against Xauerius thought to saue himselfe But the Neophites comming forth in hast at the clamour and tumult which they heard so stopped vp the entrance to the Church and as it ordinarily hapneth the last came so hard pressing vpon the first that he could not possibly haue way to enter so to saue himselfe They seing this knowing the man cryed out that God the reuenger of Xauerius his iniury had by diuine iudgment debarred him of the refuge he desired And so he who before had contumeliously shut Xauerius out of doores being pursued by his enemies and endeauouring to saue his life by flying to the ChristiaÌ„s Church was himselfe shut out God permitting him to be serued in the like manner as he serued Xauerius CHAP. X. Liuing in the coast of Piscaria vvith great ioy and fruit of his labours he comforteth the Neophites vvho vvere much afflicted BVT it is incredible to thinke what abouÌ„dance of diuine consolation Xauerius fouÌ„d in these extreme labours of his Himselfe signified it in a letter which he wrote to the Society at Rome To which they shall do well to hearken who preferring earthly commodities before diuine thinke that the life of holy persons is without all comfort delight as though there were no place for pleasure where riches delicacies do not abound In a clause therfore of his epistle inuiting others of the Society to the same labours he writeth thus So great is the aboundance of the heauenly ioyes which God bestoweth vpon them who labour in this vineyard for the conuersion of the Indians to Christ that if there be any ioy in this life I thinke it only to be heere Neither did he auouch this without a true ground and of what he had not experienced in himselfe For being oftentimes in the midst of those labours ouerwhelmed with heauenly consolations he hath bin secretly heard to breake forth into these words I beseech thee O Lord do not euerwhelme me with such aboundance of ioyes in this life of if it please thee of thy infinite bounty that still I flow with these flouds of delights remoue me hence into heauen among the blessed for he that hath once had an inward tast of thy sweetnesse must needes liue a bitter life without thee Xauerius therfore liued a whole yeare in the coast of Piscaria with infinite labour and the like comfort and that which much increased his ioy was the great augmentation of the Christian faith For as it appeareth by his owne letters he baptized aboue a 1000. infants who presently after their Baptisme went to heauen Wherby we may gather what a multitude there were either of infants that liued or else of elder people whome he made members of Christs Church And it is well knowen that in that coast many villages some whole Townes were by him conuerted to the Christian faith When he had thus carryed and set in order the affayres of Christian Religion in the coast of Comorinum about the latter end of the yeare 1543. he returneth to Goa to deale in person with the viceroy of India concerning certaine important busines about Christian Religion Vpon this occasion he tooke with him some youths of the chiefe nobility of that Country both as pledges supplies for the Christian faith to be broght vp in learning in the Seminary of Goa for that by this tyme the Colledge there was for the most part built furnished Wherfore Borban not suffering Xauerius to lodge in the Hospitall of the sick as he was accustomed brought him home and of his owne accord gaue ouer to him the whole gouernment therof which he with the consent of the said Borban committed to Fa. Paul Camertes who was lately come from Mozambicum The fame of the admirable things which Xauerius had wrought in the coast of Piscaria was come to Goa before himselfe ariued thither and had much increased his esteeme aswell with others as with the viceroy of India who affected him exceedingly and therfore without difficulty he obteined of him whatsoeuer he desired Amongst other things the report being brought to Goa of those who were raysed to life in the coast of Comorinum made Xauerius name to be spread far and neere Wherfore Iames Borban by reason of his ancient familiarity taketh him aside and earnestly intreateth him that for the honour of God he would tell him the particulers of those who were reported to be raysed to life by his prayers in the Country of Comorinum At which words Xauerius his countenaÌ„ce was all dyed ouer with a virginall crimson-blush bewraying both his modesty the truth of the matter Endeauouring therfore as much as he could with truth to couer any matter which tended to his owne glory he imbraceth Borban in a friendly manner and smiling sayth Good Iesu I rayse dead men to life O wicked wretch that I am Certaine meÌ„ indeed brought to me a youth seeming to be dead who being by me commanded in the name of Christ to aryse presently rose vp this indeed and other such like things they who were present published abroad for miracles Yet this his couering of those miracles though his countenance sufficiently discouered the truth diminished nothing at all the credit of what was reported of him his humility therein being almost as admirable as the miracles themselues Xauerius hauing now dispatched the businesse for which he came and taking Francis Mansilla for his coÌ„panion returned againe into the coast of Piscaria vpon the 24. of March the next yeare following setleth himself to his old exercises of Charity He had now besides Mansilla 3. assistants Iohn Lesian a Spanish Priest two other Priests also of that couÌ„try who at Xauerius request weÌ„t thither for the same cause partly froÌ„ Goa partly from Cocinum Hauing made these men partners of his charge he neuer ceased going about baptizing infants exhorting others to do the same His labour was as much if not more then before and his difficultyes greater For being a stranger wholy ignorant of the Malauarian language in so much besides the Cathechisme he scarce knew one word therof yet liued he and conuersed amongst the Malauarian Neophytes without an interpreter which thing did not withstanding rather stirre vp then hinder his endeauours To baptize infants he had no need of an interpreter the poore and wretched people did of themselues open vnto him their miseries in such sort that he might easily vnderstand them He also by his study and endeauours came to be his owne interpreter for albeyt he were vnskillfull in the country tongue yet made he good shift to preach vnto the people expressing oftentimes by his contenance and gesture what he could not do in words But to keep an order and decorum in all things he called them not al together but caused the men the â—omen to come by turnes euery other day to the Caâ—echisme His chiefe care was to baptize infants and
the chiefe of the Kingdome and afterwards when it had gotten many graue abettors and furtherers at last is brought into the King Then the Noblemen euery one of them shewed how much benefit that Royall Citty had â—eaped by Ignatius his companions in so short a space and what great help all Portugall might hope from them if it could enioy them not as strangers for a â—yme but as perpetuall inhabitants thereof And that â—he good of Portugall and of that Princely Citty as â—eing his chiefe and Royall seate ought to be dearer â—nto his Maiesty then India Why therefore for the succour of barbarous Nations should he depriue his owne natiue Country of so excellent helps Why â—hould India abroad rather then Portuall at home be â—ore deare vnto him Wherfore if it seemed good vnâ—o his Maiesty as it did to them he should plant those worthy men as seeds of that generation in Portugall â—nd so erect a Seminary at hand which might supply â—hem with fit Priests to send into India The King approuing his Nobles opinion iudging it meet to prouide first for theÌ„ who were neerest to him leauing off for the present his determination of helping India resolued to detaine them both in Portugall to begin a Seminary of the same Institute Which as soone as Rodriguez Xauerius vnderstood by their friends being indeed moued at the vnexpected newes they presently certify Ignatius by letters of the Kings new determination asking him what they should do Who hauing acquainted his Holines with the busines thought it good to leaue it wholly to the Kings arbitrement nothing doubting but the treating thereof before him would make him thinke better of it Letters are at the same tyme dispatched from his Holines to the King and from Ignatius to his companions wherin the matter was left wholly to his maiesty But if he would know what Ignatius his opinion was therin it seemetd to him most conuenient that a separation should be made so as Rodriguez might stay in Portugall Francis go forward into India The King therfore following Ignatius his Counsaile sendeth for thâ—m both who being vncertayne what would be resolued off depended wholy vpon the diuine prouidence Then the King in a courteous manner as his custome was shewing them first what was granted to him from Rome concerning their disposall declareth what he had now resolued to wit That Simon should stay in Portugall to begin a Colledg at Conimbria which might be a Seminary for members to be sent into India and that Francis should go into his designed Prouince of the East Wherefore they should both with all speed prepare themselues with like diligence to their offices although they were different knowing that many times equall rewards are assigned for vnequall seruices God not respecting so much the worke as the good will wherwith it is done Heereupon Xauerius being presently changed from his great feare into great ioy gaue the King many thankes that he had granted his desire and had so prudently tempered the want of his companionâ— with the ioy he gaue him of the diuision that he promised not only to be gratefull but also to vse all care and diligence to be answerable for so great a benefit But Rodriguez being frustrated of his hope and desire and at the first stroken with such an vnexpected declaration shewed by his lookes and countenance to be somewhat troubled but presently recollecting himselfe he answered grauely and quietly almost to this effect That the taking of India from him had stroke him with such griefe to the hart that he was not able to coÌ„ceale it yet since Ignatius the King and his Holinesse agreeing all in one thing sufficiently declared it to be Gods holy will he would most willingly at his Maiesties commaund leaue off that employment for whose sake he had vndertaken it Wherfore he remained wholly at the Kings disposall and was glad that by beginning a Seminary he might also in some sort labour for India since he might hope to help them by his schollers whome he could not by himselfe Thus departing from the King each of them addressed their cares for the performance of their charge CHAP. XII Being ready to take shipping for India he receiueth from the King the Popes Letters patents of Legate Apostolicall refuseth to take any thing for the charges of his iourney FRANCIS therfore seeing his iorney to be approued by such euident signes both from God and men began to furnish himselfe for it not with prouision of victualls and other things necessary and conuenient but with pious meditations and profitable considerations For he would not vndertake so weighty a charge rawly vnprouidedly but with serious ponderation preparation and by thinking with himselfe now whilst he was at leasure of what he was afterwards to make vse that so he might not spend his tyme in speculation of that wherein he was to employ himselfe in the practise When the tyme drew neere for his iourney into India the King calling him is sayd to haue spoken vnto him particularly to his effect Francis Xauier our ships are ready the tyme that you haue so earnestly desired of going into India is now come For my part â— haue hitherto had so many and so great arguments both of your vertue prudence that I hould it needlesse to vse any exhortation vnto you presaging what will follow by that which is already past Yet that we may not seeme to be wanting in our duty we will as the saying is spurre on him who runneth already First therfore I commend vnto you the Ethincke Nations which are vnder our subiection endeauouring to vnite them to the Church that my dominions may not be further extended then Gods Religion Then out of our fatherly affection towards them I deliuer commit the Portugheses that remaine in those places to your trust in such sort that I would haue you supply the place of our beneuolence towards them You are not ignorant I know that Kings haue need of many hands and eyes for the gouernment of their kingdomes Wherfore I pray beseech you by that very God who is your guide and companion in this iorney â—hat as farre as you may with conueniency you â—ould diligently visit our garrisons there and afterwards certify vs of all things appertaining to Religiâ—n that so all impediments if there be any being â—eedily remoued the Christian Religion by your adâ—â—se and labour and by our assistance and authority â—ay spread it selfe ouer India and the East As for my â—â—lfe I will loose my kingdome before I will leaue off â—y desire to aduance Religion For I am resolued to â—mploy all the meanes and forces I am able for the â—ropagation therof It is your part to be answerable â—oth to the charge you haue vndertaken and to our â—esire What ayde or help soeuer either the honour of God or the Christian cause shall seeme to require â—emaund it confidently and it shall be granted
his mind manifestly shewed it selfe It hapned that as he was in the Church at Masse vpon the feast of S. Michael the Archangell before a great number of the inhabitants the whole Iland was vpon a suddaine so shaken with an earthquake that the Aultar it selfe seemed ready to be ouerturned Wherupon most of the people ranne away ech one whither their feare caryed them but Xauerius either as though he perceiued nothing or rather contâ—mning the feare went on constantly with his Masse saying the cause therof to be that S. Michaâ—l the Archangell did then with many torments throw downe all the Deuills of that couÌ„try into Hel who withstood Gods diuine honour so as he had more ado with men then with the deuils themselues For there wanted not some Idolaters both obstinate and potent who went about by threates feares to hinder the going forward of the Gospel But in vaine For Xauerius inuincible vertue and courage vpheld by diuine aide ouercame all things In a few monthes therfore he ranne ouer all the Christian Villages instructed an innumerable multitude of the inhabitants in the Christian precepts brought many to imbrace the faith of Christ How much fruit he heaped togeather may be hereby gathered in that it is said he made in one towne called Tolum â—5000 Christians And surely his labour was no lesse then the fruit For running to and fro so troublesome a country he suffered almost all the discommodities which could be imagined as penury want heate hungar thirst weary somnesse and dangers But as commonly the pleasure is proportionable to the paine so according to the multitude of his troubles he had coÌ„fortes to recreate his soule which how great they were may be coniectured by the clause of a letter of his to some of the same Society where hauing spoken of the barrennes of those parts of the want of all things These things saith he I haue for this end layd open vnto you that you may know what abundaÌ„ce of heauenly ioyes there be in these places For such labours dangers vndertaken wholy and willingly for Gods sake are treasuries filled with diuine and vnspeakeable consolations so that these Ilands may seeme most conuenient and apt to make one loose his eyes by shedding aboundance of most sweet teares I for my part do not remember that euer I was ouerflowed with so many so great and so continuall comfortes of mind in such sort as they wholy take from me all feeling of labours and miseries So Francis Who out of his endeauouring to bring this sauage Nation to lead a Christian life reaped no lesse fruite and comfort then labour and merit CHAP. IIII. He laboureth the second tyme amongst the Ternatians RETVRNING back from Maurica to the Moluca's he came againe to Ternate where being most ioyfully receaued by the Ternatians he stirreth vp the slouthfull to the pursuite of vertue and confirmeth those that were wauering But the ordinary course he kept was this Vpon holy dayes he preached twice a day in the morning to the Portugheses in the after-noone to the people of that Couutry exhorting the one to liue a good and vertuous life and instructing the other in the mysteries of the Christian faith and auerting them from worshipping of Idols Besides this euery day both before after noone he heard the Confessions as well of men as of women Vpon euery Wensday and Fryday he made an exhortation a part to the wiâ—es of the Portugheses who for the most part were of that country borne explicating the articles of the Creed of the ten Commandments and of the Sacraments of Confession and Communion It was then the tyme of Lent wherfore very many of them did piously religiously solemnize the Feast of Easter by receauing the sacred Eucharist from which they had vntill that time absteined But now Xauerius hauing bin long abroad was by the domesticall care of the Society at Goa called home againe Therfore he determined with all speed to passe ouer to Amboynum there to expect passage backe into India But the Gouernour of the Castle of Ternate the Sodality of Mercy and the other Portugheses by their earnest intreaty inforced him to stay yet a while at Ternate although it were not much against his will because he did not repent himself of the paines he tooke amongst theÌ„ In the meane time Francis had a great desire to try what good he could do vpon the barbarous King of Moluca who being tributary to the King of Portugall was in Religion a Saracen not so much by profession as in life For he was not held from becomming a Christian through any deuotion to Mahomet but through his owne exorbitant and licentious lust For besides whole troupes of Concubines he had 100. wiues dwelling with him in his Court. This King therfore being moued aswell by Xauerius courtesy as by his sanctity of life vsed him with all honourable respect notwithstanding that his Nobility openly repined thereat and he much desired his friendship giuing some hope that he would one day become a Christian as when he sayd that the Saracens and the Christians adore one God and a time would come when they should both professe one Religion But although he seemed to take delight in FraÌ„cis his company and discourse yet his immoderate sensuality of life kept him backe from being a Christian This thing only could at last be got of him that he promised one of his children wherof he had very many should be baptized vpon this condition that afterwards being a Christian he might be made King of the Iland of Maurica Xauerius therfore although the matter was not yet ripe being glad of that hope did so keep friendship with the King that he laboured neuerthe lesse in instructing the Country people For trying the disposition of the Ethnickes he found them to be farre lesse auerted from Christ then from Mahomet although they were by the Saracens compelled to the mahometicall superstitions and that the Saracens themselues being also ignorant of their owne profession were not found obstinate therin Supposing therfore that it would be easy to conuert them both if there were an house of the Society erected in Moluca he resolued by all meanes to do his best therein and at last by helpe of the King of Portugall who was a very great aduaÌ„cer of the Christian cause he fully accomplished the same In the meane time his chiefe care was to instruct the Portugheses and the neophytes which labour indeed proued not vnprofitable For within the space of six months all his paines were recoÌ„pensed with a most plentifull haruest of the Ternatians And he so applyed the townes men with godly Exhortations frequenting of Sacraments other holy exercises that in all mens iudgement they seemed to be another people then they had formerly byn and it is well knowen that the Christian Inhabitants thereof of an infinite number of Concubines which
they kept had put theÌ„ all away except only two Neither was there any thing which did the people more good then the opinion of his sanctity a very forcible argument to perswade especially when it is confirmed by signes from God For as he was once in the middest of a Sermon vpon a suddain he desired his Auditors to say deuoutlâ— a Pater and Aue for Iames Aegidius Admirall of the Portughese Nauy who was then a dying at Amboynum which was afterwards found to be true by assured testimonies This thing then much increased the peoples esteeme of Francis for the present and afterwards their desire to keep him Hauing remayned there now six months he prepared for his departure with intention to visit Amboynum agayne Wherefore out of the extraordinary loue which they bare vnto him the whole Citty came flocking with him to the Hauen And when he was ready to depart they brake forth into such a weeping and crying out calling him with their confused voyces Maister Guardian Father that euen pitty made him as though he had forgotten his iourney remayne a while in imbracing euery one of them for that his bowells were greatly moued towards this his flock and so hauing at last imbraced and conforted them all with most sweet words he with much ado tooke his leaue where at they bitterly wept and lamented CHAP. V. He fortelleth and is Authour of a notable Victory vvhich the Portugheses obtained against the Barbarians XAVERIVS being thus glad to see the Ternatians great deuotion was againe presently stroken with sad newes of the perfidiousnes of the Tolaneans Tolum as we sayd before is a Towne belonging to one of the Ilands of Maurica hauing in it many Christians newly planted there by Francis most of the inhabitaÌ„ts wherof eyther through feare of one Geliol a forraine Tyrant or else to curry fauour with him had reuolted both from the King of Portugall and the ChristiaÌ„ faith ouerthrowing the Church had in derision brooken the Crosses and images of Saints seizing also violently vpon the goods of the other faythfull â—ious Christians At this fact of their Xauerius being much afflicted left the same to God who would iudg his owne cause but the iniury done agaynst Heauen Earth armed them both with reuenge against the Authors therof And first God layd his heauy vengeance vpon them for their soile which in former tyâ—es had bin most fertile became wholy barrain their corne also in their barnes consumed away by an accursed putrefaction their waters of wholesome vpon a suddayne became bitter and infectious so as many of the people were taken away by famine and pestilence And as they were thus scourged with direfull wrath from heauen the Portugheses also came vpon their backes with a terrible warre For the Gouernor of the Moluca's Francis promising him that the warre should haue good successe sent presently a Nauy agaynst those perfidious Rebels together with a choice band of Portughese souldiars The chiefe Commaunder of the Nauy being encouraged by what Xauerius had foretould through confidence in Gods diuine assistance vndertooke the warre with great alacrity diligence notwithstanding he thought it not amisse before he ioyned battayle to send Messengers vnto them and offer them pardon if they would reclayme from their rebellion and so saue their liues But after they had sent backe their proud answere the Portugheses set on fire with reuenge march on towards the enemy There was a Castle scituated vpon an high place no lesse fortifyed by art then nature whereto also were added other deceipâ—full stratagems of the enemy For they being not ignoraÌ„â— of the war which the Portugeses were to make vpoÌ„ them had about the wals thereof for a good coÌ„paâ—le stroken into the ground certaine sharpe stakes armed with foure pointed nayles oâ— which the Portugheses might be forced to runne if they attempted to approach the Castle These engineâ— of theirs to defend theÌ„selues would not only haue defeated the Portugheses comming theron but haue also broght great annoyance vnto theÌ„ if Frâ—cis his prayers had not taken away the present danger opened the entrance which was shut vp agaynst them The Portugheses were not yet landed when it appeared how meruailous God himself did fight for them The Sunne about the tyme of midday being ouercast with a suddain cloud made the day as darke as the night wheÌ„ as in the toppe of a mountayne hard by there brake forth with horrible crackes roaring a filthy loathsome fire which continued three daies three nights Wherupon an huge great quantity of ashes stones the like wherof was neuer seene before being cast vp out of the earth did not only couer the forsaid stakes but also made the ground leuell with the toppe of the Castle And behould whilst the Barbarians were astonished at this vnexpected accident there happened another thing which strooke a greater terrour into theÌ„ For at the very same time a wonderfull strang earthquake ouerthrew an infinite number of houses in the Citty Now when the Tolanes had endured these miseries for some dayes the Portugheses came vpon theÌ„ with al their forces But yet it cannot be properly called a battaile for most of the enemies were either oppressed with the falling of the houses or else were fled for feare and the heapes of stones which were cast out of the Earth carryed them vp easily to scale the wals of the Castles And thus the Fort Towne and whole Country were subdued without any battaile at all and peace granted them who were conquered vpon certaine conditions wherof the chiefe were that they should againe build vp the Church which they had ouerthrowne restore the goods taken from the Christian people finally imbrace againe the Christian religion which they had once before receaued The Barbarians saw certainly that this memorable victory was obteined more by diuine then humane force But the Portugheses did absolutly attribute the miraculous burning of the mountaine the suddain heaping together of the ashes stones to FraÌ„ncis his merâ—â—s who like another Mâ—yses had obteined diuine assistance for them whilst they fought against the enemyes of God who as he had fauoured the warre so had he also affoarded speciall ayde therunto CHAP. VI. He againe visiteth Amboynum and laboureth still amongst them HAVING in this time well increased and setled Christian religion in Ternate he sayled backe to Amboynum with intention to returne thence into India after his long absence froÌ„ those parts to visit the Society wherof was he superiour which was now much increased by the arriuall of new supplyes from Europe Now whilest the passengers were in the midst of their way discoursing merrily amongst themselues Francis on a suddain stepping forth from the company wherein he was with great vehemency and griefe of mynd cryed out Good Iesu what is this they kill the man Whereupon the rest being amazed at the suddaynes of the thing ranne
was bound to prouide for Francis his necessiâ—ies had without his knowledge receiued of the Porâ—ugheses some mony more freely then discreetly vnder the colour of Almes Which wheÌ„ Xauerius vnderstood as he was no lesse sharp in reprehending then diligeÌ„t in obseruing holy pouerty he presently banished him for a time into an Iland neere by lying right agaynst the hauen of Malaca which had in former times byn well stored with inhabitants but was now left desolate Durus therefore liuing there saw vpon a time in a certaine Church whether awake or asleep is vncertayne the mother of God sitting at the high Aultar vpon a cushion vnder a Canopy richly adorned with her he saw the child Iesus who endauoured to allure Durus being much ashamed of his fault by sweet meanes to come vnto his mother She at first as though she had byn angry turned from him put him away then when after he had humbly intreated and beseeched her to pardon him she at last receyued him and admonishing him of certayne faults she left him suddaynly and togeather with her child Iesus mounted vp to heauen This vision was altogether secret no mortall man knowing thereof but Durus himselfe nor had he spoken thereof to any Being therefore after a while called backe to Malaca and making his confession to Xauerius as his custome was he sayd nothing of the vision But Francis knowing it by diuine reuelation asketh him what that was which happened to him lately in a Church of the Iland where he was To me quoth he I remember nothing The Father gently vrged him to tell but Durus refused vtterly denied to haue seene any thing being in this maÌ„ner oftentymes asked so obstinate he was to haue concealed the matter forgetfull both of obedience Religion he still answeared from the purpose Then Francis wheÌ„ he saw that he had to do with one of so obdurate a nature began himself to recount euery thing in particular as if he had byn present Whereat Durus stood like one amazed and being filled with an holy feare declareth all the matter in order as it hapned and so at last the good Father receiued him agayne into his friendship But this truth being wrunge out of Durus by diuine reuelation made him more obseruant heerafter vnto Xauerius easier in yelding to the truth Who after Francis his death declared all this vpon his oath with a notable testimony of his incomparable sanctity CHAP. VIII At Malaca he procureth a Nauy to be set forth agaynst the Acenians enemies of Christianity AFTER this there hapned another accideÌ„t which made Xauerius name much spoken of in Malaca The thing certainly is very remarkeable by reason of diuers prophesies which hapned in the passage thereof and therfore must be recounted at large lest the breuity of the narration should diminish the truth and euidency of the matter From the Iland of Somatra which as we haue said is scituated right ouer agaynst Malaca a strong nauy of the King of the Acenians arriued there in the dead of the night The Barbarians had in charge some to inuade the Castle others to set fyre on the Portughese shippes which lay in the hauen Therfore so soone as they were landed and with all speed they set vp ladders to the Castle to haue surprized the same at vnawares But they deceyued not the Portugheses For the garrison being instantly raysed by the watch armed themselues and with inuincible courage beat backe the enemy But now the businesse of their ships in the Hauen succeeded not so fortunately For the Barbarians fell fiercely vpon the same at vnawares and in the darke of the night set on fire their principall shippes striking there withall such a terrour into the Portughese marriners that they stood wholy amazed like men without sense not knowing what aduise or course to take to help themselues In the meane space the Barbarians being out of danger stood looking on and reioicing to see the Christians Nauy on a flaming fire And so at last with a most clamorous shout and outcry they departed insulting ouer the Portugheses and Christians as though they had gotten a notable victory The Barbarians not content with this hauing in their returne met with certayne Christian fisher-meÌ„ vpon the sea they manifested vpon them a most insoleÌ„t cruelty For after they had cut of their noses eares heeles they sent them to the Gouernour of Malaca with a letter written with their bloud wherein most proudely and insolently they prouoked him to battaile When the fisher-men had giuen this letter to the Gouernour he caused it to be publickly read before the Souldiers who were no lesse moued at the insolent brutishnes of their enemies then at the miserable spectacle of their friends who were thus mangled disfigured by their wounds and euery one had his hart full of pitty and indignation Whilst they were in this perplexity and trouble of mind Xauerius by chance commeth newly from saying masse in the Church of the Hospital in the suburbs where he lodged according to his former custome And euery one might see that the Barbarous Acenians had done this out of their naturall hatred to Christian Religion and in contempt of the Portugheses The Gouernour therfore named Simon Mello asked Francis his aduise what he iudged fit to be done vpon such an affront offered He by diuine instinct as afterwards appeared tould him that he thought it best to send out some shippes presently after the enemy who was yet in sight by setting vpon them of their owne accord to quit themselues of this disgrace to the end the Barbarians might be taught by their owne harme to abstaine from doing iniury to others And this he thought best to be done the rather because he saw that this publicke disgrace was not offred so much to the Portugheses and their King as to Christ himselfe to all Christians and that by no meanes it was to be indured that the Portugheses Christians so renowned for their fortitude should be now accounted cowards and made a laughing-stock to their enemies For who seeth not quoth he that Christianity wil be ouerthrowne if barbarous people be suffered not only to hate it but also to vse it contemptibly Wherfore he willed them to take courage worthy of Christian souldiars and with alacrity pursue the barbarous enemy with all hope confidence for although they were inferiour to them in forces yet their cause was better and had also God to fight for them whose cause they mantayned For certainly he would not faile to assist them whilst they behaued them selues manfully in that pious conflict and that through his fauourable conduct they should remayne victors Xauerius counsell was approued of all that were present but they wanted shippes to put the same in execution for there were but only seauen left which had escaped burning and these also much impayred through tempestuous weather at sea stood in need of reparation before
yeares before Xauerius came thither The Country is very cold vnpleasant to the eye in many places mountanous and barrayne yet for the most part chaÌ„pion enterlaced with many fayre riuers by nature fertile although they do not till the ground by reason of their continuall warres so as it is more fit for vines oliues if it were ther with planted for want whereof there be very few vineyards and no oliues at all and yieldeth rather Rice then Corne. Neyther do there want mines of gold but skill to make it yet chiefly it excelleth in siluer mines for which cause it is called Argentaria Notwithstanding for that the Inhabitants are debarred from trafficque with the Chineses in tymes past it wanted many things which now the Portugheses haue by their commercement lately supplyed not without great profit to theÌ„selues And although there be frequent Hauens in the whole Country yet the Iland Ximus both because it hath more store of Port Townes and lyeth most commodious for the shippes that come from India is most of all frequented by the Portughese merchants There was at that tyme one King who ruled ouer all Iaponia called by the inhabitantes Dayrus whose raygne because Kingly Maiesty was now â—worne out amongst the Nobles began to depend vpon their pleasures The people of Iaponia compared with the Indians are white of complexion by nature most warlike and in vertue and vprightnesse doe farre exceed all other Nations which haue â—byn found out of late Xauerius therefore making his â—abode at Cangoxima which is the principall Citty of Saxuma before he would aduenture to set vpon the Iaponians soules thought best to seek out first all kind of wayes meanes how to do it chiefly to inquire of their manners religions And hauing diligently sounded them all out he found the matter for the most part thus to stand to wit that the whole Nation was of a very tractable disposition and for the most part cannot endure any double dealing They haue no great store of gold riches or wealth and therfore as most commonly where there is least money there also is least seeking after it their study is least about such kind of things Neyther do they account any thing more dishonourable then to increase their wealth substance by trafficque or any other art So as their manner of lyfe is vpheld by the direction of pouerty yet in such sort that they hyde the same with a neat and handsome adorning of their bodyes They stand very much vpon their dignity and reputation so that you would thinke them therin most perfectly to resemble the auncient Romans They do all for the most part euen children place their greatest delight in martiall affayres nor do they ordinarily take content in any thing else Notwithstanding which is incredible to be spoken or heard although they be of such couragious spirits and so much giuen to bearing of armes yet they absteyne from all quarrels amoÌ„g themselues reseruing the vse of their weapons for tyme of warre agaynst their enemies For the Iaponians haue such gouernement ouer themselues and their passions that they seeme therein to be of the sect of Stoickes And to see a Iaponese brawling chafing or wrangling one with another is amongst them accounted a monstrous thing Wherfore the better to auoid all occasion of contentions they neuer deale about any businesse of importance or coÌ„trouersy by themselues but by a third person And this they obserue not only with strangers but also with their friends and those of the same household with them wherby they conserue quiet of mynd in themselues and peace with others They take very great delight in hunting in so much that they eate no flesh which is not gotten by that meanes They can no more endure mutton swines-flesh beefe or veale then we can dogges or horse-flesh They absteine from milke and cheese as we do from raw bloud They keep hennes and geese not so much to eate as for their recreation pleasure They do therefore seldome eate flesh which when they doe is alwayes Venison They feed for the most part on fish fruite herbes and rice and by the meanes of their temperate dyet they are very sound and healthfull liuing ordinarily vntill they be very old vnlesse they meete by chance with some violent or vntimely death At least we may learne by this their liuing so well vpon a little that Nature is content with few things although sensuality be neuer satisfied Adulteries are with them most seuerely punished They absteine altogeather from dyce-playing and such like games deeming that by those meanes men become desirous of others goods They are also so farre from theft and robbery that they iudg nothing more vnworthy in a man for which cause they condemne felons to the gallowes the most disgracefull of all punishments amongst them They vse cleanlinesse in their dyet neatnesse in their attyre and most courteous ciuility in all their meetings salutations and conuersation wherein the men are not more exact then the children nor the Nobility then the Country people You would belieue they were all trayned vp togeather to ciuill and courtly behauiour in the same Kings Court But these guifts of nature are obscured by pride a malady deeply rooted in this Nation For they so contemne other nations in respect of themselues that they are for the most part very arrogant and insolent in their carriage towards strangers This one thing only excepted they want nothing but the light of the Ghospell being of themselues a nation if there be any in the world borne and in a manner framed to al ciuility For euen the country people themselues are very ingenious desirous of learning in so much that as euery thing seemeth most conformable to reason so they do most willingly imbrace it They are very attentiue to discourses especially of God and diuine matters They are moreouer commonly very good schollers therfore so much the more apt to receiue Christian discipline Now when Xauerius had vnderstood these and many other things which for breuities sake I omit of the disposition manners of the Iaponians making also iniquity after their Priests Religions he found things standing almost in this manner to wit that they account those things most of all their Gods by whose meanes they receiue help Some therefore do worship the Sunne others the Moone and others other Gods There be also among them certayne Men held for Gods which they had from the Chineses Amongst whome are Xacas and Amidas But there is no greater villanny or impurity then among their Priestâ— whome they call Bonzies so that you may easily know whose Ministers they be For hauing brought in that heynous sinne which is not heere to be named of preposterous lust they haue cast such a thicke mist before the Iaponians eyes that being not able to discerne such impurities they commonly account that most detestable crime of al
midst of such disgracefull reproaches and conâ—â—melious words especially when they heard that he â—as come out of Europe into Iaponia through such â—uge and vast seas for no other end but only out of â—â—ale to teach them a new Religion At last his strange vertue sanctity of lyfe began 〈◊〉 be held in great admiration and reuerence and to â—anifest it selfe not only by words but by deeds also â—hereupon many Noblemen desirous to know more â—rticularly what Religion that was which he had â—ought out of the other world sent for him home to â—eir houses promising of their owne accord that 〈◊〉 he could yield good reasons of those ceremonies â—hich he had introduced amongst them they would â—referre them before those of their owne Country â—ut this indeed was now a businesse not consisting 〈◊〉 the wil or any indeauour of ours but in the mercy â—f God There were diuers others also who heard these â—hings but most of them attended therto more with â—heir corporall eares then with any interiour desire â—hey had to imbrace them Xauerius hauing thus spent â—ome dayes in the streetes and in priuate houses not without fruit was at last sent for by the King himâ—elfe who demaunded of him his Country and the cause of his comming into Iaponia He answered that â—e was a Spaniard borne and came thither to preach â—nto them the law of God out of the care and zeale which he had of their saluation For that none could be saued who did not acknowledge God the Creatour of this vniuersall World and Iesus Christ his only Sonne the Sauiour of all Nations and moreouer keep his diuine lawes and Precepts Whereupon being commaÌ„ded by the King to declare what that law was he willingly obeyed began to recite the same out of the booke which he had written He was heard with great attention and admiration for the space of an hower or there about But the barbarous King being better disposed to heare then to performe those heauenly things was carelesse of what was sayd Xauerius then applying himselfe againe to his former function of preaching as custome doth by little and little qualify the most vnruly dispositions found the minds of the people more indifferently disposed and began to reape more fruit of his labours For that now very many gaue willing eare to the admirable passages of our Sauiours life which he recounted But when he came to relate his bitter torments and most vnworthy death they could not conteine themselues from weping the same seeming euen to the Barbarians harts so greatly to deserue compassion Thus Mercy it selfe opened the way vnto Religion some began already to be Christians But Francis thinking it not worth his labour to remaine any longer in that Citty determined to go vnto Meaco with intention to demand of that King who by reason of the amplitude of his Empire is called the great King permissioÌ„ to preach the Ghospell For he had vnderstood that Meaco was the noblest and chiefest Citty of all Iapon and very famous as wel for the greatnes therof as for the fame of the Colledges being also a prime Academy multitude of ConueÌ„ts therin in so much that at his first entrance into Iaponia he was in the mind to haue gone directly thither But God fauouring those of Cangoxima the ships as we said before arriued thither first where hopes of good successe for the Christian Cause had longer deteyned him then the fruit which he reaped therby Being resolued therfore to go vnto Meaco he tooke with him for his companions Iohn Fernandez of the Society and Bernard a Neophyte of Iaponia a sincere good man the first that became Christian at Cangoxima CHAP. VI. Of the great paynes vvhich he tooke in his iourney to Meaco THE Citty of Meaco standeth almost in the midst of the Iland as it were the Nauil of Iapon It is distant from Amungucium which is scituate in the first entraÌ„ce of the Iland not aboue 150. miles by a direct lyne But the way of passing thither is much longer by reason of the montaynes and the many turnings windings about those narrow armes of the sea Thither did Xauerius direct his iorney in the yeare 1550. and month of October at what tyme the weather is very could and bitter in Iapon The way was then not only rough and craggy but couered also with perpetuall snow which the hard frosty winter had congealed togeather Throughout the woods there hunge downe from the trees as it were certaine ysicles like beames of cogealed Snow and Ice threatning death and destruction to all passengers who trauayled that way Besides this there was no small daunger in respect of the continuall ciuill warres wherewith the whole Country was then exceedingly pestered as also of the great number of theeues wherewith those woods and wayes were ordinarily yea daily haunted and infested Notwithstanding all these many other vnspeakable miseries of the way Xauerius hauing his mynd wholy fixed vpon the Diuine Prouidence and Saluation of Soules vndertooke with incredible ioy and iubilation of hart that so long and daungerous a ioâ—ney entring into the same euen in the most vnseasonable tyme of the yeare And that he might the more freely passe through so Barbarous a Countrey and sauage a Nation and withall to enioy the company and commodity of a Guide in so tedious and vncouth a iourney he maketh himself a seruant and becommeth a Lacky to a certayne Iaponian Gentleman of that Countrey who by chance he met withall trauayling a horsebacke vpon businesse to Meaco accounting it an honourable thinge to serue a Barbarian or Infidell euen in the basest office for Christ his sake Francis therefore running a foote by his Maisters side ouer and aboue the burden of his owne furniture for saying of Masse and administring of other Sacraments he carryed at his backe his Maysters implements and baggage who rode on horsebacke and euen disdayned to carry his owne necessaries himself when he found commodity of another to do it for him Besides the Iaponian when he was to passe through any theeuish place for feare of â—obbing spurred on his horse more like one that were running a race then an ordinary trauayler by the way and this without any compassion at all of his Lacky whome he saw was not able to follow him keeping on that pace especially through such durty and vneuen way and with so heauy a burden on his backe Therefore for the most part he was forced to trauayle barefoote by reason of the many and often slowes and plashes of water he met withall and other little brookes that he was to passe ouer In so much that hauing his feete oftentymes greatly swollen with snow and cold weather he trauayled with exceeding great payne being also partly through running after his Mayster and partly through the weight of both his burdens that he carryed at his backe euen wholy spent and tyred out Besides being
manner of abyding place the blessed haue or by whose power soules are thrust downe into Hell there was no mention at all amongst them only they spread abroad certayne old wiues tales of the Authours of their Religion among whome one Xacas and Amidas were esteemed the principall Gods who of their owne accord vnderwent most grieuous and very long paynes to saue the rest Of these Sectes some of them conteyne 300. precepts others fiue hundred yet they all hold that there be fiue points only necessary to saluation wherby is forbidden Murder Eating of any liuing creature that is killed Theft Adultery Lying the Drinking of Wine These the Bonzies the Bonziâ—sses vndertooke to satisfy for the people who being hindred through the cares affayres of the Citty could not obserue these lawes but yet vpon this conditioÌ„ that they should allow them houses to dwel in yearely reuenewes other maintenance withal forsooth should do them honour reuerence Wherupon the wealthier sort of people and the Nobility that they might haue freer leaue to sin accepting of the conditions gaue then readily whatsoeuer they demaunded making no doubt but the Bonzies prayers would rescue them euen out of hell it self Besids this the Bonzies begge almes of all men but giue to none Now when Xauerius had found out these other such like things turning the Iaponians own practises as weapons against themselues he began in such sort to deale with the Bonzies before the people as that by euident arguments and reasons he ouerthrew their counterfaite fictions But especially he demonstrated vnto them that none could by the Bonzies prayers be freed from the torments of Hell seeing that it was certayne they did not obserue those conditions themselues which they had vndertaken to obserue for others For it was manifestly knowen that they being now fallen froÌ„ their ancient discipline vsed to drinke wine to eate flesh priuately and publikely to Lye and commit Adultery Whereupon the people when they saw the Bonzies false dealing laid open before their face began to be all-enraged and to complayne that they had by their treachery byn deceaued and robbed of their goods The truth whereof the Bonzies themselues were driuen at last to confesse saying that vnlesse they had by their wits vpheld themselues they should infallibly haue perished with hunger And so from this tyme forward they not only suffred many losses but foule disgraces also Then Xauerius vnderstanding by the relation of of some Iaponians his friends by their ancient written Records that Xacas and Amidas had liued full out two thousand yeares and that Xacas had byn borne eight thousand tymes and much other such like stuffe deseruing rather to be laughed at then recounted he presently with great instance set himselfe to canuase out these idle fables shewing that they were not Gods but diuelish Monsters Whereto when the Benzies themselues the Sorcerers other aduersaryes of God being vtterly vanquished had nothing to say the Christians were indeed very glad and much coÌ„firmed in the fayth and course which they had vndertaken And the Ethnickes that were present perceiuing their Maysters errours began to stagger in their owne Religion and by litle and litle retyred themselues to the standard of Christ The Bonzies againe vrged Francis with the authority of the Chineses from whome the Iaponians had fetcht their Religion and therfore that the Iaponians would certainly neuer change their Religion and ceremonies vnlesse the Chineses first changed theirs Wherfore he should goe and carry the Ghospell thither first and bring the Chineses vnder the yoke of Christ and when he had so done then would Iaponia also willingly imbrace the faith and Religion that he taught But these sayings of the Bonzies were litle or no hindrance at all to Xauerius endeauours who went on neuer the slower with that which he had resolued vpon The Iaponianâ— who had neuer heard any thing at all of the Creation of the Sunne Moone Starres celestiall Globes Land Sea Soules other things did not for the most part acknowledge any author or maker of the world When Francis therfore shewed them that God was the Creatour of all things and especially of soules they wondred very much that such a beginning of all things had bin wholy hidden and vnknowen not only to the Iaponians but also to the Chineses from whence they had their Religion At last their admiration came to this that looke how much they reuerenced Xauerius the Christian Religion so much they detested the Bonzies the Iaponian Sectes By these disputations therfore Xauerius did so vexe the whole generatioÌ„ of the Bonzies that they who before his comming were continually iarring amongst themselues about their owne Lawes new leauing off that quarrell there was no other speach among them but of the law of God And euery day there came many who asked of Francis diuers questions as whether there were one beginning of good bad things And whether that were good or bad it self When he replyed that there was but one beginning of all and that good in the highest degree they alleadged against him the euill spirits enemies of mankind who were certaynly knowne to be naught If then God were good why did he create such detestable creatures as they were Then Xauerius answered that God had created them all good who by their owne fault were become bad and therfore were tormented eternally in Hell But then they vrged him why did God permit men whome he had created to serue him to be deceyued by the Deuils And why had he not created their affections rather inclined to vertue then proue to vice To which Francis demonstrated that man was free by nature had diuine helps at hand both to combat and get the victory if he would make vse therof and withall shewed that al mankind was framed to honest and vertuous carriage but was by the sinne of their Parents and their owne faults growne depâ—aued Then they fly from mans fault to Gods seuerity aske him Why he made that infernall prison of Hell the greatest of all euills And why would â—e neuer shew mercy to them that be condemned to eâ—ernall torments Xauerius contrary wise declared vnâ—â— them that such was the Maiesty of God and so â—reat his benefits bestowed vpon all men and euery â—ne in particular that there could be no torment fouÌ„d 〈◊〉 great which was not due to man for his abominaâ—â—e wickednes who being a base worme of the earth â—urst violate the infinite power of Almighty God yet â—â—ch againe was the diuine Mercy Clemency that 〈◊〉 alwayes punished lesse then was deserued These many other such things were heard with â—â—ceeding good liking so as they were all easily satisâ—â—ed But that which troubled theÌ„ most was that God â—â—emed neither bountifull nor indiffereÌ„t who hauing â—are of all other Countries besides Iaponia had neuer â—eclared himselfe to the Iaponians before Francis his â—omming thither
wherwith the Name of the Bonzies was for euer branded droue them presently into a tumult and vprore Wherupon the dores of all the Temples in the Royall Citty were shut and an Interdict put vpon the people Nobility so as now the businesse was come vnto a commotion amongst the vulgar when as the King by his prudent dissembling the matter did easily allay both the tumult of the one and sedition of the other In this meane time the Portugeses partly fearing the vprore of the common people and partly the Bonzies rage had with-drawne themselues into the Hauen counsayling Xauerius also to giue way vnto the time quit himself of the present danger But he alleadging that the Cathecumens would be therby left succourlesse and desolate vtterly refused Wherupon the Portugheses being in great care and sollicitude least they should leaue so worthy a man in the hands of Barbarians thought it very expedient that Gama himself should go backe into the Citty to draw him thence before any mischance hapned vnto him and in the meane tyme they would expect him in the Road vntill he returned backe with Xauerius 〈◊〉 therfore hastning to the Citty in a little boate findeth Francis in a poore Cottage instructing one of that Country who was preparing himselfe for baptisme and sheweth him the charge which the Portugheses had giuen him to fetch him away sometimes alleadging reasons for the same then againe intreaâ—ing him that he would auoyd the present storme of persecution which was comming vpon him from the Bonzieâ— But Xauerius being endowed not only with an vndaunted courage against dangers out desirous also to encounter euen with death it selfe for Christ his sake O how fortunate quoth he would he be if any one of vs should chance to suffer that which you are so much afrayd of I for my part know well inough that I 〈◊〉 not worthy of so great an honour yet if the diuine bounty please to bestow such a fauour vpon me although not deseruing it God forbid I should refuse it Wherfore in that you aduise me so earnestly to prouide for my selfe by flying away I thanke you acknowledge my selfe much obliged to you for your great loue but I neither may nor can in conscience do as you counsaile me For what greater calamity caÌ„ befall those whome we haue lately begotten vnto Christ then being forsaken by their Father to be exposed to the rage and fury of the Bonzies And what can be more gratefull to the Bonzies then for him to giue backe to their threats who neuer shruncke at their arguments and by disgracefully flying away to loose the honour of the victory already gotten against them and to leaue the spoyle behind vs As for my selfe I will neuer by Gods grace suffer that my feare may be an incouragement to the wicked atteÌ„pts of Christ enemies For we haue to deale with those who be terrified by our confidence and confirmed in their presumption when they perceiue vs once to be afrayd G. e too therfore since now you know what my absolute determination resolution is returne backe to your Companions who expect you I see well how much you are bound to assist them in their merchandize but I know withall what obligation I haue to so bountiful and mercyfull a God who for my sake other mens saluation hath suffred death yea the death of the Crosse This he spake with weeping eyes and with such forcible words and so inward a feeling that Gama not daring to reply one word to the contrary like a man wholy amazed returned backe vnto the ships When therefore he had related to the Portugheses how all had passed betweene him and Francis he tould them plainely that since he was bound by the agreement he had made with them to carry their merchandize to Cantona an hauen towne of the Chineses he would there leaue them his ship to do with it as they pleased But for himselfe he was absolutely and fully resolued to come backe agayne to Bungo and eyther to defend Xauerius or els to dye with him This incomparable fidelity of the Gouernour wrought very affectually in the pious mynds of the Portugheses Whereupon when they had all togeather commended his resolution they also offer themselues to accompany him in so glorious an aduenture striuing withall who should be most forward therin so as presently they returned backe agayne with their ships into the hauen intending there expect the euent of the businesse This newes greatly comforted both Xauerius and the Cathecumens and withall tormented and euen brake the Bonzies harts being a people very audacious where they see others fearefull and very cowards when they perceyue them resolute CHAP. XV. â—auerius getteth a nevv victory ouer the Chiefe of the Bonzies THE Bonzies therefore falling from open violence to priuate plottes came togeather in great troupes to the King making earnest suite vnto him that he would coÌ„â— and the disputation betweene Ficarondono Francisâ—oncerning â—oncerning Religion which had byn broken of to be â—gaine renewed The King at first was no wayes incliâ—ed therto but yet vpon certaine conditions he at last â—ondescended To wit that the busines might be carâ—â—ed without clamours falling into chollar That â—or deciding of matters which might occurre in any â—oÌ„trouersy there should be appointed certaine arbitraâ—ours not any of the Bonzies but of other indifferent moderat men whose office should be to iudge what was granted and confirmed on eyther part and to see â—hat the arguments were made according to the rule â—f reason That the disputation ended the said arbitraâ—ours and the other Auditours should giue their senâ—ence of euery article of Religion disputed and that which was confirmed by the greater part of voyces â—hould be held for certaine ratified And lastly that the Bonzies should neyther by themselnes nor others hinder any froÌ„ being Christians that desired the same There conditioÌ„s were not so much approued as acceted off by the Bonzies because they could not indeed refuse them The next day therfore commeth Ficarondono to the Court with aboue 3000. other Bonzies in his company so as one would haue thought he had bin going into the field with an army But the King out of his prudence admitted only foure of al that nuÌ„ber alleaging the danger of a tumult and the disgrace also which might come therof vnto the Bonzies for whome it could not be any credit if it should be spread abroad that 3000. Bonzies had disputed with one only forreine Priest Neither were the Portugheses failing in their affections towards Francis For being aduertised of this his new combat with the Bonzies they came againe vnto the Citty in a brauer maÌ„ner theÌ„ before in so much that the pompe they came in and the singular reuerence which they vsed towards Xauerius did greatly amaze the Bonzies When the company was assembled the King first asketh of Ficarondono what reason he could alledge why a new
excessiue ioy that euen the memory â—f Xauerius who first of all brought the Ghospel into â—aponia might also seeme heerin to triumph Yet was there one thing which did not a little â—ouble Xauerius mind for that he had wrought so â—â—all good amongst the Nobility of Iaponia whose â—â—thority euer beareth great sway among the people â—nd that neuer a one of them had receiued his wholsome counsayles That which most hindred this businesse was the great authority of the Chineses from whome the Iaponians had receaued their Religion which the Bonzies of Bungo and Amangucium commonly vsed for their starting hole when they were ouerpressed by Xaucrius saying If the Christian Religion were true why did not the Chineses approue of it Moreouer the King of Bungo his example was no small blocke in their way who being very famous both for prudence and learning seemed in his iudgment to disallow therof all that tyme because he did not imbrace it When Francis therfore saw that the Iaponians could not be won to submit their vnderstanding to the true Faith vnlesse the superstition of the Chineses were first ouerthrowne he resolued to lay his battery to the principall Fort it selfe with great hope and confidence that if he could once draw the Chineses to the standart of Christ the Iaponians would easily follow their example OF THE LIFE OF S. FRANCIS XAVIER THE V. BOOKE Intending to passe into China he determineth first to returne into India CHAP. I. THE Confines of China are distant from Iaponia where the sea is narrowest not aboue 200. miles This kingdome in the continent is far the greatest peaceablest of all the East It is a Countrey inferiour to none for number of goodly wealthy Cittyes and Townes replenished not only with store and plenty of people and all other things but also with excellent wits and liberall sciences It is ruled by one sole Monarch whose becke all do obay And certayne it is that there is not any Prince in the whole world who hath eyther his subiects or officers more at command then â—e The King himself attendeth rather to moderation in his gouernement then Power ruling wholy by the aduise of the Senate according to the lawes of the Kingdome You would thinke it to be rather a Commonwealth then a Kingdome so great a sway doth counsayle and equity beare therein The people of the Country in fauour are like to the Iaponians white of complexion and ingenious but not so much giuen to warre As for the Bonzies the Priests of their Gods they are of litle or no reputation and esteeme amongst theÌ„ for that the opinion of their sanctity is long since worne out of date There is almost no Nation more apt then they to receyue the Christian Religion were it not that Luxury and the craft of the Diuel did hinder the same For by Sathans meanes who is there euen afrayd of himselfe the whole country is so kept as it were locked vp that it affoardeth no entrance at all to Preachers of the Ghospell it being enacted by the most ancient Lawes of the Realme that all strangers whatsoeuer be excluded excepting only the Embassadours of Princes In so much that it is a death for any one to come thither without commaund from the King Xauerius vnderstanding this began to thinke how he mightworke himselfe in amongst them And it came to his mynd to returne agayne into India there to deale with the Viceroy and Bishop of Goa concerning the sending of an Embassage to the King 〈◊〉 the China and so he going as companion to the Emâ—ssadour when he had gotten entrance might bring 〈◊〉 the Ghospell amongst the Chineses And because so 〈◊〉 any People and Prouinces were gouerned by the â—â—mmand of one King it seemed as an euident token â—oÌ„ God that the propagation of ReligioÌ„ there would 〈◊〉 the more easy Wherefore he was not out of hope â—â—t that as it had in tymes past happened in the Roâ—â—an Empire Religion begining with the King himâ—â—â—fe who was head of the whole Country it might 〈◊〉 conueyed to all the rest of the Prouinces of China 〈◊〉 members of the same Kingdome He had now remayned two whol yeares in Iaponia â—â—d had not only vnited many to the flocke of Christ 〈◊〉 the chiefe kingdomes therof but procured places â—â—so of abode for those of the society when as he begaÌ„ 〈◊〉 thinke of returning into India Besides the cause â—â—herof we now spake of procuring an Embassage to â—â—e sent into China the sollicitude care of his owne â—â—ociety inuited him also home not that he was so â—â—uch troubled for the great distance of place from â—â—em or for any longing desyre he had to see them â—â—ut that he deemed he ought not so to employ himâ—â—lfe in gaining of Ethinckes to Christ as wholy to â—bandon the flocke company which was commitâ—d to his charge both by Christ and Ignatius For â—â—lthough he often vnderstood by letters from Indiaâ—hatsoeuer â—hatsoeuer was done by those of the society there yet â—â—e remembred well the Prouerbe that sayth The â—â—ore part of the head is better then the hinder that â—igilant pastours ought to viâ—it their flockes with their owne eyes rather then with other mens He therfore determined hauing now bin long absent to visit the Society in India wherof he was Superiour to send some thence into Iaponia and after hauing setled all things there and procured the forsaid Embassage to go presently into China CHAP. II. Going into China he recouereth by his prayers a Cocke-boate vvhich vvas carryed avvay by the violence of a tempest BEING therfore inuited to China by the opportunity of a Portughese ship which was going thither he togeather with the King of Bungo his Embassadour who weÌ„t with presents to the Viceroy of India imbarketh in the moneth of Nouember yeare of our Lord 1551. He tooke with him out of Iaponia Matthew and Bernard two of that Country whome he had there baptized inteÌ„ding afterwards to send them to Rome that others might behold them as a patterne of the Iaponian Nation and they likewise benefit themselues by seeing the dignity Maiesty of the Church of Christâ— that so hauing byâ— eye witnesses of the glory and riâ—â— ches of that Church especially at Rome they might returning home agayne cause the Iaponians to coâ—â— â—â—yue a worthy esteeme of the Christian Religion â—â—y relating vnto them what themselues had seene Departing therefore from Iaponia with a prospeâ—ous wynd they found this their nauigation afterâ—ards very various remarkable for miracles The â—â—auenth day after they had put to sea there arose vâ—â—on a suddaine a cruell tempest which by mayne forâ—â—e violence carryed away their ship into a sea whoâ—â— vnknowne to the marriners And as they wandred â—â—p and downe amongst the billowes without once â—â—nowing where they were or whither they weÌ„t they were so tossed with crosse waues that they were in â—mminent daunger to