sent him 〈…〉 He foreâ—nows and foretels the ruin of Malacca 〈…〉 He arrives at Amboyna What he performs there He 〈◊〉 the Idolâ—terâ— and Moors of Amboyna A Spanish Fleet arrives at Amboyna 〈…〉 the Spanish 〈◊〉 during the 〈…〉 them He passes into divers Iâ—lands He recovers his Crucifix which was fallen into the Sea. He foretells the holy death of a new Convert He goes to the Iâ—land of Ulate and the Miracle there wrought by him He goes to the Molucca's What happens tâ— him in his way He 〈…〉 John Arâ—â—s He makes many Converts at Ternate Conveâ—siâ—n of a Queen at Ternate H◠〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 del Moro. Great endeavours are us'd to dissuade the Saint from going to the Isles del Mâ—ro He complains of those who make opposition to his Voyage to the Iâ—le del Moro. He goes for the Iâ—le del Moro and wrâ—tes to Rome God reveals to to him what is doing in a distant Iâ—land H◠〈◊〉 at del Moro 〈…〉 it He gains the Inhabitants of the Isle del Moro. * 〈…〉 〈…〉 He exhorts them to repentâ—nâ—e He says Mass in the midst of an Earthquake 〈…〉 He is persecuted by a cruel and salvage People His sufferings in the Iâ—le dâ—l Moro and the consolations which he there receiv'd He goes for Goa and the reason that induc'd him He returns to Ternate His proceedings at Ternate He endeavours the Conversion of the King of Ternate What hinder'd the King of Ternata's Conversion He labours with great fruit in the Court of Ternate He leaves to the Islanders a Christian Instruction written with his own Hand 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 A Cross erected by Xavier becomes famous 〈…〉 He arrives at Malacca and there meets three Missioners of the Company His conduâ—t with John Deyro Deyro has a Vision which God reveals to Xavier The Actions of the Saâ—nt at Malacca The occasion of the King of Achen's enterprise against Malacca The preparation of the Barbariâ—ns for the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 The Army of Achen comes befâ—re Malacca its landing and reâ—â—eat The Letter of the General of Achen to the Governour of Malacca Xavier's advice to the Governour of Malacca They fâ—â—lâ—w his Câ—unsel They prepare to Engâ—ge the Enemy He exhorts the Souldiers and Captains to do their duty The Fleet set out and what â—appen'd at that time He upbraids the Governour with his dissidence He foretells what is suddenly accomplish'd The Portuguese Fleet goes in search of the Enemy Troubles in Malacca concerning their Fleet. A new cause of Consâ—ernation 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 The Achenois defeated The Saint declares the Victory to the people of Malacca The certain news of the Victory is brought The return of the victorioâ—s Fleet. Anger arrives at Malacca when the Saint wâ—s reâ—dyâ— to â— paâ—â— frâ—m it Divers adventures of Anger Anger is brought to the Father who sends him to 〈◊〉 〈…〉 He writes to the King of Portugal 〈…〉 〈…〉 He writes t◠〈◊〉 Simon Rodrig 〈◊〉 He sends an account to the Fathers at Rome of his Voyages He receives great comfort from the ferâ—ency of the 〈◊〉 Converts He stays at Manapar and what he perform'd there The Ruleâ— which he prescribes to the 〈◊〉 of the Fâ—â—hing Coast. 〈…〉 He departâ— for Goâ— and â—inds the Viceâ—â—y at Baâ—ain He obtains whatever he demands of the Viceroy He converts a young Gentleman who was very much debauch'd He 〈…〉 He instructs Anger a new and causes him to be farther taught by Torrez He hears news from â—apan and designs a 〈◊〉 thither to 〈◊〉 the Gospel He undertakes the Conversion of a Souldier He 〈…〉 He assists the Vicerâ—y of the Indies at his death He applies himself more than ever to the exercises of an interiour Life 〈…〉 〈…〉 He goes 〈◊〉 the Fishing Coast hiâ— Actiâ—ns there He speaks to the Deputy Gâ—vernour of the Indies concerning his Voyage to Japan All endeaâ—â—uâ—s are us'd 〈◊〉 break the Fatherâ— intended Voyage 〈◊〉 Japan He slights the reasons alledg'd against his Voyage to Japan 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 He recommends to him the perfecting of himself He charges him to instruct the Children himself He recommenâ—s the poor to him 〈…〉 〈…〉 He prescribes him sâ—me precautions in his dealings with his Friends He recommends to him the practice of the particulâ—r Examen H◠〈◊〉 him to preâ—â—â— anâ— givâ—s him Rules for preaching He institutes him in the way of correcting Sinners He prescribes him a method for administrating the Sacrament of Penance He continues to instruct him on the Subâ—ect of Confession He instructs him how to deal with those who want faith concerning the blessed Saâ—rament He instructs how to deal with Penitents He recommends to him the obedience due to Ecclesiastical Superiâ—urs 〈…〉 He giâ—es him advice concerning his 〈◊〉 Functions 〈…〉 He counsels him to inform himself of the manner of the Town at his arrival He recommends to his Prayers the Sâ—uls in Purgatory He exhorts him not to shew either sadness or anger 〈…〉 He gives him instructions touching the conduct of such as shall be receiv'd into the Society He teaches him the methods of reducing obstinate Sinners He advises him to find out the Dispositions of the people before he treats with them 〈…〉 He giâ—es him Couâ—sel câ—ncerning Reconciliations He instracts him in the way of preaching well What he orders him concerning his subsistance and touching Presents 〈…〉 He 〈◊〉 fâ—â— Japan He arrives at Malacca and what he performs there His 〈◊〉 for the success of his Brethâ—en in their Fâ—â—â—â—â—ions He receives a young Gentleman into the Society The instructions which he gives to Bravo Tâ—e nâ—ws which 〈◊〉 â—â—aâ—s from Japan He disposes himself for the Voyage of Japan more earnestly than ever He goes from Malacca to Japan and whâ—â—â— happens to him in the way The Situation of Japan and the nature of the Country 〈…〉 The Religion of the Japonneses when the Father arriv'd in that Country The Six Iesuites who were sent to Siam in 1685 in their relation of the Religion of the Siamois which much resembles this of Japan guess with more probability that these Opinions were the Corruptions of the Doctrine preach'd in the Indies by St. Thomas Paul de sainte Foy goes to waâ—t on the King of Saxuma That which pass'd at the Court of Saxuma The Saint applyes himself to the study of the Japonian Tongue He baptizes the whole Family of Paul de Sainte Foy. He goes to the Court of Saxuma and is well receiv'd He begins to preach at Cangoxima and coâ—verts many He visits the Bâ—nza's and endeaâ—â—â—â—s to gaâ—n theâ— He 〈◊〉 the Sâ—â—â—s â—wordsâ— the chief of the Bonza's The Bonza's â—ise against him The Bonza's succeed not in their Vndertaking He leads a most ausâ—ere Life He wâ—â—â—s divers Miâ—acles He raises a Maid from Death God avenges the Saint A new Persecution rais'd against Xavier by the Bonza's The King of Saxuma is turn'd against Xavier and the Christians The Saint forâ—â—ties the Christians before he leaâ—es them He causes his Catechism to be Printed before
receiv'd Baptism they ran vying with each other to demolish the Temples of the Idols It was at that time properly speaking when God first communicated to Xavier the gift of tongues in the Indies according to the Relation of a young Portuguese of Coimbra whose name was Vaz who attended him in many of his Travels and who being return'd into Europe related those Passages of which himself had been an eye witness The Holy man spoke very well the Language of those Barbarians without having learnt it and had no need of an Interpreter when he instructed There being no Church which was capable of containing those who came to hear him he led them into a spacious Plain to the number of five or six thousand Persons and there getting up into a Tree that he might the farther extend his voice he Preach'd to them the words of Eternal Truth There it was also that to the end the compass of the Plain might serve in the nature of a Church he sometimes celebrated the Divine Mysteries under the Sails of Ships which were spread above the Altar to be seen on every side The Brachmans cou'd not suffer the Worship of the Pagods to be abandon'd in this manner but were resolv'd to be reveng'd on the Author of so strange an alteration In order to execute their design they secretly engag'd some Idolaters to lye in wait for him and dispatch him privately The Murtherers lay in Ambush more than once and in the silence of the night endeavour'd to shoot him with their Arrows But divine Providence wou'd not suffer their malice to take place of all their Arrows one only wounded him and that but slightly as it were rather to give him the satisfaction of shedding some blood in testimony of the Faith than to endanger his Life Enrag'd and desperate for having miss'd their aim they sought him every where and not finding him they set fire on three or four houses where they thought he might possibly be lodg'd The Man of God was constrain'd one day to hide in the covert of a Forest and pass'd the following night upon a Tree to escape the fury of his Enemies who search'd the whole Forest to have found him There was a necessity sometimes that the faithful shou'd keep guard about him day and night and to that purpose they plac'd themselves in Arms about the house where he was retir'd In the mean time the Badages who had ravag'd the Coast of Fishery the year before animated of themselves against the Christians and perhaps push'd forward by the Devils who saw their Empire decaying day by day excited also by the desire of glory and above all things by the hope of booty enter'd into the Kingdom of Travancor on the side of one of those Mountains which confine on the Cape of Comorin Their former success had render'd them so haughty and so insolent that they flatter'd themselves with an imagination that every thing wou'd bend before them But not having now to do as they had before with simple Fishers they were come in good order and well arm'd under the conduct of the Naiche or Lord of Modure a valiant and experienc'd Captain The Inhabitants of the Maritime Villages took fright at the noise of an hostile Army and retiring for the most part with great haste and confusion into the Inland Country carried even to the Court the news of the invasion The King of Travancor whom the Portuguese call the great Monarch because indeed he is the most powerful of all the Kings of Malabar recollecting his Army with all speed put himself at the head of it and march'd towards the Enemy The Battel in all appearance was likely to be bloody and the Victory seem'd assur'd to those Vagabond Robbers who were more in number and better Disciplin'd Father Xavier so soon as he understood that the Badages were drawing near falling prostrate on the ground O Lord said he Remember that thou art the God of Mercies and Protectour of the Faithful give not up to the fury of these Wolves that Flock of which thou hast appointed me the Pastour That these new Christians who are yet so feeble in the Faith may not repent their embracing it and that the Infidels may not have the advantage of oppressing those who repose their confidence in none but thee His Prayer being ended he arose and inspir'd with a more than humane courage which made him incapable of â—ear he takes a troop of fervent Christians and with a Crucisix in his hand runs with them towards the Plain where the Enemies were marching in Battalia When he arriv'd within distance of being heard he stop'd and said to them in a threatning voice I forbid you in the name of the Living God to pass farther and on his part command you to return the way you came These few words cast a terrour into the minds of those Souldiers who were at the head of the Army they remain'd confounded and without motion They who march'd after them seeing the foremost advanc'd not ask'd the reason of it answer was return'd from the first ranks that they had before their eyes an unknown Person habited in black of a more than humane Stature of a terrible aspect and darting fire from his eyes The most hardy were desirous to satisfie themselves concerning what was told them they were seiz'd with amazement at the sight and all of them fled with a precipitate confusion The new Christians who had follow'd Xavier ran to declare to the neighbouring Villages this wonderful event The same of it was suddenly spread abroad and the King who was marching towards the Enemy with great speed heard the report of it on his way He caus'd Xavier to be brought into his presence and embrac'd him as the Redeemer of Travancor and after he had publickly thank'd him for so eminent a service he said thus to him I am call'd the Great Monarch and from henceforth you shall be call'd The Great Father The Saint gave the Kiâ—g to understand that it was only Iesus Christ to whom he ought to pay his acknowledgmenâ—â— and as for himself he ought only to be regarded as a weak instrument who cou'd do nothing of his own power The Pagan King comprehended nothing of his meaning anâ— tâ—e two Vices which are the common Obstacles to the Conversion of the Great that is to say the Concupiscence of the Flesh and Pride of Heart hindred him afterwards from embracing of the Faith which notwithstanding he caus'd an Edict to be publish'd throughout his Kingdom whereby all Men were commanded to obey the Great Father as they wou'd his proper person and that whoever desir'd to be a Christian might be so without any apprehension of danger to ensue He went so far as even to call Xavier his Brother and bestow'd on him large sums of Money 〈◊〉 which the Servant of God employ'd in Charities on the poor An Edict so favourable to the Law of our Belief made
sharply reprehended those impious Creatures As if said she having a Cross so near us we had no expectations of succour from it and that the holy Father had not promis'd us That whatsoever we pray'd for at the foot of that Cross shou'd infallibly he granted Upon this she led those other Women towards a River-side where Xavier had set up a Cross with his own Hands and falling down with them before that sacred sign of our Salvation she pray'd our Saviour to give them Water to the shame and confusion of the Idol At the same moment the Clouds began to gather on every side and the Rain pour'd down in great abundance Then all in Company they ran to the Pagod pull'd it down and trampled it under their Feet after which they cast it into the River with these expressions of contempt That though they cou'd not obtain from him one drop of Water they wou'd give him enough in a whole River A Faith thus lively answer'd the hopes which the Saint had conceiv'd of the Faithful of Amboyna He compar'd them sometimes to the Primitive Christians and believ'd their constancy was of proof against the cruelty of Tyrants Neither was he deceiv'd in the judgement he made of them and they shew'd themselves when the Iaveses provok'd by their renouncing the Law of Mahomet came to invade their Island While the Saracene Army destroy'd the Country six hundred Christians retir'd into a Castle where they were presently besieg'd Though they were to fear all things from the fury of the Barbarians yet what they only apprehended was that those Enemies of Iesus Christ might exercise their malice against a Cross which was rais'd in the midst of all the Castle and which Father Xavier had set up with his own hands To preserve it therefore inviolable from their attempts they wrapt it up in Cloath of Gold and buried it in the bottom of the Ditch After they had thus secur'd their treasure they open'd the gate to the Unbelievers who knowing what had been done by them ran immediately in search of the Cross to revenge upon it the contempt which had been shown to Mahomet But not being able to find it they turn'd all their fury upon those who had conceal'd it and who wou'd not discover where it was Death seem'd to have been the least part of what they suffer'd The Mahometan Souldiers cut off one Man's Leg another's Arm tore out this Man's eves and the others tongue So the Châ—â—stians dyed by degrees and by a slow destruction but without drawing one sigh or casting out a groan or shewing the least apprehension so stroâ—gly were they supported in their Souls by the all-powerfull grace of Iesus Christ for whom they suffer'd Xavier at length parted from Amboyna and probably it was then if we consider the sequel of his Life that he had the opportunity of making the Voyage of Macassar For though it be not certainly known at what time he visited that great Island nor the fruit which his Labours there produc'd 't is undoubted that he has been there and in confirmation of it we have in the process of his Canonization the juridical Testimony of a Portuguese Lady of Malacca call'd Iane Melo who had many times heard from the Princess Eleonor Daughter to the King of Macassar that the Holy Apostle had Baptis'd the King her Father the Prince her Brother and a great number of their Subjects But at whatsoever time he made this Voyage he return'd to Malacca in the Month of Iuly in the year 1547. The End of the Third Book THE LIFE OF St. FRANCIS XAVIER BOOK IV. XAvier found at Malacca three Missioners of the Company who were going to the Molucca's in obedience to the Letters he had written These Missioners were Iohn Beyra Nugnez Ribera and Nicholas Nugnez who had not yet receiv'd Priests Orders Mansilla came not with them though he had precise orders for it Because he rather chose to follow his own Inclinations in labouring where he was than the command of his Superiour in forsaking the work upon his Hands but his disobedience cost him dear Xavier expell'd him out of the Society judging that an ill Brother wou'd do more hurt than a good Labourer wou'd profit the Company These three Missioners above mention'd had been brought to the Indies in the Fleet by Don Perez de Pavora with seven other Sons of Ignatius part of whom was already left at Cape Comorine and the Fishing Coast to culvitate those new Plants of Christianity which were so belov'd by Father Xavier Now the Ships which were bound for the Moluccâ—'s being not in a readiness to sail before the end of August Beyra Ribera and Nâ—gnez had all the intermediate time which was a month to enjoy the Company of the Saint in which space they were form'd by him for the Apostolick Function For himself he remain'd four months at Malacca in expectation of a Ship to carry him to Goa and during all that time was taken up with continual service of his Neighbour He had brought with him from Amboyna his old Companion Iohn Deyro Though Deyro was in his attendance yet he was not a Member of the Society for the causes already specify'd and deserv'd not to be of it for those which follow Some rich Merchants having put into his Hands a sum of Money for the subsistance of the Father he conceal'd it from him Xavier who liv'd only on the Alms which were daily given him and who hated Money as much as his Companion lov'd it look'd on this Action of Deyro as an injury done to Evangelical Poverty and the resentment which he had of it caus'd him to forget his usual mildness to Offenders Not content to make him a sharp reprimand he confin'd him to a little desart Isle not far distant from the Port enjoyning him not only continual Prayer but fasting upon Bread and Water till he shou'd of his own accord recal him Deyro who was of a changeable and easy temper neither permanent in good nor fsix'd in ill obey'd the Father and liv'd exactly in the method which was prescrib'd He had one night a Vision whether awake or sleeping has not been decided by the juridical Informations of the Fathers life It seem'd to him that he was in a fair Temple where he beheld the bless'd Virgin on a Throne all glittering with precious Stones Her Countenance appear'd severe and he making his approaches to her was rejected with indignation as unworthy to be of the Company of her Son. After which she arose from the Throne and then all things disappear'd Deyro being recall'd from his solitude some time after said nothing of his Vision to Father Xavier to whom God had reveal'd it He even deny'd boldly to have seen any though the Father repeated it to him with all the Circumstances Xavier more scandaliz'd than ever with this procedure of Deyro refus'd all farther communication with a Man who was interesâ—ed and
the King of Pedir was on board was in the first Squadron and with him were three Turkish Galions That fury which transported the Barbarians caus'd them at the first â—ight of the Portuguese Navy to discharge against it their whole Artillery But they aim'd so ill that they did them little or no mischief Immediately after the two Admirals met and stemm'd each other They ingag'd on either side with so much resolution that the advantage was not sâ—â—on till a shot was made from the Vessel of Iohn Soarez and out of the Cannon call'd the Camel. It took place so justly that Soâ—ra's Vessel sunk to rights The three Galions which were in Front with him on the same time immediately chang'd their order and left off fighting to save their General and the principal Lords of his Retinue But these Galions which were a cross the Stream and took up half the breadth of it stopp'd their own Vessels which follow'd File by File Insomuch that those of the second rank striking against the first and those of the third against the second they fell foul on each other with a terrible confusion The Portuguese seeing the Army of the Enemy on a heap together without being able to disingage their Ships incompass'd them and batter'd them with their Cannon They discharg'd every tyre three rounds successively and â—o to purpose that they sunk nine great Ships and disabled almost all the rest Then four of the Portuguese Foysts set upon six Mahometans which the Cannon had us'd more favourably than the rest the Souldiers boarded them with their Swords in their Hands and calling on the name of Iesusâ— in less than half an hour they destroy'd above two thousand Men. The fright and the disorder of the Enemies was redoubled at the sight of this â—laughter and at the thundring of the Guns which did such dreadful Execution Insomuch that the Achenois leapt into the River of their own accord chusing rather to die in that manner than by the hands of the Christians Their General being taken up when he was just drowning and drawing new Courage from despair endeavour'd to have heartn'd up the remainder of those who were about him But having himself receiv'd a Musket-shot he lost all manner of resolution and made away with only two Vessels The five hundred Gentlemen Orobalans were either slain or drown'd with all the Ianisaries None escap'd but those who follow'd Soora in his flight On the side of the Christians there were six and twenty slain of whom four only were Portuguese by Nation The Spoil was great for besides the two Guard-ships which came into the power of the Conquerours and wherein was all the Pillage which the Enemy had gain'd they took at least forty five Vessels which might again be made serviceable There was found amongst the Spoils a prodigious quantity of Saracen and Tâ—rkish Arms three hundred pieces of Cannon of all sorts And what was yet more pleasing sixty two pieces of Ordnance whereon were graven the Arms of Portugal and which had been lost in divers Wars return'd at length to the possession of their lawful Lord and owner The King of Parlez no sooner had notice of the Enemies defeat than issuing out of the Woods where he lay conceal'd he came with five hundred Men and fell upon the Workmen who by Soâ—ra's Orders were building a Fortress and on the Souldiers appointed for their Guard. Having cut them in pieces he went to visit Captain Deza and congratulated the Valour of the Portuguese and their success He own'd the preservation of his Kingdom to their Arms and offer'd by way of acknowledgment a yearly Tribute to the King of Portugal Deza immediately order'd a Frigat to carry the news of his Victory to Malacca but it was fully known in that City with all its Circumstances before the Frigat was sent off and thus it happen'd Father Xavier preaching in the great Church betwixt nine and ten of the Clock on Sunday morning which was the fourth of Ianuary according to the old Calendar at the same time when the two Fleets were actually ingag'd stopp'd short on the sudden and appear'd transported out of himself so manifest a change appear'd both in his Countenance and his whole person Having somewhat recover'd himself instead of following his Discourse inspir'd with a Divine Impulse he declar'd to his Audience the incounter and shock of the two Navies but in a Mysterious and Figurative manner The Assembly not comprehending their Preachers meaning were of Opinion that he was distracted still as the Fight grew warmer and the ingagement came to be more close he seem'd to be more and more inflam'd with all the motions of a Man inspir'd and speaking still Prophetically At the length fixing Eyes on the Crucifix that was before him he said with tears in his Eyes accompany'd with sighs but with an audible and distinct voice Ah Jesus thou God of my Soul and Father of all Mercies I most humbly implore thee by the Merits of thy sacred Passion not to forsake those who sight thy Battle After these words he hung down his Head as overweary'd and lean'd upon his Pulpit without farther speaking Having continu'd in that posture for some time he sprung up on the sudden and said aloud with all the motions of Joy which he cou'd not master My Brethren Jesus Christ has vanquish'd for you At this moment while I am speaking the Souldiers of his bless'd name have compleated their Victory by the entire defeat of the Enemies Navy They have made a great slaughter and we have lost but four of our Portugueses You shall receive the news of it on Friday next and may shortly expect the return of your victorious Fleet. How incredible soever this appear'd yet Melo and the principal persons of the Town there present gave credit to it without the least scrâ—ple considering the manner of his speaking and his Air which had somewhat of Divine in it and bore the testimony of its Truth Yet the Wives and Mothers of the absent Souldiers apprehending still it might be false and fearing the more the more they desir'd it shou'd be true The Father assembled them all in the Afternoon at the Church of our Lady del Monte and there repeated so distinctly the whole series of what he had said in the Morning that they durst no longer doubt of it Even in the beginning of the week they had almost evident signs of the Victory by the â—â—ws which came of the King of Bintan who having sent on all sides to be inform'd whether the Portuguese had been defeated being advertis'd from the River of Parlez of what had pass'd forsook Mâ—ar and retir'd with expedition bewailing the misfortune of his Allies and asham'd of his ill tim'd Enterprise The Frigat dispatch'd away by Deza under the conduct of Emanuel Godigno arriv'd exactly on the day mention'd by the Saint The Fleet follow'd shortly after and made a triumphant entry into
readiness O my Lord send me wheresoever thou shalt please even to the Indies if thou command'st me Good God how much more happily wou'd those Learned men then live than now they do with how much more assurance of their Salvation and in the hour of death when they are ready to stand forth before the dreadful Iudgment-Seat how much greater reason wou'd they have to hope well of God's Eternal Mercy because they might say O Lord thou hast given me five Talents and behold I have added other five I take God to witness that not being able to return into Europe I have almost resolv'd to write to the Vniversity of Paris and namely to our Masters Cornet and Picard that Millions of Idolaters might be easily converted if there were more Preachers who wou'd sincerely mind the interests of Jesus Christ and not their own concernments 'T is pity that his Letter to the Doctours of Sorbonne is irrecoverably lost for certain it is he wrote to them from the midst of the Indies to engage them to come and Preach the Gospel And for this we have the testimony of Don Iohn Derada one of the chief Magistrates of the Kingdom of Navarre who studying at Paris saw the Letter sent from Father Xavier admir'd the Apostolical Charity with which it was replenish'd and took a Copy of it as did also many Divines to whom it was directed Amongst those Idolatrous Nations which breath'd after Baptism and desir'd to be instructed the Manarois were the first who made a deputation to the Saint The Isle of Manar is scituate towards the most Northern point of Ceylan and at the head of the Sands of Remanancor It has a very convenient Port and is a place of great Trafick But the Soil is so sandy and so dry that it produces nothing unless in some few places which also are cultivated with much care and labour For Manar has no resemblance to Ceylan though plac'd so near it Ceylan being the most delicious and most fruitful part of all the East where the Trees are always green and bear fruits and flowers in every Season where there are discover'd Mines of Gold and Silver Chrystal and Precious Stones which is encompass'd with Forests of Ebony Cynamon and Coco and where the Inhabitants live to an extream old Age without any of the incommodities which attend it The wonder is that being distant from the Equinoetial but six degrees the Air is temperate and pure and the Rains which water it from Heaven regularly once a Moneth joyn'd with the Springs and Rivers which pass through it refresh the Ground in a greater measure than the scorching heats can parch it Father Xavier was employ'd in establishing Christianity in Travancor when he receiv'd this Embassy from Manar As he cou'd not forsake an Infant Church without a reasonable apprehension of its ruine he sent to Manar one of the Priests whom he had left on the Coast of Fishery And God so bless'd the labours of that Missioner that the Manarois not only became Christians but died generously for the Faith and this was the occasion of their Martyrdom The Isle of Manar was at that time under the Dominion of the King of Iafanatapan for by that name the Northern part of Ceylan is call'd This Prince had usurp'd the Crown from his elder Brother and enslav'd his Subjects Above all things he was an implacable Enemy of the Christian Faith though in appearance he was a Friend to the Portuguese whose Forces only cou'd set Bounds to his Tyranny When he understood that the Manarois were converted to Christianity he enter'd into that fury of which Tyrants only can be capable For he commanded that his Troops shou'd immediately pass over into the Island and put all to the Sword excepting only the Idolaters His Orders were punctually executed and Men Women and Children were all destroy'd who had embrac'd the Christian Faith. It was wonderful to behold that the Faithful being examin'd one by one concerning their Religion and no more requir'd for the saving of their lives than to forsake their new Belief there was not one amongst them who did not openly declare himself a Christian. The Fathers and Mothers answer'd for the newly baptis'd Infants who were not able to give testimony of their Faith and offer'd them to the death with a Resolution which was amazing to their Executioners Six or seven hundred of these Islanders gave up their lives for the name of Iesus Christ and the principal place which was consecrated by so noble Blood from Pasim which it was call'd before now took the name of the Field of Martyrs This dreadful Massacre far from abolishing the Christian Law serv'd only to render it more flourishing The Tyrant had even the shame of seeing his Officers and Domestick Servants forsake their ancient Superstition in despight of him But what most inrag'd him was the Conversion of his eldest Son. This young Prince inspir'd of God caus'd himself to be instructed by a Portuguese Merchant who had dealings at the Court which yet cou'd not be so secretly perform'd but that the King had notice of it At the first news he cut his Throat and threw the Body into the Fields to serve for food to Salvage Beasts But Heaven permitted not that a death which was so precious in the sight of God shou'd be without honour in the sight of Men. The Portuguese Merchant buried his Disciple by night and on the next morning there appear'd a beautiful Cross printed on the Ground which cover'd the Body of the Martyr The spectacle extreamly surpris'd the Infidels They did what they were able to deface and if I may so say to blot out the Cross by treading over it and casting Earth upon it It appear'd again the day following in the same Figure and they once more endeavour'd to tread it out But then it appear'd in the Air all resplendent with light and darting its Beams on every side The Barbarians who beheld it were affrighted and being touch'd in their Hearts declar'd themselves Christians The Kings Sister a Princess naturally vertuous having privately embrac'd the Faith instructed both her own â—on and her Nephew who was Brother to the Martyr But while she directed them in the way of Heaven she took care to preserve them from the cruelty of the Tyrant To which purpose she address'd her self to the Merchant above mention'd and intrusting him with the lives of the two Princes order'd him to convey them to the Seminary of Goa This Portuguese manag'd all things so discreetly with the concurrence of the Princess that he escap'd out of the Island with the two Princes undiscover'd He took his way by the Kingdom of Travancor that he might behold Father Xavier and present to him these two illustrious new Converts The Father receiv'd them as Angels descended from above and gave immortal thanks to God for so noble a Conquest He fortify'd them in the Faith gave them excellent
stood in great consternation for the hazard they had run so lately The Father re-assur'd them and exhorted them to remain constant in their holy resolution notwithstanding their petty misadventure he remonstrated to them that Heaven had not permitted their Admiral to sink but only to make tryal of their faith neither had themselves been sav'd from shipwrack but only that they might perform their Vow In the mean time the Governour held it necessary to summon the great Council All the Officers of the Town and the principal Inhabitants were of opinion to give over an Enterprise which as they thought was begun rashly and cou'd have no fortunate conclusion But the Captains and Souldiers of the Fleet encourag'd by the words of the holy man and inspir'd with vigour which had something in it of more than humane were of a quite contrary judgment They unanimously protested that they had rather dye than violate that Faith which they had solemnly ingag'd to Iesus Christ. For the rest said they what have we more to fear this day than we had yesterday our number is not diminish'd though we have one Vessel less and we shall fight as well with six â—oysts as we shou'd with seven But on the other side what hopes ought we not to conceive under the auspices and promise of Father Francis Then Xavier taking the word The lost Gally shall be soon made good said he with a Prophetick voice before the Sun goes down there shall arrive amongst us two better Vessels than that which perish'd And this I declare to you from Almighty God. This positive Prediction amaz'd the whole Assembly and caus'd them to put off the determination of the Affair 'till the day ensuing The remaining part of the day was pass'd with great impatience to see the effect of the Father's promise when the Sun was just on the point of setting and many began to fear the accomplishment of the Prophecy in the very minute mark'd out by the Father they discover'd from the Clock-house of our Lady del Monte two European Ships which were Sailing directly from the North. Melo sent out a Skiff immediately to hale them being inform'd that they were Portuguese Vessels one belonging to Iames Soarez Gallego and the other to his own Son Balthazar who came from the Kingdom of Patan but who took the way of Pegu without intentions of casting Anchor at Malacca to avoid paying Customes he went in search of Father Francis who was at his Devotions in the Church del Monte and told him that his Prophecy wou'd be accomplish'd to little purpose if the Ships came not into the Port. Xavier took it upon himself to stop them and going into the Skiff which had hail'd them made directly to the two Vessels The Masters of the Ship seeing the man of God receiv'd him with respect He made them understand the present juncture of affairs and earnestly besought them by the interests of their Religion and their Country to assist the Town against the common Enemy of the Christian name and the Crown of Portugal And to ingage them farther by their particular concernment he let them see the danger into which they were casting themselves in case they shou'd obstinately pursue their Voyage and that they were going without consideration to precipitate themselves into the hands of the Barbarians They yielded to the reasons of the Father and the next morning enter'd the Port amidst the shouts and acclamations of the People After this there was no farther dispute of fighting the Enemy and the most timerous came about to the Opinion of the Captains and the Souldiers All things being in a readiness to set sail the Admiral Francis Doza receiv'd the Flag from the hands of Xavier who had solemnly blessed it and mounted the Ship of his Brother George Deza instead of his own which was already sunk The rest of the Captains who had been on shore return'd on Ship-board and with the two newly arriv'd Vessels the whole Fleet consisted of nine their number also being encreas'd by fifty men they were in all two hundred and thirty Portugueses The Fleet went out of Port the 25th of October with strict Orders from the General not to pass beyond the Pulo Cambylan which is the farthest bounds of the Kingdom of Malacca on the West His reason was that since they were so much inferiour in strength to the Enemy who vastly out-number'd them in men and shipping their glory consisted in driving them from off their Coasts and not in farther pursuit of them That what hope soever we have in God yet it becomes us not to tâ—mpt him because Heaven is not accustom'd to give a blessing to rashness and presumption Thus setting out full of assurance and of joy they arriv'd in four days at Pulo Cambylan without having any news of the Enemy notwithstanding their endeavours to find him out The Admiral in obedience to the Governour was thinking to return though the courage of his Souldiers prompted them to pass beyond the Bounds prescrib'd them and to go in search of the Barbarians into whatsoever corner of the World they were retir'd The Admiral I say was dispos'd to have gone back when the Moon suddenly went into an Eclipse It was one of the greatest which had ever been observ'd and seem'd to them to Prognosticate the total defeat of the Mahometans But the same night there arose so violent a wind that they were forc'd to stay upon their Anchors for the space of three and twenty days successively Their Provisions then beginning to grow short and the Wind not suffering them to turn to the Coast of Malacca they resolv'd on taking in fresh Provisions at Tenasserim towards the Kingdom of Siam In the mean time all things were in confusion at Malacca The hopes which Father Xavier had given the People supported them for some few days But seeing a month was now expir'd without any intelligence from the Fleet they believ'd it was either swallow'd by the Waves or defeated by the Achenois and that none had escap'd to bring the news At the same time the Saracens reported confidently they had it from good hands that the Fleets had met that the Achenois had cut in pieces all the Portugueses and had sent the heads of their Commanders as a Present to their King. This bruit was spread through all the Town and was daily strengthen'd after the rate of false rumours which are full of Tragical Events The better to colour this report they gave the circumstances of time and place and the several actions of the Battel The Sorcerers and Soothsayers were consulted by the Pagan Women whose Husbands and Sons were in the Fleet and they confirm'd what-ever was related in the Town It came at last to a publick rising against Xavier and the Governour himself was not wholly free from the popular contagion But Xavier far from the least despondence in the promises of God and of the knowledge he had given