣fy'd him, serv'd only to make him more unreasonable, and more audacious. He rose from his Seat, with the action of a Mad-man, and stamping with his foot, sent back the Grand Vicar, with this du∣tiful expression: The Kings Interest, you say, requires this to be perform'd; and I will not suffer it to be perform'd: Here I am, and will be Master.

These outrageous dealings of the Go∣vernour,* 1.18 were not consin••d to those, who made these Remonstrances to him from the Father; they extended even to the Saint himself; whom he look'd on, as the Author, and head of the Enter∣prise. 'Tis incredible, what injurious words he gave him, an•• how rudely he treated him, on several occasions: Inso∣much,

that it was the common talk of Malacca, that this Persecution might pass for the Martyrdom of Father Xavier. The Servant of God resented nothing which was done to his own person. He bless'd God continually, for giving him occasions of suffering; but he was ex∣treamly sensible of what Religion, and the progress of the Gospel suffer'd, and was often seen to weep abundantly.

He ceas'd not for a moneth together to sollicite the Governour: sometimes be∣seeching him by the wounds of a Cruci∣fy'd Saviour, sometimes urging him with the fatal consequences of a miserable E∣ternity, and endeavouring to let him understand, what a crime it was to hin∣der the publication of the Gospel; but these Divine Reasons prevail'd as little with Don Alvarez, as the Humane had done formerly. This strange obduracy, quite overwhelm'd the Father, when he saw that all these ways of mildness were unsuccessful, and the season of Naviga∣tion pass'd away; after he had well con∣sulted God upon it, he concluded, that it was time to try the last remedies. Ten years were now expir'd since his coming to the Indies, and hitherto no one person, excepting only the Bishop of Goa, was made privy to his being the A∣postolick

Nuncio. He had kept this se∣cret in profound silence, and had not once exercis'd his power. But now he thought himself oblig'd to own it, in a business of so great consequence, and to strike with the Thunders of the Church, if occasion were, the Man who made o∣pen War against the Church.

Which notwithstanding he wou'd not dart the Thunderbolt himself;* 1.19 but us'd the hand of the Grand Vicer; having sent for him, he began with shewing him one of the Briefs of Paul the Third, which constituted him his Nuncio, in all the Kingdoms of the East. After this, he requested Suarez to shew this Brief to Don Alvarez, and to explain to him the Censures which were incurr'd by those, who shou'd oppose the Popes Legats in matters of Religion, and to exhort him, by what was most holy in the World, to suffer the Embassy to proceed. In case of refusal, to threaten him with Ecclesi∣astical punishments from the Vicar of Ie∣sus Christ, and to adjure him at the same time, by the death of the Saviour of Mankind, to take compassion on him∣self,

Xavier had always hop'd, that the Governour wou'd open his Eyes; and in that writing which he gave the Vicar to

ingage him in that nice Commission, there were these following words. I cannot believe that Don Alvarez can be so hard••n'd, but that he will be mollify'd, when he shall know the Intentions and Or∣ders of the Holy See. He desir'd the Grand Vicar in the same Writing, to send that very Paper back to him, to∣gether with the answer of Don Alvarez, that both the one and the other might be an authentick evidence to the Bishop of Goa, that he had omitted nothing, for advancing the Embassy; and that if it succeeded not, the fault lay not at his door. Suarez•• proceeded with the Go∣vernour, according to all the directions which had been trac'd out to him by the Father. But nothing cou'd work upon Alvarez. He laught at the threatnings, and broke out into railing Language a∣gainst the person of Xavier, saying loudly, that he was an ambitious Hypo∣crite, and a friend of Publicans and Sin∣ners.

The Grand Vicar not being able any longer to endure so outrageous and scan∣dalous an impiety,* 1.20 at the length excom∣municated the Governour, according to the agreement betwixt himself and Fa∣ther Xavier. He also excommunicated all his People, who basely ••latter'd the

passion of their Master, and spoke inso∣lently of the Holy See. This excom∣munication signify'd little to a man, who had no Principles, either of Honour or of Religion. Without giving himself the least disquiet for the wrath of H••aven, or talk of men, he made himself Master of the Ship Santa Cruz, and plac'd in her a Captain, with 25 Marin••rs, all of them in his Interests, to go and trade at Sancian, where the Portu••ues••s had e∣stablish'd a wealthy tra••••ick. The ill success of the negotiation, ••••••wixt the Grand Vicar and the Governour, was very afflicting to Father Xavier, his heart was pi••rc'd with sorrow, and he acknowledged to ••ather Francis Perez, that he never re••••••ted any thing with greater grief. The deplorable condi∣tion of Don Alvarez in the sight of God, the ruine of his friend Pereyra, the Em∣bassy of China utterly destroy'd; all these made him sigh from the bottom of his Soul; and so much the more, because he imputed these so great misfortunes to himself: as he gave Pereyra to under∣stand, who lay hidden at M••lacca, and to whom he express'd himself in writing, because he knew not with what face to see him.

Since the greatness of my sins,* 1.21 says he, have been the reason, why God Al∣mighty wou'd not make use of us two, for the enterprise of China, 'tis upon my self that I ought in conscience to lay the fault. They are my offences, which have ruin'd your fortunes, and have caus'd you to lose all your expences, for the Embassy of China. Yet God is my witness that I love him, and that I love you also. And I confess to you, that if my intentions had not been right, I shou'd be yet more afflicted than I am. The favour which I desire of you, is that you wou'd not come to see me; for fear lest the condition to which you are re∣duc'd, shou'd give me too much trouble; and that your sorrow might be the occa∣sion of increasing mine. In the mean time, I hope this disgrace of yours may be of advantage to you; for I doubt not but the King will reward your zeal, as I have requested of him by my Letters. As for the Governour who has broken our Voyage, I have no farther communica∣tion with him; God forgive him, I pity him, and lament his condition; for he will soon be punish'd,* 1.22 and more sever••ly than he thinks.

But though Father Xavier wrote very pressing Letters to the King of Portugal,

in favour of Pereyra, he wrote nothing against Don Alvarez; and Alvarez him∣self was witness of it, having intercepted the Letters of the Father. In effect, he found not the least expression of com∣plaint against him; at which he was wonderfully surpris'd. The man of God daily offer'd the Sacrifice of the Mass for him, and shed many tears at the foot of the Altar, to the end he might obtain for him, the favour of a sincere Repentance. He said one day, he shou'd lose at once, his Estate, his Honour, and his Life; and added, I beseech God that he lose not his Soul also.

For what remains, Though the door of China seem'd to be shut upon him, since all hopes of the Embassy were va∣nish'd, which had facilitated his entrance into that Kingdom, yet the Saint de∣spair'd not of preaching the Gospel to the Chineses; and a thought came into his head, that if he cou'd get to an Isle, which was neighbouring to Canton, he might from thence go privately over in∣to the Continent. That if he were stop'd, and put in Prison, he shou'd at least preach to the Prisoners; that from the Prisons, the Christian Doctrine might spread into the Towns, and possibly might reach the Court. That perhaps

also the great men of the Empire, and even the Emperour himself, might have the curiosity to see a man, who ••u••∣lish'd so new a Faith; and then he might gain an opportunity of declaring the whole Law of Iesus Christ.

With these considerations,* 1.23 he took up the design, of embarquing on the S••nta Cruz, which the Governour of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was ••ending out ••or Sancian. But seeing that the entry of China cou'd not be at∣tempted, by that way which he had propos'd, without great ••••zard, he wou'd be the only Priest, who shou'd expose himself to those dangers; and retaining with him, only one Brother of the So∣ciety, the Chinese, Antonio de S••inte 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and another young Indian, he sent Balt••a••ar Iago, Edward Silvia, and ••e∣ter Al••••ceva to several employments; the first to the Kingdom of Bungo, and the two others to Amanguchi.

During these passages, it hapning that Iohn B••yro came from the M••l••cca's, to desire some more assistance, for the far∣ther propagation of the Faith in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Islands, Xavier receiv'd from him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 comfortable news of the great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Christianity: and sent him to Bar∣zaeus, with Orders that more Compa∣nions shou'd be joyn'd to him: and that

he shou'd be remanded thither with all expedition.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••nta Cr••z, being now upon the 〈…〉〈…〉 he retir'd into the 〈…〉〈…〉 of the Mount, to 〈…〉〈…〉 Voyage to the protection of 〈…〉〈…〉 Virgin. He continu'd his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 'till the evening; and had also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the night in prayer, if they had not come to give him notice that the Ship had already weigh'd Anchor.

The Grand Vicar, Iohn Suarez who bore him company to the Ship,* 1.24 ask'd him by the way, if he had taken leave of the Governour? adding, that if he ••ail'd in that point of Ceremony, the weaker Christians might be seandalis'd that it wou'd be a proof of his resent∣ment, and an occasion of publick mur∣mur; the Saint, who was willing to shew by his example, how Excommu∣nicated persons ought to be treated, re∣ply'd immediately, Don Alvarez shall never see me in this life: I expect him at the Judgment-Seat of God; where he will have a great account to answer. Having walk'd on a little farther, he stop••d at a Church door, which was near the Sea; and in a transport of Spirit, lifting up his e••es to Heaven, he pray'd aloud for the Salvation of the unhappy

Don Alvarez. Then he prostrated him∣self▪ and was silent for some time, pray∣ing form the bottom of his heart to God, with his face to the ground; soon after he rose up, with a vehement action; which had somewhat of a holy disdain in it; he took off his shooes, beat them one against another, and afterwards a∣gainst a stone▪ saying, that he wou'd not bear away the dust of an accursed place. He then foretold with circumstances at large, and more than formerly, the punishments which Heaven had prepar'd for the Governour of Malacca; and go∣ing on board, left the people who had follow'd him thus far, astonish'd at his Prophecies, and afflicted at his depar∣ture.

Immediately they set sail;* 1.25 and there were in the Vessel above five hundred persons, counting in the Passengers and Servants. They were already forward on their Voyage, when the wind fell on the sudden; and in a moment the waves were laid, and the face of the Ocean grew so smooth, that the Santa Cruz stood still, and mov'd no more, than if she had been at Anchor. During this becalming, which lasted fourteen days together, their water fail'd them; and some dy'd from the first want of it;

they row'd on every side with their Chalop, to make discovery of some Coast, where they might find fresh wa∣ter. Being far at Sea they cou'd discern nothing, but the Island of Formosa, at least they believ'd it so to be; they en∣deavour'd to gain the shoar, but in se∣ven days time, notwithstanding all their attempts, they cou'd not reach it.

In the mean time, the Ship was full of sick people, who were burnt up with a deadly thirst, and they had all perish'd without hope of succour, if one of them, reflecting, within himself, that Father Xavier had been always prevalent with God, had not hinted this notion to the rest: whereupon all of them coming on their knees before him, besought him, with more tears than words, to obtain from Heaven, either Wind or Water for them.

Xavier bad them address themselves to God in their own behalf:* 1.26 caus'd them to recite the Litany on their knees, at the foot of a large Crucisix, and then order'd them to retire, but to have con∣••idence in Iesus Christ. He himself with∣drew also into a Chamber; from whence coming out some time after; he went down into the Chalop with a little Child, and having caus'd him to taste of the Sea

water, ask'd him whether it were fresh, or salt? The Child answering that it was salt, he commanded him to taste again, and the Child told him that it was fresh. Then the Father returning into the Ship, order'd them to fill all their Vessels, but some amongst them being eager to drink, found the water salt. The Saint made the sign of the Cross over the Vessels, and at the same moment the water losing its natural faltness, became so good, that they all protested, it was better than that of Bangar, of which the Sea-men make their ordinary provision, and which is esteem'd the best Water in all the Indies.

This Miracle so struck some Sarac•••• Ar••bs, who were transporting their whole Families into China, that throwing themselves at the ••eet of the Holy man, they ack••••w••••dg'd the God of the Chri∣st••ns, and desir'd Baptism. The faith∣ful on the•••• side, admir'd Father Francis, and all of them in a body, own'd the preservation of their lives to him. But the Father told them, that it was to God, and not to such a sinner as he was, that they were oblig'd to pay their thanks. The greatest part of the Mariners and Passengers, kept, out of devotion, some of this water, at the first as a

testimony of the Miracle, afterwards as a Coelestial Remedy; for the water be∣ing carried to the Indies, cur'd great numbers of sick people; and infusing some small quantity of it into any sort of drink, was sufficient to restore their health.

During the Navigation,* 1.27 a Child of five years old happen'd to fall into the Sea; the Vessel, which had a fore-wind, pursuing its course. The Father of this Child was not to be comforted, and his grief so overwhelm'd him, that he kept in private for three days. He was a Mahometan, and the Miracle of the Water had not converted him. At length he appear'd in publick, but all in tears, ••nd never ceasing to lament the loss of his only Son. Xavier, who knew no∣thing of this misfortune, ask'd him the reason of his sorrow? Having learnt it, he stood recollected in himself a little time, and then said, Supposing that God s••••u'd restore your Son to you, wou'd you pr••mise me to believe in Jesus Christ; and to become a sincere Christian? The Infidel promis'd him; and three days after this, before Sun rising, they saw the Child upon the hatches▪ The Child knew not what had become of him for those six days, and only remember'd his falling

into the Sea, not being able to give any account how he return'd into the Ship. His Father was ready to dye with joy, when he receiv'd him; and Xavier ha•• no need of putting him in mind of his in∣gagement: he came of his own accord, accompany'd by his Wife, his Son, and his Servant; all of them were Baptis'd, and the Child was nam'd Francis.

Those of the Vessel, having been wit∣nesses of these two Miracles, spoke of them to the Inhabitants of an Isle call'd Cincheo, by which they pass'd; and which was a place of great traffick, full of Mer∣chants from several parts. The desire of seeing so admirable a man, caus'd a∣bout sixty persons, some Ethiopians, o∣thers Indians, all Idolaters or Mahometans, to come into the Ship: Xavier took the occasion, and preach'd the Gospel to them: withal, instructing them in the holy practices of Christianity. He had no sooner ended his exhortation, than they acknowledg'd Iesus Christ, and re∣ceiv'd Baptism.

While he was Christning them,* 1.28 he appear'd of a Stature much higher than his own; insomuch that those who were upon the shoar near the Vessel, believ'd he had been standing on some bench; but seeing him coming and going, and

always appearing of the same height, they thought there might possibly be some Miracle in the matter, and were desirous to be satisfy'd concerning it: Stephen Ventura went into the Ship on purpose, and approaching Father Xa∣vier, saw, that with his feet he touch'd the hatches, and yet his head was higher than the tallest there, on whom he sprinkled the Sacred Waters of Baptism. Ventura likewise observ'd that after he had Baptis'd the Company, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to his natural proportion.

From Cincheo the Ship pursu'd 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Voyage towards Sancian,* 1.29 which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 six Leagues distant from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 over against Canton, a Town of ••hina. They had sail'd far beyond Can••on, and the Mariners believ'd they were still on this side of it. Xavier endeavour'd to undeceive them, but they adher'd to their first opinion; and they had gone much further out of their way, if the Captain, upon the word of the Saint, had not struck sail, and cast anchor, 'till the return of the Chalop, which he had sent out to discover the neighbouring Coast. She was three days before she came back, and all the Ships Company imagin'd that she had been overtaken by some Hurrican; but Xavier assur'd them

that she shou'd suddenly return, with re∣freshments sent them by the Portugueses of Sancian: and that also she shou'd be follow'd by some Vessels, which shou'd come to meet them on their way, and conduct them into the Port. All hap∣pen'd, as the Father had foretold, and the Santa Cruz. guided by the Vessels of Sancian, arriv'd at that Island, twenty three days after her departure from Malacca.

There are three Islands,* 1.30 so little distant from each other, that they appear but one; for which reason the Chineses in their language call them Samceu: a word compos'd of Sam, which signifies three, and Ceu, which is to say, an Island. The chief of these Islands, which the Portu∣gueses have nam'd Sancian, has a conve∣nient and safe Port, all Crown'd with Mountains, and forming a semicircle on that side, which looks towards Mac••••, It has few Inhabitants, who are Natives, almost no Provisions, and is so barren of it self. so uncultivated and so wild, that it seems rather a place of Banshment than of Commerce. The Chineses had permitted the Portugueses to trade thi∣ther, to buy their Commodities, and sell their own to them, without breaking their fundamental Law, of suffering no stranger to set foot within their Country. So

that the Portugueses durst come no near∣er the main Land, for fear of hazarding their lives, or at least their liberty. Nei∣ther was it permitted them to build so∣lid Houses in the Isle; they were only al∣low'd to set up slight Cabins, cover'd with Matts, and dress'd about with boughs of Trees, that they might not always be shut up within their Vessels.

Amongst these Merchants,* 1.31 there was one, who was very rich, and infinitely charitable; but of a gay humour, and pleasant in Conversation, addicted to all pleasure which decency permits, and lo∣ving not to deny himself any thing which will make life comfortable. For the rest, most affectionate to Father Xavier; his name was Peter Veglio, the same Veglio who was with the Saint at Iapan, and who return'd in his Company. Xavier being very desirous of his Friends Salvation, ex∣horted him from time to time, to mortify his natural Inclinations; even sometimes to chastise his Body, for the expiation of his Sins. Veglio understood not that Latin; whether he was too tender of his own person, or thought his Sins were not of a nature to deserve such severities, he cou'd never find in his Heart to take up the Discipline; but instead of Mace∣rations and Penances, he gave great

Alms, and Father Francis receiv'd from him▪ very large supplies, for the relief of such as were in want. One day, the Fa∣ther having need of a certain sum of Mo∣ney, to marry a young Orphan Virgin, who was poor and handsome, and con∣sequently in danger of being ruin'd, had recourse to Veglio▪ according to his Cu∣stom. He found him ingag'd in play with another Merchant; but the busi∣ness being urgent, he forbore not to re∣quest his Charity. Veglio, who lov'd to be merry, made as if he were angry with him, and answer'd thus: Father Francis, when a man is losing, he is in no condition of giving Alms; and for a wise man as you are, you have made a very gross mi∣••••ake, in this unseasonable demand. 'Tis al∣ways in season to do good, reply'd Xavier, and the best time for giving Money, is, when a man has it in his hand. The Mer∣chant, continuing in the same tone, and seeming to be displeas'd with the Fa∣thers company, added, as it were to be rid of him, Here, take the Key of my Chest, take all my Money if you will, and leave me, to play my Game in quiet. In the Merchants Chest were thirty thou∣sand Taës, which amount to forty five thousand Crowns of Gold. The Father took out three hundred Crowns, which

were sufficient to marry the Orphan May∣den. Some time afterward, Veglio count∣ing over his Money, and finding the sum was still entire, believ'd the Father had not touch'd it, and reproach'd him with want of friendship for not making use of him; whereupon Xavier prote••ted to him, that he had taken out three hundred Crowns. I swear to you, said Veglio, that not one of them, is wanting: But God forgive you, added he▪ my meaning was to have parted the whole sum betwixt us; and I expected, that of my forty five thousand Crowns, you shou'd at least have taken the one moity.

Xavier finding that Veglio had spoken very sincerely to him,* 1.32 and out of a pure principle of Charity, said as a Man transported out of himself, by the Spirit of God; Peter, the design you had, is a good work, before the Eyes of him, who weighs the motions and intentions of the Heart; he himself will recompence you for it, and that which you have not given, shall be one day restor'd to you an hun∣dred-fold. In the man time, I answer for him, that temporal g••ods shall be never wanting to you; and when you shall have misfortunes to put you backwards in the World, your Friends shall assist you with their Purses. I farther declare to

you, that you shall not die without being first advertis'd of the day of your death. After these predictions, Veglio was quite chang'd into another man, applying him∣self wholly to exercises of Piety; and in the condition of a Merchant, liv'd al∣most the life of a Religious. What had been foretold him, that he should have warning of his death, came frequently into his remembrance; and he cou'd not hinder himself one day, from asking the Saint, at what time, and in what man∣ner it shou'd be? The Saint told him, without pausing, When you shall find the taste of your Wine bitter, then prepare your self for death, and know that you have but one day more to live.

The Merchant liv'd in Opulence and Splendour,* 1.33 even to an extream old age. He had several losses in his Trade, ac∣cording to the chance of things which are depending on the Sea. But his Friends continually reliev'd him, in his necessities, and gave him wherewithal to set up again. At length being one day at a great Entertainment, and more gay than ever, having ask'd for Wine, he found the taste of it was bitter. Imme∣diately remembring the Prophecy of Fa∣ther Xavier, he was seiz'd with an in∣ward horrour; which begining from the

Soul, spread over his Body, as if death had been pronounc'd against him, or the Image of death presented to his Eyes. Nevertheless, somewhat recovering his Spirits, for his farther satisfaction in the point, he desir'd his fellow Guests at the Table, to taste the Wine out of his Glass. All judg'd it to be excellent, be∣sides himself, who made divers tryals of it on his Palat. He call'd for other Wines, and another Glass; but always found the same bitterness. Then no longer doubting, but that his last hour was coming, after he had made an interi∣our Sacrifice of his life to God, he related to the Company that Prediction, which was now accomplish'd; and arose from the Table, with the thoughts of a Chri∣stian, who is disposing himself for death. Having distributed his Goods betwixt his Children and the Poor, he went to see his Friends, and to give and take the last farewel: Notwithstanding his great age he was in perfect health. It was thought he doted, and they endeavour'd to per∣swade him out of his melancholly appre∣hensions. But their Arguments prevail'd so little on his mind, that he gave orders for his own Funeral, and invited his Friends to do him the last kind Office, of accompanying his Corps to burial.

To content him, and to make themselves merry at his folly, they attended him into the Church: In their presence he receiv'd the Viaticum, and the Extream Vnction, without being sick; afterwards he laid himself upon the Beer, and caus'd them to sing the Mass for the Dead. The people gather'd in a crowd at the strange∣ness of the report; some drawn by the novelty of the sight, the rest to be Ey••∣witnesses how the Prediction of Father Xavier wou'd succeed. Mass being end∣ed, the Priest attended by his Inferiours, perform'd all the Ceremonies of the Church about the Grave, and at length, sung the last words belonging to a Chri∣stian burial, over the old man, who was alive, and bore his part in the Responses. There now remaining no more to do; the Servant of Veglio coming to help his Master off the Beer, he found him dead. All the Assistants were witnesses of the matter of fact, and ev••ry one went home full of admiration of Gods Mercy to∣wards this Merchant, who had been so charitable; and blessing the Memory of the holy Apostle of the Indies.

This was not the only Prophetical Light, which Xavier had in the ••sle of S••ncian. A Ship which went from Macao to Iapan, appear'd in sight of

Sancian, to be overtaken by a dreadful Hurricane. The Portugueses who had great concernments in that Vessel, being allarm'd at so inevitable a danger, came running for comfort to Father Xavier. But the Father assur'd them, they had no cause of fear; and that the Ship was safe∣ly arriv'd at her Port. They kept them∣selves quiet, upon the assurance of his word; till finding that the Ship made no return, which was to stay at Iapan but some few days, they gave her for lost. Xavier reprov'd their want of Faith, and positively told them, that she shou'd come back before the week were ended. In effect, she return'd two days after∣wards, laden with rich Merchandises, and proud of her escape from the fury of the Hurricane.

At the same time Xavier was inspir'd with the knowledge of the quarrel be∣twixt Don Alvarez de At••yda,* 1.34 Gover∣nour of Malacca, and Don Bernard de So∣sa, who was newly arriv'd from the Mo∣lucca's; and told the Circumstances of it to the Portugueses, who having after∣wards the particulars of it from some of Malacca. were astonish'd to find them the very same, which the Father had related.

This miraculous foreknowledge,* 1.35 was accompany'd by actions as surprising; and without speaking of a dead Infant, which Xavier restor'd to life, but whose Resurrection is without Circumstances in the Acts of the Saints Canonization, he clear'd the Country of the Tygers, which laid it waste. These furious Beasts came in Herds together out of the Forrests, and devour'd not only the Children, but the Men also, whom they found scatter'd in the Fields, and out of distance from the Retrenchments which were made for their defence. One night the Servant of God went out to meet the Tygers, and when they came near him, threw holy Water upon them, commanding them to go back, and never after to re∣turn. The Commandment had its full ef∣fect, the whole Herd betook themselves to flight, and from that time forward no Tygers were ever seen upon the Island.

The joy which the Portugueses had con∣ceiv'd,* 1.36 at the arrival of Father Xavier, was immediately changd to sadness, when they understood that he had only taken Sancian in his way to China. They all endeavour'd to dissuade him from it: and set before his Eyes, the rigorous Laws of that Government: That the

Ports were narrowly observ'd, by vigi∣lant and faithful Officers, who were neither to be circumvented, nor brib'd with Presents. That the Mandarins were cruel to all strangers; that the year be∣fore some Portuguese Sea-men, being cast by Tempest on the Coast of Canton, had been severely whip'd, and afterwards in∣clos'd in dark Dungeons, where if they were not already dead, they were still exercis'd with new punishments; that for himself, the least he cou'd expect was perpetual imprisonment, which was not the business of an Apostle, who design'd to run from place to place, and propa∣gate the Faith through all the East. These Arguments made no impression on the Saint: He had fortify'd his Resoluti∣on with more potent Reasons, and an∣swer'd the Merchants in the same tenour in which he had written to Father Fran∣cis Perez, That he cou'd not distrust the Divine Goodness, and that his distrust wou'd be so much the more Criminal, because the powerful inspiration of the holy Spirit, push'd him forward to teach the Chineses the Gospel of the living God. I am elected, said he, for this great enter∣prise, by the special Grace of Heaven. If I shou'd demur on the execution, or be ter∣rify'd with the hardships, and want courage

to attempt those difficulties, wou'd it not be incomparably worse, than all the Evils with which you threaten me? But, what can the Demons, and their Ministers do a∣gainst me? surely no more than what is per∣mitted them by the Soveraign Lord of all the World. Add, that in giving up my self in this manner, I shall obey my Lord Jesus, who declares in his Gospel, That whosoe∣ver will save his life shall lose it, and whoever will lose it for my sake, shall find it. Our Sa••iour also says, That he who having put his hand to the Plough, shall look behind him, is not sit for the Kingdom of Heaven. The loss of the Bo∣dy, being then without comparison less to be fear'd, than that of the Soul, according to the Principles of eternal Wisdom, I am resolv'd to sacrifice a frail and miserable life, for everlasting happiness. In fine, I have set up my rest, I will undertake this Voyage, and nothing is capable of altering my reso∣lution. Let all the Powers of Hell break loose upon me, I despise them, provided God be on my side; for if he be for us, who shall be against us? The Portugueses being of Opinion, that this fix'd inten∣tion of the Man of God, was partly grounded on his ignorance of the dan∣gers, which he believ'd they magnify'd to him, beyond their natural proportion,

sent some Chinese Merchants, with whom they traded, to discourse the business calmly with him; but the matter went otherwise than they had imagin'd. Those Chineses, to whom Xavier fail'd not to speak of Christianity, and who were men of understanding, advis'd him to the Voyage, instead of disswading him: they counsel'd him only to carry Books which contain'd the Christian Doctrine; and added, that not long since, the Em∣perour had s••nt some learned men into the neighbouring Kingdoms, to inform themselves of such Religions, as were different from the receiv'd opinions of the Chineses. That they believ'd the Christian Doctrine wou'd be well re∣ceiv'd at Court; and that it seem'd pro∣bable to them, that the novelty of so reasonable a belief, wou'd make his way, who was the first bearer of it.

Xavier was overjoy'd to find a passage open'd for the Gospel,* 1.37 to the most po∣lite Nation of the World: and doubted not but that the Christian Religion, coming to be compar'd by judicious men, with the other Opinions of the East, wou'd have the advantage. Being thus encourag'd to pursue his purpose, his first business was to provide himself of a good Interpreter. For Antonio the Chinese,

whom he had brought from Goa, was wholly ignorant of the Language which is spoken at the Court, and had almost forgotten the common Idiome of the vulgar. He found out another Chinese, who had a perfect knowledge of the Language of the Mandarins, and who cou'd also write excellently well, in which consists the principal knowledge of China. For the rest, he was a man well shap'd, of a good presence, of great natural parts, of a pleasing conversation, and which was above all, he seem'd en∣tirely devoted to the Christians; he pro∣mis'd all possible good Offices, whether he hop'd to make his fortune, by pre∣senting to the Emperour, one who publish'd a new Law, or that God had inspir'd him with those pious thoughts.

There was more difficulty in finding Sea-men, to transport the Father, for there was no less venture than that of life, for any one who undertook that business. But interest gives him cou∣rage to hazard all, who values money more than life it self. A Chinese Mer∣chant, call'd Capoceca, offer'd himself to carry Xavier into the Province of Can∣ton, provided he might be well pay'd: and ask'd the value of two hundred

* 1.38 Pardo's in Pepper. The Chinese pro∣mis'd to take Xavier into his Barque by night, and to land him before day, on some part of the Coast, where no hou∣ses vere in view; and if this way was thought uncertain, he engag'd to hide the Father in his own house; and four days after, to conduct him early in the morning to the Gates of Canton. But he wou'd have Xavier oblige himself also, on his side, to go immediately to the Mandarin, with the Letters which the Viceroy of the Indies, and the Bi∣shop of Goa had written to the Emperour, for the Father had still reserv'd by him those Letters which related to the Em∣bassy, though the design had been ruin'd by the Governour of Malacca. The Chinese also exacted an Oath of secrecy from the Saint, that no torments, how ever cruel, shou'd bring him to confess, either the name or the house of him who had set him on shore.

Xavier made as solemn an engage∣ment as he cou'd desire; not without knowledge of the hazard which he ran, as himself related to one of his dearest friends. I perceive, said he, two dangers which are almost inevitable in this affair; on the one side, there is great cause of ap∣prehension, lest the Idolatrous Merchant

having receiv'd the price of my passa••••, shou'd throw me over-board, or leave me on some desart Isle; on the other side, lest the Governour of Canton shou'd discharge his fury upon me, and make me an example to all Strangers, by putting me to a c••uel death, or condemning me to perpetual Im∣prisonment. But in case I follow the voice which calls me, and obey my Lord, I count my life and liberty at nothing.

When the Voyage of China was on these terms,* 1.39 and that all things seem'd to favour it, the Portugueses of Sancian put an obstacle in the way, of which Xavier had never thought. The appe∣tite of gain, made them apprehend, lest his Zeal shou'd bring them into trouble; and they said to one another, that the Mandarin Governour of Canton wou'd certainly revenge on them the boldness of their Countreyman. That he wou'd Commission his Officers to pillage their Ships, and con••iscate their effects, and that their lives were not in safety. In this general a••••rightment, which was not ill grounded, and which increas'd daily, the wealthie•• sort address'd them∣selves to Father Xavier, and desir'd him to take compassion on them, and on their Wives and Children, if he wou'd have no compassion on himself.

Xavier who was no less careful for the interests of others,* 1.40 than he was n••gligent of his own, found an expedient to satisfy them. He ingag'd his word, that he wou'd not pass over into China, 'till they had ended all their business, and were gone from Sancian. This gave oppor∣tunity to the Chinese Merchant, with whom he had treated, to make a short Voyage, under promise, notwithstand∣ing, to return at a time which was pre∣fix'd. While these things were thus manag'd, the Father fell sick of a violent Fever, which continu'd on him fifteen days. The Portugueses took occasion from thence to tell him, that Heaven had declar'd against the Voyage of China, but being recover'd, he follow'd his de∣sign with more warmth than ever; while the Merchants were lading their Ships, he entertain'd himself day and night, with the prospect of Converting China; and all his pleasure was to think how happy he shou'd be, in dispossessing the Devil of the largest Empire in the world. If yet, said he, it sha••l please Almighty God to employ so vile an Instrument as I am, in so glorious an undertaking. Taken up with these and such like meditations, he often took his walk along the shore, and turning his eyes towards that desir'd

Country, sent out ardent sighs. He said sometimes amongst his friends, that his only wish, was to be set down at the Gates of Canton, and troubled not himself with what might happen after∣wards: happy he, if he cou'd once de∣clare the Son of God to the Chineses, and more happy, if, for his sake, he might suffer Martyrdom.

In the mean time,* 1.41 all the Portuguese Vessels, excepting only the Santa Cruz, which had not yet her whole lading, set sail from Sancian, for the Indies. Xa∣vier gave many Letters to the Merchants, to be deliver'd both at Malacca, and at Goa. He writ to his friend Iames Pe∣reyra in terms which were full of acknow∣ledgement and charity. Almighty God, said he in his Letter, abundantly reward you, since I am not able of my self to do it: at least, while I continue in this world, I shall not fail to implore the Divine Goodness, to conferr on you, during your life, his holy grace, accompany'd with per∣fect health, and after your death Eternal Happiness. But as I am perswaded, that I cannot acquit my self by these my Prayers, of the great obligements which I have to you, I beg all those of our Society in the Indies, to desire of God the same blessings in your behalf. For what remains, if I compass

my entrance into China, and if the Gospel enter with me, 'tis to you, next to Al∣mighty God, to whom both the Chineses and my self shall be owing for it. You shall have the merit of it, in the sight of God, and the glory in the sight of men. Thus, both the Chineses, who shall embrace the Faith, and those of our Society who shall go to China, shall be oblig'd, to offer with∣out ceasing, their Vows to Heaven, in fa∣vour of you. God grant us both the hap∣piness, once to meet in the Court of China: As for my self, I am of opinion if I get into that Kingdom, and that you come thi∣ther, you will either find me a Prisoner at Canton, or at Pequin, which is the Ca∣pital City of that Empire: and I beseech the Lord out of his infinite mercy, that we may be joyn'd together, either in the Kingdom of China, or at least in the King∣dom of Immortal Glory.

He wrote,* 1.42 by the same conveyance, to Father Francis Perez, Superiour of Malacca. He commanded him, in ver∣tue of holy obedience, to depart, with the soonest, out of that unhappy Town, and to conduct his inferiours to Cochin, where he establish'd him Rectour of the Colledge, in the place of Antonio Here∣dia, whom he sent to Goa. Though Fa∣ther Xavier deplor'd a-new, the wr••t••hed

condition of Don Alvarez, it hinder'd him not from enjoyning Father Barzaeus, in his Letter to him, that he shou'd work the Bishop, to send his Orders to the Grand Vicar of Malacca, therein de∣claring the Governour to be Excommu∣nicated. And he took this way, not only because harden'd and scandalous Offendours, such as Don Alvarez, ought to incurr a publick dishonour, by that means to induce them to a serious con∣sideration of their own estate, and that others might take warning by them; but also, that succeeding Governours might fear, by the example of his punish∣ment, to set themselves in opposition to any intended Voyage of the Missioners, who shou'd be sent hereafter to the Mo∣lucca's, Iapan, or any other places.

He desir'd Father Barzaeus in the same Letter, to receive few persons into the Society; and to make an exact trial of those whom he shou'd receive. For I fear, said he, that many of them who have been admitted, and daily are ad∣mitted, were better out of our walls than within them.

You ought to deal with such people, as you have seen me deal with many at Goa; and as I have lately treated my Companion, whom I have dismiss'd from

the Society; not having found him pro∣per for our business. He meant Alva∣rez Pereyra, whom he had brought with him from the Indies, and whom he sent back from Sancian, with the Portuguese Vessels.

Amongst those Merchants,* 1.43 who went off from Sancian, there was one who made more haste than any of the rest; with∣out giving notice of his departure to the Father, whom he had lodg'd in his Cabin, or without waiting for a Chinese Vessel, which he had bought at the Port of Canton. One morning while the Father was saying Mass very early, this Merchant had put off from shore, and fled, with as much precipitation, as if the Island was ready to be swallow'd by the Sea. After Mass was ended, he look'd round him, and not seeing him for whom he search'd, What is become of my Host? said he, with the looks and gesture of a man inspir'd. Being an∣swer'd, that he was already in open Sea; what cou'd urge him, continu'd he, to so prompt a resolution? why did he not expect the Ship which comes from Can∣ton? and whither is he dragg'd by his unhappy destiny? That very evening the Chinese Vessel was seen to arrive: as for the ••ugitive Merchant, he was no

sooner landed at Malacca, when going into a wood, to seek materials for the refitting of his Ship, he was ponyarded by Robbers.

All the Portuguese Vessels being gone,* 1.44 saving only that which belong'd to the Governour of Malacca, or rather of which the Governour had possess'd himself by violence, Xavier was reduc'd to so great a want of all necessaries, that he had scarcely wherewithal to sustain Na∣ture. 'Tis certainly a matter of amaze∣ment, that they whose lives he had pre∣serv'd, by changing the salt Sea-water into fresh, shou'd be so hard-hearted, as to abandon him to dye of hunger. Some have thought that Don Alvarez had gi∣ven Orders, that all things shou'd be refus'd him; but I rather think, that Providence, wou'd try him, in the same manner, as sometimes God is pleas'd to prove those, whom he loves the best, and permitted that dereliction of him, for the entire perfection of the Saint.

That which most afflicted him,* 1.45 was, that the Chinese Interpreter, who had made him such advantageous offers, re∣call'd his word, either of himself, for fear of danger, or at the sollicitation of those, who were devoted to the Gover∣nour of Malacca. Yet the Father did

not lose his courage; he still hop'd that God wou'd assist him some other way; and that at the worst, Antonio de Sainte Foy might serve his turn for an Interpre∣ter. But for the last load of his misfor∣tunes, the Merchant who had ingag'd to land him on the Coast of China, return'd not at the time appointed, and he in vain expected him for many days.

Despairing of any thing on that side,* 1.46 he still maintain'd his resolution; and a∣nother expedient seem'd to promise him success. News was brought him, that the King of Siam, whose Dominions are almost bordering on Malacca; and who also was in league with Portugal, was preparing a magnificent Embassy to the Emperour of China, for the year follow∣ing. Whereupon Xavier resolv'd on re∣turning to Malacca by the first opportu∣nity, and to use his best endeavours, that he might accompany the Ambassa∣dour of Stam to China.

But the Eternal Wisdom,* 1.47 which some∣times inspires his Servants with great designs, does not always will the per∣formance of them; though he wills that on their side nothing be omitted for the execution. God was pleas'd to deal with Xavier, as formerly he had dealt with Moses, who dyed in view of that

very Land, whither he was commanded to conduct the Israelites. A Fever seiz'd on Father Francis, on the 20 th. of No∣vember; and at the same time he was endu'd with a clear knowledge of the day and hour of his death: as he openly declar'd to the Pilot of the Vessel, Fran∣cis d' Aghiar, who afterwards made an authentique deposition of it, by solemn Oath.

From that moment, he perceiv'd in himself a strange disgust of all earthly things, and thought on nothing but that Coelestial Country, whither God was calling him. Being much weaken'd by his Fever, he retir'd into the Vessel, which was the common Hospital of the sick, that there he might die in Poverty; and the Captain Lewis Almeyda receiv'd him, notwithstanding all the Orders of his Master Don Alvarez. But the tossing of the Ship, giving him an extraordinary head∣ach, and hindring him from applying himself to God, as he desir'd; the day en∣suing he requested that he might be set on shore again. He was landed. and le••t upon the Sands, expos'd to the in∣jury of the air, and the inclemency of the season, especially to the blasts of a piercing North-wind, which then arose.

He had there dy'd without relief, had not a Portuguese, more charitable than the rest, whose name was George Alva∣rez, caus'd him to be carry'd into his Cabin; which yet was little different from the naked shore, as being open on every side.

The Indications of his disease,* 1.48 being an accute pain in his side, and a great oppression, Alvarez was of opinion, that they ought to breathe a Vein; and the Father was consenting to it, by a blind submission to the Judgment of his Host, though he knew before hand, that all manner of Remedies were in vain. A Chirurgeon of the Ship, who was awk∣ward at his work, and of small experi∣ence in his Art, bled him so unluckily, that he hurt the Nerves, and the Patient fell immediately into swooning Convul∣sions. Yet they drew Blood from him a second time; and that operation had all the ill accidents of the former. Besides which, it was attended with a horrible nauseousness, insomuch that he cou'd take no nourishment: at least, the little which he took, consisted only of some few Almonds, which the Captain of the Vessel sent him out of Charity. The disease encreas'd hourly, and he grew weaker every day. But his Countenance

was still serene, and his Soul enjoy'd a perpetual calmness. Sometimes he lifted up his Eyes to Heaven, and at other times six'd them on his Crucifix, enter∣taining Divine Conversations with his God, and not without shedding abundant tears. He remain'd in this condition, till the twenty eighth of November, when the Fever mounted into his Head. During this delirium, he talk'd of nothing but of God, and of his passage into China, but in terms more tender and ardent than ever formerly.

At length he lost his Speech,* 1.49 and re∣cover'd not the use of it, till three days afterwards: His strength then left him all at once; so that it ••as expected eve∣ry moment that he wou'd pass away: Which notwithstanding he once more re∣cover'd, and having the free exercise both of his Reason and his Speech, he renew'd his Entertainments with his Sa∣viour in an audible manner. Nothing was to be heard from him but devout Aspirations, and short Ejaculations of Prayer, but those full of life and of af∣fect on. The Assistants understood not all he said, because he continually spoke in Latin: And Antonio de Sainte Foy, who never 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, has only reported, That the man of God made frequent Re∣petition

of these words, Iesu, fili Da∣vid, miserere mei? and these also, which were so familiar to him, O sanctissima Trinitas! Besides which, invoking the blessed Virgin, he wou'd say, Monstra te¦esse Matrem! He pass'd two days without taking any food; and having order'd his Priestly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the other Church∣stuff, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in saying Mass, to be carry'd aboard ••he Ship, together with those Books 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he had compos'd for the instruction of the Eastern people, he dispos'd himsel•• for his last hour, which was near approaching.

Besides Ant•• nio de Sainte Foy,* 1.50 he had near his person a young Indian, whom he had brought with him from Goa. The Saint, dying as he was, cast his Eyes on the young man, and appear'd discompos'd in looking on him; afterwards with a compassionate regard, he twice pro∣nounc'd these words, Ah miserable man! and afterwards shed tears. God, at that moment, was pleas'd to reveal to Xavi∣er, the unhappy death of this young In∣dian, who five or six months afterwards, falling into most horrible debauches, was kill'd on the place, by the shot of an Arquebuse. So that the Spirit of Pro∣phecy accompany'd the holy Man, even to his last breath.

At last,* 1.51 on the second of December, which fell on Friday, having his Eyes all bath'd in tears, and fix'd with great ten∣derness of Soul, upon his Crucifix, he pronounc'd those words, In te Domine speravi, non confundar in aeternum; and at the same instant, transported with Coe∣l••stial joy, which appear'd upon his Countenance, he sweetly gave up the Ghost, towards two of the Clock in the afternoon: and in the year of God 1552.

He was six and forty years of age,* 1.52 and had pass'd ten and a half of them in the Indies: His stature was somewhat above the middle size; his Constitution strong, his Air had a mixture of pleasingness and Majesty: He was fresh colour'd, had a large Forehead, a well proportion'd Nose; his Eyes were blew, but piercing and lively; his Hair and Beard of a dark Chesnut; his continual labours had made him gray betimes; and in the last year of his life, he was grizzled almost to whiteness. This without question gave occasion to his first Historians, to make him five and fifty years old, before the certain proofs of his age came at length to be discover'd.

When it was known that Father Fran∣cis* 1.53 was expir'd, many of the Ship, and even the most devoted to the Gover∣nour,

ran to the Cabin. They found the same fresh colour on his Face. as he had when living, and at the first sight, cou'd hardly perswade themselves that he was dead. When they had look'd on him at a nearer distance, Piety began to be pre∣dominant over all their other thoughts: they kneel'd down by him, and kiss'd his Hands with reverence, recommending themselves to him, with tears in their Eyes, as nothing doubting but that his happy Soul, was perfectly enjoying God in Heaven.

His Corps was not laid into the ground,* 1.54 till Sunday towards noon. His Funerals were made without any Ceremony: and besides Antonio de Sainte Foy, Francis d'Aghiar, and two others, there were not any more Assistants. An Historian of the Indies has written, That the in∣supportable coldness of that day, was the occasion of it. But in all probabili∣ty, the apprehension which the Ships Company had of drawing on themselves the displeasure of the Governour, Don Alvarez, had at least as great a share in it, as the sharpness of the season. They took off his Cassock, which was all in tatters; and the four, who had pay'd him those last duties, divided it amongst them, out of devotion; after which they

array'd him, in his Sacerdotal Habits.

George Alvarez took upon himself the care of bestowing the Body in a large Chest, made after the Chinese fashion; he caus'd this Chest to be fill'd up with unslak'd Lime; to the end that the Flesh being soon consum'd, they might carry the Bones in the Vessel, which within some few months was to return to In∣dia.

At the point of the Haven, there was a little spot of rising ground, and at the foot of this Hillock, a small piece of Meadow, where the Portugueses had set up a Cross. Near that Cross they in∣terr'd the Saint; they cast up two heaps of Stones, the one at his Head, the other at his Feet; as a mark of the place where he was buried.

In the mean season,* 1.55 God made mani∣fest the holiness of his Servant in the Kingdom of Navarre, by a miraculous accident; or rather by the ceasing of a Miracle. In a little Chappel, at the Ca∣stle of Xavier, there was an ancient Crucifix made of Plaister, of about the stature of a Man. In the last year of the Fathers life, this Crucifix was seen to sweat Blood in great abundance every Friday, but after Xavier was dead, the sweating ceas'd. The Crucifix is to be

seen even at this day, at the same place, with the Blood congeal'd along the Arms and Thighs to the Hands and Sides. They who have beheld it, have been inform'd by the Inhabitants of the Neighbourhood, that some persons of that Country having taken away some of the flakes of that clotted Blood, the Bishop of Pampeluna, had forbidden any one from hencefor∣ward, to diminish any part of it, under pain of Excommunication. They also learnt, that it had been observ'd, accor∣ding to the news which came from the ••••dies, that at the same time, when Xa∣••ier labour'd extraordinarily, or that he was in some great danger, this Crucifix distill'd Blood on every side; as if then, when the Apostle was actually suffering for Iesus Christ, Iesus Christ was suffering for him, notwithstanding that he is whol∣ly impassible. The Ship, which was at the Port of Sancian. being at the point of ••etting Sail ••or the Indies, Anthony de Sainte Foy, and Geor••e Alvarez desir••d the Captain Luys Almeyd••, not to l••ave up∣on the Isle the Remainders of Father Francis.

One of the Servants of Almeyda* 1.56 open'd the Coffin, by the order of his Master, on the seventeenth of February, 1553. to ••ee if the Flesh were totally consum'd, so

that the Bones might be gather'd toge∣ther; but having taken the Lime from off the Face, they found it ruddy and fresh colour'd, like that of a man, who is in a sweet repose. His Curiosity led him farther to view the Body, he found it in like manner whole, and the natural moisture uncorrupted. But that he might entirely satisfy all doubts and scru∣ples, he cut a little of the Flesh on the right Thigh, near the Knee, and beheld the Blood running from it. Whereupon he made haste to advertise the Captain of what he was an Eye-witness; and carry'd with him a little piece of Flesh, which he had cut off, and which was about a Fingers length. All the company ran im∣mediately to the place of burial, and ha∣ving made an exact observation of the Body, found it to be all entire, and with∣out any putrefaction. The Sacerdotal Habits, with which he had been vested after his decease, were no ways endam∣mag'd by the Lime. And what was most amazing to them all, was that the holy Corps, exhal'd an Odour so delightful, and so fragrant, that by the relation of many there present, the most exquisite Perfumes came nothing near it, and the scent was judg'd to be Coelestial.

Then those very people,* 1.57 who basely to comply with the brutality of Alvarez, had misus'd Father Xavier in his life, after his decease did honours to him, and many of them ask'd his pardon with weeping Eyes, that they had forsaken him so unworthily in his sickness. Some a∣mongst them exclaim'd openly against Al∣varez, without fearing the Consequence; and there was one who said aloud, what was said afterwards by the Viceroy of the Indies, Don Alphonso de Norogna, That Alvarez de Atayda, had been the death of Father Francis, both by his perse∣cutions at Malacca, and by the cruelties of his Servants at Sancian. With these pious Meditations, having laid the un∣••••ak'd Lime once more upon the Face and Body, the sacred Remains were car∣ry'd into the Ship, and not long after they set sail, esteeming themselves happy, to bear along with them, so rich a trea∣••••re to the Indies.

They arriv'd at Malacca,* 1.58 March the twenty second, without meeting in their ••assage any of those dreadful Whirl-winds, which infest those Seas; as if the presence of those holy Corps, was endu'd with Vertue to dispel them. Before they had ••ain'd the Port, they sent in their Cha∣••op to give them notice in the Town of

the Present which they were about to make them; though none of the Socie∣ty were in Malacca, and that the Flague was there violently raging, yet the whole Nobility, and all the Body of the Cler∣gy, came with Iames Pereyra to the Shore, to receive the blessed Body, each with a waxen Taper in his hand, and carry'd it in Ceremony to the Church of our Lady of the Mount, follow'd by a crow'd of Christians, Mahometans, and Idolaters, who on this occasion, seem'•• all to be join'd in the same Religion.

Don Alvarez was the only person who was wanting in his Reverence to the Saint:* 1.59 He was then actually at play i•• his Palace, while the Procession was pa••∣sing by; and, at the noise of the people putting his head out at the Window, h••∣miscall'd the publick Devotion, by th•• names of Silliness and Foppery: afte•• which he set him again to gaming. Bu•• his impiety did not long remain unpu∣nish'd, and the Predictions of the man 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God, made haste to justify their truth.

The Viceroy of the Indies, upon th•• Complaints which were brought again Don Alvarez for his tyrannical procee••∣ings, depriv'd him of the Government 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Malacca, and causing him to be broug•••• to Goa, as a Prisoner of State, sent h••••

to Portugal, under a sufficient guard. There all his Goods were confiscated to the Kings Exchequer; and for himself, he was condemn'd to perpetual Imprison∣ment. Before his departure from the In∣dies, he had gotten an obscene disease, which increas'd to that degree in Europe, that he dy'd of it at last in a shameful manner; no Remedy availing to his cure: The stench of his polluted Body, having first made him insupportable to all the World. As for Pereyra, who had sacrific'd his whole Estate, for the bene∣fit of Souls, and propagation of the Faith, though the Governour had so unjustly made a seisure of his Fortunes, yet King Iohn the Third, restor'd him all with In∣terest, and heap'd his Royal Favours on him, in succeeding years, according to the Prediction of the Father.

But the Devotion of the people sail'd not of an immediate reward.* 1.60 The Pe∣stilence, which for some weeks had laid waste the Town, as the Saint had fore∣told, not long before his death, in his Letter to Father Francis Perez, on the sudden ceas'd; insomuch, that no infecti∣on was from thence forward caught; and they who had been infected, were cur'd, without taking any remedy. Be∣sides this contagious disease, the Famine

rag'd to that degree, that multitudes of people daily dy'd of hunger. This se∣cond Judgment was likewise diverted at the same time: for together with the Vessel, which bore the sacred Body, there came in a Fleet of Ships, which were laden with all manner of provisi∣ons, to supply the necessities of the Town.

These so considerable favours,* 1.61 ought to have oblig'd the Inhabitants, to have honour'd the Body of their Benefactour, with a Sepulcher which was worthy of him. In the mean time, whether the fear of their Governour with-held them, or that God permitted it for the greater glory of his Servant, having taken the Body out of the Chest, they buried it without the Church, where the common sort of people were interr'd; and which was yet more shameful, they made the Grave too scanty; so that crushing the Body to give it entrance, they broke it somewhere about the Shoulders; and there gush'd out Blood, which diffus'd a most fragrant Odour. And farther, to carry their civility, and discretion to the highest point, they trampled so hard up∣on the Earth, which cover'd the blessed Corps, that they bruis'd it in many parts; as if it had been the destiny of that holy

Man, to be tormented by the people of Malacca, both during his life, and after his decease. The sacred Corps remain'd thus without honour, till the month of August, when Father Iohn Beyra came from Goa, in his return to the Molucca's, with two Companions whom Gaspar Bar∣zaeus, the Vice Provincial had given him, pursuant to the Orders of Father Xavier. This man having always had a tender af∣fection for the Saint, was most sensibly afflicted for his death; and cou'd not think of continuing his Voyage to the Molucca's, till he had look'd upon the Bo∣dy, of which so many wonders were re∣lated. Opening himself on that Subject to Iames Pereyra, and two or three other Friends of the dead Apostle, they took up his Body privately one night. The Corps was found entire, fresh, and still exhaling a sweet Odour: neither had the dampness of the ground after five months burial, made the least alteration in him: They found even the Linnen which was over his Face, tinctur'd with Vermillion Blood.

This surprising sight,* 1.62 so wrought up∣on their minds, that they thought it their duty, not to lay it again into the ground; but rather to contrive the means of transporting it to Goa. Pereyra

order'd a Coffin to be made, of a pre∣cious wood, and after they had garnish'd it with rich China Damask, they put the Corps into it, wrapping it in Cloath of Gold, with a Pillow of Bro∣card underneath the head. The Coffin was afterwards bestow'd in a proper place, known only to the devoted friends of Father Xavier: and it pleas'd the Al∣mighty to declare by a visible Miracle, that their Zeal was acceptable to him. For a Waxen Taper, which they had lighted up before the Coffin, and which naturally must have burnt out, within ten hours, lasted eighteen days entire, burning day and night: and it was ob∣serv'd that the droppings of the Wax, weigh'd more than the Taper it self at the beginning.

In the mean time an occasion offer'd, for the Voyage of the Molucca's; while they were waiting ••or an oppor∣tunity of passing to G••a. Beyra, there∣fore put to Sea, more inflam'd than e∣ver with the Zeal of Souls; and fill'd with a double portion of an Apostolick Spirit, which the sight of the Saint had inspir'd into him. But, of the two Com∣panions, which had been assign'd for the Mission of the Molucca's, he left one behind him at Malacca, to be a Guar∣dian

of that holy treasure, and this was Emanuel Pavora. Peter de Alcaceva, at the same time return'd from Iapan, whi∣ther he had been sent from Goa, for the affairs of that new Christianity. And both of them, not long after, carried the holy Corps along with them, in the Vessel of Lopez de Norogna.

The Ship was so old and worn,* 1.63 and out of all repair, that none durst ven∣ture to embark upon her. But when once it was divulg'd, that it was to carry the Corps of Father Francis, every one made haste to get a corner in her: not doubting but there they might be safe. And the Passengers had no cause to re∣pent them of their confidence: for, in effect, God deliver'd them, more than once, miraculously from Shipwrack.

A furious tempest, almost at their first setting out, cast them upon banks of Sand, and the Keel struck so far in∣to it, that they cou'd not get her off, when against all humane appearances, the wind coming about, and blowing full in their faces, disingag'd the Vessel; and that it might manifestly appear to be the hand of God, the blast ceas'd that very moment, when the Keel was losen'd from the Sands.

Not long after, at the entry into the Gulph of Ceylan, they struck impetu∣ously against some hidden Shelves, the Rudder flying off, with the fury of the stroke, the Keel stuck fast within the Rock; and it was a Miracle that the Vessel, being so crazy, did not split a∣sunder. The Mariners did that on this occasion, which is commonly put in practice, in extremity of danger. They cut the Masts with their hatchets, but that being of no effect, they were go∣ing to throw all their lading over-board, to ease the Ship; but the fury of the waves, which beat upon her on every side, and outrageously toss'd her, suffer'd them not to perform what they desir'd. Then they had their last recourse to the intercession of that Saint, whose Corps they carried. Having drawn it out of the Pilots Cabin, they fell on their knees about it with lighted Flambeaux; and, as if Father Xavier had been yet living, and that he had beheld, and heard them, they begg'd succour of him, from that imminent destruction.

Their Prayer was scarcely ended, when they heard a rumbling noise from underneath the Vessel; and at the same time, perceiv'd her following her course in open Sea: from whence they conclu∣ded,

that the Rock was cleft in pie∣ces, and had left a free passage for the Ship.

They pursu'd their Voyage chearfully,* 1.64 and turning towards the Cape of Como∣rine, landed at Cochin. The whole City came to pay their last duty to their In∣structour, and beloved Father. And 'tis incredible what demonstrations of piety the people gave. From Cochin they set sail for Baticula. The Wife of Antonio Rodriguez, one of the Kings Of∣••icers, who had long been sick▪ was in hope to recover, if she cou'd see Father Francis. She caus'd her self to be car∣ried to the Ship, and at the sight of the dead Saint, was restor'd to her health at the same moment. Not satisfy'd with this, she was desirous to have a little piece of the Cope, with which the Fa∣ther was habited: and•• tis wonderful what Cures she effected by that precious Relique.

The Ship being now within twenty Leagues of Goa, and being unable to make any farther way, because of the contrary winds, the Captain went into the Chalop, with some of his people, and got to the Town, by the help of Oars, that himself might have the honour of bearing the first news to the Viceroy,

and the Fathers of the Society, that the blessed Corps was coming to them. Fa∣ther Gaspar Barzaeus was already dead, and Father Melchior Nugnez declar'd his Successour in his two Offices, of Rectour of the Colledge, and Vice Provincial of the Indies, in vertue of the Letter which Father Xavier had left seal'd be∣hind him, when he went for China, and which was open'd after the death of Gaspar, according to the Orders of Xa∣vier himself.

The Viceroy immediately order'd a light Galley for Nugnez,* 1.65 upon which, he and three others of the Society imbarking, together with four young men of the Seminary, they set sail towards the Vessel, to bear off the Body of the Saint. They receiv'd it with the honourable discharge of all the Cannon, not only from the Ship of Lopez, but from six other Vessels which were in Company, and which had been wind-bound towards Baticula. On the fifteenth of March, in the year 1554, the Galley landed at Rebendar, which is within half a league of Goa: she remain'd there the rest of that day, and all the night; while they were ma∣king preparations in the Town, for the solemn reception of the holy Apostle of

the Indies. The next morning, which was Friday in passion week, six Barks were seen to come, which were all illu∣minated with lighted Torches, and pom∣pously adorn'd; wherein was the flower of the Portuguese Nobility. Twelve o∣ther Barks attended them, with three hundred of the principal Inhabitants, each of them holding a Taper in his hand: and in every of these Barks, there was Instrumental musick of all sorts, and choirs of Voices, which made an admirable harmony. The whole squa∣dron was drawn up into two wings, to accompany the Galley, which row'd be∣twixt them. The Body of the Saint was cover'd with Cloath of Gold, which was the present of Pereyra, and was plac'd upon the Stern, under a noble Canopy, with lighted Flambeaux, and rich Strea∣mers waving on both sides of it.

In this equipage, they row'd towards Goa, but very softly, and in admirable order. All the Town was gather'd on the shore, in impatient expectation of their loving and good Father. When they perceiv'd the Vessel from afar, there was nothing to be heard but cries of joy, nothing to be seen but tears of devotion. Some more impatient than the rest, threw themselves into the Sea, and

swimming up to the Gally, accompany'd it to the shore, in the same posture.

The Viceroy was there waiting for it,* 1.66 attended by his Guards, the remain∣ing part of the Nobility, the Council Royal, and the Magistrates, all in mourning. At the time when the holy Corps was landing, a Company of young men, consecrated to the service of the Altars, sung the Benedictus Do∣minus D••us Israel. In the mean while, they order'd the Ceremony of the Pro∣c••ssio•• after this ensuing manner.

Ninety Children went foremost, in long white Robes, with Chaplets of Flowers on their heads, and each of them holding in his hand an Olive-Branch. The Brotherhood of Mercy follow'd them, with a magnificent Standard. The Clergy succeeded to the Brotherhood, and walk'd immediately before the Corps, which was carried by the Fathers of the Society. The Viceroy with his Court, clos'd up the Ceremony, which was follow'd by an innumerable multitude of people. All the Streets were hung with Tapistry; and when the blessed Corps appear'd, Flowers were thrown upon it from all the windows, and from the tops of Houses.

But nothing render'd the pomp more famous,* 1.67 than the Miracles which at that time were wrought: For there seem'd to breath out from this holy body, a saving v••rtue, together with a Coelestial Odour. Many sick persons, who had caus'd themselves to be carried out into the Streets, were cur'd with only seeing it: and even some, who were not able to leave their Beds, recover'd their health with the bare invocation of his name. Iane Pereyra was of this number; after a sickness of three Months, being almost reduc'd to a despair of life, she had no sooner implor'd the assistance of the Saint, but she found her self in a perfect State of health.

Another young Maiden, who was just at the point of death, and held the Consecrated Taper in her hand, having been recommended by her Mother to the patronage of the Saint, came sud∣denly to her self, and rose up well re∣cover'd, while the Procession was passing by the house.

After many turns and windings,* 1.68 at last they proce••ded to the Colledge of St. Paul; and there let down the Co••••in, in the great Chappel of the Church. A retrenchment had been made before the Chappel, to keep o•••• the ••rowd; but

it was immediately broken down, not•• withstanding the opposition of the Guards, which were plac'd on purpose to defent it. To appease the tumult, they were forc'd to shew the Saint, three times successive∣ly, and to hold him upright, that he might more easily be seen by the long∣ing multitude. It was also thought con∣venient to leave the Body expos'd to view, for three days together, for the comfort of the Inhabitants, who were never weary with gazing on it; and who in gazing were pierc'd with a sen∣sible devotion.

New Miracles were wrought in pre∣sence of the holy Body.* 1.69 The Blind re∣ceiv'd their sight, those who were ta∣ken with the Palsey, recover'd the use of their Limbs, and the Lepers became clean as Babes. At the sight of these miraculous Cures, the people publish'd aloud, all those wonderful operations which they knew to have been perform'd by Father Xavier. And his old Com∣panion Iohn Deyro, at that time a Re∣ligious of the Order of St. Francis, re∣lated, with tears of tenderness and de∣votion, what the Saint had Prophecy'd of him, which was now accomplish'd. In the mean time, on that very day which was Friday, the Canons of the

Cathedral, solemnly sung the high Mass of the Cross. The day following, the Religious of St. Francis, whom the man of God had always honour'd, and ten∣derly affected, came to sing the M••ss of the Blessed Virgin, in the Church of the Society.

When in this manner, the publick de∣votion had been accomplish'd, on Sunday night, the Co••••in was plac'd on an emi∣nence near the high Altar, on the Gos∣pel side.

In this place I ought not to omit, that the Vessel which had born this Sa∣cred Pledge to Goa, split asunder of it self, and sunk to the bottom, so soon as the Merchandises were unladed, and all the Passengers were come safe on shoar: which was nothing less than a publick declaration of Almighty God, that he had miraculously preserv'd her in favour of that holy treasure; and that a Ship which had been employ'd on so pious an occasion, was never to be us'd on any secular account.

As soon as it was known in Europe,* 1.70 that Father Xavier was dead, they be∣gan to speak of his Canonization. And on this account, Don Iohn the Third, King of Portugal, gave Orders to the Viceroy of the Indies, Don Francis Bar∣reto,

to make a verbal process of the Life, and Miracles of the Man of God. This was executed at Goa, at Cochin, at the Coast of Fishery, at Malacca, at the Molucca's, and other parts: And men of probity, who were also discerning and able persons, were sent upon the places, heard the Witnesses, and examin'd the matters of fact, with all possible exact∣ness.

'Tis to be acknowledg'd,* 1.71 that the peo∣ple took it in evil part, that these infor∣mations were made; being fully satisfy'd of the holiness of the Saint, and not being able to endure, that it shou'd be doubted in the least: In like manner, neither wou••d they stay, till all the Ec∣clesiastical proceedings were wholly end∣ed, nor till the holy See had first spoken of rendring him the worship due to Saints; they invok'd him already in their necessities, and particularly in all sorts of dangers. Some of them plac'd his Picture in their Oratories; and even the Archbishop of Goa, Don Christopher de Lisbo••ne, (for the Episcopal See had been erected into an Arch-bishoprick) the Archbishop, I say, wore on his Breast, an Image of Xavier in little, which he often kiss'd with a reverent A••••ection, and his Devotion was not without Re∣ward;

for having been cruelly tormen∣ted with the Stone, for a Month toge∣ther, he was freed immediately from it, and felt not any farther pains.

It also happen'd,* 1.72 that in many places of the Indies, the new Converts built Churches in honour of Father Francis, through a precipitate and indiscreet De∣votion, which their good meaning and their zeal are only capable of excusing. Amongst those Churches, there was one much celebrated, on the Coast of Tra∣••••••cor. The Saracens having demolish'd it, together with eleven other ancient Structures of Piety, the Christians, who by reason of their poverty, were not able to rebuild them all, restor'd only this one Church, which was dearer to them than any of the rest.

For what remains, in what place soe∣ver any Churches w••re dedicated to the Father, there never ••ail'd a wonderful concourse of people, to honour the Me∣mory of the holy Man; and according to the relation of Francis Nugnez, Vicar of Coulan, they were oblig'd to sink a Well ••or the relie•• of poor Pilgrims near the Church, which was built in honour of him at that Town. Nugnez also reports, That those which had been consecrated to the Apostles, and other Saints, in a manner lost

their Titles, when once the Image of St. Xavier was there expos'd: and that the people turning all their Devotion towards him, were wont to call them the Churches of Father Francis.

But what was most to be admir'd,* 1.73 e∣ven the profest Enemies of Iesus Christ, pay'd him reverence after his decease, as well as during his life; calling him, the Man of Prodigies, the Friend of Heaven, the Master of Nature, and the God of the World. Some of them undertook long Voyages, and came to Goa expresly to be∣hold his Body exempted from Corrupti∣on, and which, only excepting motion, had all the appearances of life. There were amongst the Gentiles, who spoke of rai∣sing Altars to him; and some people of the Sect of Mahomet, did, in effect, de∣dicate a Mosque to him, on the Western Coast of Comorine. The King of Trav••••∣cor, though a M••hometan, built a magni∣ficent Temple to him; and the Infidel•• had so great a veneration for that place▪ where the Great Father was ador'd, that they durst not spet upon the ground, i•• we may believe the Testimony of those▪ who were Natives of the Country.

The Pagans had a Custom, that in confirmation of a Truth, they wou'd hold a red hot Iron in their Hands, with

other Superstitions of the like nature: but after that Father Francis, came to be held in so great veneration through the Indies, they swore solemnly by his name; and such an Oath, was generally receiv'd for the highest attestation of a truth. Neither did any of them for∣swear themselves unpunish'd after such an Oath. And God authoris'd by many proofs, this religious practice, even by manifest prodigies. Behold a terrible ex∣ample of it: An Idolater ow'd a Christi∣an a considerable sum of Money. But as he deny'd his debt, and no legal proof cou'd be made of it, the Christian oblig'd him to swear in the Church, upon the Image of St. Francis: The Idolater made a false Oath, without the least scruple; but was scarcely got into his own House, when he began to void Blood in abundance at his Mouth; and dy'd in a raging fit of madness which had the resemblance of a Man possest, rather than of one who was distracted.

Neither was his Memory less honour'd in Iapan,* 1.74 than in the Indies. The Chri∣stians of the Kingdom of Saxuma, kept religiously a Stone, on which he had of∣ten preach'd; and shew'd it as a precious rarity. The House wherein he had lodg'd at Amanguchi, was respected as a sacred

place; and was always preserv'd from ruine, amidst those bloody Wars, which more than once had destroy'd the Town. For what remains, the Indians and Iapo∣nians were not the only people which honour'd Father Xavier after his decease; the Odour of his holy life expanded it ••elf beyond the Seas into other Heathen Countries where he had never been. And Alphonso Leon Barb••da, who has tra∣vell'd over all the Coasts of Africk, re∣ports, that in the Kingdoms of Sofala, beyond the great River of Cuama, and in the Isles about it, the name of Father Francis was in high repute, and that those Moors never mention'd him, but with the addition of a wonderful Man. So many illustrious testimonies, and so far above suspition, ingag'd the King of Portugal anew, to sollicite the Canoni∣zation of the Saint; and in that prospect, there was made an ample collection of his Vertues, of which I present you with this following Extract.

No exteriour employments,* 1.75 how many or how great soever, cou'd divert the Fa∣ther, from the contemplation of coelesti∣al things. Being at Goa, his ordinary retirement after Dinner, was into the Clock-house of the Church, to avoid the int••rruption of any person, and there,

during the space of two hours, he had a close communication with his God. But because he was not always Master of himself on those occasions, so as to regu∣late his time; and that he was sometimes oblig'd to leave his privacy, he com∣manded a young man of the Seminary of Sainte Foy, whose name was Andrew, to come and give him notice, wh••n the two hours, to which he was limited, were expir'd. One day, when the Father was to speak with the Viceroy, Andrew, be∣ing come to advertise him, found him seated on a little Chair, his Hands across his Breast, and his Eyes fix'd on Heaven. When he had look'd on him a while at∣tentively, he at length call'd him, but finding that the Father answer'd not, he spoke yet louder, and made a noise. All this was to no purpose, Xavier continu'd immoveable, and Andrew went his way, having some scruple to disturb the quiet of a Man, who had the appearance of an Angle, and seem'd to enjoy the plea∣sures of the Souls in Paradise. He re∣turn'd, nevertheless, about two hours af∣ter, and found him still in the same po∣sture: The young man ••earing that he shou'd not comply with du••y, if coming the second time, he sho••••d not make himself be heard, b••gan to pull the Fa∣ther,

and to jogg him. Xavier at length returning to himself, was in a wonder at the first, that two hours shou'd so soon be slipp'd away; but coming to know, that he had remain'd in that place beyond four hours, he went out with Andrew, to go to the Palace of the Viceroy. He had scarcely set his Foot over the Thre∣shold, when he seem'd to be ravish'd in Spirit once again. After he had made some turns, without well knowing whi∣ther he went, he return'd as night was beginning to come on, and said to his Attendant, My Son, we will take another time to see the Governour, 'tis the Will of God, that this present day shou'd be whol∣ly his.

Another time▪ walking through the Streets of the same City, his thoughts were so wholly taken up with God, that he perceiv'd not a furious Elephant, who ••eing broken loose, caus'd a general ter∣rour, and every man made haste out of his way. It was in vain to cry out to the Father, that he might avoid him, he heard nothing, and the enrag'd beast pass'd very near him, without his know∣ledge.

I•• his Voyages at ••ea, he continu'd ear∣nestly in Prayer, from midnight even to Sun-rising, and ••hat regularly. From

thence it came almost to a Proverb a∣mongst the Seamen, That nothing was to be fear'd in the night, because Father Francis watch'd the Vessel, and the Tem∣pests durst not trouble them, while he held conversation with God.

A man of Manapar, at whose House he lodg'd, and who observ'd him at divers hours of the night, found him always on his Knees before a Crucifix, and frequently beheld the Chamber enlighten'd by the Rays which darted from his Counte∣nance.

While he was sojourning among Chri∣stians, the small repose he gave to Na∣ture, was commonly in the Church; to the end he might be near the blessed Sa∣crament, before which he pray'd all the remainder of the night. But in Coun∣tries, where yet there were no Churches built, he pass'd the night in the open Air, and nothing so much elevated his Soul to God, as the view of Heaven, spangled over, and sow'd as it were with Stars; and this we have from his own Relation.

The Pope, had permitted him, in con∣sideration of his Employments, and A∣postolical Labours, to say a Breviary which was shorter then the Roman, and had but three Lessons: It was call'd the

O••••ice of the Cross; and was easily granted in those times, to such, who were over∣burden'd with much business. But Xa∣vier never made use of this permission, what A••••airs soever he was press'd withal, for the service of Almighty God: On the contrary, before the beginning of every Canonical hour, he always said the Hymn of Veni Cre••tor Spiritus; and it was ob∣serv'd, that while he said it, his Counte∣nance was enlighten'd, as if the Holy Ghost, whom he invok'd, was visibly de∣scended on him.

He daily celebrated the Sacrifice of the Mass with the same Reverence, and the same Devotion, with which he had said it, the first time, and most ordinarily perform'd it at break of day. Those heavenly Sweets, which overflow'd his Soul at the Altar, spread their mild inun∣dations even over the Assistants: And Antonio Andrada reported of himself, that being then a young Souldier, he found such an inward satisfaction when he serv'd the Father, in serving at Mass, that in that consideration, he sought the occasi∣ons of ••erforming the Clerks Office.

In the midst of his Conversations with Secular Men, the Saint was often call'd aside of God, by certain sudden il∣luminations, which oblig'd him to retire:

And when afterwards they sought him, he was found before the Holy Sacrament, in some lonely place, ingulph'd in deep Meditations, and frequently suspended in the Air, with Beams of Glory round his Countenance. Many Ocular Witnesses have depos'd this matter of Fact; but some have a••••irm'd, That at ••irst they have found him on his Knees immo••ve∣able; that they have afterwards observ'd, how by degrees he was moun••ed from the Earth; and that then, being seiz'd with a sacred horrour, they cou'd not stedfastly behold him, so bright and ra∣diant was his Countenance. Others have protested, That while he was speaking to them of the things of God, they cou'd perceive him shooting upward, and di∣stancing himself from them, on the sud∣den, and his Body raising it self on high of its own motion.

These ext••aordinary Ravishments, which bore some manner o•• proportion to the Glory of the Blest above, happen'd to him from time to time, during the Sa∣crifice of the Mass, when he came to pronounce the words of Consecration; and he was beheld elevated in that man∣ner, particularly at Meliapore, and at Malacca. The same was frequently ob∣serv'd at Goa, while he was communica∣ting

the people; and what was remark∣able, as it was then t••e Custom, to give the Sacrament in kn••el••ng, he app••ar'd to be lifted from the Earth, in that hum∣ble posture.

For common Extasies, he had them al∣most every day; especially at the Altar, and after the Sacrifice of the Mass; in∣somuch, that many times they cou'd not ••ring him to himself, with pul••••••g him by the Robe, and violentl•• ••haking him.

The delight•• which he enjoy'd at such a time, are only to be comprehended by su••h Souls, whic•• have receiv'd from Heaven the like savours. Never••heless, 'tis evident, that if it be possible for M••n to enjoy on ••a••th, the Felicities of Hea∣ven, 'tis then, when the Soul, transpor∣ted out of it self, is plung'd, and as it wer•• lost in the Abyss of God.

But it was not only in these Extatick Transports, that Xavier was intimately united to our Lord: In the midst of his Labours, he had his ••oul recollected in God, without any dissipation, caus'd by the multitude or in••ricacy of Affairs; insomuch, that he remain'd entire in all he did, and at the same time whole in him, for whose Honour he was then em∣ploy'd.

This so close,* 1.76 and so con••inual an Uni∣on,

cou'd only proceed from a tender charity: the divine love burning him up in such a manner, that his face was com∣monly on fire; and both for his inte∣riour and outward ardour, they were often forc'd to throw cold water into his bosome.

Frequently in Preaching, and in walk∣ing, he felt in himself such inward scorch∣ing, that not being able to endure it, he was constrain'd to give himself air, by opening his Cassock before his breast; and this he has been seen to do, on ma∣ny occasions, in the publick places, at Malacca and at Goa, in the Garden of St. Paul's Colledge, and in the sandy walks of the Sea shore.

Almost every hour, words of life and fire burst and sally'd as it were from out his mouth, which were indeed the holy sparkles of a burning heart. As for Example, O most ••oly Trinity, O my Creatour, O my Iesus O Iesus the desire of my S••ul! He spoke these words in Latine, that he might not ••e understood by the ••ommon People: and being on the Coast of ••ishery, a•• the Kingdom of Travanc••r, and at the Molu••c••'s, he was heard to speak so many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 every day these words. O Sanctissi••a Trinitas! that the most Idolatrous B••rb••rians, when

they found themselves in extream dan∣gers, or that they wou'd express their amazement at any thing, pronounc'd those very words, without understanding any thing more of them, than that they were holy and Misterious.

Even sleep it self had not the power to interrupt those tender aspirations; and all the night long he was heard to say, O my Iesus, my Souls delight! or other expressions, as full of tenderness, which shew'd the inclination of his heart. Be∣ing out of his sences, by the violence of a burning Feaver, both at Mozambique and at Sancian, he spoke of God, and to God, with more ••ervency than ever, insomuch that his Delirium, seem'd only to be a redoubling of his love. He was so sensible of the interests of the Divine Majesty, that being touch'd to the quick with the enormity of those crimes, that were committed in the new World, he writ to a Friend of his, in these very terms. I have sometimes an abhorrence of my life, and w••u'd rather chuse to d••e than to beh••ld so many outrages done to Jesus Christ, without being▪ able either to hinder, or to repair them.

For the rest, that he might always keep alive the fire of Divine Love, he had incessantly before his eyes, the suf∣ferings

of our Lord. At the sight of the wounds and of the blood of a Crucify'd God, he fell into sighs and tears, and languishments, and extasies of love. He was consum'd with the zeal of returning his Saviour life for life; for Martyrdom was his predominant passion, and his sen∣timents are a contin••al proof of it. It sometimes happens, through a singular fa∣vour of the Divine Goodness (says he ••n one of his Letters) that for the service of God we run our selves into the ••••z••rd of death. But we ought to bear in mind, that we are born mortal; and that a Christian is bound to desire nothing more than to lay down his Life for Jesus Christ.

From thence proceeded that abundant joy which he conceiv'd, when the faith∣ful pour'd out their blood for Faith: and he wrote to the Fathers at Rome, on occasion of the Massacre of the Bap∣tis'd M••narois. We are oblig'd to rejoyce in Jesus Christ, that Martyrs a••e not wanting, not even in our deca••ing times; and to give him thanks, that, seeing so few p••rs••ns make the right use ••f his grace for their Salvation, he permits that the number of the happy shall be compleated, through the cruelty of men. Admirable n••ws (says he el••ewhere) is lately come

from the Molucca's; they who labour there in the Lords Vineyard, suffer exceedingly, and are in continual hazard of their lives. I imagine that the Isles del Moro, will give many Martyrs to our Society, and they will soon be call'd the Isles of Mar∣tyrdom. Let our Brethren then, who de∣sire to shed their blood for Jesus Christ be of good courage, and anticipate their future joy. For, behold at length a Semi∣nary of Martyrdom is ready for them; a••d they will have wherewithal to satisfie their longings.

The same love which inspir'd him with the desire of dying for our Saviour, made him breath after the sight and the possession of God. He spoke not but of Paradise, and concluded almost all his Letters, with wishing there to meet his Brethren.

But his Charity was not confin'd to words and thoughts,* 1.77 it shone out in his works and actions; and extended it self to the service of his Neighbour. Xa∣vier seem'd to be onely born for the re∣lief of the distress'd. He lov'd the sick with tenderness; and to attend them, was what he call'd his pleasure. He sought out, not only wherewithal to feed them, but to feast them. And for that purpose begg'd from the Portugue∣ses,

the most exquisite Regalio's, which were sent them out of Europe. He was not asham'd of going round the Town with a Wallet on his back, begging lin∣nen for the wounded Souldiers: he dress'd their hurts, and did it with so much the more affection, when they were the most putrifi'd and loathsome to the smell. If he happen'd to meet with any Beggar, who was sinking un∣der sickness, he took him in his arms, bore him to the Hospital, prepar'd his Remedies, and dress'd his meat with his own hands.

Though all the miserable were dear to him; yet he assisted the Prisoners af∣ter a more particular manner, with the Charities which he gather'd for them. And, in Goa, which was the common Tribunal of the Indies, he employ'd one day in the week, in doing good to such who were overwhelm'd with Debts. If he had not wherewithal, to pay off their Creditors entirely, he mollify'd them at least with his civilities, and oblig'd them sometimes to release one moyety of what was owing to them.

The poor with one common voice call'd him their Father, and he also re∣garded them as his Children. Nothing was given him, but what pass'd through his

hands into theirs, who were members of Iesus Christ; even so far as to deprive himself of nec••ssaries. He heap'd up, as I may call it, a Treasury of Alms, not onely for the subsistance of the meaner sort, who are content with little, but for the maintenance of honourable Fa∣milies, which one or two Shipwracks had ruin'd all at once: and for the en∣tertainment of many Virgins of good parentage, whom poverty might ne∣cessitate to an infamous course of li∣ving.

The greatest part of the miracles, which on so many occasions were wrought by him, was onely for the re∣medy of publick calamities, or for the cure of particular persons: and it was in the same Spirit, that being one day greatly busied in hearing the Confessions of the faithful at Goa, he departed ab∣ruptly in appearance out of the Con••es∣sional, and from thence out of the Church also, transported with some inward mo∣tion, which he cou'd not possibly resist: after he had made many turns about the Town, without knowing whither he went, he happen'd upon a Stranger, and having tenderly embrac'd him, conducted him to the Colledge of the Society. There, that miserable creature,

whom his despair was driving to lay vio∣lent hands upon himself, having more seriously reflected on his wicked resolu∣tion, pull'd out the Halter, which he had secretly about him, and with which he was going to have hang'd himself; and gave it into the Father's hands. The Saint, to whom it was reveal'd, that extream misery had reduc'd the unhappy wretch, to this dismal melancholly, gave him comfort, retain'd him in the Colledge for some time; and at length dismiss'd him with a round sum of mo∣ney, sufficient for the entertainment of his Family. He recommended without ceasing, his Friends and Benefactours to our Lord; he pray'd both day and night for the prosperity of King Iohn the third of Portugal; whom he call'd the true Protectour of all the Society: But the Persecutors of the Saint had a greater share in his devotions than any others: and at the same time when he was treat∣ed so unworthily by the Governour of Malacca, he daily offer'd for him the Sa∣crifice of the Mass. He was us'd to say, that to render good for evil, was in some sort a Divine Revenge: and he reveng'd himself in that very sort on the Governour of Comori••e; which in one of his Letters is thus attested.

My dear Brother in Iesus Christ (thus he wrote to Father Mansilla) I hear uncomfortable news, that the Governour's Ship is destroy'd by fire, that his Houses also are burnt down: that he is retir'd in∣to an Island, and has nothing left him, even for the necessary provisions of life. I desire you, out of Christian charity, to go with the soonest to his relief, with your Christians of Punical: get what Barks you can together, and lade them with all manner of Provisions; I have written ear∣nestly, to the chief of the people, that they furnish you with all things necessary, and especially with fresh water, which as you know, is very scarce in those desart Islands. I wou'd go in person to the assistance of the Governour, if I thought my presence might be acceptable to him: but of late he hates me, and has written that he cou'd not say, without giving scandal, all the evils I have done him. God and man can bear me witness, if ever I have done him the least prejudice.

His Charity towards his Neighbour,* 1.78 has principally appear'd, in what he did for the Conversion of Souls. 'Tis difficult to enumerate all his Travels by Land, and his Voyages by Sea. And if any one wou'd take that pains, it might be thought he had scarce the leisure to

do any thing but travel. Without men∣tioning his Journe••s ••rom Fran••e to I∣taly, and from Italy to Portug••l; he went from Lisb••nn to M••••••m••ique, and from Moz••mbique to Melind•• to S••c••tora, and in fine to G••a. From Goa he p••ss'd to C••pe Comorine, and to the F••shing-Coast, from thence to Cochin▪ and re∣turning to Goa, came back to the Coast of Fishery, enter'd far into the Islands, and return'd to the Fishery, from whence he travell'd to the Kingdom of Tr••vancor, which is seated to the West.

After he had run over all these Coasts, he was a second time at Cochin and at Goa: from G••a, he took the way of Cambaya, and having cross'd that whole Region, which lyes extended from the mouth of the River Indus, as far as Cochin, he made the tour of Cap•• Cori, and went to the Islands of Ceylan, of Manar, and that of Las Vaccas. There he took Shipping for Negapatan, and from thence undertook the Vo••age of Meliapore, along the Coasts of C••r••man∣del. From Meliapore he set sail for Ma∣lacca, from Malacca he descended towards the Equin••ctial, which having pass'd, he enter'd into the Southern Hemisphere, as far as the Isle of Banda, and those of Amboyna, N••liager, Vlate, Baranura, Ro∣salao,

and others without name, un∣known even to Seamen, and Geogra∣phers.

In sequel of these Voyages, he turn'd towards the M••lucca's, was at Ternata, and pass'd from thence to the Isles del Moro. Went again to Ternata, and Am∣boyna, repass'd the Equator, and re∣turn'd to Malacca: from thence by Sea, he regain'd the Port of Cochin; but im∣mediately after his arrival departed for the Coast of Fishery, and Ceylan. After this he return'd to Goa, and drew down∣ward on the same Coast for Bazain; from Bazain he return'd once more to Goa, and Cochin. He pass'd a-new from Goa to Cochin, and from Cochin to Goa, from thence following the Coast as far as Cape Comorine, he set sail towards Malacca. Having there made some lit∣tle stay, he continu'd his course North∣ward, and coasting certain Isles in sight of China, came at length to Iapan. After he had made some courses there, du∣ring the space of two years, from Can∣goxima to Firando, from Firando to A∣manguchi, from Amanguchi to Meaco, from Meaco back to Amanguchi, and from thence to Bungo; he put once more to Sea, touch'd at the Isle of Sancian, and was driven by Tempest on the Isle of

[illustration]

Mindanao, one of the Philippina's. Once again he went to Malacca, and to Goa; from Goa, he repass'd the fifth time to Malacca, and from thence arriv'd at Sancian, where death concluded all his Travels.

Behold the sequel of the Voyages, of the Indian Apostle Francis Xavier. I have omitted a vast number of Islands and Regions, where we are satisfy'd he carried the light of the Gospel; I say I have not mention'd them, because the time is not precisely known, when he made these Voyages. For what remains, I undertake not to reckon up the leagues which he has travel'd, the supputation would be difficult to make, and content my self to say in general, that accord∣ing to the Rules of our Geographers, who have exactly measur'd the Terre∣strial Globe, if all his courses were to be computed, they wou'd be found, to be many times exceeding the circumference of this World.

In the mean time, the least of his bu∣siness in all his Travels, was to Travel. And they who were best acquainted with him, report of him, what St. Chrysostome said of the Apostle St. Paul, that he ran through the World with an incredible swift∣ness, and as it were on the wing, yet not

without labour, nor that labour without fruit, but Preaching, Baptizing. Con∣fessing, Disputing with the Gentiles, root∣ing out Idolaters, reforming manners, and throughout establishing the Chri∣stian Piety. His Apostolical labours, were attended with all the incommodi∣ties of life, and if those people were to be credited, who the most narrowly ob∣serv'd him, it was a continual Miracle that he liv'd. Or rather, the greatest mi∣racle of Xavier was not to have reviv'd so many dead, but not to dye himself of labour, during the incessant sweat of ten years toiling.

His zeal alone sustain'd him; but how painful soever were the functions of his Ministry, he acquitted himself of them, with so much promptitude and joy, that by the Relation of Father Mel∣chior Nugn••z he seem'd to do naturally all he did. These are the very words of Nugnez: The Father, Master Francis, in labouring for the Salvation of the Sara∣cens and Idolaters, seem'd to act not by any infus'd or acquir'd vertue, but by a na∣tural motion: for he cou'd neither live, nor take the least pleasure but in Evangelical Employments; in them he ••ound even his repose: and to him, it was no labour, to conduct others, to the love and knowledge of his God.

Thus also, whensoever there was the least probabilty, that the Faith might be planted in any new Countrey of the Gen∣tiles, he flew thither in despight of all threatning difficulties. The certain num∣ber is not known of those whom he con∣verted, but the receiv'd opinion mounts it to seven hundred thousand Souls. Which notwithstanding it ought not to be believ'd, that he instructed them but lightly: for before he christen'd them, he gave them a through insight into all the Principles of Faith. According to their different conditions, his Instructi∣ons were also different. He had some which were proper to Youth, others for Wives, for Widows, for Servants, and for Masters. He never chang'd places till he had left behind him a solid establishment of Faith, and capable of preserving it self, on its own basis. And in effect, of all the Countries which he made Christian, there is none to be ••ound which relaps'd into Idolatry, excepting only the Town of Tolo; and not that neither, for any long continuance. But 'tis well known, that the people, who during the space of fifteen or sixteen years, had not seen the Face of any Priest, or even of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chri∣stian Stranger, have been found instruct∣ed in Religion, and as fervent in the

practice of Good-works, as if they had but newly receiv'd Baptism. 'Tis known that many of those Converts were not less firm in their belief, than the Prince of the Isle of Rosalao, whom Pedro Martinez protests to have heard say, That though all the World shou'd arm against him, they shou'd never be able to tear out of his Heart, that perswasion, which Fa∣ther Francis had inspir'd into him.

We know farther, that some of them having been made Captives by the Pa∣gans, have preserv'd their Faith entire in the midst of Heathenism; and have cho∣sen rather to lose their lives in torments, than renounce their Saviour Iesus Christ. The Saint was accustom'd to desire ear∣nestly of God, the Conversion of the Gentiles, in the Sacrifice of the Altar: and for that very end, said a most de∣vout Prayer, which he compos'd in La∣tin; ••and is thus rendred in our Lan∣guage.

OEternal God, Creatour of all things, mercifully remember, that the Souls of Infidels are the work of thy Hands, and that they are created to thy resemblance. Behold, O Lord, how Hell is fill'd with them, to the dishonour of thy name. Re∣member that Jesus Christ thy Son, for their

Salvation suffer'd a most cruel death: per∣mit not, I beseech thee, that he shou'd be despis'd by those Idolaters. Vouchsafe to be propitiated by the Prayers of the Church, thy most holy Spouse, and call to mind thy own Compassion. Forget, O Lord, their infidelity, and work in such manner, that at length they may acknowledge for their God, our Saviour Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent into the World, and who is our Salvation, our Life, our Resurrection, by whom we have been redeem'd from Hell, and to whom be all Glory now and ever∣more. Amen.

The Industry which the Saint employ'd in converting the Nations of the East,* 1.79 or in strengthning their Conversion, was of various sorts. In those places where he preach'd the Gospel, he erected Crosses on the Sea-shore, on Hills, and in pub∣lick passages, to the end, that the view of that s••gn of our Salvation▪ might give the Gentiles the Curiosity to know the meaning of it, or inspire them with religious thoughts, if they had already heard speak of Iesus Christ.

As it was impossible for him to preach always, or in all places, he writ many Instructions, relating to Faith, and to Good Manners, some more ample, and

others more brief, but all in the Lan∣gu••ges of the ••onv••••ted Nations: And it was by these I••structions in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, th••t the Childr•••• l••arn'd to read The 〈…〉〈…〉 were so pl••asing, to Men, Women, and Children, that they sung them day and n••ght, both in their Houses, and in the open ••i••lds.

But amongst all the means which the Father us'd for the Conversion of Infidels, the most e••••icacious, was this; So soon as he enter'd into a Countrey of Idola∣ters, he endeavour'd to gain to God, those persons who were the most consi∣derable, either for their Dignity, or by their Birth, and especia••ly the Soveraign. Not only because the Honour of I••sus Christ requires that Crown'd-heads sho••d be subject to him, but also, that by the Conversion of Princes, the people are converted So much Authority there re∣sides in the Example of a Monarch, over his Subjects in every Nation of the World.

He was of easy Conversation to all sorts of persons, but more ••amiliar with the greatest Sinners; not seeming to un∣derstand, that they were keepers of Mi∣stresses, Blasphemers, or Sacrilegious Per∣sons. He was part••cularly free in his Converse with Souldiers, who are greater Libertines, and more debauch'd in the In∣dies than elsewhere. For, that they might the less suspect him, he kept them com∣pany; and because sometimes when they saw him coming, they hid their Cards and Dice, he told them, They were not of the Clergy, neither cou'd they con∣tinue praying all the day; that Cheating, Quarr••ling and Swearing, were forbid to Gamesters, but that Play was not ••or∣bidden to a Souldier. Sometimes he play'd at Chess himself, out of complyance, when they whom he study'd to withdraw from Vice, were lovers of that Game: And a Portugu••se Gentleman, whose name was Don Diego Norogno, had once a very ill Opinion of him for it. This Cavalier, who had heard a Report of Xa∣vier, that he was a Saint-like man, and desir'd much to have a sight of him, hap∣pen'd 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be aboard of the same Galley. Not know••ng his person, he enquir'd which was he; but was much surpris'd to sind him playing at Chess with a pri∣vate

Souldier. For he had form'd in his imagination, the Idea of a man who was recollected and austere, one who never appear'd in publick, but to discourse of Eternity, or to work Miracles: What, in the name of God, said Norogna, is this your Saint! For my part, I believe not one syllable of his Sanctity, and am much de∣ceiv'd if he be not as errant a Priest as a∣ny of his fellows. Do•• Pedro de Castro, his Camerade, and Cousin, took pains to little purpose, to perswade Norogna, of the wonderful things which had been wrought by Xavier: Norogna still ad∣her'd to his Opinion, because he always ••ound the Father chearful, and in good humour. The whole Company going ashore on the Coast of Malabar, he per∣ceiv'd Xavier taking a walk by himself, into a Wood, and sent after him one of his Servants, to observe his Actions: The Servant found the Man of God rais'd from the ground into the Air; his Eyes fix'd on Heaven, and Rays about his Countenance. He ran to give notice of his discovery to his Master; who upon the report came thither, and was himself a Witness of it. Then Norogn•••• was sa∣tisfy'd that Xavier was truly a Saint, and that his Holiness was not incompa∣tible with the gaiety of his Conversation.

By these methods the Apostle of the In∣dies, attracted the Hearts of the Soul∣diery to himself, before he gain'd them to our Lord.

He took almost the same measures with the Merchants: For he seem'd to be con∣cern'd for nothing more than for their Interests: He gave his Benediction to the Vessels which they were sending out for traffick, and made many enquiries con∣cerning the success of their Affairs; as if he had been Copartner with them. But while he was discoursing with them of Ports, of Winds, and of Merchandises, he dextrously turn'd the Conversation on the eternal gains of Heaven: How bent are our desires, said he, on heaping up the frail, and perishable Treasures of this World; as if there were no other life be∣sides this earthly Being; nor other riches besides the Gold of Japan, the Silks of China, and the Spices of the Molucca's! Ah what profits it a Man to gain the Vniverse, and lose his Soul? These very words, which Father Ignatius had formerly us'd to Xa∣vier, in order to loosen him from the World, were gotten familiar to him, and he had them frequently in his mouth. In respect of the new Christi∣ans, his conduct was altogether fatherly. He suffer'd their rough, and barbarons

behaviour. And requir'd no more from them in the beginning, than what might be expected then from people of base ex∣traction, and grown inveterate in Vice. As they were generally poor, he took a particular care of their Families, and ob∣tain'd from the King of Portugal, that the Paravas shou'd be discharg'd from certain excessive yearly Tributes. He protected them more than once from the fury of their neighbouring Nations, who made War against them out of hatred to the Faith, and induc'd the Governour of the Indies, to send a Royal Army to their relief; he sav'd them even from the vio∣lence of the O••••icers, who despoil'd them of their Goods through Avarice, and set bounds to the unjust Exactions, of those griping Ministers, by threatning to complain of them both to King Iohn the Third, and to the Cardinal Infante, who was Grand Inquisitour.

As the sin of Impurity was the reign∣ing vice in India,* 1.80 amongst the Portugueses, he apply'd himself in a particular man∣ner, to withdraw them from their volup∣tuous living. The first rule of his pro∣ceeding, was to insinuate himself into the favour, not only of the Concubinari∣ans, b••t of th••••r Mistresses, and he com∣pass'd this, by the mildness of his Aspect,

by the obligingness of his Words, and sometimes by good Offices. Yet we cannot think, that the Conversions of Sinners cost him only these Addresses. Be∣fore he treated with them concerning the important business of their Souls, he treated with God at the holy Altars; but to render his Prayers more efficaci∣ous, he join'd them with all manner of Austerities. Having notice, that three Portuguese Souldiers, belonging to the Garrison of Amboyna, had liv'd for five years past, in great debauchery, he got their good Wills, by his ingaging carri∣age, and wrought so well, that these Li∣bertines, as wicked as they were, lodg'd him in their Quarters, during a whole Lent, so much they were charm'd with his good humour. But while he appear'd thus gay amongst them, in his outward behaviour, for fear of giving them any disgust of his Society, he underwent most rigorous Penances to obtain the Grace of their Conversion; and us'd his Body so unmercifully, that he was lan∣guishing for a moneth of those severities. When Xavier had reduc'd his Penitents, to that point, at which he aim'd; that is, when he had brought them to Con∣fession, they cost him not less pains than formerly. He always begg'd of God

their perseverance, with his tears; and frequently, when he had enjoin'd them some light Penance, pay'd for them the remainder of their debts, with bloody disciplining of his own Body. But when he lighted on intractable and stubborn Souls, he left them not off, for their con∣tumacy; but rather sought their good opinion; and on occasion shew'd them a better Countenance than usual, that thence they might be given to understand, how ready he was for their reception.

When he went from Ternata to Am∣boyna, he left but two persons, who were visibly ingag'd in Vice: The first oppor∣tunity which the Vessels had of repassing to Ternata, he writ expresly to one of his Friends, that he shou'd salute those two scandalous sinners with all tenderness from him; and let them know, that upon the least sign which they shou'd make him, he wou'd return to hear their Con∣fessions.

But these Condescentions, and this Goodness of the Apostle had nothing in them of meanness, or of weakness; and he knew well enough, to make use of severity, when there was occasion for it. Thus, a Lady, who had accus'd her self in Confession, to have look'd upon a Man, with too alluring an Eye, was thus

answer'd by him, You are unworthy that God shou'd look on you; since by those in∣couraging regards which you have given to a Man, you have run the hazard of losing God. The Lady was so pierc'd with these few words, that during the rest of her life, she durst never look any Man in the Face.

By all these Methods, Xavier made so many Converts. But whatever he perform'd,* 1.81 he look'd on it, as no more than an Essay. And he wrote in the year 1549, that if God wou'd be pleas'd to bestow on him, yet ten years more of life, he despair'd not but these small be∣ginnings wou'd be attended with more happy Consequences. This ardent desire of extending farther, the Dominion of Iesus Christ, caus'd him to write those pressing Letters to the King of Portugal, and Father Ignatius, that he might be furnish'd with a larger supply of Missio∣ners: he promis'd in his Letters, to sweeten the Labour of the Mission, by serving all his fellows, and loving them better than himself. The year he dy'd, he writ, that when once he had subdu'd the Empire of China, and that of Tartary, to the Scepter of Iesus Christ, he purpos'd to return into Europe, by the North; that he might labour in the re∣duction of Hereticks, and restoration of

Discipline in Manners; that after this, he design'd to go over into Africa, or to return into Asia, in quest of new King∣doms, where he might preach the Go∣spel.

For what remains, though he was e∣ver forming new designs, as if he were to live beyond an Age, yet he labour'd as if he had not a day to live; and so tugg'd at the work which he had in hand, that two or three days and nights pass'd over his head, without once thinking to take the least manner of nourishment. In saying his Office, it often happen'd to him, to leave for five or six times suc∣cessively, the same Canonical-hour, for the good of Souls; and he quitted it with the same promptitude, that afterwards he resum'd it: He broke off his very Prayers, when the most inconsiderable person, had the least occasion for him; and order'd, when he was in the deepest of his retirements, that if any poor Man, or even but a Child shou'd desire to be in∣structed, he might be call'd from his De∣votions.

No Man,* 1.82 perhaps, was ever known to have run more dangers, both by Land and Sea; without reckoning into the ac∣count, the Tempests which he suffer'd in ten years, of almost continual Navigati∣on;

'tis known, that being at the Mo∣lucca's, and passing from Isle to Isle, he was thrice Shipwrack'd; though we are not certain of the time or places: and once he was for three days and nights toge∣ther, on a Plank, at the mercy of the Winds and Waves. The Barbarians have often shot their Arrows at him; and more than once, he fell into the hands of an inrag'd multitude. One day the Saracens pursu'd him, and endeavour'd to have ston'd him: and the Brachmans fre∣quently sought after him, to have mur∣ther'd him; even to that point of mer∣ciless barbarity, as to set Fire on all the Houses, where they imagin'd he might lie conceal'd. But none of all these dan∣gers, were able to affright him; and the apprehension of dying, cou'd never hinder him from performing his ordina∣ry Functions: It seem'd, that even dan∣gers serv'd to the redoubling of his Cou∣rage: and that by being too intrepid, he sometimes enter'd into the extream of rashness. Being at Iapan, he reprehend∣ed the King of Amanguchi, so severely, for the infamy, and scandal of his Vices, that Father Iohn Fernandez, (who serv'd him for Interpreter, as being more con∣versant than the Saint, in the Language of the Court) was amaz'd, and trembled

in pronouncing what the Father put in∣to his mouth; as we are given to under∣stand, in a Letter written by the same Fernandez. Xavier, one day perceiving the fear of his Companion; forbade him absolutely, either to change, or soften any of his words: I obey'd him, says Fernandez; but expected every moment, when the Barbarian shou'd strike me with his Cymetar: and confess my ap∣prehensions of death were as much too great, as the concernment of Father Francis was too little.

In effect, he was so far from fearing death, that he look'd on it, as a most pleasing Object. If we dye for so good a Cause, (said Xavier on another oc∣casion) we ought to place it amongst the greatest benefits we receive from God, and shall be very much oblig'd to those, who freeing us from a continual death, such as is this mortal life, shall put us in possession of an eternal happiness. So, that we are resolv'd to Preach the truth amongst them, in despight of all their threatnings, and encourag'd by the hopes of Divine assistance, obe•• the precept of our Saviour, who com∣mands us to preserr the Salvation of o∣thers, above our lives.

In the most hazardous undertakings, he hop'd all things from God; and from

thence drew his assurance of daring all things. Behold, what he says himself, concerning his Voyage of Iapan. We set out full of confidence in God: and hope, that having him for our Conductor, we shall Triumph over all his Enemies.

As to what remains, we fear not to enter into the lists, with the Doctors of Iapan; for what available knowledge can they have, who are ignorant of the only true God, and of his only Son our Lord Jesus? and besides, what can we justly apprehend, who have no other aim than the Glory of God, and Jesus Christ? the Preaching of the Gospel, and the Salvation of Souls? supposing that we were, not only in a Kingdom of Barbarians, but in the very Dominion of Devils, and that naked and disarm'd, neither the most cruel barbarity, nor the rage of Hell cou'd hurt us without God's permission. We are afraid of nothing but ossending God Almighty; and pro∣vided that we ossend not him, we pro∣mise our selves, through his assistance, an assur'd Victory over all our Enemies. Since he a••••ords sufficient strength to every man, for his service, and for a∣voiding sin, we hope his mercy will not be wanting to us. But as the sum of all consists, in the good or evil use

of his benefits, we also hope he will give us grace to employ our selves for his glory, by the prayers of his Spouse, and our holy Mother the Church; and par∣ticularly by the intercession of our So∣ciety, and those who are well affected to it. Our greatest comfort proceeds from this, that God beholds the scope of this our Voyage, that our only aim is to make known the Creatour of the Universe to Souls which are made after his own Image: to bring those Souls to give him the Worship due to him, and to spread the Christian Religion through all Regions.

With these encouragements, we doubt not but the issue of our Voyage will be prosperous; and two things especially seem to assure us, that we shall vanquish all the opposition of Hell; the one is the greatness of our holy enterprise, the o∣ther is the care of Divine Providence; whose Dominion is of no less extent over Devils, than over men. I acknow∣ledge, that in this Voyage, I foresee, not only great labours, but also dangers of almost inevitable death; and this i∣magination, is frequently presented to my thoughts, that if those of our Soci∣ety, who are endu'd with the greatest stock of knowledge, shou'd come into

the Indies, they wou'd certainly accuse us of too much rashness, and wou'd be apt to think, that, in exposing our selves, to these manifest dangers, we tempted God. Nevertheless upon a more serious reflection, I cease to fear: and hope that the Spirit of our Lord, which animates our Society, will regulate their judge∣ments concerning it. For my own par∣ticular, I think continually on what I have heard our good Father Ignati••s often say, that those of our Society, ought to exert their utmost force in van∣quishing themselves; and banish from them all those fears, which usually hin∣der us from placing our whole confidence in God.

For though Divine hope, is purely and simply the grace of God, and that he dispenses it, according to his pleasure, nevertheless, they who endeavour to o∣vercome themselves, receive it more fre∣quently than others. As there is a ma∣nifest difference, betwixt those, who a∣bounding with all things, trust in God; and those, who being sufficiently pro∣vided with all necessaries, yet bereave themselves of them, in imitation of Ie∣sus Christ; so is there also, in those who trust in Gods providence, when they are out of danger, and those, who with the

assistance of his grace, dare voluntarily expose themselves to the greatest hazards which are in their proper choice and power to shun.

It was in the Spirit of this holy confi∣dence, that the Saint, writing to Simon Rodriguez, speaks in this manner to him.

Our God, holds in his hand the Tempests which infest the Seas of China and Japan; the Rocks, the Gulphs, and Banks of Sands, which are formidably known, by so many Shipwracks, are all of them under his Do∣minion. He is Soveraign over all those Pyrates, which cruise the Seas, and exer∣cise their cruelties on the Portugueses. And for this reason I cannot fear them. I only fear, lest God should punish me for being too pusillanimous in his service; and so little capable, through my own frailty, of extending the Kingdom of his Son, a∣mongst those Nations, who know him not.

He speaks in the same Spirit, to the Fathers of Goa; in giving them an ac∣count of his arrival at Iapan—We are infinitely oblig'd to God, for permit∣ting us to enter into these Barbarous Coun∣tries, where we are to be regardless, and in a manner forgetful of our selves: for the Enemies of the true Religion, being Masters every where, on whom can we rely,

but on God alone? and to whom can we have recourse besides him? In our Countries, where the Christian Faith is flourishing, it happens, I know not how, that every thing hinders us from reposing our selves on God: The love of our Relations, the Bonds of Friendship, the Conveniences of life, and the Remedies which we use in sickness: but here, being distant from the place of our Nativity, and living amongst Barbarians, where all humane succou••s are wanting to us, 'tis of absolute necessity that our confi∣dence in God alone, shou'd be our aid.

But the Saint perhaps, never discours'd better on this Subject, than in a Letter written at his return from the Molucca's, after a dangerous Navigation. His words are these: It has pleas'd God, that we shou'd not perish: it has also pleas'd him, to instruct us even by our dangers, and to make us know by our own experience, how weak we are, when we rely only on our selves; or on humane succours. For when we come to understand the deceitfulness of our hopes, and are intirely diffident of hu∣mane helps, we rely on God, who alone can deli∣ver us out of those dangers, into which we have ingag'd our selves on his account: we shall soon experiment, that he governs all things; and that the heavenly pleasure••,

which he confers on his Servants, on such occasions, ought to make us despise the greatest hazards; even death it se••f has nothing in it, which is dreadful to them, who have a ••ast of those divine delights; and though when we have escap'd those pe∣rils of which we speak, we want words to express the horrour of them; there re∣mains in our heart a pleasing memory of the favours which God has done us; and that remembrance excites us day and night, to labour in the service of so good a Master; we are also enliven'd by it to honour him, during the rest of our lives, hoping, that out of his abundant mercy, he will bestow on us a new strength, and fresh vigour, to serve him faithfully, and generously even to our death.

May it please the Divine goodness, (he says elsewhere) that good men, whom the Devil endeavours to affright in the service of God, might fear no other thing besides displeasing him, in leaving off what they have undertaken for his sake. If they wou'd do this, how happy a life wou'd they then lead! how much wou'd they advance in virtue, knowing by their own experience, that they can do nothing of themselves, but that they can do all things by the assistance of his grace!

He said, that our most stedfast hold in dangers and temptations, was to have a noble courage against the foe of our Sal∣vation, in a distrust of our own strength, but a firm reliance on our Lord: so that we shou'd not onely fear nothing, under the conduct of such a general, but also shou'd not doubt of Victory. He said also fur∣ther, that in those dangerous occasions, the want of confidence in God, was more to be fear'd, than any assault of the Enemy: and that we shou'd run much greater hazard, in the least distrust of the divine assistance, in the greatest dangers, than in exposing our selves to those very dangers. He ad∣ded, lastly, that this danger was so much the more formidable, the more it was hid∣den, and the less that we perceiv'd it.

These thoughts produc'd in the Soul of this holy man,* 1.83 an entire diffidence of himself, together with a perfect hu∣mility. He was the onely discourse of the new World: Infidels, and Christians gave him almost equal honour; and his power over Nature was so great, that it was said to be a kind of Miracle, when he perform'd no Miracle. But all this serv'd only to raise confusion in him; because he found nothing in him∣self, but his own nothingness: and being nothing in his own conceit, he cou'd not

comprehend, how it was possible for him to be esteem'd. Writing to the Doctor of Navarre, before his Voyage to the I••dies, he told him, that it was a singu∣lar grace of Heaven, to know our selves; and that through the mercy of God, he knew himself to be good for nothing.

Humbly beseech our Lord, (he wrote from the Indies, to Father Simon Rodriguez,) that I may have power to open the door of China to others; where I am, I have done but little. In many other passages of his Letters, he calls himself an exceeding e∣vil man; a great Sinner; and conjures his Brethren to employ their intercessions to God in his behalf. Bring to pass by your Prayers (says he to one of them) that though my sins have render'd me un∣worthy of the Ministerial Vocation, yet God may vouchsafe out of his in••inite good∣ness to make use of me.

I beseech you, (says he to another) to implore the heavenly assistance for us; and to the end you may do it, with the greater fervency, I beseech our Lord, that he wou'd give you to understand, how much I stand in need of your intercession.

It is of extream importance to my con∣solation (he writes to the Fathers of Goa) that you understand, the wonderful per∣plexity in which I am. As God knows the

multitude and heynousness of my Sins, I have a thought which much torments me; 'tis that God perhaps may not prosper our Vndertakings, if we do not amend our lives, and change our manners: 'Tis ne∣cessary on this account, to employ the Pray∣ers of all the Religious of our Society; and of all our Friends: in hope, that by their means, the Catholick Church, which is the Spouse of our Lord Iesus, will com∣municate her innumerable merits to us; and that the Auth••ur of all good, will accu∣mulate his graces on us, notwithstanding our offences.

He attributed all the fruits of his la∣bours, to an evident Miracle of the Di∣vine Power, which made use of so vile and weak an instrument as himself, to the end it might appear to be the work of God. He said, that they who had great Talents, ought to labour with great cou∣rage for the safety of Souls; since he who was wanting in all the qualities, which are requisite to so high a Calling, was not alto∣gether unprofitable in his Ministry.

As he had a mean opinion of himself, and that his own understanding was suspected by him, he frequently, by his Letters, requested his Brethren of Italy, and Por∣tugal, to instruct him in the best method of Preaching the Gospel, pro••itably. I

am going, said he, to publish Iesus Christ, to people who are part Idolaters, and part Saracens; I conjure you, by Iesus Christ himself, to send me word, after what man∣ner, and by what means I may instruct them. For I am verily perswaded, that God will suggest those ways to you, which are most proper for the easie re∣duction of those People into his Fold: And if I wander from the right path, while I am in expectation of your Letters, I hope I shall return into it, when I shall have re∣ceiv'd them.

All that succeeded well to his endea∣vours, in the service of our Lord, he attributed to the intercession of his Bre∣thren. Tour Prayers, (he writ to the Fathers at Rome) have assuredly obtain'd for me the knowledge of my infinite offen∣ces: and withal the grace of u••vearied la∣bouring, in the Conversion of Idolaters, not withstanding the multitude of my sins.

But if the designs which he was al∣ways forming, for the advancement of Religion, happen'd to be thwarted, he acknowledg'd no other reason of those crosses than his own sins, and complain'd onely of himself.

As for those Miracles, which he con∣tinually wrought, they pass'd in his o∣pinion, as the effects of innocence in

Children, or for the fruits of faith in sick Persons. And when at the sight of a miraculous performance, the people were at any time about to give him par∣ticular honours, he ran to hide himself in the thickest of a Forest; or when he cou'd not steal away, he enter'd so far into the knowledge of himself, that he stood secure from the least temptation of vain glory. It even seem'd, that the low opinion which he had of his own worth, in some sort blinded him, in re∣lation to the wonders which he wrought, so that he perceiv'd not they were Mi∣racles.

It was the common talk at Goa, that he had rais'd the dead on the Coast of Fishery: After his return to Goa, Iames Borba, and Cozmo Annez, his two inti∣mate friends, requested him to inform them, for God's further glory, how those matters went; and particularly they enquir'd, concerning the Child, who was drown'd in the Well. The holy Man at this request, hung down his head, and blush'd exceedingly; when he was somewhat recover'd of his bashful∣ness, Iesus, said he, what I to raise the Dead! can you believe these things of such a wretch as I am! After which, modestly smiling, he went on: Alas poor Sinner

that I am! they set before me a Child, whom they reported to be dead, and who perhaps was not: I commanded him in the name of God to arise; he arose indeed, and where was the Miracle?

Ordognez Cevalio, who travell'd almost round the World, tells us, in the rela∣t••ons of his Voyages, that in India, he happen'd to meet a Iaponnese, who in∣form'd him, in a discourse which they had together, of these particulars. Know, said he, that being in Japan, a Bonza by profession, I was once at an Assembly of our Bonza's; who upon the report of so many Miracles, as were wrought by Father Francis Xavier, resolv'd to place him in the number of their Gods: In order to which, they sent to him a kind of Embassy: But the Father was seiz'd with horrour at the proposition of their Deputies. Having spoken of God to them, after a most mag∣nificent and elevated manner, he spake of himself, in terms so humble, and with so much self contempt, that all of us, were much edify'd by his procedure. And the greatest part of us seriously reflecting, ra∣ther on his carriage than his words, from Priests of Idols which we were, became the Worshippers of Jesus Christ.

He shun'd the Offices of the Society, and believ'd himself unworthy of them:

I cannot tell you (wrote he from Cochin, to Father Ignatius) how much I stand ob∣lig'd to the Japonneses; in favour of whom, God has given me clearly to under∣stand the infinite number of my sins: for 'till that time, I was so little recollected, and so far wander'd out of my self, that I had not discover'd in the bottom of my heart, an Abysse of imperfections and fail∣ings. It was not 'till my labours and suf∣ferings in Japan, that I began at length to open my eyes, and to understand, with God's assistance, and by my own experience, that it is necessary for me to have one, who may watch over me, and govern me. May your holy Charity be pleas'd for this reason to con∣sider what it is you do, in ranging under my command, so many Saint-like Souls, of the Fathers and Brethren of our Society. I am so little endued with the qualities which are requisite for such a charge, and am so sensible that this is true, through God's mercy, that I may reasonably hope, that instead of reposing on me the care of others, you will repose on others the care of me. He infini••ely esteem'd those Missioners who were his Seconds; and accounted his own pains for nothing, in comparison of theirs: After having related, what had been per∣formed by Father Francis Perez in Ma∣lacca: I confess (my Brethren said he,

to Paul de Camerino, and Antonio Gomez) that seeing these things, I am asham'd of my self, and my own lazy Cowardise makes me blush, in l••oking on a Missioner, who in∣firm and languishing as he is, yet labours without intermission in the Salvation of Souls. Xavier, more than once repeats the same thing, in his Letter with profound sentiments of esteem for Perez, and strange contempt of his own perfor∣mances.

He recommends not any thing so much to the Gospel Labourers, as the knowledge of themselves, and shunning of Pride. And we need only to open any of his Letters, to behold his Opini∣ons on that Subject.

Cultivate Humility with care,* 1.84 in all those things which deprav'd Nature has in horrour; and make sure, by the assistance of Divine Grace, to gain a thorough knowledge of your selves: for that understanding of our selves, is the Mother of Christian Hu∣mility: Beware especially, lest the good Opinion, which Men have conceiv'd of you, do not give you too much pleasure; for those vain delights are apt to make us negligent: and that negligence▪ as it were by a kind of Enchantment, destroys the Humility of our Hearts, and introduces Pride instead of it.

Be distrustful of your proper strength, and build nothing upon humane wisdom, nor on the esteem of men. By this means you will be in condition to bear whatsoever troubles shall happen to you; for God strengthens the humble, and gives him cou∣rage, he is proof against the greatest la∣bours, and nothing can ever separate him, from the Charity of Jesus Christ: not the Devil with his evil Angels, nor the Ocean with its Tempests, nor the most brutal Nations, with all their barbarity. And if God sometimes permits, that the Devil put impediments in his way, or that the Elements make war against him, he is per∣swaded, that it is only for the expiation of his sins, for the augmentation of his me∣rits, and for the rendring him more hum∣ble.

They who fervently desire to advance Gods glory, ought to humble themselves, and be nothing in their own opinion; being diffident even in the smallest matters of their own abilities; to the end, that in great occasions, becoming much more diffi∣dent of themselves, through a principle of Christian humility, they may entirely con∣fide in God; and this confidence may give them resolution: for he who knows that he is assisted from above, can never degene∣rate into weakness.

Whatever you undertake will be accep∣table in the sight of God, if there appear in ••our conduct a profound ••umility; and that you commit the care of your Reputati∣on into his Hands: For he himself will not be wanting to give you both Authority and Reputation with Men, when they are need∣ful for you; and w••en he does it not, 'tis from his knowledge that you will not ascribe to him, that which only can proceed from him. I comfort my self with thinking, that the sins of which you find your selves guilty, and with which you daily upbraid your own Consci••nces, produce in you an extream horrour of windy Arrogance, and a great love of perfection; so that humane praises will become your Crosses, and be useful to admonish you of your failings.

Take heed of your selves, my dearest Brethren; many Ministers of the Gospel, who have open'd the way of Heaven to o∣ther men, are tormented in Hell, for want of true Humility, and for being carry'd a∣way with a vain opinion of themselves: On the contrary, there is not to be found in ••ell, one single Soul, which was sincerely ••umble.

These are the Instructions, which the Saint gave in general to his Brethren, on the Subj••ct of Humility; and next be hold some particular Admonitions which

were address'd to some amongst them.

I conjure you to be humble and patient towards all the World, says he to Father Cyprian, who preach'd the Gospel at Me∣liapore. For, believe me, nothing is to be done by Haughtiness and Choller, when it cannot be accomplish'd by Modesty and Mildness. He continues, We deceive our selves, in exacting submission and respect from men, without any other title to it, than being Members of our Society; and without cul••ivating that Vertue which has acquir d us so great an Authority in the World. As if we rather chose, to recom∣mend our selves, by that Credit and Reputation, than by the practice of Humili∣ty and Patience, and those other Vertues by which our Society has maintain'd its Digni∣ty and Honour with Mankind.

Be mindful, writes he to Father Bar∣zaeus, who was Rectour of the ••olledge of Goa, to read frequently the Instructions which I have left with you; particularly, those which concern Humility; and take an especial care, in considering what God has done by you, and by all the Labourers of the Society, that you do not forget your self: For my own particular, I shou'd he glad, that all of you wou'd seriously think, how many things God leaves undone, because you are wanting to him in your Fidelity, and

I wou'd rather that consideration shou'd employ your thoughts, than those great works, which it has pleas'd our Lord to accomplish by your Ministry; for the first reflection will cover you with Confusion, and make you mindful of your weakness; but in∣stead of that, the second will puff you up with Vanity, and expose you to the danger of having thoughts of Arrogance.

This well grounded humility in Xa∣vier,* 1.85 was the Principle of a perfect sub∣mission to the Will of God. He never undertook any thing, without consulting him before-hand; and the Divine De∣crees 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 resolv'd, not to be wanting on my part to fulfil the Will of God, whensoever it shou'd be made known to me. May it please our Lord, said he on the same subject, that out of his goodness we might understand what he designs by us, to the end we might entirely conform our selves to his holy Will, so soon as it shall be discover'd to us: For he commands us to be always in a readiness to obey him at the first signal, and it becomes us to be as strangers in this World, always pre∣par'd to follow the voice of our Conductor.

I wish, said he in another place, that

God wou'd declare to us his most holy Will, concerning the Ministries, and Countries, where I may best employ my labours for his glory. I am ready by his Grace to execute those things which he makes me understand to be most pleasing to him, of whatsoever nature they may be, and undoubtedly, he has admirable means of signifying his good pleasure to us; such as are our inward Sen∣timents, and heavenly Illuminations, which leave no remaining scruple concerning the place to which he has design'd us, nor what we are to undertake for his Service. For we are like Travellers, not fix'd to any Country through which we pass: 'Tis our duty to be prepar'd to fly from one Region to another, or rather into opposite Regions, where the Voice of Heaven shall please to call us. East and West, North and South, are all indifferent to me, provided I may have an opportunity of advancing the Glory of our Lord.

He says elsewhere, I cou'd wish, that you had ever in your mind this Meditation, that a ready and obedient Will, which is entirely devoted to Gods service, is a more pleasing sacrifice to the Divine M••jesty, than all the pomp and glitter of our noisy actions, without that interiour disposition.

Being throughly convinc'd, that the perfection of the Creature consists in wil∣ling

nothing but the Will of the Crea∣tor; he spoke incessantly of God's good pleasure; and concluded almost all his Letters, with his desires of knowing and fulfilling it. He sacrifi••'d all to that Principle; even his ardent wishes to die for Iesus by the hands of th•• Barb∣rians: for though he breath'd after M••••∣tyrdom, he well understood, tha•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tender of our life, is not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to God, when he requires it not; and he was more fearful of displeasing him, than desirous of being a Martyr for him. So that he dy'd satisfy'd, when he expir'd in a poor Cabin, of a natural death, though he was at that very time, on the point of carrying the Faith into the King∣dom of China: An•• it may be therefore said, That he sacrifis'd not only his own Glory, but even that of Iesus Christ to the good pleasure of God Almighty.

A man so submissive to the Orders of Heaven,* 1.86 cou'd not possibly want submis∣sion in regard of his Superiour, who was to him in the place of God. He had for Father Ignatius, General of the Society of Iesus, a Veneration and Reverence mix'd with Tenderness, which surpass I∣magination. He himself has express'd some part of his thoughts on that Sub∣ject; and we cannot read them without

being edify'd. In one of his Letters, which begins in this manner, My only dear Father, in the Bowels of Jesus Christ, he says at the Conclusion, Father of my Soul, for whom I have a most profound re∣spect, I write this to you upon my Knees, as if you were present, and that I beheld you with my Eyes: It was his Custom to write to him in that posture; so high was the place which Ignatius held with∣in his heart.

God is my witness, my dearest Fa∣ther, says he in another Letter, how much I wish to behold you in this life, that I might communicate to you ma∣ny matters, which cannot be remedy'd without your aid: for there is no di∣stance of places, which can hinder me from obeying you. I conjure you, my best Father, to have some little consi∣deration of us who are in the Indies, and who are your Children. I conjure you, I say, to send hither some holy Man, whose fervour may excite our lazy faintness. I hope, for the rest, that as you know the bottom of our Souls, by an illumination from Heaven, you will not be wanting to supply us with the means, of awakening our lan∣guishing and drowzy Vertue, and of in∣spiring us with the love of true perfecti∣on.

In another of his Letters which is thus superscrib'd, To Ignatius, my holy Father in Jesus Christ; he sends him word, That the Letter which he receiv'd from his holy Charity, at his return from Iapan, had replenish'd him with joy; and that particularly he was most ten∣derly affected, with the last words of it. I am all yours, yours even to that degree, that it is impossible for me to forget you, Ignatius.

When I had read those words, said he, the tears came flowing into my Eyes, and gushing out of them; which makes me, that I cannot forbear writing them, and recalling to my Memory, that sincere and holy Friendship, which you always had, and still have for me; nothing doubting, but that if God has deliver'd me from so many dangers, it has principally proceeded from your fatherly intercessions for me.

He calls himself his Son in all his Let∣ters, and thus subscribes himself in one: The least of your Children, and most distant from you, Francis Xavier. But the high Idea's which Francis had of Ignatius, caus'd him frequently to ask his advice in relation to his own conduct.

You will do a charitable work, said he, in writing to me a Letter, full of spiritual Instructions, as a Legacy bequeath'd to

one, who is the least of all your Chil∣dren, at the farthest distance from you, and who is as it were banish'd from your presence, by which I may par∣take some part of those abundant trea∣sures which Heaven has heap'd upon you. I beseech you not to be too nig∣gardly in the accomplishment of my desires. I conjure you, says he else∣where, by the tender love of Iesus Christ, to give me the method, which I ought to keep, in admitting those who are to be Members of our Society; and write to me at large, considering the smallness of my Talent, which is well known to you; for if you give me not your assistance, the poor ability which I have in these matters, will be the oc∣casion of my losing many opportuni∣ties, for the augmentation of God's Glory.

In prescribing any thing that was dif∣ficult to his Inferiours, he frequently in∣termix'd the name of Ignatius.

I pray you by our Lord, and by Ignatius the Father of our Society. I conjure you by the Obedience, and by the Love which you owe to our Father Ignatius. I require this of you, in the name of the beatify'd Father Ignatius. Remember, said he farther, to what degree, both

great and small, respect our Father Ig∣natius.

With these Sentiments, both of affect∣on and esteem, he depended absolutely on his Superiour.

If I believ'd, says he, writing from the Indies, to Father Simon Rodriguez, that the strength of your Bo∣dy, were equal to the vigour of your Mind, I shou'd invite you to pass the Seas, and desire your company in this new World: I mean, if our Father Ignatius shou'd approve and counsel such a Voy∣age. For he is our Parent, it behoves us to obey him; and it is not permitted us to make one step without his Or∣der.

In this manner, Xavier had recourse to Ignatius,

on all occasions, as much as the distance of places wou'd permit; and the Orders which he receiv'd, were to him in∣violable Laws. You shall not suffer any one,(so he writ to Gasper Barzaeus, Rectour of the Colledge of Goa) to receive the Orders of Priesthood, who is not suf∣ficiently learn'd; and who has not given, for the space of many years, sufficient examples of his good life in our Society; because our Father Ignatius, has expres∣ly forbidden it.

For the same reason he exactly observ'd the Constitutions of the Society.

Make not haste, writes 〈◊〉〈◊〉

in the same Letter to Barzaeus, to receive Children which are too young: And totally reject such sorts of people, whom Father Ignatius wou'd have for ever ex∣cluded from our Order.

But nothing, perhaps, can more clea••ly discover how perfect the submission ofXavier was, than 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Superiour himself thought of it. At the time when Xavier dy'd, Ignatius had thoughts of recalling him from the Indies, not doubting, but at the first notice of his Orders, this zea∣lous Missioner, wou'd leave all things, out of his Obedience. And on this oc∣casion he wrote to him, a Letter bear∣ing date the 28th of Iune, in the year 1553. Behold the passage which con∣ce••ns the business of which we are speak∣ing. I add, says Ignatius in his Letter, that having in prospect the Salvation of Souls, and the greater service of our Lord, I have resolv'd to command you in vertue of holy Obedience, to return into Portugal, with the first opportunity; and I command you this in the name of Christ. But that you may more easily satisfy those, who are desirous of retaining you in the Indies, for the good of those Countries, I will pre∣sent you with my reasons: You know in the first place, of what weight are the Orders of the King of Portugal, for the confirma∣tion

of Religion in the East, for the propa∣gation of it in Guinea, and Brasile: and you can rightly judge, that a Prince so Re∣ligious as he, will do all things necessary, for the advancement of Gods Honour, and the conversion of People, if one of your Abi∣lity and Experience, shall personally instruct him. And besides, 'tis of great importance, that the holy Apostolical See, shou'd be in∣form'd of the present state of India, by some authentick Witness; to the end, that Popes may issue out spiritual supplies, as well to the new, as to the ancient Christianity of Asia; without which, neither the one nor the other can subsist; or cannot subsist without much trouble; and no body is more proper than your self for this; both in respect of your knowledge in the Affairs of the new World, and of your Reputation in these parts.

You know moreover, of what consequence it is, that the Missioners who are sent to the Indies, shou'd be proper for the end propos'd: and 'tis convenient, on that ac∣count, that you come to Portugal and Rome. For not only many more will be desirous of going on those Missions, but you will make a better choice of Missioners; and will see more clearly to what parts such and such are proper to be sent. You judge your self, of what consideration it is, not to be mistaken in these Affairs. And what∣soever

relation you can send us, your Letters are not sufficient to give us a true notion, of what •• abourers are fitting for the Indies. 'Tis necessary that you, or some one, as in∣telligent as you, shou'd know and practice those who are design'd for those Countries. Besides what it will be in your power to do for the common benefit of the East, you will warm the Zeal of the King of Portugal, in relation to Ethiopia, which has been under consideration for so many years, but no∣thing yet perform'd. You will also be of no lit∣tle use to the Affairs of Congo and Brasile, on which you can have no influence in In∣dia, for want of Commerce betwixt them and you. But if you think your presence may be necessary, for the Government of those of the Society who are in the Indies, you may govern them more easily from Por∣tugal, than you can from China or Japan. For what remains, I remit you to the Fa∣ther, Master Polanque, and recommend my self most cordially to your good Prayers, beseeching, the Divine Goodness to multiply his favours on you; to the end, that we may understand his most holy Will, and that we may perfectly perform it.

Father Polanque, who was Secretary to Father Ignatius, and Confident to all his purposes, has given testimony, That the intention of the holy Founder was

to make Xavier General of the Society. The Letter of Ignatius found Xavier dead. But we may judge of what he wou'd have done, by what he writ be∣fore his death to Ignatius himself, who had testify'd so earnest a desire to see him. Your holy Charity, says he in his Letter, tells me, that you have an earnest desire to see me once again, in this present life: God who looks into the bottom of my Heart, can tell how sensibly that mark of your tende••ness has touch'd me. Truly, whenever that expression of yours returns to my remembrance, and it frequently returns, the tears come dropping from my Eyes, and I cannot restrain them; while I revolve that happy thought; that once, yet once again it may be given me to embrace you. I confess, it appears difficult to compass my desires, but all things are possible to holy Obedience.

Undoubtedly, if the Letter of Ignati∣us had found Xavier alive, he had soon been seen in Europe; for having offer'd of his own free motion, to leave the In∣dies, Iapan, and China, and all the bu∣siness which he had upon his hands, and having said, that the least beckoning of his Superiour shou'd be sufficient for it, what wou'd he not have done, when he had receiv'd a positive command to abandon all, and repass the Seas.

His Maxims of obedience shew clearly what his own submission was.

There is nothing more certain,* 1.87 nor less subject to mistake, than always to be willing to obey. On the contrary, 'tis dangerous to live in complaisance to our own wills; and without following the motion of our Superiours: for though we chance to perform any good action, yet if we never so little deviate from that which is commanded us, we may rest assur'd, that our action is rather vi∣cious than good.

The Devil by his malicious suggestions, tempts the greatest part of those who have devoted themselves to God's ser∣vice. What make you there, he secretly whispers, see you not that you do but lose your labour? resist that thought with all your strength; for it is capable not only of hindring you in the way to perfecti∣on, but also of seducing you from it: and let every one of you, perswade him∣self, that he cannot better serve our Lord, than in that place, where he is set by his Superiour. Be also satisfy'd, that when the time of God is come, he will inspire your Superiours with thoughts of sending you to such places, where your labours shall abundantly succeed. In the mean time, you shall

possess your Souls in peace. By this means, you will well employ your pre∣cious time, though too many do not understand its value: and make great proficiencies in virtue. 'Tis far other∣wise with those restless Souls, who do no good in those places where they wish to be, because they are not there; and are unprofitable both to themselves and others where they are, because they de∣sire to be other-where.

Perform with great affection, what your Superiours order you, in relation to domestick discipline, and suffer not your self to be surpris'd with the sug∣gestions of the evil Spirit, who en∣deavours to perswade you, that some other Employment wou'd be fitter for you: his design is, that you shou'd ex∣ecute that Office ill, in which you are employ'd: I intreat you therefore, by our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ, to consider seriously, how you may over∣come those temptations, which give you a distast of your employment; and to meditate more on that, than how to ingage your self in such laborious Af∣fairs, as are not commanded you. Let no man flatter himself; 'tis impossible to excel in great matters, before we arrive to excel in less: and 'tis a gross

errour, under the pretence of saving Souls, to shake off the Yoke of Obe∣dience, which is light and easie, and to take up a Cross, which without com∣parison, is more hard and heavy.

It becomes you to submit your will and judgment to your Governours; and to believe that God will inspire them, in reference to you, with that which will be most profitable to you. For the rest, beware of asking any thing with importunity, as some have done, who press their Superiours with such earnestness, that they even tear from them that which they desire, though the thing which they demand be in it self pernicious; or if it be re∣fus'd them, complain in publick, that their life is odious to them: They per∣ceive not, that their unhappiness pro∣ceeds from their neglect of their vow, and their endeavour to appropriate that will to themselves, which they have al∣ready consecrated to our Lord. In ef∣fect, the more such people live accord∣ing to their own capricious fancy, the more uneasie and melancholick is their life.

The holy man, was so thoroughly perswaded, that the perfection of the Society of Jesus consisted in obedience,

that he frequently commanded his Bre∣thren in vertue of their holy obedience, thereby to increase their merit.

I pray you, said he to two Missioners of Comorine, to go to the Isles del Moro, and to the end you may the bet∣ter have occasion of meriting by your obedience, I positively command you.

But it is impossible to relate, with what tenderness he lov'd the Society, nor how much he concern'd himself in all their interests, though of the smallest mo∣ment. Being in Portugal, before his Voyage to the Indies, he wrote not any Letters to Rome, wherein he did not te∣sti••y his great desire to know what pro∣gress it made in Italy. Writing to the Fathers, Le Gay, and Laynez, he says thus: Since our rule is confirm'd, I ear∣nestly desire to learn the names of those, who are already receiv'd into our Order, and of such as are upon the point of being admitted. He exhorts them, to thank the King of Portugal, for the design which his Majesty had to build a Colledge, or a House for the Society: and we ought to make this acknowledgement to the King, said he, to in∣gage him th••reby, to begin the Building.

The news which he receiv'd from Fa∣ther I••natius, and the other Fathers who were at Rome, gave him infinite consola∣tion.

I have receiv'd your Letters, which I expected with much impatience, and have receiv'd them with that joy, which Chil∣dren ought to have, in receiving some plea∣sing news from their Mother. In effect, I learn from them, the prosperous condition of all the Society; and the holy Employments wherein you ingage your selves, without intermission.

He cou'd scarcely moderate his joy, when∣soever he thought on the establishment of the Society: Thus he wrote from the Indies to Rome: Amongst all the favours which I have receiv'd from God in this present life, and which I receive daily, the most signal, and most sensible, is to have heard that the Institute of our Society has been approv'd and confirm'd by the Authority of the Holy See. I give immortal thanks to Jesus Christ, that he has been pleas'd his Vicar shou'd publickly establish the form of life, which he him∣self has prescrib'd in private to his Servant, our Father Ignatius.

But Xavier also wish'd nothing more, than to see the Society increas'd; and he felt a redoubling of his joy, by the same proportion, when he had notice of their gaining new Houses in the East, or when he heard from Europe, of the foundation of new Colledges.

To conclude, he had not less affection for the particular persons, who were

Members of the Society, than for the body of it. His Brethren were ever present in his thoughts,; and he thought it not enough to love them barely with∣out a continual remembrance of them. I carry ab••ut with me, (thus he writes to the Fathers at Rome) all your Names, of your own hand-writing, in your Letters; and I carry them together, with the solemn form of my profession. By which he signifies not only how dear the Sons of the Society were to him, but also how much he esteem'd the honour of being one of their number.

The love which he bore to Gospel-poverty,* 1.88 caus'd him to subsist on Alms, and to beg his Bread from door to door, when he might have had a better pro∣vision made for him. Being even in the Colledge of Goa, which was well en∣dow'd, he sought his livelyhood without the Walls, the more to conform himself to the poverty of his blessed Saviour. He was always very meanly cloath'd, and most commonly had so many patches on his Cassock, that the Children of the Idolaters derided him. He piec'd up his tatters with his own hand, and never chang'd his habit, till it was worn to ••ags; at least, if the honour of God, and the interest of Religion, did not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oblige him. At his return from

Iapan to Malacca, where he was receiv'd with so much honour, he wore on his back a torn Cassock, and a rusty old Hat on his head.

The Portugueses, beholding him al∣ways so ill apparell'd, often desir'd him to give them leave to present him with a new habit: but seeing he wou'd not be perswaded, they once devis'd a way, of stealing his Cassock, while he was asleep. The trick succeeded, and Xavier, whose Soul was wholly intent on God, put on a new habit, which they had laid in the place of his old garment, without disco∣vering how they had serv'd him. He pass'd the whole day in the same igno∣rance of the cheat, and it was not till the evening that he perceiv'd it. For supping with Francis Payva, and other Portugueses, who were privy to the mat∣ter; 'tis perhaps to do honour to our Ta∣ble, said one amongst them, that you are so spruce to day▪ in your new ha∣bit. Then, casting his eyes upon his Cloaths, he was much surpris'd, to find himself in so strange an Equipage. At length being made sensible of the prank which they had plaid him, he told them smiling, that it was no great wonder that this rich Cassock, looking for a Master in

the dark, cou'd not see its way to some body who deserv'd it better.

As he liv'd most commonly amongst the poorer sort of Indians, who had no∣thing to bestow, and who for the most part went naked, he enjoy'd his Poverty without molestation. All his moveables were a Matt, on which he lay some∣times, and a little Table, whereon were his Writings, and some little Books, with a wooden Crucifix, made of that, which the Indians call the wood of St. Thomas.

He cheerfully underwent the greatest hardships of Poverty: and writing from Iapan to the Fathers of Goa, his words were these: Assist me, I beseech you, my dear Brethren, in acknowledging to Al∣mighty God, the signal favour he has done me: I am at length arriv'd at Japan, where there is an extream scarcity of all things: which I place amongst the greatest Benefits of Providence.

Mortification is always the Companion of poverty in Apostolical persons. Xa∣vier bore constantly along with him, the instruments of Penance; Hair cloath, Chains of Iron, and Disciplines, pointed at the ends, and exceeding sharp. He treated his flesh with great severity, by the same motive, which oblig'd St. Paul the Apostle to chastise his Body, and to

reduce it into servitude; least having preach'd to other men, he might himself become a Reprobate.

At Sea, the Ship tackling serv'd him for a Bed; on Land a Matt, or the Earth it self. He eat so little, that one of his Companions assures us, that without a Miracle he cou'd not have liv'd. Another tells us, that he seldom, or never drank Wine, unless at the Tables of the Por∣tugueses; for there, he avoided singula∣rity, and took what was given him. But afterwards he reveng'd himself on one of those repasts, by an abstinence of many days.

When he was at Cape Comorine, the Viceroy Don Alphonso de Sosa, sent him two Barrels of excellent Wine: He did not once taste of it, though he was then brought very low, through the labours of his Ministry, but distributed the whole amongst the poor.

His ordinary nourishment in the In∣dies, was Rice, boyl'd in water, or some little piece of Salt-Fish: but during the two years and a half, of his residence in Iapan, he totally abstain'd from Fish, for the better edification of that People. And writ to the Fathers at Rome, that he wou'd rather choose to dye of hunger, than to give any man the least occasi••n of

scandal. He also says, I count it for a signal favour, that God has brought me in∣to a Country, destitute of all the comforts of life, and where, if I were so ill dispos'd, it wou'd be impossible for me, to pamper up my Body with delicious fare. He perpe∣tually travell'd by Land, on foot; even in Iapan, where the ways are asperous, and almost impassable: and often walk'd with naked feet, in the greatest severity of Winter.

The hardships of so long a Naviga∣tion, says he, so long a sojourning a∣mongst the Gentiles, in a Country parch'd up with excessive heats, all these incom∣modities being suffer'd, as they ought to be, for the sake of Christ, are truly an abundant source of consolations. For my self, I am verily perswaded, that they who love the Cross of Jesus Christ, live happy in the midst of sufferings; and that it is a death when they have no opportu∣nities to suffer. For can there be a more cruel death, than to live without Jesus Christ, after once we have tasted of him? Is any thing more hard, than to abandon him, that we may satisfy our own inclina∣tions? believe me, there is no other Cross, which is to be compar'd to that. How happy is it, on the other side, to live, in dying daily, and in con••uering our passions,

to search after, not our proper interests, but the interests of Jesus Christ.

His interiour mortification was the principle of these thoughts in this holy man; from the first years of his Con∣version, his study was to gain an abso∣lute conquest on himself; and he con∣tinu'd always to exhort others, not to suffer themselves to be hurried away, by the fury of their natural desires. He writes thus to the Fathers and Brethren of Coimbra, from Malacca; I have al∣ways present in my thoughts, what I have heard from our Holy Father Ignatius, that the true Children of the Society of Iesus, ought to labour exceedingly in overcoming of themselves.

If you search our Lord in the Spirit of truth, says he to the Jesuites of Goa, and generously walk in those ways, which conduct you to him, the Spiritual delights which you taste in his service, will sweeten all those bitter agonies, which the conquest of your selves will cost you. O my God, how grosly stupid is mankind, not to comprehend that by a faint and cowardly resistance of the assaults of the Devil, they deprive themselves of the most pure and sincere de∣lights which life can give them▪

By the daily practice of these Maxims, Xavier came to be so absolute a Master of

his passions, that he knew not what it was to have the least motion of choler, and impatience: and from thence pro∣ceeded partly, that tranquility of Soul, that equality of Countenance, that per∣petual Chearfulness, which render'd him so easie and so acceptable in all Compa∣nies.

'Tis natural,* 1.89 for a man who is ex∣treamly mortify'd, to be chaste. And so was Xavier, to such a degree of per∣fection, that we have it certify'd from his Ghostly Fathers, and amongst others, from the Vicar of Meliapore, that he liv'd and dy'd a Virgin. From his youth upward he had an extream horrour for impurity; notwithstanding, that he was of a sanguine complexion, and naturally lov'd pleasure. While he was a Student at Paris, and dwelt in the Colledge of Sainte Barbe, his Tutor in Philosophy; who was a man lost in debauches, and who dyed, of a dishonest disease, carried his Scholars by night to Brothel-houses. The abominable man did all he cou'd, towards the debauching of Francis Xa∣vier, who was handsom, and well shap'd, but he cou'd never accomplish his wicked purpose: so much was the youth estrang'd from the uncleanness of all fleshly plea∣sures.

For what remains, nothing can more clearly make out his love to purity, than what happen'd to him once at Rome. Simon Rodriguez being ••allen sick, Father Ignatius commanded Xavier to take care of him, during his distemper. One night, the sick man awaking, saw Xa∣vier, who was asleep at his beds-••eet, thrusting out his arms in a dream, with the action of one who violently repells an Enemy: he observ'd him, even cast∣ing out blood in great abundane, through his nostrils and at his mouth. Xavier himself awaking, with the labour of that strugling, Rodriguez enquir'd of him the cause of that extream agitation, and the gushing of his blood. Xavier would not satisfie him at that time, and gave him no account of it, 'till he was just upon his departure to the Indies; for then being urg'd a-new by Rodrigu••z, after he had oblig'd him to secrecy, Know said he, my Brother, Master Sim••n, that God, out of his wonderful mercy, has done me the ••avour to preserve me even 'till this hour, in entire purity: and that very night I dreamt, that lod••ing at an Inn, an impudent Woman wou'd needs approach me. The motion of my arms was to thrust her from me; and to get rid of her: and the blood which I threw out, proceeded from my ag••ny.

But whatsoever detestation Xavier had, even for the shadow of a sin, he was always di••••ident of himself; and withdrew from all conversation of Women, if cha∣rity oblig'd him not, to take care of their conversion. And even on such oc∣casions, he kept all imaginable measures, never entertaining them with discourse, unless in publick places, and in sight of all the world: nor speaking with them of ought, but what was necessary, and then also sparing of his words, and with a grave, modest, and serious countenance. He would say, That in general conversa∣tion, we cou'd not be too circumspect in our behaviour towards them; and that however 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the intentions of their Confessours were, there still remain'd more cause of fear, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 directours in those entertainments, than of ••ope, tha•• any good shou'd result from them, to the Women Penitents.

Besides all this, he kept his senses curb'd▪ and recollected, examin'd his conscience often every day; and daily confess'd himself when he had the con∣venience of a Priest. By these means, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 acquir'd such a purity of Soul and Body, that they who were of his inti∣mate acquaintance, have declar'd, that they cou••d never observe in him, ought that was not within the rules of the ex∣actest decency.

In like manner, he never forgave him∣self the least miscarriage; and 'tis incre∣dible how far the tenderness of his Con∣science went on all occasions. In that Vessel which carried him from Lisbonne to the Indies, a Child who was of years which are capable of instruction, one day happen'd to dye suddenly: Xavier immediately enquir'd, if the Child had been usually present at Catechism, to∣gether with the Ship's Company? It was answer'd in the negative; and at the same moment, the man of God, whose countenance commonly was cheerful, appear'd extreamly sad. The Viceroy Alphonso de Sosa, soon observ'd it, and knowing the cause of his affliction, ask'd the Father, if he had any former know∣ledge, that the Child came not to Ca∣techism; If I had known it, reply'd Xa∣vier, I had not fail'd to have brought him thither: But, why then, said the Vicerory are you thus disquieted for a thing you know not, and of which you are no ways guilty? 'Tis, reply'd the Saint, because I ought to upbraid my self with it as a fault, that I was ig∣norant that any person, who was im∣bark'd with me, wanted to be taught the Christian Faith.

A body so chaste,* 1.90 and a mind so pure, cou'd not have been, but of one who was faithfully devoted to the holy Vir∣gin. The Saint honour'd, and lov'd her all his life, with thoughts full of respect and tenderness. It was in the Church of Mont Martre, dedicated to the Mother of God, and on the day of her Assumption, that he made his first vows. It was in that of Loretto, that he had his first in∣spiration, and conceiv'd his first desires of going to the Indies. He petition'd for nothing of our Lord, but by the in∣tercession of his Mother: and in the ex∣position which he made of the Christian Doctrine; after addressing himself to Ie∣sus to obtain the grace of a lively and constant Faith, he fail'd not of addres∣sing himself to Mary. He concluded all his instructions with the Salve Regina, he never undertook any thing, but under her protection; and in all dangers, he had al∣ways recourse to the blessed Virgin, as his Patroness. For the rest, to shew that he depended on her, and made his glory of that dependance. He commonly wore a Chaplet about his neck, to the end that Christians might take delight in saying the Chaplet; and made f••equ••nt use of it in the operation of his Miracles.

When he pass'd whole nights at his devotions in Churches, it was almost al∣ways before the Image of the Virgin, and especially, he offer'd his vows to her, for the Conversion of notorious Sinners, and also for the remission of his own offences, as himself testifies in a Letter of his, which shews not less his humility, than his con∣fidence in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. I have taken the Queen of Hea∣ven for my Patroness, that, by her Prayers I may obtain the pardon of my innumera∣ble sins. He was particularly devoted to her immaculate Conception, and made a vow to defend it, to the utmost of his power.

In conversation, he frequently spoke of the greatness of the divine Mary; and attracted all men to her service. In fine, being just upon the point of drawing his last breath, he invok'd her name with tender words, and besought her, to shew her self his Mother.

These are the principal vertues, which were collected, to be presented to the Holy S••••. The Archbishop of Goa, and all the Bishops of India, seconded the de∣signs of the King of Portugal, by acting on their side with the Pope, for the canoniza∣tion of Xavier. But no one, in process of time, sollicited with more splendour, than the King of Bung••.

This Prince,* 1.91 who was upon the point of being converted, when Xavier left Iapan, had no sooner lost the holy man, but he was regain'd by the Bonza's, and fell into all the disorders of which a Pa∣gan can be capable. He confess'd the Christian Law to be the better; but said it was too rigorous, and that a young Prince, as he was, born in the midst of pleasures, cou'd not brook it. His Luxury hinder'd him not from the love of Arms, nor from being very brave, and he was so fortunate in War, that he reduc'd four or five Kingdoms under his Obedience. In the course of all his Vi∣ctories, the last words which Father Fran∣cis had said to him, concerning the va∣nity of the World, and the necessity of Baptism, came into his remembrance: he made serious reflections on them, and was so deeply mov'd by them, that one day he appear'd in publick, with a Chap∣let about his neck, as it were to make an open profession of Christianity.

The effects were correspondent to the appearances: he had tow Idols in his Pa∣lace of great value, which he worshipped every day, prostrating himself before them, with his forehead touching the ground: these Images he commanded to be thrown into the Sea. After this, ap∣plying

himself to the exercises of Piety and Penitence, he totally renounc'd his sensual pleasures, and was finally Baptis'd by Father Cabira, of the Society of Ie∣sus. At his Baptism he took the name of Francis, in memory of the holy A∣postle Francis Xavier, whom he ac∣knowledg'd for the Father of his Soul, and whom he call'd by that title, during the remainder of his life.

The King of Bungo had hitherto been so fortunate, that his Prosperity pass'd into a Proverb. But God was pleas'd to try him. Two Months after his Baptism, the most considerable of his Subjects, entring into a. Solemn League and Cove∣nant against him, out of hatred to Chri∣stianity, and joyning with his neighbour∣ing Princes, defeated him in a pitch'd Battle, and despoyl'd him of all his E∣states. He endur'd his ill fortune, with great constancy, and when he was up∣braided by the Gentiles, that the change of his Religion had been the cause of his ruine, he made a Vow at the foot of the Altar, to live and dye a Christian; adding, by a holy transport of Zeal, that if all Iapan, and all Europe, if the Fathers of the Society, and the Pope him∣self shou'd renounce our Saviour Iesus Christ, yet, for his own particular he

wou'd confess him to the last gasp; and be always ready, with God's assistance, to shed his Blood, in testimony of his Faith.

As the Piety of this Prince diminish'd nothing of his Valour, nor of his Conduct, having gather'd up the remainder of his Troops, he restor'd himself by degrees, partly by force of Arms, and partly by amicable ways of Treaty. His principal care after his re-establishment, was to banish Idolatry out of his Estates, and to restore the Catholick Religion. His De∣votion led him to send a solemn Embassy to Pope Gregory the Thirteenth, who at that time govern'd the Church. Don Man∣ci•• his Embassadour, being arriv'd at Rome, with those of the King of Arima, and the Prince of Omura, was not satisfy'd with bringing the Obedience of the King his Master, to the Vicar of Iesus Christ, by presenting him the Letters of Don Francis, full of submission and respect to the ho∣ly See; but he also petition'd him, in the name of his Sovereign, to place the Apo∣stle of Iapan amongst those Saints, whom the Faithful honour, and declar'd to his Holiness, That he cou'd not do a greater fa∣vour to the King of Bungo.

In the mean time the Memory of Xa∣vier,* 1.92 was venerated more than ever,

through all Asia. An Embassadour from the great Mogul being come to Goa, to desire some Fathers of the Society might be sent to explain the Mysteries of Christia∣nity to that Emperour, ask'd permission to see the Body of Father Francis; but he durst not approach it, till first himself and all his train had taken off their Shoes; after which Ceremony, all of them, ha∣ving many times bow'd themselves to the very ground, pay'd their respects to the Saint, with as much devotion as if they had not been Mahometans. The Ships which pass'd in sight of Sancian saluted the place of his death with all their Cannon: sometimes they landed on the Island, only to view the spot of Earth, where he had been buried for two months and a half, and to bear away a turff of that holy ground. Insomuch, that the Chineses, entring into a belief, that there was some hidden treasure in the place, set guards of Souldiers round about it, to hinder it from being taken thence. One of the new Indian Converts, and of the most devoted to the Man of God, not content with seeing the place of his death, had also the curiosity, to view that of his Nativity: Insomuch, that travelling through a vast extent of Land, and pas∣sing through immense Oceans, he ar∣riv'd

at the Castle of Xavier: Entring into the Chamber where the Saint was born, he fell upon his Knees, and with great devotion kiss'd the Floor; which he wa∣ter'd also with his tears. After this, with∣out farther thought, or desire of seeing any thing besides in Europe, he took his way backwards to the Indies; and counted for a mighty treasure, a little piece of Stone, which he had loosen'd from the Walls of the Chamber, and carry'd away with him, in the nature of a Relick.

For what remains,* 1.93 a series of Miracles was blaz'd abroad in all places. Five or six passengers, who had set sail from Ma∣lacca towards China, in the Ship of Bene∣dict Coeglio, fell sick, even to the point of death. So soon as they were set on shore at Sancian, they caus'd themselves to be carried to the Meadow, where Xa∣vier had been first interr'd; and there having cover'd their heads with that Earth which once had touch'd his holy Body, they were perfectly cur'd upon the spot.

Xavier appear'd to divers people, on the Coast of Travancor, and that of Fi∣shery, sometimes to heal them, or to comfort them in the agonies of death: at other times to deliver the Prisoners, and to reduce Sinners into the ways of Heaven.

His name was propitious on the Seas, in the most evident dangers. The Ship of Emanuel de Sylva, going from Cochin, and having taken the way of Bengala, in the midst of the Gulph, there arose so furious a Tempest, that they were constrain'd to cut the Mast, and throw all the Merchandises over-board: when nothing less than Shipwrack was expect∣ed, they all implor'd the aid of the A∣postle of the Indies, Francis Xavier. At the same instant, a Wave, which was rolling on, and ready to break over the Ship, like some vast Mountain, went back∣ward on the sudden, and dissipated into Foam. The Seamen and Passengers, at the sight of so manifest a Miracle, invok'd the Saint with loud voices, still as the Tempest grew upon them; and the Bil∣lows fail'd not of retiring always at the name of Xavier: But whenever they ceas'd from calling on him, the Waves outrageously swell'd, and beat the Ship on every side.

It may almost be said, That the Saint in person wrought these Miracles; but it is unconceivable, how many were per∣form'd by the Subscriptions of his Let∣ters, by the Beads of his Chaplet, by the pieces of his Garments; and finally, by

every thing which had once been any wa•• appertaining to him.

The Crosses, which he had erected with his own hand on sundry Coasts to be seen from far by Mariners and Tra∣vellers, were loaded with the Vows and Gifts, which Christians, Saraceus, and Idolaters had fasten'd to them daily, in acknowledgment of favours which they had receiv'd, through the intercession of the holy Man. But the most celebrated of those Crosses, was that at Cotata, whereon an Image of Xavier was plac'd. A blind man receiv'd sight by embracing of that Cross: two sick men were cur'd on the instant; one of which, who was aged, had a setled Palsie, and the other was dying of a bloody Flux. Copies were made of that miraculous Image at Cotata; and Gasper Gon••alez brought one of them to Cochin. It was eleven of the Clock at night, when he enter'd into the Port: An hour afterwards, the house of Christopher Miranda, adjoining to that of Gon••alez, happen'd to be on Fire. The North-wind then blowing, and the Build∣ing being almost all of Wood, the burn∣ing began with mighty rage, and immedi∣ately a Maid belonging to the house was burn'd. The Neighbours awaken'd with the cries of Fire, cast their Goods out at

the Windows, in confusion; there being no probability of preserving the houses, because that of Miranda was the highest, and the burning Coals, which flew out on every side, together with the Flames, which were driven by the Wind, fell on the tops of the Houses, that were only cover'd with bows of Palm-trees, dry, and easy to take Fire. In this ex∣tremity of danger, Gon••alez bethought himself of the holy Image which he had brought, falling on his Knees, accompa∣ny'd by all his domestick Servants, he held it upwards to the Flames, and invok'd Father Francis to his assistance. At the same instant the Fire was extinguish'd of it self; and the Town in this manner preserv'd from desolation, when it was ready to be burn'd to Ashes.

A Medal which had on one side the Image of the Saint, and on the other, that of the holy Virgin, holding the lit∣tle Iesus, wrought yet more admirable effects. It was in the possession of a Ver∣tuous Widow of Cochin, born at Tamuzay in China, and nam'd Lucy de Vellanzan, who had formerly been instructed at Ma∣lacca in the Mysteries of Faith, by Xa∣vier himself; and who was aged an hun∣dred and twenty years, when she was juridically interrogated, concerning the

Miracles which had been wrought by her Medal. All in••irm persons who came to Lucy, receiv'd their cure so soon as she had made the sign of the Cross with her Medal over them; or when she had sprinkled them with Water, wherein the Medal had been dipt; in saying only the••e words: In the name of Jesus, and of Fath••r Francis, be your health restor'd.

I have seen many, says an Eye witness, who ha••e been cur'd on the instant, by be∣ing only touch'd with that Medal: Some, who being only putrify'd, ejected through the Nose corrupted Flesh, and matter of a most offensive scent; others who were reduc'd to the meagerness of Skeletons, by Con∣sumptions of many years; but the most ce∣lebrated Cures, were those of Gonsalvo Ro∣driguez, Mary Dias, and Emanuel Fernan∣dez Figheredo.

Rodriguez had a great Imposthume on the le••t 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.94 very near the Heart, which had been breeding many Months. The Chirurgeons for fear of exasperating the malady, by making an Incision in so dan∣gerous a part, endeavour'd to dry up the humour, by applying other Remedies. But the Imposthume degenerated into a Cancer, which gave the Patient intolera∣ble pains, and made him Heart and Sto∣mach sick. Rodriguez having notice gi∣ven

him, what wonders were wrought by the Chinese Chris••ian, by means of the Medal of Father Xavier, went immedi∣ately to her, and kneel'd before her. The Chinese only touch'd him thrice, and made the sign of the Cross over him, ac∣cording to her Custom; and at the same moment, the Cancer vanish'd; the Flesh return'd to its natural colour, on the part where the Ulcer had been formerly, and Rodriguez found himself as well, as if no∣thing had ever ail'd him.

Mary Dias was not only blind, but ta∣ken with the Palsie over half her Body, on the right-side of it; so that her Arm hung dead from her Shoulder, and she had only the use one Leg: despairing of all natural Remedies, she caus'd her self to be convey'd to Lucy's Lodgings. The Hospitable Widow, kept her in her House for the space of seven days; and washed her every of those days with the Water wherein the Medal had been dipt. On the seventh day, she made the sign of the Cross over the Eyes of the Patient with the Medal it self; and then Dias re∣cover'd her sight: Her Palsie, in like man∣ner, left her; so that she was able to walk alone, to the Church of the Society, where she left her Crutches.

As for Emanuel Gon••alez Figheredo, both

his Legs for a long time, had been co∣ver'd with Ulcers, and were become so rotten, that Worms were continually crawling out of them. The Physicians, to divert the humours, put in practice all the secrets of their Art, but without ef∣fect: On the contrary, the Sinews were so shrunk up on one side, that one Leg was shorter than the other. And for the last addition of misfortunes, Figheredo was seiz'd with so terrible a Lask, that in a man of threescore years old, as he was, it was judg'd mortal. In effect, it had been so, but that he had immediate re∣course to the Medal of Xavier: he drank of the Water, wherein it had been dip'd; after which he was entirely cur'd, both of his Ulcers and his Dysentery.

But that which was daily seen at Goa,* 1.95 blotted out the memory of the greatest Prodigies, which were done elsewhere. The Body of the Saint perpetually en∣tire, the Flesh tender, and of a lively co∣lour, was a continued Miracle. They who beheld the Sacred Corps, cou'd scarcely believe that the Soul was separa∣ted from it: And Dias Carvaglio, who had known Xavier particularly in his life, seeing his Body many years after he had been dead, found the Features of his Face so lively, and every part of him so fresh,

that he cou'd not forbear to cry out, and re∣peat it often, Ah, he is alive.

The Vicar General of Goa, Ambrosio Ribera, wou'd himself examine, if the Inwards were corresponding to the outward appearances. Having thrust his Finger into the hurt which they gave the Saint, when they interr'd him at Malacca, he saw Blood and Water issue out of it. The same experiment happen'd at a∣nother time to a Brother of the Society.

The Saint was one day publickly expos'd, with his Feet bare, at the importunity of the people, who through Devotion petition'd to kiss them. A Woman, who passionately de∣sir'd, to have a Relick of Xavier, drawing near, as if it were to have kiss'd his Foot. fasten'd her Teeth in it, and bit off a little piece of Flesh. The Blood immediately ran in great abundance out of it; and of so pure a Crimson, that the most healthful Bodies cou'd not send out a more living colour. The Physicians, who visited the Corps from time to time, and who always depos'd, that there cou'd be nothing of natural in what they saw, judg'd, that the Blood which came from a Bo∣dy depriv'd of heat, and issu'd from a part so distant from the heart, as is the Foot, cou'd be no other than the effect of a Celestial Vertue; which not only preserv'd all parts of it from putrefaction, but also caus'd the humours to flow, and maintain'd them in the motion, which only life infuses in them.

So many wonders, which spread through all the East,* 1.96 and were transmitted into every part of Europe, so mov'd the Heart of Paul the Fifth, that he finally perform'd, what his Pre∣decessour,

had design'd. After a Juridical Exa∣men of the Virtues and Miracles, above mention'd, he declar'd Beatify'd Francis Xavier, Priest of the Society of Iesus by an express Bull, dated the 25th of October, in the year 1619.

Gregory the Fifteenth, who immediately succeeded Pope Paul the Fifth, Canoniz'd him afterwards in all the forms, and with all the procedures, which the Church observes on the like occasions. The Ceremony was perform'd at Rome, on the 12th of March, in the year 1622. But as death prevented him from making the Bull of the Canonization, it was his Successour Vrban the Eighth, who finally accomplish'd it.

This Bull,* 1.97 bearing date the sixth of August, in the year 1623, is an Epitome and Panegyrick of the miraculous life of the Saint. It is there said, That the new Apostle of the Indies has spi∣ritually receiv'd the Blessing which God vouchsafed to the Patriarch Abraham, that he was the Fa∣ther of many Nations; and that he saw his Chil∣dren in Jesus Christ multiply'd beyond the Stars of Heaven, and the Sands of the Sea. That, for the rest, his Apostleship has had the signs of a Di∣vine Vocation, such as are the gift of Tongues, the gift of Prophecy, the gift of Miracles, with the Evangelical vertues in all perfection.

The Bull reports almost all the Miracles, which we have seen in his Life; particularly, the Resurrections of the Dead; and amongst other miraculous Cures, which were wrought after his decease, it observes those of Gonsal∣vo Fernand••z, Mary Diaz, and Emanuel Rodri∣guez

Figheredo. It also mentions two famous Cures, of which we have said nothing. One is of a blind man, who having pray'd to God nine days successively, by the order of Xavier, who appear'd to him, instantly recover'd his sight. The other was of a Leper, who being anointed, and rub'd over, with the Oyl of a Lamp, which burn'd before the Image of Xa∣vier, was entirely cur'd. The Pope has ad∣ded in his Bull, That the Lamps which hung be∣fore the Image, which was venerated at Cotata, often burn'd with Holy-water, as if they had been full of Oyl, to the great astonishment of the Hea∣thens. The other Miracles which we have re∣lated, and which are omitted in the Bull, are contain'd in the Acts of the process of the Canonization.

Since the time that the holy See,* 1.98 has plac'd the Apostle of the Indies, in the number of the Saints; 'tis incredible how much the pub∣lick Devotion, has every where been augmen∣ted towards him. Cities have taken him for their Patron and Protectour. Altars have been erected, and incessant Vowa have been made to him. Men have visited his Tomb, with more devotion than ever; and the Chamber where∣in he was born, has been converted into a Chap∣pel, to which Pilgrims have resorted in great crowds, from all the quarters of the World.

For the rest,* 1.99 it was not in vain, that they invok'd him; and if I shou'd take upon me to relate the Miracles which have been lately done through his Intercession, they wou'd take up another Volume as large as this. Neither shall I go about to make a recital of what things were wrought in succeeding years at

Po••amo, and Naples: but shall content my self to say, that in those places God was pleas'd to honour his Servant by the performance of such wonders as might seem incredible, if those which preceded, had not accustom'd us to believe all things of St. Xavier.

I shall even forbear to speak, of the famous Father Mastrilli, who being in the agony of death, was cur'd on the instant by the Saint; and who going to Iapan by the Ord••r of the Saint himself, to be there Martyr'd, built him a magnificent Sepulcher at Goa. 'Tis enough for us to know, that never Saint has been, per∣haps, more honour'd, nor more lov'd in the Church, than St. Francis Xavier: and that e∣ven the Enemies of the Society of Iesus, have had a veneration, and tenderness for him.

But these Opinions are not con••in'd to Ca∣tholicks alone: the very Hereticks revere Xa∣vier, and Baldeus speaks of him in these terms, in his History of the Indies. If the Religion of Xavier agree'd with ours, we ought to esteem and reverence him as another St. Paul: yet notwith∣standing the difference of Religion, his zeal, his vigilance, and the sanctity of his manners, ought to stir up all good men, not to do the work of God negligently; for the gifts which Xavier had re∣ceiv'd, to execute the Office of a Minister, and Ambassadour of Jesus Christ, were so eminent, that my Soul is not able to express them. If I con∣sider the patience and sweetness, wherewith he pre∣sented both to great and small, the holy and living waters of the Gospel; if I regard the courage where∣with the suffer'd injuries and affronts; I am forc'd to cry out, with the Apostle, Who is capable like him of these wonderful things! Baldeus con∣cludes

the Panegyrick of the Saint, with an Apostrophe to the Saint himself: Might it please Almighty God, says he, that being what you have been, you had been, or wou'd have been one of ours.

Richard Hackluyt also, a Protestant, and which is more, a Minister of England, com∣mends Xavier without restriction.* 1.100 Sancian, says he, is an Island in the confines of China, and near the Port of Canton, famous for the death of Francis Xavier, that worthy Preacher of the Gos∣pel, and that divine Teacher of the Indians, in what concerns Religion; who after great labours, after many injuries, and infinite crosses, undergone with great patience and joy, dy'd in a Cabin, on a desart Mountain, on the 2d. of September, in the year 1552, destitute of all worldly convenien∣ces, but accumulated with all sorts of spiritual blos∣sings; having first made known Jesus Christ to many thousands of those Eastern People.* 1.101 The modern Histories of the Indies, are fill'd with the excellent vertues, and miraculous opera∣tions of that holy Man.

Monsieur Tavernier, who is endu'd with all the probity which a man can have, without the true Religion, makes a step farther, than these two Historians, and speaks like a Catho∣lick. St. Francis Xavier, says he, ended in this place his Mission, together with his life, after he had establish'd the Christian Faith, with an admirable progress in all places through which he pass'd; not only by his zeal, but also by his ex∣ample, and by the holiness of his manners. He had never been in China, but there is great probability, that the Religion which he had establish'd in the Isle of Niphon, extended it self into the neigh∣bouring

Countries; and multiply'd by the cares of that holy Man, who by a just Title may be call'd the St. Paul, and true Apostle of the Indies.

As to what remains,* 1.102 if Xavier was endu'd with all Apostolical virtues, does it not follow, that the Religion which he preach'd, was that of the Apostles? Is there the least appearance that a man, who was chosen by God to de∣stroy Idolatry and Impiety in the new World, shou'd be himself an Idolater and a wicked man, in adoring Iesus Christ upon the Altars, in invoking of the Holy Virgin, in engaging himself to God by Vows, in desiring Indul∣gences from the Pope, in using the sign of the Cross and Holy-water for the cure of the sick, in Praying, and saying Masses for the dead? In fine, is it possible to believe, that this holy Man, this new Apostle, this second St. Paul, continued all his life in the way of perdition, and instead of enjoying at this present time the happiness of the Saints, endures the torments of the Damn'd? Let us then pronounce, con∣cluding this Work as we began it, that the Life of St. Francis Xavier, is an Authentick Testimony of the truth of the Gospel; and that we cannot strictly observe, what God has wrought by the ministry of his Servant, without a full satisfaction in this point, that the Catholick, Apostolick, and Roman Church, is the Church of our Saviour Iesus Christ.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  He sends out Missioners to di∣vers places.
• * 1.2

  He endavours an Embassy to China.
• * 1.3

  He appoints Barzaeus Rector of the Colledge of Goa.
• * 1.4

  The form by which Bar∣z••us was made Rector of the Colledge, &c.
• * 1.5

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.6

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.7

  The new Instru∣••••ns which he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 t•• Bar∣zaeus.
• * 1.8

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.9

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.10

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.11

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.12

  Before his arri∣val at Malacca, he knows the Plague is in the Town.
• * 1.13

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.14

  He raises a y••ung man t•• life.
• * 1.15

  〈…〉〈…〉 of China is cr••ss'd by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Malac∣ca.
• * 1.16

  Xavier endea∣v••urs all he can t•• gain the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for the Embass••.
• * 1.17

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.18

  The G••••e••n••ur flies ••ut into fu∣ry against the Father.
• * 1.19

  The Father re∣solves to excom∣municate the Governour; and what he does in order to it.
• * 1.20

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.21

  The Saint im∣putes the over∣throw ••f the Embassy to his own sins.
• * 1.22

  In writing t•• the King of Portugal, he makes no com¦plaint of the G••∣vernour of Ma∣lacca.
• * 1.23

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.24

  He departs from Malacca with••ut seeing the Governour: and what he does in going out of the Town.
• * 1.25

  He embarques, and what hap∣pens afterwards
• * 1.26

  He changes the salt-water into fresh.
• * 1.27

  He 〈…〉〈…〉 Ma•• om••tan his S••n, who was fallen into the. Sea.
• * 1.28

  He appears of an extraordina∣ry height, and much above his own stat••••e.
• * 1.29

  He reassures the Captain of the Santa Cruz, and the Mari∣ners.
• * 1.30

  ••e arri••es at the Isle of San∣cian.
• * 1.31

  What passes be∣twixt Xavier and Veglio.
• * 1.32

  He f••retels to Veglio, that he shall be adver∣tis'd of the day of his death.
• * 1.33

  The Prediction ••f the Saint is ••ccomplish'd in all its circum∣••••ances.
• * 1.34

  Other w••nder∣••ul I••u••inati∣ons.
• * 1.35

  He raises up a dead man, and drives the Iy∣gers out of the Island.
• * 1.36

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.37

  He takes his measures for the Voyage of China.
• * 1.38

  A Pardo (says Taver∣nier,) is of the value of 27 So••s French Money; ten of which make a∣bout a shilling English.
• * 1.39

  The Portu∣gueses of San∣cian tra••erse the design of Xavier.
• * 1.40

  He deferrs his Voyage, in con∣sideration of the Portuguese Merchants.
• * 1.41

  He writes di∣vers Letters to Malacca, and to Goa.
• * 1.42

  He gives Orders to Father Fran∣cis Perez, and to Father Gas∣par Earza••us.
• * 1.43

  He foretels the unhappy death of a Merchant.
• * 1.44

  He is reduc'd to an 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.45

  The means sail him, for his passage into China.
• * 1.46

  He is still in hope, and the expedient which he finds.
• * 1.47

  He falls sick again, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the day of his death.
• * 1.48

  The nature of his sickness, and how he was inwardly dis∣p••s'd.
• * 1.49

  He entertains himself with God in the ex∣tremity of his sickness.
• * 1.50

  He denounces to a young Indian, the unhappy death which was attending him.
• * 1.51

  The death of the Saint.
• * 1.52

  His age, and person.
• * 1.53

  Of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which were pay'd him im∣mediately afte•• his decease.
• * 1.54

  They inter him without any Ce∣remony.
• * 1.55

  The miraculous Crucifix in the Chappel of the Castle of Xavi∣er.
• * 1.56

  He is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and his Body is found without the least 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.57

  The body of the Saint is put on Ship-board, to be transported into India.
• * 1.58

  How the Body is receiv'd at Malacca.
• * 1.59

  The punishment of the Gover∣nour of Malac∣ca.
• * 1.60

  The Town of Malacca is freed f••••m the Pestilence at the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the holy Body.
• * 1.61

  In what man∣ner the B••dy of the Saint is treated in Ma∣lacca.
• * 1.62

  They consider of transporting th•• holy Corps to Goa.
• * 1.63

  The Body is put into a craz'd old Ship, and what happens to it in the pas∣sage.
• * 1.64

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.65

  They come from Goa to meet the Corps.
• * 1.66

  H••w the C••rps ••f the Saint is receiv'd at Go••
• * 1.67

  The Miracles which are wrought, during the P••ocession.
• * 1.68

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.69

  New Mir••••les ar•• wr••ught in presence of the B••dy.
• * 1.70

  The informati∣ons of the Saints li••e are gather'd in the Indies.
• * 1.71

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.72

  They build Churches in ho∣n••••r to him, in divers parts of the East.
• * 1.73

  Th•• praises which are gi∣••en him by In∣fidels, an•• the honour they per∣form to him.
• * 1.74

  How much he is honour'd at Ja∣pan.
• * 1.75

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.76

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.77

  His Cha••ity t••wards h••s Nei••hb••ur.
• * 1.78

  His Zeal of Souls
• * 1.79

  The v••ri••us I••∣dust••y of his Zeal.
• * 1.80

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.81

  The extent of his Zeal.
• * 1.82

  His Intrepidity in dangers, and his C••ns••dence in God.
• * 1.83

  His Humility.
• * 1.84

  His Maximes on Humility.
• * 1.85

  His submi••si••n to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pleasure.
• * 1.86

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.87

  His Maximes on obedience, and his love for the Society.
• * 1.88

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.89

  His purity of S••ul and Body.
• * 1.90

  His devotion to the Blessed Vir∣gin.
• * 1.91

  His Canoniza∣tion 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sollicited, and what is done in order to it, by the King of Bungo
• * 1.92

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.93

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.94

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 remark∣able Cures.
• * 1.95

  The perpetual Miracle of the Saint•• Body.
• * 1.96

  He is beatify'd, and in sequel Canoniz'd.
• * 1.97

  The Contents of the Bull of his Canonization.
• * 1.98

  The Veneration of the Saint is much increas'd since his Cano∣nization.
• * 1.99

  New Miracles are wrought, and chiefly in Italy.
• * 1.100

  The principal Navigations, Voyages, Dis∣coveries, &c. of the English, &c 2d. part of the 2d. Volume.
• * 1.101

  The Reader is referr'd to the Original English, for the words them∣selves; the Translatour not having the work by him.
• * 1.102

  What 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be concluded from these testimo∣nies, and from all the B••ok.