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HOwever Philip always loved to be thought fool∣ish and ridiculous amongst others, yet was he always reputed one of the Sages of his Time, not only in things pertaining to the Soul, but in mat∣ters of Government, whether of Domestique or of State-affairs. Hence was it, that not only people
of inferiour rank, but even Persons of highest dig∣nity repaired to him as the Living Oracle of pro∣found Wisdome. Yea and divers Popes themselves have highly prized his counsell and advice. Grego∣ry the XIIII oft used his help in weighty and diffi∣cult cases, and in business of great trust; and Cle∣ment the VIII reposed in him so much, that upon his perswasions he reconciled Henry the IIII. King of France to the Church.
When Leo the XI was Cardinall, he would often in the week come to Philips Chamber, and spend four or five hours there with him; both to recreate and revive his spirits, and take counsell of him in matters of great concernment: who, being a man of singular prudence, and called to give in his Testi∣mony of Philip, among other Elogies wherewith he honoured the H. man, testified his eminence in this Vertue.
S. Carlo Borromeo, besides that he would tarry with him in his Chamber many hours together, to conferr of Spirituall matters, such especially as concerned the Pastorall Office, committed to his care his most Dear Sister, Anna Borromeo, willing her to observe his counsell and directions in every thing, being one whom he had on all assays found to be a most Prudent Person.
Claudius Aquavipa, the fifth Superior Generall of the Society of Jesus, a man of rare Prudence and sagacity, never came to the H. man, but he staid four or five hours, conferring both of publique and private matters.
Yea the Regulars, and chief of all Orders flock∣ed to him for his advice.
Insomuch that Theius, a Siennois forecited, used to say; I have indeed been acquainted with many, especially the Re∣gulars,
but never met with any, that gave so safe; so pious, and so prudent counsell as Philip. And which was most remarkable in him, his Answers seemed to be made casually as it were, and yet the event sufficiently demonstrated, that they proceded from the greatest depth of Reason, and maturity of Judgment.
Hence was it, that in his transactions he was searching, not precipitate; courteous yet not too flexible; and though by nature very respectfull, yet no way farther, then was fit, officious. So that being moved once by a Noble man to mediate with the Pope for him, in a certain business, he plainly answerd that he would not, both for that another might better effect it; as also, lest he might lose an apportunity of helping others that stood in grea∣ter need.
But to come to that branch of Prudence called by the H. Fathers the Discerning of Spirits; he was so divinely illuminated from above, that he could distinguish what best conduced to every ones con∣dition. Hereupon it came to pass, that as many, as by his means or directions turned Religious, for the most part persevered therein with great appro∣bation; when such as against his mind be took them to the Cloyster, soon returned again to the pompous vanities of the World. Which was constantly ob∣served by those of the Oratory: they who with his full consent were admitted into it, persisting glo∣riously; those few which were not, being either discarded by the Fathers, or voluntarily forsaking the Congregation. The like befell such, as he, herein questionless Propheticall, out of any speci∣all motives perswaded to a Secular life; and they proved eminent amongst others in the practise of Vertue.
Among whom, besides those already named, John Baptist de Fulginio became famous. Who being ve∣ry desirous to know, what course of life he should lead, repaired to Philip, whose piety was much fam'd throughout the City; so kneeling down, to make a Generall Confession, as they term it, of his sins unto him, Philip takes the paper wherein he had marked down his faults, and tears it, which he patiently endured: and much admiring the wis∣dome of the man, ever after was directed and led by his conduct in all the actions of his life, as if he had been, as himself said, a meer carkase: neither after made he any more words, concerning the Generall Confession. Meanwhile he put up his pray∣ers to God, that what he pleased to appoint for him, Philip▪ might discover to him: and lo! as he was in prayer at S. Bonaventures Church under Mount Quirinall, he heard a voice bidding him; John Baptist return to Fulginium, return to Fulgini∣um. At the hearing of which, although he were wont to communicate all things unto the H. man, yet would he not presently acquaint him with this, lest he should suspect him to long after his Countrey. But Philip, who knew all by Inspiration from God, said to him: I command you, that you return into your own Countrey, for thither Christ calls you, yet be in a readiness to come hither, whensoever I shall re∣mand you. Whereupon he travells to his Native soile, where he made such Progress in Holiness and Vertue, that while he lived he was commonly term∣ed a Saint.
With no less advantage, both to himself and o∣thers, did he detain Caesar Baronius among the Se∣culars, when having oft desired Philips leave, to en∣ter into the Order of Capuchins, he could never get
his consent; insomuch as some hearing how the Father opposed it, and diverted him from it, not duly weighing things were scandalized thereat, that he should discourage any from a Religious State. But the sequell evidenced how much they were deceived, and how judicious his caution was: seeing every one knows how renowned for his life and learning Baronius was in his Secular course; and what incomparable service he did the Church of God both by his Writings and Example.
He perswaded Franc. Puccius of Palestrina to live a Secular too. For he contemning the specious vanity and emptiness of the World, was most passionately desirous to become a Capuchin, so that he minded nothing else day nor night, and whenso∣ever he saw any of that Order, he thought him an Angel. So advising with Philip, he tells him what he had been designing; You, saith Philip, are not fit for a Religious life; therefore live at Palestrina, where you are like to be most beneficiall. Puccias was not satisfyed with this, but wearied the Good man with continuall requests, to procure an answer to his mind. At last he bad him; Go, but withall know you shall not stay long among them. The young man posts away to Viterbium, to accomplish his desires, but by the way fell so desperately ill, that after a tedious languishing sickness he was fain to return home again; where growing more resolved, and supposing it ill done of him to return into his Countrey, he vowed if he recovered, he would assay once more to put himself into the Capuchins Order. So when he was well again, he comes to Philip, tells him, he had lately made a Vow; the H. man cries; God forgive you, did I not foretell you, that a Religious life would not suit with you? Therefore
look you get a dispensation of your Vow, as soon as may be. He did so, but not resting there, the Fa∣ther repairing to the Generall of that Order, first instructs him what answer to give Puccius, then sends him to him. The Generall asks him; what I pray, Good friend, have you vowed our course of life? I have so, quoth he. But, replyed the other, though you have sworn our Rule, yet we have not sworn to re∣ceive you in, therefore go some whither else, for here is no room for you. At that Puccius was quiet, and returning to Palestrina, being first made Priest, then Archpriest of that City, performed such, and so many services tending to the good of Souls, both in his Country and at Latium, and the Frontiers of Campania: that he was generally stiled the A∣postle of those parts.
He prevailed likewise with a Noble young Roman, that came to ask his advice, about taking a Reli∣gious habit, to live quietly at home, saying, Some evill Spirit would amuse you with these kind of thoughts that he may ruine you and your whole Family. But I tell you further, you not only shall be none of the Reli∣gious, but in time shall marry. All which to a syl∣lable came to pass, though out of respect to the par∣ty, his name be concealed.
Yea the B. man was so Divinely illuminated in the discerning and determining each mans condi∣tion, that he many times would say to his Sons; Do this, or that, for this is the will of God: which when Cardinall Fred. Borromeo heard, he would say, Few or almost none can use this speech, and not be mistaken. Otherwhiles he was wont to say; you indeed shall persevere, but not he: and the success in tract of time shewed his predictions were true. Two of his, the one named Francis, the other Ioh. Baptista Sara∣cenus,
intended to betake them to S. Dominic's Or∣der; to whom Philip, Iohn Baptist indeed shall be ta∣ken into this Institution, and there continue: but Fran∣cis though be enter upon it, shall ere a year come about, return to a secular life. And so it hapned.
Some of the Fathers had a desire to have a cer∣tain Youth admitted into the Oratory, Philip was unwilling, yet, being desirous to gratifie the Socie∣ty, permitted him; but a while after, the young man, out of a kinde of Levity, left the House of his own accord.
There were two, whose Confessions the H. man used to hear, the one an Italian, the other a French man, but the Italian seemed the more devout. Of these Philip thus divined: The Italian, that appears so zealous, shall cool in his piety, but the Frenchman who is flower to spiritual things shall bold out to the last. And so it was.
Another young man also came sumptuously at∣tired to S. Hieroms to hear the Sermons, not to gain benefit by the Word of God but to jeer at the Preachers. Where one time he made such a noise, that he disturbed those that were neer him; who not enduring his sauciness and impudence, spake to Philip to reprove him. He smiling said to them; Let him alone, for he will prove a better and devouter man than any of you. So, when the young man came to understand himself, he entred into the strictest of the Religious Orders, where persisting in Holiness, and abounding in Vertues he ended his dayes.
He had a certain Penitent a Portugues, about 17. years of age, who was well known to the Cardinall a Monte Politiano, one that had attained to such a
measure of devotion, and that spake with such a Gust of heavenly matters, that he made even the most learned stand amazed at him. This man begun to be very zealously af∣fected unto a Regular life; and though Philip approved not thereof, yet tired with his uncessant importunity, he became unwillingly willing to his admission. But as he was putting on his Religious habit, the Servant of God being by went aside a little, and turning to the Wall wept exceedingly. Taurusins seeing it asked why he grieved; who answered, that he deplored the Ver∣tues of that young man. Taurusius then knew not the meaning of those words, but after some revolution of time plainly perceived it: for the Portuguese did not indeed quite throw of his Regular habit; but degenerating, and abandoning all piety, spent his dayes wandring, becoming the burden of the earth, and a Scandall to all.
Moreover it was so known abroad that Philip excelled in the Gift of Discerning, that Gregory the XIII desirous to prove a certain Virgin named Ʋr∣sula Benincasa, which came from Naples to Rome, and was in almost continuall Extasies (for she was Entranced thrice before the Pope, to whom she had address'd her self upon business) judged none fit∣ter than Philip for that purpose. Who at his Ho∣liness's command undertaking it, tried her by se∣vere injunctions and severall afflictions. First de∣barring her the B. Sacrament; seeming to slight all her trances and raptures, calling them illusions: then dealing more rigorously with her, till he had made divers experiments of her sincerity. After all which he gives the Pope a very good account of
her, commending to him her vertuous simplicity and innocent conversation. She afterward return∣ing to Naples, remembring how the B. man had treated her, both in word and deed was wont to say, that none knew her heart bet••er than Philip. She died the Sixteenth of January, in the year One thousand six hundred and sixteen, leaving fresh the memory of her exemplary piety behind her.
He used almost only the experiment of Mortifica∣tions, to try whether the Spirit were of God or no, supposing that where there was not the greatest de∣mission of mind, there could be no grounds of true religion laid. Alphonsus a Capuchin sirnamed Lupus, an excellent Preacher, and of known Vertue, was to go into the Pulpit, when on a sudden in comes Philip, who without any Apology or Preface, as one having Authority, asked; Are you Lupus, that famous Preacher, who by reason of the airy applause of men, conceit your self above all others? Are you he that Peacock-like displaying the bravery of your painted tail, vauntingly boast, you have preached in all the e∣minentest Assemblies of the City? and so went on up∣braiding him with such bitter language, that those who were by admired at it. Hereupon prostrating himself on the earth, he with many tears and great remorse cried; O Father, you worthily admonish, and reprove me justly. Whom Philip forewith lay∣ing away his severity, and clearing up his counte∣nance, with his wonted affection embraced and kis∣sed, biding him, Go on, Father, go on, as you have be∣gun, and publish the Gospell of Christ. And when he had done speaking went his way.
He went once to see a Good woman that had lost her sight, and lay Bed-rid, being highly honour'd at Rome for her piety. Her the B. man divers ways
makes triall of, by word and deed, who bore all cheerfully. He to shew those that came with him the rare Vertue of the woman, ere he departed, taking a Priest that was then present by the ear, bids him kneel down before her, and then saith he to her; This man is possest by the De vill, and therefore hath need be adjured by the H. Exorcismes: to that end let us pray, that the poor wretch may be freed. She having paused awhile, kissing the Priests hand that kneeled, said; This man is not possest, My Father, but a Priest that said Mass this Morning, to whose Pray∣ers I humbly betake me. At which Philip departed silent, not so much as bidding her Farewell.
One Philip of the Third Rule of S. Francis's Or∣der, for his many works of Charity and austerity of life reputed a man of great Holiness and integrity was sent to the B. Philip by Cardinall August. Cu∣sanus, at that time Protector of the Franciscans that he might throughly search and examine the Spirit of the man. When he was come, the H. Father knitting his brows and looking with a sowre aspect on him, as though he scorned him, asked what's he? and straight calling for his Box in which his small money was kept, bid him, Take as much as you please He, making as if he would have emptied the Box, took but a half penny: whereat Philip cried out; Ho sirs, this man hath more need of meat, than money, bring him a Loaf. When he saw the bread come, pre∣tending to have more mind to that, he bites it before Philip, as though he had been almost famish∣ed, and puts it up into his ••ouch. Then the Fa∣ther asked him what life he led, and what prayers he made to God. He chattering his teeth, and knocking his feet together, answered that he knew not how to make any other Prayers but such. Phi∣lip
seeming to take that answer ill, thrust him a∣way in displeasure; who said at his departure; This Old man hath much of the Spirit of Mortification. And Philip afterward told Cusanus, that he was no contemptible Person.
For his Scholars instruction and information, he was wont to give them many Precepts and Advices.
Fir••t he counselled such as were Confessors, not by violence to guide their Penitents the same course which themselves had taken; since some Holy ex∣ercises are beneficiall for one, which to another become pernicious: for said he, they must not be suffered to try at pleasure what ever comes into their heads, it being sometimes most advantageous to interdict them the practises of Devotion, both for relaxing the mind, and to enure them by the exercise of Mortification, to master their own desires by little and little, if they affected any thing overmuch. He would not have Penitents for every cause change their Confessors; as on the otherside, he was offended that Confessors admitted other Penitents besides their own.For he would not entertain Nerus de Nigris, one whom he loved exceedingly, for his Penitent, but alwayes remit∣ted him to his own Confessor, while he was at Rome. He also made Peregrine Altobell return to his for∣mer Confessor again, in whose absence he for a year together had taken his Confession.
And for preserving peace and union between Man and Wife, and the better governing of Fa∣milies, he greatly commended the having but one and the same Confessor: so that it were done▪ vo∣luntarily, not out of any motives from fear or aw, as knowing full well, how free the use of Sacra∣mentall Penance ought to be. For the reclaiming
any one fallen, to his former state of piety, he af∣firmed no better remedy could be found, than to di∣scover his offence to some one of approved sanctity that was his confident, it being not impossible, by this one act of Humility, to repossess himself of his for∣merly lost Vertue. He likewise advised Confessors, not to permit such of their Penitents as were Novices to practise all kind of Penance they perhaps requested; that so they might proceed with more alacrity in the Service of God, neither overburdened with multiplicity of Penances to weary them, or make them grow desperate and careless, and so with∣draw their hand from the Plow. He wished Peni∣tents not too violently to urge their Confessor to yield to them, wherein he was unwilling: and said, it was very expedient, when they had not the benefit of a Confessor, to imagine him direct∣ing them, and to square their actions, as they con∣ceived he would enjoyn them.
He disliked, that any should whip themselves with Scourges or small Chains, or do any such thing without acquainting their Confessor: that who so did otherwise, would either suffer in their health, or likely were seduced with a spirit of Pride. He would not have Vows made without the advice of Persons discreet; for fear lest what is lightly promised God, be as lightly recalled. He could not give way that any of his should leave any Vertuous course of life they had once chosen; desiring much, that every one should abide in his own calling: adding that even Secular men might attain the state of Perfection, for that Trades and Arts did not hinder the acquisition of Vertue. Whereupon though he sent innumerable compa∣nies welnigh to severall Orders of the Religious,
and especially to S. Dominic's; insomuch as the Fathers thereof stiled him a Second Dominic: yet was he most pleased to see people Religious in their own houses. And for this reason, he would hardly consent that such as lived in the Courts of Nobles, with good example unto others, should depart thence; saying, that a man to alter from e∣vil to good needed no directions, but he that intend∣ed to ascend from good to better had need of Time, and Counsell, and Prayer.
For the conservation of quiet and concord betwixt Neighbours and Friends, he advised ne∣ver to speak of mens naturall defects: as also in admonishing Princes, or Great Personages, not to proceed directly; but in the third person still, so tempering the reprehension as, Nathan to David. He likewise counselled, that if any had received discourtesies or affronts by Persons of Quality, they should not bewray any signes of displeasure, but look affably as though there had passed no∣thing of discontent between them; that by this means all jealousies and surmisings of malice and revenge might be removed. He wished women to tarry at home, not to goe much abroad, nor gadde to other folks houses; but upon necessity, and urgent occasions. So that one time as he was highly extolling Martha Spoletana, a woman of that Age remarked for her holy conversation, some of his asked him, Why he so much commen∣ded that Woman? Because, said he, manum suam misitad fortia, & digiti ejus apprehenderunt fusum: She layeth her hauds to the Spindle, and her fingers take hold of the Distaff.This woman was a great honourer of Philip, kneeling and prostrating her self at his feet, as often as she came to Rome; and
resorted to him: having that Priviledg granted her by God, to discern the Beauty of the Soul: and seeing the brightness of this B. mans Soul, she was ravished therewith into an Extaticall joy and delight. Much more to this effect was He wont to alleage, which to avoid prolixity, is here omitted.
This is delivered in upon oath by four persons.
This Cardinall Taurusius wit∣nessed upon oath.