had to hear him preach and told him That the Bishop of Lisbonne was of Opinion that he ought not any longer to deferr his publick Exhortations Father Simon Rodriguez labour'd also on his part in the Service of his Neighbour according to the same Method and with the same Spirit In the mean time Martin d' Azpilcueta surnam'd the Doctor of Navarre who was Uncle to Xavier on the Mother's side and who was chief Professour oâ— Divinity in the University of Coimbra having heard the news of his Nephew's arrival wrote earnestly to the King That it wou'd please him to send Father Francis to him He added That in case the Father might have leave to remain with him till the departure of the Fleet he wou'd oblige himself to make two new Lectures at his own expence the one in Canon-Law the other in Mystical Divinity And farther That in few years afterwards he wou'd follow Xavier to the Indies and preach the Gospel in conjunction with him to the Eastern Idolaters These Letters prevail'd nothing the Man who had refus'd so much as to turn out of his way to see his Mother was bent against the taking of a Journey and forsaking his important business to visit one of his Relations The King retain'd Xavier at Lisbonne at the request of Xavier himself And the Father wrote a Letter of excuse to the Doctor of Navarre who had written two to him full of tenderness and friendship As that Doctor was unsatisfy'd with that kind of Life which his Nephew had embrac'd so Xavier resolv'd him on that point in this manner For what concerns our Institute of which so many reports are now rais'd I have but one word at present to say of it 'T is of little consequence Illustrious Doctor to be judg'd by Men especially by such who will needs be judging before they understand the matter and know the merits of the cause As to his intention of going to the Indies he desir'd him to think no farther of it for thus Navarre relates that passage in his Manual I had resolv'd to have ended my days in those parts if Xavier in consideration of my great Age had not thought me uncapable of those labours which attend his Mission and if he had not written to me at his departure that I shou'd comfort my self for his absence by the hope of seeing each other in the Celestial Kingdom Our two Missioners labour'd not in vain at Lisbonne From the very beginning of their Ministry Devotion began to spread amongst the people All Men ran to the blessed Sacrament which before was never thought on but in Lent And this holy Custom diffus'd it self insensibly through all the Towns of Portugal Many who had deferr'd their Conversion from time to time now on the sudden gave themselves up to God and even renounc'd the World. The most inveterate Enemies were sincerely reconcil'd and the most impudent Harlots abandon'd their prostitute way of living But this change of Manners was most particularly apparent at the Court the King who was truly Religious and full of goodness was the first to declare himself against those Vices which usually inâ—ect the Palaces of Princes And that he might introduce a Reformation by degrees not only into his House but also dilate it through his whole Kingdom he oblig'd all the young Courtiers to confess themselves once a week for he said That if the Lords and Gentlemen wou'd accustom themselves from their tender years to the service and fear of God they wou'd live with greater Christianity in their riper age and if Persons of Quality came once to give good examples of Religion the Commonalty who form themselves according to their Model wou'd not fail to regulate their manners and therefore the reformation of all degrees in the Kingdom consisted chiefly in the vertuous education of young Noblemen The example of the Prince and the young Courtiers drew the rest and thereupon Xavier writes to Ignatius in these terms Nothing can be more regular than the Court of Portugal it resembles rather a Religious Society than a Secular Court. The number of Courtiers who come to Confession and are afterwards communicated every eight days is so very great that we are in admiration of it and are in perpetual thanksgiving for it We are so taken up with hearing Confessions that if we were twice so many as we are there wou'd be employment more than enough for us We are sitting on the Confession-Seat all the day long and part of the night though none but Courtiers are permitted to come to us I remember that I observ'd when the King was at Almerin those who waited on him from all parts of the Kingdom about their own Affairs as the custom is were in great admiration at this new Court-mode and when they beheld the young Gentlemen at the Sacrament of the Altar every Sunday and Holiday with great reverence they thought themselves in another World. But the greatest part of them imitating that which they admir'd drew near to the Tribunal of Penance and the Holy Table Had we Confessours â—now to attend the Crowds that come to Court no Man wou'd venture to apply himself to the King for any business before he had been first with God and were well with him The two labourers in God's Harvest were so exhausted with their pains that at length they were constrain'd to accept of the Diet which was provided for them by the Kings appointment For they judg'd their time was better employ'd in the service of Souls than in begging their daily Bread about the Streets Yet they omitted not to ask Alms once or twice a week that they might not difuse themselves from the Spirit of Mortification and Poverty With these considerations they reserv'd but little of what was sent them from the Palace and distributed the rest among the poor On the other side the perpetual labour of Confessions reduc'd them to preach but very seldom for want of leisure But all things duly examin'd they thought it of more consequence to Gods Service to administer the Sacrament of Penance than to preach the Word because the Court of Portugal was furnish'd with able Preachers but was much wanting in judicious Confessors which was the very observation that Xavier made in the Letter above cited These visible and wonderful Operations caus'd the two Missioners to be respected as Men sent down from Heaven and replenish'd with the Spirit of the Most High Insomuch that all men gave them the Surname of Apostles which glorious Title still remains with their Successours in Portugal The King on all occasions shew'd them a most particular affection And Xavier ravish'd with so many expressions of his goodness to them gives this account of it to Father Ignatius Our whole Society stands oblig'd to his Majesty for his singular favour to us as well the rest of you at Rome as we in Portugal I am given to understand from the Ambassadour Mascaregnas that the
and if the Gospel enter with me 't is to you next to Almighty 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 without ceasing their Vows to Heaven in favour of you God grant us both the happiness 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 thither you will either find me a Prisoner at Canton or at Pequin which is the Capital 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 Kingdom of Immortal Glory He wrote by the same conveyance to Father Francis Perez Superiour of Malacca He commanded him in vertue 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 Heredia whom he sent to Goa Though Father Xavier deplor'd a-new the wrâ—tâ—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 declaring the Governour to be Excommunicated 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 consideration of their own estate and that others might take warning by them but also that succeeding Governours might fear by the example of his punishment to set themselves in opposition to any intended Voyage of the Missioners who shou'd be sent hereafter to the Molucca'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 admitted 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 proper for our business He meant Alvarez Pereyra whom he had brought with him from the Indies and whom he sent back from Sancian with the Portuguese Vessels Amongst those Merchants who went off from Sancian there was one who made more haste than any of the rest without 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 answer'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 Canton and whither is he dragg'd by his unhappy destiny That very evening the Chinese Vessel was seen to arrive as for the â—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 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 Nature 'T is certainly a matter of amazement that they whose lives he had preserv'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 given 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 was that the Chinese Interpreter who had made him such advantageous offers recall'd his word either of himself for fear of danger or at the sollicitation of those who were devoted to the Governour 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 Interpreter But for the last load of his misfortunes 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 he still maintain'd his resolution and another 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 following Whereupon Xavier resolv'd on returning to Malacca by the first opportunity and to use his best endeavours that he might accompany the Ambassadour of Stam to China But the Eternal Wisdom which sometimes inspires his Servants with great designs does not always will the performance 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 November 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 Francis 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 ensuing he requested that he might be set on shore again He was
his departure He departs from Cangoxima He â—oes to the Castle of Ekâ—nâ—â—no He declares the Gospel before Ekandono and the fruits of his Preaching What 〈…〉 of the Faâ—â—h in the nâ—w Châ—istians of the Castle Thoughts of a Christian of Ekandono He leaves a Discipline with the Steward of Ekandono and the use he makes of it He leaves a little Book with the Wise of Ekandono and for what it serv'd He arrives at Firando and what reception he had there He preaches at Frâ—ndâ— with great â—uâ—â—ess He takes Amanguchi in his way to Meaco He stays at Amanguchi his Actions there What hinder'd the fruit of his preaching at Amanguchi He appears before the King of Amanguchi and expounds to him the Doctrine of Christianity He preaches before the King in Amanguchi without success He pursues his Voyage for Meaco Hâ— suâ—â—erings in the Voyage of Meaco He follows a Horseman with great difficulty He instructs the people in pasâ—ing through the Towns. He arrives aâ— Meaco and labours there unprofitably 〈…〉 Being return'd to Amanguchi â—e gains an Auâ—ience of the King. He obtains permissâ—â—n to preach He 〈◊〉 visited by great multitudes The Qualities which he â—â—inks re 〈◊〉 in a Missioner to Japan He answers many men with one only word He preaches in Amanguchi He speaks the Chinese Language without learning it The fruit of his Preaching His joy in observing the servour of the Faithful His occasioâ—s of sorrow amongst his Spiritual joys The Faith is embrac'd notwithstanding the Princes example and by what means 〈…〉 He 〈◊〉 against the Bonza's The Bonza's oppâ—se the Christian Religion He answers 〈◊〉 Arguments of the Bonza's The Bonza's provoke the King against the Christians The number of Christians is augmented together with the Reputatiâ—n of the Saint He sends a Japonian Christian of the Kingdom of Bungo and for what reason He departs from Amanguchi and goes for Bungo He falls sick with overtravelling himself and after a little rest pursues his Iourney He is receiv'd with Honour by the Portugueses and complemented from the King of Bungo He is much esteem'd by the King of Bungo The Letter of the King of Bungâ— to Father Xavier In what 〈◊〉 â—e goes to the Court of Bungo His entry into the Palace of the King of Bungo He receives the Complements of several persons in the Coâ—rt He is introduc'd to an Audience of the King of Bungo and what passes in it What passes 〈◊〉 the King of Bungo and Xavier The Honour of Xavier in the Kingdom of â—ungo and the success of his Labours there 〈…〉 〈…〉 What happens to the Companions of Xavier at Amanguchi The death â—f the king of Amanguchi and the 〈◊〉 of tâ—e Toâ—n The Brother of the King of Bungo it chosen King of Amanguchi the Saint rejâ—yces at it He prepares to leave Japan and takes leave of the King of Bungo 〈…〉 〈…〉 A new Artifice of the Bonza's against the Saint The beginning of the Conference betwixt Xavier and Fucarandono 〈…〉 The fury of the Bonza's 〈◊〉 the Portuguese to retire to their Ship. The Captain of the Ship endeavours to perswade Xavier to return but in vain The Captain takes up a Resolution to stay with Xavier A new Enterprise of the Bonza's against him He returns to the Palace to renew the Conference with Fucarandono The dispute renew'd †An Argument ready cut and dry'd for the use of any Church by Law establish'd The answer of Xavier to the first question of Fucarandono The second question of Fucarandono to which the Father answers with the same success as to the former 〈…〉 of the dispâ—te betwixt Xavier and Fucarandono The 〈◊〉 which the King of Bungo dâ—es to Xavier The Bonza's present a wâ—â—ting to the King but without effect Thâ—â— wrangle abâ—ut the signification of words Tâ—â—â— dispute in the nature of School-Dâ—vinâ—s 〈…〉 The fruit of his Disputation with the Bonza's Hâ—â—eaves Japan and returnâ—â—o the Indies God reveals 〈◊〉 him thâ— Siege of â—â—lacca What happens to him in his return from Japan to the Indies How Xavier bâ—havâ—s himself during the Tempest What happenâ— to the Chalâ—op belâ—nging to the Ship. He expects the return of the Chalop or Cockbâ—at notwithstandingâ— all appearances to the contrary He renews his Prayers for the return of the Chalop He prays once more for the return of the Chalop The Chalop appears and comes up with the Ship. He arrives at the Isle of Sancian anâ— goes off after a little time His Prediction to the Piâ—â—â— A mâ—rvellâ—us effect of the Saints Prâ—phecy He â—ormâ— the deâ—â—gn of 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 â—e takes his measures with Pereyra for the Voyage of China He dissipacâ—â— a Tempest his 〈…〉 concerning the Ship of James Pereyra * The holy Cross. His reception at Malacca The History of the Ship call'd Santa Cruz. He arrives at Cochin and finishes the Conversion of thâ— King of the Maldivia's He writes into Europe and comes to Goa He cureâ— a â—â—ing mâ—n immediatelâ— upâ—n his arrival He hears ioyful news of the progress of Christianity in the Indies The Câ—nâ—ersiâ—n of the King of Tanor The Conversion of the King of Trichenamalo The Letter from the Bishop of thâ— Indies to Father Ignatius He â—ears other comfortable news He is afflicted with the misdemeanours of Father Antonio Gomez How Gomez attacks the Authority of Paul de Camerino The extravagâ—â—ces of Gomeâ— in matters of Religion The violence and injustice of Gomez Xavier repairs the faults committed by Gomez He expelâ— Gomez from the Society He sends out Missioners to divers places He endavours an Embassy to China He appoints Barzaeus Rector of the Colledge of Goa The form by which Barzâ—us was made Rector of the Colledge c. 〈…〉 〈…〉 The new Instruâ—â—ns which he 〈◊〉 tâ— Barzaeus 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 Before his arrival at Malacca he knows the Plague is in the Town 〈…〉 He raises a yâ—ung man tâ— life 〈…〉 of China is crâ—ss'd by the 〈◊〉 of Malacca Xavier endeavâ—urs all he can tâ— gain the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 for the Embass◠〈…〉 The Gâ—â—eâ—nâ—ur flies â—ut into fury against the Father The Father resolves to excommunicate the Governour and what he does in order to it 〈…〉 The Saint imputes the overthrow â—f the Embassy to his own sins In writing tâ— the King of Portugal he makes no complaint of the Gâ—vernour of Malacca 〈…〉 He departs from Malacca withâ—ut seeing the Governour and what he does in going out of the Town He embarques and what happens afterwards He changes the salt-water into fresh He 〈…〉 Maâ— omâ—tan his Sâ—n who was fallen into the. Sea. He appears of an extraordinary height and much above his own statâ—â—e He reassures the Captain of the Santa Cruz and the Mariners â—e arriâ—es at the Isle of Sancian What passes betwixt Xavier and Veglio He fâ—retels to Veglio that he shall be advertis'd of the day of his death The Prediction â—f the Saint is â—ccomplish'd in all its circumâ—â—ances Other wâ—nderâ—ul Iâ—uâ—inations He raises up a dead man and drives the Iygers out of the Island 〈…〉 He takes his measures for the Voyage of China * A Pardo says Tavernier is of the value of 27 Soâ—s French Money ten of which make about a shilling English. The Portugueses of Sancian traâ—erse the design of Xavier He deferrs his Voyage in consideration of the Portuguese Merchants He writes divers Letters to Malacca and to Goa He gives Orders to Father Francis Perez and to Father Gaspar Earzaâ—us He foretels the unhappy death of a Merchant He is reduc'd to an 〈…〉 The means sail him for his passage into China He is still in hope and the expedient which he finds He falls sick again and 〈◊〉 the day of his death The nature of his sickness and how he was inwardly dispâ—s'd He entertains himself with God in the extremity of his sickness He denounces to a young Indian the unhappy death which was attending him The death of the Saint His age and person Of the 〈◊〉 which were pay'd him immediately afteâ— his decease They inter him without any Ceremony The miraculous Crucifix in the Chappel of the Castle of Xavier He is 〈◊〉 and his Body is found without the least 〈◊〉 The body of the Saint is put on Ship-board to be transported into India How the Body is receiv'd at Malacca The punishment of the Governour of Malacca The Town of Malacca is freed fâ—â—m the Pestilence at the 〈◊〉 of the holy Body In what manner the Bâ—dy of the Saint is treated in Malacca They consider of transporting thâ— holy Corps to Goa The Body is put into a craz'd old Ship and what happens to it in the passage 〈…〉 They come from Goa to meet the Corps Hâ—w the Câ—rps â—f the Saint is receiv'd at Goâ— The Miracles which are wrought during the Pâ—ocession 〈…〉 New Mirâ—â—les arâ— wrâ—ught in presence of the Bâ—dy The informations of the Saints liâ—e are gather'd in the Indies 〈…〉 They build Churches in honâ—â—r to him in divers parts of the East Thâ— praises which are giâ—en him by Infidels anâ— the honour they perform to him How much he is honour'd at Japan 〈…〉 〈…〉 His Chaâ—ity tâ—wards hâ—s Neiâ—hbâ—ur His Zeal of Souls The vâ—riâ—us Iâ—dustâ—y of his Zeal 〈…〉 The extent of his Zeal His Intrepidity in dangers and his Câ—nsâ—dence in God. His Humility His Maximes on Humility His submiâ—siâ—n to 〈◊〉 pleasure 〈…〉 His Maximes on obedience and his love for the Society 〈…〉 His purity of Sâ—ul and Body His devotion to the Blessed Virgin His Canonization 〈◊〉 sollicited and what is done in order to it by the King of Bungo 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈◊〉 remarkable Cures The perpetual Miracle of the Saintâ— Body He is beatify'd and in sequel Canoniz'd The Contents of the Bull of his Canonization The Veneration of the Saint is much increas'd since his Canonization New Miracles are wrought and chiefly in Italy * The principal Navigations Voyages Discoveries c. of the English c 2d part of the 2d Volume * The Reader is referr'd to the Original English for the words themselves the Translatour not having the work by him What 〈◊〉 be concluded from these testimonies and from all the Bâ—ok
many Christians even in the Court though contrary to the Example of the Prince But the Miraculous Actions of Xavier finish'd the Conversion of the whole Kingdom Besides his curing all sorts of diseases he rais'd four persons from the Dead two Women and two Men. The Act of Canonization relates no more of the Resurrection of the Women but the bare matter of fact without any Circumstances but the Resurrection of the Men is related at large of which the substance is in the ensuing account Xavier preach'd in one of the Maritime Villages of Travancor call'd Coulan near Cape Comorin Some were converted by his first Sermons but the greater party remain'd in their ancient Superstition after having often heard him The most obstinate 't is true listn'd to him with delight and found the Maxims of the Gospel to be most conformable to the light of Reason but the pleasure which they took in hearing produc'd nothing and they satisfy'd themselves with admiring the Christian Law without troubling themselves to follow it The Father one day finding that he spoke to them of God without working any thing upon their Hearts pray'd fervently to the Almighty in their behalf and with his Eyes lifted up to Heaven his Countenance more than ordinarily inflam'd and with abundance of Tears besought him to take pity on those obstinate Idolaters O Lord said he all Hearts are in thy Hands thou canst bend as it pleases thee the most stubborn and soften the most obdurate do that honour on this day to the Blood and the name of thy beloved Son. Scarcely had he ended his Prayer when he was assur'd it was answer'd turning himself to his Audience with the Air of one inspir'd Well said he since you will not believe me on my word behold that which will make me be believ'd What testimony do you desire from me of those truths which I have declar'd to you At the same instant he recall'd to his remembrance that a Man had been there buried the day before Then resuming his discourse in the same tone that he began it Open said he the Sepulchre which you clos'd yesterday and bring out the Body but observe carefully whether he who was buried be truly dead The most incredulous ran hastily to take up the Corps far from finding any the least sign of life they perceiv'd it began to putrisie with a noisome scent They took off the Linnen in which he was wrapp'd and laid the dead Man at the Feet of the Father who was come to the place of burial The Barbarians gaz'd with astonishment on the dead Body and impatiently expected the event The Saint fell upon his Knees and after a short Prayer addressing himself to the Dead I command thee said he in the holy name of the living God to arise for the confirmation of that Religion which I preach At these words the Dead arose of himself and appear'd not only living but vigorous and in perfect health All who were present cry'd out with a loud voice That the God of the Christians was Omnipotent and that the Law which the great Father preach'd was true In consequence of which they threw themselves at his Feet desir'd Baptism and receiv'd it on the place The other dead person whom the Apostle rais'd to life was a young Man and a Christian who dy'd at Mutan on the same Coast betwixt Carjapatan and Alicale He had been dead above four and twenty hours of a pestilential Fever Xavier met the Corps by chance as they were carrying it to the Grave The Parents of the dead man who were of the greatest quality in all the Country accompanied the Funeral-Pomp with all their kindred according to the custom of that Nation As comfortless as they were yet upon sight of the Saint they recover'd courage and embracing his Knees implor'd him to restore their Son to life being perswaded that what was not to be effected by the power of Nature wou'd cost him only a word speaking Xavier mov'd by their affliction and excited by their Faith beg'd the assistance of the Most High made the sign of the Cross and threw Holy. Water on the Dead after which he took him by the Hand rais'd him up in the name of the Lord and restor'd him living to his Father and Mother To preserve the memory of an Action so wonderful and so authentick the Parents of the Man they rais'd erected a great Cross on the place where the Miracle was done and were accustom'd afterwards to go often thither and pray to God before it These Resurrections were so famous through all the Country and made so great impressions on the Souls of the Inhabitants that the people came thronging from all parts to behold the great Father and to receive Baptism from his hands Insomuch that the whole Kingdom of Travancor was subjected to Christ Iesus in few Months And the King with some few of his chief Courtiers were the only remaining Idolaters in the Land by a terrible Judgment of Almighty God who sometimes abandons Princes to their unruly Passions and departs from the Great while he communicates himself to those of the lowest quality The End of the Second Book THE LIFE OF St. FRANCIS XAVIER BOOK III. THE Reputation of Xavier was not confin'd to the Kingdom of Travancor it was spread abroad through all the Indies and the God of the Christians at the same time was had in so great veneration that the most Idolatrous Nations sent to desire the Saint that he wou'd come and give them Baptism His joy was infinite to find the Gentils of their own free motion searching after the way of Eternal Life but on the other side he was afflicted that he was not sufficient alone to instruct so many vast Countries as were gone astray from it Seeing the Harvest so great and the Labourers so few he wrote earnestly to Father Ignatius in Italy and to Simon Rodriguez in Portugal for a supply of Missioners He had such transports of Zeal on that occasion as to say in one of his Letters I have often thoughts to run over all the Vniversities of Europe and Principally that of Paris and to cry aloud to those who abound more in Learning than in Charity Ah how many Souls are lost to Heaven through your default It were to be wish'd that those People wou'd apply themselves as diligently to the Salvation of Souls as they do to the study of Sciences to the end they might render to Almighty God a good account of their Learning and the Talents which he has bestow'd on them Many without doubt mov'd with thoughts like these wou'd make a spiritual retreat and give themselves the leisure of meditating on Heavenly things that they might listen to the voice of God. They wou'd renounce their Passions and trampling under foot all worldly Vanities wou'd put themselves in condition of following the motions of the Divine Will. They wou'd say from the bottom of their hearts behold me in
to withstand the Tempest and was often in danger of sinking and the Mariners were constrain'd to make towards the Port of Negapatan from whence they set out which with much ado they at length recover'd The impatience of Father Xavier to visit the Tomb of the Apostle St. Thomas caus'd him to make his Pilgrimage by Land and he travell'd with so much ardour through the rough and uncouth ways that in few days he arriv'd at Meliapor That City is now commonly known by the name of St. Thomas because that bless'd Apostle liv'd so long in it and there suffer'd Martyrdom If we will give credit to the Inhabitants it was once almost swallow'd by the Sea and for proof of this Tradition there are yet to be seen under Water the Ruines of great Buildings The new Town of Meliapor was built by the Portuguese near the Walls there is a Hill which they call'd the little Mount and in it a Grott wherein they say St. Thomas hid himself during the Persecution At the entry of this Cave there is a Cross cut in the Rock and at the foot of the Mountain there arises a Spring the Waters of which are of such vertue that sick people drinking of them are ordinarily cur'd From this small ascent you pass to a higher and much larger Mountain which seems form'd by nature for a lonely contemplative life For on one side it looks upon the Sea and on the other is cover'd with old Trees always green which at once make a fruitful and a pleasing Object Hither St. Thomas retir'd to pray with his Disciples and here it was also that he was slain by a Brachman with the thrust of a Spear The Portuguese who rebuilt Meliapor found on the top of the Mountain a little Chappel of Stone-work all in Ruins They were desirous to repair it in memory of the holy Apostle and as they were rummaging all about even to the Foundations of it they drew out a white Marble whereon was a Cross with Characters grav'd round about it which declar'd That God was born of the Virgin Mary that this God was Eternal that the same God taught his Law to his twelve Apostles and that one of them came to Meliapor with a Palmers Staff in his hand that he built a Church there that the Kings of Malabar Coromandel and Pandi with many other Nations submitted themselves to the Law preach'd by St. Thomas a man holy and penitent This Marble of which we make mention having on it divers stains of Blood the common Opinon is that the Apostle suffer'd Martyrdom upon it Howsoever it be the Marble was plac'd upon the Altar when the Chappel was rebuilt and the first time that a solemn Mass was said there the Cross distill'd some drops of Blood in the sight of all the people which also happen'd many times in the following years on the day whereon his Martyrdom is clebrated When Xavier was come into the Town the Vicar of Meliapor who had heard speak of him as a Successour of the Apostles and a Man sent from God for the Conversion of the Indies came to offer him a Lodging in his House The Father accepted of it because it was adjoining to the Church wherein were kept the Relicks of St. Thomas and that he cou'd easily step from thence by night to consult the Will of God concerning his intended Voyage to Macassar In effect as soon as the Vicar was laid to Sleep for they were lodg'd in the same Chamber Xavier rose as softly as he cou'd and went to the Church through a Church-yard which parted it from the House The Vicar perceiv'd it and advertis'd Xavier that this passage was not over-safe by night and that horrible Phantomes had been often seen in it The Saint believ'd this only said to frighten him and hinder him from rising before day so he continued his usual Prayers but it was not long before he found that the advice was true For the nights ensuing as he pass'd through the Church-yard he saw those dreadful Specters which endeavour'd to have stop'd him yet he sav'd himself from them and even laught at them as vain Illusions The Demons are too proud to bear contempt without revenge when God permits them One night when the Saint was at his Devotions before the Image of the bless'd Virgin they assaulted him in great numbers and beat him so violently that he was all over bruis'd and forc'd to keep his Bed for some days together He said nothing of his adventure to the Vicar but it was discover'd by a young Man of Malabar who lodg'd with the Church and was awaken'd with the noise rising from his Bed he heard the Blows distinctly and what Father Xavier said to the holy Virgin invoking her assistance against the Infernal Powers Insomuch that the Vicar to whom the young Man had related the words which he had heard sometimes repeated them to Xavier with an inoffensive kind of Railery The Servant of God having recover'd some little strength return'd to the Church and there continued all the night What rage soever the Devils had against him they durst no more attempt his person nor so much as endeavour to affright him They only made a noise to distract him in his Prayers and one time disguis'd in the Habit of Canons they counterfeited so well the mid-night Matins that he ask'd the Vicar Who were those Chaâ—ters who sung so admirably But the favours which Xavier receiv'd from Heaven made him large amends for all the injuries of Hell. For though the particulars of what pass'd betwixt God and him were kept secret 't is known at least in regard of the principal affair for which he consulted God that he had an Interiour Light which gave him clearly to understand that he was commanded to pass to the more Southern Islands and to labour in their Conversion The Christian strength with which he found himself animated at the same time caus'd all the dangers which naturally he might apprehend to disappear as is manifest by what he wrote from Meliapor on that occasion to two of his Friends at Goa Paul de Camerin and Iames Borba of whom we have made so frequent mention I Hope that God will conferr many favours on me in this Voyage since through his infinite mercy I have learnt with so much spiritual joy that it is his holy pleasure I shou'd go to those Kingdoms of Macassar where so many Christians have been made in these latter years For what remains I am so much resolv'd on executing what our Lord has reveal'd to me that if I should be wanting on my part I shou'd go to my thinking in direct opposition to his Orders and render my self unworthy of his Favour both in this life and in the next If I cannot find this year any Portuguese Vessel bound for Malacca I will â—mbark my self on any Ship belonging to the Gentils or the Saracens I repâ—se withal so great a confidence in God
formerly Another Christian bore them company that Laurence â—irnam'd the Squint-ey'd because of that imperfection in his sight The Father walk'd chearfully with his five Companions as far as Pinlaschau a Village distant a League or two from Figen Arriving there he found himself so spent with travelling that his Feet were swollen and he was seiz'd with a violent Headach so that the cou'd go no farther Matthew Laurence and Bernard went on to carry news of him to the Vessel When Edward de Gama understood that the holy Man was so near he call'd together all the Portugueses who resided at Fucheo and having chosen out the Principal amongst them got on Horseback with them to pay him their Respects in Ceremony Xavier whom a little rest had now recruited and who was suspicious of the Honour which they intended him was already on his Journey but fell into that Ambush of Civility which he wou'd willingly have shunn'd The Cavalcade came up to him within a Leagues distance of Figen and found him walking betwixt the two Lords of Amanguchi who had never left him and himself carrying his own Equipage Gama was surpris'd to see a person so considerable in the World in such a posture and alighting from his Horse with all his Company saluted him with all manner of respect After the first Complements were over they invited the Father to mount on Horseback but he cou'd not be perswaded so that the Portugueses giving their Horses to be led after them bore him company on foot even to the Port. The Ship was equipp'd in all its flourish with Flags hung out and Streamers waveing according to the Orders of the Captain They who were remaining in her appear'd on the Decks and stood glittering in their Armour They gave him a Volley at his first approach and then discharg'd all their Cannon Four rounds of the Artillery being made the noise of it was heard so distinctly at Fucheo that the City was in a fright and the King imagin'd that the Portugueses were attack'd by certain Pyrates who lately had pillag'd all the Coasts To clear his Doubts he dispatch'd away a Gentleman of his Court to the Ship 's Captain Gama shewing Father Francis to the Messenger told him that the noise which had allarm'd the Court was only a small testimony of the honour which was owing to so great a Person one so dear to Heaven and so much esteem'd in the Court of Portâ—gal The Iapanner who saw nothing but poverty in the person of the Father and remember'd what had been written of him from Amanguchi stop'd a little without speaking then with amazement in his face I am in pain said he what answer I shall return my Prince for what you tell me has no correspondence either with that which I behold or with the account we have receiv'd from the Bonza's of Amanguchi who have seen your Father Bonza entertain a familiar Spirit who taught him to cast lots and perform certain magical operations to delude the ignorant They report him to be a Wretch forsaken and accurst by all the World that the Vermin which are swarming all over him are too nice to feed on his infectious flesh besides which I fear that if I shou'd relate what you say concerning him our Priests wou'd be taken either for Ideots or men of false Understanding or for envious Persons and Impostours Then Gama replying told the Iaponian all that was necessary to give him a good impression of the Saint and to hinder him from contempt of his mean appearance On this last Article he declar'd to him that he who had so despicable an outside was of noble blood that fortune had provided him wâ—th wealth but that his vertue had made him poor and that his willful want of all things was the effect of a great Spirit which despis'd those empty pomps that are so eagerly desir'd by Mankind This Discourse ravish'd the Iapanner with admiration he made a faithful relation of it to his King and added of himself that the Portugueses were more happy in the possession of this holy man than if their Vessel were laden with Ingots of Gold. The King of Bungo had already heard speak of Father Francis and gave no credit to what the Bonza's of Amanguchi had written of him He was a Prince of five and twenty years of age very judicious generous and civil but too much ingag'd in carnal pleasures after the manner of the Iaponian Princes What he had heard from the relation of the Messenger increas'd his longing to behold Xavier and the same day he writ to him in these very terms FATHER Bonza of Chimahicoghin for by that name they call Portugal may your happy arrival in my Estates be as pleasing to your God as are the Praises wherewith he is honour'd by his Saints Quansyonoâ—ama my Domestick Servant whom I sent to the Port of Figen tells me that you are arriv'd from Amanguchi and all my Court will bear me witness with what pleasure I receiv'd the news As God has not made me worthy to command you I earnestly request you to come before the rising of the Sun to â—orrow and to knock at my Palace Gate where I shall impatiently attend you And permit me to demand this favour of you â—ithout being thought a troublesome Beggar In the mean time Prostrate on the ground and on my knees before your God whom I acknowledge for the God of all the Gods the Soveraign of the best and greatest which inhabit in the Heavens I desire of him I say to make known to the haughty of the world how much your poor and holy life is pleasing to him to the end that the Children of our flesh may not be deceiv'd by the false promises of the earth Send me news of your holiness the joy of which may give me a good nights repose 'till the Cocks awaken me with the welcom declaration of your visit This Letter vvas carried by a young Prince of the blood Royal attended by thirty young Lords belonging to the Court and accompani'd by a venerable Old Man vvho was his Governour call'd Poomendono one of the vvisest and most qualifi'd of all the Kingdom and natural Brother to the King of Minato The honour which vvas paid by the Portugueses to Father Xavier so surpriz'd the Prince that turning to his Governour he said aloud The God of these People must be truly great and his counsels hidden from Mankind since it is pleasure that these wealthy Ships shou'd be obedient to so poor a man as is this Bonza of the Portuguese and that the roaring of their Cannon shou'd declare that Poverty has wherewithall to be pleasing to the Lord of all the world even that Poverty which is so despicable of it self and so disgraceful in the general opinion that it seems even a crime to think of it Though we have a horrour for Poverty reply'd Poomendono and that vvâ— believe the Poor unâ—apable of happiness it may