instructions and promis'd so to mediate in their favour with the Viceroy of the Indies that they shou'd have no occasion of repenting themselves for having abandon'd all things for the sake of Iesus Christ. When the King of Iafanatapan had notice of the flight of his Son and Nephew he broke out into new fury against the Christians and put to death great numbers of them Being apprehensive that his Brother from whom he had usurp'd the Crown and who now led a wandring life might possibly change his Religion also and beg protection from the Portuguese he sent Officers round about with orders to bring him into his Hands or at the least to bring back his Head. But he fail'd of getting him in his power either alive or dead For this unhappy Prince attended by ten Horsmen having pass'd to Negapatan came by Land to Goa after having suffer'd extream hardships in a Journey of more than two hundred Leagues Father Xavier who was inform'd of all these proceedings thought it necessary to make advantage of these favourable opportunities without loss of time He consider'd with what perfection Christians might live in a Kingdom where they dy'd so generously for the Faith with so imperfect a knowledge of it On the other side he judg'd that if the injustice and cruelty of the Tyrant remain'd unpunish'd what an inducement it might be to other Idolatrous Kings for them to persecute the new Converts in their turn That the only means for repairing the past and obviating future mischiefs was to dispossess the Tyrant of the Crown which he so unjustly wore and restore it to his Brother to whom it rightfully belong'd That for these Considerations recourse ought to be had to the Portuguese to ingage them by a principle of Religion to take Arms against the Usurper of the Kingdom and the Persecutour of the Christians In order to this the Father caus'd Mâ—nsilla to be recall'd from the Coast of Fishery and having intrusted him with the care of Christianity in Travancor took his way by Land to Cambaya where the Viceroy of the Indies then resided Besides these reasons relating to the King of Iafanatapan the Saint had other Motives which oblig'd him to take this Journey The greatest part of the Eurâ—peans who were in the Indies and chiefly the Officers of the Crown of Portugal liv'd after so infamous a manner that they made the Christian Faith appear odious and scandaliz'd alike both the Idolaters and the Faithful The publick Worship of the Pagods was tolerated at Goa and the Sect of the Brachmans daily increas'd in Power because those Pagan Priests had brib'd the Portuguese Officers The people profess'd Heathenism freely provided they made exact payments of their Tribute as if they had been conquer'd only for the sake of gain Publick Offices were sold to Saracens and the Christian Natives stood excluded for want of Money which does all things with corrupt Ministers The Receivers of the Kings Revenues who were to pay the Paravas of the Coast of Fishery constrain'd those poor Fishers to deliver their Pearls almost for nothing and thus the exaction of a lawful Tribute in the Constitution became Tyranny and Oppression in the managment Men were sold like Beasts and Christians iâ—slav'd to Pagans at cheap pennyworths To conclude the King of Cochin an Idolater but tributary to the Crown of Portugal was suffer'd to conâ—iscate the Goods of his Subjects who had receiv'd Baptism Father Francis was wonderfully griev'd to perceive that the greatest hindrance to the growth of Christianity in those vast Dominions of Asia proceeded only from the Christians He bewail'd it sometimes to God in the bitterness of his Heart and one day said that he wou'd willingly return to Portugal to complain of it to the King not doubting but so Religious and Iust a Prince wou'd order some remedy for this encroaching evil if he had notice how it spread Xavier had taken the way of Cochin along by the Sea Coast. He arriv'd there the sixteenth of December 1544. where he happend ' to meet with Michael Vaz Vicar General of the Indies In acquainting him with the Reasons of his Journey he made him sensible that the weakness of the Government was the principal cause of the Avarice and Violence of the Officers That Don Alphonso de Sosa was indeed a Religious Gentleman but wanted Vigour that it was not sufficient to will good Actions if at the same time he did not strongly oppose ill ones In a word that it was absolutely necessary for the King of Portugal to be inform'd of all the Disorders in the Indies by a person who was an eye witness of them and whose Integrity was not liable to Suspition Vaz immediately enter'd into the Opinions of the Father and his Zeal carry'd him to pass himself into Portugal in a Vessel which was just ready to set Sail. Xavier prais'd God for those good intentions and wrote a Letter by him to King Iohn the Third the beginning of which I have here transcrib'd YOur Majesty ought to be assur'd and often to call into your Mind that God has made choice of you amongst all the Princes of the World for the Conquest of India to the end he may make trial of your Faith and see what requital you will make to him for all his Benefits You ought also to consider that in conferring on you the Empire of a new World his intention was not so much that you shou'd fill your Coffers with the Riches of the East as that you shou'd have an opportunity of signalizing your Zeal by making known to Idolaters through the means of those who serve you the Creatour and Redeemer of Mankind The Saint after this beginning gave the King to understand the good intentions of Michael Vaz and the ill conduct of the Portuguese who were in the Government of the Indies He suggested to him the means of putting a stop to those disorders and advis'd him above all things not only to recommend by Letters the interest of Religion but rigorously to punish all those Officers who were wanting to their duty in that respect For there is danger said he thâ—t when Gâ—d shall summon your Majesty to Iudgment that will then come to pass 〈◊〉 yâ—u least expect and which is not to be avoided there is danger Great Prince that you may then hear these words of an â—ffended God Why have you not punish'd tâ—ose who under your Authority have made War against me in the Indies you who have pâ—â—ish'd them so severely when they were neâ—ligent in gathering your Revenues â—â—ur câ—â—se will be little help'd by your return of this answer to Jesus Christ Lord I have not wanted yearly to recommend â—y Letters to my Subjects all that câ—ncerns 〈◊〉 honour and thy service For â— ubt nâ—â— it will be thus answer'd But your Orders were nâ—ver put in Execution and you leâ—t your Ministers at their own dispose to do what ever they
they shou'd not openly resist it His good behaviour and frankness immediately gain'd him the favour of their Chief he was a man of fourscore years of age and for a Bonza a good honest man in that estimation of Wisdom that the King of Saxuma intrusted him with his most important Affairs and so well vers'd in his Religion that he was sirnam'd Ningit which is to say the Heart of Truth But this name was not altogether proper to him and Xavier presently perceiv'd that the Veillard knew not what to believe concerning the immortality of the Soul saying sometimes That our Souls were nothing different from those of Beasts at other times That they came from Heaven and that they had in them somewhat of Divine These uncertainties of a Mind floating betwixt truth and falshood gave Xavier the occasion of proving the immortality of the Soul in the Conversations they had together and he reason'd strongly thereupon according to natural Principles alone Yet his Arguments had no other effect than the praises which were given them Ningit commended the Knowledge of the European Bonza so they call'd the Father and was satisfy'd that no man had a deeper insight into Nature But he still remain'd doubtful on the business of Religion either out of shame to change his Opinion at that age or perhaps because those who have doubted all their life are more hard to be convinc'd than those who have never believ'd at all The esteem which Ningit had for Xavier caus'd him to be had in great repute with the rest of the Bonza's They heard him with applause when he spoke of the Divine Law and confess'd openly That a man who was come from the other end of the World through the midst of so many dangers to preach a new Religion cou'd only be inspir'd by the Spirit of Truth and cou'd propose nothing but what was worthy of belief The Testimony of the Bonza's authoris'd the preaching of the Gospel but their scandalous way of living hinder'd them from following our holy Law. Notwithstanding before the conclusion of the year two of them of less corrupt manners than the rest or more faithful to the Grace of Iesus Christ embrac'd Christianity and their Example wrought so far upon the Inhabitants of Congoxima that many of them desir'd to be baptis'd These first fruits of preaching promis'd greater and the Faith flourish'd daily more and more in Congoxima when a Persecution rais'd on a sudden ruin'd these fair expectations and stopt the Progress of the Gospel The Bonza's surpriz'd to see the People ready to forsake the Religion of the Country open'd their eyes to their own interest and manifestly saw that if this now Religion were once receiv'd as they only liv'd on the Alms and Oâ—â—erings which were made to their Deities they shou'd be wholly depriv'd of their subsistanâ—e They judg'd in consequence that this evil was to be remedy'd before it grew uncurable and nothing was to be spar'd for the rooting out these Portuguese Preachers It was then maniâ—est that those Religious Idolaters who at first had been so favourable to Xavier now made open War against him They decry'd him in all places and publickly treated him as an Impostor Even so far they proceeded that one day as he was Preaching in one of the publick places of the City a Bonza interrupted him in the midst of his discourse and warn'd the People not to trust him saying That it was a Devil who spoke to them in the likeness of a Man. This outrageousness of the Bonza's fail'd of the effect which they desir'd the Iaponians who are naturally men of wit and Plain Dealers came easily to understand the motives of their Priests to change their manner of Behaviour and finding interest in all they said or did grew more and more attentive to the Doctrine of the Father Some of them upbraided the Bonza's that their proper concernments had kindled their zeal to such an heighth that Religion was not to be defended by calumnies and aâ—â—ronts but by solid Arguments That if the Doctrine of the European was false why did they not demonstrate clearly the falshood of it that for the rest it was of little consequence whether this new Preacher was a Demon or a Man and that truth was to be receiv'd whosoever brought it that after all he liv'd with great austerity and was more to be credited than any of them In effect Xavier for the edification of the People who commonly judge by appearances of things abstain'd entirely both from Flesh and Fish. Some bitter Roots and Pulse boyl'd in water were all his nourishment in the midst of his continual labours So that he practis'd rigorously and litterally that abstinence of which the Bonza's make profession or rather that which they pretend to practise And he accustom'd himself to this immediately upon what Paul de Sainte Foy had told him that it wou'd look ill if a Religious Christian shou'd live with less austerity than the Priests of Idols shou'd in their course of Life The wonders which God wrought by the Ministration of his Servant gave farther confirmation to the Christian Law. The Saint walking out one day up-the Sea shore met certain Fishers who were spreading their empty Nets and complain'd of their bad fortune He had pity on them and after making some short Prayers he advis'd them to Fish once more They did so on his word and took so many Fish and of such several sorts that they cou'd hardly draw their Nets They continued their Fishing for some days after with the same success and what appears more wonderful the Sea of Cangoxima which was scarce of Fish from that time forward had great plenty A Woman who had heard reports of the Cures which the Apostle had made in the Indies brought him her little Child who was swell'd over all the Body even to deformity Xavier took the Infant in his arms look'd on him with eyes of pity and pronounc'd thrice over him these words God bless thee after which he gave the Child back to his Mother so well and beautiful that she was transported with joy and admiration This Miracle made a noise about the Town and gave occasion to a Leper to hope a cure for his Disease which he had sought in vain for many years Not daring to appear in publick because his uncleanness had excluded him from the Society of men and made him loathsome to all Companies he sent for Xavier who at that time happen'd to be ingag'd in business and cou'd not come but deputed one of his Companions to visit him giving order to ask him thrice if he was content to believe in Christ in case he shou'd be heal'd of his Leprosie and thrice to make the sign of the Cross over him if he promis'd constantly to embrace the Faith. All things pass'd according to the Commission of the Father the Leper oblig'd himself to become a Christian upon the recovery
mouth that thâ—â— art God Eternal and Omnipotent and I earnestly desire the pardon of all my Auditors that I have so often taught them things for truth which I acknowledge and at this present declare before them were only Forgeries and Fables An action which was so surprizing mov'd the minds of all the assistants and it was in the power of Father Xavier to have Baptis'd thâ—t very day five hundred Persons who being led by the example of the Bonza of Canafama all of them earnestly desir'd Baptism He might perhaps have done this in the Indies where there were no Learned men to oppose the Mysteries of our Faith and to tempt the sidelity of the new Converts by captious queries But he judg'd this not to be practicable in Iapan where the Bonza's not being able to hinder the conversion of Idâ—laters endeavour'd afterwards to regain them by a thousand lying artifices and sophistications and it appear'd necessary to him before he Baptis'd those who were grown up to Manhood to fortifie them well against the tricks of those Seducers Accordingly the Saint dispos'd the Souls of those Gentiles by degrees to this first Sacrament and began with thâ— reformation of their Manners chusing rather not to baptise the King of Bungo than to precipitate his Baptism Or rather he thought that his Conversion wou'd be always speedy enough provided it were sincere and constant Thus the great care of Father Xavier in relation to the Prince was to give him an aversion to those infamous Vices which had been taught him by the Bonza's and in which he liv'd vvithout scruple upon the Faith of those his Masters Now the King attending with great application to the man of God and having long conversations with him began immediately to change his life and to give the demonstrations of that change From the very first he banish'd out of his Chamber a beautiful youth who vvas his Minion and also forbad him the entry of his Palace He gave bountifully to the Poor to whom he had formerly been hard-hearted as thinking it was a crime to pity them and an act of Justice to be cruel to them according to the Doctrine of his Bonza's who maintain'd that poverty not only made men despicable and ridiculous but also Criminal and worthy of the â—everest punishments According to the Principles of the same Doctours Women with Child vvere allow'd to make themselves miscarry by certain Potions and even to murther those Children whom they brought into the World against their will. Insomuch that such unnatural cruelties were daily committed and nothing was more common in the Kingdom of Bungo then those inhumane Mothers Some of them to save the charges of their food and education others to avoid the miseries attending Poverty and many to preserve the reputation of Chastity however debauch'd and infamous they were The King by the admonition of the Father forbad those cruelties on pain of death He made other Edicts against divers Pagan Ceremonies which were lascivious or dishonest and suffer'd not the Bonza's to set a Foot within his Palace As to what remains he was wrapt in admiration at the vertue of the holy man and confess'd often to his Courtiers that when he saw him appear at any time he trembled even to the bottom of his heart because he seem'd to see the Countenance of the man of God as a clear mirrour representing to him the abominations of his Life While Xavier had this success at the Court of Bungo Torrez and Iohn Fernandez suffer'd for the Faith at Amanguchi After the departure of the Saint the whole Nation of the Bonza's rose against them and endeavour'd to confound them in regular disputes Flattering themselves with this Opinion that the Companions of Xavier were not so learned as himself and judging on the other side that the least advantage which they shou'd obtain against them wou'd re-establish the declining affairs of Pagamism It happen'd quite contrary to their expectations Torrez to whom Fernandez serv'd instead of an Interpreter answer'd their questions with such force of reason that they were wholly vanquish'd not being able to withstand his arguments they endeavour'd to decry him by their calumnies spreading a report that the Companions of the great European Bonza cut the throats of little Children by night suck'd their blood and eat their Flesh That the Devil had declar'd by the mouth of an Idol that these two Europeans were his Disciples and that it was himself who had instructed them in those subtle answers which one of them had return'd in their publick disputations Besides this some of the Bonza's made oath that they had seen a Devil darting flakes of fire like Thunder and Lightning against the Palace of the King as a Judgement so they call'd it against those who had receiv'd into the Town these Preachers of an upstart Faith. But perceiving that none of these inventions took place according to their desires and that the people instead of giving credit to their projects made their sport at them partly in revenge and partly to verify their Visions they engag'd in their Interests a Lord of the Kingdom who was as great Souldier and a Malecontent him they wrought to take up arms against the King. This Noble man provok'd with the sâ—nce of his ill usage at Court and farther heighten'd by motives of Religion and interest rais'd an Army in less than three weeks time by the assistance of the Bonza's and came pouring down like a deluge upon Amanguchi The King who was neither in condition to give him Battel nor provided to sustain a Siege and who fear'd all things from his Subjects of whom he was extreamly hated lost his Courage to that degree that he look'd on death as his onely remedy For apprehending above all things the ignominy of falling alive into the power of Rebels push'd on by a barbarous despair he first murther'd his Son and then ript up his own belly with a knife having before-hand left Order with one of his faithful Servants to burn their Bodies so soon as they were dead and not to leave so much as their ashes at the disposal of the Enemy All was put to Fire and Sword within the City During this confusion the Souldiers animated by the Bonza's search'd for Torrez and Fernandez to have Massacred them And both of them had perish'd without mercy if the Wife of Neatondono of whom formerly we have made mention and who though continuing a Pagan Yet had so great a kindness for Xavier that for his sake she kept them hidden in her Palace 'till the publick tranquility was restor'd For as these popular commotions are of the nature of storms which pass away and that so much the more speedily as they had been more violent the Town resum'd her former countenance in the space of some few days The Heads of the People being assembled for the Election of a new King by common consent pitch'd on the Brother of the King
in question and that a little to save his Reputation he chang'd the Subject but to no purpose for ever there too he was confounded for forgetting those decencies which even Nature prescribes to Men and common Custom has taught us in civil Conversation he advanc'd infamâ—us Propositions which cannâ—t be related without offending Modâ—sty and these he maintain'd with a strange impudence against the Reasons of the Father though the King and the Noble Auditory thought the Christian Arguments convincing But the Bonza still flying out into Passion and continuing to rail and â—awl aloud as if he were rather in a Bear garden than at a solemn Disputation one of the Lords there present said smiling to him If your business be fighting why did not you go to the Kingdom of Amanguchi when they were in Civil-Wars there you might have found some one or other with whom you might have 〈◊〉 to hâ—rd-heads What make you â—ere where all things are at quiet But if you came hither to dispute why do you not carry on your Argument with mildness and good manners according to the Copy which is set you by the European Bonza This sharp raillery had no effect upon Fucarandonâ— He reply'd to the Lord with so much impudence and haughtiness that the King whose Patience was tir'd with so much insolence caus'd him to be put out of the Hall saying That his Coat of a Bonza was the only protection of his life The affront which Fucarandâ—no had receiv'd was interpreted by the Bonza's as an injury done to the Gods and as such they declar'd it to the People saying That Religion was prâ—fan'd and that the King the Court and the whole Nation had incurr'd the wrath of Heaven Upon which pretence they shut up the Temples and wou'd neither offer Sacrifice nor accept of Alms. The Multitude which had already been dispos'd to rise began to get together and had certainly taken Arms if the King by good management had not somewhat calm'd their Spirits In the mean time the Portugueses not believing themselves to be secure against the rage of a Superstitious People and having just grounds of apprehending that the affront which Fucarandono had receiv'd might be reveng'd on their persons return'd with all expedition to their Ship designing to set Sail with the benefit of the first fair Wind At their departure from the Town they inâ—reated Father Xavier to follow them but he cou'd not resolve to run off like a Fugitive or to forsake those new Christians whose ruine had been sworn by the Heathen Priests How eager soever those Merchants were to get out of a Countrey where their lives were in so little safety yet their fear for Father Xavier kept them lingring there some days longer they deputed the Captain of the Vessel to him who was to desire him in their name to make haste to them Edward de Gama after a long enquiry found him at last in a poor Cabin with eight Christians who having been the most zealous in opposition of the Bonza's were in reason to expect the more cruel usage at their hands and were content to offer up their lives provided they might die in the Arms of the Man of God. The Captain urg'd him with the strongest Reasons which he cou'd invent and set before him all the dangers which attended him that being at the mercy of the Bonza's his death was inevitable and that the means of escaping wou'd be lost when once the Tempest shou'd begin to rise The Father far from yielding to these Arguments was offended at the Captain and the Merchants for desiring to hinder him from the Crown of Martyrdome which he had taken so long a Journey to obtain My Brother said he to Gama with a servour which express'd the holy ambition of his Soul how happy shou'd I be if I cou'd receive what you reckon a disgrace but what I account a Soveraign Felicity but I am unworthy of that favour from Almighty God yet I will not render my self more unworthy of it which assuredly I shou'd if I embark'd with you For what scandal shou'd I give by flying hence to my new Converts Might they not take occasion from it to violate their promises to God when they shou'd find me wanting to the duty of my Ministry If in consideration of that Money which you have receiv'd from your passengers you think your self oblig'd to secure them from the danger which threatens them and for that reason have summon'd them on Board ought not I by a stronger motive guard my Flock and die with them for the sake of a God who is infinitely good and who has redeem'd me at the price of his own life by suffering for me on the Cross Ought not I to seal it with my Blood and to publish it by my death that all men are bound to sacrifice their Blood and Lives to this God of Mercies This generous answer wrought so much upon the Captain that instead of doubling his solicitations on Father Xavier he resolv'd to partake his Fortune and not to leave him Having taken up this Resolution without farther care of what might happen to his Ship or what became of his own person and accounting all his losses for a trifle while he enjoy'd the Company of Xavier he return'd indeed to his Merchants but it was only to declare to them the determination of the Father and his own also that in case they wou'd not stay he gave up his Vessel to them they were supply'd with Mariners and Souldiers and had plentiful Provisions laid in both of Food and Ammunition for War. They might go at their pleasure wheresoever they design'd but for his own particular he was resolv'd to live and die with the Man of God. Not a Man of them but subscrib'd to the Opinion of the Captain and they were one and all for following his Example and the Fortune of the Saint Suddâ—nly they put into the Port again for the Ship had lain off at a good distance for fear of some attempt which might be made upon it from the Town Souldiers were left for its defence and the Captain and Merchants came in Company to Fucheo Their return gave new vigour to the Christians and amaz'd the People who cou'd not but wonder that so poor a man shou'd be had in such esteem by his Country-men that they chose rather to run the hazard of their wealth and of their lives than to lose the sight of him This prompt return broke all the measures of the Bonza's whose courage had been swell'd by the â—light of Gama which had given them the opportunity of making their Cabals against the Christians but when they found that those designs mightâ— possibly miscarry and that on the other side they were again desy'd to a new Conference on the Subject of Religion they thought good to accommodate themselves a little to the times and to renew the dispute betwixt Xavier and Fucarandono before the Court. To
upon you I beseech you not to be too niggardly in the accomplishment of my desires I conjure you says he elsewhere by the tender love of Iesus Christ to give me the method which I ought to keep in admitting those who are to be Members of our Society and write to me at large considering the smallness of my Talent which is well known to you for if you give me not your assistance the poor ability which I have in these matters will be the occasion of my losing many opportunities for the augmentation of God's Glory In prescribing any thing that was difficult to his Inferiours he frequently intermix'd the name of Ignatius I pray you by our Lord and by Ignatius the Father of our Society I conjure you by the Obedience and by the Love which you owe to our Father Ignatius I require this of you in the name of the beatify'd Father Ignatius Remember said he farther to what degree both great and small respect our Father Ignatius With these Sentiments both of affecton and esteem he depended absolutely on his Superiour If I believ'd says he writing from the Indies to Father Simon Rodriguez that the strength of your Body were equal to the vigour of your Mind I shou'd invite you to pass the Seas and desire your company in this new World I mean if our Father Ignatius shou'd approve and counsel such a Voyage For he is our Parent it behoves us to obey him and it is not permitted us to make one step without his Order In this manner Xavier had recourse to Ignatius on all occasions as much as the distance of places wou'd permit and the Orders which he receiv'd were to him inviolable Laws You shall not suffer any one so he writ to Gasper Barzaeus Rectour of the Colledge of Goa to receive the Orders of Priesthood who is not sufficiently learn'd and who has not given for the space of many years sufficient examples of his good life in our Society because our Father Ignatius has expresly forbidden it For the same reason he exactly observ'd the Constitutions of the Society Make not haste writes 〈◊〉 in the same Letter to Barzaeus to receive Children which are too young And totally reject such sorts of people whom Father Ignatius wou'd have for ever excluded from our Order But nothing perhaps can more cleaâ—ly discover how perfect the submission ofXavier was than 〈◊〉 his Superiour himself thought of it At the time when Xavier dy'd Ignatius had thoughts of recalling him from the Indies not doubting but at the first notice of his Orders this zealous Missioner wou'd leave all things out of his Obedience And on this occasion he wrote to him a Letter bearing date the 28th of Iune in the year 1553. Behold the passage which conceâ—ns the business of which we are speaking I add says Ignatius in his Letter that having in prospect the Salvation of Souls and the greater service of our Lord I have resolv'd to command you in vertue of holy Obedience to return into Portugal with the first opportunity and I command you this in the name of Christ. But that you may more easily satisfy those who are desirous of retaining you in the Indies for the good of those Countries I will present you with my reasons You know in the first place of what weight are the Orders of the King of Portugal for the confirmation of Religion in the East for the propagation of it in Guinea and Brasile and you can rightly judge that a Prince so Religious as he will do all things necessary for the advancement of Gods Honour and the conversion of People if one of your Ability and Experience shall personally instruct him And besides 't is of great importance that the holy Apostolical See shou'd be inform'd of the present state of India by some authentick Witness to the end that Popes may issue out spiritual supplies as well to the new as to the ancient Christianity of Asia without which neither the one nor the other can subsist or cannot subsist without much trouble and no body is more proper than your self for this both in respect of your knowledge in the Affairs of the new World and of your Reputation in these parts You know moreover of what consequence it is that the Missioners who are sent to the Indies shou'd be proper for the end propos'd and 't is convenient on that account that you come to Portugal and Rome For not only many more will be desirous of going on those Missions but you will make a better choice of Missioners and will see more clearly to what parts such and such are proper to be sent You judge your self of what consideration it is not to be mistaken in these Affairs And whatsoever relation you can send us your Letters are not sufficient to give us a true notion of what â— abourers are fitting for the Indies 'T is necessary that you or some one as intelligent as you shou'd know and practice those who are design'd for those Countries Besides what it will be in your power to do for the common benefit of the East you will warm the Zeal of the King of Portugal in relation to Ethiopia which has been under consideration for so many years but nothing yet perform'd You will also be of no little use to the Affairs of Congo and Brasile on which you can have no influence in India for want of Commerce betwixt them and you But if you think your presence may be necessary for the Government of those of the Society who are in the Indies you may govern them more easily from Portugal than you can from China or Japan For what remains I remit you to the Father Master Polanque and recommend my self most cordially to your good Prayers beseeching the Divine Goodness to multiply his favours on you to the end that we may understand his most holy Will and that we may perfectly perform it Father Polanque who was Secretary to Father Ignatius and Confident to all his purposes has given testimony That the intention of the holy Founder was to make Xavier General of the Society The Letter of Ignatius found Xavier dead But we may judge of what he wou'd have done by what he writ before his death to Ignatius himself who had testify'd so earnest a desire to see him Your holy Charity says he in his Letter tells me that you have an earnest desire to see me once again in this present life God who looks into the bottom of my Heart can tell how sensibly that mark of your tendeâ—ness has touch'd me Truly whenever that expression of yours returns to my remembrance and it frequently returns the tears come dropping from my Eyes and I cannot restrain them while I revolve that happy thought that once yet once again it may be given me to embrace you I confess it appears difficult to compass my desires but all things are possible to holy Obedience Undoubtedly if the Letter of Ignatius
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
somewhat that was great and of suffering all things for the glory of Iesus Christ he found the Institute of Ignatius so conformable to the present dispositions of his Soul that without farther ballancing the matter he was resolv'd to go through the Spiritual Exercises to â—it himself for the change of his condition From the second day he receiv'd such light and so much comfort from above that he believ'd himself in Heaven already He cou'd not sufficiently admire that those plain and easy truths which he had often read without any taste of them shou'd make such lively impressions in him as now they did And he discover'd this to Lancilotti with expressions full of astonishment Nevertheless being assrighted at the prospect of a perpetual ingagement and perhaps tempted by the Devil he cou'd not settle to it and was every day more and more irresolute Xavier arriv'd just at that point of time He had scarcely seen Torrez when behold a man fix'd on the sudden and resolv'd and pressing to be receiv'd amongst the Children of Ignatius The Apostle receiv'd him and took pains himself to form him according to the spirit of the Society He also admitted some Portugueses who had great Talents for the Mission and were inflam'd with the zeal of Souls They liv'd together in the Colledge of St. Paul where that â—ervour reign'd not only amongst the Iesuites but also amongst those of the Seminary whose numbers increas'd daily The Iaponnese Anger was amongst them leading a most regular life and breathing after that Baptism which had been deferr'd 'till the return of the Holy man. Xavier did not satisfie himself with having instructed him anew he consign'd over to the care of Torrez who fully explain'd to him all the Mysteries of Faith. Anger with his two Servants who receiv'd the same instruction were at length solemnly Baptis'd on Whit-Sunday by the Bishop of Goa Don Iohn d' Albuquerque so that the Church began to take possession of the most remote Nation in the World on the same day of Pentecost when the holy Spirit descending on the Apostles gave them their Mission to carry the Gospel to all the People of the Earth Anger was desirous to be nam'd Paul de Sainte Foy in memory of the Colledge belonging to the Society of Iesus where he had receiv'd the particular knowledge of the Divine Law which was sometimes call'd the Colledge of St. Paul and sometimes the Seminary of the Holy Faith. One of his Servants took the Name of Iohn and the other of Anthony In receiving Baptism he receiv'd the peace of Soul which he never cou'd obtain before and writ word of it to Rome the same year in a Letter to Father Ignatius dated November the 25th But to the end that the new Converts might have the true Principles of Christian Morality and that their behaviour might be answerable to their Belief Father Xavier intrusted Torrez with giving them the spiritual Exercises of the Society During the thirty days that these Iaponians were in retirement 't is not to be express'd what Coelestial illuminations what holy thoughts what interiour delights the Holy Spirit infus'd into them Anger cou'd speak of nothing but of God and spoke of him with so much servency that it seem'd even to burn him up The Mystery of the Passion mov'd him above all the rest and he was so ravish'd with the goodness of God so possess'd with love in considering a God Crucify'd that he breath'd nothing but Martyrdom and the Salvation of his Brethren So that he was often heard to cry out in the midst of his Devotions How glad shou'd I be to dye for thee O my God. O my dear Japonians how much are you to be lamented and what Compassion do you raise in me The Master and Servants came out of their retirement with so much ardour that Xavier wrote into Europe that he was animated by their Example to the service of God and that he cou'd not look on them without blushing at his own Cowardise In conversing with them he understood what he had formerly learnt by hear say from George Alvarez and other Portugueses that the Empire of Iapan was one of the most populous in the World That the Iaponneses were naturally curious and covetous of Knowledge and withall docible and of great Capacity That being generally ingenious and very rational if they were instructed in the Morals of Christianity they wou'd easily submit to them and that if the Preachers of the Gospel liv'd according to Gospel Rules the whole Nation wou'd subject it self to the yoke of Iesus Christ not perhaps so readily at first but in process of time and after clearing of their doubts There needed no more to induce Xavier to carry the Faith into Iapan the mildness the civility and the good parts of the three Baptis'd Iaponians made him conceive a high opinion of all the rest And the Portuguese Merchants newly return'd from Iapan confirm'd it so fully to him that in these three he had the pattern of the whole Nation that he doubted not but that the Christian Religion wou'd make an admirable progress there But that which Anger told him that there were in his Country many Monasteries of Heathen Priests that some of them led their lives in solitude and contemplation that every Monastery had its Superiour who was a Person venerable for his Age and Learning that they came abroad from their lonely abode once a week with mortiâ—i'd looks and uncouth habits to Preach to the People that in their Sermons they drew such lively Figures of Hell that the Women wept and cry'd out at those dismal representations All this I say appear'd to Xavier as so many doors and in-letts for the Faith and he prais'd God that by the admirable conduct of his Providence which secretly manages the Salvation of men the Spirit of Lyes had thus prepar'd the ways for the Spirit of Truth He ador'd also the wisdom of the same Providence which taking the occasion of a man who fled from Justice and sought repose for his troubled Conscience had led three Iaponians from their native Country and brought them to Goa that they might serve for Guides to a Missioner But that these Guides might be the more serviceable he thought fit they shou'd learn to Read and Write in the Portuguese Language Anger whom from henceforth we shall name Paul de Sainte Foy was easily instructed in all they taught him for besides that he was of a quick and lively apprehension he had so happy a memory that he got by heart almost all the Gospel of St. Matthew which Father Cosmo de Torrez had Expounded to him before his Baptism In the mean time Don Iohn de Castro was rigging out a Fleet with design to possess himself of Aden one of the strongest Towns of Arabia Felix and scituate at the foot of a high Mountain which reach'd even to the Sea by a narrow tongue of Earth This Port is of great importance
to receive the Gospel these new Edicts hinder'd those of Cangoxima from any farther Commerce with the three Religious Christians so easily the favour or displeasure of the Prince can turn the People They not withstanding whose heart the Almighty had already touch'd and who were Baptis'd far from being wanting to the grace of their Vocation were more increas'd in Faith not exceeding the number of an hundred they found themselves infinitely acknowledging to the Divine Mercy which had elected them to compose this little Flock Persecution it self augmented their servour and all of them declar'd to Father Xavier that they were ready to suffer Banishment or Death for the honour of our Saviour Though the Father was nothing doubtful of their Constancy yet he wou'd fortiâ—ie them by good Discourses before he left a Town and Kingdom where there was no farther hoâ—e of extending the Christian Faith. For which reason he daily assembled them where having read some passages of Scripture Translated into their own Language and suitable to the present condition of that Infant Church he explain'd to them some one of the Mysteries of our Saviour's Life and his Auditours were so fill'd with the interiour Unctions of the Holy Spirit that they interrupted his speech at every moment with their sighs and tears He had caus'd divers Copies of his Catechism to be taken for the use of the Faithful Having augmented it by a more ample Exposition of the Creed and added sundry spiritual Instructions with the Life of our Saviour which he entirely Translated he caus'd it to be Printed in Iaponnese Characters that it might be spread through all the Nation At this time the two Converted Bonza's and two other Baptis'd iaponians undertook a Voyage to the Indies to behold with their own eyes what the Father had told them concerning the splendour of Christianity at Goa I mean the multitude of Christians the magnificence of the Churches and the beauty of the Ecclesiastick Ceremonies At length he departed from Cangoxima at the beginning of September in the year 1550 with Cozmo de Torrez and Iohn Fernandez carrying on his back according to his Custom all the necessary Utensils for the Sacrifice of the Mass. Before his departure he recommended the Faithful to Paul de Sainte Foy. 'T is wonderful that these new Christians berest of their Pastours shou'd maintain themselves in the midst of Paganism and amongst the Persecuting Bonza's and not one single man of them shou'd be perverted from the Faith. It happen'd that even their exemplary lives so edify'd their Countrey-men that they gain'd over many of the Idolaters insomuch that in the process of some few years the number of Christians was encreas'd to five hundred Persons and the King of Saxuma wrote to the Viceroy of the Indies to have some of the Fathers of the Society who shou'd publish through all his Territories a Law so holy and so pure The news which came that the Portuguese Vessels which came lately to Iapan had taken their was to Firando caus'd Xavier to go thither and the ill Intelligence betwixt the two Princes gave him hopes that the King of Firando wou'd give him and his two Companions a good reception They happen'd upon a Fortress on their way belonging to a Prince call'd Ekandono who was Vassal to the King of Saxuma It was situate on the heighth of a Rock and defended by ten great Bastions A solid Wall incompass'd it with a wide and deep Ditch cut through the middle of the Rock Nothing but fearful Precipices on every side and the Fortress approachable by one onely way where a Guard was plac'd both day and night The inside of it was as pleasing as the outside was full of horrour A stately Palace compos'd the Body of the place and in that Palace were Portico's Galleries Halls and Chambers of an admirable Beauty all was cut in the living stone and wrought so curiously that the works seem'd to be cast within a Mould and not cut by the Chizzel Some People of the Castle who were returning from Cangoxima and who had there seen Xavier invited him by the way to come and visit their Lord not doubting but Ekandono wou'd be glad to see so famous a Person Xavier who sought all occasions of publishing the Gospel lost not that opportunity The good reception which was made him gave him the means of teaching immediately the true Religion and the ways of Eternal Life The Attendants of the Prince and Souldiers of the Garrison who were present were so mov'd both by the Sanctity which shone in the Apostles Countenance and by the truth which beam'd out in all his words that after the clearing of their doubts seventeen of them at once demanded Baptism and the Father Christen'd them in presence of the Tono so the Iaponnese call the Lord or Prince of any particular place The rest of them were possess'd with the same desire and had receiv'd the same favour if Ekandono had not oppos'd it by reason of state and contrary to his own inclinations for fear of some ill Consequences from the King of Saxuma For in his heart he acknowledg'd Iesus Christ and permitted Xavier privately to Baptise his Wife and his Eldest Son. For the rest he promis'd to receive Baptism and to declare himself a Christian. when his Soveraign shou'd be favourable to the Law of God. The Steward of Ekandono's household was one who embrac'd the Faith. He was a man step'd into years and of great prudence Xavier committed the new Christians to his care and put into his hands the form of Baptism in writing the Exposition of the Creed the Epitome of our Saviour's Life the Seven penitential Psalms the Letanies of the Saints and a Table of Saints-days as they are Celebrated in the Church He himself set apart a place in the Palace proper for the Assemblies of the Faithâ—ul and appointed the Steward to call together as many of the Pagans as he cou'd to read both to the one and the other sort some part of the Christian Doctrine every Sunday to cause the Penitential Psalms to be sung on every Friday and the Letanies every day The Steward punctually perform'd his Orders and those seeds of Piety grew up so fast that some few years after Louis Almeyda found above an hundred Christians in the Fortress of Ekandono all of an orderly and innocent conversation modest in their Behaviour assiduous in Prayer Charitable to each other severe to themselves and Enemies to their Bodies insomuch that the place had more resemblance to a Religious house than to a Garrison The Tono tho' still an Idolater was present at the Assemblies of the Christians and permitted two little Children of his to be Baptis'd One of these new Converts compos'd elegantly in his Tongue the History of the Redemption of Mankind from the fall of Adam to the coming down of the Holy Ghost the same man being once interrogated what
for the Iaponneses vvho came along with him When it was known in the City that Xavier vvas coming they joy was so general that it almost blotted out the remembrance of all they had suffer'd in the War. The Inhabitants ran crouding to the Shore and at the first appearance of the Saint nothing was to be heard but acclamations and shouts of rejoicing on every side They receiv'd him at his landing with all the tenderness of affection and all the Reverence imaginable In conducting him to the House of the Society they shew'd him as he pass'd along the Ruines of their Houses and told him sighing That if he had not left them they had been preserv'd from the fury of the Javans as they had formerly been protected from the Barbarians of Achen But the Father answer'd them That their crying Sins had call'd down the wrath of Heaven upon them That nothing cou'd divert it but a speedy change of life and that the only means of reconciling themselves to God was to receive those chastisements at his Hands with the Spirit of Humiliation and of Penitence He visited the old Governour Don Pedro de Silva and the new one who succeeded him Don Alvarez de Atayda and communicated to them his design concerning an Embassy to China Both of them concurr'd in the Opinion that it wou'd be advantageous to the Crown of Portugal and to the Interests of Christianity Iames Pereyra not being capable of accompanying the Father to Goa for the reason above mention'd furnish'd him at present with thirty thousand Crowns for the preparatives of that intended Voyage and sent a Servant with the Father vvith Commission to dispose of all things Xavier having often embrac'd this faithful Friend enter'd with his Iaponians into the Vessel of Antonio Pereyra who attended but their company to set sail The Prediction which the Man of God had made in favour of the Ship call'd Santa Cruz gave it the nevv name of the Saints Vessel And from Malacca from vvhence she departed at the same time when Xavier went on board of Antonio her Reputation was extended over all the East Wheresoever she arriv'd she was receiv'd vvith Ceremony and saluted by all other Ships with the honour of their Canon All Merchants were desirous of stowing their Goods in her and willingly paid the Carriage of their Wares and the dues of Custom beyond the common price of other Vessels The weight of Lading vvas never consider'd but her Freight was alvvays as much as they cou'd croud into her As she lasted very long and that thirty years after the decease of the Father she vvas in being and was us'd for the traffick of the Indies they never fail'd of lading her with an extraordinary Cargo all worn and Worm-eaten as she was The Owners into whose hands she came during the space of those thirty years took only this one precaution vvhich was to keep her off from Shore so that when she was to be resitted that vvork was constantly done upon the Sea. As to vvhat remains 't is true she met with many ill accidents and hardships she was often ingag'd vvith Pyrates and combated by Tempests but she escap'd clear of all those dangers and never any one repented of embarking in her One time 't is acknowledg'd sailing from Malacca to Cochin with an extraordinary lading she sprung a leak and took in so much Water at the beginning of the Voyage that the Passengers who were very numerous were of Opinion to unlade her of half her burden and half her Men and to put them upon other Ships vvhich were in their company But those Vessels vvhich had already their whole lading wou'd not consent to ease the Santa Cruz so that fear overpowring the Ships Company they return'd speedily into the Port. The whole Tovvn was surpris'd to see thâ— Ship so suddenly come back and they were laugh'd to shame for apprehending Shipwrack in the â—essel of the Saint Being thus pulickly upbraided vvith their vvant of Faith to mend their Errour they took out nothing of the Lading but put again to Sea. And vvhat 〈◊〉 one said to them concerning â—â—e good fortune which perpetually attended that Ship for two and twenty years together so much renew'd their Conâ—idence that they perform'd their Voyage vvithout farther fear The Santa Cruz continu'd in this manner sailing over all the Seas and to every Port of Asia till she came into the possession of the Captain who commanded the Port of Diâ— who perceiving her to be half rotten and open'd in diverse parts concluded she cou'd serve no longer unless she were brought into harbour and set upon the Stocks For which purpose she was sent to Cochin and hal'd ashore on the same Dock where she had been built but she was no sooner there than she fell in pieces of her self nothing remaining of that great bulk besides Planks and Beams of Timber unprofitable for any thing but for the Fire The Inhabitants of Cochin vvho knew the Prediction of â—he Saint to every Circumstance came out to behold its accomplishment An inconsiderable Merchant call'd George Nugnez who happen'd to be there present began to think within himself that there might be yet remaining in those Planks somewhat of the Vertue which the blessing of the Saint had imprinted in them and thereupon took one of them which he caus'd to be nail'd to his own Frigate out of the perswasion he had that with this assistance he shou'd be secure from Shipwrack Thus being fill'd with a lively Faith he boldly undertook such long and hazardous Voyages that Ships of the greatest burden vvere affraid to make and without consideration of the weather adventur'd many times to cross the most tempestuous Gulphs When he was told that it vvas not the part of a prudent Man to endanger himself in that manner he answer'd That the Winds and Seas were well acquainted with his Fright and had a Reverence for the Plank of the Santa Cruz In effect his little Vessel vvas ever fortunate enough to escape the greatest perils and vvhat was most remarkable was That having had the same destiny vvith the Ship in her Adventures and Deliverances she ended like her breaking in pieces of her self on the Shore of Coulan vvhere she was brought to be resitted To return to the Navigation of Father Xavier he arriv'd at Cochin Ian. 24th in the year 1552. The King of the Maldivia's had been there for some months He was a Prince of about twenty years of age born in the Mahometan Religion and bred up in the hatred of Christians The revolt of his Subjects who lov'd him not or hated the Government forc'd him for the safeguard of his life to abandon his Kingdom and to seek Sanctuary amongst the Portugueses by whom he hop'd to be restor'd The Fathers of the Society receiv'd him into their House and went about to convert him by letting him see the falsehood of his Sect. The ill posture of his Affairs made him
Government into his hands forthwith and to be obedient to him in all things Xavier having thus declar'd Barzaeâ—â— Superiour in a full Assembly of the Colledge kneel'd down and acknowledg'd him for such thereby giving a publick example of submission After which he commanded all of them in vertue of holy obedience to be subject to him and order'd him to expel from the Society all such as shou'd enterprise ought against his authority or refuse obedience to his Orders He order'd him I say positively to expel them without consideration of their capacity their â—loquence or any other gifts of Nature adding that what ever excellent qualities they had they wanted those which were essential namely humility and obedience Barzaeus reply'd not one word when it was intimated to him that he shou'd not go to China how desirous soever he were of that Voyage and it may be said that on this occasion he made a noble sacrifice of all his fervent zeal to his Obedience But when he was nominated both Rector and Vice Provincial confounded at the mention of those dignities he said aloud That he was not endu'd with the Spirit of Government he was ready to dye of shame when he saw the Saint upon his knees before him and with great precipitation fell also on his knees and humbly beg'd of him with tears in his eyes that he wou'd consider his infirmities The Saint who had a perfect insight into his integrity wou'd not hearken to him and judg'd him to be so much the more worthy of those two Employments as he judg'd himself to be uncapable As Barzaeus was the desire of all in all places and yet his presence was necessary at Goa not only for the due regulation of the Colledge but also for the good of Missions Xavier forbad him in vertue of holy obedience to depart out of the Isle of Goa during the space of three years ensuing and for this reason that Barzaeus having this tye of prohibition upon him might be priviledg'd to refuse any Towns which might desire him amongst them and that if his refusal shou'd displease them yet at least the unkindness might not rest on him After all these punctual Orders Xavier gave in writing to the new Rector such instructions as he was to use in the government of his inferiours and in reference to the conduct of himself according to what all of them had propos'd to themselves to have no design save onely ad mâ—jâ—rem Dei gloriam to God's greater honour Those Instructions are very ample and I shall give you onely the most material Have before your eyes continually your own nothingness and endeavour above all things to have your mind so possess'd with it that the contempt of your self may never leave you Always treat the Fathers of the Society with great mildness and respect as well those who inhabit with you as those who live in other places at a distance let not the least roughâ—ess or haughty carriage appear in you if it be not when your moderation and humility are turn'd into contempt for on such occasions having nothing in your intentions but the good of your Inferiours and not making the contempt of your authority the object of your vengeance you are to make the guilty somewhat sensible of your power But you shall only punish them so far as need requires and for their amendment and the edificaâ—ion of our Brethren who were witnesses of their fault All the offences which shall be committed either by the Fâ—thers or the Brothers against the rule of obedience ought to be punish'd by some correction and in so doing the Character of Priesthood must be no priviledge to the Offendour If any of your Inferiours act presumptuously against you and full of self-opinion resist you with stubbornness raise your self in opposition to their pride and speak magisterially to them let your behaviour towards them have more of severity than of mildness Impose some publick penance on them and beware of all things that they may not observe in you the least remisness which they will be sure to interpret fear for nothing more encourages the â—â—tractable and haughty to Rebellion than the softness and fearful spirit of a Governour And it is not credible how assuming proud and peremptory they will grow when once they find the reins are slacken'd and that their pâ—silanimous Superiour is afraid of punishing their want of due respect Impunity hardens that sort of People in their insolence or rather it makes them more and more audacious which disturbs the peace of Religious Houses Execute then my Orders without fearing the opinion or speech of People and let no consideration no regard of persons hinder you from the performance of your duty Amongst your Inferiours you will find some who are neither obstinate nor disobedient but who are weak who are forgetful of what is enjoyn'd them who indeed despise not the Orders of their Superiours but sometimes neglect them either out of faintheartedness or want of sence Reprehend such men with more gentleness and moderation and temper your reproof with the mildness of your countenance and if you find it necessary so punish them impose but an easie penance on them Never admit into the Society such as are not endu'd with judgement and good natural parts nor those who are of a weak constitution and proper for no employment or of whom you may reasonably suspect that they wou'd enter into Religion for secular respects rather than out of a sincere devotion of serving God. When they shall have ended their exercises you are to employ them in the service of the Sick in the publick Hospitals and in the meanest Offices of the House You shall cause them tâ— give you an account of the endeavours they have made to acquit themselves well of their ordinary meditations according to the form prescrib'd If you are assur'd that they are luke-warm and faint at their devotions you will do well to dâ—smiss them and turn them out of the Society betimes or if there be any hope of their amendment you shall withdraw them for some days from those interiour exercises depriving them by way of penance of an honour which their negligence has made them unworthy to enjoy and such indeed is that of communicating with God in Prayer to the end that being asham'd to stand excluded from that coelestial commerce they may desire more ardently to be re-admitted to it I recommend extreamly to you that you pay an extraordinary respect to my Lord the Bishop and that you be obedient to him Beware of doing any thing which may displease him Endeavour on the contrary to serve him in all things according to your power and acknowledge by all manner of good Offices those infinite obligations which we have to so charitable a Father and Benefactour Command those Fathers who are out of Goa to write to him from time to time but not too prolixly and to give him an account of the