Of the Linage, disposition, & education of S. Francis Xauier. CHAP. I.

IN that part of Nauarre, which lyeth towards Spayne, at the foote of the Pyrenaean mountaines, not far from Pamplona the head Citty of that Kingdome, there is scituate a Castle called Xauerium, fortifyed both by nature and art, the ancient & proper mansion of the family of the Xauiers, where vntil this day is to be seen the place where S. Francis Xauier was borne; for the Nobility (according to the custome of that Coun­try) dwelleth for the most part in Castles out of Tow­nes. His Ancestours, for their warlike prowesse, and [Page 2] approued loyalty to their Kings, haue purchased to themselues and their posterity, many great Honours and Dignities, and haue byn no lesse renowned for their owne vertue, then their Soueraignes fauours to­wards them.

His kindred by the mothers side, was very Illu­strious and Noble; The antiquity wherof may for al­most a thousand yeares togeather, His No­bility of birth. draw a very fayre pedigree of famous Warriours, testifyed by approued monuments. His Grandfather by the same lyne was named Martin Azpilqueta, a man no lesse noble for his owne vertue, then for the greatnes of his Ance­stors, who was now almost the only branch left of that most renowned family. He tooke to wife Ioane Xaueria, a Virgin in honour equall to himselfe. By her he had issue an only daughter called Mary, the stemme & hope of both families; so that, two of the noblest families of Nauar depended vpon the life of this yong Maydē; who was no lesse eminēt for beauty thē vertue as being answerable therin to her most excellēt Name.

She was ioyned in marriage to Iohn Iassus, a man Noble both for antiquity of his family & wealth, His Pa­rents. but especially for his learning & prudence, as being the chiefe Priuy-Coūsellour to King Iohn of Nauarre. He now hauing through the persuasion of his Father-in-law, remoued his dwelling from the Castle Iasso the aunciēt Seat of his Ancestours, to Xauerium his wiues Ioynter, & hauing more fortunate successe in marria­ge then his sayd Father-in law had, prouided better for the family of the Xauiers then his owne. For hauing by Mary many children (wherof this our Francis was [Page 3] one) he began to take great care how he might keepe vp, two of the most ancient families of Nauar, which were now somewhat in declining. Whereupon he re­solued to leaue the Name of his own Family, although it were neither meane nor obscure, and to giue his children, and posterity the name of his wiues kindred; so as some of them were called Azpilqueta's, others Xauiers. These therfore were the Parents and Aunce­stours of Francis Xauier, borne in the yeare of our Lord 1497. and raigne of King Iohn of Nauarre, & of Pope Innocentius the VIII. He was the least of all his bro­thers, yet as another Dauid the greatest by Gods holy Prouidēce designed to that perfectiō of sanctity wher­unto he arriued, by assistance both diuine & humane.

From his cradle he was brought vp in the bosome of his most vertuous Parents, His Edu­cation. and by them instructed in all Piety during his childhood. He was also in his yong and tender youth trayned vp by careful Tutors, in those artes, wherby the vnderstanding of man is most of all adorned. He was moreouer of a very ver­tuous disposition, of an excellent constitution, and comlines of person, of a great and sharpe wit, giuen more to his booke, thē vsually childrē are. None more innocēt, none more pleasant, none more aff [...]able then he, His vir­ginall chastity. which made him beloued of all both at home and abroad. Yet he was not more gracious in the eye of the world, then of heauen; whereof this is an eui­dent argument, that notwithstanding such abounding fortunes, & youthly liberty, ioyned to a Personage so beautifull and comely, he was alwayes maister ouer himselfe, his Chastity still hauing predominancy o­ouer [Page 4] all disordinate appetites. And by Gods particu­lar assistance he euer preserued the flower of virginall Integrity, without spot or stayne; so that, the Hea­uenly spouse, Cant. c. 2 who feeds among the Lillies, may seeme euen then to haue haue taken vp his habitation in his brest.

His Chastity (as is the nature therof) sharpened his wit, and prepared his mind as a most pure soile, to receiue the seeds of wisedome. Therefore making no account of his brothers words who went about by warlike discourses to draw him to be a man of armes (the ancient ornament of their Ancestours) he stucke close to his resolutiō, He pre­ferreth learning before armes. & whether stirred vp by the late example of his Father, or drawne by the delight of knowledge, or moued by diuine instinct, he prefer­red the glory of learning, before warlike prayses. Yet the desire of Honour, a deepe rooted Euill by succes­sion from his ancestours, intermingled it selfe with his best intentions. For, as great Nobility ordinarily aspireth to excellency; so he by reason of his liberall Education, became of an high, and lofty spirit. And relying much vpon his wit began to looke after great and high matters, therby to augment the Honour of his Noble Family. For this cause therefore he resolued, to furnish himselfe with the greatest knowledge and learning he could, the only way, as he thought, to in­crease in himselfe both dignity and wealth; a resolu­tion more glorious to the shew, then sound in sub­stance.

CHAP. II.
At Paris, by Ignatius of Loyola, he is con­uerted to a vertuous Life.

THE Vniuersity of Paris was at that time famous both for antiquity, and learning, & also very much frequented, in respect of her excellent Professours and Maisters, by the long continuance of peace, the best wits of En­rope resorting thither to furnish themselues with all kind of eminent knowledge. Francis therfore being not more desirous of learning then glory, as soone as he thought himselfe scholler good inough, went also to Paris; where, as soone as he came, being admitted into the Colledge of S. Barbara, The Colledge of S. Barba­ra. the chiefe residence of the whole Vniuersity both for Readers and Schollers, [...]e betoke himselfe wholy to the study of Philosophy, [...]hat he might afterwards with more facility and ease [...]pply himselfe to Diuinity.

This generous resolution he secondeth with Cō ­ [...]ancy, a Vertue able to effect the greatest matters. He stu­dieth Philoso­phy at Paris. He [...]as not tyred out with cōtinuall labours; nor drawne [...]y any disordered pastimes, or pleasures (the greatest [...]agues of inconstant youth) frō his intended course. [...]ut contrary wise in a Schoole so much frequented, [...]mulation of choice wits (the greatest incitement to [...]) drew on more eagerly his desires, bent wholy [...] the attaining of excellency. And the successe was [Page 6] not vnanswerable to his endeauour. So as hauing no lesse prosperously then constantly ended his course of Philosophy, he purchased to himselfe, not only lear­ning, but also honour due thereunto▪ For as soone as he had giuen worthy testimony of his labours to the moderatours of the Vniuersity, he tooke (as the cu­stome is) degree of Maister: He inter­preteth Aristot­le at Pa­ris publi­kely. and being also preferred to read Philosophy, he did for sometyme explicate Aristotle there publickly, not without prayse. Then from Philosophy he passeth to Diuinity, & followeth it with the same feruour of spirit, and temper of life. In this meane tyme, Francis desirous (as is vsuall) to maintaine his Nobility & Estimation amongst his E­quals, fell into extraordinary expences, for which cause, Iassus his Father began to thinke of calling him home.

Xauierius had at Gandia (a noble Citty of Spaine) an elder sister that was there Abbesse of religious vir­gins, called, by reason of their austerity of life, Dis­calceats, a woman of eminent sanctity. She vnderstā ­ding her fathers intention, & learning also by diuin [...] reuelation, what a great man Francis would one da [...] proue, intreated him by her letters very seriously, [...] furnish Francis (who was yet at Paris, in his chiefe [...] studies) with all things abundantly, A Pro­phecy concer­ning his Apostle­ship in the new world. and to spare no [...] cost, though he should spēd al he had vpō him; for tha [...] God had ordayned him to be the Apostle of the new World, and the further Easterne parts. These letter are yet extant in the Castle of Xaueriū, as witnesses o [...] this Prophesy, the euent wherof afterward proued [...] be true. Iassus therfore taking courage by the predicti [...] [Page] of his daughter, of whose eminent Sanctity he had certain proofe, from thenceforth allowed Francis all necessary expences in abundant manner. But whilst Xauierius, attending more to Honour, then his owne saluation, directeth his study of Diuinity to humane ends, Gods powerfull hand intercepted his vaine en­deauours, & turned the same to a more glorious pur­suit of a pious and holy life.

Francis (as we said before) remained still in S. Barbara's Colledge, and had for his chamberfellow one [...]eter Faber, a Sauoyard by Nation, a man of a greater [...]it, then descent. At the same time Ignatius Loyola [...] who afterward was the Institutour and Founder of the Society of Iesus) cōming to Paris, gaue himself also to the study first of Philosophy, & afterwards of Diuinity. As soone therfore as he met with Faber and Xauerius, their like dispositions and studies, as many times it hapneth, brought them presently acquainted; And at last Ignatius, His ac­quaintā ­ce with S. Igna­tius. being by them courteously recei­ued for companion and chamber-fellow, requited [...]his their friendship most aboundantly. For percei­ [...]ing in them both notable forward wits, and hauing [...]erfectly found out their natures, he began to draw [...]hem by friendly offices, to giue them wholsome cō ­ [...]ell (as occasion serued) & by sweet meanes to allure [...]hem to the perfection of a Christian life: S. Igna­tius his aduises. insinuating [...]nto them that they should seriously thinke with thē ­ [...]elues, ‘that man endowed with an immortall Soule [...]as not borne for this short and miserable life, but for [...]uerlasting blessednes; and to remēber that whatsoe­ver they saw heere, was not so much giuen to mortall [Page 8] men to vse and enioy, as to bring them to know and loue God; that they should preferre those goods which were eternall and properly their owne, before that which was temporall, and only lent vnto them. For what would it auaile a man to gaine the whole world, and loose his owne soule? If the sonne of God himself had now left men most certaine meanes for salua­tion, what discretion were it to remaine among their deadly enemies dartes without those helps, to defend them? Wherfore they should sometimes, and that e­uery eight day, if they would follow his aduise, arme themselues with the Sacraments of Confession & the holy Eucharist: for being armed with these heauēly weapons, they might easily withstand their enemy; wheras being naked without them, they should as it were giue him their throates to cut &c.’

These admonitions were not alike gratefull, & acceptable to them both. Faber, who had no great de­sire to any thing of this world, embraced them with great affection. But Francis hauing his mind set fully vpon desire of greatnes, wholy reiected them. For he was of a very liuely, yet tractable nature, if euill cu­stome had not corrupted it. Being therfore a yonge man of a great spirit, with froward and ouer-thwa [...] answers, oftentimes of set purpose carped at Ignatius and his words, yea, and sometimes also in very re­proachful māner scoffed at his excellent piety: but he on the other side vsed al the sweet meanes he could to reclaime him from his insolency. And not in vaine; for Patience at last ouercame Pertinacy. And Xaue­rius being by little and little made tractable, by that so [Page 9] gentle & courteous vsage began to beare some respect towards to him, Ignatius gently handleth Francis his wild­nesse. and at last touched by Gods diuine spirit, left himselfe to be wholy ruled, and guided by him.

But it is a great matter to go to God with a free mind wholy discharged of all other affections. For Fa­ber indeed contemning all things of this world, and hauing now for the space of foure yeares, frequen­ted the holy Sacraments, according to Ignatius his ad­uise, it was easy to perswade him to cast off all other cares, and make himselfe a souldiar in that battaile wherein Christ himselfe carrieth the prime Banner. But Xauerius still feeding his mind with vaine hopes & imaginations of Honours, although he imbraced the same course of life, yet stifly resisted the holy Ghost, & would not follow his Captaine Christ, going forth vnto him out of the Campe, Heb. 1 [...]. carrying his reproach. He was for other things pious and tractable, but in this one thing hard to be dealt with all. For which cause Igna­tius begged him of God more earnestly with teares; which were not lost.

For Francis his hart being thereby very much [...]ollified, commeth at last to bend, and receauing a [...] stroke from heauen concerning the saluation of his soule, vpon a time entred into himselfe, and began silently to thinke & examine what Nature on the one side and what Vertue on the other could say for thē ­selues. Francis his deli­beration about chāging his cour­se of life. ‘Shall I, saith he, giue eare to God who cals, & [...]akedly follow my naked Sauiour? But then I must vndertake an hard, and abiect course of life. Shall I neglect Gods call, and still retaine my Reputation, & [Page 10] manner of life, which I haue begun? But then I am in great danger, that if I draw backe when God cal­leth, he wil with indignation laugh at my destruction. But how shall I be able to beare the bitternes, & igno­miny of the crosse? What then? shall I rather choose to take part with the enemies of Christ his Crosse, whose end is destruction, Phil. 3. and glory in their confusion? with what face shall I looke vpon myne aquaintance? How shal I endure to heare what my companions will say? But to be drawen from a vertuous and blessed course of life by mens speaches, is an argument not only of extreme lightnesse, but of meere madnes also. What exceeding great sorrow will this vnexpected newes bring to my friends, and kinsfolke? But, shal the loue eyther of Parents, or any mortall creature whatsoe­uer touch me neerer then myne owne saluatiō? neerer then the loue of God, and Christ himselfe?’

With these, and such like contrary cares he stood wauering with a perplexed & doubtfull mind, and hauing spent some dayes in these kind of cogita­tions, at last, this cōbat was ouercome, & he yielded himselfe to God who had vrged him so hard; and vpon a suddain changed into another man he began to looke vpon the author and consummatour of Faith Christ Iesus, who (ioy being proposed vnto him) susteined the Crosse, Heb. 12. con­temning confusion. And first, as by Ignatius help he was raysed vp, so by Ignatius help he remained con­stant in his resolution. And from that time being as it were borne a new, more ioyfully & happily then be­fore, he yielded very rare, and goodly fruit of Chri­stian perfection, being now more like Ignatius then himselfe.

CHAP. III.
His Feruour in the mortification of his bo­dy, and study of Perfection.

FOR within a little while he sought with greater desire after mortifications & con­tempt of himselfe, then he had before af­ter dignities and honours: such (for the most part) is the property of excellent dispositions, to apply themselues wholly to whatsoeuer they take vpon them. Mortifi­cation. Francis therfore ayming at the highest toppe of Sanctity, began first (as the custome is) to combat with his owne body. For knowing the flesh [...]o haue contrary desires to the spirit, he resolued to [...]ring it vnder, that the vntamednes therof might be [...]o hindrance to him in the way of Christian perfecti­ [...]n. Wherfore both in his yonger dayes, & all his life after, he did no lesse often thē zealously vse the ordi­ [...]ary austerity of fasting, disciplines and hayrecloth, as fit meanes to tame & moderate disordinate affecti­ [...]ns, and to make satisfaction for sinnes. And euen at [...]is very entrance into this new war-fare, he gaue manifest tokens of his noble disposition and courage.

For being in his yonger yeares accustomed often [...]o leap amongst his Equals & companions in a field [...]eere to the Citty, His agi­lity of body. (that being then the only sport wherin he tooke delight) vpon a certaine tyme he tooke ouermuch content in his owne agility of body, wherin he far outwēt all the rest in leaping; wherfore [Page 12] as soone as he had altered his course of life, although that offence had byn but light, yet he mortifyed him­selfe for it very seuerely. He tyeth about parts of his body a litle rope For binding his body very hard with a small cord which caused him intollerable paine, he went some dayes together in that manner; and to purge his mynd of the pride he had taken ther­in, he exercised himselfe all that while meditating v­pon deuout matters, that the greatnes of the paine might restraine both his mind and body from the like excesses heerafter. And this hard hand he kept ouer his youthfull motions, as well to excite and stirre vp his mynd, as to make satisfaction for his sinnes. As he was once imployed in those pious considerations, which we call spirituall Exercises, and therin endea­uouring by abstinence to bring vnder & make subiect the vnruly motions of his body, out of a desire he had to obtaine a cōplete victory ouer himself, he was carryed something to farre, Foure dayes he abstaines from ea­ting any thing. abstayning foure whole dayes from eating any thing. A rash attempt indeed, but yet faultlesse, being excused by the feruour of his new beginning, and youthfull yeares. For nothing is more hard, or a greater step to vertue, then the ma [...] ­stry ouer ones selfe: but for Nouices and new begin­ners neuer to exceed, whilst they follow the battaile in their feruour, is a thing rather to be wished, then hoped for.

Wherfore Xauerius continually striuing & with diligent care ouercomming himselfe, became euery day to grow stronger therein. Coquest of him­selfe. That which most of all helped him, was his often and deuout meditation vpō the life and death of our Sauiour Iesus Christ, and his [Page 13] vnspeakeable Charity, Medita­tion vpō the life & death of Christ the greatest incitements to the loue of God, and christian perfection. And the more those pious meditations increased in him the loue of God, so the more his hart was set on fire with a de­sire of sauing soules, and suffering of martyrdome. Which thing went so farre at last, that as the sonne of God had deliuered himselfe to death for his saluation; so he againe, vowed himselfe wholy and entierly for euer, to employ himselfe for his glory, & the saluatiō of soules. And to the end that nothing might separate [...]im from this Charity of Christ, His desir of Mar­tyrdom. by the aduise of S. Ignatius he determined, togeather with the other companions (who were then nine in nūber) to bind [...]imselfe to God by certaine vowes, which might be [...] meanes to bring him to the crowne of Martyrdome.

In the yeare therfore 1534. they for that pur­pose assigned the feast of the Assumption of the B. V. Mary, intending therby to haue her both witnesse & patronesse of their vowes. When that day was come they, hauing their minds set on fire by continual me­ditation, met all togeather in a Church neere Paris called Mons Martyrum, that the place might adde flames to their earnest desire of martyrdome. Where after they had heard masse and fortified themselues with the sacred Eucharist, He binds himselfe to God by vow. replenished with spirituall ioy they make their vowes, and dedicate themselues to God. The summe of their vowes was this, that ha­uing finished their course of Diuinity, dispossessing themselues of all things, they would in perpetuall po­uerty employ their seruice for the glory of God, and the saluation of soules; and that vpon a set day they [Page 14] would go to Hierusalem, there to labour for the con­uersion of the Turkes, with eminent hazard of their liues. And if by chance this determination of theirs should be hindred by any accident, at the yeares end they would go to Rome, and offer their endeauours to his Holines towards the saluation & helpe of soules, without exception either of time, place, or mention of prouision, or allowance for their iourney.

Vpon the making of these vowes, there follo­wed a new, Yeerly renewing of vowes but yet pious custome of often renewing the same, thereby to keep them fresh in memory, and increase a religious deuotion towards thē. They mad [...] these vowes not only that yeare, but also renewed thē euery yeare vpon the same day, and place, with the same solemnity, alacrity, and fruite as long as they studied at Paris. But Xauerius vsed this custome often­times by himselfe with great feruour, Frequēt renoua­tion of vowes. finding by ex­perience that by often renewing his vowes, he found his vigour and strength of mind againe renewed, like the youth of an Eagle. And this great desire of perfe­ction in vertue was no hindrance at all to his studies; but there was a tyme when he manifestly shewed, that he tooke more delight in being a souldiar of Christ thē in his studies, for whose only sake, he now employed himselfe therein,

CHAP. IIII.
He goeth to Venice vvith extreme payne of body.

HE had now almost finished his course of Diuinity, He brea­keth of his cour­se of Di­uinity not farre from the end. when presently he was to depart for Italy. For the Fathers had agreed among themselues, that vpon a set day▪ to wit the 24. of Ianuary 1537. they would meete al together at Venice, with S. Ignatius, who was gone thither before vpon certayne occasiōs. In the meane tyme before the appointed day of their iourney came, France was all [...] in armes, by reason of Charles the fifth his warre [...]ade vpon the Frenchmen: which accident made [...]em hasten their determined iorney, by setting aside [...] care of ending their course of studies. Xauerius was i [...]deed much grieued for this hindrance, but yet car­ [...]ed it discreetly, esteeming it as good to leaue his stu­dies for Gods sake, as to follow them.

Therfore vpon the 13. day of Nouember, Their manner of tra­uaile. a most [...]nseasonable tyme of the yeare, hauing, according to [...]eir vowes, giuen all they had to the poore, except [...]nly their writings, and some litle thing to help them [...] their iorney, he togeather with his other company [...]tteth forth on the way. Their manner of trauailing [...]as this. They were cloathed in course and old habits, [...]ery one with a staffe in his hand, and a short leather [...]antle vpon his shouldiers, like poore pilgrimes; a­bout [Page 16] their neckes they hunge their beades, therby to be knowne for Catholikes as they trauayled amongst heretiques, and their writings they carryed at their backe in a little bagge.

They vsed euery day to cōmunicate, being the only comfort of all their labours, therby both to renew their forces, & reuiue their spirits being wearyed with paynfull trauayle. When they departed from their lod­ging they allwayes commended themselues to God, & when they came into it they gaue him thankes. Being vpon the way they first spent some time in meditating vpon heauenly matters; then they vsed some pious dis­course together, and now and then they lightned the labour and wearisomnesse of their iorney with singing of hymnes, Psalmes, and spirituall Canticles.

In this manner for the most part taking his way into Italy through Loraine and Germany, to auoyd the troubles of the warre, he endured the Autumne show­res of France, and the winter coldes of Germany. And although he were not accustomed to trauaile on foote yet he cheerfully vndertooke, and performed this so longe & tedious iourney, being loaden with his wri­tings; and this in the dead of winter, and through most fowle wayes many times euē couered ouer with snow, Volun­tary mortificati­on in his iorney. and frozen vp with ice, especially as he passed the Alpes. And besides the weight of his bagge, and badnes of the way, he voluntarily vsed another mor­tification which put him to intolerable paine, so great was his courage to indure all incommodities and la­bours for the loue of God. For before be began his iorney he had for a good while togeather, (either to [Page 17] exercise himselfe in patience, or else to mortify his body) tyed about his armes and thighes little cordes, which through continual stirring about necessary bu­sines of the house, had caused the flesh to swell, and therby gauled him most pitifully. Yet so great was his desire and courage to suffer, that albeit the iorney he was to go on foote was so long and hard, he would not for al that take of those cordes which did so much afflict him.

When therfore this torment being of it selfe very paynfull was now seconded with so hard a iorney on foot, the extreme griefe which the cords did put him to, was also very much increased. But he being no lesse couragious in enduring torments, then in vn­dertaking them, kept on his way, and did not only cōceale, but also contēne all the paine he felt therby. For he hoped that, that might by vse & custome be as­swaged as well as other corporal molestations, which he had made triall of. Through anguish of body he faints in the way. But when the vehemency thereof daily encreased, his confidence being turned into care, he began to faint not through want of cou­rage but of strength. At last therfore when he could no longer neither dissemble nor endure the violence of the payne, being through necessity constrained to [...]ield, he sweetly intreated his companions to pardon [...]im, for he was indeed so weary, that he could not go one step further. They at first wondred to see him who before was all feruour, vpō the sodain to faint, [...]nd languish in that manner; but when the palenesse of his countenance discouered the greatnes of his in­teriour paine, they held him vp as he fainted, and a­sked [Page 18] him what new accident was befallen him. Then he taking breath awhile, which was before stopped through griefe, was enforced to open vnto them the whole matter. They all condoling his case, but secre­tly admiring his vertue, intreated him to rest awhile vn [...]il the violence of the paine were a little asswaged; then as soone as they thought he had rested inough, & recouered a little strengh, they brought him fayre and softly to the next Inne, and presently sent for a Physitian, who hauing diligently viewed, and consi­dered of the soare, resolutely answereth that the cords could not be seene, His ma­lady be­ing held despe­rate, the Physitiā giues him o­uer much lesse cut. And although the ends of the cords did appeare, yet they had made such vlcers, that they could neither be vnloosed, or cut, without most extreme paine. Therfore (because the disease surpassed art, & the cause therof went beyond all custome) he stood awhile in a maze like one that knew not what to say. At last fearing the successe he could not be persuaded eyther by Francis or his com­paniōs to medle with it, there was such danger in the Cure; And so departed without so much as making the least triall.

The Fathers his companions then were in great solicitude and anxiety, not only for what would be­come of the Patient, but also for their owne iorney, which was hindred by this vnexpected chance to the great hindrance of them all. And Francis grieued no lesse that his companions were enforced to stay for him, then for his owne infirmity. Despayring there­fore of humane, they had recourse to diuine help, ech one humbly imploring assistance from Heauen. [Page 19] Their prayers were not in vayne, for God himselfe played the Phisitian, and presently applyed a remedy to that desperate Cure. A strange thing, the next mor­ning Francis rising out of his bed found all the cordes broken asunder & fallen of, He is cu­red from heauen all the swelling gone, & nothing to remaine of the soares but certaine markes, where the ropes had byn. Then being stroken into ad­miration & reioycing not so much for himselfe as for his companions sake, with a lowde voyce gaue than­kes to Almighty God; wherat his companions came running to him, asking him the cause of that new ioy? Which hauing vnderstood, and being astoni­shed at the euident miracle, gaue (as reason was) all due praise and thankes to God; and lifting vp their handes to heauen & weeping for ioy began presently to extoll the heauenly Fathers prouidence, and singu­lar bounty towards them.

Then they presently set on againe to their tra­uaile, most ioyfull for that good successe, inciting one another to employ al their labours in the seruice of so sweet a Lord; And Francis throughout the whole ior­ney (as he was alwayes before wont to do) applied himselfe with such diligence & alacrity in helping & seruing his cōpanions as was wonderfull. For as they all stroue to the vttermost (this only being the emu­lation among them) to excell one another in cour­ [...]esy, In the way he serueth his cō ­panions. he either out of feruour of spirit, or naturall ci­ [...]ility farre outwent the rest. And this care and desire [...]f his was no greater to helpe his companions, then to procure the saluation of others. Whersoeuer occa­sion was giuen him of helping his neighbours, either [Page 20] with counsel, Vpon the way he hel­peth his neigh­bours. aduise or example, he with great zeale made his commodity therof, and imbraced the same as opportunity serued. And herein his labour was not in vaine; for many Catholiques were therby reclai­med to a good life, and some Heretiques also reduced to the wholsom way of truth. Which way soeuer they passed, they left behind them tokens of sanctity for all to behould, and Catholiques to imitate. And so it hapned oftentimes, that euen Hereticks themselues taken with admiration at their sanctity, would cour­teously shew them their way, He win­neth the hereti­ques af­fections. tell them what difficul­ties they were to passe, and when need was, would themselues freely conduct them in their iorney. Thus true and kindly vertue sheweth it selfe, and putteth euen sauage people in mind of humanity.

Francis therfore by the aide both of heauen and earth, hauing waded through all the incōmodities & dangers of the way, vpon the tenth day of Ianuary the yeare following, arriued safe with his companions at Venice. There he foūd Ignatius of Loyola with the grea­test desire expecting his deerest sonnes & cōpanions. Then according to the custome of the society they sa­lute and imbrace one another most ioyfully, with the greatest demonstration of loue that might be imagi­ned. And this their ioy made them forgetfull of all their toylsome passed labours.

CHAP. V.
At Venice he serueth in the Hospitall of the Incurable, and from thence goeth to Rome to the Pope.

THE Fathers had already agreed al togea­ther to go to Rome there to aske leaue of the Pope to go to Hierusalem to preach the Gos­pell, and there to remayne at their owne liberty. It seemed therfore good vnto thē, that vntill the extremity of the winter were ouer past, that they should begin to practise thēselues at Venice in that kind of spiritual warfarre, which afterward they were to undertake. Wherfore deuiding themselues to the pu­blike seruice of the Hospitals of that Citty, as into so many Prouinces, Francis requested that he might haue the care of the Incurable, a fit meanes to gayne, as he desired, a most noble conquest ouer himselfe; the which office he performed with no lesse feruour of spirit, then he had desire thereunto.

As soone therfore as he came thither, he begā to go about the beds & couches of those poore soules, spea­ [...]ing comfortably and sweetly to the afflicted; encou­raging them that were giuen ouer by the surgeons, with hope of life euerlasting; hartening them that lay [...]dying, & mouing all most affectionatly to patience, modesty, & vertuous life, endeauouring by all meanes possible to cure their minds, whose diseases were in­curable. [Page 22] And considering moreouer, that if he serued them in things belonging to their bodies he might the more easily helpe them in their soules: He therefore would himselfe sweep the hospitall, make the beds, rid away the filth, performe euen the most base and abiect offices of the place (those being the first groūds of Christian humility) & finally as the custome is, wash the bodies of the dead, & bury thē as they ought to be. And in the midst of all these imployments there appeared in his countenance and lookes such, and so eminent a Piety, that you would haue thought he had seene Christ with his eyes in those poore sicke persons, and employed all his labours in seruing of him. These things were done, in the sight of a most frequented Hospitall, in the view of a most noble Cit­ty, with such vnusuall cheerfulnes and ioy, that ma­ny flocking thither through the reporte of so new a thing, Francis became a spectacle not only to God & his Angels, but to men also. In so much that his care & charity towards the sicke, renewed agayne the most comfortable memory of S. Rocke (whose Name is most famous at Venice) for his singular benignity in that kind.

In the meane time his vertue breathed forth▪ most delightful odour in the Celestial Court. With speciall care he serueth a sick man full of [...]oares. For ha­uing gotten the care of one that was sick of a consūp­tion and the Pox, the more horrour he had of him (a [...] being delicate both by nature and custome) the more diligence he vsed in tending and seruing him. Vpō this occasion he fought many noble combats & got most glorious victories ouer himselfe. For though Reason [Page 23] did withhold the vnbridled contradiction of nature; and diuine grace ouercome the horrour of that pesti­lent disease: yet for all that, the loathsomnesse of the vlcers, and the intollerable stench therof, did some­times, so ouercharge his stomacke (as it often fal­leth out) that he had euen an auersion from his said Patient. But neither could the Deuils nor Natures af­front beguile Xauerius. For as soone as he perceiued his charity to waxe somewhat cold, sharpely rebuking himself of cowardize & want of courage in this kind he resolued by way of reuenge to rid himselfe of that dainty disposition. And without further delay armed with the loue of Christ his Sauiour, after the example of S. Catherine of Sienna, he nobly ouercommeth him­selfe, and sucketh out once, He suck­eth out the fil­thy mat­ter. & againe with his mouth the putrified matter out of his Patients loathsome vl­ [...]ers.

This extraordinary vertue was recompensed by God with an extraordinary reward. For he did not on­ly giue him conquest ouer himselfe for that present, but euer after gaue him strength and courage to beare all annoyances euen of the most vlcerous & leaprous. [...]n so much as from thenceforward, he would not on­ly without difficulty, but with a kind of delight also [...]ādle & dresse such loathsome diseases as others durst [...]ot without horrour once looke vpon, Con­quest of himself. so important [...] thing it is for the obtaining of true freedome of spi­rit, but once nobly to ouercome ones selfe Wherfore [...]hroughout the whole course of Francis his life there appeared a perpetuall victory ouer himselfe in all things, and an extraordinary charity towards poore [Page 24] sicke and needy persons. Hauing layd this foundation he bent all his cares for his intended voyage.

Now therfore the spring comming on, the Fa­thers thought good to make no delay, but according to their vow, as speedily as they could hasten towards Rome. But there fell at that time so extraordinary great raynes, that the wayes became very foule; and Lent was also at hand, Religi­ous re­gard to­wards vowes. a very incommodious time fo [...] religious men to trauaile in. Yet for feare delay should make that lesse grateful in the sight of almighty God, which was of it selfe most acceptable vnto him, they all had so religious a care of performing their vow▪ that they thought it by no meanes fitting to expect any longer, but presently to set forwards. Thus di [...] they accommodate, not their vowes to themselues but themselues to their vowes.

At the beginning therfore of Lent they all togea­ther make hast to Rome; Iorney­ing on foot in Lent and begging he truly fasteth. by thus much now more poore then in their former iorney, in that without a­ny penny of Viaticum for their expences they pu [...] thēselues on the way, depēding only vpon Gods prouidence. In their iorney they dayly obserued thei [...] former practise of Piety, and the rather because of th [...] holy time of Lent; & although by reason of their tra­uailing on foote they endured great difficulties wha [...] by the painfulnes of the iorney, and their very poor [...] diet, which they also begged as they went, yet euery day did they strictly obserue their fast, so that it is har [...] to say, whether they obserued with more deuotion, the Precept of Fasting, or the Euangelicall Counsell of Pouerty. Yet through Gods prouidēce their religi­ous [Page 25] confidence was not any way frustrated. For al­though they were much combred with raine and ill weather, yet kept they on their iourney, passing on foote through Lombardy where the wayes especially at that time of yeare were very fowle & troublesome. And sometimes also they were forced, Taking but a lit­le piece of bread they go on foot a good dayes iorney. with all pati­ence and cheerfulnes, bare-footed to trauayle thirty miles a day, refreshing themselues only with a piece of browne bread and water, in most rayny weather, when the fields were so swelled & ouer flowen with flouds of water, that in some places they waded euen vp to the neeke. At last by the speciall prouiden­ce of God, who gaue them sufficient forces, and deli­ [...]ered them from all dangers in this their iourney, he brought them safe vnto the place they desired.

As soone as they came to Rome, the first thing they did was to visit the Churches of S. Peter, and S. Paul, and to humbly beseech those most holy Patrones both of the Citty and whole world, that God would through their intercession giue prosperous successe to their Intentions. Then confiding in the patronage and fauour of so mighty Protectours, they sought meanes to haue accesse vnto his Holines (who at that [...]me was Paul the third of the noble family of the Far­ [...]esi, a man right eminent both for grauity, and pru­ [...]ence) and to desire his approbation of that which [...]hey had at first determined. There was at the same [...]me in Rome, Embassadour for the Emperour, Peter Orttizius a Spaniard, a man of no lesse authority, then courtesy. He hauing brought them to the Pope, and earnestly commended them vnto him, his Holynes [Page 26] as the custome is, benignely and courteously admit­teth them to the kissing of his feet. Then to make tri­all of their learning he caused them to dispute, some­times in Philosophy, and sometymes in Diuinity in tyme of dinner, as that most worthy Princes custome was. Wherin when all of them, but especially Xaueri­us, had giuen great demonstratiō both of their ability & vertue, presenting their petition concerning their iorney to Hierusalem, the Pope without any difficulty, yea with great approbation granteth them what they demaund, and out of his Fatherly charity to all Nati­ons, tooke such affection to their vertuous desires, al­though meere strangers to him, that for his singular bounty & liberality, he dismissed them not only with his benediction, but also with a large Viaticum to be­are their charges in that long and tedious iourney. But they not forgetfull of pouerty euen amidst such plēty, put that money giuen thē for their vowed pilgrimage into a Bankers hands to be kept, vntill they were rea­dy to go. And in the meane time they liued by begging publickly vp & downe the Citty, more knowne now for their Religious modesty then their learning, by reason that abandoning of their owne accord the fa­miliarity of great and noble Personages, they had vndertaken that abiect and humble course of life.

CHAP. VI.
At Vincenza he saith his first Masse, ha­uing first prepared himselfe thereto.

WHEN they had dispatched all things at Rome with fortunate and speedy successe, in the same manner almost as they came thither, they returne againe to Venice inten­ding with the first occasion to imbarke themselues for Hierusalem. There, inflamed with a longing desire of [...]n heauenly life, to vnite and tye themselues more [...]irmely to God, they resolue to consecrate their liues wholy to Christ, as they had long since done their [...]oods. Therfore hauing for that end prepared them­ [...]elues by interiour recollection, at a solemne Masse [...]hey vow perpetuall Pouerty and Chastity in the hāds [...]f Hierome Verallus who was then Legate for the Sea [...] postolique. He vow­eth per­petuall pouerty and Cha­stity. Francis was neuer before seene to be [...]ore replenished with heauenly ioy then at this time▪ [...]or being very cheerfull, as might be discerned by [...]is lookes, he gaue his whole hart to God, being euen [...]uer whelned in his soule with his diuine grace; and [...]alling to mind his former practise, he frō that time, [...]ll his life, euery day renewed the vowes which once [...]e had made.

But whilst he expecteth an opportunity for his [...]ntended nauigation he againe applieth himselfe with [...]reater feruour then before, to his exercises of Cha­rity, [Page 28] which he neuer forgot, although they had been intermitted by reason of his iorney. And the Venetians so much the more admired & esteemed this great cha­rity of Francis towards the sicke, by how much lon­ger, this his labour continued with them then before. For it fell so out, that the Turkes and Venetians be­ginning that yeare to make warre vpon one another, the passage into Palestine was stopt, which before was alwayes open for Pilgrims. And the seas were so beset with the Turkish ships that none could passe out of Italy to the Easterne coasts without manifest daun­ger of death or captiuity. Which accident, as it first delayed the good Fathers iorney to Hierusalem, so it afterwards brake it cleane of, God reseruing their la­bours for better vses. For he sent these his hyred ser­uants in such sort into his vineyard, that leauing the Turkish soyle, as barren, and euen past bearing fru­ite, they might employ thēselues, some in pruning the ouergrowne vineyardes of Christians, & others in cultiuating the desertes of India, & Iaponia, which before that were neuer so much as touched. So whilst Francis (not knowing Gods designement) betweene hope and feare expected euery day some opportunity for his long desired nauigation, many monthes passed away in his foresayd labours of the Hospitall, in all which time he neuer became slacke in his indeauours nor any whit remisse in his charitable exercises.

But seing at last all hope of going to Hierusalē, vtterly to fayle, he tooke it very heauily, and was much grieued, that he was so depriued of all meanes to see those holy places of Palestine, and also of the oc­casion [Page 29] of suffering martyrdome for Christ: notwith­standing beholding therein the prouidēce of God (the only cōfort of all humane accidents) he bare the same with courage and constancy, although it gaue him o­therwise no small resentment. Then they consulted among thēselues what was best to be done, & turning all their cares another way, it seemed good vnto them that they should all take holy Orders, that so they might attend with more profit to their owne perfe­ction, and saluation of others.

In the moneth of Iune therfore, vpon the Natiui­ty of S. Iohn Baptist hauing vsed great preparatiō ther­unto, they were made Priests by the Bishop of Arbe for the other holy Orders they had receyued a litle before.) He is made Priest. And it is reported of them, that al the time of consecration they were so ouercome with ioy that the good Bishop himselfe participated thereof. For he af­ [...]rmed afterwards, that whilst he did the ceremonies, [...]e felt a new kind of heauenly ioy and delight, the like whereof he neuer had before experienced. By this [...] all hope of passing into Palestine was so wholy taken away, that they seemed almost freed frō their [...]ow: yet that there might not remayne the least [...]ruple in their mynds, they thought good still to [...]atch if there might be any occasion offered of per­ [...]rming the same vntill the yeare were fully come a­ [...]out, for so it was expressed in their vow.

In this meane space being forthwith to offer to [...]od the first fruites of their Priesthood, Prepara­tion for his first Masse. they with­ [...]ew themselues out of the great concourse of that [...]ost populous Citty, & the better to attend to recol­lection [Page 30] they separated themselues into diuers places neere by, some one way, some another. Francis, to­gether with Alphonsus Salmeron, betooke himselfe to Mont Celsus, a village distant some fifteene miles from Padua: there desirous to be solitary he withdrew himselfe farre from all men, that he might vnite him­selfe neerer to God. And hauing found in a priuate place, a desolate and ruinated cottage, he thatched the roofe therof with straw, and so made himselfe a litle sorry habitation, wherein he tooke so much the more delight, because it represented to him the manger of Christ his Sauiour, and his great pouerty. Then, that experiēce might make a deeper impressiō in his mind of the pouerty of IESVS whilst he was a child, and of his solitude when he was a man, he taske [...] himselfe to this kind of life: he eate very sparingly of such meate only as he got by begging, he lay vpon the bare [...]groūd with straw vnder him in the forsayd houell exposed to rayne, wind, and weather; and to stirre vp his mynd with more then ordinary feruour to the contē ­plation of heauenly things he euery day imposed vpon himselfe certaine voluntary pennances; Gse 2. and remem­bring that God leadeth a soule into solitude, and there speaketh to her hart, Psal. 84. he gaue more attentiue eare to what his Lord God should speak within him. He pray­ed therefore very much & often, & whatsoeuer spare tyme he had, he imployed it in reading of holy boo­kes, and deuout meditation of heauenly things. What discommodities, and paynfull labours he endured in that place, and what true and perfect consolation he receiued, through conuersation with the heauen [...]y [Page 31] spouse we may easier imagine, then by words expresse. This is certaine, that the litle which he begged would hardly find him bread, to which if perchance he got a litle oyle, or other meate, he thought he had then made a dainty meale indeed.

In this solitary kind of life he passed fourty dayes with exceeding great comfort, according to the exā ­ple of his heauenly Maister, who remained so many dayes in the wildernes. And no doubt but by his con­uersation with God, through his exceeding feruour of spirit and inflamed loue to his Creatour, he recei­ued as many heauēly graces, as he did ioyes. Somtimes therfore going forth into publicke, he began accor­ding to Christ his example to teach the people, and to make them partakers of that which he had receiued [...]om heauen. After his solitary life he begin­neth to teach the peple. This was his manner of preaching: re­ [...]ēb [...]ing that Christ was wont to preach in the fields vpon mountaines, and by the s [...]a shores, whersoeuer [...] saw any hope of doing good, there would he put [...]mselfe amongst assembles of people to preach, and especially would he teach those, who most of all wanted instruction, and such as neuer vsed to come [...]sermons, that so God might also be found of them [...]at did not seeke him. Therfore gathering togeather [...]e people in crosse wayes and streets, and borrowing [...]stoole out of some shoppe, standing theron he would [...]eake of vertuous and godly life with more feruour [...] spirit then flourish of words, to such as either stood [...]ere idle, or else were in their playes and pastimes: [...] so much as some who came to his sermon only, to get something to laugh at, being moued by the weight [Page 32] of his speach, & the diuine force wherwith he spake, in steed of laughing, went away weeping. Nothing caused him to be more admired, or helped on his busi­nes better, then refusing to take money, a token of sanctity most pleasing to all men. For when all saw that he neyther asked any thing of the people about him, nor would take any thing which was offered him, they could not but think that he sought the salua­tion of others, more then his owne commodity.

Hauing thus employed his labours and indea­uours in Mont Celsus, with no lesse good successe in helping of others, then in the perfection of himselfe, he went to Vincenza sent thither by Ignatius. Where hauing agayne recollected himselfe in most diligent mann [...]r, and thinking it now time to performe that for which he had long prepared himself, this our new Priest, with plentifull teares of ioy, offereth his first, heauenly & wholsome sacrifice to the diuine Maiesty. Yow would say that he did not so much belieue that which is conteyned vnder those sacred mysteries, as he saw, and beheld it with his eyes. And such indeed was the ardent fire which inflamed both his soule and body, that they who beheld the teares streaming so sweetly from his eyes, could not themselues absteine from weeping. And this singular feeling of deuotion he frō thence forward reteined throughout his whole life, in such sort, as if comming euery day like a new Priest to the Aultar, he had tasted that first sweetnes of those sacred mysteries.

CHAP. VII.
He assisteth the Cittyes of Bononia, and Rome, vvith his Sermons.

THE day appointed for their Pilgrimage to Hierusalem was now past, & yet there was no hope of passage, the Enemies nauy still keping the seas. Therfore they were, accor­ding to the tenour of their vowes, to leaue themselues to the disposition of the Pope; And for this cause the [...]athers agreed among themselues that Ignatius Loyola [...]ter Faber, & Iames Laynes, should go to Rome in name of the rest, & offer to his Holines their endeauours & [...]bours for the help of soules. In the meane time the [...]hers dispersing themselues throughout the most fa­ [...]ous Academies of Italy, should instruct the students [...]vertue, & draw more to be of their Company, if it [...]ould so please God. In this diuision the vniuersity of [...]onia fell to Xauier his lot, with no small benefit to [...]at Citty. For as soone as he came thither, he went [...] say Masse at the Sepulcher of S. Dominick, to whome [...] was euer especially deuout. And it hapned that [...]ere was present at his Masse Elizabeth Casiline of Bo­ [...]nia, a religious woman of the most holy Order of [...] Dominick, who perceauing Francis his great deuo­ [...]on, desired so speake with him. Their discourse was [...]ch that she was wholy possessed with an opinion of [...]s sanctity.

[Page 34] This Elizabeth had an Vncle called Hierome Ca­siline, a man both learned and noble, who was also Chanon of S. Petronius, He lod­ged with Hierome Casiline. & Rectour of S. Lucies Col­ledge where he then dwelt. Francis, at her request, went vnto him, and by his courteous speach, and candide behauiour got his affection so, that he most willingly and freely inuited him to his house. Xauie [...] humbly accepted of so worthy a mans courtesy for his lodging, but to eate there he absolutely refused, because he begged his meate, as he was accustomed. I [...] the meane time Casiline obserued him, greatly admi­ring his vertues, wherof he gaue also publicke testimony. Francis therfore, although his courage wa [...] greater then his forces, because he was at that tim [...] sickly and weake, His dili­gence in helping his neighbours e­uen whē he was il himself. yet his admirable feruour of spiri [...] abundantly supplied what he wanted in strength. Fo [...] such was his great desire of doing good to all, th [...] there was almost no worke of Christian charity, wherein he had not a sweet and louing hand, no other­wise then if he had enioyed the greatest health th [...] could be.

Hauing said Masse euery day, as his custome was he afterwards employed himselfe in seruing the si [...] in the Hospitals, and the poore that were in prison, [...] teaching children, and ignorant persons the princi­ples of Christian doctrine, His manner of preach­ing. & in hearing Confessions He moreouer preached to the people in the streets an [...] publicke high wayes, and that not more frequently then profitably. For he vsed not the then new flourishing and Rhetorical kind of speach, but followed a [...] togeather that old, feruent, and Apostolicall manne [...] [Page 35] of preaching. There was in him no curious setting [...]orth of arguments, nor ornament of words, but all [...]eruour of mynd and spirit, intermixed with most pithy and graue sentences, wherto his plainesse, and as it were neglect of speach (an euidēt marke of truth) [...]ue great lustre and force. The modest and humble [...]mposition both of his countenance, & whole body [...]eathed out that sāctity which lay hiddē in his soule. The piety which shined forth from his face & lookes euidently demonstrated, that whatsoeuer he said, came from the bottome of his hart, and from the fire of Charity, which inflamed his brest. Wherupon his words carrying more feruour with them then elo­ [...]ence, were like burning torches to the vnderstan­ding of those that heard him, and like a flame of fire [...] their affections: so as therby might manifestly ap­ [...]are how fiery the diuine word is, when men speake [...] as God alwayes supplieth them with matter. For [...]uiers drift was not to haunt after fauour and vul­ [...] [...] applause of the people, but to cause in his audi­ [...]rs affections, a feare and loue of God, and indeed [...]eeke truly the saluation of soules, not his owne [...]eeme.

In fine the substance of his sermons was to lay be­ [...]e The su­bstance & fruit of his sermons. the people the most bitter & euerlasting tormēts hich are ordained for the reprobate in hell, and the [...]ost sweet & neuer-ending rewards layd vp for the [...]t in heauen; as also to shew the deformity of sinne, [...]d the beauty, and louelynesse of vertue, not in cu­ [...]us, but in weighty and substantiall words. And [...]ds word being cast and sowen in this manner, was [Page 36] receiued by the hearers with prōpt & willing minds, & yielded that fruite which Francis desired. For many were by the grace of God drawne out of the sinke of sinne, many also brought to frequent the Sacraments, great store of money was likewise giuen in Almes, wherof notwithstanding he touched not a farthing, Loue of Pouerty but causing it to be distributed amongst the needy, himselfe begged from dore to dore, prouiding therby both for the necessity of the poore, & mantaining the dignity of a Preacher. Whēce it came to passe (which he chiefly aymed at) that, not only very many being penitent for their sinnes, lead afterwards a pious and Christian life, but also (which he cared not for) that his name was made famous by the speach and good report of all: Yet he was not more admirable in his sermons, then in his priuate discourses and exercises.

Casiline his Host, Xauier sparing in his words but wō ­derfully efficaci­ous. who as before we said, diligen­tly obserued him, gaue this testimony: That Xauier was sparing in his words, but wōderfully efficacious. For he was wont to discourse with such feruour of spirit of diuine matters, that he inflamed the harts of his Auditours. When he said masse, especially that of the Passion, it was ordinary with him to shed abundā ­ce of teares, with great inward feeling. In offering of which sacrifice he saw him once at the time of his first Memento so abstracted from his senses, Saying Masse of the Passion he is ab­stracted from his senses. that although his minister pulled him oftentimes by the vestment, yet he did not in any wise perceiue him, but remai­ned so a whole houre before he came to himselfe a­gain. For he was indeed (as is said of Daniel) a man of desires, and much prayer. These things therfore drew [Page 37] many of that Citty, but especially his Host to the loue of his singular piety, and made his memory also gra­tefull and famous amongst them after his departure.

And thus he left behind him at Bononia, foot­sheps of long continuance as well of his sanctity, as of his industrious labours. For Casiline from thence forward bare great respect to that lodging and cham­ber of Xauerius, and made thereof a place for those of the Society to lodge in, as they trauayled to and fro that way. But in processe of time when the Society of IESVS made meanes for a house at Bononia, by the speciall prouidence of God, The pla­ce where he lod­ged tur­ned into a Chap­pell. there fell vnto them, the next howse to Xauiers forsaid lodging, and the Church of S. Lucia wherin he had oftentimes said masse; at what time the said lodging was, through the memory of that holy man, and deuotion of the place, turned into a Chappel, that it might be a monument both of Xauiers lodging, & sanctity of life. But when afterward the Church of S. Lucia was repayred, it was thought good to take in that Chappell to the same, & dedicate it to the Circumcision of our Sauiour, so that [...]ou would thinke Xauier being inspired from heauen, ordained that place for the Society to inhabite.

Francis, hauing performed all things wel at Bo­nonia came to Rome (as was agreed) about the midst of Lent in the yeare of our Lord 1539. The fathers at that time, had begged a lodging at the foote of an hil of certaine litle Gardēs (now called Mons Trinitatis) in a place there which Quirinus Garzoni, an honest and vertuous Cittizen of Rome had lent vnto them. There they all liued by begging; and being no lesse desirous [Page 38] of their neighbours saluation, then of their owne per­fection in vertue, they agreed amongst themselues to imploy all their endeauours in aduancing Christian Religion, and to labour what they could in Christs vineyard, hoping that, that Citty being the seat of Religion, and made fertile by the bloud of so many Martyrs, would yield most plentifull fruit of piety.

Taking therfore a right course in the execution of this their vertuous determination, they first presēt themselues to the Vicegerent of the Pope, and to the Pastours of Parishes. And hauing obtained leaue to preach whersoeuer they would, they deuide themsel­ues throughout the principall Churches of the Citty. And S. Laurence in Damasus, a very famous & remar­keable Church, He prea­cheth in S. Lau­rence of Damasus. fell vnto Xauerius, and Fabers lot, to preach therin by turnes. In this Church therfore preaching oftentimes before a frequent and fauoura­ble audience, not of pleasing but profitable and ne­cessary matters, he reaped a haruest proportionable to his seed, and caused in his auditours not so much admiration as profit, which is the chiefe thing in a Preacher. For by his often preaching he endeauoured to allure the people to an honest & tēperate life, & to frequent the holy Sacraments. And his other compa­nions bēding all their forces likewise to the same end, deuotion seemed now againe to be set on fire in the harts of the Romans, and old Rome by little & little to appeare agayne in her former lustre and renowne. Yet Xauier was not so imploied in helping the people by his Sermons, as that he forgot the yonger sort therof, but with very diligent care instructed them, [Page 39] euen street by street, in the precepts and mysteries of the Christian faith; knowing for certaine that the chiefe good of the whole Citty depended principally vpon the instruction and vertuous education of chil­dren. In the meane time these good Fathers, through their industry and labours, brought the Society of Iesus to a forme of Religion, which then began, not only to be established at home, but also to be in great esteeme abroad, by reason of the vertuous and indu­strious labours therof: In so much that Ignatius & his cōpaniōs were famous throughout the whole world, God intending to spread this his new flocke ouer all Nations.

CHAP. VIII.
The Prouince of India is by God assigned to Xauerius.

THE Society of Iesus was not as yet con­firmed by the Popes authority, The King of Portu­gall de­manded some of the Soci­ety. when the fame of Ignatius and his companions moued Iohn the 3. King of Portugall to de­mand some of them of his Holines, and of S. Ignatius, by Peter Mascar [...]nas his Embassadour, resident at that time in the Citty. The reason of this his demaund was, because the Portugheses at that time furnished with the kings shippes, had with no lesse fortunate successe, then valorous attempt by vnknowne seas, found out new wayes and Countries, neuer before [Page 40] heard off, and hauing subdued many sauage and bar­barous prople, had penetrated, euen beyond the Ri­uers of Indus and Ganges, into the vtermost East.

The most pious King therfore knowing of what importāce it was to introduce Christianity into those Nations, resolued with himselfe to send thither some vertuous and approued Preachers of the holy Gospel; thinking himselfe not worthy the name of a Chri­stian King, vnlesse he procured to bring that sauage people, now vnder his power, to the faith of Christ, He had heard, by many letters, of Ignatius and his Companions singular guifts, and great paines in hel­ping their neighbours. Wherfore desirous of such mē, he gaue in charge to Mascarenas his Embassadour a­foresaid, to procure in his name as many of them as he cold, both of his Holines (at whose disposition he vnderstood them to be) and of Ignatius their founde [...] and Superiour. Mascarenas failed not to performe with all diligence what his King had commanded, & so dealt with the Pope and Ignatius; but could obtay­ne only two of them out of so small a number.

The enterprise was indeed no lesse dangerous, then laborious, because they were by continuall naui­gation for many monthes togeather to passe through the vast Ocean, & horrible raging seas as it were into another world, where also they should be hourely in as great danger in labouring amongst those barba­rous and wild people, as they were in comming to them. Phil. c. 1. But those things which vse to affright, & keepe backe others, drew on these men of God, and louers of the Crosse, to whome it would be Christ to liue, and [Page 41] gaine to dye. Therfore when it was knowne that two were to go into India they being all in good hope, and euery one wishing it might be himselfe, did with silēce expect the euent of that great businesse.

At that time Ignatius a man venerable both for his admirable sanctity, and institution of the Society, gouerned his companions more by authority, then by any command he had ouer them. He therfore at the first allotted out for India Simon Rodrigues, & Nicolas Bobadilla, not without the pious emulation of their other companions: but indeed God reserued it for Francis. Rodrigues was already passed into Portugal, although he were there sick of a quartan ague; & Bo­ [...]adilla was still so sicke at Rome, Ignatius his spe­ach. that he could not go with the kings Embassadour, who then made hast a­way. Wherfore Ignatius hauing very seriously con­sulted with God by prayer, calleth vnto him Francis, who had now some little suspicion of the matter. Then with a cheerfull countenance as his ordinary [...]ustome was: ‘Francis, quoth he, God himselfe hath certainly assigned India for you B [...]badilla, whome I had appointed for it, being as you see, detained with a long sicknes, cannot vndertake it. The rest of our Companions, for the most part, by command of his Holines, are employed heere in Italy in charitable ex­ercises. You I thought to haue kept with my selfe for other occasions; but God, who hath chosen you out for his Ghospell, hath otherwise ordained. Shew your selfe therfore a man, follow God your Capitaine who by infallible signes calleth you into India: let that heauenly flame wherwith we haue alwayes seene [Page 42] you set on fire, stirre you vp now to this worthy en­terprize. Take courage answerable to your nobility of mynd, to the greatnes of the employment which you are to vndertake, and to the expectation which both heauen and earth hath of you. Your knowne vertue, and especially that prompt obedience of yours, which is wont to be ready not only at euery com­mand, but also at the least becke, maketh me say no more to you about this matter, seeing, what I haue sayd, may seeme more then inough to him, whome this had byn sufficient, Go, follow God who calleth you into India.’

At these words Francis, with a virginall blush in his countenance, after he had sayd that he was ready to vndertake all things for Christ his sake, with teares of ioy trickling from his eyes, gaue Ignatius next vnto God great thankes, because he had accomplished his desire. For he had felt himselfe indeed long since mo­ [...]d by God to procure the saluation of the Indians, and now by diuine instinct he saw the same approued by his authority, whome he tooke to be the Interpre­ter of Gods will. Therfore he would without fayle vn­dertake it how paynefull or dangerous soeuer it were. For although all other, both humane and diuine helps, should fayle him for Gods seruice, yet certaynly his promptitude of will to obey him should neuer be wā ­ting, & his obedience & life should end both together.

There appeared hereby in Francis not only an ad­mirable promptitude in obedience, Francis his obe­dience and gre­atnes of mynd. but also a singular courage. For the Society at that tyme had not any o­ther place, but only at Rome, where he might haue en­tertaynement [Page 43] or lodging: And in Portugall and India he was to find such condition as he could best procure for himselfe. Moreouer his iorney into India, and tra­uailing there among those barbarous people, carried with it no lesse danger then misery. But he thirsting after martyrdome, began to hope for that in India, which Hierusalem had denied him. Wherfore through courage of mynd, and confidence in God contemning all difficulties and dangers, he as readily resigned him­selfe to Ignatius, & with as great obedience, as though God himselfe had commaunded him. And so depar­ting from his chamber he prepared himself for his ior­ney, reioycing much that the employment which he desired, was thus now put into his hands euen by God himselfe.

There was not any one of the whole howse who did not affirme for certayne, that it was Gods parti­cular prouidence, that Xauier should be chosen before all others, to take the essay of that new Prouince of India. For they then called to mind his frequent spea­ches, wherein he was accustomed to extoll the great fruite and haruest in India, and to bewayle the misery of so many Indians who perished through ignorance. Therfore they thought him most fit to remedy their calamity, who had greatest feeling and compassion of [...]t. They also remembred a certayne vision, which Ia­ [...]es Laynes affirmed was tould him in tymes past by Francis himselfe, when they were chamber-fellowes. For Xauier oftentymes in his sleep thought he carryed for a good while an Indian vpō his shoulder, who see­med so heauy, that being weary with the weight, he [Page 44] was awaked out of his sleepe: Francis his drea­me of bearing an Indian vpon his shoul­ders. which at last the euent shewed to haue byn rather a presage of a future verity, then only a dream. Francis therfore carying with him these hopes & cogitations into India, and being ready the next day to set forward on so long a iourney, was an argument how little he affected worldly things, who depended wholly vpon God.

CHAP. IX.
Hauing byn vvith his Holynesse, he goeth into Portugal, and giueth arguments of of great vertue in the vvay.

BVT before he began his iorney thinking a [...] all things would succeed prosperously and happily with him, if by the authority of Christs Vicar he vndertooke so hard an enterprize, he went vnto the Pope, who then was Paul the third, and hauing, as the custome is, kissed his feete, he demaunded his benediction, and graunt of certayne Indulgences, being ready to go into In­dia, without making any mention of his command. Wherevpon the Pope reioycing for this expedition, receyued him courteously and giuing him his benedi­ction with most cordiall affection spake vnto him, al­most in manner following.

Then Francis shewing by his countenance his sub­mission of mind, answered almost in this manner. ‘For my part (most holy Father) I do not know what I can do in this kind, why I aboue al others should be chosen for this great worke. This I leaue to them to iudge of, who haue chosen me. For it belongeth not to him that obeyth, to iudge what he can do, but to them that command. But I, by how much I distrust in my owne forces, by so much I confide in the assi­stance and prouidence of God, who choseth weake things of the world, 1. Cor. 2. to confound the stronge, that all flesh may not glory in his sight. Therfore I assuredly hope, that he who hath layd this charge vpon me, wil also giue me forces for the performance therof, according to his pleasure.’

The Pope when he perceiued in his countenance, and by this speach a token of great worth in Xauerius, iudging that he who was to propagate the faith a­mong the Indians, Francis made le­gate Apostolicall of India. had need of greater authority; of his owne accord, gaue vnto him his owne power, as farre as should be needfull. For he made Francis his legate Apostolicall in India: And therof gaue letters patents to the King of Portugals Embassadour to be [Page 47] deliuered to his King, wherewith, if he thought it good, he might honour Francis at his departure into India. Francis therfore, who thought himselfe, not sufficient to vndergo so great a burthen, returned home more glad that that Honour was differred, then if it had presently been giuen vnto him. Thence he tooke leaue of his friends not without many teares on both sides, all being very sory for his departure: and with him he carryed nothing at all, but his ordi­nary habit, & a Breuiary. He went from Rome to Por­tugall in company of Mascarenas the Kings Embassa­dour in the yeare of our Lord 1540. hauing for his cō ­panion Paul Camertes, who about that tyme had byn by Ignatius receaued into the Society.

In his iourney he gaue no lesse signes of modesty, then of sanctity. For although he were giuen to the [...]ontemplation of heauenly things, yet being not alto­ [...]ether vnmindfull of humane, he shewed himselfe so [...]ourteous vnto all, that when he came to the Inne, he would leaue the best chambers & beds to other of his company, contenting himselfe with the worst things. And when the seruants neglected to looke vnto their [...]aisters horses, or discharge other inferiour seruile [...]ffices, He loo­kes to o­thers horses. he would himselfe do them all, shewing him­ [...]lf therin rather a seruant indeed, then a companion. [...]et none was more pleasant in cōuersation then him [...]lfe, none more ready in all kind of courtesies. He [...]ught by all meanes to deserue well of all, he spake [...] euery one louingly and friendly, he would himself [...]sit others in a courteous manner, and alwayes bid [...]em welcome with a cheerfull countenance, who [Page 48] came vnto him; he did easily and willingly yield vnto others; his discourse was seasoned with a sweete and pleasing affability. But (which is hardest of all) he kept such a meane in all these things, that tempering courtesy with grauity, both his actions and wordes sauoured all of sanctity. It was his proper and conti­nuall custome to discourse of matters which were ey­ther pious in themselues, or els seasoned with piety, and to incite all with whome he conuersed, by occa­sion eyther of speach or otherwise, to the hatred o [...] vice, & amendment of life; shewing them that it was harder to endure vices, then the remedies thereof. And the wholsome bitternes of these discourses he al­wayes allayed, with the sweet sawce of many cour­teous offices.

Diuers accidents also made Xauerius his payneful [...] care no lesse admirable for his deeds, then for his words. Vpon a tyme the Embassadour being angry with his Harbinger, because he had byn negligent in preparing his lodging, reprehended him sharpely for it; but being gotten from his Maister (as he wa [...] intemperate both in his passion and speach) he inuei­ghed vehemently agaynst him to his companions i [...] Francis his hearing; He ex­pects a fit time to repre­hend. who thinking it best to dissemble the matter for the present whilest he was yet in chol­ler, forbare to speake vnto him, that his mind being pacifyed he might the easier be cured. The next day therfore he obserued the man, watching an occasion to reprehend him: and when it grew towards night, the Harbinger, as the custome was, began to ride on before to prouide lodging: whereupon Francis getting [Page 49] presently on horse-backe (for most commonly he went on foote for pouerty sake, although he might haue had a horse) set spurres to his side, and made hast after him. When he had almost ouertaken him, the Harbingers horse by chance (yet very fitly for his pur­pose) falling downe, lay vpon the man with all his weight, by which misfortune he was in daunger to haue byn slayne, but that Xauerius came at the very point, and saued his life. Then taking that as an oc­casion to tell him of his former fault: What, quoth he, would haue byn come of thee, if suddaine death, which was not farre of, had surprized thee, being out of the state of grace by reason of thy anger yesterday, and intemperancy of thy tongue, for which thou hast not yet satisfyed? These wordes so stroke the Harbin­ [...]er (who now saw manifestly the dāger which he had [...]scaped) to the hart, that he was sory for his fault, [...]nd being put in mynd of his fury the day before, ac­ [...]nowledged his vnbridled passion, and intemperan­ [...]e of tongue, and then by Xauerius persuasion gaue sa­ [...]sfaction to his companions whome he had scandali­ [...]ed.

Francis also did not only comfort and assist with [...]ll courtesy his companions when they were weary with trauayling, but also in their daungers gaue them [...]uccour, with his prayers, when he could not with [...]is hands. One of the Embassadours chiefe pages, al­ [...]hough dissuaded by the rest, aduenturing to ride o­uer a swift riuer, was brought euen to the point to be cast away; for being now carryed into the violent [...]streame, and not able to guide his horse, whereby [Page 50] he became inuolued in the turnings of the waters, was by force thereof carryed away without any hope to escape drowning; whereat when others were greatly affrighted, By his prayers he saueth one from drow­ning. Francis his vertue ouercame the dā ­ger. For encouraging others to pray with him to God, he himselfe began with all attention. And his prayers wanted not their desired effect, for vpon a sud­daine the page getting out of the maine streame with his horse, to a shallow place where the water ranne with lesse force, and so taking courage, by Gods assi­stance, and his companions who called out vpon him, he got at last vnto the banke, on the further side of the riuer, being as all acknowledged, by Francis his pray­ers deliuered from present death.

Afterwards as they trauayled ouer the Alpes, where being not able to take sure footing by reason of the driuing of the snow, and the craggy rockes & pa­ches, their horses being tyred with no small daunger to their maisters, the Embassadours Secretary fell by chance from his horse, and was suddainly swallowed vp in a huge masse of snow. The place was vpō a slip­pery and steepy rocke, vnder which ran a swift tor­rent. The greatnes of the danger stroke all his com­panions into such a feare, that none durst vndertake to assist him, He draweth the Embas­sadours Secreta­ry out of the snow least he should rather pull them after him who should go to help him, then himselfe be pulled vp agayne; so they being all amazed stood still looking one vpon another. As they thus stood, on commeth Xauerius, and regarding anothers life more then his owne, leapt presently from his horse, and by mayne strength drew him vp out of the snow, & de­liuered [Page 51] him from manifest danger, with no small pe­rill of his owne life; whereupon the Secretary being obliged to Francis for so great a fauour, honoured him euer after as the author of his life, and saluation. The Embassadour also himselfe moued by these wonder­full acts, and also by the sweetnes of his most holy be­hauiour, bare great affection vnto him.

Francis moreouer did not content himselfe with helping his companions, but besides, he helped all he met, in as much as he was able, especially at the lod­gings, and Innes, taking all occasions both by instru­ction, and admonition to incite them to an honest & Christian life. From that tyme also his singular piety hath left behind it an example of Euangelicall per­fection, both for religious to imitate, and others to admire.

Hauing past the Pyrenaean mountaynes they were come to the borders of Pamplona, where his iorney lay not farre from his owne territory; his mother, kins­folkes, and friends were not farre out of the way; if [...]e should let slippe that occasion, he knew wel inough that by reason of the great distance from India thither [...]he should morally neuer after haue opportunity to see them. He pas­seth by his owne country without saluting his kin­dred. He knew also, that there could not come any hindrance of his iourney eyther by his mother, she be­ing a vertuous woman (for his good Father was now dead) or by his knisfolkes. His companions importu­ned him; the Embassadour himselfe vrged him to vi­sit and salute them by the way. But Xauerius fearing least some of the company, through want of consi­deration, might be afterwards deceiued by his exam­ple, [Page 52] he could by no meanes be drawen thereunto. Thus he shewing an holy hate to his friends, both pro­ued himselfe to be the true disciple of Christ, and also gaue a document to Religious persons, that they should with▪ far greater reason hould their friends for enemies, if they went about to hinder them in the ser­uice of God.

But least this vnusuall thing should offend eyther the Embassadour, or any other of the company who were not acquainted with this kind of heauenly Phi­losophy, he endeauoured by his mild speach and solid arguments to make good to them what he had done. Hauing therfore passed Spaine with speed, he made like hast with the Embassadour vnto Lisbone, where the King of Portugall resided. But the Embassadour throgh long and inward friendship, and familiarity with Xa­uier had now gottē such an opinion of his vertue that he could not withhould himself from sending an ex­presse messenger with letters before vnto the King, to certify him of Francis his comming, and prayse-wor­thy qualities, which caused in the King a great desire to see and honour him; which soone after he did ari­uing at Lisbone, where he was already knowne, and much desired, through report of his vertues.

CHAP. X.
Beeing louingly entertayned by the King of Portugall, he exciteth them of Lis­bone to deuotion.

LISBONE is a Citty, Descrip- of Lis­bone. wherin the Court is kept, not farre from the Ocean sea, the greatest without comparison, of all Portu­gall; and by reason of an excellent Hauen in the mouth of the riuer Tagus, which runneth by that Citty, it is a place very populous for the com­ [...]ing thither of Indian merchandise. As soone there­ [...]re as he was come thither, being glad of his ariuall [...] the place from whence he was to embarke himselfe [...] India, He cu­reth Si­mon Ro­driquez of a qua [...] tane. he found Simon Rodriguez his companion who as we sayd, was come thither before, for this [...]rney into India) still sicke of a quartane ague, and [...]apned that that was his sick day. A strang thing: [...] comming to him vpon a suddain, & imbracing the [...]ke man, caused in him such ioy, that his ague neuer [...]er came agayne, and so whether through the great­ [...]s of the ioy, or rather by Xauiers vertue, he was quite [...]de of his sicknes. When he had a litle rested him­ [...]fe after his trauaile, being sent for to the Court, he [...]nt thither, togeather with Simon who was now [...]ouered, offering both himselfe, and all he was [...]e to do for the help of the Indians. The King ha­ [...]g vnderstood much by his Embassadour of Francis [...] great vertue, after he had courteously receyued [Page 54] thē both in a great assembly of the Nobility, spake vn­to them in this manner. The Kings speach.

Heerupon there arose a strife betweene the Kings liberality, and Francis and Simons modesty. The King [...] promising them all things in aboundance, performe [...] more in deeds, then he spake in words; and they or [...] the other side through the strict obseruance of the po­uerty which they had vowed, would not vse the commodities the King offered them. At last the ser­uants of God remayning constant in their resoluti­on, ouercame the Kings, bountifull nature, and so he yielded vnto them, drawne therto not throug [...] the equity of their cause, Refusing a fayre lodging they go to the Hospital of the sicke. but through admiration o [...] their vertue. Departing from the King and refusing a fayre lodging which was freely offered them, they presently went to the publicke Hospitall of the sicke, with great commendation both of their humility and piety. For it was knowne well inough, tha [...] they desired to lodge there before all other places, that they might more freely serue the sicke for Christ [...] sake. And herein their charity, and diligent labour [...] were answerable to that, which the Citty expected from them.

Their manner of life in the Hospitall was this▪ In the morning before day, they spent an houre in prayer and meditation, Their manner of life in the Hos­pitall. and hauing read their diuin [...] office they sayd Masse at breake of day. The rest o [...] their tyme they imployed both seriously and cheer­fully in helping and instructing the sicke, sometym [...] comforting those that were sad and afflicted, other [...] [Page 57] whiles encouraging those that were ready to dye, to that last battayle and encounter; sometymes agayne hearing their Confessions, and at others tymes re­soluing those who asked their aduise in matters con­cerning their conscience. Which labour of theirs pas­ [...]d not away eyther in obscurity or without fruit, se­ [...]g most of the Citty drawne by the reporte of their [...]anctity, Many of the Citty are recal led to a good life came thither flocking vnto them. And they [...] continually discoursing of pious matters, & things [...]ncerning euerlasting saluation, with great feeling [...]d feruour of spirit, drew many to the hatred of vice [...]d loue of vertue, and especially to the frequent vse [...]f the holy Sacraments. Which pious custome of fre­ [...]enting the same being then, after a long tyme, first [...]newed in Lisbone, The fre­quent vse of the Sacra­ments is brought into Por­tugall. was afterward spread ouer al Por­ [...]gall, both to the great good of the Cittizens themsel­ [...]es and commodity of all their Citties. For innume­ [...]ble people euery where (as the Portugheses are very [...]uch inclined to piety) renewing that most pious [...] holy custome, and taken with the comfort of lea­ [...]ng a godly life, by diuine instinct, intred into sundry [...]gious Orders: some also desired to be of their So­ [...]ety, which was at that tyme confirmed by Pope [...]ul the III.

And thus through so great a reformation of be­ [...]uiour in the people, the Citty began to appeare of [...]other forme then before. So as now, not only the [...] eaner sort, but the Nobility also frequented their [...]dging for the Sacamēts sake, and to aske their con­ [...]le in other matters; the pouerty of the place & the [...]en, making the same more remarkable, by reason [Page 58] that the chiefe of the Citty resorted often to the lod­ging of poore strangers; and lastly their contempt of all worldly things stroke all men into admiration For it was now reported among the people, that twelue Priests (for two more had ioyned themselues to the other ten) had at Rome made a certaine Society among themselues; of which number they seemed to behould in these two, who were present with them, I know not what resemblance of an Apostolicall life. And so the people, whether in regard of the number of twelue or for a certayne likenesse to them in their lyfe, began to call them Apostles (too great a Title indeed) In Portu­gall he is called an Apostle. al­though the good Fathers withstood, and wholy dis­claymed the same what possibly they could, but in vaine for the Portugheses being a nation no lesse con­stant in what they once haue begun, then pious in their resolutions, could not be brought by any means to reuoke that, which once they had giuen to truth, as they verily belieued. Yea this matter went so farre, that the same name was afterward deriued to others of the Society, almost throughout all Portugall.

CHAP. XI.
His Iourney into India is hindred, but all in vaine.

BVT the Portugheses singular deuotion, by rather burdenning, than gracing the Fa­thers with such a Title, was afterwards [Page 59] some hindrance to their Indian voyage, yet so, that although men were diuersly inclined, still Gods will stood firme concerning Francis. For some of the prin­cipall of the Citty who were much affected to Xauerius and Rodriguez, valewing the profit of the Citty, not only by the present fruit, but also for the hope of fu­ [...]ure commodity, contriued among themselues how they might stay these men in Portugall, esteeming their owne good to be preferred before others. First there­fore this matter was treated off by 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 [...]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 [...]yme, but as perpetuall inhabitants thereof. And that [...]he good of Portugall, and of that Princely Citty, as [...]eing his chiefe and Royall seate, ought to be dearer [...]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 [...]hould India abroad, rather then Portuall at home, be [...]ore deare vnto him? Wherfore if it seemed good vn­ [...]o his Maiesty as it did to them, he should plant those worthy men, as seeds of that generation, in Portugall, [...]nd so erect a Seminary at hand which might supply [...]hem, with fit Priests to send into India.

The King approuing his Nobles opinion, & iud­ging it meet to prouide first for thē who were neerest [Page 60] 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 th [...]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 [Page 61] 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 compani­on [...], 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 cōceale 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. The Kings speach. ‘ Francis Xauier, our ships are ready, the tyme that you haue so earnestly de­sired of going into India, is now come. For my part [...] haue hitherto had so many, and so great arguments both of your vertue & prudence, that I hould it need­lesse [Page 63] 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 [...]hat (as farre as you may with conueniency) you [...]ould diligently visit our garrisons there, and after­wards certify vs of all things appertaining to Religi­ [...]n; that so, all impediments, if there be any, being [...]eedily remoued, the Christian Religion by your ad­ [...]se and labour, and by our assistance and authority, [...]ay spread it selfe ouer India and the East. As for my [...]lfe I will loose my kingdome, before I will leaue off [...]y desire to aduance Religion. For I am resolued to [...]mploy all the meanes and forces I am able, for the [...]ropagation therof. It is your part to be answerable [...]oth to the charge you haue vndertaken, and to our [...]esire. What ayde or help soeuer, either the honour of God, or the Christian cause shall seeme to require, [...]emaund it confidently, and it shall be granted, and I [Page 64] shall thinke my expences a gayne for Religion sake. Wherfore proceed cheerfully, and seeing that you go, (no doubt, by diuine instinct, and conduct,) vpon an enterprize which of al others is hardest, maintayne still that couragious mynd, which hitherto you haue borne, and carry with you into India that vertue and sanctity of which all Portugall speaketh to be in you.’

Then the King taking out of his bosome the Po­pes Breue said further. ‘And that you may know what most ample power is granted you, towards the effec­ting of what you take in hand, not only by mee, but also by Christ his Vicar vpon earth, behold heer his Holines Breue, wherin he maketh you his Legate A­postolical in India, which may be both a testimony of your power, and an incitement to your vertue.’

Then Xauier, who had all this while blushed to to heare his owne prayses, receiuing the Breue with no lesse reuerence, then modest bashfulnesse, replyed. ‘If I (most excellent Prince) could find that your e­steeme of me were as true, as it is good, I should very much reioyce for the opinion of so noble a Person [...] your Maiesty is, & the giue great thākes to God the giue [...] of all good things. But assuredly, your singular Good­nes is much deceyued, the by opinion of anothers ver­tue. I knowing mine owne weakenes and imperfecti­ons, should I not be thought a mad man, if concerning my selfe, I should belieue others before my selfe? Verily Syr, I being a sinnefull man, and wholly vnfit for this godly enterprize (which I say because it is true, and not for humilities sake) both your Maiesty, and his Holines do impose a farre greater burden vpo [...] [Page 65] [...]ee, then my feeblenes is able to susteine; yet had I ra­ [...]her be oppressed with the weight of the burden, then [...]yther refuse, or cast off that charge, through pusil­ [...]animity, which by Gods will is layd vpon mee. For God when imposeth a burden, he affoardeth also for­ces to beare it, & with power giueth also ability for the execution therof. Wherfore by the helpe of his hea [...]enly assistance, I will do my best to make it appeare that I remember, what person I present in this weak­nesse of myne, since the charge is imposed vpon me by God, his Holines, & your maiesty. And my life shall leaue mee sooner, then I will violate my fidelity, ey­ther in word in deed.’

Hauing sayd thus, the King aduiseth him in a most courteous manner to thinke well with himselfe, what [...] might stand in need off in Portugall or India, for he [...]d giuen charge to his officers in ech kingdome that [...]ey should carefully procure him, whatsoeuer he desired. And withall he giueth him his Letters Roy­all, conteyning no lesse authority then commenda­tions. Francis then hauing giuen thankes to the King [...] kissed his hand, as the custome is, went home to [...] his friends farewell, that he might embarke him­ [...]fe. And the King was no lesse liberall in deeds then [...] had byn in words: for he gaue very strayte com­ [...]and to his Captaynes and Officers, and that they [...]ould furnish Francis and his companions both in [...]ortugall and India with all things needfull for their owne maintenance, and for the increase of Gods ho­nour and glory. So as Xauerius, and others of the So­ciety from that tyme forward, dilated the fayth of [Page 66] Christ in India, Xauier & others of the Soci­ety of Jesus are mantay­ned in India by the libe­rality of the King of Portu­gall. Malaca, the Moluca's, and Iaponia, maintayned by the Kings liberality. But albeyt all things were plentifully afforded vnto them, yet their modesty so contended with the kings bounty, that they would take nothing but what was merely need­full [...] iudging it good, to draw sparingly of anothe [...] mans liberality, that it might the longer continue.

Wherfore in procuring their owne commodities they in all places spared the Kings treasure, but espe­cially vpon their iorney into India. And when Franc [...] more for the loue of pouerty, then for bashfulnes ab­stained wholy from asking any thing at all, the Offi­cers of their owne accord, shewed him what a stra [...] charge the King their maister had layd vpon them, to furnish him abundantly with whatsoeuer he shoul [...] want, or desire for his iorney. And withall intreated him to giue them as soone as might be, a note of what things he required, that they might be procured [...] time. Francis hartily thanked both the King for his [...] ­berality, and them for their diligent care: but inde [...] for his part he required or desired nothing at all. [...] the Officers had often done thus, & receaued alway [...] the same answere from Francis, they pressed him by in­treaties, & were very earnest with him that he would at least take some prouision. Loue of pouerty in his iourney. At last to satisfy their im­portunity (least his too much stāding out might make him seeme obstinate) he so yielded vnto thē, that with all he still kept his former resolution. Then he asked to haue a course rugge, or mantle, to keepe him from the extreme cold which he knew they were to endure when the sayled about the Promontorium bonae Sp [...]i, & [Page 67] a few litle bookes, whereof he should haue great need in India. And besides this, he could not be brought by any intreatie to permit any thing els to be prouided for him. Therfore Count Castānerius Generall of the Nauy seeing Francis in the Admirall-ship, as the King had commaunded, without any prouision for his iourney, taking compassion on him, tould him that the King had sent a Page vnto him with great charge to see him aboundantly prouided of all things fitting for his voyage. But Francis earnestly intreated the Ge­nerall that nothing might be giuen vnto any, for his prouision. Notwithstanding the Count was earnest with him to take at least a seruant to assist him vpon necessary occasions. Nay, quoth Francis, as long as I haue the vse of these hands, I hope I shall not need of any other seruant. At which answere of Xauerius the Count had no more to say, as he himselfe affirmed af­terward when he related this passage to others, and withall highly extolled him for his singular abstinen­ce. Thus furnished with no other prouision then his confidence in God, at the beginning of the spring he setteth forth for India.

CHAP. XIII.
In his iourney to India he giueth admirable tokens of his vertue.

IN tymes past when the Romane Empire stood entire, Wayes into In­dia. and Christian Religion flou­rished in Asia (for India is a part of Asia there were most commonly two beate [...] rodes into India, the one through Syria by the riue [...] Euphates & Tigris, & the Persian gulf; the other throug [...] Aegypt by the gulfe of Arabia and the Red sea. But no [...] those countries being possessed by the forces and su­perstitiō of the Saracens, the passage is not so secure, it is short, for the Christians of Europe through pla­ces annoyed with their enemies. Wherfore the [...] ­gheses coasting about by Affricke, which lyeth vpon the Mediterranean Ocean, and from Affricke (as vast as i [...] is) winding about by Arabia and Persia, A league of Por­tugall. sayle int [...] India, fetching thereby a mighty circuit. For by the [...] turnings of the sea, India in distant from Portugal mo [...] then foure thousand leagues; I meane those leagues which vsually amongst the Portughese marriners con­teyne euery one three miles. And in this circuite the Equinoctial line, which through the heat of the sunne is extreme scorching, Prince Henry openeth a new way into India. cutting of Affricke almost in the midst, must necessarily be twice passed.

The first who with as great courage as skil aduētu­red vpon this so long, & hard away, was Prince Henry sonne to Iohn King of Portugall the first of that name, [Page 69] [...] man very well experiēced in the Mathematicks. The [...]ause of this his attempt was, that he might by laying [...]pen a new way, haue for himselfe and the Portughe­ses friendly trafficque with the King of Aethiopia, com­monly called Prestre-Iohn, whome he knew raygned in the furthest part almost of Affricke, not farre from the gulfe of Arabia. This designement hauing pros­perous successe, three Kings of Portugall following, to wit Alphonsus the V. Iohn the II. and Emanuel the I. prosecuting the same by litle and litle, brauely & for­tunately opened, and fortifyed a way euen into India it selfe. For they tooke the Ilands, which lye vpon the cost of Affricke, and many other commodious pla­ces, where the Portugheses haue their garrisons euen to this day. Xauerius therfore making this circuit into I [...]dia put to sea from Portugall vpon the eight day of [...] April in the yeare of our Lord 1541. He went in the [...] ship with Martin Alphonsus Sosa newly made [...]uernour of India. He had of the Society two com­ [...]nions only F. Paul Camertes a Priest of singular ver­ [...]d (who being assigned by Ignatius, had accompa­ [...]ed him from Rome) and Francis Mansilla a Portu­ [...]ese, who had in Lisbone ioyned himselfe companion [...] him. They met by the way in this their iourney [...]ith many things worthy to be obserued, they being [...]deed learned men, and very skilfull in Geometry, [...]hilosophy, and Astrology. In the mediterranean sea [...]ey discouered many Ilands of note, lying vpon the [...]omontory of Affricke some lesse, some more distant [...]oth from one another, and also from the continent. Amongst these are the Fortunate Ilands (commonly [Page 70] called the Canaries) and the Ilands of Promontorij viri­dis, The Gardens of the Hes­perides. which some are of opinion were the gardens of the Hesperides, the three daughters of Atlas, so much spoken of in the Fables of Poets. And by these remar­keable places the Nauy passed so neere, that most of them were wit [...] sight. Besids this, the sky being ve­ry cleere and the sea calme they saw many vnusuall & strange kind of fishes, to the great admiration, and de­light of the passengers.

But Xauerius although he did not indeed contemne the knowledge of such things, yet thinking with him­selfe that he went not to fetch learning or pleasure out of India, but for the glory of God, and saluation of soules, began himself within the ship to set forth sights more gratefull to God, & more profitable to men. The chiefe Admirall-ship was rather like a Towne then o­therwise, being full not only of marriners, but also of souldiers, the Gouernours retinew, merchants, & seruants, to the number of a thousand persons or ther­about. Francis therfore as soone as he was entred into his iourney, began togeather with his companions to employ himselfe in the most diligent manner he could in procuring the saluation of his neighbours, He in­structeth the mar­riners, & the Sol­diars in the ship. by instructing the marriners, and passengers, and soldiers in the Christian doctrine, partly by reprehending their ill behauiour, and partly by exhorting them to cleanse their soules from all filth of sinne. And not in vaine. For thereby the custome of swearing was taken a­way, many of deadly enemies became friends, many confessed their sinnes with sorrow of hart and many were reclaymed from a bad, to an honest life. Xaue­rius [Page 71] carried alwayes a cheerfull countenance, He win­neth by his soci­able be­hauiour great sin­ners. winning the affections of all by the sweetnes of his behauiour. And for this cause some who were euen drowned in most abominable vices & villanies, & who cōmonly could not endure the sight of a religious man, were much delighted with Francis his most pleasing conuer­sation. And he knowing well how to deale with such kind of dispositions, drew them at first, by sweet mea­nes, and by litle & little, from their bad courses; and when at length he found them tractable, then he inci­ted & spurred them on in the way of piety & vertue. The dif­ficulties of the In­dian na­uigation

In the meane tyme God afforded him matter answerable to his generous and vertuous mind. This tedious and laborious nauigation (as commonly it hapneth) had so extremely worne out the marriners, and other passengers, that now very many fell sicke in the ships, and their victuals greatly increased the same. For they fed continually vpon salt meates, & oftentimes vpon musty bisket: besides, they had for the most parte, no other drink but stinking & corrupted water, which by reason of the nature of the liquour, and small quan­tity thereof, did rather increase then allay the extreme thirst which the salt meates caused in them. So as the bad humours of such vnwholsome diet being disper­ced through their veines, ingendred in them diseases no lesse grieuous then deadly. For their gummes swel­ling after a loathsome manner, and breaking out into horrible vlcers, did not only put the sick men to great torment, but also (which was most miserable) made them that they could not eate. And this contagion by litle and litle increasing through their griefe of mynd, [Page 72] and want of necessary commodities, began to spread it selfe ouer the whole multitude, who were much thronged vp in straite places for want of roome. For though the King had, besides necessary prouision of victuals appointed for euery ship an Apothecary-shop of excellent drugs, which is no small comfort for sicke persons, yet the same could not suffice the great num­ber of the diseased. The great feare also of the infecti­on (as it hapneth) made euen friends themselues to leaue off the care of one another, & euery man to pro­uide as well as he could for his owne safety. So as the sicke being destitute both of phisicke, and attendance dyed not more through the cōtagious disease, then for hungar, which was a worse plague. Besides the filth of the ship did so extremly annoy these poore wretches, that it was farre more troublesome and loathsome vn­to them, then vnto the others who were in health.

Xauier therfore when he saw the ship, wherin he sayled full of sick persons, calling to mind what he had accustomed himselfe vnto▪ at the beginning of his cō ­uersion gaue an euident proofe of his benignity and vertue. His in­credible courage of mind. That which hartned him on, would haue made another afrayd. He saw the hatches of the ship strowed not only with sicke bodyes, but also with halfe dead; he knew the disease to be very infectious; he saw deaths grisly lookes before his eyes. Yet for all this, turning feare into charity, and knowing it was a kind of Martyrdome, to hazard ones life by such contagion, for the sauing of soules, he resolued to help the sayd sicke the best he could. And so he pre­sently began to heare the confessions of those who lay [Page 73] a dying; he cleansed the sick mens bodies of their filth; he washed their linnen, dressed their meate, minced it smal, and fed them with his owne hands. He mini­stred phisicke to the weake; he most louingly cheered vp those that were sad; and put them, that were out of hart, in hope of recouery both of body, and soule. And thus by seruing all indifferently, without regard of persons, & that with diligence & alacrity, he made euen those that were in health to beare him great res­pect and reuerence.

CHAP. XIIII.
Seruing the sicke, he arriueth at Mozam­bicum.

ALL did indeed admire the singular sancti­ty of life which they saw in Xauerius his cō ­tinuall diligence, his feruent prayer, & me­ditating at set tymes, and his fatherly loue and Charity to all, without exception. By which meanes he gained both the loue and respect of all the rest, but especially of Sosa the Generall. For although the King had vpon his setting forth very seriously cō ­mended Francis to Sosa, yet his owne vertue (a most efficacious kind of commendations) commended him dayly more, and more vnto him. For which respect Sosa both to fulfill his Kings command, In the ship he liueth by begging. and out of his owne accord gaue him all things largely and bounti­fully. Yet Xauerius himselfe liued alwayes by begging [Page 74] what he wanted of the passengers for Gods sakes, and through zeale of pouerty in himselfe stirred vp others to charity and bounty. His con­stancy in keeping of pouerty. Which practise he with such constancy reteyned, that neyther the Generall himselfe nor any of his Honourable retinew could at any tyme draw him from the obseruance of highest pouerty. But this one thing got Xauerius much more loue & esteeme in the sight both of God and men, to wit, that sparing from his owne belly, he would most freely deuide amongst the sicke all what he begged of the passen­gers, and what was assigned him by the Generall. For being resolute in keeping his purpose, he eate very sparingly, and of such meate as required no great la­bour to make it ready; not so much to satisfy nature, as to sustayne it.

Yet in this meane tyme, his new care of helping the sick did not interrupt his old custome of teaching the Catechisme. His en­during of la­bour. For euery day he both instructed the ignorant slaues, marriners, souldiers, and other passengers in the mysteryes and precepts of our fayth, & also exhorted them by pious sermons to liue Chri­stianlike. And in all these labours you would haue thought him not to be tyred out, but to grow stronger thereby. Which was neuer more apparently seene, then in this Indian voyage. For besides his extreme labour, this also was, as it were, added thereto, that whilst he did all these things, The dis­commo­dities of the tor­rid Zone he passed the Torrid Zone and the Equinoctiall line not long after the tyme of the Equinoctium. At which tyme there is commonly in that tract of the sea, eyther through the scorching of the sunne which hāgeth ouer their heads, [Page 75] or by the reflexion thereof vpon the still sea, such an intollerable heate, that the strongest men being al­most burnt vp, and consumed with heat and sweat, do euen faint away, and languish. And no meruayle, seeing the passengers being thrust vp togeather in close roomes of the ship, can hardly draw their breath, or at those tymes scarsely take any comfort, eyther in meate or drinke. For all their drinke, and victualls being vsually corrupted by the vapors of the scalding sunne, do for the most part loose their force and good­nes for a tyme, vntil they be past the forsayd line. Ma­ny times also the winds wholy ceasing, there followeth for many dayes, & sometymes weekes together, such a calme, that the ships are not able to moue, to the great irkesomnesse and griefe of the passengers. And as the intollerable heate of the sunne, continuing almost throughout the whole Torrid Zone, causeth vehem̄t feuers amongst them that passe vnder it, so doth it also bereaue many of their liues.

At this time when sicknes came vpon them so fast, in so great a mortality of marriners & passengers, as euen they who were well, and had nothing to do could scarse breath, Francis forgetfull of him selfe vn­derwent the burden of all these inconueniences with courage answerable thereunto, iudging it meet as he saw the sick mens incumbrances to grow greater, so also to increase his diligence in helping them. And al­beit he was ready to languish away also, through in­tollerable heate, yet such was his courage of mind such the force of the holy Ghost (who is euer a most sweet refreshment in heat) that he applied himselfe no [Page 76] lesse carefully then before, both in the seruice of those that were sick and ready to dy, as also already dead.

Hauing thus sayled through the excessiue difficul­ties of the Equinoctiall line, and being now passed a­bout two thousand leagues, a greater feare came vpon them thē before, The Promonto­ry of Good Hope. since they were to vndergo a greater danger. For the Promontory of Good Hope, a very vn­fortunate place by reason of most cruell tempests and shipwrackes, threatned to them no lesse pestilence & mortality then they had already endured. This Pro­montory taketh its name of Bonae spei, or Good Hope, for this reason, that hauing once passed the difficulties & dangers therof, you then may hope for a prosperous nauigation. For thē the African coast growing sharpe in the forme of a wedge, runneth an huge way into the southern Ocean towards the frozen climate: so as two most vast seas meeting from both sides of Africk and continually tossed with contrary windes, make a most hydeous conflict with themselues. And this hapneth especially in the monthes of Iune and Iuly, at which time in those parts it is the midst of winter wholy contrary to Europe, and in which moneth or­dinarily, they must passe that Promontory, who go from Portugall into India. And although the shippes to auoid that raging fury & violence of the sea, as much as they can, vse to keep off a great way from land, yet do they seeme to fly the danger more thē the domage. For whilst they fetch a great compasse about, the fur­ther they go from the Promontory, the neerer they come to the frozen Zone, & so do neither auoid the cruell stormes, nor yet escape the intollerable cold. [Page 77] Wherfore although they be more secure from danger of shipwracke, yet by reason of the vnusuall and ve­hement tossing of the shippes, the passengers become extremely sea-sick, and vomit. And as the same could not but augment their disease who were already sick; so also Francis his labour was of necessity increased therby: especially when he himselfe being all frozen with cold, sea-sick, and full of loathsomenesse in his stomack, did at the same time performe all those he­roicall exercises of Charity. But the diuine vertue which was in him ouercame the weakenes of his na­ture, and his noble and constant courage, held in the troublesome vomiting of his stomake. And so when he was not able to help himself, he failed not to help those that were sick, euen in the most dangerous time of all. Moreou [...]r, he did not only affoard all the help and assistance he could for the present, to those that accompanied him in this Indian nauigation; but left also an example for others of the society who were to go thither afterwards, how they should carry them­selues in that iorney; which they at this day diligently obserue, & are a great help and comfort to the shippes wherin they sayle.

Sosa therfore the Vice-Roy & the other Portughe­ses hauing now passed the Promontory of Good Hope, and the dangers therof, by fetching the aforsaid cō ­passe, & greatly reioycing by giuing thankes to God, & congratulating one another as the custome is, they sailed amayne along the other side of Africk, which lyeth towardes the South and the East. And hauing gotten beyond the Promontory, almost 600. leagues, [Page 78] after they had spent siue whole months in continuall nauigation, and Francis in perpetuall labour, they ar­riued at Mozambicum in the latter end of August, es­caping, through a more safe then prosperous nauiga­tion, many & great dangers. For it is ordinarily but halfe a yeares sayle into India from Portugall: so as set­ting out in March, they come for the most part to Goa in the beginning of September. But if through ill weather, cōtrary wind, or calmes their course be hin­dred (as now it hapned) they are cōstrayned to win­ter at Mozambicum.

CHAP. XV.
In the Hospitall of Mozambicum he hel­peth the sick, being himselfe at the same time sicke.

MOZAMBICVM (called Prasus in former times) is a little Iland in the Eastern coast of Africk, commodious and conuenient rather for the hauen, then for the tempera­ture of the ayre (for it lyeth vnder the Torrid Zone.) There be in this Iland but two Townes, The Ilād Mozam­bicum. one belon­ging to the Portugheses, the other to the Saracens, their friends. It is distant from Portugall, if we take our measure not straight on, but by the windings which shippes make thither, aboue 3000. leagues, and from India about 900. The farre greatest part of the iorney [Page 79] was now past, and scarse the fourth part remained. But the nauy came later to Mozambicum then it should haue done, because both conuenient tyme, and wind had fayled them: So as they were constrained to stay there al the following winter. At Mozambicum therfore when the rest refreshed themselues after the tossing of so long a iorney, only Francis who loued la­bour better then ease, tooke almost no rest at all, through the inflamed desire he had to instruct the ig­norant, and help the sicke. I do not doubt, but they who shall read this often repetition of Francis his la­borious endeauours, in instructing the ignorant, and seruing the sick, will besides their satisfaction therein, reflect vpon that also which my selfe in more serious thoughts, haue often wondred at, to wit, from whēce he had those wonderfull forces, by which he was so often able to vndergoe at once so many, & such great labours. But the worthy man being indowed with an incredible courage both of body and mind, His strength of body & mind. and Di­uine Grace ministring strength to his able nature, was of such force and vigour, that he alone would, and could do in a manner all things for Gods sake. And wheras he applied himselfe continually in the same workes of Christian charity without any wearisome tediousnesse, he neuer omitted any thing, which he saw was either good for men or gratefull to God.

Therfore as though he had come thither with his forces intire, & no whit weakened, he presently tooke vp his lodging in the Hospitall at Mozambicum, erected there by the King, as in other places also where the Portugheses haue fortes. His labour was now no lesse [Page 80] at land, New la­bour in the win­tering places. in the hospitall, then it had bin at sea in the ship. For there was, at that time, in Towne both very great sicknesse, and a multitude of diseased persons. And that which greatly augmented this contagion in time of Autumne was this, that all the shippes which had set out from Portugal that yeare for India▪ lighting alike vpon ill weather, and pestered with the same sicknes, were forced to stay all winter in that place. This occasion gaue an new edge vnto Xauiers industry to vndertake the care of that great multitude of sick mē. For thinking it fitting for him to bestow his cha­rity also vpon the other shippes, in as much as he was able, by labouring continually both day and night he applied himselfe to help the afflicted, to administer the Sacraments to the sicke, to comfort the sad, and to rayse them vp that lay a dying to hope and confiden­ce in God. All therfore that were sick esteemed Francis to be sent them by God almighty, as the onely remedy which the afflicted Nauy had. Yet he did not giue himself so wholy to the sick, as to become vnmynd­full of the rest. For at the same time vpon holy dayes he preached before the Viceroy & others, in presence of a very great audience, that he might thereby helpe the soules also of those who were in health.

Whilst he was thus busied, and wholly imployed in helping both sicke, His care of soules and healhfull in all he could, he vnderstandeth that a boy, who came in the same ship with him, was fallen suddainly dead. Whereupon he presently asked euery one (whome he met) whether that boy had learned the principles of the Christian fayth? And when he found that he dyed wholy igno­rant [Page 81] therof, he was presently stroken to the hart with such griefe, that he shewed exceeding sadnes in his countenance, although otherwise he was alwayes wont to looke cheerfully. Wherefore Sosa the Vice-Roy demanding of him the cause of his heauines, whē he vnderstood what it was by his own relation, asked him, whether he knew that boy to be ignorant in his Christian fayth? No quoth Francis, for if I had certain­ly known that, I would not be sad, for I would with­out doubt haue taught him with the rest. Then Sosa vrging him agayne, why therefore would he afflict himselfe so much, seeing it was not his fault? Because (quoth he) there was one in the same ship with me, who knew not his Christian fayth, & I knew it not: Such a care he had of the good of mens soules, He fal­leth sick. and of the instruction of children. But how much profit and benefit arose from his great Charity, the sicke found rather by wāting the same then by inioying it. For within a few dayes after Xauerius fell sicke himself whilst he was helping others with the greatest feruour he could, wherin indeed, his fortitude wanted not matter to worke vpon. So great and dangerous a feuer inuaded him, that he was let bloud seauen tymes with­in few dayes; whereof, for all that, he did not only make light account, but imbraced it willingly, as though it had bin sent from God. But to the end his generous vertue might be the more euidently seene, this corporall sicknes was seconded with a greater of the mind; for he fell also into a Phrensy. This held him three whole dayes, during which time the Phy­sitians who had care of him, tooke their solemne [Page 82] oathes, that in things blonging to the body, and his health (as the nature of the disease was) he seemed to be out of his wits: but in matters diuine, and things belonging to the soule (wherin phrensy vseth chiefly to shew it selfe) he was to their great astonish­ment so well in his senses, that he spake not one word which might seeme to swarue frō reason; of such force is the vse and custome of vertue. He refu­s [...]th to be carri­ed out of the hos­pitall in to priuat houses. And in this sicknes Francis was not more obseruant of piety, then of po­uerty. He lay in the publicke Hospitall amongst the rest, hauing his bed & all other things like vnto them. There wanted not men of Nobility and Esteeme, who whē he fell first sick stroue to take him into their hou­ses, & there to haue care of him, and this as earnestly they intreated of him, as possibly they could. But all in vayne. For being a true louer of holy Pouerty, in few wordes, he thanked them for their courtely, but would not accept of their liberality. As long as he was sicke, he lay amongst the common multitude without any difference at all. But the violence of his sicknes was more dangerous then long, which being soone mitigated, he began to be better. This suddain chāce did not any whit diminish his alacrity in his re­solution, but rather increased his diligence; and no wonder, for now he had learne by his own experience how much sicke mē stood in need of other mens help. Therfore as soone as his feuer began to decline, for­getting himself, [...] sick he [...]lpeth the sick. he would with neuer the lesse diligē ­ce goe about the Hospitall, comfort the afflicted, heare confessions, & endeauour what he could to help the sicke, though himself were sick, euen at that tyme.

[Page 83] Neuer did Francis his benignity shew it selfe with more splēdour & admiration then at this time. For the Phisitian visiting (as his custome was) the sicke that kept their beds, light by chance vpon Xauerius, who hauing a great feuer vpon himselfe, stood notwith­standing by them that lay sick, and did his best indea­auour to serue them, no otherwise then if he had byn perfectly well. The Phisitiā being amazed at that strāg accident, stood still a while, then feeling his pulse, and finding him certainly to haue more need of atten­dance then they whome he serued, intreated and ear­nestly besought him to go to bed, and rest himselfe at least, vntill his feuer had remitted of its heate, and then he might, if he would, rise agayne, to help the sicke. Whereupon Francis thinking he was bound to obey the Phisitian, & yet not to leaue those that were in danger, answered, That this next night he should haue some occasion with a certaine sicke person who was not well prepared for death, and was in immi­nent danger, and hauing secured his saluation then he would take his rest. He whome he meant, was one of the poorest marriners of the ship, A marri­ner be­ing mad seemeth to be re­stored to his sen­s [...]s by F. his bed who falling mad through a burning feuer, had not yet made his con­fession. The next day therefore the Phisitian found Francis talking with the sayd marriner, who lay in Xauerius bed, and he sate by hearing his confession; for hauing foūd him vpon a suddain lying on the hatches he was so moued with compassion towards him, that he presently layd him in his owne bed. And it seemeth this strāge charity of his was honoured with as stran­ge a miracle. For as soone as this frantick man was [Page 48] layd in Xauiers bed, he returned agayne to his senses. And Fran [...]is prophecy of his death was not without ground. For the very same day towards night he dyed, after he had receyued the Sacraments, full of great confidence in God. And then it was manifestly seene that Xauerius tooke such paines with him, be­cause he forsaw him to be in imminent danger, both of lyfe and saluation.

Now Francis being very glad for this marriners safety, went presently to bed, for his owne health, obeying the Phisitian in al things, leauing behind him an example of no lesse obedience then Christian cha­rity: but as soone as he was recouered of his feuer, he againe with no lesse diligence then before, set himselfe to his former labours of helping the sick. And to per­seuer constantly in that which he had begun well, & happily, he still kept on the very same course of these his industrious exercises to the last day of his iourney. And in this halfe yeares space (for they wintred so lōg at Mozambicum) he gaue such proofs of his eminent sanctity, The opi­nion of Francis his san­ctity. that all, both inhabitants, and they of the nauy held him generally for a Saint. Wherefore they doubted not to hold themselues bound to Xauerius for many things which succeeded with them prosperous­ly at the same tyme; ascribing al [...]o to his vertue and merits, that in so great a sicknes, & amongst such a number of sick persons, so few had dyed at Mozam­bicum that winter, thinking for certayne, that his diligent Care lightned their diseases, and his Sanctity tooke them away.

Now the tyme was come that they were to depart, [Page 85] and yet very many of the sicke were not recouered. Moreouer the Vice [...]Roy himselfe began to feele some grudgings of an ague; wherfore making all hast, he thought it best to leaue them who for want of health cold not follow him (w ^ch was almost the whole nauy) in the wintering places, vntill they hauing recouered their forces, might be able to passe into India. And so hauing easily persuaded Father Paul, & Fa. Mansilla to stay at Mozambicum with the sicke, he determined to take Xauerius with him, who might be to all both a comfort in this iourney, and an assured help also, if any thing should fall out amisse.

CHAP. XVI.
Hauing stayed a vvhile at Melinda, and in the Iland of Socotora, to the great benefit to the inhabitants, he arriueth at length in India.

THE next yeare therfore in the month of April, Sosa the Vice-Roy preparing a great Galeon for his Indian iourney, putteth to sea with a strong band of Souldiars, com­manding the Nauy to follow him, as soone as their health would permit. With him Francis also departed, both the Portugheses and the inhabitants bidding him farewell with many teares, and great tokens of be­neuolence. Sosa hauing a prosperous gale, had sai­led [Page 86] in few dayes 700. miles, or thereabout, beyond M [...]zambicum, The Cit­ty M [...] ­ [...]inda. & comming to Melinda (a fayre towne of the Saracens, yet friend to the Portugheses) he staied there a while. In this Citty there be very many Por­tugh [...]se merchants, of whome if any chance to dye there, they are buryed with crosses vpon their graues. Also neere vnto the Citty there is a goodly, The Crosse in ho­nour a­mongst the Sara­ [...]ens. and fayre Crosse of marble guilded, erected by the Portugheses: which when Xauerius beheld, he exceedingly reioyced and gaue thankes to God for that great vertue & glo­ry of the Crosse, because like a conquerer it triumphed in the middest of the Saracens, and in the Diuels Do­minion. This ioy of his was afterward increased by a memorable accident.

A principall Saracen of that Citty, complayning to Francis that the Religion of the Saracens grew to de­cay, demāded of him whether it were so among Chri­stians. For of 17. Temples which were in Melinda, he wondred to see but three only frequented, and those but of a very few, not knowing the reason why their deuotion fayled. And all that misery, sayd he, procee­ded certainly from some great sinne of theirs. Maho­mets Religion going to d [...]cay. But Xauerius reioycing that the presence of the Crosse had so weakened the Deuils force, tould him, that it was not so much to be admired that Mahomets superstitiō did now fayle, as that it had held vp so long. For God being the Author of true Religiō could not endure the prayers of the superstitious Saracens: and that indeed was the cause why he would haue their Religion also ouerthrowne. These things comming to the hearing of a chiefe man of the Saracens superstition (called in [Page 87] their language Caciz) a great Doctour in the Maho­metā law, he protested openly, that vnlesse Mahomet came to them agayne within two yeares, he would quite forsake him, so decayed was all reuerence to his Deity in their perplexed minds. But Francis being not able for want of tyme to free them, for the present, whose mynds were wholy led away with superstitiō, nor could endure any wholsome counsayle; all that he could do, was to enkindle in them a desire of Chri­stian liberty, very seriously aduising them to cry of­ten tymes to God the Creator of man, that he would vouchsafe to bestow his grace and light vpon them.

After a small space, he set to sea againe, & with new feruour of spirit held on his old custome to help the passengers, but especially the sicke (who were not wanting in the ship) in whatsoeuer he was able. He lends his chamber and bed to the sick. In which kind he went as farre, as Charity could possi­bly extend it selfe. He was austere and hard vnto him­selfe, that he might be bountifull to others. For a great part of that iorney he lay aboue hatches among the cōmon mariners & soldiers, that he might lend his cabbin and bed to the sick: for his repose he had a hard Cable rope to lye on, A cable rope is his bed. and an Anchor for his pillow. From hence forward Francis had new matter of merit giuen him both in respect of men, and religion. The Viceroy hauing sayled roūd about the cost of Affricke, arriued at the Iland of Socotora, 1700. miles almost frō Mozambicum. This Iland lyeth vpon the furthest pro­montory of A [...]fricke, which now they call Guardafu, in tyme past Aromata, and it is opposite to the Arabian Gulfe, and to the Mecaan sea, so called of the Citty [Page 88] Meca, a place notorious for the Sepulcher of Mahomet.

Socotora is about 100. miles compasse. It is a land wast, very craggy, and stony, without any signe al­most of tillage. The Ilād Socotora. most of tillage. It beareth neyther wheate, rize, wine nor apples, being wholy barren; yet it aboundeth with catle, and Dates, whereof the inhabitants make their bread. Morouer it is a very intemperate ayre be­ing burnt vp with the extreme heat of the sunne. The people are wholy rude and ignorant, there being no signe of learning among them, nor a man that can read. They dwell in Villages, and euery village hath his Caciz, Gacizes like Cu­rates. in māner of a Curate. And these Cacizes haue no more learning then the rest, only they do recite by hart certayne prayers in a strange language, which they themselues do not vnderstand. But the inhabi­tants glorying that they are Christiās, beare great de­uotion to S. Thomas the Apostle, and deriue their pedi­gree from them who were in ancient tymes baptized by the Apostle in that Iland. And although Christia­nity is at this day extinguished among them, yet they haue many signes of Christian Religion. Their Chur­ches or Temples are built, and adorned magnificently and deuoutly. They haue Crosses vpon their Aultars with lampes before them: and because their pouerty will not affoard them bells, they call the people toge­ther with woodden ratles (as the custome is with vs in holy Weeke.) Cacizes famous for absti­nence. Their Cacizes although they be mar­ryed, are notwithstanding notorious for their ab­stinence; as often as they fast, they absteyne not on­ly from flesh, and whitmeates, but also from fish, which they haue in great aboundance; so that they [Page 89] they will rather dye then tast any such thing. Besides they haue also euery yeare two Lents, wherof one la­steth two moneths, and if any be so prophane as to eate flesh at these times, they are forbidden to come within the Temple. But it is very euident that the Ca­cizes being themselues ignorant, there hath byn none for a long tyme, eyther instructed in the Christian fayth or baptized. The mi­serable conditiō of the Socoto­reans. And that which increased their mi­sery was the cruell impiety of a Saracen Prince, who had by force subdued the inhabitants. For he did not only keepe them in miserable subiection, but taking also their litle children out of their armes, endeauou­red to trayne them vp in the execrable superstition of Mahomet.

Xauerius therfore by beholding these inhabitants & conuersing with them, was surprized with no lesse griefe, then ioy, much lamenting, that degenerating from their ancestours, ignorāt of the Religion which they professed, and destitute of Catholicke Priests, they should be subiect to the Saracens, like sheepe to wolues. He ende­auours to in­struct the Soco­toreans by signes Wherefore all though he hauing a great de­sire to instruct them (as much as tyme would giue him leaue) yet was he a stranger, and wanted their language answerable to his will and desire. But no­thing is hard where charity aboundeth. Wherfore leauing such signes, as be proper to particular nations, he vsed such as be common to all; and so the little while he stayed there, He bap­tizeth a great nū ­ber of children he instructed those ignorant people in the Christian fayth by noddes, and beckes, and all other signes he could inuent. He baptized also many children, with the free consent of their parents. [Page 90] Presently they began euery one to bring their childrē vnto him, earnestly entreating him, that he would be pleased to stay with them, assurng him that there was not one in the whole Iland who would not be baptized.

Xauerius therfore although be well saw the rude­nesse of the people and discommodities of the place, yet thinking of nothing but their saluation, went to the Viceroy, and shewing him what a forward haruest he had now found, intreated him, that he might with his good liking remain there some time. But the Vice­roy knowing that that Iland was subiect to the pillage of the Turkes, thought it not good to put such a man in hazard to be taken captiue by them. Therfore cō ­mending him for his singular charity towards those poore soules, He desi­res to stay in Socotora. he aduised him, not to suffer himself to be deceiued with the shew of the present good. ‘Be not quoth he, ouer greedy to set vpon the first, for feare you loose that which is better. Why do you so much desire to labour heer, where the labour is greater then the fruit, and where the hopes are lesse then the dan­gers? Another country, another people, other Christi­ans expect you, with whome you may employ your labours, both with more safety, and fruite.’

Then Francis, seeing him of a different opinion, & well considering that he knew more then himself, an­swered, that he was wholy at his dispose. Then con­forting the inhabitants, he promised them that he would alwayes, whersoeuer he was, haue a great care of their saluation. And exhorting them to keep, in the meane time, the true religion in the midst of a cor­rupted [Page 91] generation, he gaue them assured hope of spee­dy help. Francis his letter to the King of Portugal. In which promise he did not fayle. For after he was departed from them, by the first occasiō which was offered him, he directed letters to Iohn King of Portugall wherin he earnestly commended to his king­ly prouidence the Christians of Socotora, who straying like sheep without a pastour, & abandoned of al, were greatly oppressed by tyranny. For in that Iland there was a Saracen Prince who cōtrary to al right & equity tyrannizeth ouer the inhabitants, who be eyther Chri­stians, or affected to the Christian fayth, hauing had their first beginning from the disciples of S. Thomas the Apostle, vexing & oppressing them in a miserable manner; yea taking the children by violence out of their parents bosomes he endeauoureth to make them slaues to Mahomet, & the Deuill. He therefore intrea­ted his maiesty, as a most religious King, not to per­mit them by litle & litle to fall away from the grounds of Christianity, to the customes, and rites of the Sara­cens; and that they might not willingly giue their sou­les to him, who had by force gotten dominion ouer their bodyes. They were in danger vtterly to be vn­done, vnlesse his Maiesty from Portugall would help them. And there was no doubt, but God, who had giuen him such ability, that he alone of all the Kings in Christendome was able to performe it, would also giue him the will and desire to protect & defend those miserable and afflicted soules. Wherefore he should with all speed endeauour by his Royall assistance, to maintayne them in the faith of their Sauiour who had redeemed both them, and vs with his most pretious [Page 92] bloud: Especially seeing that all this, might be done without any danger or charges at all. For he needed only to command his Royal Nauy which was yearly to passe that way, to deliuer the Socotoreans by force from the most barbarous Tyranny of that Saracene Lord.

These letters and requests of Francis lost not their desired effect. They So­cotoreans at Fran­cis his in­treaty are deli­uered from the Saracens tyranny. For the cause seemed no lesse worthy of consideration to the King, then it had done vnto him, neither did he take it lesse to the hart. Wherfore with that speed, which beseemed his religious Piety, he sent thither a nauy; and the warre was as fortunate as pious. For they taking Socotora by force, beate out the Saracens, and freed the inhabitants from the sub­iection of their Tyrannicall Lord; and moreouer pla­ced a strong garrison in the Iland, that their liberty might be no lesse gratefull then secure. But Xauier not content with this, bestowed vpon them afterward a benefit greater then their liberty. For he sent some of the Society into that Iland, who might againe culti­uate that ouergrowne vineyard of our Lord, and de­liuer them also from the Tyranny of the Deuill, who were already freed from the Saracens.

As soone as the ship departed from Socotora, Fran­cis setled himselfe agayne to his former taske of hel­ping the sick; and at last with the same laborious and charitable exercises, as he began his Indian voyage, hauing passed the coastes of Arabia and Persia, he ar­riued at Goa a famous Citty of India vpon the VI. of May 1542. which day being the feast of Saint John ante portam Latinam, is very memorable among [Page 93] the Indians. For vpon that very day Xauerius, who by the speciall benefit & fauour of God, was borne for the good of those nations, brought with him great light and saluation into India, togeather with the light of the Gospel, and by himselfe reuiued those lost coun­tries, & opened a way to others of the Society for the conuersion of other nations; the which shalbe plainly seene by that which followeth in this History. For heerafter I well set downe Xauiers actes more at large then hitherto I haue done. Because those things which I haue already spoken of, are, although not doubtfull, yet a litle obscure, because for the most part they want the cleere testimony of letters. But henceforward I will speake of such things, which were left written partly by himselfe, and partly by those, who through long and familiar conuersation with him in India, did not only obserue them whilst he liued, but had also particular knowledge of them after his death.

In vvhat state be found India. CHAP. I.

INDIA, The des­cription of India. being a place much spo­ken of by Poets, and Historiogra­phers, is a Country of Asia, al­most twice as long, as broad, som­what like in proportion to a mans tongue. Towards the North it but­teth vpon the Mount Caucasus; in the West it is inui­roned with the Riuer Indus, from whence it taketh its name; as the East in like manner, is with the riuer Ganges; and from the temperate Zone it stretcheth it self out, euen vnto the Southern Ocean. The forsaid riuers issuing from the mountaines of Scythia, and de­uiding [Page 95] themselues into two mayne Torrents, the fur­ther they runne, the broader they leaue the land bet­weene them; and hauing run almost a thousand miles (that is, very neere halfe the length of India) they fall finally into the sea. Betwixt the mouths of these ri­uers (where India is broadest) it hath 800. miles, or there about in breadth. From thence by litle & little it groweth narrower, vntill it commeth vnto the Pro­montory of Commorinum, where in forme of a wedge it shooteth out a mighty way towards Asia.

India, in the inward partes of the land, is inha­bited by Pagans of the same Country. Towards the coast which lyeth vpon the riuer Indus, they haue for the most part Kings of their own nation; but towards Ganges they be Saracens. For the Saracens hauing now long since gotten thither out of Arabia & Persia, by lit­le and litle, partly by policy, and partly by force haue brought many of the Indians vnder their subiection. The Portugheses also hauing free passage thither by sea, and by occasion of their often going to those Coun­tries, vnknowne to others, haue in ech Coast therof taken the possession of many Townes of good note, for which cause they are very famous throughout In­dia, & the whole East. The sea coast of India, which for a great part lyeth vnder the Torrid Zone, is conti­nually almost so beaten vpon with the sunne, that it remaineth, euen parched & withered vp all the yeare long. Yet the heat is so tempered by seasonable ray­nes and Eastern windes, that it is inhabited without any great incommodity; although in summer (which they haue twice a yeare, by reason the sunne passeth [Page 96] yearely the Equinoctiall line twice) all things are burnt vp with the forsayd scorching heates.

The Country is fertile, especially of Rize which they vse insteed of wheat: next to Rize, they haue a certayne Palme-tree, whereof they gather not only greene, and dry fruite, but also (which may seeme in­credible) furnisheth them with wine, vineger, and oyle; yea and besides this, with matter likewise for houses, ships, ropes, and bookes; Nature in this man­ner making one tree a storehouse almost of all things. They haue also aboundance of fish and cattle, & very great store of Pearles, which lying inclosed in shell­fishes, the inhabitants search after with great diligēce in the holes of rockes. And this is the greatest cause why ancient writers speake so much of the wealth of India, since Riot hath set a price vpon the Sea's excre­ments.

The Natiue people of the Country being blacke of complexion, couer themselues from the nauell to the knee with fine linnen, leauing all the rest of their body naked. They are ordinarily of a seruile, and de­ceiptfull nature: yet in so rich a country the people are most commonly poore, their riches being ordina­rily engrossed in a few mens hands, by reason of their Kings, & Princes tyranny ouer them. Yet want doth not with hould them from excesse in their attire: For all, both men and women, haue commonly gold, or copper iewells hanging at their eares, which by art they drawe downe to their shoulders, as a thing they much glory in. Most of them also weare for an orna­ment bracelets vpon their armes, so effeminate they [Page 97] are become in their attire. Many other things besides are recounted of their customes, which I hould not worth the speaking of, with further hindrance to this history.

The head Citty of India is Goa, Goa the chiefe Citty of India. scituate in an I­land of the same name, almost right against the Persian gulfe, distant from the mouth of the riuer Indus some 300. miles, or thereabout. This Citty being fortifyed by art and nature (for the Iland wherin it standeth is diuided from the cōtinent by a strait arme of the sea) for the multitude and fayrenesse of buildings, for traf­fique, wealth, and number of Cittizens, and inhabi­tants, may not vnworthily be compared with the chiefe Citties of Europe. And therfore both the Arch­bishop, & the Viceroy of India haue therin their seates, and is very much frequented by the Portugheses. There be very certayne proofes, not only of S. Thomas the Apostles being in India, but also that he watered the same with his bloud, bringing very many therein to the fayth of Christ: but their posterity liuing mixt with Ethnickes and Saracens, are now by litle and litle fallen into abominable superstitions, so as for a very long tyme (excepting a few villages, the inhabitants whereof take their name from S. Thomas) there was almost no signe of Christianity left in India, but on­ly a bare report thereof, vntill the Portugheses obtay­ning Goa, and other Townes of India, deliuered the Indians from the seruitude of the Saracens & other Ty­rants, and restored them agayne to the light of the Gospell. For by liuing amongst them they gayned the inhabitants to become members of Christ.

[Page 98] At this tyme Iohn Alboquercius of the Order of S. Francis, a man famous both for his learning and re­ligious feruour, was [...]ishop of Goa (hauing likewise authority ouer all Indi [...], by reason that there was ne­uer a Bishop therein but only himselfe. He with a few others of his owne Order, although he laboured more for the Christian cause, then from so small a number could haue byn expected, yet through want of Priests, could not do so much good, as necessity required. There were then no religious men in all India, but the Franciscans, who were so imployed in assisting the Portugheses, that they had no time to attend to the Eth­nickes. Of these, The Frā ­ciscans zeale of Religion Friar Iames Borban was most emi­nent, both for his learning, vertue, and zeale of pro­pagating the Christan fayth. For he hauing conuerted and baptized certayne Indian children, after he had instructed them in the mystertes of the Christian faith, and taught them the Portughese language, he vsed them as his interpreters in the conuersion of Ethnickes; which inuention had good suuesse, answerable to the witty contriuing therof. He therfore assisted by pious and worthy persons, began to thinke vpon greater matters; and instituting a Seminary for the Indians, he imployed himselfe wholy in teaching the students therof. Wherfore albeyt the Bishop, and the Francis­cans out of their singular piety, The be­ginning of a Col­ledge in Goa. desired to spread the Christian fayth ouer India, yet they being but few in number were not able to supply so many places. Ther­fore the superstition of the Ethnicks and Saracens bare great sway not only in other townes of the Portughess but also in the Citty of Goa it selfe. For the Pagans & [Page 99] Saracens being wealthy, and liuing euery where a­mongst the Portugheses, practised their execrable rites publikely euen at noone day, the Gouernours of the Fortes winking therat, eyther because the forces of their new commaund were not as yet sufficiently esta­blished, or else because their was no body to couince them of their errour, and bring them to the true wor­ship of Christ.

Moreouer, if any inferiour Ethnickes chanced to become Christians, The mi­serable conditiō of the Neophi­tes. they were so tormented by the richer sort, that they durst scarse professe themselues Christians. For the Ethnicke and Saracen merchants, who dealt with the Kings wares, and customes, were so rich euen in Goa, that through fauour, & power they could do much both with the Portugheses, & the Christian Magistrates. So as the new Christians be­ing oppressed, the conuersion of the Ethnickes grew ve­ry cold. The state of the Portugheses themselues was not much better. In many places there was very sel­dome vse of Sacraments, The loose be­hauiour of the Portughe­ses in In­dia. and of sermons almost none at all. Because in all India there were but two or three Preachers at the most, and not many more Priests. Wherfore most of the Portughese garrisons were ma­ny tymes for whole yeares togeather, without eyther sermon or Masse. And besides this, the beastly and wicked conuersation of the Saracens and Ethnickes, drew them on to much lewdnes. For none were more corrupted in their behauiour then they, nor more forcible to set sensuall lust on fire; & ech one giuing himselfe to vncleane pleasures, esteemed nothing lighter almost, then his owne wiues honesty.

[Page 100] Wherfore the Portugheses, although naturally they be inclined to temperance and frugality, yet giuing themselues amidst so corrupt a nation, to ouermuch banquetting, & to other things which follow therof, kept commonly with them in their houses, many har­lotts, which they had bought, as slaues. And ha­uing none to reprehend their vices, their lust was growne to such a height, that they counted it a point of honour, to liue lewdly, & esteemed no gaine vniust or disgracefull; so much had couetousnesse, fortifyed by bad custome, changed all things. It was ordinary amongst them to passe diuers yeares, without eyther Confession or Communion; and if any did confesse more then once in a yeare, they were commonly held for hypocrites. In so much that if any one would per­chance, out of remorse of conscience, go oftener to confession, he must do it priuatly to auoyd the note & speach of others, like Nicodemus who came to Christ by night. Moreouer the Portugheses wiues, and harlots being natiue of that Country, although they were Christians, yet through ignorance of the mysteries of the Christian fayth, were entangled with the supersti­tion of the Pagans and Saracens. And their children were like their parents, or rather worse. This was the state of matters in India when Xauerius came thither; who being very ioyfull that he was at last (according to his hartes desire) arriued there, & vnderstanding of the foresayd things, bent all his endeauours for the remedying of so many and great euils. And which is to be much admired, in so great feruour of spirit, he carried himselfe no lesse warily then diligently.

CHAP. II.
Hauing gotten the good vvil of the Bishop, he beginneth to labour in India.

HE was not ignorant that many Contro­uersies and contentions, with no lesse dō ­mage then scandall to the people, might easily arise betweene Bishops, and other Ecclesiasticall Pastours if ech of them should stand to [...]fend the vttermost of their right, without yielding my thing at all therein. First of all therefore thinking it good to cut of all occasion of debate and strife, and [...]hat he might prouide good things, not only before God, He goeth to the Bisshop of India. but [...] so before all men, he resolued by all meanes to gayne [...]e good will & liking of the Bishop. Calling therfore [...]on God, and the Archangell Patron of India, as his [...]ustome was, he goeth to the Bisshop, and hauing salu­t [...] him in an humble and most reuerend manner, he sheweth that he was come into India sent by Pope Paul [...] III. and Iohn III. King of Portugall to conuert the [...]th [...]nickes to the Fayth of Christ, and to instruct the [...]eophites (or yong beginners) and the Portugheses in [...]atters of Christian piety. But being accustomed [...] to obey then to command, he had rather follow [...]others mans iudgement then his owne: and for that [...] Grace being the chiefe Prelate, he desired to be wholy at his command, & to attempt nothing, but with his Lordships aduice & good liking. Then shew­ing [Page 102] the Popes, By great humility he wyn­neth the Bishop of Goas good will. and the Kings Letters, which testifyed him to be Legate Apostolicall, he cast himselfe at the Bishops feete, giuing vp all into his Lordships hands, and desiring to make no other vse of them, then he should thinke conuenient.

Neuer, peraduenture, was it more euidently seene how soone true Humility winneth mens affections. Alhoquercius admiring to see so great humility, & mo­dest behauiour in such a man, answered to his gentle submission with the like courtesy; for presently he ta­keth him vp in a friendly māner, & giueth him againe both the Patents and the Letters, telling him, that [...] would be very gratefull to him, that he, being Legat [...] Apostolicall, should vse the authority which was gi­uen him, according to the Popes and the Kings plea­sure: neyther did he doubt but he would make suc [...] vse of it, as might make good the opinion which such worthy personages had conceyued of him. And from that time forward there was engendred betweene the Bishop & Xauerius so great a loue and respect towards one another, that in most friendly manner they im­parted to ech other their most priuate counsayles. Francis therfore being glad that the Bisshop would as­sist him in the aduancement of the Christian cause, began more cheerfully to employ all his forces in hel­ping the sicke at Goa, as being the taske which he had vndertaken.

Whe [...]fore out of hand taking vp his aboad in the Kings Hospitall, he neuer gaue ouer seruing them who were extreme sicke, with all the diligence he possibly could, sometimes speaking to them a part, sometymes [Page 103] exhorting them all togeather, and sometymes admienistring to them the Sacraments of pennance and th­holy Eucharist, vntill their change of behauiour gaue him hope of amendment in their liues. His chiefe la­bour was to help thē, that were grieuously sicke, vpon whome he attended very diligently, not only in the day, but also in the night, which made all to admire his singular charity, and more then fatherly loue to­wards them, who were meer strangers vnto him. For Francis his bed was commonly sayd to be at his feete who was sickest in the Hospitall; Francis lyeth hard by thē that are dan­gerously sicke. choosing to lye there all night that he might be presently ready to help if any occasion of suddaine death should chance to happen. And among all these employments he had no lesse care in the obseruance of holy pouerty, then in exercising actes of charity.

Xauerius had yet the same apparell which he brought vpon his backe out of Portugall, much like to that which the poorer sort of Priests vse to weare in Por­tugall. But fearing least his difference in apparel might auert the Indians affections from him, he resolued to cloath himselfe according to the custome of the Priests in those countries. Wherfore knowing that the Soci­ety of IESVS hath no particular and proper habit, but such as the Priests where they liue are wont to weare, His loue of po­uerty in his appa­rell. out of the familiarity which he had with the steward of the Hospitall, he friendly intreatech him to get him an ordinary Cassocke such as the poore Priests of that Country were wont to weare. But he not attending so much to what was requested him, as what he thought conuenient, hauing regard of Francis his dignity and [Page 104] authority, bringeth him an habit of Water-chamlet; and this liberality of his he secondeth with a more li­berall speach, telling him that the Priests do there vse such king of habits, by reason of the extreme heate [...] of India, and that although it were Chamlet, yet i [...] was a playne and homely weare amongst them. But Xauerus not liking such curious apparell, You may, quoth he, then if you please giue this Chamlet habit to some of the Priests you speake of; as for me, one ofcourse black linnen, if you thinke good, will be suffici­ent, for it is meet for him who hath vowed pouerty, to haue such an habit, as may be a token & signe ther­of.

The Steward being ouercome with the verity of this answere, He vseth a coate of black linnen without either girdle or cloake. caused presently an habit to be ma [...] for him of course hempē linnen downe to the ankles, such a one as he desired. Francis euer after wore this habit, according to the fashion of those coūtry Priests, without either girdle or cloake, choosing rather to a­bate of his apparel, then any whit of his pouerty. And in this, his moderation was not more apparent then his constancy. For the same kind of habit he vsed al­wayes afterwards in India, which practise of his, bare such authority amongst others of the Society, that ac­cording to his example, He refu­seth to change his old and ill-fauoured shoos for new. they kept the same kind of ha­bit a great while. But now adayes they vse both gir­dle and cloake, as the Portugheses do accustome; which fashion many of the Priests in India do also follow. Afterwards the Maister of the Hospitall perceiuing Francis his shoes to be worne out and broken, & the vpper-leather, and soales to be clowterly sowen togea­ther, [Page 105] brought him a new prayre. He refu­seth to change his torne & ill fa­uoured shoos for new. But he being euery where like vnto himselfe, could by no meanes be in­treated to change his old shoes for new, saying that his owne would still serue him well inough so immo­ueable he was in his obseruance of Pouerty.

Xauerius was then about 45. yeares old, which age most cōmonly excelleth more in grauity of iudg­ment, then strength of body. Yet he being of a cou­ragious spirit, shrūcke not at any labour. For although at that time his principall care was to helpe the sick, yet he was no way wanting to them that were in he­alth when any necessity either spirituall are corporall occured. After he had done his endeauours with all diligence about the sick, in the morning he was ready to heare the Cōfessions of them that came vnto him, for which cause he was also oftētimes sent for by the principall men of the Citty. And such a multitude de­sired to confesse vnto him, that his diligence though it were extraordinary, He hel­peth pri­soners with al­mes. was not for al that able to satisfy the tenth part of them. In the afternoone his custome was commonly to visit those that were in prison, and to relieue them with almes which himselfe begged for them; where also teaching them how to make a good Confession, he by that meanes heard many of their whol life past. This example also of Xauerius was not without force with others. For the new Viceroy tooke this course once euery weeke, both in a louing manner to visit the sick, & to comfort them that were in prison, by examining and dispatching their causes; which custome he continued as long as he stayed in India.

[Page 106] Vpon Sundayes also Xauierius assisted the leapers (who haue an Hospitall in the suburbes) seruing thē as well in other things, He ser­ueth lea­pers. as in hearing their Confessiōs and ministring vnto them the holy Sacrament of the Aultar; wherin he so wisely behaued himselfe, that there was not one of thē who did not receiue the holy Sacraments at his hands. When he thought he had sufficiently holpen the sick, he went into a Church of our B. He prea­cheth. Lady hard by the Hospitall to make them also who were in health partakers of his labours. There on Sundayes & holy dayes in the fore-noone he preached to the Portugheses, in the after-noone he very diligē ­tly explicated to the people of that country the chiefe principles of our beliefe, whereunto resorted more to heare him then the Church wherin he taught was able to conteine. Then he reconciled & made friends such as were at discord and debate among themselues. And in his priuate conferences he omitted no meanes that might be good for the Cittizens spirituall profit. His pri­uate con­ferences. Ha­uing wonne the Portugheses by his affability of speach he admonished thē in a frindly manner of their vices: and as for other lewd persons he deterred them from their wickednesse, by laying the feare of death & the terrour of hell-fire before their eyes, whome as soone as he perceiued to be any thing moued, then he endea­uoured sometimes by intreaties, sometimes by perswa­sion to drawe them to make a good confession for sa­tisfaction of their sinnes & amendment of their liues: The fru­ite of his sermons. wherupon, as it is well knowne, many were so mo­ued and encouraged, that after they had made their cōfessions, the began a new life, putting away their [Page 107] Concubines, & making restitution of what they had vnlawfully gotten.

CHAP. III.
He very dexterously causeth those vvho kept Concubins, either to marry them, or to put them avvay: and instructeth chil­dren, and ignorant persons in the Ca­thechisme.

BVT he found farre greater difficulty and trouble among them concerning their Cō ­cubines, then about other mens goods. For at that time the Portugheses of Goa, were through want of wiues of their owne nation, great­ly intangled with the loue of women-strangers, wherof many were of the country of Sion, or Pegu, & some others of Iaponia, and China, since these do farre excell the Indian women both in beauty of body and comelines of person. Wherefore the Portugheses dis­daining to marry with them, kept them as their Con­cubines. Xauerius thinking with himself that he ought to apply some remedy to this great euill, began to dis­pose thē with al the endeauours he could vse. And first he went about to winne thē by all courteous meanes; then as he met them in the streets, he would merily request them to inuite a poore Priest to their ordinary fare, which they willingly accepted of.

[Page 108] He now sitting at table, would before, or at their repast, intreat his host to cause his children to be cal­led: whereupon the litle children comming presently at their fathers cal, Francis would take them vp in his armes, & hug them in his bosome, thanking God who had giuen the Father such children for the hope of his family, & withall would pray God to grant thē a good & holy life. Then would he desire that their mothe [...] might be called (a thing which in another would haue bin temerity, but his Sanctity easily excused it:) when she was come he would speake sweetly vnto her, and commend her beauty to his host, therby to draw him to take her to his wife, saying, that doubtlesse she was of an excellent disposition and louely countenance, so that she might well be accounted a Portughese, that the children which he had by her were certainly wor­thy of a Portughese to their father. Why therfore did not he marry her? What wife could he haue better? And he should do well to prouide with al speed for his childrens credit, He cau­seth som to marry their concubines, & others to put them a­way. and the womans honesty.

Which wholsome counsail of his proued not vn­profitable. For by his words and authority, without great difficulty he perswaded many of them to marry their Concubines being himselfe witnes therof. But if by chance he lighted vpon any one who had, by some ill fauoured Indian-woman, children like vnto her selfe, then as conceiuing great indignation therat he would cry out: Good God! what a monster haue we here? Do you keep a Diuel in your howse? Can you keep cōpany with this vgly beast? Can you haue chil­dren by her? Follow my counsail, driue this monster, [Page 109] [...]his prodigious creature presently out of your howse, He [...] to marry il fauou­red wiues thereby to keep them frō adultery and con­cubines. & seeke you a wife worthy of your selfe: so as putting away his concubine, he maried a wife. Moreouer he would not by any meanes (as much as lay in him) suf [...]fer the Portugheses to marry black, or tawny Mores, but such as were faire and well-fauoured, to the end [...]hey might absteine from adultery, and ech one con­ [...]nt himselfe with his owne wife.

In this meane time he left not off to instruct, and drawe all men to the loue of piety, and of a Christian life: which labour of his was not in vaine. For this heauenly kind of discipline did so worke in the Citti­ [...]ens, and in habitants behauiours, that Goa seemed to [...]e quite changed, from what it had bin a litle before: so as by reason of these his pious exercyses in the day, and continuall prayer in the night, he became to be of great credit and esteeme both with the Portugheses and the Indians. But being a man truly vertuous he v­sed this their esteeme which was had of him, not as [...]n incitement to pride, but as a spurre to further ver­ [...]ue. For he thirsting more after the saluation of soules then his owne prayse, was alwayes thinking of some new wayes, how to helpe them, for the performāce wherof there was nothing which he would not do. And amongst the rest he had one inuention which in such a man as he, gaue an admirable example of Chri­stian simplicity, & was also more profitable in effect, then fayre to the shew.

He being a man of graue yeares and authority, went vp & downe the high wayes, & streetes with a litle bell in his hand (so far was he from thinking any [Page 110] thing disgracefull to him, He cal­leth chil­dren and seruants together with a litle bell and tea­cheth them the Christiā doctrine. that might be gratefull to God, and profitable for mans saluations) to call the children and seruants together to Christian doctrine, at the corners of streets and Crosse wayes, sometymes stirring vp the inhabitāts to piety with these, or such like wordes: Faythfull Christians, for the loue which you beare to Christ, send your Children and seruants to the Chri­stian doctrine; which new inuention made infinite of children, slaues, and others to runne flocking vn­to him from all places; all whome, himselfe marching before, he would leade into our B. Ladyes Church, singing aloud the Cathechisme vnto them, and tea­ching them the same, thereby to cause them more willingly to come to heare him, and so more easily to remember what was taught them in the manner of singing: both which proued afterwards to be so. And herein he vsed no lesse prudence then diligence. For knowing very well, that his labour would then be profitably imployed, if those things which ought to be learned, were well vnderstood, all that he sunge he would explicate briefly and cleerly, according to the capacity of his auditours.

To the ruder sort, He spea­keth ho­mely of set pur­pose. and to slaues he would purpo­sely speake after a rude and homely manner, that their owne fashion of speach might keep them more atten­tiue, and make deeper impression in their mynds: which endeauour of his was neyther fruitlesse, not in vayne. The fruit of Cate­chizing. For from hence arose that so worthy a custome of teaching, and learning the Christian doctrine, which is at this day practised in India. And because men reaped more fruit by it, then was expected, the [Page 111] Bishop caused the same to be practised by others, in the other Church: so as aduācing himself in this new piety, those of the Society following Francis his institution, others stirred vp therunto partly by the Bishops com­mand, and partly by the example of the Society, it came at last, to be a custome, throughout all India, to the great aduancement of the Christian cause. For his practise so spred it selfe abroad both in Goa and other places, that euery where, in the schooles, high wayes, streetes, howses, fieldes, and shippes, there were, in steed of vaine & idle songes, sung and heard the principles of Christian faith, with great delight Wherupon it grew to a custome, that children who could scarse speake, did striue to sing most of those verses by hart. And in this exercise Xauerius gaue no [...]esse noble proofe of his temperance and moderation [...]hen of his industrious labour. For of all that was gi­ [...]en him vnder the title of Almes, he reserued nothing [...]o himselfe, but gaue all to the sicke, and poore, in the most priuate manner he could, to the end humane prayse might not depriue him of any reward in the sight of God.

Moreouer he detested from his hart not only vaine glory, Flying of ho­nour. but also all honours, wherein few are found firme and constant. For when they vsed to giue him that honour which was due to his vertue, he would not only in his wordes & countenance, but also by the gesture and carriage of his whole body, shew a dislike not only of the honour, but also of those who gaue it him, deeming it an vnworthy thing for a Christiā, who should alwayes haue in mind the reproaches of Christ [Page 112] his mayster, to take delight in honours. Let therefore those who hunt after titles of honors, hearken what I am heere to say. Xauerius being a true contemner of all worldly things, and especially of himselfe, did no lesse despise popular applause and honour, then others commonly seeke after it: So as now all might see, that nothing could happen more heauy, or crossely vnto him, then to see his actions praysed, or himselfe ho­noured. But as honour followeth them most of all that fly from it, this his flying from honour, as ordi­narily it hapneth, made him more honoured and ad­mired. All were stroken with admiration that a Priest of singular learning and vertue, comming as a stran­ger out of another world, should do so many and such excellent things, for no reward at all, no not so much as for prayse or glory.

Therfore as before it had hapned in Portugall, He is cal­led the Apostle in India. so also now it fell out in India, that he began to be cō ­monly called an Apostle, but indeed with no small griefe of mynd vnto him: yet the rude multitude pre­uayled through their constancy or rather pertinacy therein; For that tytle of Apostle was so setled vpon him, that he could by no meanes shake it of; & from him was it afterwards deriued also to his other Com­panions: but they assuming a new Name, whereof we will presently speake, caused that Title, too glori­ous and vn [...]it for them, to be at last forgotten.

CHAP. IIII.
He procureth a Colledge at Goa, for the Society.

CERTAINE deuout men of Goa hauing through the perswasion of Fr. Iames Borban the Franciscan contracted a league amon­gest themselues, for the increase of the Christian faith, as we haue before declared, had be­gun a Seminary there of Indians, a few months before Xauerius arriuall. And hauing found by experience the great want therof, they agreed that it was best to [...]aue many children and youthes of most of the coū ­ [...]ries of India to be instructed in the rites of the Chri­stian faith, & to be brought vp in learning, who might be sent afterward ech one to his owne coūtry, wherof some might be made Priests, others interpreters. This their pious determination by common consent they bring vnto Ferdinand Rodrigues the Kings Treasurer, (who at that tyme, in the absence of Steuen Gama the Viceroy of India, was Gouernour of Goa) desiring his aduise, & assistance therin. Wherupon by his autho­rity a Seminary was instituted at Goa, and children of most of the Prouinces of India (especially those of the Canarines, to whome Goa it selfe appertaineth,) of Cingala, Malauara, Cellano, Bengala, Pegu, Malaca, China and the Abissines placed therein, & instructed in the [Page 112] [...] [Page 113] [...] [Page 114] precepts of the Christian faith, who might afterwards become Priests or Interpreters; and if any of them should not proue fit for eyther of both, they should notwithstanding be there maintained vntill they had learned some trade. And for the better managing of the temporall state of this Seminary, it was thought conuenient, that there should be certaine Procurato [...]s chosen by the said Company: but for the education & bringing vp of the children, it was to be committed to the Franc [...]scans.

These things being thus disposed, the Kings Tre [...] surer in name of the viceroy of India, and of the Kin [...] of Portugal assigned to this Seminary of Goa out of [...] publick treasury a stipend of 800. crownes, which ha [...] belonged to the Pagan Priests, God by his diuine pro­uidence turning, in this manner, the Diuels treasure [...] his owne seruice. This pension being afterward dou­bled by the Treasurer, was confirmed by the Viceroy▪ and the Kings authority. They began also to buil [...] howses for that end with a Church therunto adioy­ning. And because the said Seminary was founded for the propagatiō of the Christian faith, it was in tituled A sancta Fide, of the Holy Faith; the reuenewes, and almes whereof were such, that an hundred schollers might well be maintained therwith, but as yet there were not aboue threescore. Friar Iames Borban who was the first beginner, was Rectour thereof. But it seemes this Seminary was ordayned by God for a Col­ledge of the Society of Iesus, as Borban himselfe, after he began to be acquainted with them, more then once foretould, being very glad that it so fell out. Hauing [Page 115] [...]herfore taken an exact view of Xauerius eminent mā ­ [...]er of life, and greatly approuing his industry in the [...]ringing vp of children, he of his owne accord of­fred him the gouerment of the Seminary: He refu­seth the gouerne­ment of the Seminary. But he ha­uing resolued to trauaile all India ouer, to preach the Ghospell of Christ, would not take vpon him that burden. Borban was very earnest with him, laying before his eyes what an important busines it was, and shewing what great fruit might ensue therof, since it being a Seminary of Priests, and Interpreters, a sup­ply might be continually raised therout, for the helpe of Ethinke nations, a matter of the greatest moment that could be deuised for the aduancement of Religiō.

But when he perceiued that he could not preuaile, he began both by himselfe, & by Sosa the new Viceroy to deale with Xauerius, that in case he neither could, nor would take vpon him the charge & Gouerment, yet that he would at least cōmit the same to some one of his Companions. Now Francis euery day expected F. Paul and F. Mansilla from Mozambicum, & others also out of Portugall. And therfore considering with himself of what vse such a Colledge might proue, at last he accepted of the offer, & made F. Paul Camertes Rector therof in his place; and with the good liking both of the Viceroy and Borban, he sent to Rome for some others of the Society, to be maisters to the fore­said schollers.

Afterwards the reuenewes being by the Kings li­berality increased, when they thought of enlarging their house to receiue more schollers, Sosa the Vice­roy furthered them therin, both with his authority & [Page 116] bounty. Wherupon both a new Church, and other buildings were begunne, and in short tyme finished, principally by his help and assistance. The Church was dedicated to S. Paul, whence also the Colledge was called S. Pauls Colledge. And from this time for­ward the Fathers were called by the Name of the Soci­ety. For when afterwards that Colledge (excepting the Seminary of the Indians) was by the King of Por­tugall giuen to the Society of Iesus, for the instituting of such as were appointed for India, and the East, the Fathers tooke their Name from the place.

It is now enlarged by the Kings liberality, and furnished with buildings, being indeed a worthy mo­nument of the King of Portugall his bounty, and a most ample Seminary of Preachers and Priests for the help of India and the East; the Seminary at Co­nimbria being by his Maiesties order turned into that of Goa. For besides many students of the Indian Na­tion, who liue in separate houses, there be to the number of an hundred of the Society, wherof some are there receiued, and others sent thither out of Por­tugall, to be brought vp in learning and vertue, vntill they be able to helpe the Indians, and the people of those Eastern partes by their preaching and example. This place the diuine Prouidence ordained first of all for the Society in India, before their Name was so much as heard of in those parts, and it is the mother and head Seate of many other Colledges which were afterward founded in the East. But now to come a­gaine to the order of our History, (which hath bin by vs a little interrupted, through the fit occasion we [Page 117] had to speake of this Colledge which Xauerius procu­red at Goa) this Seminary, as we haue sayd, being as­signed to the Society, God gaue vnto Xauerius a new and fertile haruest in India to manure.

CHAP. V.
He goeth to help the Neophytes, or nevv Christians of Comorinum.

NO sooner had Xauerius restored Christian discipline at Goa which was fallen to decay but presently with great care he began to think vpon the inhabitants of the Promō ­tory of Comorinū, & the Coast of Piscaria, who had bin lately conuerted to the Christian faith, but were left without Priests. Piscaria. This Country of Piscaria consisting more of villages then townes, is inhabited by Fisher­men (whom they call Paraua's) & aboundeth greatly with Pearles, from the fishing wherof it is commonly called Piscaria. But the habitantes not knowing their owne Country Treasures, employ themselues wholy in fishing of pearles for the Saracēs. In this coast there is a Town of no smal note called Tutuchurinum, wher­in, vpon a very sleight accident, A deadly warre v­pon a slight occasion. was raysed a deadly warre, and imminent destruction to that nation, and was also the occasion of their receyuing the Christian fayth. A Saracen wrangling with a Paraua (as by na­ture they are passionate and apt to offer disgrace) pul­led contumeliously a ring out of the Paraua's eare, [Page 118] which he had hanging therat, as that country fashion is, and withall tore out the hole in the flesh, which with them is the greatest disgrace that can be imagi­ned. Wherupon the Paraua, to reuenge the iniury, kil­led the Saracen.

But (as in hoate bloud there often follow mur­ders and massacres, whereof there is no end vnlesse peace be made) the quarrel w ^ch first began by wrang­ling of two persons vpon so slight occasion, through desire of reuenge, did afterwards breed a deadly war throughout the whole nation. For the Paraua's hauing had many of their side slayne, for one Saracen whome they had killed, resolued to wash away that disgrace with their enemies bloud; & priuatly gathering great troopes out of all the villages, make a suddain assaul [...] vpō the Saracens, & massacred a great number of thē. The Saracēs againe being mad with rage raised al their forces against the Paraua's, resoluing to destroy and vt­terly extinguish the whole nation. Whereupon they presently make ready as great a Nauy as they could, and with great summes of mony corrupt and stirre vp the Paraua Kings, against their owne subiects; per­suading themselues, that thus enuironing their ene­mies both by sea and land, they might more easily de­stroy them.

The Paraua's now, when they saw themselues thus beset, enuironed by their enemyes, and betrayed by their owne Kings, not knowing what to do in this case, they beganne to thinke of forraine ayde, so to help themselues in this extremity. There chanced at the same tyme to be present among them a Christian [Page 119] Knight (called Iohn de Cruz) a man of good account in his own Country, Iohn de Cruz. a Malabar by birth, yet more resem­bling a Portughese then his owne Nation; who for his valour hauing byn made a Christiā Knight by the King of Portugall, had brought at that very tyme cer­tayne horses for a present to the Kings of the Paraua's. The chiefe therfore of the Paraua's by reason of their former familiarity go vnto him, & lay open the whole matter before him, asking his counsayle, and aduise what they should do? Cruz being a man both graue and pious, and hoping this feare of theirs might be an occasion to bring in the Gospell of Christ among them, so as at once, they might be set free from the misery, both of their warre, and their superstition, tould them his opinion was, that in this extremity of danger, they were to fly to extreme remedyes: and seeing, contrary to all iustice and equity, they were betrayed by their owne Kings, and hardly charged on all sides by their enemies forces, they should implore ayde of the Almighty King of Heauē, & of the Portu­gheses their friends, who were his deuoted and reli­gious seruants; that so, protected by the Portugheses and the diuine assistance, they might not only defend themselues, but also triumph ouer their enemies. For if they would yield themselues subiect to the Christiā Religion, & to the Portugheses, they certainly would fight with all their forces for them, both in regard of religion, and because they were now become their su­iects, and would also by the help of God, carry the whole businesse with as good successe, as valour. And hauing conquered, & ouerthrowne the Saracens, the [Page 120] deadly enemyes of Christians, they might also per­haps, giue vp the fishing of pearles (as taken from the Saracens by right of warre) vnto the Paraua's, in res­pect they were become Christians, as a pledge of their Religion.

To this counsaile they gaue willing eare. And the Paraua's were neyther deceyued by the Knight, nor the Knight by them: for all things came to passe as he had fortold. Now, when the feare of their enemies, & the authority of that vertuous knight had driuen them to enter league with the Portugheses, presently their chiefe Magistrates (whome they call Pantagarines) dis­patch an Embassage of certayne principall men amōg them, to the Portugheses at Cocinum▪ to whome they gaue in charge, that as soon as they came thither, with the first occasion, they should become Christians; & then, putting the Paraua's vnder the protection of the Portugheses, they should demaund succour of them a­gaynst the imminent fury of the Saracens, and with­all, Priests to instruct, and make the rest Christians.

Cocinum is a goodly Citty belonging to the Portu­gheses, Cocinū. scituated on the sea betweene the Promontory of Comorinum and Goa, the chiefe of all India both for extent and worth, next vnto Goa. As soone therfore as the Paraua's Embassadours arriued at Cocinum, after almost two hundred myles iourney, they very fortu­nately find there present Michael Vasaeus the Suffra­gan, or Bishops Vicar-generall, a man very zealous for the propagation of Religion: who courteously recei­uing them, led them to the Gouernour, and commen­ded them and their busines no lesse seriously then effe­fectually [Page 121] vnto him. The Gouernor hauing in a friend­ [...]ly māner heard the Paraua's embassage, he both shewed them all courtesy for the present, and promised them also to deale their matter with the Viceroy of India. And what he sayd, he performed in a more example manner, after that the Embassadours had desired to be [...]aptized. The Viceroy being certifyed of the whole [...]usinesse by the Gouernour of Cocinum, as he was a [...]an of extraordinary zeale, was very glad of that oc­casion, and commaunded forthwith that ayde should be sent to the Paraua's. The Co­morines are bap­tized. In the meane tyme the Paraua's [...]mbassadours being all baptized, were called de Cruz (of the Crosse) for Iohn de Cruz his sake, who had giuen them that counsaile. And so great is the reward which good counsaile deserueth, that the other chiefe men also of that nation did afterwards take the same name.

The Gouernor therfore by commaund from the Vi­ceroy prepareth out of hand a strōg nauy, hastneth to the coast of Piscaria, ioyneth battayle with the enemy; where the matter seemed to surpasse all humane for­ces. For the Saracens were ouerthrowen at the first onset, and entirely conquered by one battaile. Then the Paraua's being deliuered from all feare of warre, the Gouernour turned his care to procure the salua­tion of their soules; and sending thither Priests, there were baptized to the number of 20000. Now the Por­tugheses returning Conquerours, were not content with the protection & safegard of their subiects, but gaue them moreouer (as Cruz had foretould) the fis­hing of pearles, for congratulation of their becom­ming [Page 122] Christians. Wherby the case was now so alte­red, that the Saracens might not fish, without the Pa­raua's gaue them leaue. Thus, God drawing good out of euill, by the tearing of one eare, was an occasion of the saluation of a whole Nation.

But humane frailty was not answerable to the will and ordinance of God. For the Priests (I spake of) when they had baptized a great number of the Paraua's, The Co­morines are for­saken by the Pri­ests. being dismayed through the intemperatnesse of the ayre, and want of victualls, returned home a­gayne. And so those poore new Christians, who per­chance had not byn conuerted to the fayth of Christ so much for the loue of true Religion, as for the feare of daunger they were lately in, being left de­stitute of Pastours and wholly ignorant, fell agayne into their old superstitions and customes. Xauerius be­ing certifyed hereof by Michael Vasaeus the Suffragan, his mynd was possessed with various affections; for as he much reioyced at so great an aduancement of the Christian cause, so was he extremly grieued for their succourlesse estate; yet was he agayne comforted through firme hope, that himselfe might be able shortly to help & comfort thē. For now the Ethnicks and Neophites that were about the Citty of Goa, and who at that tyme vsed his help, were very well pro­uided through the endeauours of F. Borban & others, and therfore he much desired to succour these, who were left destitute of all assistance.

Whereupon forthwith he resolued to go to Pis­caria, to fish for the soules of the fisher-men themselues which were farre more precious then their pearles. [Page 123] And presently he goeth to the Bishop▪ as his custome was, to whome he declareth what determination he had made, but withall leaueth the whole matter to his discretion. Who approuing of what he had deter­mined, wished him a happy iorney, & with al courtesy dismissed him. At whose departure the teares which stood in Alboquercius eyes shewed euidently how much he loued Xauerius for his humility. Thē Francis hauing gotten the Bishops approbation, The Bi­shops lo­ue to Xa­uerius. goeth to Sosa the Viceroy, and opening the matter vnto him, earnestly equesteth his furtherance for the accomplishment therof, if he thought it fitting. The viceroy thē tooke God to witnesse, that he was very sory for his depar­ture, but for as much as he doubted not but that his going would be for the Paraua's soules good, the grief which his absēce would cause, would be therby made more tolerable; The Vi­ceroyes respect to him. and withall commaunded him to be boūtifully & freely prouided of whatsoeuer his iorney should require. Xauerius thanked him for his so great courtesy, telling him that he wanted nothing but only conueniency of transporting thither; for seeing it was dangerous to go by land, in respect of the many ene­mies, he intreated with all speed to go by sea. Sosa pre­sently granteth his request, giueth him a shippe, and also cōmandeth his officers to furnish him of al things necessary.

But Xau [...]rius was still like himselfe, in resolutely and constantly refusing al commodities, His loue of pouerty. either for his sustenance, or iorney. So as when the officers offred yea euen thrust vpon him necessary prouisions, he thanked them kindly, and returned them all back [Page 124] agayne. But when they pressed him earnestly, and would haue no deniall, he condescended somwhat to their importunities (with no lesse commendations for his courtesy in yielding, then for his parsimony in ta­king) and accepted of a Iacket of leather, & a payre of bootes to defend him from the heate of the sunne, which in those places, being neere to the Equinoctiall line, he knew to be exceeding great. These things be­ing known, his friends began euery one to bring him other necessaries for his iourney, but he corteously re­turned all backe agayne, because as he sayd, they were rather hindrances then helps vnto him. And so he departed, together with the Gouernor of the Coast of Piscaria, who went thither also in the month of Oc­tober, of this present yeare 1543.

CHAP. VI.
He laboureth in the Promontory of Co­morinum.

THE Promontory of Comorinum being al­most of equall distance from the Riuers In­dus and Ganges, The Co­morine Promō ­tory. stretcheth forth to the E­quinoctiall line 400. miles almost from the Citty of Goa. Hence India bending it selfe elbow-wise from the same place, & the coast of Piscaria lying be­tweene the East and the West, runneth out almost 200. myles towards Ganges. The whole country is as poore in victuals, as it is rich in pearles. For the inha­bitāts [Page 125] liue vpon rice, milke, fish, & some flesh, but they want bread, wine, fruites, and such like things; and commonly there is among them no vse of Phisitians, or medicins. The people (according to the capacity of Barbarians) are of reasonable temperate and quiet dispositions, Intolle­rable heate of the sun. but very rude. There is not any country in India more scorched with the sunne then this. For when the sunne beateth vpon the plaine sands, there is such an intollerable heate that it burneth vp all things like a fire. Yet, all this great intēperatenes both of the ayre & place, together with the like want of victualls and phisick, Xauerius with an vndaunted courage vn­derwent of his owne accord, thirsting more after soules, then others did after pearles.

Now some, who hauing passed a few labours, and incommodities, Xauiers labours. and may perhaps, please and sooth vp themselues, as though they had suffered all the inconueniences that could be, for Christs sake, shall do well to obserue what we shall heerafter set downe of Xauerius extreme and infinite labours, vn­speakable miseries, and want of all things in the Pro­montory of Comorinum. For we may be very much ashamed of our selues, if we cōpare our labours with his toyles in this new vineyard of Christ. This long and vncoth Tract was inhabited by fishermen, who dwelt partly in Villages, and partly in Townes to the number of thirty, whereof twenty belonged to the Christians, in which, besides the forsayd 20000. newly christned, who were yet to be instructed in the preceps of their fayth, there were very many others, both yong and old, to be baptized. He was also often­tymes [Page 126] to combat both with the heat of the sunne, and with the sand, which in that parching shore did not only sinke vnder him, but sorely scorched his feete as he trauayled. But he discouraged at nothing, went through with that so hard an enterprises with as great a fortitude as he had vndertaken it. For he alone, as if he had had the courage & forces of many Priests, no­thing regarding the heate of the sun, imploied himself continually in trauersing the villages and townes of that Coast, going oftentimes euen barefoot through those scorching sands (after his bootes were worne out) and daily baptizing of infants, children, and o­thers whome he found willing to become Christians; inuenting many strange meanes to hinder them from sacrificing vnto Idols, in ioyning men and women together with the lawfull bands of marriage, cathe­chizing euery one according to their capacity, and making friends those who were at variance, being al­most consumed and burnt vp with intollerable heat and sweat, without any compassion of himselfe, or care of his owne body.

His vsuall custome was to sleepe vpon the bar [...] ground, to liue vpon a little Rice, He dres­seth rice for him­selfe, according to the country fashion, & that but ill dressed also by himself among so many great employments. Sometimes also although very seldome, he vsed a little fish with his Rice, or a little sower milke which the Neophytes o [...] new Christians of themselues brought vnto him. Be­sides this, he encountred with many great difficulties, which the want of things necessary, and the incom­modity of those places could not but cause in him, be­ing [Page 127] a stranger: yet aboue all other difficulties the want of language did most trouble him. For when he que­stioned the inhabitāts of matters belonging to Religiō, they answered they were Christians, but being who­ly ignorant of the Portughese language, The Co­morensi­ans igno­rance. they had not learned the instructions and precepts of the Christian fayth. Xauerius had brought with him two schollers from the Colledge of Goa, who were of ripe yeares, & skillfull both in the Portughese, & the Malauarian ton­gue which those country people vsed. But finding by experiēce that to instruct children & ignorant people by an interpreter, to be a thing both very tedious, and of small profit, he choose rather to learne himselfe their language, then to vse interpreters; so great desire he had of their conuersion.

Therefore he caused his sayd Interpreters to turne the principles of the Christian doctrine into the Mala­uarian tongue. Then he (although he were now grown into good yeares) becomming agayne, as it were, a child for Christ, getting the same by hart, went vp & downe the streetes with a little bell in his hand calling the children and people together, in some conuenient place, and there taught them those principles he had learned in their owne language. His feruour in tea­ching made the people learne with more alacrity. Their forward­nes in le­arning. And in the space of a month the childrē which before were rude and knew nothing, had gotten almost by hart all what he had taught thē; so that Francis neither repen­ted himselfe of his labour in teaching them, nor they of their diligence in learning. Nay they were so set v­pon learning, that they neuer ceased to solicite him to [Page 128] giue them set prayers one after another to learne by hart, & heerin they would so presse him, that he could scarce haue leasure to recite his diuine office in quiet, they neuer making an end of begging of him, vntill he had performed their desire.

Xauerius therfore as soone as he perceiued all things to succeed well in these first beginnings, He vseth children for the instructi­on of their Pa­rents and others. not conten­ting himselfe with the good of a few, bethought how he might help a greater number. And to the end his in­struction might the more dilate it selfe, he caused the children by litle and litle to teach their parents, kins­folkes, seruants, and neighbours those things which they themselues had learned of him. So as these chil­dren, of schollers becomming in a short time maisters, were no small furtherance to the Christian cause. Yet Xauerius although he vsed these helpes, did not for al that take any less paynes himselfe. For vpon sundaies before a great company, of children, men, and wo­men beginning with the Creed, he briefly explicated vnto them the twelue articles of the Christian fayth & the ten Commandements, some at one time, some at another. He was heard attentiuely and diligently, with the astonishment not only of the Christians, The Christiā law in the iudgmēt of the very Eth­nikes thē selues is confor­mable to reason. but also of the Ethnickes, who came in great troopes to heare him, admiring that the Christian Law, was so agreable and conformable to Reason.

But Xauerius well knowing, that to explicate diuine matters as they ought, the diuine assistāce was more necessary then humane industry, before euery article of the Creed and ech Commaundement he caused the people to recite certayne versicles made for [Page 129] the purpose, wherein Christ, and the B. Virgin Mary were piously inuoked, to assist them particularly both to belieue, and practise those things with they heard taught. Sometymes also he would tell them confidēt­ly, that if they could obtayne those things of God, which they desired of him, concerning the obseruan­ce of the Christian Fayth, and his diuine Law, they would afterwards receiue more good, and aboundant benefits from heauen, then yet they durst in their harts presume to wish for. He instructed the Neophites and the Cathecumens altogeather with, whome indeed he tooke more paynes and labour, because they were in more danger of perditiō. He bap­tizeth whole villages. But the number was so great of such as became Christians (for oftentimes he bap­tized whole villages in one day) that euen his hands & armes were so weary with baptizing, that he could not possibly lift them vp. And oftentimes also he was so spent with repeating such things vnto them as ap­pertayned to the Christian mysteries, that both his voice and forces fayled him. His ver­tue ouer come by labour.

Yet for all this his noble vertue and courage sought for no releasement of his labour, but rather how he might gaine new matter of merit: so that you would haue thought his body could not be tyred out, nor his courage ouercome by any labour whatsoeuer. He sought out dayly many infants heere and there, His tea­ching of yong children. and baptized them: yet his chiefe endeauour was to in­struct litle children, knowing very well that the brin­ging vp of tender youth was a matter of great importance, as forseeing that they being instructed in their infancy, might be more profitable to the aduance­cement [Page 130] of the Christian fayth, then their parents; whereof he had many euident tokens. For he had ob­serued, that these Neophite-children being very apt to learne their Christian doctrine, were greatly de­sirous to teach the same vnto others; and that they did so detest the worshipping of Idols, and all kind of superstition, that if their parents did offend therin, they would not only reprehend them themselues, but presently tell Francis of it. And to this forwardnes of the children, his helping hand was not wanting. For if at any tyme they tould him of any such thing, he would presently take the children by the hand, & go with them to the house, where that heynous offence was committed, and as though an alarum had byn gi­uen to battaile, he would set vpon the place where the Idols were, and together with the children rush vpon them, breake them to pieces, spit and tread vpon thē, & lastly vtterly destroy them, making in this manner the worship of the Deuill, a laughing-stock to chil­dren.

CHAP. VII.
Hauing vvrought many miracles by him­selfe, and the nevv Christians, he is for his extraordinary Humility, commonly called the Holy Father.

AFTER he had sufficiently instructed in the Catechisme, the places which first oc­cured to him, going to the Towne of Tu­tuchurinum, he lodged by the way in an obscure village of Ethinckes, who contemning their neighbours examples would not heare of the Christiā faith. Wherupon Francis vrging them with the autho­rity of all the coast of Piscaria, they all togeather an­swered, that they could not do it, by reason of their Kings auersion; which was not so indeed, but a pre­tense only to set a glosse vpon their obstinate Su­perstition. In which case Xauerius being vncertaine what to do, God out of his prouidence gaue him an admirable occasion of bringing his designes about. There was a certaine womā of good worth, A womā is by ba­ptisme deliue­red from the dan­ger in child-birth. who had now bin very dangerously in trauaile of Child-birth three whole dayes; & her life was desperate. Her hus­band & kinsfolkes were also weary with praying to their deafe Gods for her safe deliuery, & al in vaine the which Francis vnderstanding, & putting his trust in God, went thither in all hast with an Interpreter [Page 132] and gaue them some hope of help. Forthwith, hauing gotten the consent of the family, he began to deale with her, that seing there was no hope of her reco­uery, she would prouide for her soule, and withall he began briefly to explicate vnto her the chief points of the Christian fayth. Wherwith she being touched from heauen, and giuing credit thereto, Xauerius de­maunded, whether she would be a Christian? Very willingly▪ quoth she. Then Francis reading ouer her the Ghospell, baptized her, being euen ready to dye. A wonderfull thing. The baptisme caused her so easy a deliuery, that presently she brough forth her child without any paine or difficulty. For which prosperous euent he being exceedingly glad, presently baptizeth the infant newly borne, and then all the other of the house, who were both astonished at the miracle, and not a little replenished with ioy.

This fact being so admirable, and wrought in presence of so many witnesses, was instantly diuul­ged▪ wherupon Xauerius iudging it a fit occasiō to vrge the people whilest they were thus amazed, began to be instāt with the chiefe men of the Village, that they should not doubt to imbrace that Religion, wherof they had lately seene so euident a testimony. But they tould him first, they would not do it without their Kings licence; He bap­zeth a whole village. yet afterwards, hauing obtayned the same of his Lieutenant, they were almost all bapti­zed, together with many whole familes, so as that Vil­lage presently became Christian.

Frō thence Francis going to [...]Punical (a Town of great resort) was there louingly receiued by the Neophytes [Page 133] where presently hauing, according to his custom, bap­zed many infāts, he began to instruct the people & the childrē in the Catechisme. There was at the same time in that Towne a great mortality, and sicknes among the people, so as very many came daily vnto him frō all places, requesting him to visit their houses, & say some prayers ouer the sicke. And many also who had none to sollicite for them, being extremely sick, crept vnto him as well as they could for the same cause. Xa­uerius being moued as well out of his owne compassio­nate nature, as by that pittyful spectacle, had a scruple to deny those poore soules so iust requests, fearing lost if he should be [...]lacke therin, the Christian Religion might receiue some detriment therby. He hea­leth the sicke, d­liuereth possessed persons. Therfore he spent much time, and tooke great paines, in visiting them & reading the holy Gospell ouer the sick: & not in vayne. For it is well knowne, that very many sick in that sea coast were by him cured, & many possessed persons deliuered. And it is certainly reported that he there restored three dead men to life, besides a yong maide of Cangoxima, of whome I will speake in her proper place.

Pun call, as we said, is a towne of good note in the coast of Comorinum. A youth is raysed from death. In this towne there dyed a certaine yong man of a good family, who being by his frinds brought to Francis, and layd at his feete with great la­mentation, the good Father tooke him by the hand, and commanded him in the name of Christ to aryse; wherupō he presently rose vp aliue. He sup­presseth his mira­cles. This act Xauerius out of his true humility, suppressed as much as pos­sibly he could, by dissembling the matter, but all in [Page 134] vaine. For there wanted not witnesses therof, nor men to spread it abroad, although it were a matter of great moment wherof they were to be the authors. And this miracle was afterward confirmed by another the like.

In the same towne a Christian woman went to Francis, and with teares bewayling her misfortune of being left desolate, most humbly besought him, that he would be pleased to go to her little sonne who had bin lately drowned in a well. A boy drow­ned in a well is raysed a­gayne to lyfe. He bad the woman be of good courage, for her child was not dead, and presently goeth along with her, as she desired. As soone as he came to the house he fell downe vpon his knees, and hauing prayed a while he made the signe of the crosse vpon the dead body; wherupon the child presently start vp from the beere wheron he lay, not only aliue, but also sound, and in perfect health. At which miraculous accident the Christians who stood about were all astonished, and cryed out for ioy. But Xauerius earnestly intreated them by al meanes possible to make no words therof, & so secretly retyred him­selfe from thence. They people could not ouercome thēselues as he requested, to keep silent so miraculous an euent; and besides that, Xauerius his dissembling the matter, made his sanctity the more to appeare.

Moreouer (to speake nothing of others) Iohn Triaga a Portughese, a deuout and graue man, & very familiar with Xauerius, being demanded iuridically by the Bishop of Goa his Vicar, after the Fathers death, testified, Two re­stored to life. that himselfe was present at Punicall when Francis raysed to life a certaine boy, and also a little girle. And withall testified, that he had vnderstood [Page 135] by many, that Xauerius had restored another to life in [...] village called Bembari; wherof himselfe had some­tymes asked Xauerius, & although, out of humility, he seemed so suppresse the matter, yet he might easily perceaue it was true, which he went about to cōceale. And all this, is very sufficiently testified, vnder the deposition and seale of the Viceroy of India, by the King of Portugals command.

Now, whilest Xauerius thus laboureth about the sick, and the dead, there wanted not other many and dayly imployments, to instruct children, conuert the Ethnickes, baptize those that were conuerted, bury the dead, and satisfy those who asked his aduice. But the cumbersomnes of the sick, by reason of their great [...]umber, and the bruit which was now spread abroad of those that were cured, did so greatly increase daily, that it was not possible for one to satisfy all. Moreo­ [...]er, as many times it hapneth, there arose contenti­ons among the people, whilst euery one did striue to get Francis first to their house. Therfore to condescend to their iust demaunds without any breach of peace, he found out an inuention, which was as profitable as necessary, to send in his place certaine Christian childrē fit for that purpose. He cu­reth the sicke by children. These children by Xauiers appointment going about to the houses, first called to­geather those of the family and their neighbours, then [...]auing recited the Creed all togeather, they exhorted the sick to haue an assured hope and confidence in God by whose help they were to recouer their health; & all last when they had stirred vp all that were present to deuotion, then they added certaine pious and godly prayers.

[Page 136] This inuention of his was not in vayne. For what by the fayth of the children, & of the standers by and the sicke, and of Francis Author thereof, it caused in the diseased health both of body and soule. In so much that very many Neophites were therby confirmed in their beliefe, & many Ethnickes brought to the faith of Christ: the force whereof they had experienced by the recouery of their health. But if any of the said children could get Xauerius Beades, he thought him­selfe highly honoured, for that infallibly they cured all the sick who were touched therwith; wherfore, as iewels famous for the wonders wrought by thē, euery one did striue to get them; so as being carryed about continually to the sicke, they seldome brought them backe to Francis, seruing rather to worke miracles thē to pray vpon. And by the meanes of these children he did not only help those who were sicke, but assi­sted also possessed, and obsessed persons.

There was one, who being possest, was wonder­fully tormented by the Deuill, to whome Francis be­ing requested to go, but could not by reason of other employments, sent in his place certayne Children (who assisted him in teaching the Christian doctrine) with a crosse, He deli­uereth a possessed person by the children and tould them what they should do. The children went to the possest man, and, as Xaue­rius had instructed them, gaue him the crosse to kisse, and they themselues recited certayne prayers which they knew by hart. Whereupon presently, to the astonishment of all that were present the possest man was deliuered, not so much by the fayth, and sancti­ty of the children, as of Francis himselfe. The re­port [Page 137] heereof being spread far and neere with great applause to Xauerius, his fame became more remar­kable by his humility. Xauiers humili­ty. For these miracles which he wrought by diuine power, by sending children vp & downe, he would not acknowledge as done by him­selfe, but ascribed them to the faith of the children, & of the sick persons: so as endeauouring by all meanes to debase himselfe, He is called Holy Father. and to hide his owne vertue, he made the splendour of his sanctity the more appeare. Wherfore shining, as he did, not only with that emi­nency of vertue, but also with Christian humility, he was now commonly called the Holy Father. Thus hid­den Vertue becometh more glorious.

CHAP. VIII.
He substituteth Deputies in his place to teach the Christian doctrine, and procu­reth for them a certaine stipend of the King of Portugall.

THIS approued fidelity and industry of the He ta­keth children to teach the cate­chisme with him neophytes in curing diseases made Xauerius desirous to make thē his fellow-labourers in instructing the people. Wherfore making choice of such as were no lesse diligent then vertuous, he sent them abroad, bidding them teach the Cathe­chisme to the rude and ignorant in houses, wayes, and streetes, in manner as he had instructed thē. When [Page 138] he saw this course which he had inuented, was able to go on by it selfe, he with the children went to ano­ther Village, intending in the same manner to in­struct the rest of the townes. All which when he had once gone ouer, neuer thinking of rest, but as it were dallying with his labours, he againe returned to the first village, there to amend what he should find amisse; and in the same manner went ouer all the rest which before he had visited.

In the meane time also, thinking it necessary to establish the Christian faith, nor only for the present but also for the time to come, he left in euery towne & village a Copy of the Christian doctrine, willing those that could write, to copy it out, and the rest to learne it by hart, and to repeate it ouer euery day. He orday­ned also in all the forsaid villages, that vpon all holy­dayes, the Neophytes should assemble themselues in­to one place, and there all togeather sing the Christian doctrine. And that these things might be well and duely obserued, thinking it expedient to leaue some in his place, he appointed in euery Towne and Villa­ge, one to haue a care of matters concerning Christi­an religion, whome in their language they called the Canacaple. And that this order which was so necessa­ry, might neuer cease, or decay, he procured of the Viceroy of India an yearly stipend for the Canacaples. The reason of this was, that in tyme of necessity there might alwayes be some to baptize the infants newly borne when they should be in any danger of death, and to supply in other things that which could not be well differred, and withall to assist the Neophytes, [Page 139] when Francis was farre of, and could not so speedily come vnto them. So as, in euery place he appointed one or two who excelled the rest in the vnderstanding of the Christian doctrine, graue carriage, feruour of piety, and integrity of life, teaching them the man­ner and forme of baptisme, and giuing them in char­ge, that if at any tyme necessity should require, they should with all speed baptize litle infants; and if any matter of importance besids, chanced to happen, they should presently certify him thereof.

These, euery one in his Village, for want of Priests, being as it were the Curats or Pastours, had the care of the Church, and twice euery day they taught the Catechisme both in Latin, and in their owne coun­try language: in the morning to the men, and in the afternoone to the women. They also, as the Christian custome is, denounced the Banes of Matrimony, ma­king enquiry what impediments there might be to hinder any from lawfull marriage; but their princi­pall charge was to baptize litle infants, who through weakenes might be in danger of death. And when Xa­uerius made his visit in the sayd Villages, these his sub­stitutes presently deliuered vp vnto him the number of childrē which were borne that yeare, of those who kept concubines in their houses, and of such as had any emnity or discord amongst themselues, that ther­by he might with all speed apply remedy therto. And by this meanes he knew, & composed all difficulties euery where; so that making very litle stay any where he might passe on to other places.

To these Canacaples at Xauerius request were assigned [Page 140] 400 crownes yearely, out of the publicke Treasury, by the viceroy of India, and afterward confirmed by the King of Portugal. His let­ter to the Queene of Por­tugall. This said mony was accustomed to be payd to Queene Catherin of Portugal, to buy her shoes, and Pantofles. Wherfore Francis wrote vnto her maiesty very pleasantly and piously that she could haue no fitter shoes or Pantofles, to climbe to heauen then the Christian children of the Piscarian coast, and their instructions. Wherefore he humbly intreated her to bestow her shoes and Pantofles, as a Tribute, vnto their teachers and instructors, The li­berality & piety of the Queene of Por­tugall therby to make her selfe a ladder to heauen, for she might be glad of such an occasion, then the which she could not per­haps haue wished a better. The Queene, as a woman of notable piety, approued of his request, and very willingly, and freely assigned the same to the Canaca­ples, and maisters of the Neophytes. And thus, by Xa­uerius meanes, by the Queenes liberality, & the Kings authority, this order was instituted and established, with no lesse merit of the benefactors, then profit to the Christian cause.

CHAP. IX.
He conuinceth the Brachmans, and conuer­teth some of them.

IN this meane while, The Brach­mans & their re­ligion. Francis had no small ado with the Brachmans. These Brachmans descending frō the race of Kings & Priests, [Page 441] [...]re amongst all the nations of India the chiefe, both [...]or Nobility and Wisedome. They worship one God whome they call Parabram) the begining of al things, and perfect in euery respect, as being Creatour of hea­uē & earth. But togeather with this truth they mingle in numerable fables to deceiue the common people. They say, he hath three sonnes, who gouern the world, and yet haue all the same nature, and diuinity. This forsooth, is signified by the girdle the Brachmans thē ­selues weare, at the end wherof there be three little cords hanging from one knot: hauing in this manner, either through the malice of men, or craft of the Diuel corrupted the mistery of the B. Trinity, which was an­ciētly receiued among them. They haue also goodly Temples dedicated to these Gods, with three Towres, which being separated at the basis, by little & little do ioyne altogeather in the toppe. They haue their ima­ges drawen out in diuers shapes, which in times past they tooke vpon them, which they call Pagods.

These Brachmans, whome among the Indians are indeed famous for their learning and abstinence, The Brach­mans wicked­nes and lewd­nesse. are in the Promontory of Comorinum most notorious for their ignorance, and lewdnes. For not enduring the pouerty which that part of India sustayneth, they co­uer their naturall lewdnes with abhominable dece­ipt, and whilst themselues in priuate, sit at their ban­quets with solemne musick of tabers and pipes, they perswade the simple people that their Gods are a fea­sting; and withall demaund of them, in their Gods name, whatsoeuer they want for the maintenance of themselues and their families, denouncing the ven­geance [Page 142] of the Gods against them, vnlesse they pre­sently performe what they be commanded.

Xauerius therfore conuincing them openly of de­ceipt, began to accuse them to the people, The Brach­mans de­sire Francis his friēdship and to ma­nifest their false dealing: which occasion caused the saluation of many, who giuing ouer Idolatry became Christians. And the Brachmans being astonished as wel at his great learning, as at the miracles wrought by him, turning their hate into reuerence, endeauoured to gaine his fauour and friendship, both by guiftes, & all other meanes they could deuise. But his loue of pouerty was not ouercome by any such fauours, and though he reiected their guiftes, to keep his owne li­berty free, yet notwithstanding he conserued good correspondence, and friendship with them. And as he went his circuit about the townes of the Christians, oftentimes he lodged in their abiding places (which are also called Pagods, Pagods. as their Gods are) hoping that some of them might be conuerted, with the saluation of many soules.

Vpon a tyme he came to a certaine Pagod, where were assembled almost two hundred Brachmans, Francis his con­ference with the Brach­mans. who had vnderstood of his comming thither. Hauing salu­ted one another, and many wordes passed to and fro, Francis demaunded of them in ful assembly, what their Gods commaunded those to do, who were to come into heauen to them? After long strife amongst them who should giue the answere, it fell at last, by common consent, to the lot of an ancient man of 80. yeares of age, the eldest amongst them; who craftily shifting off the Question, asked Xauerius agayne, [Page 143] what the Christians God commaunded them to do? But he perceyuing the old mans euasion, tould him he would not speake a word of any Christian af­fayres, vntill he had answered his question, as good reason he should. Then the old man being driuen to it by necessity, with open manifestation of his igno­rance, sayd: That their Gods commaunded them two things: The one was, that they should not kill any Cow, because with kine the Gods were worshipped: The other was, that they should bestow liberall guifts vpon the B [...]achmans, the chiefe Priests & Ministers of the sayd Gods.

Then Xauerius, moued at the ignorance and im­pudency both of the man, and the thing, presently rose vp, and intreated them, that they would also now heare him. And with a lowd voice reciting the Creed and the ten Commandements, he briefly explicateth the same in their country language: The Brach­mans approue of the Christiā Religiō. and then he de­clareth the ioyes of the blessed in heauen, and the tor­ments of the damned in hell: and finally who they were that should go to the one, and other place. As soone as they heard this, on a suddain they all rose vp, and euery one imbracing him, wonderfully extolled the Christian Religion, containing such agreable my­steryes and precepts as those were: such is the force of truth, euen with peruerse minds, if light from heauen shine vpon them. The ri­diculous questiōs of the Brach­mans. Then they asked him many other things very ridiculous, and such as we who by Gods goodnes vnderstād the Truth, do abhorre to heare; to wit, whether the Soule of man dyeth togeather with the body, as other liuing creatures do? What should [Page 144] be the cause, why we seeme in our sleepe to be with our friends, although they be far of? Is it not because our soule, the body being asleep, leaueth its mansion, and flyeth abroad? Whether God be white or black? for they themselues being blackish by nature, The Brach­mans thinke God to be black. out of the esteeme they beare to their owne colour, thinke that God is black, and do oftentimes besmeare their Idols with oile in such manner, that they be not only black, but euen vgly also, and horrible to behould; in so much that you would thinke you saw the Diuels themselues, and not their images.

Xauerius when these questions were asked him, knowing well how to accommodate his speech to his Auditours, answered not so learnedly, as sutably to their capacities, so that not one of all the company durst open his month to contradict him. But when he pressed them to imbrace the Christian Religion, which they saw so manifestly proued vnto them, they answered, that indeed they were afraid of what the people would say, and that they should want meanes to liue, if they should change their course of life. And so these wretches making more account of what the people would say, then of their owne saluation, con­temned the light which began to shine vpon them, & remained obstinate in their darknes.

Now although, as we sayd, the Brachmans carry away the bell for wisedome among the Indians: yet there was only one found among them all, worthy of that name, a Schoole-man of a famous Academy of India, who out of the familiarity which he had with Xauerius, declared to him certain mysteries of that [Page 145] Academy, w ^ch held: that there was one God maker of the world, who raigning in heauē ought to be worshi­ped of mortal mē: that euery eight day (which we cal Sunday) ought to be kept holy: & that a time would come when all should professe one Religion. Moreo­uer he desired to know the mysteryes of the Christian fayth, which at length Francis declared vnto him, and withall spake these wholsome words of our Sauiour, Marc. 16. Math. Qui crediderit & baptizatus fuerit, saluus erit, He that be­lieueth & is baptized shal be saued. The Brachman no­ted downe in a litle booke these words with their ex­plication, and intreated Xauerius to baptize him vpon certayne conditions. But Xauerius reiecting his con­ditions being neyther iust nor honest, thought it good to differre his request for a tyme, & so dismissed him; bidding him to publish that mystery of one God to the people, hoping that he would indeed become a perfect Christian, & be occasion of no small aduancement to the Christian cause. But yet there was another yong Brachman who gaue not only greater hopes, A Brachman ba­ptized teacheth children the Ca­techisme but also proued better indeed. He being of an excellent wit & behauiour, was instructed, and baptized by Francis, & by his appointement vndertooke to teach children their Catechisme; Christ thus choosing to himselfe maysters of his doctrine, out of the Diuels schoole.

At this time now, God would shew manifestly how pleasing Xauerius labours were vnto him. An iniu­ry done to Fran­cis is re­uenged by God. He wēt vpon some occasions to an Ethincke noble-man, who being a barbarous & vnciuil fellow, contemning the vertuous and holy man, shut him out of his house, in a rude & disgracefull manner; & scoffing at him, said: [Page 146] Serue me in the same sort, if euer I come to the Chri­stians Church. This iniury offred to Francis being pu­blished abroad by those who were present, no body had lesse feeling of it, then he to whome it was done. It seemed doubtlesse, both to the Portugheses, and the Neophites an vnworthy fact, as deseruing indeed to be reuenged by God himselfe. Therfore he who taketh vengeance vpon iniuries done vnto his seruants, sent spedily a due punishmēt vpon that contumelious man.

A few dayes after, the same Noble man being vnar­med, chanced to meet with his armed enemies not far from the Christians Church: wherefore being not able to resist he thought to defend himself by running away. Now as he fled, they followed him close with their deadly weapons, & were euen come to the Chri­stians Church, wherin that wretch (not thinking thē of the contumelious words which formerly he had vtteed 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 Christiās 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 aboū ­dance of diuine consolation Xauerius foūd 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, Aboun­dance of 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 [Page 148] 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, The multitude of those that were baptized 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 [Page 149] to Fa. Paul Camertes, Paul Ca­merts the first Re­ctour of the Col­ledge of Goa. 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. His no­table shamefa­stnes at his owne prayses. At which words Xauerius his countenāce 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 mē 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: His con­cealing of mira­cles. 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, [Page 150] 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 cō ­panion, returned againe into the coast of Piscaria vpon the 24. of March the next yeare following, He brin­geth some to help him in the coast of Piscaria. & 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 coūtry, who at Xaue­rius request wēt thither for the same cause, partly frō 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 [Page 151] [...]omen to come by turnes, euery other day to the Ca­ [...]echisme. His chiefe care was to baptize infants and [...]struct children, He tea­cheth mē and wo­mē their Catec­chisme apart. because he knew certaynely, that [...]uch as dyed before they lost their innocency, being [...]aptized, were made partakers of the kingdom of hea­ [...]en, the which many that were of riper yeares lost by returning agayne to their former bad life. And he did [...]ot only himselfe imploy his chiefest endeauours in [...]elping that tender age, What a care he had of bapti­zing in­fantes. but also gaue most diligent charge to F. Marsilla his companion to do the same. Moreouer as occasion & place required, he helped the Neophytes, not only spiritually but corporally also.

Vpō the East of the coast of Piscaria there lieth bor­dering a wild & sauage kind of people, The Ba­dages a sauage nation. whome they [...]al Badages. These gathering together a great army, ei­ [...]her out of hatred to Religion, or through desire of [...]illage, had inuaded the borders of the Christians of Comorinum, spoyling & wasting all before them. The Christians being affrighted at this suddain incursion abandoning their villages, had gotten ouer a little arme of the sea, The ca­lamity of the Co­morinensians. and there hid themseluēs amongst the rockes, a fit place for such a purpose: where abiding in the open ayre and the sunne (the heate wherof, as we sayd, is most extreme in those partes) they were miserably burnt vp, Francis his suc­cour to relieue the neo­phyts in their mi­sery. and brought to such want of ne­cessary meanes to liue vpon, that some dyed for meere hunger. This fearefull newes did not only moue Xa­uerius to piety towards them, but also stirred vp his carefull endeauours to affoard new succour, in this new accident. He therfore presently bringeth vnto these poore soules, twenty small vessels loaden with [Page 152] prouision. And withall writeth to the Pantagarines, & magistrates of the Coast thereabout, to make a col­lectiō among the richer sort, for the reliefe of their miseries. So as he prouided for them, not only for the present, but also for the time to come. But as soone as that storme was ouerpast, by retyrement of the ene­my, gathering togeather his dispersed sheep, he omit­ted nothing belonging to the duty of a good Pastour. He raysed vp those that were cast downe, and com­forted them that were afflicted, both by cōpassionate words, & all other sweet means. But, behould a new tempest aryseth, so much the heauier, by how much lōger it endured. They who were officers in the Coast of Piscaria being couetous and intemperate men, be­gan after a proud and auaricious manner to dominier ouer the neophytes. Wherupon Xauerius being no lesse moued at the vnworthinesse of the fact then it deser­ued, first opposed himselfe stoutly against their coue­tousnesse; & at last, when he saw he was not able to withstand them himselfe, he thought to request the viceroy of India (remaining then at Cocinum) to ayde him, and for that purpose resolued to go vnto him. But new occasions occurring, hindred both his deter­mination, and iorney which now he had begun.

CHAP. XI.
He conuerteth the Kingdome of Trauan­coris to the Christian Faith, and de­fendeth the Neophytes from the Barba­rians.

HAVING now spent in the Coast of Pis­caria halfe a yeare in the forsaid labours; and by his endeauours and diligent care so greatly profited therein, that finding at his comming thither but twenty, both villages and townes in al, & those very rude; he left now to his cō ­panions thirty, all of them well instructed & ordered. Wherfore composing all things as well as he could, he leaueth the charge of the Neophytes to Fa. Mansilla, taking his iorney towards Cocinum through the coast of Trauancoris which lyeth next to Piscaria.

Trauancoris is a sea coast, on that side of India where Goa standeth, The cost Trauan­coris. bending towards the West, and lyeth betweene the Promōtory of Comorinum & the Towne Colanum, almost 30. miles from Cocinum, and is said to be in length about 80. miles. There were in that Coast, of sea villages to the number of 30. inhabited partly by Ethnicke fisher-men whome they call Ma­choa's, and partly by Saracens. Francis therfore, what for want of shipping, and to try their dispositions had a desire to passe through their Country to Cocinum.

[Page 154] He wanted not friends who endeauored to dissuade him from that iourney, shewing him that the Machoa's & Sarac [...]ns hated him extremely, taking it very ill that the Paraua's their neighbours were become Christiās. His nota­ble cou­rage of mind. Yet for all this he being driuen on more by God, thē by any other necessity, as afterwards the euent plainly demōstrated, made no doubt of passing through their country. Depending therefore vpon the diuine Pro­uidence, and thinking also that he should gayne by the bargayne if he chanced to dye for Christ, he be­ginneth his iorney through the midle of the Country about the midst of the yeare of our Lord 1544. As he trauayled he visited the villages which lay in his way, and (as the goodnes of God farre exceedeth all that pious men can expect) he experienced his diuine boūty no lesse fauourable to his enemies, Gods proui­dence. then to him­selfe, so peaceable he found all things, and the people greatly disposed to receiue the seed of the holy Ghos­pell.

First therfore hauing gotten friendship with their King, and working vpon the Barbarians harts as well with hope as with feare, sometimes propounding to them the amity of the Portugheses, & thē againe de­nouncing against them threats from heauen, he with­out any great difficulty brought them to imbrace the faith of Christ; especially when, being wonne by of­fices of Christian Charity, they had obtayned leaue by an Edict from their King, to change their Religi­ons. Wherfore Xauerius reioicing at this so fortunate successe imployed himselfe incessantly in going about from towne to town, to baptize & instruct the people [Page 155] in the mysteries of the Christian faith. What an infi­nite nūber were by his meanes made Christians, may be coniectured by this, The nū ­ber of those he baptized that he baptized at one time aboue ten thousand. His manner of instructing and baptizing was this. When he came to any village to baptize, calling all the men, women, and children to­geather into one place, after he had taught them, that there was one God, the Father, the Sonne, & the holy Ghost, he commanded them euery one to make vpon themselues thrice the signe of the Crosse in honour of the most B. Trinity, according as he had before instru­cted them. Then putting on a Surplise, with a cleare voice he pronounced the mysteries, & precepts of the Christian Religion, His mā ­ner of bapti­zing. & explicated the same briefly (as well as he could) in their owne language. And when they seemed to be sufficiently instructed, he bad them aske God pardon publickly for the sinnes of their life past, and demanded whether they did really and truly belieue all and euery point of the Christian Religion? Thē they, by putting their armes a crosse gaue a signe that they did belieue, and so he baptized them, put­ting downe euery ones name in writing, as his cu­stome was.

When all were baptized, He ouer throw­eth the temples & Idols. Xauerius caused the Tem­ples of the Gods to be presently throwne downe, and their Idols to be broken in pieces. One could not haue beheld a more gratefull or pleasant spectacle, then to see them now trample those Idols vnder their feete, which a litle before they had with so great reuerence adored. Which great iniury the Diuel certainly would not haue left vnreuenged, if Francis had not had as [Page 156] great courage to withstand the danger, as to offer him that affront. For he stirred vp the Badages agayne (of whome we spake before) who are no lesse cruell enemies to Christian Religion, then brutish & sauage by nature, against the flock of Christ, which as yet was but yong and tender. Wherfore a mighty army of these barbarians made a suddaine incursion vpon the borders of Trauancoris, & began to spoile the villages of the Christians. The inhabitants making a dolefull outery, Atumult amongst the Tra­uancorē ­sians. togeather with the lamentation of women and children, being all in vproue, betooke them­selues to flight, yet with little hope to escape, being round beset by their enemies.

Xauerius (for it happened he was then present) being stirred vp by the tumult, wrought a memorable act. For, wholy forgetting himselfe, by reason of the eminent danger he saw before his eyes, he flyeth in a­mongst them, like a Lion, and with an vndaunted courage, A me­morable deed of his. both of spirit and countenance, rebuketh those barbarous people; who were wonderfully ama­zed to behold his courage and boldnes, since being slaues to the Deuill and forgetfull of their owne free­dome and saluation, they came so violently to offend others. Then as a good Pastour he putteth himselfe into the formest presse of the Christians, either to rule his flocke by authority, or if he could not do that, to dy togeather with them. But the Badages, although most barbarous & cruell, could not indure those fiery flames which seemed to shine forth of Francis his coū ­tenance and face, and so for feare, and reuerence to his person, they spared the rest. Yet all this while he [Page 157] was not free from danger of death. For the Ethnickes out of hatred to Christian Religion, lay oftentimes in waite for him, whome notwithstanding he defeated partly by his prudence, and partly by diuine assistāce, as then it happened.

Vpon a tyme some of them seeking after him to kill him, By the goodnes of God he esca­peth death. he ranne into a wood, where climbing vp into a tree he sate there all night, and so escaped their hands, being sheltred more by Gods assistāce, then ey­ther by the tree, or night. And his enemies plots against him were so frequent, that some of the Neophytes who were most pious and faithfull vnto him, kept al­wayes of their owne accord, watch in the night be­fore his lodging, to defend him. Notwithstanding the continuall treacheries of these barbarous people, he omitted neyther his nightly prayer, which scarcely permitted him two houres rest, nor ceased from his dayly iourneys of the day, euē in the heat of the sunne; for that going about the Townes, he went barefoote, in a ragged coate, and with an ordinary Hat on his head. Yet this carelesnes of his corporall habit did no way obscure the sanctity of his soule, but made it more eminent. He is called great Father. He was now commonly called the Great Fa­ther, and the King of Trauancoris commanded by pu­blicke Edict throughout his whole kingdom, that all should obey the Great Father, no otherwise then him­selfe.

The Christians had not at that tyme any Church in that Coast, wherfore he was constrained to say masse either vnder some tree, or some sayle of a shippe. But now, it is reported, there be built aboue twenty [Page 158] Churches and Chappels in that Country. The multitude of those who fol­lowed him whē he prea­ched. And when he was to preach, for want of a pulpit, he would frō some commodious tree, speake vnto the multitude, which was somtimes infinite. For when he went out into the fieldes to preach, there followed him ma­ny times fiue or six thousand persons. His care also was not lesse in augmenting the flocke of Christ, then in maintaining what he had gotten. That the Neo­phytes might also, after his departure, retaine what they had learned, vpon his going away, he did not only leaue a copy of the Christian doctrine in euery Towne, but also taught them the manner how to ex­ercyse it euery morning and euening, and for that end appointed a Moderatout ouer them. Yet all this time he refrained from too much dealing with those who dwelt vp higher in the hart of the coūtry, know­ing very well that the sea coasts, where the Portughe­ses commaunded, were farre more fit to receiue and maintaine the Christian faith, then the vpland Coun­try of India, The vp­land coū ­try of India not fit to re­ceiue the fayth of Christ. where the Brachmans, deadly enemies to our Religion, had the possession. He therfore trauailed all ouer that country lying by the sea side, going from village to village; euery where baptizing & instruct­ing as many as he could in the Christian faith: so as now almost all the townes of the Machoa's & Paraua's had, by Francis his meanes, put themselues vnder the sweet yoke of Christ; when the report therof com­ming to the bordering Ilands, set on fire the Manarians a neighbouring people, to emulate their piety.

CHAP. XII.
Neophytes slayne for Religion, become an ornament to the Christian Fayth.

MAnaria is a litle Iland, lying ouer against the coast of P [...]scaria, distant from the continent an 150. miles. There was therein a village called Patinus, at that tyme of litle note, but now greatly enobled by the death of many Martyrs. The inhabitants of this place had a great desire to re­ceaue the Christian Religion, wherof they had heard many notable things reported, as well of Xauerius, as of the Comorines. Wherefore they earnestly inuited Francis to come thither and baptize them. But he be­ing imployed about other most important affaires cō ­cerning Religion, and not able to go himselfe, sent a certayne Priest in his place to instruct them in the Ca­techisme, and to baptize them. Wherupon followed a great storme of persecution, which notwithstan­ding proued very profitable vnto them. For the King of Iafanapatana, vnder whose dominion that Iland is, out of a Barbarous cruelty, being also incensed with the hatred he bare vnto Christians, was so enraged, that sending thither an army of men, what by fyre & sword destroyed, and wasted the whole Towne. There are sayd to haue byn slayne at that tyme for Religion more then 600. persons. Thus, that vast solitude, brought forth fresh and fragrant flowers of Martyrs, [Page 160] for heauens ornament. Since which tyme, that place hath reteyned the name of the Towne of Martyrs.

About the same tyme, it fell out fortunately, that the sayd King of Iafanapatana his owne brother, and heire to the same kingdome, fearing his brothers fury had fled to the Viceroy of India, promising that if he could by the Portugheses forces be restored to his Fa­thers kingdome, The towne of Nagapa­tana. he with his nobles and greatest part of his subiects would become Christians. The Viceroy greatly desirous as well to aduance Religion, as to re­uenge the slaughter of the Innocents, was much in­censed agaynst the Tyrant. Whereupon he presently sendeth a very strong Nauy to Nagapatana (which is a sea Towne scituated in the continent, ouer against the Iland of Manaria, about 200. miles from the Promon­tory of Comorinum) and withal commandeth them to make warre vpon the King of Iafanapatana, and eyther to put him to death, or else to handle him in such mā ­ner as Xauerius should iudge expedient, and to restore the Kingdome to his brother.

In the meane tyme whilest Xauerius remayned at Cocinum, The Ilād of Ma­cazaria. there was brought thither ioyfull newes, of many Ethnikes in the most remote Kingdome of Ma­cazaria conuerted to the Fayth of Christ. This Maca­zaria is a great Iland, about a 1000. miles beyond In­dia and the Riuer Ganges, and distant from the Molu­ca's towards the east about 130. In this Kingdom three Noble and principall men, besids many others of the people, were lately conuerted to the Christian fayth, and baptized by a Portughese Merchant called Anto­ny Payua: God in that manner bringing in thither his [Page 161] Ghospel euen by the meanes of good & vertuous mer­chants. They had therfore sent certayne men to the Citty of Malaca, to request of the Portugheses there, some Priests who might better instruct them in the Christian Religion; for that which the merchant had commanded them, was only this: that since they had liued like bruite beasts, now hauing by baptisme recea­ued the fayth of Christ, they should endeauour heer­after to liue like men, and withall to serue one God with purity and sanctity of life. The Gouernour of Malaca approuing their demands, granted them cer­tayne Priests. And although Francis made no doubt but they would worthily behaue themselues for the aduancement of Christian Religion; yet had he also a great desire to be partaker of that labour, thinking that in so large a Kingdome there would be great oc­casion of worke, and need of many industrious labou­rers, to plant and cultiuate the holy Ghospell.

At the very same tyme almost, there came newes also from the Iland of Ceilanus, which at the first see­med heauy and sad, but afterwards proued ioyfull. The eldest sonne of the King of that Iland being mo­ued by conference with the Portugheses (for they en­deauoured to bring in the Gospel, The Kings sonne with 600 more are slaine for Religion as well as merchan­dize into India) had together with many others resol­ued to become a Christian. As soone as the barbarous King his Father had notice therof, all-mad with rage and fury, commanded his sonne, with others of his consayle (to the number of 600. as was reported) to be publikely slaughtered. But the enemy of Baptisme, baptized them in their owne bloud: and whilest he [Page 162] endeauoured to depresse Christian Religion, he exal­ted it.

For at the very same tyme, the Inhabitants saw a great Crosse of Fire in the ayre; and in the place where the sayd slaughter was committed, the ground opening, made a great and plaine signe of the Crosse, which remaineth vnto this day, Prodigi­ous si­gnes of the Crosse. although the Ethnikes haue endeauoured oftentymes to stoppe it vp, by ca­sting earth into it. So as many of the inhabitants, and amongst the rest the Kings yonger sonne, togeather with his Cousin-german, & some of the Kings guard, moued by these prodigious signes intended to become Christians Xauerius being glad of this newes, albeyt he had already resolued to go vnto the Macazarians; yet he iudged it not expedient to preferre this busines be­fore the other with which he was then in hand. In the yeare therefore 1545. in the month of Aprill, taking Fa. Mansilla for his companion, he embarked at Co­cinum with intention to go to the Iland of Ceilanus, to try the disposition of the Inhabitants, and from thence with the first occasion to passe ouer to Naga­patana, where the Nauy was said to be ready prepared for the foresayd expedition.

CHAP. XIII.
Being transported into the Iland of Cei­lanus, he reclaymeth the maister of the shippe from a bad life.

CEilanus is an Iland right ouer agaynst the coast of Piscaria, They I­land Cei­lanus. of great note both for pearles and other merchandize, but especially for the aboundance of Cinnamon which it beareth. It is extended in length an 150. miles, and in breadth 40. or thereabout. Vpon the furthest point thereof butteth the Iland of Manaria where the Neo­phytes, as we sayd, were slayne by the King of Iafa­napatana. Ceilanus is indeed inhabited by the Malaua­rians, whome they call Cingales, but by reason of traf­fique it is much frequented by the Portughese Mer­chants. The Portugheses haue therin a fayre Towne, and by the shore are to be seene certaine Chappells built by them in tymes past for the exercise of Chri­stian Religion. Xauerius being thither arriued, there hapned a memorable accident.

The Gouernour of the ship, being moued by the familiarity which he had gotten with Francis▪ had v­pon the way, freely opened his mind vnto him, and told him, how for a long tyme he had byn giuen to a certayne notorious sinne, from which he could not be absolued by the Priest. But Xauerius being a ex­pert Physitian of the soule, laying before his eyes the [Page 164] clemency, and mercy of Almighty God, that pas­seth all malice (which was an ordinary custome in him, therby to draw men to Confession) made the businesse light and easy; and promised him withall, that as soone as they were arriued (for then there was neyther tyme nor meanes) he would vnty those hea­uy bands of his. Hauing thus agreed betweene them­selues of the businesse, the mayster of the ship as soone as he came to Ceilanus, as though he had byn certaine of his saluation, cast of all thought of making his con­fession; & began to find excuses, and withall to auoid the sight and company of Francis, that he might not be challenged by him of his promise. Iob. 5. But Xauerius, or rather Gods Prouidence ( Which, as holy Iob sayth, ta­keth the wise in their crafty plots) deceyued the mayster, with all his sleights. For on a suddaine, and vnawares he findeth Francis walking by the shore syde, with his eyes fixed towards heauen, as his custome was; and now because he could not auoyd meeting with him, hauing byn already espyed, & that he might not shew himselfe light or vnconstant, he resolued to set a good face vpon the matter, and by some sleight to delude the others carefulnesse.

He therfore first saluted him, and of his owne ac­cord, asketh him; How long it would be, before he would he are his Confession? As soone as he had spo­ken these words, faltring as it were in his speech, and shewing himself much troubled in mind, Xauerius foūd presently by his countenance, and trembling of body that he had a great horrour of that which he required: yet did he not let slip the occasion offered him what­soeuer [Page 165] it were. Prudēce in taking away horrour in Con­fession. Therfore, to free him from that vaine feare, merrily and sweetly, as he was wont, Good Ie­su, quoth he, will you go then to confession? I will most willingly heare you, & if you please, euen heere as we walk vpon this shore. Wherupō the other being ouercome not so much by the irkesomnes of his foule sinnes, as by Francis his exceeding mildnes, but indeed by Gods diuine impulse, resolued to make a confession of his whole life. Xauerius seeing him to begin with feare and bashfulnes, hearkened carefully vnto him first, as they walked vpon the shore: But afterwards when he perceiued him to go on with more courage and freedome, taking him gently by the hand, he led him into a chappell neere by. The other out of reue­rence to the holy place, began to kneele downe, as the custome is, therby to make an end of the Confession which he had begun. But Francis perceauing he had some difficulty therin, forbad him to kneele for the present; and to induce him to confesse the more wil­lingly he spread a mat vpon a banke, that they might there sit more commodiously. They had not sate long when God so touched his hart, that rising vpon a suddain, he fell downe at the Fathers feete, and with aboundance of teares and sighes layd open all the sins of his whole lyfe. And hauing thus waded out of the pudle of sinne, & disburdened his soule of all filth, he began with great feeling to frequent the holy Sa­crament of Confession (of the fruit and wholesom­nesse whereof he had now gotten a tast) and seriously to prouide for the saluation of his soule.

In the meane tyme Xauerius hauing insinuated [Page 166] himselfe into the Ceilanians friendship, got accesse to the Kings sonne, whome he found perplexed, as well by his brothers example, as by those prodigious signes whereof we spake before, & priuately baptized him, together with his Cousin-German; whereupon he resolued to fly, together with some chiefe men of the Kindgdome, to the Viceroy of India, and to craue his ayde agaynst the sauage cruelty of his Father, who had already imbrued his hands in the innocent bloud of his brother & kinsmen, & now thirsted after his also. Xauerius was likewise by him informed, that most of the Ceilanians being moued by those miraculous signes of the Crosse in the ayre, and vpon the ground, did al­ready much incline to the Christian fayth, but that their good desires were hindred, through feare of the Tyrant his Father.

Francis being very glad of this newes, sendeth pre­sently letters to Fa. Paul, who remayned at Goa, wil­ling him to send two of the Fathers, who were euery day expected from Portugall, to Ceilanus, with those noblemen, who where to be restored to their King­dome, to haue a care of the Christian cause in that I­land. And sending backe Fa. Mansilla immediatly into the Promontory of Comorinum, he himselfe crosseth o­uer to Nagapatana, for the occasion which we haue already mentioned. But all that preparation, & Fran­cis his expectation, when it seemed now to be vpon the point of ioyning battayle and obtayning victory, vpon a suddaine falleth to nothing. For at the same time a ship of the K. of Portugall (which being fraught with rich merchandize was bound back agayne from [Page 167] the Kingdome of Pegu into India) being by force of tempest driuen into Iafanapatana, was presently set v­pon by that barbarous King. Wherefore the Viceroy imploying his seruice for the Kings affayres, surcea­sed from battaile, vntil the Kings goods were recoue­red. And so by making this delay, the warre, as many tymes it happeneth, was by differring, broken cleane off. Yet God afterwards gaue to Xauerius what he de­sired. For not long after that Tyrant being disconfi­ted by many ouerthrowes which Constantine the Vice­roy of India gaue him, the Iland of Manaria was ta­ken from him, & all the inhabitants became Christiās. Thus the death of a few for Christ his sake, was the cause of liberty and saluation to many. Francis there­fore not to loose the labour which he had taken in that iourney, and also seruing himselfe of the wynd, which though contrary for his returne, lay yet right for his going forward, resolued to make vse of that occasion.

CHAP. XIV.
He visiteth the Sepulcher of S. Thomas the Apostle.

THE Church of S. Thomas the Apostle was not distant from this place aboue 150. miles which was very famous both in regard of his sacred reliques, and of the great resort of Indians, who came to visit it from remote places. He therefore determined to go thither in the guize of a [Page 168] poore Pilgrime, that hauing done his deuotion to the Apostle, he might go on forward to Malaca, & from thence (vnlesse God should otherwise dispose) to Ma­cazaria, whither he had byn called by most ioyfull ti­dings For he had lately vnderstood that the Inhabi­tants of those places were greatly disposed to receaue the Christian Religion, and that nothing hindred the conuersion, and baptizing of many, but want of Priests.

About the latter end therfore of Lent, he put to sea from Nagapatana, with a better wind then good speed. He pas­seth 7. dayes without eating a­ny thing He had now sayled about 40. miles when a cō ­trary tempest constrayned the ship to remaine 7. daies in a certayne hauen which they chanced vpon by the way. There Xauerius minding more the pilgrimage which he had vndertaken, then humane imbecillity, left behind him a worthy example of abstinence. For al that time (as he that had the care of him testified af­terwards vpon his oath) he passed without taking any sustenance at all, as though, being indeed inflamed with a desire to visit the holy Apostle, he had byn fed with heauenly food. Afterwards when the marriners hoised sayle to be gone, He for­telleth the mar­riners a tempest neere at hand. he asked of the Maister, whe­ther the ship were sound & strong inough? He replyed that it was an old, & weake ship. Then, quoth he, we must needs backe agayne to Nagapatana, for we shall haue a cruell storme. Although little credit was giuen to this prophesy, yet it proued most true. But the Mayster of the ship being deceaued by the weather & the sea, went neuerthelesse forward: and behould v­pon the sudain a terrible tempest rising, droue the ship [Page 169] backe againe to Nagapatana (as he had fortould them) and not without great danger. Then the marriners & passengers tooke notice of what he had sayd, and held [...]t for a prophecy. And although Francis being thus beaten backe with a contrary wind, could not arriue where he intended, yet still he perseuered constantly in his purpose, and came thither at last on foote, with greater labour, and more merit.

There is a towne belonging to the Portugheses called Meliapora, Meliapo­ra the towne of S. Thomas rich, and much frequented, scituated in the sea coast of India, almost in equall distance (if you consider the turnings of the sea) about two hundred leagues from the Promontory of Comorinum & the riuer Ganges, built perhaps of the ruines of the auncient, and famous Citty of Calamina. In this Towne there is a Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle, where the inhabitants, and other Indians say, he was buried; wherof euen to this day there be extant ma­ny remarkable signes. There is also to be seene the pla­ce where the Apostle is sayd to haue byn martyred, & a Chappell wherin he sayd masse. Which chappell the Portugheses out of deuotion haue adorned, and made thereof a sumptuous Church, giuing the Towne the name of S. Thomas. The bo­dy of S. Thomas the Apo­stle. In this Chappell not long since, as they digged very deep to lay the fondation of the new Church there was, as th [...]y say, the body of the Apo­stle found, with the sword wherewith he was marty­red, and a litle vessell full of bloudy earth, which was agayne with reuerence layd in the same place. Ney­ther is the constant report hereof vayne or doubtfull. This auncient opinion which both they of that Coun­try [Page 170] and strangers haue of the Body and Martyrdome of the Apostle S. Thomas, is by God confirmed by an yearely and perpetuall miracle. For they haue a stone sprinkled with the bloud of the Apostle, which retai­neth the prints, as it were, of fresh bloud, and three dayes before the feast day of S. Thomas (on which day they say he was martyred) whilst Masse is sayd there, the sayd stone, Anani­uersary miracle. being naturally white, by litle & litle waxeth red, and sweateth as though droppes of bloud distilled from it on all sides; and at last when Masse is ended, it returneth agayne to the former colour. For which respect the Apostles Sepulcher is had in great veneration, as wel of the Ethnickes as the Christiās. For that there come vnto this place from all parts, a great cōcourse of Pilgrimes euen Ethnickes themsel­ues, who beare great esteeme to the Martyrdome & Sepulcher of the sayd Apostle.

Hither therefore Xauerius, out of deuotion to S. Thomas the Patron of India, came in the guize and ha­bit of a Pilgrime, therby both to honour the Apostles Sepulcher, and to assist the bordering neighbours in matters concerning their saluation. He found in that towne, besides many inhabitants about 100. families of Portugheses, who had there setled themselues, and their meanes. Xauerius therefore, presently vpon his arriuall to this place, visited no lesse religiously then affectionately the Apostle of the Indians; admiring his singular glory, whose vertue he emulated, as farre as a mortall man was able. And first he earnestly be­sought God, that since he being a poore wretch was called from heauen to imitate, though neuer so wea­kely, [Page 171] so great an Apostle in conuerting of the Indians to the faith of Christ, he would inspire him with some of his Apostolicall vertues. Thē he instantly requested S. Thomas, for the care and patronage which he had ouer the Indians, that through his intercession, he might neither want courage to vndergoe the dāgers, nor forces to endure the labours in trauailing ouer, & manuring India, & other barbarous Countryes: and that neither his owne, nor others sinnes might be any hindrance of his following the Mowers steppes, as Ruth the Moabitesse did, in gathering vp the gleanings of that our Lords field, and (to his poore ability) re­posing the same in Christs sacred granary.

When he had satisfied his deuotion to the Apostle he lodged with the Bishops Vicar (which he was ac­customed to do, where there was no publicke Hospi­tall for the sicke, nor place of abode for Religious mē) who was much edified with the great respect he saw him beare to Ecclesiastical persons, & with his natu­ral affability of speech & true simplicity. So as making himselfe wholly knowne vnto the Prelate, by laying open his hart before him, he easily wonne his fauour and good will. This manner of courtesy, as I sayd be­fore, Xauerius vsed, A man­ner how to gayne & help friends. not so much to gayne friends, as to help those whome he iudged worthy of friendship. For when he had once found out their dipositions, he would by litle and litle draw them to whatsoeuer was requisite, both for their owne saluation, and the diuine seruice. This good Prelate therfore of Meliapora re­quited Xauerius courtesy by returning him the like, & imbracing him as a worthy person, whome he vsed [Page 172] thence forwards with much affection and respect, es­pecialy after he perceaued in him most euident markes of sanctity. For by the conference which he had with Xauerius, Xauiers Virginal chastity. and by hearing his Confessions, he playnely found (as he afterward testified vpon his oath, which testimony we haue now in our hands, iuridically si­gned) that he had kept vnspotted the flower of Virgi­nall Chastity, wherwith he was borne.

He remained in the Vicars house three or foure months, to the great profit both of the townes men, and himselfe. For he drew many out of the sinck of grieuous sinnes: & many dishonest louers, whome he could not well separate, he ioyned togeather in wed­lock. He reconciled also to friendship, such as before were at deadly hatred one with another. He freed many who had bin long entangled with heinous offē ­ces and abominations. Yet for all this, whilst he so much profited others, he neglected not his owne, gi­uing himselfe very much to contemplation of hea­uenly things, especially in the night, when he was free from other employments. And it hapned very often, that when he was sought for by his cōpanions, he was found praying in some corner of the Apostles Church. For being at that time doubtfull what to do, and very vncertaine whether he should go forward to the Macazarians, or returne back into India, he con­sulted with God in the holy Apostles Church; so as there spending almost whole nights in cōtinuall wat­ching with great feruour of spirit, he craued the in­tercession, one while of the most B. Virgin mother of God, and another while of S. Thomas, & other Saints. [Page 073] And at last being replenished with incredible ioy from heauen, he perceiued it to be Gods will that he should go forward to the Macazarians, not so much to instruct them (as afterwards he vnderstood) as to help some others, By diuine instinct he deter­mineth to go to the fur­thest part of the East. who were in the way, vnknowne to him, and standing more in need of his assistance. Wherfore be­ing very desirous to performe the will of God, he be­gan to cast about for some opportunity to passe ouer to Malaca as soone as might be, intending to make vse of a Saracen, or Ethincke ship, if no Portughese could be gotten; nay, he said morouer that he had such con­fidence in God, His con­fidence in God. that if no ship of burthen cold be had, and there were but any little boat to go to Malaca, he would make no doubt, by Gods helpe, to passe well ouer therin: such a firme and constant resolution he had, presently to performe what he had by Gods in­stinct vndertaken.

CHAP. XV.
Being beaten by Diuels, he notvvithstan­ding spendeth a vvhole night in Prayer.

WHILEST he thus remained, as we haue said, in the Vicars house, there hapned one thing very worthy to be noted in that kind This howse ioyned close to the Apostles Church, into which was made a little dore, for the vicar to enter priuatly. Now Xauerius had a custome, when he perceiued the vicar to be asleepe (for he lay [Page 174] also in his chamber) to steale secretly, and without noise, from of his bed, and to creepe along with great warines into the Apostles church: yet did he not who­ly deceaue the vicar, who often awaking on a suddain perceiued him to be absent. Wherfore he first dissēbled the matter, but afterwards, out of the friendly confi­dence which was betweene them, aduised him not to go into the Church in the night time, nor to ha­zard himselfe by going that way which was knowne to be haunted with bad spirits, for he might perhaps meete with them in their vgly shapes, when he least thought of them. At this Xauerius smiled, thinking he had said it to make him afrayd, and so putting the Prelate off with a iest, stoole notwithstāding the next night priuately into the Church when he perceiued him to be fast asleepe.

At this deuotion of Francis the enemies of man­kind, were mad with rage and hatred, intending to driue him by terrour from that custome: & so at mid­night as he was praying before the Aultar of our B. Lady, His con­stancy whilest the De­uils whip him. they furiously set vpon him on a suddaine, filling the Church with horrible roarings, confused cryes, and hydeous noyses. But finding him nothing afraid at these their threates, they fal vpon him altogeather, and beate him most cruelly with scourges, exercising their malice vpon him, both in railings, & blowes. Amidst all these their violent strokes he hauing more care how to remaine constant, then how to defend his owne backe, called vpon the mother of God who beheld this combat; and so with vndaunted courage deluded at last the Diuells vaine assaults, and conti­nued [Page 175] on his prayer, not only without feare, but also with greater constancy. So as by this his manly & in­uincible perseurance (a most deadly weapon against all diuellish incursiōs) he easily droue away these trou­blesome & outragious spirits. And most certaine it is that he by this victory, so brake their forces, that they neuer afterward durst attempt any thing in that kind against him.

There lay a certaine yong man in a chamber ioy­ning to the Church, who being waked out of his sleep with that noise, heard Xauerius crying out (as the De­uils tormented him) and oftentimes calling vpon the B. Virgin for help. And he obserued, that he very of­ten repeated these words: Helpe me, O Lady. Wilt not thou helpe me, O Lady? This yong man recounted what he had heard vnto the Vicar, & others of the house; wherat, He is sicke of the stri­pes. as often it hapneth, they all fell into a laughter; and the tale was iested on ouer all the house vn­knowne to Francis; who the next day, finding him­selfe very sore with those cruell strypes, & desiring to rise was not able to get out of his bed, & so lay there three dayes, His pa­tience in suffering scoffes from those of the house all wearyed & tyred out, feigning himself to be sicke, so therby to hyde what had hapned. The vi­car hearing this came to visit him, & asked him whe­ther he were sicke? Xauerius answered that he was. Then demanding what his sicknes was; he answered wholy from the purpose, turning his speach another way. The Vicar knowing well the matter indeed, be­gan to iest with him, and repeated the same words, which he had vttered whilst the Diuells beate him, Helpe me O Lady. Wilt not thou helpe me, O Lady? Francis [Page 176] when he perceiued that all was knowne, began to blush indeed; but yet with a smiling countenance, was no lesse couragious in enduring the speaches of men, then the blowes of the Diuels.

As soone as he was recouered knowing very wel that the Deuills terrour is greater then his forces, His cou­rage in comba­ting with the De­uill. and that like a cowardly Curre he barketh fiercely at those who giue backe, but runneth straight away when one resi­steth, he resolueth, like a Conquerour, voluntarily to returne agayne to his old place of combat, with more alacrity then before. Trusting therefore in Gods as­sistance, who especially restraineth the Deuils forces, he went oftentimes most couragiously & alone, euen in the dead night, to pray in the same Church, and place; & did so contemne those hellish mōsters & their deuises, as well shewed that nothing is more shameful and weake then the Deuils, if one haue the courage to contemne them. For being thus stoutly vanquished, and perceiuing their open assaults had ill successe, they vsed other deceiptfull tricks, & endeauoured at least to distract him in his prayer, if they could not breake it of.

Whilest therfore he was at his praier in the Church at midnight, The De­uills make a noise in tyme of Xauiers prayer. as his custome was, they in hatred a­gainst him, come together in troupes, & make a horri­ble noise, & in a scoffing manner imitating the Clergy men, sing as it were Mattins in the Quire, thereby at least to distract him whome they could not otherwise afright. But how litle they profited heerin did euident­ly appeare. For Xauerius not regarding who they were, nor what they sung, thought they had byn the [Page 177] Church men comming to sing their mattins. The next day therefore he demaunded of the Vicar, who those Clergy men were who last night sung their Mattins with the doores shut? He at first wondring what Cler­gy men, and what mattins he meant, perceiued after­wards that they were Diuels, and scoffers of Clergy­men. Which thing after Francis his death he often de­clared to many.

CHAP. XVI.
He deliuereth a possessed person: and ta­keth Iohn Durus for his companion.

IN the meane tyme Xauerius, that he might not leaue Meliapora without some mo­nument of his labours taken therin, he em­ployed himselfe, as his custome was, to help the people of riper yeares both by priuate & pu­blike exhortations, and to instruct children in their Catechisme. Neyther was there matter wanting for him to worke vpon. In which kind this accident hap­pened worthy of memory. There was a Cittizen of great wealth who was possessed, and most miserably vexed by the Diuell. To whome Francis being called for ayde, he sent in his place one of the children that helped him in teaching the Catechisme with a Cru­cifixe, He deli­uered a possessed man by a child. who reading the holy Ghospell ouer the posses­sed man, as the Father had instructed him to do, cast out immediately the infernall monster, who was the [Page 178] more enraged, because he was driuen out by a child, & that a Neophyte.

There is also recounted another thing in a diffe­rent kind, yet perhaps no lesse admirable then the former. There was a certayne yong man, a merchant called Iohn Durus, who came to Francis to confession, and hearing him discourse of diuine matters, found there were certaine other merchandize farre richer then those with which he traffiked, and of which he neuer heard before. Wherfore giuing ouer his former trading, and desirous to become a merchant of more precious wares, He hard­ly admitteth Iohn Durus in­to the Soety. intreateth Francis to receiue him for his cōpanion. He at first refused him absolutely (be­cause perhaps he saw in him a secret inconstancy, & intractable disposition) yet at last, by much intrea­ty he obteined his desire; and so setling his affayres, began to distribute his goods among the poore. But in executing of this his good purpose, he was more forward, then constant. For whilst he was busied a­bout selling of his wares, he was vehemently sollici­ted by the common Enemy of mankind, Luc. 9. who did so worke him vpon that hauing set his hād to the plough, on a suddaine be began to looke backe, and sought a­gaine most greedily after those things which a little before he had contemned. Being thus wholy chan­ged in mind, he packed vp his merchandyze in the most priuat manner he could, and conueied them into a ship intending to be gone. But although he deceiued others, yet he could not deceiue Francis, the which he most of all sought to do.

Now hauing gotten al things togeather which he [Page 179] thought requisite, as he was about to take shipping, Xauerius vpon a suddaine causeth him to be called vn­to him. His de­termina­tion of flying a­way se­cretly is opened to Xaue­rius from heauen. He the more to dissemble the matter, made shew of ready Obedience, and came vnto him presen­tly. Francis taking him asyde, with great sorrow and griefe in his countenance sayd: Thou hast sinned Du­rus, thou hast sinned. At which words he being stro­ken to the hart, stood like one distracted and amazed, wondring with himselfe how Xauerius came to know that which no mortal creature but himself could haue suspected. Then being filled with shame, and teares, his conscience also accusing him, he cryed, I haue sin­ned Father, I haue sinned. Then Francis againe with a ioyfull countenance replyed: Confession therefore Child, Confession is requisite. Wherupō Durus hauing his hart softned by Xauerius words, and by the dew of diuine grace, taking againe courage, and some res­pite to examine himself, maketh his cōfession. Which remedy he found no lesse expedient then wholsome. For by the benefit of that holy Sacrament he was not only pardoned his offence, but also constantly resto­red to his former good resolution. Wherfore without delay, faithfully distributing his goods amongst the poore, he constantly adhered to Xauerius, as before he had promised, fortifying this his resolution with the remembrance of his former lightnes and inconstancy.

At the same time also came vnto Xauerius a new, thought small supply of Companions. For that F. An­tony Criminalis of Parma, & F. Iohn Beira of Galliaco, of the Society of Iesus, being sent out of Portugall, were very fitly arriued in India: of whose cōming Xauerius [Page 180] being certified by letters, greatly reioyed (as being the first supply which had come vnto him out of Europe) determining to set them presently a worke, by reason of so great want of Priests. And he himself, that his la­bours might not be restrained within the bounds of India, intended with the first occasion of shipping, to visit the furthest parts of the East.

CHAP. XVII.
He reformeth the bad liues of the people of Malaca.

HE departed from Meliapora the Citty of S. Thomas, towards Malaca by sea in the yeare of our Lord 1545. The cause of this his ior­ney was, that hauing now holpen the Por­tugheses, who dwelt in that Citty, he might passe on to instruct the Macazariās in the precepts of the Chri­stian faith. Malaca is a country compassed almost roūd with the sea, beyond India and the riuer Ganges, cal­led in times past (as some thinke) the Golden Chersone­sus. For being ioyned to the continent by a small part of land stretching out into the sea, runneth forth in length towards the Iland of Somatra (formerly na­med Taprobana) famous for Gold mines.

In this Country right ouer against Somatra stan­deth the citty of Malaca belōging to the Portugheses, Malaca. a place very rich, and of great note, from whome that country hath its name, distant from the citty of Goa [Page 181] neere 600. leagues. It lyeth almost vnder the Equi­noctiall Line, yet by reason of the frequent showres of raine which fall commonly euery day, there is as it were almost a perpetuall spring, which doth greatly allay the heates. For they haue alwayes two summers and as many haruests, both of corne & fruit. But the Country is more pleasant and fertill then wholsome, for that the fruitfulnes of the place, and the vnwhol­somnes of the ayre proceed from the same causes. And besides this, they haue another inconuenience which doth more encumber them, to wit, the Saracens, and Ethnickes who border vpon them. None of these dif­ficulties did any wayes affright Xauerius to go on with his resolution. Nay rather the latter set him forward to help them with more feruour, seeing them in dan­ger by reason of their bad neighbours.

As soone as he arriued at Malaca, he goeth to the Gouernour of the Citty, and certifieth him of his de­termination of passing to Macazaria. Wherupon he a­gaine told Xauerius, how he had lately sent thither a stronge band of Portugheses, togeather with a Priest of eminent vertue to assist and guard the Christians, if any commotion should by chance, be raysed there against thē. And therfore he wisheth him if he thought good, to abide a while at Malaca, vntill the ship were returned, Conuer­sation of Ethnic­kes per­nicious to Chri­stians. and should bring newes how matters went in Macazaria. Francis followed the Gouernours coun­saile, and in the meane time taking no rest himselfe, begā to employ his endeauours for the spirituall good of the Portugheses. The Malacensians were at this time wholy corrupted with the bad customes of their bor­dering [Page 182] neighbours, liuing indeed more like to Saracens and Ethnickes, then to Christians. For that through their owne carelesnesse rather then want of Priests, al good order by little & little was fallen to decay; and their behauiours also growing daily worse, they began to runne headlong vnto ruine. For hauing now lost all memory either of saluation or honesty, they for the most part thought, that they might do whatsoeuer seemed pleasing or profitable to their sensuality: So forcible is the contagion of bad company, to infect others with the same vice.

Francis therfore perceiuing them to [...] extremely corrupted, that now they had neither any feeling of their sinnes, nor could endure any remedy to be ap­plyed thereto, A won­derfull art to gaine lost sou­les. setteth vpon their lost soules, after a strange, and artificiall manner. First, as his cu­stome was, he insinuat [...]th himselfe sweetly into their familiarity, winketh at their sinnes, and hideth his desire of curing them. Then hauing wonne them by custome & friendly vsage, he by litle and litle pre­pareth the way to cure their inueterate diseases; som­tymes laying before them their heinous sinnes and of­fences, by propoūding vnto them Gods diuine lawes; at other tymes striking into them a terrour of Gods fearefull iudgements, by vrging of the variable ca­sualities of mans life. And at last hauing disposed their minds, he setteth his hand to worke; he cutteth off a­uarice, taketh away the occasions of lust, mollifyeth and healeth their sore & wounded consciences (wher­of then they began to haue some feeling) with the sweet oyle of Gods mercies. The fruite which he rea­ped [Page 183] therby well shewed that his labours were not im­ployed in vayne. For it is certaynly knowne, that by his meanes many made restitution of goods vnlaw­fully gotten; many put away their Concubines, and those that made difficulty to put them away, were persuaded to marry them: a great number also cleāsed their guilty consciences by frequenting the holy Sa­crament of Confession, and were brought to leade a good and vertuous life.

Neyther did Xauerius profit the people more by the sweetnes of his priuate discourse, then by the graui­ty of his publicke Exhortations. Vpon Sundayes he preached in the great Church with no lesse fruite, then applause of his Auditors. And to moue thē the more, and better to imprint wholesome feare in their minds he with great feruour of spirit foretould what heauen threatned agaynst that Citty. His Pro­phecyes. It was obserued by many, that he was wont oftentimes, when in his ser­mons he reprehended with greatest vehemency, the loose and wicked liues of the Malacensians, to beseech God to turne from them the wrath which hung ouer their heads from heauen, and the punishments which a little after fell vpon them. For the yeare following Malaca was greatly afflicted by a stronge siege of the Saracens of Iaua, who also wasted the country round about. And besides the calamity into which that cru­ell warre had brought them, there followed a conta­gious pestilence, which spreading it selfe throughout the whole Citty, caused a great mortality both of the Cittizens and strangers, in so much as the same be­came half desolate, whilst God reuenging the former [Page 184] sins of the people, raysed vp, as it were, a new Citty.

Xauerius therfore foreseing these euils to hang o­uer their heads from heauen, and to appease, in some sort, the wrath of Gods diuine iustice, so to dispose the inhabitāts minds to indure those miseryes which were neere at hand, after many threats agaynst them, war­ned them often to looke seriously about them. And not in vayne; for many being stroken with the horrour of Gods diuine indignation, & moued to compunctiō, arose out of their deadly sleepe, and came againe vnto themselues. Amongst many passages of this kind, a certaine wonderful act which Francis there wrought, did not a little moue the whole Citty.

There was a yong man of that Country called Antony Fernandez, who by the Deuils cruell tormen­ting him had lost the vse of his tongue, and was with­al fallen into a most dangerous disease, wherof he had layne now three whole dayes in despaire, giuen ouer by the Phisitians. Wherfore his friends and kins-men being superstitious and wicked people bring vnto him certaine Sorceres, a kind of diuellish Physitians, for remedy. But when their Witchcrafts did no good, Xauerius is sent for, A posses­sed sick­man is freed frō the De­uill and cured of his dis­eases. who was no soeuer come into the chamber where the sick man lay, but presently he be­ginneth to rage, cry out, and writhe about his face, eyes and mouth, after a foule and vgly manner: you would haue thought the Deuill were now rousing himselfe for the combat which he saw to be at hand. There you might haue seene Francis, moued both out of compassion towards the yong man, and hatred a­gainst the Deuill, to fetch many a deepe sigh. Then [Page 185] presently falling vpon his knees, he first offereth him­selfe by earnest prayer vnto God, and then began to exercise the raging yong man, after the accustomed manner; wherein he continued, vntill comming to himself he remained somewhat quiet without so great vexation as before. The next day Xauerius hauing said Masse for the yongman, commeth agayne with coura­ge and alacrity to the battayle. A wonderfull thing: that obstinate and importune foule Spirit which tor­mented him, being suddainly vanquished, and driuen out, the sickman presently recouered both his speech and senses, and remayned free from any corporall in­firmity. There was nothing which euer made Xaue­rius sanctity of life, more remarkable both to the Chri­stians and Barbarians then this. For heerupon he be­gan to be ordinarily called the Holy Father, hauing his old name now renewed at Malaca, which he had left behind him in India.

His name grew also famous, A Pro­phesy. and much renowned by reason of a certaine prophecy which he afterwards vttered in this manner. Vpon a tyme demaunding of a Portughese Merchant who was to go into India, in what ship he meant to go. The merchant pointed to a certayne ship that lay there in the road. I would not haue you (quoth Francis) go in that ship. But when the merchant answered, that he had already put his merchandize therinto, yet if he thought there were a­ny daunger, he had rather haue his goods cast away, then himselfe; Xauerius recollecting himselfe a litle, as though he had taken aduise of God, vttered this Ora­cle: since, quoth he, you haue put your merchādise into [Page 186] this ship, you may also venture your life therein. But if any tempest, or other accident happen, beware you do not cast your goods ouer board, but haue a firme confidence that God will send you help, which will free both you and your goods from danger. The euent afterward shewed him to be no false prophet. For the ship in the midest of her course being driuen by a vio­lent tempest was cast vpon the sands. Now the marri­ners being affrighted at the suddayne danger went a­bout the lighten the ship of her burden, by casting o­uer board her loading, when as the merchant remem­bring what Xauerius had commaunded him, forbad them so to do in any case, telling them what the holy man had fore tould, and withall promising them, by that which he had sayd, that God would assuredly suc­cour them. Which presently proued true. For the sea comming vpon a suddayne ouer those sands, the ship was straight afloate, and so escaping that danger arriued safely at the hauen, by Gods & Xauerius assi­stance. The newes heereof being afterwards brought to Malaca, He com­mēdeth in the night tyme to the peoples prayers the sou­les in Purga­tory and men in deadly sinne. it is wonderfull to say, how much it in­creased his credit, and esteeme of sanctity.

In the meane space Francis did not only omit any thing of his former old exercises of Christian Chari­ty, but also inuented new. For after the sunne was set, he going vp and downe the Citty with a litle Bell, by some graue sentēce or speach admonished the peo­ple to call vpon Gods diuine clemency, for the soules which were tormented in Purgatory, and for them that were in deadly sinne. Which new inuention be­ing no lesse profitable for the liuing then for the dead, [Page 187] did not a litle set on fire the Malacensians harts. These labours of his, wherby he restored the Christian dis­cipline wholy decayed in the Citty of Malaca, were much increased, by no small employment, which he tooke in translating, with the help of an Interpreter, the Christian doctrine into that language, which the Macazarians did also vnderstand, The pre­paration of the Macaza­rians to receiue the Ghospel. to whome he greatly desired to go, moued therto by the often good tydings which came from thence. For that about the same ti­me newes was brought, that the people of that coun­try were greatly inclined to receiue the seed of the Christian Fayth, because there were no Temples of Idols amongst them, nor Idolatrous Priests to draw thē to the worship of false Gods: They only adored the Sunne when it rose, and besids that, they had no other God at all.

Nothing now seemed longer to Xauerius then that day, when as hauing turned the Catechisme into their language, and vnderstood the state of the Iland, he might go to instruct them: yet in the meane tyme he furnished himselfe with contemplation of diuine things, but specially with heauenly prouision, for the vndertaking of so great a charge. For after he had spent whole dayes in offices of charity, he would in the night defraud himselfe of his sleepe, and sit vp watching in prayer and meditation, that so he might come vnto the Macazarians wholy inflamed with hea­uenly fyre, and burning loue, both to God and men. He had now spent some moneths at Malaca, yet there came no newes of the ship which he expected to re­turne. Wherefore with the Gouernours good leaue he [Page 188] resolued to go to Macazaria, hastning to instruct that nation in the Christian fayth.

CHAP. XVIII.
In Amboynum he giueth many signes of his propheticall spirit, and charity.

AS soone as he found opportunity of passage whither he intended, he put to sea at Malaca, hauing Durus aforesaid for his companion, vpon the 10. day of Ianuay in the yeare of our Lord 1546. & hauing had a prosperous nauigation he arriued at last at his desired hauen, but not without many incommodities. For the maister of the ship ca­sting about, A Pro­phesy. to come to the Iland of Amboynum, and now thinking he had gone past the Hauen, was ex­ceedingly troubled, being out of hope to get to his intended place, because the wind was ful against him. But Francis bad him be of good courage, for the ship was not yet past the place as he imagined, and that the next day in the morning he should arriue safe at the port which he desired. And so it fell out, although they had very ill weather. At breake of day the next morning they were in sight of the Hauen. But the wind was all that while so boysterous and great, that it seemed vnpossible by any meanes to cast ancker, therby to set Xauerius a land, which was the only cause of their comming to that Iland.

As soone therfore as they were come to the mouth, [Page 189] or entrance of the Hauen, vpon a suddaine that blu­string wind, The wind o­beyeth Xauerius. as though it obeyed Xauerius, ceased in such sort, that the ship came very commodiously into the hauen. But now behould, a second danger euen in the very Hauen it selfe. Xauerius with a few others had gotten into a litle boate to row to land, when as on a suddayne they fell vpon two Pyratical ships. The Portugheses who were in the boate with Francis made away with al speed, therby to auoyd meeting with the Pyrats. And so putting suddainly into the mayne for feare, they were carryed a great way from land. But now, hauing auoyded the danger, & making towards the land agayne, they were put into a new feare, least they might perchance meete with the same Pyrates againe. Francis therfore fortelling what would happē, bad them be of good comfort, & row without feare to shore, Another Prophe­sy. for by Gods goodnesse they should come safe to land. And the euent proued true as he had prophecyed. When Xauerius was landed, he was very courteously receyued by the inhabitants, being also before sufficiently recommended vnto them by fame of his sanctity.

Amboynum is about some 80. Amboy­num. miles in compasse, and is an Iland of speciall note vnder the Portugheses dominion, much frequented both by merchants, and the people of that country. It is distant from Malaca aboue 900 miles. There were then in this Iland, be­sides the garrison of Portugheses, seauen other townes of Christians, without any one Priest among them all, for he, who only had bin there, was lately dead. Francis therfore going about to those desolate townes [Page 190] baptized many infants and children. His manner of going was this: Hauing a boy carrying a crosse before him, he himselfe asked at euery dore, if they had any sick, any children to baptize, or any dead to bury? If he found any sick, Of his manner of going about. lifting vp his eyes, and hands to heauen, he recei [...]ed ouer them the Creed, & the Ghos­pell. And oftentimes with one and the same labour he cured the sick both body, and soule. He also solemnly buried them that were dead, saying first the vsuall fu­nerall prayers, & afterwards masse for their soules; so that a question might be made, whether he more as­sisted the liuing, or the dead. But whilst he sought to deserue well of men, God out of his prouidence gaue him a very speciall subiect to worke vpon.

About the same time Ferdinand Soza Captaine o­uer certaine Spaniards, Ferdinād Soza a Captai­ne of the Spani­ards. comming from New Spaine, (which is a Country in the other world, not further distant from Amboynum then from Spaine) and going to the Moluca's, arriued with his whole nauy at Am­boynum. There were many ships, a very great number of marriners & souldiers, an incredible multitude of sick, besides a cruell pestilence that had taken away many Spaniards: whereupon it manifestly appeared that God out of his singular bounty, had sent Xauerius before to be ready to assist & help them. He relie­ueth the calamity of the Spanish nouy. For presently his inflamed charity began to set vpon the violence of that pestiferous disease, assisting some by seruing thē, and reconcyling others by the Sacrament of Confes­sion. One while he comforted the sick, another while he assisted, such as lay at the point of death, and buried those that died with funerall obsequies. Thus he being [Page 191] but one man, performed the office of many.

But his greatest labour of al was, to procure of those that had meanes, things necessary for the poore and sicke, and to seeke about with vnspeakable labour & paynes medicines for their diseases, whereof in that place there was great scarcity. Therefore hauing of­tentymes begged such thinges of one Iohn Arausius a Portughese merchant, He fore­tels that Arausius will shortly dye. who had great store of such like wares, he at last tooke it ill, & was very angry to see that he made no end of begging. So as when vpon a tyme, one asked him some such drugs in Francis his name, he with much grudging gaue at length what he demaunded, but tould him therewithall, that he should aske him no more. Which thing comming to Xauerius hearing, presently by diuine instinct, What quoth he, doth Arausius thinke that he shall long inioy those things which he hath? He is surely deceiued; Go tell him from me, that he need not be so sparing of his wares which death wil shortly take from him, & that he himselfe will dye ere it be long, in this very Iland, and that his goods will fall to the share of the poore: therfore if he be wise, let him largely bestow what he hath vpon the sicke poore people, for Gods sake, and make his benefit of that which may help him after he is dead. The euent was answerable to what he foretould. For not long after Arausius dyed in the same Iland, leauing no heyre behind him, & his goods were distributed amongst the poore, according as the custome is there, when one dyeth without hey­res: and Arausius being stroken with the terrour of de­ath which was declared to him to be at hand, became [Page 192] more wary of his owne carriage, and more liberall also of his drugs to the poore.

He spent three monthes (for so long the Spanish nauy remayned at Amboynum) in seruing the sicke, to their exceeding great good, both of body and soule. Yet Xauerius his diligent endeauours were no lesse profitable to the whole, then to the sicke. For he neuer gaue ouer to drawe out the corruption of their minds both by the medicines of the Sacraments, and by pri­uate and publike exhortations. Which labour of his was not in vayne. For he reaped indeed plentifull fruite of peace, from those warlike people: many pri­uate grudges were taken away, many were reduced to see their owne errours, & to betake themselues to a vertuous life. The fruite which the Spa­nish na­uy yiel­ded. Amongst whome Cosmas Turrianus (who came in the Spanish Nauy) being moued by Francis his eminent sanctity, resolued to imbrace his course of life, & to enter into the Society. Then Fran­cis hauing had good successe concerning the affayres of the Christian fayth at Amboynum, after the nauy was departed, going to Macazaria, tooke the Iland of Ternate in his way, lying about 200. miles from Am­boynum.

He reformeth the Inhabitants corrupted behauiour, in the Moluca's. CHAP. I.

MOLVCA is a Country diuided into Moluca. Ilands. many small Ilands (which they call the Moluca's) very famous by rea­son of the fertility, and traffique of spices especially Cloues distāt from Malaca 1100. miles or therabout. It is full of Country townes, inhabited partly by Eth­nickes and partly by Saracens; the fertility of the soile being such, that it doth not only keepe at home those that be there borne, from seeking commodities else [Page 194] where, but inuiteth also strangers vnto it. The Molu­ca's are very many in number, most of them little in in extent, and the greatest thereof is but small: for there is none aboue 18. miles in compasse. They lye vnder the Equinoctiall line, and runne out from the north into the south, diuided from one another almost threescore miles. There are amongst them other I­lands of lesser extent: Ternate the chie­fe of the Moluca Ilands. but almost all the Moluca's, be subiect to one Saracen King, who is tributary to the King of Portugall. Ternate, which without compari­son is the fay rest of all these Ilands, hath in it a Citty of the same name, subiect to the Portugheses, which Citty is inhabited chiefly by them, and other Christi­ans of that country.

When Xauerius therfore was come thither, he lod­ged in the suburbs, at a Church of our B. Lady, cal­led the Barres. There, hauing inuoked that mighty Protectresse of the place, his most assured Patronesse, he beginneth presently to imploy himselfe in his accu­stomed workes of Charity. The people of Ternate had now openly let loose their raynes, so much be­yond those of Malaca, to wickednes, by how much further they were distant from India. For that throgh dayly commercement, and conuersation with the Ethnickes and Saracens, they were growen so stupide and blind, euen in matters of ordinary humanity, that in making their bargaines concerning trafficque, they esteemed nothing vnlawfull, or vniust, wheresoeuer there seemed any hope of gayne. This Citty there­fore, being almost past recouery, Xauerius setteth vpon for cure, with the same art which he had formerly [Page 195] done at Malaca. For hauing gotten the Inhabitants good will, Pruden­ce in re­calling wicked men. partly by winking at their manners, and partly by the sweetnes of his conuersation, he began by litle and litle to discouer their sores, and to apply remedies thereunto. Wherein his singular prudence manifestly shewed it selfe. For if he foūd any one in­tangled in the snares of dishonest loue, if he were a person of authority and esteeme, he vsed most com­monly to deale with him in this sort.

First, he would discourse after a sweete familiar manner, & if he did not inuite him to his house, he would gently offer himselfe to be is guest. Sitting at table he would discourse pleasantly, thereby to open a way for good and wholesome counsayle. Then as soone as he had gotten to be in ward and familiar with him, he would begin to speake of the foulenes of sin, and so by litle and litle come to the loathsomnesse of carnall concupiscence, & the inconueniences which ensue thereon; to which he would often also adde threats and vengeance from heauen. At last when he perceiued him to be moued, he would take him, in a gentle manner by the hand, and induce him to make his confession. And so in fine without much difficul­ty he eyther made him put away his Concubine, or else to take her in lawfull wedlocke. It is well knowne that in this kind he brought many to marry their Concubines, that the lawfulnes of wedlocke might extinguish the flames of dishonest lust.

The like course he tooke to draw from thē the mo­ney which they had gotten by vsury or deceipt; the fumme wherof was such, that the Sodality, called of [Page 196] Mercy there erected, being but meanly foūded, became therby rich & wealthy. This was not a litle furthered by his often exhorting and instructing of the ignorant people and children. Whereby the behauiour of the Citty was amended, vniust Contracts dissolued, and the childrens eares and tongues so filled with the Ca­techisme, that al places round about sounded with the pleasant tunes of the Christian doctrine.

But the chiefe thing which moued the Ternatians was a certayne Prophecy that Francis vttered. He being now at Ternate so far off from Amboynum, saw by diuine reuelation Iohn Arausius the merchant a dying, as he had foretould it would shortly happen. Therfore saying masse before a great assembly, when after the Offertory he turned about, as the custome is, to the people, saying Orate fratres, Pray for (quoth he) & commend to God the soul of Iohn Arausius who is now dead at Amboynum; yesterday I said masse for him and so do now againe to day. Wherat they that were present were stroken into an amazement, looking one vpon another, and asking how he could come to know that, seeing Amboynum was aboue 200. miles from that place, and it was knowen that no man had come from thence at that time. Then their admirati­on being turned into expectation of what would be the euent therof, they who had bin present, noted downe his words, and the time; and a few dayes after there cōmeth a ship from Amboynum, and bringeth newes of Arausius his death. Wherupon comparing the things and times togeather, they found all to be iust as Francis had foretould. Then they made no doubt but [Page 197] Xauerius assuredly knew the same by diuine reuela­tion: and therefore euery one did reuerence him, as a Prophet.

Now Xauerius began to prepare himselfe for Ma­cazaria, which was distant from that place only two dayes iorney. But if seemes it was not Gods holy will that he should help them, who were already sufficien­tly prouided for. At the same time he was informed by persons of credit, that in Maurica (commonly called the Country of the Mauri) there were very many Christians, who through want of Priests were brought into extreme danger of their saluation. Ther­fore iudging it best to assist those who stood most in need, leauing of his iourney to the Macazarians who wanted not other helpes, he setleth himselfe, and his whole endeauours thereunto.

CHAP. II.
He resolueth to helpe the Inhabitants of Maurica, euen vvith the hazard of his life.

THE Country of Maurica lieth distant frō Ternate well neere 200. miles. The land is rough and craggy, and exceeding barren of all things. As for corne and wine the inhabitants know not what they meane. They haue neither Cattle nor sheepe, only a few swine, which serue them rather to wonder at, then to eate. There is [Page 198] much want of fresh water, but ryce inough, & a great multitude of wild Bores. There be trees of an huge biggenesse, from whence they get their bread & wine, such as it is. Other trees also they haue, of whose barke being finely combed, spun, and wouen after their fa­shion, they commonly make themselues garments. The bar­barous­nes of the Mauri. The people are altogether barbarous, & without any humanity; for they haue no signe at all of learning a­mong them. But in cruelty they surpasse all other na­tions; and so farre are their Natures made fierce by custome from sparing of strangers, as they vse to mur­der and poyson euen one another, after a most barba­rous manner. There was but one Priest among them who had care of their soules, and him they had also killed: so as they had bin long without a pastour.

The Country for the most part is often shaken with terrible earthquakes, The in­commo­dities of the coū ­try of Maurica. casting forth fyre & ashes beaten vpon with huge waues of the raging sea; so as you would thinke that God did punish thē heerby for their abominable sinnes. Wherefore, these manifold feares kept all strangers from cōming vnto them. But Francis armed with an vndaunted courage against all dangers, Zeale soules. omitting (as we haue sayd) his iorney to Macazaria, which was the cause of his comming thi­ther, resolued with himself, to free them from eternall perdition, although it were with euident hazard of his owne life. Wherof writing to his friends in Por­tugall, he sayth, that to help these wretches with his owne manifest danger, he was encouraged by those words of our Sauiour: Qui volu [...]rit animan suam saluam facere, Matt. 10. p [...]rdet eam; qui autem perdiderit propter me, inueniet [Page 199] eam. He that will saue his life, shall loose it, and he that shall loose it for me, shall find it. Which sentence, he said, seemeth very easy and playne, in speculation, but not in practice, vnlesse God himselfe interprete in interiourly in our soule.

Neuer did his singular courage, and confidence in God shew it selfe more then now. For when newes was brought to Amboynum that Xauerius meant to go to Maurica, the inhabitants were stroken into admi­ration, as well at his vndaunted courage, They go aboue to terrify him frō his reso­lution of going to that bar­barous nation. as also with commiseration, by reason of the great dangers he was to vndergo. And when they vnderstood, that he was vpon the point to depart, they presently flocke vnto him, & tell him that, that place is rather a receptacle of wild beasts, then of men: That most of the Inha­bitants haue their hands imbrued in the bloud of their Wiues, Children, Parents, and Priests. Therfore by Gods manifest wrath they are continually scourged with all kind of plagues, both from the land, sea, and heauen it selfe; and for this cause strangers are much more to be kept farre from their fury. They moreo­uer declare vnto him, that euery moment almost, he was to be in euident danger of his life amongst those people, who make but a pastime & iest of murdring, & poysoning one another, & thirst after nothing more then humane bloud. What prudence therfore could it be, to preferre such dangerous places, before those that were quiet? What reason had he, being a stranger to trust his life in their hands, who, as all wel knew, tooke no other delight, but in killing, and murdering one another?

[Page 200] Whilest his friends stood beating these things into his head, the dangers which they obiected touched no man lesse, then himself who was to vndergo them. But then they began with teares to intreate him, The in­treaties of his friends. not to make so litle esteeme of his owne life; and seeming withall displeased they adde lamentations to their in­treaties, saying: ‘what Portughese is there in the world yea what stanger or Barbarian who knoweth Xauerius, will endure, that the instruction of a base Country should be bought with the hazard of his life? Who can now hope, that the chiefe stay of the East, which ought to be perpetuall, will continue long, if so wil­lingly he put his life into manifest danger, forgetting that he draweth with him the soules of so many na­tions into the same ruine? He should remember how the saluation of all India, & in numerable other Coun­tries dependeth on his life. If he, out of incredible for­titude, and courage of mind, contemned all dangers, yet at lest he should not draw with him, the soules of so many people, into hazard. The desire of the com­mon good, should ouersway the particular; especi­ally seeing it is manifest, that it was not worth the la­bour to instruct so sauage a Nation, which had byn forsaken by their Priests, not so much for feare of dan­ger, as out of despayre to do any good among them. Wherfore they besought him for Christ IESVS sake, the redeemer of mankind, that he would not, out of an vncertayne hope to saue a few, cast both his owne life, and the saluation of innumerable nations into certaine danger, but would, as well beseemed his prudence and vertue, preserue himselfe for the Ea­sterne [Page 201] Church, or at least reserue himselfe for dangers answerable to the greatnes of his mind.’

This piety of friends was more gratefull, then pleasant vnto Xauerius. Imbracing therfore ech of thē in a friendly manner, & bedewed with ech others te­ares, he replyed almost to this effect: ‘ Quid facitis flen­tes, & affligentes cor meum &c. Act. 21. What do you, weeping and afflicting my hart? I acknowledge your fidelity and good will, and thanke you, because you haue o­mitted no signe of loue towards me. But none of these dangers moue me, considering what God commaun­deth. Let God prouide for these things, who vndoub­tedly is the author of this determination; vnder the wings of whose protection I feare nothing at all. For to whome may I better commit my person and life then to him, who hath the disposing of the liues of all moralls? A man that must once dye, ought not to feare death, which layeth hould on euery one, though they feare neuer so much. But a good death (which is the entrance to immortality) is to be desired. And if I dye, God certainly will not dye, who hath both a farre greater desire of the saluation of Nations, then I haue; & can also easily send labourers into his vine­yard. Neither is the fruite little which shall be reaped in Maurica: for that is not to be estemed little, where there is occasion of great merit. I for my part, if there be nothing else to hinder me, refuse no perill or dāger for their saluation; which being in hazard, I am of du­ty bound to prouide for. Machab. lib. 1. Vt fuerit voluntas in caelo, sic fiat: what is iudged fitting in heauen, let that be done.’

Then they, out of the vehemency of their loue, [Page 202] passing from intreaties to plaine force, wonne the keeper of the Castle, not to permit him to haue any ship to saile thence. The keper therfore indeauouring although in vaine, to draw Francis frō that enterprize aswell by alledging the same dangers, as by the terrour also of present death, when at last he saw he could not preuayle with him, He pro­testeth that if he cānot get a ship he will swimme ouer. tould him flattly, that he would suffer no ship to carry him thence. To whome Xauerius replied, that he feared neither dangers, nor death where the honour of God & saluation of soules was to be sought, and that he esteemed none for his enemies, but those that hindred Gods diuine seruice. He was certainly determined and resolued to follow God who called him into Maurica, neither was it want of ship­ping which should stay him; for if he could not get a ship, he would assuredly rely vpon God, and swimme ouer.

When therfore his friends perceiued him to be se­cure of Gods assistance, and to remayne immoueable in his determination, not inuenting what more to do, they came all weeping vnto him, & brought him all kind of preseruatiues agaynst poyson. But Francis fea­ring least by conceauing, through anxiety of mind, some vaine imaginations of dangers, he might cast vpon himselfe too much solicitude and care, He gi­ueth to his fri [...]ds backe a­gayne their me dicines against poyson. and out of hope of humane helpe diminish his confidence in Gods prouidence, gaue them thankes for their good will, and withall tould them, that those things would be rather a burden then any help vnto him. And ther­fore intreated them that they would not loade him with so much diffidence in God. But if they desired to [Page 203] haue him preserued from all plagues and poisons, they should dayly pray to God for him. For that was the most infallible, and most present remedy which could be found. And so taking leaue of his friends, he prepared himselfe for his iourney, with all alacri­ty.

Whilest he was thus vpon the point to depart, and venture vpon so great danger, there came good newes out of India, which added more flames to his zealous confidence: which was, that nine more of the Society of IESVS were come from Portugal to Goa, fiue of them Priests, to wit Francis Perez, Alphonsus Cyprian, Hen­ry Henriquez, Francis Henry, and Nonnius Ribera: the others who had not yet taken holy orders, were Bal­tazar Nonnius, Adam Francis, Nicolas Nonnius, and Emanuel Morales. Xauerius therfore hauing vnderstood of their arriuall before his departure from Amboynum, being very glad that such assistance was come so hap­pily, appointed to euery one of them their employ­ment, & presently dispatched letters to Goa to those of the Society, wherein be gaue order that Francis Perez should remaine in Goa to teach the schollers there, and that Cyprian and Henry should go to Comorinum for the help of the Neophites in that place: and the two Fa­thers who were already in Comorinum, with the rest of the nyne, he ordeined to repayre vnto the Moluca's, intending with this smal supply to visit all those Ilāds, & assist euery one as farre as he was able. Then with Gods speciall fauour he began his iourney towards Maurica, taking ship at Ternate in the Month of May 1546. whither he soone after safely arriued.

CHAP. III.
He bringeth the sauage people of Maurica to ciuill behauiour, and instructeth them in the Christian Faith.

AAVRICA (as we haue bin informed) is diuided into two Prouinces: Maurica. the one is scituated in the Continent, and is called Maurotia, the other consisteth of two Ilands which they call Maurotides. Of these two Ilands one of them is horrible to behould, by reason of certayne burning rockes, out of which there oftentimes burst forth mighty stones of fyre, as bigge as trees, and with such a noyle and violence, Burning rockes. as no peece of Ordi­nance, though neuer so great, sendeth forth its bul­lets with a greater report: and sometimes also where the stone breaketh out in that vehemency aforesaid, there is cast forth from the same place such an huge quantity of ashes, that both men and women labou­ring a great way off in the fieldes, Ashes are cast out of the rockes. are so besmered, & euen couered with the same, that you would thinke them rather Deuils then men. Many wild Bores also are stifled & ouerwhelmed therwith in the woods: yea and fishes found euery where cast vp dead, vpon the shore.

The same Iland, that no inconuenience may be wanting, is so skaken with almost perpetuall earth­quakes, that they who sayling by chance in the sea [Page 205] neere vnto it, Horri­bly earth quakes. are oftentymes greatly affrighted, thin­king they be cast vpon some rocke that lyeth in their way. Moreouer the winds being at continuall warres with one another, within the hollow caues of the earth, make such a dismall noise, & strike such an in­credible horrour into the eares, that one would thinke he heard the roring of hel itself: vpon which occasion Francis was often wont to put them in mynd of the paines of hell fire, wherin Idolaters and bad Christi­ans are tormented for al eternity. There inhabit these places also, a kind of people called Iauari, who are without any knowledge of Christianity, extremely wild and sauage, and delight only in murder. And when they haue no strangers to slaughter, they turne their fury vpon their owne wiues and children, and oftentimes do make no small hauocke amongst the Christians. People wonder­fully sauage. There be also some among them who ac­count mans flesh for dainties, especially when they are killed in battaile.

O eternall God! how strongely is he guarded who trusteth in his diuine assistance, and is protected by him! How secure is one in the midst of the greatest dāgers where God standeth for him! Nothing surely is to be feared, nothing to be doubted when God as the Guide leadeth the way. Among these people then, more truely sauage then bruite beastes, Psal. 90. did Xauerius through help of the Highest, remaine for the space of three monethes, beyond all mens expectation with more profit to the inhabitants, then danger to him­selfe. For in this t [...]me he brought those sauage people to milder dispositions, and reclaimed them to that ci­uill [Page 206] carriage, which becommeth Christians. They were at that time wholy ignorant, all alike, in matters of Christianity, retayning only the meere Name of Christians.

Francis therfore presently went about to all the Christian villages being neere thirty in number, bap­tizing infantes, instructing the elder sort, hindring sacrifices to Idols, He terri­fieth the barba­rous peo­ple with the re­presen­tation of hell. and helping the neophytes in their miseryes both spirituall and corporall. In his publick and priuate exhortations, he terrified that barbarous people with threatnings both from heauen & earth, shewing them, that they were not far from Hell, as they might well see by the fire and ashes which were oftentimes cast vp, and vomited forth in such abun­dance, that manylewd and wicked men among them were throwne downe headlong, & deuoured therein. The same also was signified by those huge earthqua­kes wherwith the ground being ready to open threat­ned to swallow vp such as for their detestable wicked­nes were hatefull in the sight of almighty God. Ther­fore they should by all meanes beware, that they fell not hea [...]long into those euerlasting flames, wherof they had a continuall representation before their eyes.

By these kind of exhortations, and other precepts of Christian doctrine he wonderfully qualified their sauage natures: Christiā discipli­ne quali­fieth bar­barous nature. so as within a short space all that Na­tion, then the which (as we sayd) there had bin none worse, or more inhumane vntill that day, began from that tyme to be not only mild and tractable, but wil­ling to be instructed also in the mysteries of our faith; such force hath Christian discipline to drawe men to humanity.

[Page 207] Here in this place the vndaunted courage of Francis 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; His cou­rage in the time of an earth­quake. but Xauerius either as though he percei­ued nothing, or rather cont [...]mning the feare, went on constantly with his Masse, saying the cause therof to be, that S. Micha [...]l the Archangell did then with many torments throw downe all the Deuills of that coūtry 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, [...]5000. Christians. And surely his labour was no lesse then the fruit. The fru­it of sou­les. 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. [Page 208] But as commonly the pleasure is proportionable to the paine, so according to the multitude of his trou­bles he had cōfortes 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, Psal. 94. that you may know what abundāce of heauenly ioyes there be in these places. For such labours & dangers vndertaken wholy and willingly for Gods sake, Heauely [...]ōforts in la­bours & afflicti­ons. 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, Diuers sermons where being most ioyfully receaued by the Terna­tians, he stirreth vp the slouthfull to the [Page 209] 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 wi­ [...]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 thē. 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 [Page 210] 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, The King of Molucas 100. wi­ues. 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 Frā ­cis his company and discourse, He much honou­reth Xa­uerius. 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 [Page 211] of their owne profession, were not found obstinate therin. The Ethnickes of Moluca mislike not Christ so much as Mahomet 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 aduācer 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 recōpensed with a most plentifull haruest of the Ternatians. A Col­ledge of the So­ciety in Mo [...]uca. 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 thē 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 deuout­l [...] a Pater and Aue, A pro­phecy. 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 [Page 212] for his departure with intention to visit Amboy­num agayne. The Ternatians loue to Xauerius. 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 Ʋictory, vvhich the Portugheses obtai­ned against the Barbarians.

XAVERIVS being thus glad to see the Ternatians great deuotion, The towne Tolum reuol­ting frō religion is reuen­ged from heauen. 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 inhabitāts wherof, eyther through feare of one Geliol, a forraine Tyrant, or else to curry fauour with him, had reuol­ted [Page 213] both from the King of Portugall, and the Chri­stiā faith; & ouerthrowing the Church, had in derisi­on brooken the Crosses and images of Saints; seizing also violently vpon the goods of the other faythfull & [...]ious Christians. At this fact of their Xauerius being much afflicted, left the same to God, who would iudg his owne cause: The lād of fertile becom­eth bar­raine & the wa­ters of whole­some be­come vnwhol­some. 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 ty­ [...]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, [Page 214] 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 deceip [...]full stratagems of the enemy. For they being not ignorā [...] of the war which the Portuge­ses were to make vpō them, had about the wals there­of for a good cōpa [...]le, stroken into the ground, certai­ne sharpe stakes armed with foure pointed nayles, o [...] which the Portugheses might be forced to runne if they attempted to approach the Castle. These engine [...] of theirs to defend thēselues, would not only haue de­feated the Portugheses comming theron but haue also broght great annoyance vnto thē, Prodigi­ous wo­ders giue the Por­tugheses the Vi­ctory. if Fr [...]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, whē 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 thē. [Page 215] 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 thē 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 Frāncis his mer [...]s, who like another M [...]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 frō those parts & to visit the Society, wherof was he superiour, A pro­phecy. & 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 to Xauerius, and asked him what the matter was? Then he, being come againe to him­selfe, dissembling the matter answered, that it was nothing, and so sate downe agayne amongst them in a familiar manner, behauing himselfe as though he had neither done, nor sayd any thing more then ordi­nary. But that which he cōcealed, within a litle while was after openly knowne. For as soone as they arri­ued at Amboynum, they found a Portughese who had byn slayne by certayne theeues, at the very instant when they heard Xauerius cry out in the ship.

There were in the Hauen at Amboynum foure [Page 217] Portughese shippes of burthen. Francis therefore still burning with charity, considered seriously how he might best help both the inhabitants and strāgers, vn­till he could get passage into India. He buil­deth himselfe a cottage vpon the shore. And so eyther out of loue of pouerty, or else because he would be neere the port, he maketh for himselfe and his companion a litle cottage of straw vpon the Sea shore, & heerun­to adioyneth a litle chappell of the same workeman­ship, therein to heare Confessions, and administer the Sacrament of the holy Eucharist to the marriners and souldiers, giuing himselfe wholy to such employ­ments. Many also he made friends who were at dead­ly hatred amongst themselues, but specially he helped & serued the sicke, both corporally and spiritually. A­mongst whome he found one who lay very sicke of a vehemēt feuer, His con­tinuall attendā ­ce vpon thesicke. whome he neuer left vntil he gaue vp the ghost, which he did euen in Francis his armes; who gaue great thankes, and prayse to God for his com­ming backe at that tyme to Amboynum for the sauing of that poore soule, although he should gayne nothing else thereby. Then making his circuit with great di­ligence ouer all the Christian villages, he baptized in­fants, & instructed the rude & ignorant in the Chri­stian precepts, with fruit answerable to his labour. He moreouer imploied himselfe incessantly in preaching to draw the people from vices, and incite them to vertue, The Am­boynois loue to Françis. and good life. And how much beloued he was of all, his departure well shewed. Vpon the 20. day after his arriuall thither, to preuent the lamentation of the people at his departure which he forsaw would happen, he made al things ready to take shipping pri­uately [Page 218] at midnight. But it was hard to deceiue louers, for they perceiuing what he intended, came running in the night to the hauen, where vpon a suddayne was heard great crying out of men, women, children & seruants, bewayling and lamenting their forlone & desolate state, & making their moane, that such a man should in such a sort be taken from thē. Xauerius being moued at these their lamentations and mourning in the night tyme, with teares in his eyes cōforted them with all sweet words, and imbraced them one after another, who could hardly be pulled from him, they sticking as close to him as his owne bowels. At last af­ter much ado, intreating a certayne Priest to employ euery day two houres in teaching thē the Catechisme, he tooke his leaue, commending seriously to their diligence the exercyse of the Christian doctrine.

The time and tyde now vrged him to depart, & many Portughese ships being there ready, Xauerius was inuited into the Admirall, wherein were many of his friends and wel willers. But he, although he were ear­nestly and oftentimes requested, constantly refused the same And when the maister of the ship asked him, why he would refuse so kind an offer; A presa­ge of what would follow. he knowing, doubtlesse by diuine reuelation, what would happen, answeared, that he was afrayed lest some mischance might befall vnto that ship in the way, and that God might punish them for some secret sinne of theirs. His feare was not without groūd. For the same ship being soone after by a cruell tempest driuen vpon a rock, was in eminent danger to haue byn cast away: but yet was for that tyme miraculously deliuered (by the [Page 219] prayers perhaps of Xauerius) & held on her course, vn­till meeting with another crosse tempest, & being by the violence thereof driuen vpon a vast quick-sand, stucke therin so fast, that not only the ship, but all the passengers in her, were accounted for lost; when as notwithstanding Gods Goodnes, which changeth the course of things, supplied againe with help proportio­nably to the danger: for by force of the raging sea she was at last driuen through the quick-sand, & so esca­ped without much harme. But Xauerius who had pre­saged the incommodities which would befall others, hauing himselfe a prosperous nauigation, came safe without any stay, to the place he intended, & arriued at Malaca in the yeare of our Lord 1547.

CHAP. VII.
He instructeth the Malacensians vvith all the care he could: and by diuine reuela­tion he vnderstandeth a Ʋision vvhich happened to Durus his Companion.

XAVERIVS therfore after long absence comming againe to visit the Malacensians his ancient friends, He lod­geth in an Hos­pitall of the sick. he is by them very lou­ingly entertained. But according to his old custome, refusing to remaine with his friends, he ta­keth vp his lodging in the hospitall of the sick. At the same time there were three others of the Society new­ly arriued at Malaca, wherof two were Priests, Iohn [Page 120] Beira, and Iohn Ribera, whome he imbracinge with in­credible ioy of mynd retayned with him for a while. Then, after some good space of repose, he instru­cted them of the manners, and behauiour of the peo­ple of the Moluca's, and sent them thither to manure and cultiuate the vineyard which he had there lately planted. He inculcateth to the Neo­phites the com­ming of Christ. In the meane time he failed not himselfe to further the Christian cause, by seruing the sick, prea­ching to the people, composing of quarrels among the souldiars, hearing Confessions, & catechizing chil­dren, seruants, and ignorant people: especially he of­tentimes instructed the Neophites in the Euangelicall history of the comming of our Lord & Sauiour Iesus Christ, that so the knowledge of so great a mystery might put out of their minds, the vayne and idle fa­bles of their Gods.

Amongst other things, not forgetting his ancient custom no lesse pious then profitable, he tooke order that in the euening the people by their prayers might remember to assist the soules in purgatory, Euening prayers for the dead and those that are in mor­tall sinne & such as were in mortall sin. For the Citty of Malaca at Xaue­rius request, had appointed a certayne mā, who carry­ing a lanterne in one hand, & a litle bell in the other, should go about the streets when it grew darke in the euening, & by ringing the bell, and calling vpon the people in a dolefull tune made of purpose, stirre vp their minds to the sayd deuotion. Which thing, as it stirred vp the vertuous to their duty, so it stroke a terrour of Gods indignatiō & wrath into the wicked. This practise being begun by Francis at Malaca, was soone spread ouer all the Citties and townes of India, [Page 221] the Moluca's, & the vtmost East, and is still euen vnto this day, there in vse, to the great good both of the li­uing and the dead.

About the same tyme Xauerius gaue a notable e­xample both of Euangelicall pouerty, and austerity. Iohn Durus his Companion (as we sayd before) thin­king he was bound to prouide for Francis his necessi­ [...]ies, had without his knowledge receiued of the Por­ [...]ugheses some mony more freely then discreetly, vn­der the colour of Almes. A sharpe punisher of brech of pouer­ty. Which whē Xauerius vnder­stood (as he was no lesse sharp in reprehending then diligēt 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; He by reuelatiō knoweth things that be secret & farre of. 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 [Page 222] 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 māner often­tymes asked (so obstinate he was to haue concealed the matter) forgetfull both of obedience & Religion, he still answeared from the purpose. Then Francis, whē 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 accidēt 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 [Page 224] 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, An e­xample of bar­barous cruelty. hauing in their returne, met with certayne Christian fisher-mē vpon the sea, they manifested vpon them a most inso­lēt 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. [Page 225] 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 [Page 226] 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 they could be set forth for such an enterprize. He desi­res that he may haue the charge of pro­uiding the Na­uy. Besids, they were not only out of order, but wanted tackling and other furniture necessary. As the Gouernour therfore was telling him the want of shippes: I esteeme it, quoth he, a matter of much im­portance, to be forward in the vndertaking of this great Busines, in which not only the Kings, but God Almightyes Maiesty is interessed. And seeing in this fearefull enterprize you are amazed, not knowing what to resolue vpon, I desire with your good leaue, I may haue the charge of preparing the Nauy. Then turning to the soldiars: Brethren, quoth he, God cer­tainly stadeth for vs, in whose name I warne you all before hand, Xauerius putteth spirit in­to the Portu­ghese soldiers. that you suffer neither feare, nor any thing else whatsoeuer, to diuert you from hauing a part in this glorious action, to which he vndoubted­ly calleth you. Behould heere I offer my selfe to go along with you to this noble and Christian combat, and to be your fellow, and companion in what dan­ger soeuer may happen; that we may reuenge our selues vpon these Barbarians, Enemies of most our Vertuous King, and Aduersaryes of the Crosse of Christ.

These words so inflamed the souldiars harts, that al of them, being as it were suddainly inspired by God stroue to giue in their names to fight in so religious a warre, nothing doubting but it would haue a prospe­rous issue, hauing Xauerius for the author, and fur­therer [Page 127] therof. And the Gouernour being glad to see such consent of the Captains & soldiars left al things to Francis discretion, who with no lesse prudence then courage managed a busines w ^ch to all mens iudgmēt seemed most ful of difficulty; as was to prepare a nauy so presently vpon the losse of so many ships, for that the Armoury was wholy empty, & small help could be expected from the publicke treasury. Xauerius ther­fore out of all the maisters of the ships maketh choice of seauen, By seauē rich mai­sters of shippes he set­teth forth a Nauy. excelling the rest both in esteeme & wealth. He calleth them euery one by their names, and inter­mingling gentle words with imbracements earnestly requesteth them, that they would both for the honour of their King, of Christ our common Lord, and of the Christian Name vndertake this busines, how la­boursome or chargeable soeuer it seemed, & that they would with al speed cause seauen of those shipps that lay in the hauen to be speedily repayred, and they should infallibly be repayed shortly all their expences with an 100. fould.

The ship-maisters were by these words so set on fire, that euery one striuing who should make most hast, the nauy within foure dayes stood ready in the Port, well appointed of all things. One Francis Saa a kinsman of Mello the Gouernour was made Generall therof, to whome there were also assigned 180. Portu­ghese souldiars. Xauerius was to go with them, but that the Malacensians, out of their great affection to him, hindred it. For they came flocking to the Gouer­nour, and what by lamenting their fatherlesse & deso­late state, what by protesting vnto him that they [Page 228] would abandon the Citty, if Francis their only com­fort and vphoulder should depart, they got at last both the Gouernour of the Citty, and Generall of the fleet to intreat him (being himselfe doubtfull what to do in this affaire, since the people were of such different affections) to remaine at Malaca.

Xauerius therfore calling togeather the Captaines and souldiars into the Church, Precepts giuen to soldiers at their going to warre. and making to them a comfortable exhortation, bad them be of good cou­rage, and he for his part, because he could not ac­company them in person, would be present with them with his best wishes and prayers: and that they should so dispose themselues both in mynd and affe­ction, to esteeme nothing more pretious vnto them, then to dye for Christ the sonne of God, who dyed v­pon the Crosse for their sakes: That they should haue before their eyes that amiable and deuout spectacle of their Sauiour, and imprinting it in their harts, should most couragiously take vpon them the battaile, and enter into combat with the Barbarians. Moreouer, in the midst of the battayle, they should cal vpon God imploring his diuine assistance, and confidently hope that he will be ready to helpe those who fight for him.

Hauing said this, he began to heare their Con­fessions, and when he had reconcyled them, and ar­med them with the holy Eucharist, he animateth thē againe to set forward against the Enemy, vnder Gods conduct, not doubting of the victory. They all by diuine instinct, of their owne accord, in presence of God, & striuing at it were who should do best, make [Page 229] a solemne protestation, The Portughese soldiers called by Xauerius the Ar­my of Iesus-Christ. that if occasion required it, they would spend their liues for Christ in that quar­ [...]ell. In respect wherof, and for that they had thus cō secrated themselues to Christ, they were by Xauerius called, The Army of Iesus Christ, a Title very honou­rable. And thus full of good hope and courage, they were by the Cittizens accompanied to the Nauy.

CHAP. IX.
Hauing lost their Admirall, he foretelleth the comming of tvvo other ships vnto them, & stirreth vp the slouthfull vvho drevv backe, to fight couragiously.

BVT now, when they were all ready, and prepared for this warre, there fell out a disastrous accident, to the end that Fran­cis his vertue and sanctity might the bet­ter appeare, which did not a little hinder the busi­nesse. The ships were now afloat with their sayles & banners all displaied, and their Ordinance playing in a triumphant manner, and the shore thicke beset with the people of Malaca desiring to see them depart; when behould on a suddaine the Admirall, in view of the whole Citty, in the very hauen (by what chance no man knoweth) is sunke, and ouer whelmed in the sea, together with the losse of all that was in her, except the marriners & souldiars. Which accident was held [Page 231] by all for a prodigious token of something else to fol­low. Wherupon the Cittizens fell a murmuring, that it was certainly a manifest presage of Gods wrath hā ­ging ouer the Portugheses heads, if the fleete should hould on her course against the enemy. Morouer they cast forth bitter words against the Gouernour of the Citty, and Generall of the fleete, as though they had bin the authors of that disastrous warre: neither did some spare Xauerius himselfe, saying; Who could euer haue thought that the flower and strength of the Por­tughese garrison should be thus sent away to their cer­tain destruction, seing that their enemies farre exceed them, not only in number, but also in strength of shipping and souldiars. Behould how God, hauing set before our eyes the danger both of the General, and whole Fleete, there wanteth nothing but plaine words to tell vs, that this expedition is not pleasing to him.

Whereupon Mello being not able to endure this extreme grudging, and exorbitant complaynts of the people, sendeth presently a messenger vnto Xa­rius to intreat him he would please to come vnto him with all speed. He finding Francis at Masse in the Hos­pitall Church, would haue instantly deliuered his message vnto him. But being stayed by a signe which Xauerius made, He by reuelation know­eth things absent. he expected vntill Masse was ended. Then Francis, before he had spoken one word, Go, quoth he, and tell the Gouernour that I will present­ly come to him, but byd him be of good courage, be­cause God fauourably assisteth his seruants, at the in­stant when it is required. This he sayd to shew that he [Page 230] knew by reuelation all the businesse.

Francis then following the messenger, findeth them all in feare & tumult. His con­rage whē others are afraid But he shewing cherfulnesse & confidence in his countenance: What is the matter Mello (quoth he?) Doth so little a thing discourage thee? He is Omnipotent, whose fatherly prouidence protecteth vs. Hauing sayd this, he imbraceth the Captaines & souldiars ech one in particular, & partly by intreaty, partly by aduise, he still exhorteth them to go forward in so glorious a seruice nor did he omit to put them in mind of the promise which they had lately made to Christ, so to stirre them vp to the per­formance of their duty: wherat they were all so filled with ioy, especially to see so great alacrity in Xauerius, that they seemed rather to behould hope it selfe, then cause therof. The souldiers being thus incited, hee turnes himselfe againe to Mello, shewing him their fer­uour and zeale in the busines.

This was very grateful vnto the Gouernour who much fauoured Francis his designement. A deli­beration held a­bout the warre a­gainst the Bar­barians. But yet that nothing might be rashly attempted, it was thought good to call the principall of the Citty to a counsaile & haue their opinions & consent herin. Their voyces were soone giuen (who would belieue it) concerning the euents of this warre, euery one iudging that ex­pedition to be temerarious. For what discretion were it (quoth they) to venter six shipps agaynst a nauy of 60. and lesse then 200. Portughese souldiars against 5000. fighting Barbarians? But now on the con­trary part all the Captaines and chiefe of the soldiars, who were to vndergo the danger, cryed out, that by [Page 232] all meanes, The Portugheses soldiars renew their oath to dye for Christ. that pious warre was instantly to be fol­lowed, & that it were better for them to dye brauely in the combat, if it should so fall out, then to violate the promise they had made to the King of Heauen. And heerein they were so resolute, that without more ado they renewed their solemne oath to go vnto that warre, and if need were, to spend their liues for the faith of Christ.

Whereupon the others being all stroken into an amazement, Francis ryseth vp ioyfully, and hauing commended the noble courage both of the Captaines and the souldiars, did often inculcate this vnto them; that they should be sure to put al the hope of the victo­ry in God, for whom it was not hard to saue by many, or by few; 1. Reg. 14. neither were there wanting euident signes of Gods diuine assistance, wherby they might certain­ly belieue he stood with them. And for one shippe which they had lost, there should that very day come vnto them, two more for their comfort. Which pro­phecy proued true. A pro­phecy. For that a litle before sunne-set they espyed two Portughese ships sayling by Malaca. These were priuate vessells belonging to one Iames Soarius a famous merchāt of those parts, who to auoid paying custome at Malaca, kept on his course dire­ctly for the Moluca's. But yet at Xauerius intreaty, he put in at Malaca, and moreouer offered himself to accompany the rest in that warre. Then were they all by this accident, filled with a new ioy, & confidence.

CHAP. X.
The Portugheses by Xauerius sollicitation obtayne a great victory against the Bar­barians.

THE Captaynes therefore and souldiers of this Nauy much reioycing, vpon the 23 of Nouember in the yeare 1547. hoysed vp sayle, The pro­montori Cambi­lanum. whilst euery one wished them a for­tunate voyage. They were only eight great ships in number, and not aboue 230. souldiers. Vpon the fourth day after their setting to sea, hauing had a pro­sperous wind, they arriued at the Promontory of Cā ­bilanum, where they were commanded by Simon Mello the Gouernour, to seeke after the enemies fleet. Wher­fore Saa the Admirall vsing all diligence that might be in searching for them, could not find to what coast they had retired; so as being wholy frustrate of their hope, A tem­pest hel­ped to­wards the vi­ctory. they were constrayned to returne homewards agayne. Whilest, full of sadnes, they began to make backe for Malaca, behold vpon a suddayne there arose a cruell tempest, which enforced them to lye many dayes at ancker. And though this tempest hindred their returne, yet was it a meanes to obtayne the vi­ctory, the diuine Prouidence disposing of incommodi­ties themselues, to serue sometimes for good effects.

Their victuals now growing short, so soone as the [Page 234] violence of the contrary wind was allayed, they say­led to the next towne of the Ethnickes, being their friends, to furnish themselues with new prouision: which when they had done, and hearing nothing of the Enemy, they held on their course homewards to­wards Malaca; yet they were not so much out of care, as out of hope to find the enemy. But hauing gone a little thence, they met by chance a fisher-man who tould them, that the Acenians fleete, hauing spoiled the Country round about, lay not far off in a riuer, called Perlen, intending to intercept the Portugh [...]se Nauy, which (as was reported) was shortly expected from Bengala, to come vnto Malaca, hoping to make prey of the same, and to massacre all the Christians therein.

The Admiral hearing this vnexpected newes, much reioiceth, Th [...] cherful­nes of the Por­tugheses when the battaile was at hand. & to shew how glad he was put on straight a rich suite of apparell. And moreouer bestoweth vpō the souldiers all things most liberally to feast & make merry withall, and commandeth them all to be boun­tifully treated, and the Ordinance to be all discharged in token of his excessiue ioy; so that one would haue thought that there had byn rather a victory already gotten, then a battaile at hand: which though perad­uenture was imprudently done, Gods prouidē ­ce turnes that to good which was ill carried. yet by the diuine prouidence it was to good effect. In the meane tyme the spies which he had sent priuately vp into the riuer with three boates, tooke some of the Enemies pri­soners, by whome they vnderstood, that the Barba­riās hauing heard the artillery of the Portugheses play, had put their ships in order for battaile, & were com­ming [Page 235] downe apace towards the sea, thinking that the booty of the Portugheses from Bengala which they expected, was now at hand.

The riuer Perlen being very large within the ban­kes, The Ri­uer [...]. becometh almost like a sea where it breaketh in­to the mayne. For though the channell be deep, yet runneth it neuer the slower by reason of the breadth, but glideth along violently like a torrent, not yelding any foard to passe ouer. Saa the Generall therfore ma­king vse of the Promōtory, which runneth out by the banke of the riuer, within the winding therof, where the streame hath least force, speedily putteth his fleet in order to fight. The Po [...] ­tughese Admi­rall [...] Thē earnestly exhorting all the Por­tughese Captaines and souldiars, to call to mind that day, wherin they had freely, before the Aultar of our Lord, vowed to spend their liues for his Religion and honour, and vpon which occasion they were intituled the Army of Iesus Christ, encouraged them, & willed them to imagine they saw Xauerius, the Authour of that pious warre, praying for their safety and victory. He put them also in mind, not to forget what the good Father had charged them to do; to wit, that be­houlding Christ the sonne of God crucified for them, they should (neglecting their owne liues) couragiou­sly vndertake the combat for his glory. That they should remember how they had twice bound them­selues by oath to Christ the King of Kings, and twice of their owne accord vowed their liues for his sake. That certainly they, who were to fight that religious battaile for God, should not want his diuine assistāce. And that Xauerius Prophecy, promising them an in­fallible [Page 236] victory, would proue true. The souldiars be­ing with these words set on fire, cried out al together, that they were prepared to rēder their liues for Christ our Lord, for whose sake they had more then once vowed the same. And remembring Xauerius charge, they expected his assistance, and promise in the bat­taile.

In the meane tyme, The pre­paration of the Barba­rians na­uy to fight. the enemies Nauy being set in battayle array, came downe the riuer with the strea­me, and the bankes and shores on both sydes sounded forth with horrible showtings, & confused noise of drummes. The first squadron was led by the Admiral of the Barbarians fleete, guarded on ech syde with foure Turkish galleys. Then followed six other Gal­leyes, with nine rankes of ships, and all abundantly appointed not only with great ordināce, but also with plenty of small shot. A Sea battayle. The admirall therfore of the Por­tugheses, as soone as the first rancke of the enemy was discouered, maketh towards them presently at vna­wares with three ships, commanding the rest to fol­low as they were ordred for the battaile. Whereupon the Barbarians, whether for want of skill, or rather by Gods ordinance, sayling on headlong with fury, discharged all their great shot agaynst the Portugheses before they could so much as reach them, The Turkish gal­leys are the oc­casion of the Barba­riās ouer throw. so as the bul­lets fell all into the water, without doing any harme. But the Portughese gūner shooting a very great bullet out of the greatest Ordinance, stroke the Admira'l of the A [...]enians so flat, that presētly he sunke & drowned her. Which was not only a presage of a future victory but rather the conclusion of the combat it selfe. For [Page 237] the Turkish Galleys staying their course, left off the fight, and began to help the Captaine, & other prin­cipall men swimming to saue themselues; The Bar­barians ships in­tangled one with another are shat­tred. which can-sed both their owne, and the fleets whole ouerthrow. For the Turkes had placed their galleys ouerthwart the riuer, & so had takē vp a good part of the same, to receiue in those that could swim vnto them, not once thinking of the danger themselues were in, God had so besotted them. The six other Gallyes which follo­wed the first squadron, comming downe with the streame, ranne vpon the former that lay athwart, and all the rest of the nine rancks which came after, fell against those which went before, & became so intan­gled one with another, & so dashed togeather, ech one striuing to get free from his fellow by force, that one would haue thought there had byn a battayle among themselues.

The Portugheses perceiuing manifestly that Gods hand was in this businesse, The Portugheses set vpon the Bar­barians fleet without any hurt at all to themsel­ues. fayled not to follow the victory which was thus offered them from heauen. Wherefore presently calling out alowd vpon the so­ueraigne name of IESVS, they began to grapple with their enemyes, and on euery side to play vpon them with their ordināce, lying there so entāgled & hindred one by another that they were not able to styr. Th [...]ice did they send out with all the violence they could, the shot of all their great ordināce vpon their ships, & no one shot was made in vayne nor was the Enemy able to resist, or make any vse at al of their owne artillery, being so thrust vp togeather; and this without any losse to the Portugheses that assaulted thē. Now with­in [Page 238] a little while they had sunke nine of the Enemies ships, & battered many more to pieces, with no small slaughter of the barbarians. Wherupon the rest were put into so great a feare, A slaughter of the Bar­barians. that most of them, as well rowers as souldiars throwing away their weapons de­speratly cast thēselues into the swift streame, thinking saue their liues by swimming: but it vayne. For be­ing carried away with the violence of the water, they were all swallowed vp by the swift windings of the streame, not so much as one remayning aliue to carry newes of so great an ouerthrow.

The Portugheses hauing obtayned so noble a vi­ctory without so much as any drop of bloud sh [...]d on their side, An vn­bloudy. victory. after they had giuen harty thanke [...] to God, whose present assistance they had found in this bat­taile, began to gather vp the spoyles of their enemies, where the prey was not inferiour to their glory For they seized vpon the whole Nauy, A great prey. and tooke all the ships except those ten which were sunke. They also tooke about 300. pieces of artillery, besides the great abundance of armour, and all other pillage. And they vnderstood by some of those whome they had before taken prisoners, The nū ­ [...] of [...] Bar­barians slaine in the fight that there dyed in that conflict to the nūber of 4000. barbarians. Among whome were ma­ny nobles of the King of Acenians Army, besids many Turkes & Ianizaries that had ioyned themselues vn­to him.

The report of this notable victory was presently bruited all ouer that country; whereupon the King of [...]er [...]en, who through feare of the Acenians had f [...]ed [...]nto places of more security, being animated by this [Page 239] ouerthrow of his Enemies, began to take courage; [...]nd on the suddain setting vpon a certaine garrison of the Acenians which stood neere to the riuer Perlen, [...]lew the guard thereof, destroyed it, and made pilla­ge of all that he found therein. The memory of which benefit, The King of Perlen of his owne accord maketh himselfe tributa­ry to the King of Portu­gall. although receyued from those that thought not of it, wrought so much with that Barbarous King that he presently came vnto the Generall of the Por­tugheses, and with great submission, and many hum­ble thankes acknowledged him for the restorer of his liberty, & in recompence therof, of his owne accord, offereth himselfe Tributary to the King of Portugall. This was added to the victory, which was gotten by Francis sollicitatiō. This done, Saa the Generall of the Portughese fleet chose out from all the enemies na­uy only 25. ships to carry along with him to Malaca, setting all the rest on fire as being eyther battered or otherwise not fit for seruice, & so returneth ioyfully loaden no lesse with pillage, then with glory.

CHAP. XI.
Xauerius foretelleth to the Malacensians the obtayning of the forsayd victory, vvhereof he had byn the sollicitour.

WHI [...]ST these things were doing which was the space of six weekes, Francis his pray­ers for the victory. Francis shewed in­uincible constancy in praying to God for the victory. He did not only by himselfe in [Page 240] priuate craue the fauourable assistance of the diuine Go [...]odnes, but did publikely also incite the people to do the same. For twice euery weeke, to wit, vpon Sunday, and Friday, he preached to the people at Ma­laca: and his ordinary custome was at the end of his Sermon, to intreate his audience to say with him one Pater and Aue for the good successe of the Portughese fleete agaynst the Barbarians. The people at first did willingly as he requested them, for the space of 15. or 20. dayes, as long as there was hope of the victory. But when, all that tyme, there came no newes of the fleete, many of the Cittizens suspecting that their men were ouerthrowne, gaue ouer, and left of that pious practice.

This sollicitude of the Malacensians was increased by a rumour which the Saracens their neighbours, The Ma­lacensians griefe v­pon the false newes of the Por­tugheses. ouer­throw. had diuulged abroad, without any ground, that the Portugheses were ouerthrowne in battayle, and put all to the sword by the Acenians. That which was knowne to be true, made this false rumour to seeme credible. For it was certayne that the enemyes were stout warlike men, and their forces farre beyond the Portugheses. The whole Citty therfore began to be very heauy and afflicted: The matrones with aboun­dance of teares, bewayled the death of their husbands their children, and kinsfolkes, & withall their owne desolate and forelorne state. The Gouernour himselfe of the Citty, because he was esteemed to be Authour of this misfortune, durst not come abroad, or appeare in sight of the people.

In this meane time Francis, according to his custome [Page 241] preaching to the people, indeauored to take frō them [...]hat vayne feare & griefe. Sometymes he inueig [...]ed against certaine men who had gone about by witch­craft, and sorcery to know what was become of the Fleete, earnestly reprehending their superstition. At other times he sharpely rebuked the Cittizēs for their [...]orgetfulnes of Gods prouidence and the ouermuch [...]olicitude for themselues: Then againe, he raysed thē [...]p to hope. Finally he most earnestly intreated them [...]ll, to continue their prayers vnto God for the obtei­ [...]ing of the victory, although he knew full well, that thereby he incurred the [...]ll will of many, who mutte­red, that the prayers which he required of them, ought rather to be said for the soules of those that were dead & slaine then for the victory of the liuing. But within a little after Francis his prophecy came to be of credit.

The day was now at hand, which was to be made famous by that memorable victory. Fran [...]is the [...]efore vpon the very same day (which then hapned to be Sunday) made a sermon in the Church to the people▪ and it was at the same houre when the Portughese fleete was preparing for the fight. He fore­sees and foretol­les the victory gotten by the Portu­ghese fleet. Being therefore to conclude his Sermon, vpon the suddaine he tur­nes both himselfe, & his speach vnto the Crucifix, & by diuine instinct, with great motion of body, brea­king forth into a prophesy, he began by circūlocuti­ons to describe in words the first encounter of the two Nauies, to the admiration and astonishment of his auditours. Then with an inflamed looke & coun­tenance, and aboundance of teares gushing out at his [Page 242] eyes, he cryed out aloud; O Iesu, God of my hart, I hum­bly I bese [...]ch thee by the last torments of thy life, that thou wouldest not leaue them whome thou hast redeemed with thy pretious bloud. Hauing vttered these, and other such like words which feare and confidence then suggested vnto him, and growing weake & faint with the vio­lent agitation of his body, he leaned a while with his head vpon the Pulpit. Then by and by, as if he had a­waked out of some extasy lifting vp his head he cryes out on a suddayne with a cheerfull & ioyfull counte­nance thus: A Pro­phesy. O yee Malacensians cast off all sadnes & reioyce: for now at last our fleet hath ouerthrowne the enemy in battayle without any bloudshed on our part, hauing lost but three men only; so litle hath so noble a victory cost vs. And in a most triumphant māner will they presently returne home, loaden with spoyles and pillage of the enemy, together with many shippes which they haue taken from them; & forth­with (he appointed a certayne day) wil they be safe with vs. Come on therfore, and in thankesgiuing to God the Author of the victory, let vs say togeather once Pater and Au [...] for the same, and repeate it a­gayne for those few of ours that be slayne in the bat­tayle.

Vpon this prediction of Francis whole audien­ce recited the prayers which he had requested, and in signe of approbation what he sayd became ioyfull, seeing the great cheerfulnesse of the worthy mans co­untenance who had thus raysed them out of so hea­uy a sadnes. Hauing thus cheered vp the men with this hope, the same day in like māner he made a conso­latory [Page 243] sermō in another Church to the women a part & fortould the very day, when certaine tydings should be brought of the victory and safety of their husbands and friends. The euent wherof hapned in euery thing as he had spoken. The Ma­lacensiās ioy for the vi­ctory. For within two or three dayes af­ter, there came a messenger with the newes of the victory. And presently after the messenger, followed the Conquerours themselues with an exceeding great booty, and no small number of shippes which they had taken from the Enemy. Infinite therefore, was the ioy which on a suddaine surprized the Malac [...]nsiās when so farre beyond all expectation they saw eight shippes to bring home 25. captiue.

As soone therfore as this victorious Nauy was ar­riued, 8. Portu­ghes shippes driue a­lōg with them 25. Barbari­ans ship [...] taken captiue. the whole Citty (their late great feare being now turned into excessiue ioy) went out to see, and cōgratulate the same. And Francis himselfe to whome a great part of that noble victory and triumph was due, goeth amongst the first; and as soone as the Generall was landed he imbraceth him, and the other principall Captaines of the Nauy congratulating thē for their fortunate successe. Then, in the heat of this generall ioy and congratulation, when they inquired more exactly after the time of the victory, they found that not only the very day, but the battayle also did iumpe aright with that which Francis had foretould. Which was so much the more to be admired, because the place where the battaile was fought, was distant from Malaca aboue 200. miles. From that time, Francis was highly esteemed throughout all Malaca, no lesse for the guift of prophecy, then for sanctity of life. The [Page 244] fame whereof hauing spread it selfe throughout the East, moued some to c [...]me from the furthest parts of the world, to see him.

CHAP. XII.
A Iaponian is by conference vvith Xaue­rius, conuerted to the faith of Christ.

AFTER he had spent foure monethes or thereabout in helping the Citty of Mal [...]ca, hauing now gotten commodity of ship­ping, & being ready to returne into India, there came from Iap [...]nia vnto Malaca, a certayne Iaponian called Anger, a man of good account in his owne Country, and of a singular wit. The cause of his comming was, to seeke a remedy for cure of the wounds of his soule, caused by the intemperate heat of his youthfull bloud. For hauing committed a hey­nous murder in Iaponia, & being narrowly sought for to punishment, was forced, partly by the remorse of conscience, and partly by his enemies who pursued his life, to fly for sanctuary vnto a Conuēt of the Bon­zies (who amongst the Iaponians are accounted a kind of Religious men) to seeke therby as well the quiet of his conscience, Bonzies Priests of the Ia­ponians. as a refuge for his safety. But this his hope fayled him in both; which was finally the cause of his saluation. For when he found no comfort nor yet safety amongst the Bonzies, he began to be a­uerted from them, & to seeke for remedy elsewhere.

[Page 245] It happened fitly, that certaine Portughese mer­ [...]hants had arriued in Iaponia for traffique; amongst [...]home Alpho [...]sus Vasius who was before acquainted with him, vnderstanding the matter, for old acquain­ [...]nce sake offered him freely all the help he could af­foard him, if he would put himselfe out of danger, [...] escaping away priuately. He againe with harty [...]ankes tould him, that he would make vse of his li­ [...]erality: whereupon Vasius forecasting with himself, that his owne ship was for the dispatch of his busines to make there some longer stay, commendeth him very effectually by his letters to F [...]rdinand Aluarez a speciall friend of his, being then ready to depart, out of another hauen, for India. And these letters of com­mendations he giueth to Anger himselfe, who going to deliuer them in the night, mistooke the merchant by reason there were two of the same Surname, and giueth them to one George Aluarez a maister of another shippe: which mistake notwithstanding proued well for him. For George Aluarez thinking that this occasi­on of gayning a Iaponians friendship, was not to be neglected, dissembled the mistake, & in very courte­ous manner entertayned him, and carryed him along with him to Malaca, intending to present him to Xa­uerius his great frie [...]d there.

This Aluarez being a pious man, out of desire he had to winne Angers affection, and also the better to dispose him for the Christian fayth, recounted to him oftentymes by the way many things of Xauerius emi­nent sanctity, and worthy deeds, & of the institutes of the Christians. Anger therfore desiring, much to [Page 246] be acquainted both with Xauerius, and his manner of lyfe which he heard so highly commended, came to Malaca greatly longing to see, Anger desireth to speake with Xa­uerius. and heare him, whome by Aluarez report he admired as a diuine man: yet a certaine delay which happened much troubled him at first, as commonly it falleth out, but afterward infla­med his desire the more. Anger arriued at Malaca some monthes before Francis his returne from Moluca, and vnderstanding that he was absent, The dis­tance of Malaca from Ia­ponia. being disappointed of what he came for, resolued to retourne backe a­gaine into Iaponia, being much grieued that he had ta­ken so long a iorney in vaine. For Moluca is distant frō Iaponia about 800. leagues, lying in the mid-way, almost betweene India, and Iaponia.

Taking therfore shipping at Malaca, after almost three months sayle, he was cast vpon the confines of China, some 500. leagues from Malaca. There he stayed a while intending to passe thence into Iaponia, di­stant from that place a most 800. miles. Departing therfore from China within six or seauen dayes he was come within sight of Iaponia, when vpon a suddain, a contrary wind, togeather with a cruell tempest hin­dred his going forward, Gods Proui­dence. & tossing him vp & downe for the space of foure dayes, draue him againe into the same heauen in China, where he had taken ship­ping. Whilst he remaineth there vncertaine & doub­full what to do, not without the infallible prouidēce of God, he meeteth with Alphonsus Vasius, the same man, who had bin the cause of his departure out of Iaponia. And by his persuasion, in the yeare 1548. he r [...]tourneth againe to Malaca, whither Xauerius was [Page 247] [...]ow come. At his very first landing he fortunately [...]ighteth vpon George Aluarez that brought him first [...]ut of Iaponia, who being exceeding glad for his re­ [...]urne, bringeth him presently to Xauerius, Xauerius glad for Angers com­ming. and told him what he was, & what his busines required. Then Francis as it were presaging, that he would be a mea­ [...]es to opē a way into Iaponia, imbraced him louingly, & shewed manifestly both by his words & contenāce, the great comfort he tooke for his comming thither.

Anger being not ignorant of the Portughese lan­guage, began to conferre with Xauerius about his bu­sines without an Interpreter; whome he instructed with such diligence in the mysteries and precepts of the Christian faith, that he freed him from all scrupu­lous anxiety of mind, and planted in his soule the seed of a vertuous and happy life: whereof Anger gaue al­wayes good testimony, that by Xauerius meanes he had reaped most aboundant fruit both of his life, and trauaile. And withall he affirmed, that the whole course of his iorney, was certainly disposed of by God that he might at last imbrace that with greater desire which he had so long sought to learne; which mani­fested it selfe within a short space. For being conti­nually present at the explication of the Catechisme, and noting downe in a little booke the articles of the Creed, he so much profited in short time, that he reci­ted the whole by hart, in the midst of the people, al­though he were a man of grown yeares: & moreouer asked many questions, and made many obiections with no lesse prudence, then sharpenesse of wit.

The Iaponians in their manner of writing differ [Page 248] much from other natiōs: for beginning their lines a­boue in the paper, The Iaponians manner of witing they write directly downeward. Which Francis perceyning in Angers booke, & won­dring at the strangenesse thereof, demaunded of him [...] why they did not write according to our man­ner of Europe? Nay, quoth he, why doe not you rather write as we do, who follow the dictamen of nature which teacheth vs so to do. For as in a man the head is highest, and the feete lowest, so he should also in writing, bring his lines from aboue directly downe­ward. Xauerius therefore obseruing both by Angers words and actions, Good life an­swerable to do­ctrine. that he was of a notable wit, as­ked him agayne, whether the Iaponians would recey­ueth Ghospell, if it were brought vnto them? They will not, quoth he, belieue presently whatsoeuer is tould them, but will examen both the religion itselfe and the life of those that preach it. And if by their doctrine they can satisfy their demands, and [...]o con­firme also what they say by their owne liues, then no doubt (being a Nation which is lead most by rea­so [...]) when they see and approue the same, they that be of yeares of discretion, wi [...]l easily become [...]hristians.

Xauerius being greatly incouraged by these words of his, & stirred vp also by the relation of some mer­chants who recounted wonderfull things of the good disposition of that nation, made a resolution to pre­ach the Gospell vnto them. Vpon the eight day after Anger came to Malaca, Francis (being himselfe to vi­sit the neophytes of Comorinum by the way) sent him before to Goa with the forsaid George Aluarez, to re­maine in the Colledge there, & to be better instructed [Page 259] [...] the mysteryes and precepts of the Christian faith. Before Xauerius departed he was intreated by the Cit­ [...]y of Malaca to send thither two of the Society, who [...]ight performe the same charitable offices in his ab­ [...]ence; which he could not deny them. And in the me­ [...]e tyme he gaue order to a certaine vertuous Priest [...]f that Country, that he should supply his place, by [...]structing the Neophytes in the forenoone.

CHAP. XIII.
Hauing escaped a tempest at sea, he pres­cribeth precepts to those of the Society of Commorium.

BEING to depart thence for Commorinum, he intreated the Maister of the ship that went to Goa, to transport into India certain children (which he had brought from Mo­luca) to be brought vp, and instructed in the Colledge there. And as he was deliuering them into his charge, vpon a suddain, by diuine inspiration, he tould them thrice, he was afraid least that shippe should meete with some mischance by the way. A presa­ge. Neither were his words herein frustrate. For as the ship was passing a­long by the Iland of Ceilanum, she fall vpon the quick­sands, & stuck so fast as that there was now no hope to escape, when as the passengers all togeather cal­ling vpon the B. Virgin Mary for ayde, she is by the di­uine [Page 258] goodnes on a sudd [...]ine deliuered out of danger, and arriueth safe at Cocinum.

The ship likewise wherein Xauerius sayled, had as hard a iorney, but better fortune. For three dayes she was tossed with a most terrible tēpest, in such sort that the marriners hauing throwne all the goods and merchandize ouer board, expected euery moment to be cast away themselues. But Francis being not once moued at that which maketh others afraid, continued quietly to implore the help of all the celestiall citizens one after another, His cou­rage in daunge­rous tē ­pests. and most earnestly to call vpon the King and Queene of heauen. And being secured by such potent intercessours, he found (as himselfe de­clared) far more ioy in that tēpest, then he did after­ward when he had escaped the danger. Com­forts in dangers. For when all were in that extreme feare, & danger of their liues, he receiued such abundance of diuine consolation, that when others wept for sorrow, he ouerflowed with teares of ioy: and most earnestly besought God, that, although he should free him from that tempest, yet if it were his diuine will, he was ready most wil­lingly to endure the like or greater, so that he might therby adde any increase to his glory. You would haue thought there had bin a combat between Xauerius pa­tience, and the diuine liberality, he desiring most bit­ter sufferances for Gods sake, and God agayne rega­ling him with most aboundant comforts.

He was no sooner arriued in India, but presently he began carefully to go about, to all the villages of the Christians in Cōmorinum, who being as it were the first fruits of his labours, were most deere vnto him. [Page 259] He found there some of the Society, more then at his departure he had left. Wherfore making hast to Goa, he committed all things to their prudence and trust; yet for the experience which he had of that na­tion, he left vnto them diuers instructions & docu­ments: wherof these were the chiefe. Docu­ments giuen to those of the Soci­ety in Comori­num. 1. That they should go frō dore to dore & enquire for infants newly borne to baptize them, least in so tender an age eyther through neglect of their Parents or want of Priests they might be in danger to loose their saluatiō. 2. That they should gather little children togeather, and in­struct them withall diligence in the mysteries & pre­cepts of the Christian faith; because to instruct them in their youth & tender yeares, was a matter of very great importance for the leading of a good and ver­tuous life afterward. 3. That they should vpon Sun­dayes and Holydayes cause all the people to come to­geather to the Church, to pray and heare the word of God, wherof they should warne the magistrates be­forehand that they might therin giue others exāple of piety and deuotion. And reprehending of publike vices, they should therby terrify their auditours from the like, laying before thē the paynes & tormēts both of this, & the next life. 4. They should furthermore inquire who were at strife & debate amongst them­selues, & should call them togeather into the Church & there make them friends, the men vpon Sundaies, and the women on Saturdayes. And if therein any case of greater difficulty did occurre, they should re­ferre it to the Captayne of the Portugheses. 5. That the almes which should be giuen for the reliefe of the [Page 262] poore, should be so distributed amongst the needy, as that nothing thereof should remayne lying by them. 6. They should often visit the sicke, and say the Gos­pell ouer them for help and comfort of their soules, as the custome is. 7. That they should assist those that lay a dying, and bury the dead. 8. That they should giue charge vnto the men & women a part, that euery one giue vp the number of their sicke vnto them; decla­ring also that they whose names were not giuen vp, if they happened to dye should be excluded from Chri­stian buriall. 9. That they should haue no discourse with the Portugheses, but of holy & pious matters, to the end that vayne talke might not, as often tymes it hapneth take vp the place of their priestly functions. 10. That they should vse the Captayne of the Portu­gheses with all friendship and courtesy, & keep good correspondence and amity with him, whatsoeuer of­fence should happē. And the same also they should do, as much as might be possible, with the other Portuge­ses, and should draw them by all meanes to frequent the Sacraments of Confession, and the holy Eucha­rist. 11. That they should to their vtmost, further the Priests of that country in matters of piety, and indu­ce them to confesse often, The good na­me of Priests is with all care to be preser­ued. and dayly say Masse. 12. That they should take great heed of reporting or wri­ting any thing to any man, which might diminish the esteeme of the party, vnlesse it were to such an one who might (if need required) be a meanes to remedy the same. 13. That he only should be acquainted with the vices of the Priests, who was able to cure them. 14. That they should neyther speake ill of the Neophi­tes [Page 257] to the Portugheses, nor of the Portugheses to the Neophytes, All are to be praysed to on an­other. but should commend them both to ech o­ther, to the end that one might be desirous to imitate the vertue of the other. 15. That they should neuer leaue the place assigned them, although they were sent for by any Prince or Noble man whatsoeuer, vnlesse they had first licence granted them by the Father who was Superiour of that Prouince; and in such cases being mindfull of holy Obedience should referre the matter wholy vnto him. Men are to be gouer­by loue 16. Lastly, that they should endea­uour by all meanes possible to gaine the affection of all, because therein nothing is more forcible to win mens minds euery way, then loue; & therfore should draw them as it were with the cords of Adam: and should neuer punish any one, but with the aduise of the Gouernour of the Country of Commorinum. These were the documents of Xauerius; by which we may see not only what he desired of his companions, but what himselfe did also practice, seing that like a most excellent Maister, he drew his patternes from his owne actions.

CHAP. XIIII.
Returning vnto Goa, he establisheth mat­ters in India.

HAVING giuen these forsaid documents vnto the Fathers in Cōmorinū, he ordaineth F. Antony [...] of Parma Superiour of the [...]est in that Coast, (who was after­wards [Page 254] the first of the Society, that suffred Martyr­dome in India) and about the end of February in the yeare 1548. he sayleth thēce to Cocinum; where hauing gotten a litle leasure, he writeth to Portugall and Rome, desiring to haue many more of the Society sent thither, & among others inuiteth Simon Rodriguez, his ancient collegue who had then the care of the Seminary at Conimbria, to come & assist in the vineyard of the East.

He aduised the King of Portugall also, to be mindfull of his charge, and to prouide for the Garri­sons of Portugheses in India good preachers, Francis his let­ters to the King of Portu­gall. out of a­ny Religious Orders; and to giue strict command vn­to his Gouernours and Officers in India, to help what possibly they were able, towards the aduancement of Christian Religion; & especially to protect & cherish the Neophites, since certainly there was no betterway then that to augment the Christian fayth. Moreouer he humbly requested his Maiesty would be pleased to take cōpassion of his own subiects, & in diuers places to assigne habitation, and allowance for the bringing vp of orphanes, both of the Portugheses, and of that country people. From Cocinum, Xauerius went by sea to Cranganora, which is a towne belonging to the Por­tugheses, some 15. miles from Cocinum, and from thence he came to Goa, in the beginning of March.

There were at that tyme many of the Society in the Colledge of Goa, F. Nico­las Lan­celot Re­ctour of the Col­ledge at Goa. to wit, Father Paul Camertes who had care of the Schollers; Father Francis Perez their may­ster; Father Nicolas Lancclot Rectour of the Colledge, which cōsisted partly of th [...] who came lately out of Portugall, and partly of others that were receiued in [Page 255] India: who, for the most part hauing neuer known Xa­uerius, but only by report, did much desire now to see him. Francis therfore returning home from these farre Countryes, was as a common Father, receiued with incredible loue, & ioy of all the Society; he comming likewise in happy tyme for the comfort, & spirituall good of Cosmas Turrianus, Cosmas Turianus freed frō perplexi­ty. who (as we said before) ha­uing in the Isle of Amboynum beheld with admiration Xauerius rare sanctity, had desired to enter into the So­ciety: and going thence to Goa, had now retyred him­selfe into the Colledge there, that by meanes of the spirituall Exercyse, he might learne of God what course of life was best for him to vndertake. But whē at the end of those Exercyses his mind was much per­plexed with cares, and being vncertaine what to re­solue vpon, suddainly at the sight of Francis, as at the influence of some fortunate Starre, his soule enioyed great repose, and so without further delay he entred into the Society.

Now did the fruite of that Seminary begin to ap­peare. For besides the Priests and Interpreters who had bin sent thence with no litle profit into the coast of Comorinum, many schollers who were well grown in learning & discipline were sent abroad in missions to the villages neere about, The fru­ite of the Semina­ry of Goa frō whence they brought many Ethnikes to Goa to be baptized. Wherat Xauerius much reioycing, esteemed it a thing of great impor­tance, to be very exact, in the training vp of schollers, from whome so much spirituall profit might arise. As he was thus busied, he was giuē to vnderstād that Iohn de Castro the viceroy of India was somwhat auerted frō [Page 258] the Society through the speaches of some maleuolent persons. He recō ­ciles the Viceroy to the Society. Wherupon he resolued to go vnto him vpon the first occasion, and to giue him satisfaction. But there happened in the meane time an accident worthy to be recounted, which manifested his inflamed zeale in meditation.

There was one Andrew an Indian borne, who was a Scholler in the Colledge of Goa, and for that tyme companion also vnto Xauerius, After­noones medita­tion. whose custome ordi­narily was to spend some tyme after dinner in medi­tating vpon heauenly things. He gaue therfore char­ge vnto Andrew to admonish him as soone as the cloc­ke had stroken two, for that he was to go vnto the Viceroy about a busines of importance. Andrew did as he was charged, and at the tyme appointed com­meth to Xauerius chamber, where finding him fitting with his contenance all inflamed, his eyes open, and rapt in such sort, as he seemed to be abstracted from his senses, called him oftentimes, but all in vayne; and when he could not awake him eyther by calling, or making a noyse with his feete, or knocking at the dore, In medi­tation of diuine matters he is ab­stracted from his senses. he pulled him at last by the clothes, wherewith he awaked. In the meane tyme the clocke had stro­ken foure. Wherefore Xauerius being admonished went presently to the Viceroies lodging: but the same feeling and feruour of spirit made him that he could not tell whither he went; so as wandring vp and downe the Citty, he spent the rest of the day in medi­tation. And when the night came on, being admoni­shed therof by his companion, he returned to himselfe agayne, and perceyuing to haue lost his way, turning [Page 257] to his companion he sayd: Will, we well deale with the Viceroy another day, for this day God hath taken vp for himselfe. The next day therfore, he went vnto the Viceroy, & gaue him satisfaction.

CHAP. XV.
He reclaymeth tvvo Portugheses from a levvd, vnto an honest life.

AFTER this, finding that an old friend of his, was vnmeasurably carryed away with dishonest loue towards his owne maides, he went to him of set purpose about noone and comming iust as he was going to dinner, inuites himself to be his guest, & to dine with him. He straight perceyued Xauerius would proue vngratefull to his tast; but hauing not the face to refuse him, cour­teously bad him welcome, colouring his troubled mind, with a feigned obseruance towards him, and by shewing outwardly a cheerfull contenāce. Dinner be­ing ready they sate downe togeather, and the faire maydes his concubines wayted at the table. The man was much ashamed, because none of his other seruāts were at home, and such a number of maydes might bring him into suspicion of incontiency. Now ther­fore when Xauerius, dissembling as though he had ob­serued no such thing, spake nothing thereof at the ta­ble, his Host, being taken in so open a fact, was afrayd that after dinner he would haue reprehēded him. But [Page 258] Xauerius thanking him for his courtesy, To dis­semble anothers sinnes in tyme cō ­uenient doth more good then to reprehēd them. and bidding farewell both to him and the maydes, went his way.

This dissembling the matter was of more force, towards the curing of his friends disease then his re­prehension would haue byn. His Host being freed of this feare, and hauing passed ouer so great and mani­fest a disgrace, & dishonour, without any reprehensi­on, began afterwards more confidently to go vnto Francis, and to inuite him freely to his house, yea of­tentymes to bring byn home to be his guest. Xauerius on the other side vsing him very courteously, and all­wayes saluting him kindly, asked oftentymes how those sisters of his did, without any further speach at all, thinking it inough to haue thus left a sting in his conscience by this his interrogation. Neyther was it in vayne. For within a few dayes after, his Host co­meth to S. Pauls Church, & calling for Xauerius casteth himselfe prostrate at his feete: Father, quoth he I am here ready to do what you command, for indeed that silence of yours hath stroke my soule with such cla­mours, Xauerius silence cryeth out. that being tossed vp and downe day and night it can take no rest. Wherefore I shall be most glad, if you will dispose of all that is mine, to Gods glory, & the saluation of my soule. Francis seeing him thus stro­ken by God, persuadeth him to make first a good con­fession of his sinnes, then to put away his Concubins by bestowing them in honest marriage, and lastly to betake himself to a good and vertuous life.

Neyther did Xauerius assist these only who were his friends and acquaintance, but strangers also whose saluatiō seemed to be euen desperate. There was a cer­taine [Page 259] Portughese Sea-souldiar, who despayring of his saluation, had not bin at Confession for the space of 18. yeare, and was now ready to imbarke himselfe for the sea to go with the Nauy to Meca, when as Frācis by chance had notice of him. His zeale of soules Wherfore thirsting after his saluation, he presently getteth into the same ship, and accompanyeth him in that nauigation. Then by speaking friendly vnto him, by sitting by him when he was at play, & by vsing all courtesy towards him, he so wonne his affection, that of himselfe he greatly reuerenced him, He by all courte­ous offi­ces win­neth a soldiar of very bad life to make his con­fession. & much desired his company. Wherupon Francis thinking it now a very good time to put that in execution which he had resolued, set­teth vpon him vnawares. And falling with him into familiar speach of the danger of a Soldiars life, began to aske him in a friendly manner, how he was pro­uided for death, which this mortality could not es­cape, & was hastned on also by a souldiars life & con­ditiō; how long it was since he was last at Confession by which Gods wrath agaynst sinne, the reuenger of Iniquity, is appeased. At which words he fetching a deepe sigh sayd, That he had now continued many yeares in the filth of sinne without going to Confes­sion; but it was rather another mans fault then his. For before the setting forth of the last fleete, he reso­lued to disburthen his conscience of the many and henyous sinnes which he had committed; and hauing confessed them to the Vicar, he refused to giue him absolution, so as he had now no hope of saluation.

Then Francis, a singular Physitian for the curing of forlorne soules, telleth him, that he wondred the [Page 260] Vicar was so seuere, if he had confessed his sinnes as he ought to do. Then he biddeth him be of good com­fort, promising that he would willingly heare him, & absolue him, aduising him to call to mynd all his sins from his childhood, as farre forth as he could remem­ber them, prescribing him also an easy and commodi­ous method how to do it; which he, being now ray­sed vp againe to hope, did willingly, and diligently practice for many dayes togeather. And when he was thus prepared, the opportunity also of a place was rea­dy at hand; which was, that by the way the whole fleet was inuited to make some stay at a towne as they passed. He gi­ueth his penitent a small pennāce intēdiug himselfe to satis­fy for him. When therefore many went a land, Francis also with his souldiar went with them. And there in a place remote from any company, he beganne to he­are his Confession, who shewed himself truly penitēt by his often sighes & teares, which many times inter­rupted his Confession. When he had ended, Fran­cis absolueth him, inioining him to say for his pennāce once Pater and Aue, and for the rest himselfe promised to satisfy his diuine Maiesty. Wherupon Xauerius lea­uing the souldiar, withdrew into the next wood, and there stripping himselfe naked, beate and scourged his backe extremely, with a whippe full of most sharpe prickes, and whereof he made no end, or measure.

In the meane time the Soldiar hauing said his pen­nance, and following the Fathers footesteppes, came into the wood, and by the sound of the lashes, came right vnto the place where Francis was a disciplining himselfe. As soone as he saw that horrible whip, & his backe all torne, and begored with bloud, at the first he [Page 261] stood still in amazement. Then with teares gushing forth of his eyes, he leapeth vnto him, and casteth himselfe at Xauerius feete, nor would he rise vntill he left off tormenting himselfe for anothers sinnes. Nei­ther did this inuentiō of Xauerius proue vnprofitable. For this strange sight did so moue the soldiars hart, al­ready mollified by Confession, to the desire of pen­nance, that he afterwards by voluntary mortification washed away the spottes of his former life, and satis­fied for his offences by good workes. And Xauerius hauing thus compassed his desire, and finding presēt commodity of shipping, returneth backe againe to Goa.

CHAP. XVI.
Hauing distributed diuers Prouinces to o­thers of the Society, himself determineth to go into Iaponia.

HAVING setled all businesses of the Col­ledge at Goa, He pre­pareth in many places, houses for the Society. & that there was at the same time a new supply of the Society come out of Portugall, he began to deuide & distri­bute them into diuers Missions. Wherfore he sent Ni­colas Lancellot to the towne of Coulanum, Alphonsus Cy­prian to Meliapora the towne of S. Thomas, Francis Perez to Malaca, Alphonsus à Castro to Moluca, Melchior Con­salues to Bazainum, and lastly Gaspar of Artois to Or­mus a Citty of speciall trade and fame, scituated in [Page 262] the mouth of the Persian gulfe. Xauerius had indeed re­solued to haue gone himself to Ormus, to suppresse the heynous vices which he vnderstood the sincke of Su­perstition had nourished in that place. But his iorney into Iaponia changed this his determinatiō, by sending thither the forsaid Gaspar, a man of singular vertue & sanctity of life, and most like to himselfe.

It was alwayes Xauerius practise, neuer (almost) to command any of the Society to go where himselfe had not bin before. He sent almost none of the So­ciety where he him­selfe had not bin. For he ordinarily first made tryall of the place, to the end he might giue both documents suitable thereunto, and also faithfully discharge his promise made to the King of Portugall, of extending the bounds of the Christian faith. And whithersoeuer he sent any of the Fathers to preach the Ghospell, he alwayes assigned them a companion, and assistant of the Society, giuing them (besides particular instru­ctions) certain generall documents, the summe whe­reof was: That before all things, they should attend vnto themselues, & preferre nothing before the pure and religious honour of God, Instru­ctions giuen to the Soci­ety. and the saluation and perfection of their owne soules. For being endued with these ornaments, they would not only securely & easily help others in matters of saluatiō, but would also cheerfully and willingly apply themselues to any thing how hūble or abiect soeuer, without the which the gouernment of Christian affayres could not well stand.

Now when he had sent some of the Society into almost all the countryes of the East, to manure and cultiuate the tender plants of our Lords vineyard, he [Page 263] [...]egan to thinke vpon greater matters. About this [...]ime Anger the Iaponiam (who as we sayd before, Anger the Iapo­nese is baptized had [...]in by Xauerius sent to Goa) being sufficiently instru­cted in the mysteries of the Christian faith, was bap­tized by the Bishop, togeather with two of his ser­ [...]antes, & would needs be called (by the Name of the Colledge of Goa) Paul of the Holy Faith; of such force was the memory of that place, and the benefit which he had receiued therein. By him Xauerius vnderstood (which had bin also related vnto him by the Portu­gheses, who had byn there) that there were in Iaponia many Ilands, exceeding full of inhabitants of excel­lent good wits, & lay from Goa about 1300. leagues: and moreouer that the Iaponeses were addicted to the knowledge of diuine, and humane things. Xauerius therfore hauing had some tryall of the Iaponians dis­positions in this man, and his seruants, began to be taken with such a desire of instructing so vnderstan­ding a People, that he determined, without delay to make a voyage thither.

First therfore he taketh order for the sufficient instructing of those three Iaponians who were with him, both in the Portughese language, and other li­terature, that they might serue him for Interpreters. Then hauing spent a summer and winter in domesti­call affaires at Goa, He by the way visiteth the Co­morinensian Ne­ophytes. like a good and diligent Pastour by the way visiteth the Comorinensian and Piscarian Coast with all his flocke of Christians in those parts. There he is [...]nformed, that Henry, one of the Society, liued half discontented in the next country of Trauancoris, for that he seemed to loose his labour amōgst the Neo­phytes [Page 264] of that place, who by reason of the persecution raysed by their new King, a deadly Enemy to Christi­ans, fell oftentimes into Idolatry. Xauerius therfore by consolatory letters, He com­forteth some of the Soci­ety in a fatherly manner. full of fatherly affection, bad him be of good courage, telling him withall, that his profit was far greater, then he imagined. For al­though he should do nothing else, yet certainly there was no small number of infants, and children saued for being by him baptized, who otherwaies by vntim­ly death had byn euerlastingly lost. For put the case (quoth he) that there were but few of the elder sort saued, yet there is no doubt to be made of their sal­uation, who dyed in that innocency which they re­ceiued in baptisme. And therefore he should beware least through the suggestion of the Deuil he might be drawne to go into some other Country, where he should not reape so good an haruest of soules. But now for those who laboured seriously in the vineyard of our Lord, Francis did not only comfort them himselfe, but somtimes also procured Ignatius to do the like, by his letters from Rome, fearing least their alacrity being oppressed by continual troubles and miseries, might be ouercharged by the labours which they tooke. And so, hauing in a certaine letter of his much praised Hen­ry Henriquez a man of singular vertue, and exemplar life, who tooke great paines in the same Promontory, he commended him to Ignatius, desyring he would be pleased to write vnto him a letter consolatory.

Hauing thus setled matters in Comorinum, he re­turneth againe to Goa, to prouide for his Iaponian voy­age. Wherupon presently he went into the kingdome [Page 265] [...]f Cambaya, to treat about certayne affayres for the Moluca's, with the Viceroy, who at that tyme was [...]mployed in the war of Cambaya. By the way he came [...]o Bazain, which is a towne belonging to the Portu­ [...]heses, scituated almost in the midway betweene Goa and the riuer Indus. And going thence without any [...]ay into Cambaia he was very courteously entertained [...]y the Viceroy, with whome hauing ended his busi­ [...]esse, he returned presently agayne to Goa; where ha­uing made Antony Gomez Rectour of the Colledge, and appointed Paul Camertes to supply his owne place, he prepareth himselfe with all speed for his iourney into Iaponia.

It was no sooner bruited abroad, The dif­ficulties of the Iaponian nauiga­tion. that Francis was to go into Iaponia, but presently many of his friends came vnto him in all hast, to terrify him from so dangerous a resolutiō, laying before his eyes the ma­ny and great dangers of so long and vnknowne a voi­age by sea, for that he was to go vnto the furthest end of the world, Iaponia lying from Goa aboue 1300. leagues, and the way vnto it being but newly found out, was not as yet sufficiently knowne, for the auoi­ding of rockes and quicksands. Moreouer they decla­re vnto him the horrible stormes and tempests of that sea, in respect whereof, the fury and rage of the rest of the Ocean, was but a sport, especially in the tyme of Autumne, The wind Typhon when as those seas are tossed with a most boisterous wind (called by the Inhabitants Typhon) and with such a fury and violence, as none can ima­gine but those who haue seen and proued it; by which also the greatest, and strongest ships being often loo­sened [Page 266] in their ioyntes, being not able to endure such violent waues, become so broken and shattered, that eyther swallowed vp in the billowes, or els dashed agaynst, the rockes do miserably perish. And the very name of the forsayd Wind, or rather Fury, striketh such an horrour into the passengers, that euē the most skillfull, and hardyest Pilots, and Marriners esteeme this voyage into Iaponia to be no lesse dangerous then toylsome, so farre doth the violent raging of that sea passe all their art, and skill.

Moreouer, they tell him, that there be in diuers pla­ces many quicksands in the way, very hard to be dis­couered, wherein their shippes, eyther by not being acquainted with the tract, or else by drift of tempest do sticke fast to their certayne destruction. Againe, all those seas for the most part are much pestered with most cruell pyrates. A multi­tude of Pyrats. For besides the Acenians, who being deadly enemies to the Portugheses, make con­tinuall depredations in the gulfe of Malaca with great fleetes; there keepe also, about the Coast of China, many nauies of most bloudy and desperate pyrates, vsing no mercy to whomesoeuer they take. They should also in those places meete with other nauies of the King of China, which being appointed to pur­sue the pyrates, kept no more quarter with strāgers then with the pyrats themselues: in so much that one cannot tell whether it be more dāgerous to meet with the pyrates themselues, or with those that pursue thē: so that it was certaynely esteemed no bad fortune, if but euery third shippe came safe into Iaponia.

These, and such lyke things; though they were [Page 267] [...]deed matters of no light moment, yet were they by [...]is friends greatly exagerated, who for that they pro­ [...]eeded from very graue persons, and skillfull of such [...]ffaires, hoped they might auert Xauerius mynd from [...]hat enterprize. But all in vaine: nor could they once moue his noble courage, which contemned euen de­ [...]th, and vpheld it selfe with firme confidence in the [...]iuine prouidence. Whereupon they flying to their [...]st refuge, began with teares most earnestly to intreat and beseech him, that he would not with certayne dā ­ger of his life, thinke of going to those coūtries, which Nature had so locked vp from the sight of mortall mē: and that hauing already suffered miseryes inough, he would now at length make an end of conuerting ob­scure Nations, and haue compassion, if not of his owne, yet, of the common good.

But Francis thanking them for their fidelity, Francis speech to his frieds who dis­suaded him frō going in to Iapo­nia. and good will, tould them, that by Gods holy help & assi­stance he feared none of these things; and wondred they should thinke, that whither themselues had gone for gayne of trade and merchandize, he durst not vē ­ture to go for the glory of God, and saluation of sou­les. ‘I haue assuredly (quoth he) such certayne signes and pledges of the diuine prouidence, that I thinke it would be a great sinne in me to feare any daunger, though neuer so certayne and manifest. For, by Gods speciall goodnes, I haue passed infinite tractes of the Ocean, and haue compassed round the Promontory of Good hope, and haue at last arriued safe hither to this other world. I haue escaped the fury of the Trauan­corians, the treacheryes of the Badages, and the enco­unter [Page 268] of Pyrates. Moreouer I haue trauayled ouer all Malaca, & the golden Chersonesus, the Ilands of Moluca, standing almost in the vtmost partes of the world. Without any harme haue I gone to Maurica, and in­structed and made ciuill that barbarous & sauage na­tion, giuen wholy to spoyle, robberies, and murders. And hauing now had all these assurances and argu­ments of the diuine prouidence, do you thinke that I can eyther distrust of Gods fatherly assistance, or giue ouer to amplify his glory, to which I haue wholy de­dicated & vowed my self? Ought I to draw back for feare of any danger whatsoeuer? I will certaynely for no occasion be wanting in what I haue vnderta­ken. Whersoeuer I shall be, I will remember that I am exposed to the view of the whole world, and do stād in the sight of God, and all the Court of heauen. Nei­ther was it my determination, when I passed ouer the sea, to preach the Ghospell only in India, and other places adioyning, but also in the furthest parts of the East. I will tell you truly, I am ashamed that I haue not yet brought Christian Religion into those coun­tryes, whither our merchants haue long fince brought their vayne, and petty commodityes. I will therefore with Gods grace, lay open at last a way into those co­untries for the Ghospell, which Nature hath so farre separated from our world: & to spend my life (if need require) in these imploiments, I account it not only an honour, but also a great blessing.’

His friends being ouercome by this his incredible constancy, and stroken into an amazement at his vn­daunted courage, desisted wholy from their suite, and [Page 269] praying for his happy iourney they left him to his in­tended voyage, not without great sorrow for his de­parture, and carefull sollicitude for his safety, in re­gard of the many dangers he was to vndergo.

CHAP. XVII.
At Malaca he doth many things vvor­thy of memory.

XAVERIVS at his departure from Goa, left behind him in writing certayne pro­fitable precepts vnto Father Paul that had byn lately Rectour of the Colledge of Goa, whome now in his absence he ordayned to supply his place. The summe whereof was: That being mynd­full rather of Christian humility, then of the place & authority he had, he should carry a fatherly gouern­ment towards the rest of his companions, and should very carefully prouide for them in all their discōmo­dities, & difficultyes, and once a yeare to write vnto him into Iaponia of al things belonging to the Society, & of those that were thereof vnder his care & gouer­ment. Fatherly gouer­ment. Now when all the other Fathers desired to fol­low him into Iaponia, he comforted them with pater­nall words, by putting them in hope, that hauing opened a way into that Country, he might call them all thither: and in the meane tyme he would carry them along with him in his hart, and mynd.

Hauing therefore setled all things in order & pro­uided [Page 270] for his iourney, His Compa­nyons in the Japo­niā naui­gation. in the yeare of our Lord 1548. and month of Aprill he imbarketh at Goa, togeather with Paul of the holy Fayth the Iaponese, Cosmas Turria­nus, Iohn Ferdinand, and a few others of the Society. He was carryed in a goodly ship, pointed and barbed with iron, the Captayne whereof was one Iames No­ronia. By his courteous behauiour he began to gayne both the Captaynes and the other passengers affectiōs hoping thereby to make way for the cure of their sou­les. Wherefore he would looke on whilst others plaid at Chesse, perswade those to play who seemed shame­fast, and would many tymes also intermingle their game with witty and pleasant speaches. But Noronia the Captayne, who was not yet familiary acquainted with him, although he liked well of his courteous be­hauiour, yet in words he impeached the fame of his sanctity. For in discourse with his familiar friends, he would often cast forth certayne inconsiderate speaches; as that Francis seemed to be but as other men are, and that his sanctity was not answerable to the re­port therof. But within a while the splēdor of his hid­den vertue brake forth, and shewed it selfe. For when they were inforced to go a land to take in fresh water, Xauerius with certayne others went a land also; and whilest they prouided water, or else, as it often hap­ned, recreated themselues by taking comfort and so­lace of the land, he withdrew himselfe into a desert, and solitary place neere by, there to conferre alone in prayer with almighty God.

Now the ship hauing receyued in those that went for water, was ready to hoyse vp sayle, when as Noro­nia [Page 271] perceiued that Xauerius was wanting: Wherfore he presently sendeth out some to call him speedily to the shippe. They looking & calling him a great while by the shore side but all in vayne, In his prayers he is ab­stracted from his senses. find him at length in a priuate place at his prayers, wholy abstracted from his senses. Then the report thereof being spread through out all the Nauy, it caused such admiration both in Noronia and the rest, that turning their rash iudgment into reuerence towards him, they greatly honoured his singular sanctity, and courteous huma­nity. This occasiō much furthered towards the curing of their soules, and restrayning their vices.

Francis then arriuing, He lod­geth with the Francis­cans by the way, at Cocinum, wēt presently as his custome was, to lodge with the Fran­ciscans, who was very friendly entertayned by them: Whither the chiefe of the Citty presently came to in­treate of him, that some of the Society might be sent thither, to instruct as well the youth, as the whole Citty in vertue, & other discipline; promising him a fit place, and all things necessary for those that should be sent. Xauerius being loath to reiect so iust and pious a request, leaueth the disposing of the whole businesse vnto Peter Consaluus the Bishops Vicar, making hast himselfe towards Iaponia, whither all his thoughts were now wholy bent. Afterwards hauing had for the space of more then 60. dayes a prosperous naui­gation, vpon the last of May he arriueth at Malaca, and lodgeth with his owne Society, to their incredi­ble ioy and consolation. At the same tyme Alphonsus à Castro of the same Society (who was afterwards slayne in Moluca by the Saracens, for defence Chri­stian [Page 272] Religion) sung there the first High Masse with all solemnity, to the exceeding comfort of the Neo­phytes, who were greatly delighted to behold those new ceremonies. And for the greater Celebrity ther­of, Xauerius made thereat a Sermon.

At the same tyme also the Vicar of Malaca, The Vi­car of Malaca being out of his sen­ses reco­uereth them againe. Xaue­rius ancient friend, lay very sicke of a Feuer, no lesse dangerous then vehement; and his trouble of mind increased his corporall infirmity. As soone therefore as he vnderstood of Francis his arriuall, being much distempered (as it hapneth) through the violence of his sicknesse, he calleth for his apparell, to go & salute his dearest friend. But as he was pulling on his stoc­kings he fell into a sowne, and suncke downe in the armes of those that were about him. Francis therfore being certifyed therof, cōmeth presently vnto him, & findeth him fallen into a frenzy, and in some despayre both of mynd and body. Wherupon he voweth to say certayne Masses for this his friends safety. And his vow was very acceptable vnto God: for instantly he recouereth his senses agayne, confesseth his sinnes, & dyeth piously, and with great edification.

Now whilest Xauerius expecteth commodity of shipping into Iaponia, he imployeth himselfe with no lesse labour & profit amōgst the citizens of Malaca, thē he had done vpon the Vicar. For he deliuered out of the Diuels iawes many lewd and desperate men, He eua­seth a merchāt to leaue his con­nes. who were extremely bewitched with harlots allurements. Amōgst whome (that by one, a scātling may be made of the rest) there was a cetayne Merchant, who kept at home with him seauen maydes to the shew, but in­deed [Page 273] were all Harlots. Which thing Xauerius vnder­standing, first dissembled the matter, expecting a con­uenient time. Afterwards meeting this miserable man vpon an Holy day (imitating therein our Sauiour Christ who bad himselfe to supper with Zacchaeus the Publican) tould him in a friendly manner, that he would dine with him that day, if it were not incon­uenient. The merchant, for feare his maydes might be discoured, was at first extremely troubled, and thought on all the meanes he could deuise how to ex­cuse the matter. But at last, moued through shame least he might seeme vnwilling to receiue such a guest into his house, he shewed himselfe to be content. And so framing both his countenance and speach to a courteous willingnes, carryeth Xauerius home to din­ner, and causeth good cheere to be made. They sate downe, and his fayre mayds wayted at the table. The merchant was indeed halfe ashamed, that he had no men to wayt, & that the mayds were constrayned to serue; remayning also with an anxious & sollicitous mind, what the good Father might thinke thereof. Which when Francis perceiued iudging it prudence to free the man both of shame and feare, Prudēce in dissembling matters. said nothing of what he intended. Wherupon presently, as though he had interpreted al things in the best sense, he began to commend the meate, and the maydes also who had dressed the same, and made the sauces to it, asking them their names, and country, & how long they had byn Christians.

The Merchant when he saw in him this mildnes and simplicity, who (as he thought) suspected no­thing [Page 272] Religion) sung there the first High Masse with all solemnity, to the exceeding comfort of the Neo­phytes, who were greatly delighted to behold those new ceremonies. And for the greater Celebrity ther­of, Xauerius made thereat a Sermon.

At the same tyme also the Vicar of Malaca, The Vi­car of Malaca being out of his sen­ses reco­uereth them againe. Xaue­rius ancient friend, lay very sicke of a Feuer, no lesse dangerous then vehement; and his trouble of mind increased his corporall infirmity. As soone therefore as he vnderstood of Francis his arriuall, being much distempered (as it hapneth) through the violence of his sicknesse, he calleth for his apparell, to go & salute his dearest friend. But as he was pulling on his stoc­kings he fell into a sowne, and suncke downe in the armes of those that were about him. Francis therfore being certifyed therof, cōmeth presently vnto him, & findeth him fallen into a frenzy, and in some despayre both of mynd and body. Wherupon he voweth to say certayne Masses for this his friends safety. And his vow was very acceptable vnto God: for instantly he recouereth his senses agayne, confesseth his sinnes, & dyeth piously, and with great edification.

Now whilest Xauerius expecteth commodity of shipping into Iaponia, he imployeth himselfe with no lesse labour & profit amōgst the citizens of Malaca, thē he had done vpon the Vicar. For he deliuered out of the Diuels iawes many lewd and desperate men, He eua­seth a merchāt to leaue his con­nes. who were extremely bewitched with harlots allurements. Amōgst whome (that by one, a scātling may be made of the rest) there was a cetayne Merchant, who kept at home with him seauen maydes to the shew, but in­deed [Page 273] were all Harlots. Which thing Xauerius vnder­standing, first dissembled the matter, expecting a con­uenient time. Afterwards meeting this miserable man vpon an Holy day (imitating therein our Sauiour Christ who bad himselfe to supper with Zacchaeus the Publican) tould him in a friendly manner, that he would dine with him that day, if it were not incon­uenient. The merchant, for feare his maydes might be discouered, was at first extremely troubled, and thought on all the meanes he could deuise how to ex­cuse the matter. But at last, moued through shame [...]least he might seeme vnwilling to receiue such a guest into his house, he shewed himselfe to be content. And so framing both his countenance and speach to a courteous willingnes, carryeth Xauerius home to din­ner, and causeth good cheere to be made. They sate downe, and his fayre mayds wayted at the table. The merchant was indeed halfe ashamed, that he had no men to wayt, & that the mayds were constrayned to serue; remayning also with an anxious & sollicitous mind, what the good Father might thinke thereof. Which when Francis perceiued iudging it prudence to free the man both of shame and feare, Prudēce in dissembling matters. said nothing of what he intended. Wherupon presently, as though he had interpreted al things in the best sense, he began to commend the meate, and the maydes also who had dressed the same, and made the sauces to it, asking them their names, and country, & how long they had byn Christians.

The Merchant when he saw in him this mildnes and simplicity, who (as he thought) suspected no­thing [Page 274] by seeing so many handsome maydes without any men, began to take some courage; but when at last there was not so much as a word spoken that day about that matter, fearing now no reprehensiō, he of his owne accord inuiteth oftentymes Xauerius to sup­per. Francis therefore obseruing this cunning of his, dissembled all vntill he came to be throughly acquain­ted with the man, and hauing found out his inclinatiō & which of those Concubines he loued best; when he saw a fit tyme for the purpose▪ in a friendly manner as his custome was: Why, quoth he, haue you so many maydes, seeing you haue no men? If you will follow my connsayle, you shall do well to put away one or two of them. And when, condescending to Francis his gentle instance, he had put away one, Xaueriu [...] be­ing by him inuited another day to supper, by com­mending what he had done, drew him, without any great difficulty, to put away another. In the meane tyme he ceased not priuately to vse all the industrious meanes he could deuise to rid away his deerest miniō, that so hauing weakened his loue to her, he might the more easily batter the chiefe hould, in which his In­continency dominiered. Some dayes after therfore, being agayne inuited to supper, he withdraweth from him the third, and afterwards the fourth, and by litle & litle all the seauen one after another: and finally bringeth the merchant himselfe, being now moued thereto by diuine power, to cleanse his soule of his sinnes by Confession, and to prouide honest places for the forsayd women; vsing heerein no lesse discretion in curing a disease of many kinds, then in wholy ta­king [Page 275] away the causes, and occasions thereof.

The same course he tooke also not only in the Cit­ty, but likewise in the ship with men, Prudēce in repre­hending who had no go­uernment ouer their [...]ngue. For if at any tyme he heard any one cast forth base or contumelious words, he dissembled for the present, making no shew of be­ing displeased thereat; neyther would he straight­wayes reprehend the same, but expect alwayes a fit tyme & occasion to admonish the offenders, least his admonition might therby, as oftentymes it hapneth, rather increase the sores of festred wounds, then cure them. He being therefore a Phisitian very skill­ful in curing of such euils, to the end that his patients might quietly abide the applying of his remedy, he would first gently insinuate himselfe into his friend­ship who was to be thus cured, then would he take him a side, and all alone reprehend him in so sweet a manner, as a friend once tould, him that he won­dred how such mild words proceeded frō his mouth. And by this meanes he so brought the matter about, that the offenders not only acknowledged their fault, but did sincerely amend it.

CHAP. XVIII.
Being carryed in a Pirats barke, he arriueth at last in Iaponia, in despite both of the Pilot, and the Deuill.

WHILEST he was thus imployed at Ma­laca in the exercises of Christian charity, the tyme approached for his departure to­wards Iaponia. Wherupon, eyther through want of a greater Portughese ship, or else to prouide for the more security of his Neophites who were to accompany him, he ventured to go with a Barbarian Pyrate, so secure he esteemed all things with those who rely wholy vpon God: For he was afrayd least the three Iaponian Neophytes, who went along with him in that iourney, might be much scandalized at the Portugheses, if they should perceiue them, being Christians, The di­uine pro­uidence fauou­reth Xa­uerius. to offend in any thing. Wherefore mee­ting with an Ethnicke Pirate of China, who was not without cause, surnamed the Robber, he agreed with him, that passing by China, he should carry him, and his companions directely into Iaponia. And taking pledges for security (yet trusting more vpon the di­uine assistance, then vpon the fidelity of that Barbar­an) he aduentureth himself and his company in a lit­le Barke, which they call in their language Iuncus.

He departed from Malaca in the month of June, [Page 277] [...]pon the Natiuity of S. Iohn Baptist, and had a reaso­ [...]able prosperous, and commodious nauigation, al­ [...]ough his Pilot were neyther industrious, nor fayth­ [...]ll towards him. For he (as Ethnickes make no great [...]nsciēce of their promise) hauing on a suddain chan­ [...]d his mind, The per­fidious­nesse of Ethnic­kes. was not willing to go into Iaponia; and [...]erfore to trifle away the time, he stayd at euery Ilād [...] met withall, without any reason or occasion. Xaue­ [...]s therfore being sollicitous about his iorney, when [...] saw him of set purpose, by making delayes, loose [...] tyme which was most conuenient for them, be­ [...]n to be afrayd least the summer once past, he might [...] constrayned to stay all winter in some Hauen of [...]ina. Wherupon he earnestly expostulated with the [...]ayster of the ship, put him in mynd of his pledges, [...] lastly besought and intreated him, that he would [...]ot breake his promise made vnto the Portugeses. But [...]hen he could nothing preuayle with the Pyrate, al­ [...]ough he was much grieued in mynd, yet he suppres­ [...]d the same, casting all vpon the diuine Prouidence, which he had alwayes found to be fauourable vnto [...]im: notwithstanding, The exe­crable sacrifices of Eth­nicks. the detestable Superstiti­ [...]n of the Pilot and marriners did mooue him much [...]ore, then their perfidiousnes had done. For they had [...] the ship an Idol to which they very often offred exe­ [...]rable sacrifices. They also oftentymes by casting [...]otts asked aduise of the Deuill, and specially whe­ [...]her they should haue a prosperous iourney if they [...]ayled into Iaponia. Xauerius was indeed much incen­ [...]ed heerat, & could in no case brooke that they should thinke his voyage into Iaponia w ^ch he vndertooke for [Page 278] gods sake should depend vpon the Deuils lot & plea­sure; yet relying wholy vpon the diuine Goodnes, he contemned whatsoeuer the Deuill could act agaynst him and so by Gods all-ruling disposition they driect their course towards Iaponia. By the way there hap­ned two things worthy of note.

The first was, One of Francis his com­panions falling into the pumpe is deliue­red from death. that Emanuel a Chinese one of Xa­uerius company, being in a tempest cast downe by the extreme tossing of the ship, fell headlong into the pumpe which was by chance open; and the fall was not without great danger of his life, for that he fell both very high, and besides stucke fast in the pumpe with his head downeward. Euery one therefore thin­king him to be dead, he was at last with much adoe drawen out, and a litle after by Gods help, and Fran­cis his prayers came to life agayne. In the fall he re­ceyued a wound in his head, but the feare therof was more then the daunger, for within a few daies he was perfectly cured.

Not long after this there hapned another chance with the like danger, but different in the effect. Whilst Emanuel was in dressing his wound by the surgeō, the ship being suddaynly tossed, cast the Pylots daughter ouer board into the sea, and being driuen on with a violēt wind, The Pi­lots daughter is drow­ned. & a cruel tempest that immediatly arose, there was found no meanes possible to saue her crying out for help. And so in sight of her Father, and the rest of the marriners the vnfortunate mayde is swallowed vp by the raging billowes. Vpon this mischance there ariseth a doleful cry intermingled with a certain how­ling out, and lamentation of the Barbarians, which [Page 279] [...]ontinued all that day, and the next night. Now the [...]euill who had bin long since spitefully bent against [...]auerius, The di­uell ta­keth oc­casion of treache­ry. thinking that he could not haue a fitter oc­casion to wreake his malice vpon him, vsed many de­ [...]eiptfull stratagemes against him in this busines. For when they Infidels damaunded of the Idoll the reason [...]hy the Pilots daughter was drowned; it was answe [...]ed, that if Emanuell the Christian had dyed in the [...]umpe the maid should not haue bin cast away in the [...]. Francis presently perceiued that by this answere, [...] & his company were aymed at, to make them odi­ [...]s both to the Pilot and the marriners: and withall [...]und himselfe to be oftentimes much tempted inte­ [...]ourly by that horrible beast. But calling vpon the [...]uine assistance, he did not only defeate all the plotts [...] this most cruell Enemy, but freed himselfe also frō [...]he imminent dangers, in which he was amongst [...]hose Ethnickes.

There was nothing which more cooled the mali [...]e of the Deuil, His mag­nanimity against the ter­rours of the deuil and the marriners agaynst him, then [...]is couragious mynd. Neyther did this combat [...]asse without some fruite vnto Francis. For by his [...]wne peril he experienced what horrible terrours the [...]iuell striketh into others, when he is permitted, & [...]ndeth opportunity Concerning which matter there [...] extant a notable Epistle of Xauer [...]us to the Society at [...]oa, The way how to ouer­come the affrights of the Deuill. the contents whereof are: That there is no surer [...]ay to defeate the vayne affrights of the Deuill, then [...]y wholy distrusting in our selues, & putting our cō ­fidence in God, with a couragious and vndaunted [...]art, to contemne the feeble assaults, and threats of [Page 280] that Monster; and by depending vpon the diuine assi­stance, to keep our selues, with all the courage we can, from being afrayd. For in such a case, and at such a tyme nothing ought more to be feared, then diffidence and distrust in God: seeing it is manifest, that our E­nemy cannot, with all his forces, dovs any hurt, vn­lesse God permit him.

Xauerius hauing thus ouercome the Diuell, had now a new combat to fight with men. When they were ar­riued at Cantonium a hauen Towne of China, the Pilot and marriners consulted againe with the Idoll by lot­tes, & receiuing no comfortable answere from the Di­uell concerning their nauigation into Iaponia, cast ancker, & resolued to keep their winter there. Which Xauerius perceyuing, cast about to help himselfe. And first he humbly besought the Pylot, to stand to his promisses; then when intreatyes could do no good, falling from requests vnto threats, he layd before him the losse of his pledges, and the displeasure of the Go­uernor of Malaca, & the Portugeses, to whome he had giuen his word: so as, at last the Pilot being somwhat moued with what was obiected agaynst him, he wei­ghed ancker, and began to sayle forward. But this cō ­stancy in him was no more then his fidelity. For a lit­le while after the perfidious Ethnicke fell agayne into his former humour of wintering in those coasts. Which perfidiousnesse of his, would infallibly haue hindred Xauerius iourney, had not the diuine Proui­dence turned the Pilots course another way.

The ship now sayled amaine with a prosperous gale towards Cinceum a hauen towne of China, where the [Page 281] [...]ylot intended to harbour all the winter, for that the [...]mmer was now almost at an end; when as vpon the [...]ddaine they meete with a Pinnace which telleth thē [...]at the port of Cinceum was much pestred with Py­ [...]tes. The Pylot being greatly affrighted with this [...]ewes, called his witts together, and began to thinke [...]hat was best to be done. To go backe agayne to Cā ­ [...]nium he could not, because the wind was ful agaynst [...], and withall lay very right for Iaponia. Wherfore [...]aking his benefit of necessity, he resolued to follow [...] wind. And so in despite both of the Pilot, Marri­ [...]ers, & the Diuell himselfe the ship was constrayned [...] hould on her course into Iaponia: whither at last [...] arriued vpon the very day of the Assumption of [...]ur B. Lady, more by the fauour of God, and his Ho­ [...] Mother, then of the wind or weather. Now when [...]s they could not well reach to other Hauens as they [...]esired, they arriued with their ship at Cangoxima, a Citty in the Kingdom of Saxuma, and the very Coun­ [...]ry of Paul of the Holy Fayth. There Francis together with his companions, is very courteously entertayned [...]oth by Paules friends, & the rest of the inhabitants, [...]ea euen of the Magistrates thēselues: whose arriuall [...]eing diuulged among the people, euery one, as it of­ [...]en hapneth, ran with admiration to behold the new Priests that were come from Portugall.

He inquireth of the Manners, and Reli­gions of the Iaponians. CHAP. I.

IAPONIA is a Country of the vt­most East, A discription of Iaponia. and bordereth vpon the furthest part of Asia. It consisteth altogeather of Ilandes, diuided by strait and narrow armes of the sea. Concerning the extent and bignes thereof (as much as can be obserued by a Portughese skillfull in such matters, who hath lately measured the same) we haue for certayne, that it is extended in length about 900. miles, and in forme not much vnlike to Italy, except that Italy ioyneth to the Con­ [...]inent, [Page 283] & is almost equall vnto it in greatnes. On the North, it lyeth towards the furthest part of Scythia, which we call Tartary; on the west it bendeth towards China, and on the East, it is opposite to New Spayne, [...]eing distant from thence lesse then 500. miles. From [...]oa it is well neere 2000. leagues. It conteynes sixty [...]ix Kingdomes; and which is very strange, the whole Nation vseth but one language, & that not hard to be [...]earned. But all Iaponia (by reason of three Ilands big­ger then the rest) is diuided into three partes, which [...]aking their names from the greater Ilands, haue ma­ [...]y of the lesser belonging vnto them.

That part which of all the rest is the greatest with­out comparison, and furthest distant from India, is properly called Iapon, from whence the rest of the country taketh its name. This Iland is in length 750. miles, but the breadeth is various, yet for the most part it is about 180 miles ouer. There be in it 53. King­domes; which certainly can be of no great extent: For euen to Lords, & Princes of seuerall Cittyes they giue the Title of King, of whome, many abound in wealth, especially those who haue the Dominion o­uer many Kingdomes. Heerein is scituated Meaco which was anciently the head Citty of all Iaponia, but now of many Kingdomes only.

The next vnto Iapon in greatnes and wealth is Xi­mus, The Ilād Ximus. which is sayd to be 150. miles in length, and in breadeth 70. This lying neerest of all the other vnto China, and lesse distant from India, is deuided into nine Kingdomes, whereof Saxuma is one, and where, as we sayd before, Xauerius first arriued.

[Page 284] The third Iland lying betweene both these, is called Xicus, The Iland Xicus. or Xicocus, little more then halfe as great as Ximus, and conteyneth only foure Kingdomes. This whole country being altogether vnknown to former ages, was discouered by the Portugeses, who being by tempest of weather driuen thither, began by meanes of traffique, to haue correspondence with them, some ten 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 chā ­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, A siluer country. 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 thēselues. 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 [Page 285] [...]worne out amongst the Nobles, What kind of people the Iapo­neses be. 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 [...]byn found out of late. Xauerius therefore making his [...]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 [Page 286] they be of such couragious spirits, and so much giuen to bearing of armes, yet they absteyne from all quar­rels amōg themselues, reseruing the vse of their wea­pons for tyme of warre agaynst their enemies. The Ja­poneses temper in brid­ling their passions. 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 cōtrouer­sy 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 horse­flesh. 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, The Ia­poneses spare dyet. 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 [Page 287] 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, The Ja­ponians ciuility. 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.

[Page 288] 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, The Ia­ponians Gods. & 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, Bonzies Japonian Priests. and Amidas. But there is no greater villanny, or impurity, then among their Priest [...] (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 other, to be no sinne at all. Whereupon (both their kings, and sub­iects being alike infected with that abominable sinne, and running on headlong therin, as it were to armes) their Cittyes euer since, vndoubtedly through Gods wrathfull indignation, being continually in tumultes and vprore, they are perpetually engaged in ciuill war­res amongst themselues; wherby at last they may, by Gods goodnes, open their eyes to fly from such abomi­nations. And in the meane tyme, that sinne may not want matter to worke on, the Nobility for the most part, commit their children, like sheepe to wolues, for their Education to the Bonzies. There be diuers [Page 289] Conuents of them both men and women, called Bon­zies, & Bonziesses, and they haue also distinct habits, as amongst our Religious men of Europe, the Deuil ther­in playing the ape with the Church of Christ. But al­ [...]hough the Bonzies be not without good ground, estee­med to be giuen all alike to that beastly impurity, yet [...]hey are so cloaked, either with the respect of their Priesthood, or else by the great opinion which is had of their abstinence, that they are for all that, held in very great esteeme, both with the Nobility and com­ [...]on people: because it is bruited abroad with more [...]lory then truth, that they absteine wholy from flesh, [...]sh, and wine, and liue only vpon hearbes, & ryce, & [...]ate but once a day.

CHAP. II.
At Cangoxima he conuerteth many to the Christian faith.

FRANCIS hauing taken exact notice of these things, & iudging it fit (as the state of such busines then required) that he ought first of all to prescribe vnto himself a more strict manner of lyfe, liued indeed more spa­ringly, and hardly then the Bonzies were reported to do; which was most certainly true, seing that he found in those places not only want of things neces­sary, but euen a quite different kind of dyet from that he was accustomed vnto; so as meere hunger and ne­cessity [Page 290] did constrain him to change, as it were, his v­suall manner of dyet, and euen his very tast also. For he kept himselfe aliue with ryce insteed of bread, and for the most part, Francis extreme sparing diet in Iaponia. with fruit and hearbes insteed of meate, & this dressed after the Iaponian fashiō. Which new kind of frugality he most willingly imbraced, for the vehement desire he had of gayning soules to God, like one, Whose meate and drinke was to do the will of him that sent him. And he was alwayes wont to say, that he was much behoulding to Iaponia, because that euen then, when he was by the inhabitants inuited to a Feast, he found none of those daynties, wherwith mortall men, being often deceiued, sought more to please their Sensuality, then to satisfy Nature, euen to the ouerthrow rather of their forces, then to the strengthning therof: so as that vnusuall dyet, and the manner of dressing it, held him to greater temperāce therein. Yet for all this, he was of no lesse ability of body then before. For he had his health no where bet­ter then in Iaponia; by which it is euident, that a spare dyet doth not diminish, but increase ones health, and forces.

But now he had much more to do, in acquainting his tongue with their language, The Ia­ponian language then his palate with their dyet. For although the Iaponian language be not of its owne nature very hard, yet haue the Iaponians by their endeauours brought it to be exceeding difficile to learne. There is not any language more copious then theirs. For to expresse diuers conceits of things in a different māner it hath wōderful store of words, all signifying the same thing; and in vsing thereof, it [Page 291] hath a certayne kind of Elegancy, and as it were, a smacke proper to that country. They do not without great consideration, vse any word which first occur­reth, but, as some are more elegant, some of a lower strayne, so do they keep a proportion with the mat­ter, and persons to whome they are applyed. Nay, which is very strāge, they speake far otherwise, then they write. The men vse one kind of language, and the women another: and the letters which they send one to another, are written with one kind of chara­cter, and their Bookes with another. By which co­piousnes, and variety both of speaking and writing, much labour and tyme is required to learne their lan­guage. And no man of ciuility must be ignorant in this kind. For if he do swarue any thing from their manner of speach, they will laugh at him, as at an ignorant and rusticall fellow; no otherwise then we are accustomed to do, when in speaking of latin, any one should make an odious iarring, in choice eares, by harsh and barbarous words.

Francis therefore thinking that it now stood him vpon, to learne their language howsoeuer; when he had caused Paul the Iaponian to set downe the chiefe heads of the Christian doctrine in writing, he met with many rubs. For Paul being a man without lear­ning, was no whit a better interpreter then a Mayster. And although his endeauours were aboue his forces, yet he effected lesse then the matter required. For he interpreted those points so ill, that there was no con­nexion in his speach. And he also wrote so badly, that the Iaponians, who were euen learned, could hardly [Page 292] read his writing without laughing. But Xauerius be­ing of an vndaunted courage, which alwayes striued agaynst difficulties, & making small account of mens laughing at him when their saluation was in hand, went perseuerantly stil on in the businesse. Where­fore dealing in the best in manner he could with the people, he by the sanctity of his lyfe, and diuine fer­uour of spirit, wrought so efficaciously with thē, that he did more good by himselfe, then eyther by Paul, or any other Interpreter. For at the nouelty of the thing, and of the doctrine he taught, the inhabitants came flocking about him by whole troupes, partly out of desire to see strāgers wholy different from them, both in habit and behauiour; and partly also, to know what Religion they had brought out of the other world. But because for want of perfect language, they could not well explicate their owne meaning, nor yet resolue those who asked them questions, some scoffed at them, others mocked at their strange habit and be­hauiour, & others pittyed them being strangers, dee­ming that such men comming out of another world as farre as Iaponia, to bring thither a new Religion, ought neyther to be fooles, nor to bring with them matters of small moment: so as by this variety of iud­gement many were moued with a desire to know the new Religion they had brought, and receyued much profit therby.

In the meane tyme Paul the Iaponian hauing setled his affayres, began to be admired by his Countrymen, because hauing trauayled ouer India, he recounted to them many strange things, & neuer heard of amōgst [Page 293] them. Going therefore to salute the Prince of Saxa­ma who remayned 15. miles from Cangoxima, he is by him courteously entertayned. After mutuall gratu­lations, the Prince asked him many questions concer­ning matters in India, & of the Portugheses wealth and manners. Paul hauing well satisfyed him by his relation, of what he asked, taketh forth a curious table which he brought out of India, wherein was painted the Image of the B. Virgin Mary with the child [...]esus sitting in his mothers lappe. A King of Iapo­nia hum­bly ado­reth the Image of our B. Lady. And after he had [...]ould the Prince diuers things of the Christians Reli­gion, he shewed him this picture, who forthwith ben deth downe his knees in veneration therof, & cōman­deth all that were present to do the like. But further then this veneration of the Picture, the Prince went not: yet his mother being in loue therewith, greatly desired to haue a patterne of it, but there was no pain­ter found who could performe what the pious womā requested. She had also afterwards a great desire to know the Christian Religion, & demanded to haue the principall points therof set downe in the Iaponian language. Paul did so indeed, but soone after she de­sisted from her good purpose.

Wherfore seing his endeauours to haue no effect he returneth agayne to Cangoxima, Paul the Iaponian endea­uours to propa­gate the Christiā fayth. and imployeth himselfe with farre better successe at home, then he had done abroad. For the deuout and laborious man, being as well moued by Xauerius example, as of his owne accord, set himselfe seriously to worke amongst his owne family and kindred, neuer leauing to teach and exhort them, day nor night, sometimes by one [Page 294] alone, sometimes altogeather, vntill he had drawen many of them to the Christian faith: so as within a short space his wife, daughter, and many of his kins­folkes both men and women, were instructed in the Catechisme, and baptized, the people no wayes misli­king what they had resolued vpon, and done.

But Xauerius vnderstanding for certaine, The Ninxit or chiefe Priest of the Bonzies. that the peoples affections depended wholy vpon the authori­ty of the Bonzies, and that if he could but once weakē the same he should find all things easy; thought it ex­pedient first of all, to bend all his forces against their esteeme and credit amongst the people, as against the maine fort of superstition. Wherfore meeting vpon a very fit occasion with the chiefe man of the Bonzies (whome they call Ninxit, & who farre excelleth the rest not only in yeares and dignity, but also in the o­pinion of learning) he by his courteous behauiour in­sinuateth himselfe into his familiarity. Then falling from one discourse to another, by little & little he be­gan to buckle with him about matters of Religion. And not in vaine. For he found him presently, not to stand constantly to what he said, as well concerning the immortality of the soule, as in other points, but to stagger in his opinions, when he was pressed with the truth; so as he had no great difficulty in ouercom­ming, and pressing downe the poore man. Yet the Bonzy taking great content either in Xauerius prudēce or els in the sweetnes of his conuersation, held him in great esteeme. Now the rest of the Bonzies following their Ninxits example, desired also to conuerse with Xauerius, rather for ostentations sake, then for any [Page 295] [...]od will they bare vnto him. There was nothing [...]hich they more admired in him, then the greatnesse [...] his mind, who for Religions sake only, had by a [...]ng and dangerous nauigation come from Portugall [...]rough the vast Ocean, to those vtmost partes of the [...]orld. They also with exceeding admiration and de­ [...]ght gaue eare to him, whilst he declared vnto them, [...]at there was an euerlasting Blessednes in Heauen, [...]yd vp for those who serue Christ with deuotion, & [...]nctity of life.

Now the Bonzies being partly wonne by Xauerius [...]ourtely, and partly conuinced by his erudition, the [...]usinesse seemed to be in a good forwardnesse. But be­ [...]ause he could not deale with the people without an [...]nterpreter, his endeauors were indeed much hindred through want of language. Wherfore being sollici­ [...]ous how to procure the saluation of so many peri­shing soules, he with all speed learneth the principles of the Iaponian tongue, wherof he had before gotten a tast. Then, that he might deale the more freely with the people, he maketh meanes for accesse vnto the King: wherin Paul the Iaponian stood him in great steed. For he easily drew the King of Saxuma, who much desired to haue friendship and commercement with the Portugheses, to shew particular countenāce vnto Francis and his companions, who were of great authority with the Portugheses. Francis therfore being admitted to the King, and finding him well disposed, brought him without any great difficulty, to giue free leaue vnto his subiects, to receiue the Christian Reli­gion. This liberty was no sooner graunted, but pre­sently [Page 296] two of the Bonzies, and many other Iaponians vnited themselues to the fayth of Christ; and within a few monthes space aboue an hundred Cittizens be­came Christians with the good liking of their friends and kins folkes: All whome Xauerius instructed with a greater care & industry, for that he had as yet no skill of the Iaponian characters, which (as we sayd before) are more difficile to learne, then the wordes themsel­ues. Wherefore hauing the chiefe points of the Chri­nian fayth turned into the Iaponian language, but yet written in our European characters, he taught thē to the Neophites, reading them out of the writing it self. He also sent diuers Neophytes into India, there to be brought vp in learning in the Colledge of Goa, that being afterwards furnished both with knowledge, & Christian behauiour, they might be more able to bring both admiration, and assistance to their Coun­try men.

CHAP. III.
He rayseth a dead Mayd to lyfe: and cu­reth another of the Leaprousy.

AFTER this, there happened a strange E­uent, which augmented both the flocke of Christ at Cangoxima aud made Francis his name more famous also. There was in Cangoxima an honest and substantiall Cittizen, yet no friend to Christian religion. He had a litle daugh­ [...]er [Page 297] whome he loued most deerely, who by vntimely [...]eath was suddainly taken away. Whereupon falling [...]ut of wits with griefe, he sayd, and did many things [...]nbeseeming a man of his ranke. Amōgst others, there [...]me vnto him certaine Neophytes of his kindred & [...]iends, to condole with him, & to celebrate the fune­ [...]lls of his daughter; who being greatly moued with [...]e wofull case of their kinsman, aduise him with all [...]eed to go vnto Xauerius, who was a holy man newly [...]ome out of another world, and implore his ayde; for [...]ertainly he would restore his daughter to life. There was no great difficulty to perswade the afflicted Fa­ [...]her therto. Wherfore being set on with the desire of his daughters life, he runneth to Xauerius bedewed all with teares, and declareth the matter vnto him, hum­bly beseeching his help, who hauing lost his child, was now left all alone. Francis pittying his case, presently betaketh himselfe to prayer, togeather with Iohn Fer­nandez his companion. And after a while he riseth vp cheerfully, & comforteth the man, willing him to be of good courage, and telling him withall, that his daughter was aliue. Vpon which words the Barbarian began to be in choller, who had but euen now left her certainly dead. Wherfore either thinking himself to be accounted a lyar, or else that Francis disdayned to come vnto his house, he departed in a chafe. As he was in the way homeward, one of his family mee­teth him, and bringeth him tydings that the mayd was aliue, and in good health. Wherupon the man, feeling his sorrow in an instant turned into ioy, hast­eth home with great desire to see his daughter whome [Page 298] he so dearely loued. When he entred into his house & beheld her aliue and in health, he could hardly belieue his owne eyes; and with teares trickling downe for ioy, asked her by what meanes she was restored againe to life? As soone, quoth she, as I was dead, there stood ready at hand certaine cruel executioners, who snatching me vp, went to cast me headlong into an horrible pit of fire▪ but vpon the suddain there appea­red two other singular men, by whose meanes I was deliuered out of those executioners hands, & restored to life againe. At this relation of the maid, the father stood a while astonished through admiration. Then perceiuing, manifestly, that it was done by Xauerius help, he leadeth his daughter to him to giue him than­kes. Assoone as she saw Francis & his companion, she stood at first amazed, then turning to her father, she cryeth out: Behould, Father, these be the two men that rescued me from Hell. Then he with the mayd falling downe at Xauerius feete, with aboundance of teares gaue him humble thanks: who presently taking them vp with ioy of hart, willeth them to giue thākes to Christ the sonne of God, and Author of mans sal­uation.

Neither was this great miracle done in vaine. For this one mayds restoring to life, caused the saluation of many others. And the Father, daughter, and all the rest of that family presently became Christians. O­thers also were, by this example, mooued to implore Xauerius ayde, & desired to receaue the faith of Christ. Amongst whome there was a certaine Leaper, borne of good parentage, who had sent one to Francis, re­ [...]uesting [Page 299] him to come & cure him. But he receiuing the [...]essage excuseth himselfe in a courteous manner, by [...]eason of his so many other imployments; yet sendeth [...]ne of his companions to him, with instructions what [...]o do. When he came thither, he saluteth the sick man [...]erylouingly, & asketh him three, times as Xauerius had [...]ppointed, whether he would become a Christiā? And [...]uing a signe that he would, the other presently ma­ [...]eth vpon him the signe of the Holy Crosse. A won­ [...]erfull thing. He had no sooner done, but the Crosse [...]stantly wiped cleane away the leaprosy. Wherupon [...]e man was instructed in the Christian faith, & a lit­ [...]e after baptized. These things being done in the view [...]f the whole Citty of Cangoxima, were straight carri­ [...]d into India, and related to Francis his companions [...]here, not only by Vincent Pereira a Portughese mer­ [...]hant and Xauerius familiar friend, a man worthy of [...]ll credit although in a matter of such importance; [...]ut by many others also.

CHAP. IIII.
He receaueth nevves of the Martyrdome of Fa. Antony Criminalis.

NOW whilst Xauerius was reioycing at the happy successe of Christian affayres in Ia­ponia, there came vnto him letters out of India that did somewhat afflict him, by [Page 300] which he vnderstood of the death of Fa. Antony Crimi­nalis. This man, as we said before, was by Francis made superiour in the Promontory of Comorinum, & hauing for the space of foure yeares, with great fruit of his labours, managed the affayres of Christian Religion in that Coast, in the yeare 1549. a little before Xaue­rius entred into Iaponia, obteined the crowne of Mar­tyrdome, a reward due to his paynes. For when a great band of the Badages, inflamed with hatred against Christian Religion, had from the bordring kingdome of Bisnaga, broken into the coast of Comorinum, spoi­ling & destroying all before them the Christians, in such a fearefull tumult, presently forsooke their villa­ges, and houses, and began to fly to the Portughese shippes, which at that time lay there at anker.

Antony therfore being in a great throng of wo­men and children, and troubled with many cares, in­couraged those who were afraid to make hast away, and withall affoarded his help and assistance to others that were weake, and cold not fly so fast. In the meane time the enemy approached, & he fearing least some of the Neophytes being intercepted by the Barbarians might through payne of torments, be drawne from the faith of Christ, resolued like a good Pastour there to spend his life for his sheep, Ioan. 11. if need required. The Portugheses inuited, and intreated him to come into their shippes to auoid the presēt danger; but he wholy forgetting himselfe, prouided more for the safety of those that were with him, then his owne, by ridding out of the way those, especially women & children, who by reason of their weakenesse, were most in [Page 301] danger. Now whilst he freeth others from the cruelty of the Barbarians, being himselfe stopped from reco­uering the shippes, for that the enemy had gotten be­tweene him & the shore, The Martyrdome of Fa. Antony Cri­minalis. he fel into their hands. Then all burning with the loue of God, and hauing his cogitations fixed rather vpon Eternity, then vpon this mortall life, kneeling downe vpon the ground, and lifting vp his hands to heauen, offereth himselfe to death with incredible courage and constancy. Nor was the Barbarians cruelty, lesse then his valour. For being thrust through the body with three launces, he fell downe dead. And it is reported, that when they were stripping him, as he lay thus grieuously woun­ded, he helped those cruell robbers to draw off his owne cloathes, that he might not seeme to hold his apparell faster then his life.

This newes, which could not otherwise choose, caused in Xauerius diuers affections. For as it grieued him, that he was depriued of so notable a subiect; so was he greatly ioyed for the Fathers good fortune, in receauing the reward of his labours, by so noble a Crowne. So as honouring the memorable death of this holy man both with teares, and prayses, he be­gan to hope firmely, that the sterility of that field, be­ing now watered with the bloud of this Martyr, would dayly yield more plenty of fruite. Neyther was his hope heerein frustrate. For since that tyme the Ghospell hath no where yielded a more plentiful har­uest, then in the coast of Comorinum, so abundant hath byn the increase of Neophytes in that coast, no lesse eminent in piety, that in sweetnesse of manners.

CHAP. V.
The course of Christian affayres being hin­dred at Cangoxima, he goeth to preach the Ghospell at Firandum, & Aman­gucium.

FRANCIS hauing the like occasion in the citty of Cangoxima, met with a farre diffe­rent condition. For when he, thirsting af­ter Martyrdome, had weakned & beaten downe the authority of the Bonzies, and that the for­ward spring of neophites begā to make now a glorious shew; behold vpon the suddaine a tempest was raysed by the Bonzies, which brought great calamity to the Christian cause, and which was more heauy to Xa­uerius, then euen death it selfe. Many were now by diuine instinct become Christians; and many also by seeing the truth, were drawen to imbrace the fayth of Christ, The Bon­zies hin­der the course the Gos­pell. when as the Bonzies (which thing Fran­cis had long for seene) hindred the course of the Ghos­pell. For when they perceaued, that by bringing in, and increase of Christian Religion, the respect both to their Gods, and their owne authority came to be set at naught, they began in good earnest to be all on fire with rage & anger. And so thrust forward as well with madnes, as by the Deuill himselfe, they come in great troopes to their king, telling him very reso­lutely, and plainly: ‘That he should looke very wari­ly [Page 303] what he did, and should prouide both for his owne safety and of the common good, whilest it was in his power. If he did permit his subiects to entertayne strange Religious, their Countrey Gods would cer­taynly become a mocking stocke euery where: and if they were once incensed, what could he expect els, but that Cangoxima, and his whole kingdome would within a while be vtterly ouerthrowne? Did not he see, that the Christian Religion was wholy repugnāt to that of Iaponia? & how it lost euery day so much, as the Christian Religion gayned? Neyther could he be ignorāt that where strange ceremonies should be pre­ferred before those of their owne coūtry, there would be caused extreme sorrow to the country Gods? And certaynely it was a lesse fault for the people to offend therein, then for the King to winke at others offences. The slower that Heauen was in punishing, the more enraged would the wrath thereof be when it came. For no doubt but the first founders of the Iaponian Re­ligion, would be reuenged of Cangoxima for so great a disgrace, and that both he & his kingdome would be vtterly destroyed for the impiety of a few. Wherefore if he had any respect, or reuerence of his Country ce­remonies, or Gods, it were wisedome to looke ey­ther for their fauour, or stand in feare of their anger.’

The King being stroken with this speach of the Bonzies, & being also out of hope of commercement with the Portugheses, published presently an Edict or Proclamation, prohibiting vnder payne of impri­soment & death, that all men should keep their Coū ­try Religion, & that heerafter none should become [Page 304] Christians. But Xauerius hoping euery day, that times might grow better & calmer, tooke great care in loo­king to his yong flocke. And all the rest of his tyme which he did not imploy therin, he was accustomed to bestow vpon God, with whome he conuersed more then with men, esteeming such diuine conferences to be, not only an incouragement to vertue, but a com­fort also in the time of persecution and labour. He therfore being a stranger in a Barbarous Citty, and which was wholy bent against him, endured with wonderfull quiet of mind, many and grieuous mise­ries, as well of hungar and cold, as of other extreeme difficulties. The King­dome of Figua. But hauing passed a whole yeare in these labours & incommodities, when he perceiued there was small, or no hope left for increase of the Ghospell at Cangoxima, he resolued to depart from thence to some other place. Wherfore bidding farewell to his Neophytes, he left the protection of them to Paul of the holy Faith: & togeather with Cosmas Turianus, and Iohn Fernandez, raysed vp with new hopes, intended to passe into the kingdome of Figua, whither now the Portugheses had resorted for traffique.

It is incredible to be spoken what aboundance of teares the new Christians shed vpon Francis his depar­ture from them, for al did beare him extraordinary af­fection, as well for many other respects, as chiefly for his singular sanctity of life. Wherfore weeping, & in lamentable manner, calling him Maister, Guide, and Father, they tooke at last their leaues, with infinite thankes for the great paynes he had taken, in shewing them the way to eternall saluation. There were well- [...]eere [Page 305] 800. Neophytes, so well instructed, that though [...]ey were within a few months after bereaued of Paul [...]eir maister, yet they perseuered euery one of them [...] the Christian faith seauen whole yeares, without [...]y other guide, vntill some of the Society came thi­ [...]er againe.

The kingdome of Figua is in that Iland of Iaponia [...]hich, The towne Firandū as we sayd, is called Ximus. In this King­ [...]ome there is a towne called Firandum, about [...]00. [...]iles from Cangoxima, whither he repayed, and was [...]ourteously entertayned by the Portugheses, and by [...]heir meanes also by the King himself; with whome [...]emayning for some dayes, he brought well nigh an [...]00. of the Cittizens, to the faith of Christ. And al­though he repented not himselfe of the paines which he had taken amongst the Portugheses, and those of Firandum (for he had in few dayes made more Christi­ans in Firandum, then he had done in Cangoxima in many monthes) yet hauing greater matters in hand and committing the charge of the Neophytes to Cos­mas Turianus, and taking Iohn Fernandez with him, he passeth ouer into the Iland of Iapon, intending to go to Meaco. But vnderstanding by those who were expe­rienced in those parts, that Amangucium, a Towne of good note lay in his way, he presently goeth thither, to sound out, and try the disposition and inc [...]nation of the King of that Country

Amangucium is a very ample, and famous sea Towne, scituated in that part of Iaponia, which (as we said) is properly called Iapon. For there the King of that Country hath his Royall seate; who being [Page 306] very wealthy & potent, striueth for the Empire with the King of Meaco, who is accounted the greatest King of all the rest. That towne of Amangucium ac­cording to the fashion of that country, is built of tym­ber, conteyning in it to the number of 10000. fami­lies, and is distant from Firandum almost 300. miles. As soone therfore as Xauerius came thither, he found very many of the Nobility, and more of the vulgar sort, desirous to know the Christian Religion, wher­of they had long since heard many things by report. He therfore obserued this order, that twice euery day at the corners of streetes, and in crosse wayes before a great concourse of people he explicated the Ghospel of Christ out of a written paper, for he had not yet gotten the Iaponian language perfectly; yet all did not with the like prosperous successe giue eare vnto the word of God: many did indeed hearken very willing­ly thereto, but more contemned the same; some also laughed thereat in skornefull manner. In so much, that when Xauerius went along in the steetes, Xauerius is vsed like a madmā. a great company of boyes, and baser people followed, and mocked him as though he had byn out of his wits, re­peating also in a scoffing manner many words of the sacred mysteryes, and Christian lawes which he had read vnto him. All which things he bare patiently & ioyfully, not considering so much the reproach, as the cause thereof: so as he did much more good by his pa­tient suffering, then by words. For the wiser sort of his auditours, seeing playnly that he was no foole, ad­mired at his singular patience, and quietnesse of mynd in the midst of such disgracefull reproaches and con­ [...]melious [Page 307] words, especially when they heard that he [...]as come out of Europe into Iaponia, through such [...]uge and vast seas, for no other end, but only out of [...]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 [...]anifest it selfe not only by words, but by deeds also. [...]hereupon many Noblemen desirous to know more [...]rticularly, what Religion that was which he had [...]ought out of the other world, sent for him home to [...]eir houses, promising of their owne accord, that [...] he could yield good reasons of those ceremonies, [...]hich he had introduced amongst them they would [...]referre them before those of their owne Country. [...]ut this indeed was now a businesse, not consisting [...] the wil, or any indeauour of ours, but in the mercy [...]f God. There were diuers others also who heard these [...]hings, but most of them attended therto, more with [...]heir corporall eares, then with any interiour desire [...]hey had to imbrace them. Noble­men sed for him to their houses. Xauerius, hauing thus spent [...]ome dayes in the streetes, and in priuate houses not without fruit, was at last sent for by the King him­ [...]elfe: who demaunded of him his Country, and the cause of his comming into Iaponia. He answered, that [...]e was a Spaniard borne, and came thither to preach [...]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 [Page 308] commāded by the King to declare what that law was, He prea­cheth the Gos­pell to the King 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. The Ethnickes at the hea­ring of Christs tormēts fal a wee­ping. 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, The great King of Meaco. is called the great King) permissiō 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 Conuēts 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 [Page 309] 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 entrāce 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 [Page 310] 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, Xauerius maketh himself lacky to one that ri­des on horse­backe. that so long and daungerous a io [...] ­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 [Page 311] to do it for him. Besides, the Iaponian when he was to passe through any theeuish place, for feare of [...]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, The la­bours and mi­series of his iour­ney to Meaco. 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 not able to take sure footing, by reason of the slyppinesse of the yce, and roughnesse of the way, he receaued many a sore, and painefull fall.

All which intollerable difficulties he not only o­uercame with great quiet of mynd, but had with withall his cogitations so firmely fixed vpon God, that euen at that very tyme he became wholy abstra­cted from his senses. For such was the force of his heauenly contemplation, and so greatly was he o­uercome with the sweetnes thereof, that scarsely knowing what he did, he many tymes ran among the brambles and bushes, and strooke his feete agaynst [Page 312] the stones euen till the bloud came out, without any feeling or payne at all. Now at night he was common­ly in as bad a plight as in the day. For oftentymes be­ing all wet, and euen wholy spent with cold and hungar, he came at night to his Inne, where there was no humane comfort to be had, nor any ease for these his miseries. Wherof this may be a sufficient proofe, that during all that iorney, he eate nothing but only ryce (which himselfe also begged as he trauailed) with no lesse want of food then payne of body. More­ouer the insolency of the Country people, to these his miseries which he suffred in the way, added sauce of the same nature. For the Iaponians being of a proud and haughty spirit, & seing him a stranger, contemp­tible, vnexpert in their complements and behauiour, & one that contemned himselfe, vsed him euen like a poore foole, or sotte: so as in townes and villages where he was to passe in boates, as also vpon the way, and in the Innes, Xauier is vsed like a foole. he was the subiect for euery one to play vpon. But all this he bare, not only patient­ly, but cheerfully also, reioycing with the Apostle to be for Christ his sake reputed a foole, & the outcast of all. And hauing thus spent two whole months vpon the way, after innumerable miseries passed both by water and land, at last through the goodnes of God he arriued safe and sound at Meaco.

Meaco is the royall Citty, and the greatest and most famous of all Iaponia. This Citty when it flouri­shed (if we will belieue what is reported therof) con­teined well neere two hundred thousand families; but hauing bin oftentimes destroyed by warres, pillage & [Page 313] fire it is now little more then halfe so great. The Cir­cuit indeed of the walls, and the vastnes of the Citty do yet well shew to haue byn no lesse in forme times [...]hen that which hath byn sayd therof; but now when [...]au [...]rius came thither, it had only about one hundred [...]ousand houses. There is in this Citty a very famous Academy, fiue principall Colledges of Schollers, and [...]nnumerable Conuents of men, and women: so as [...]here seemed to be offered to Xauerius abundant mat­ [...]r to worke vpon. But so secret are the iudgments [...]f God, that his hope wholy vanished away, & came [...] nothing.

As soone therefore as he came to Meaco, he expe­ [...]ed some dayes at the Court, wayting for oppor­ [...]nity to come vnto the Kings presence, and to aske [...]is licence to preach the Ghospell in his kingdome; Xauerius is deri­ded by the Kings guard. [...]ut in vayne. For his ignorance of the Iaponian custo­ [...]es and behauiour, his vulgar, and worne-out ap­ [...]arell, and his Christian simplicity caused him to be [...]erided, and wholy reiected by the Kings Guard. Fin­ [...]ing therfore all passages vnto the King to be stopped [...]n such sort, that he could not by any meanes get [...]ccesse vnto him; and vnderstanding that certayne Noblemen, who, by reason that the King of Meaco's Regall authority began to grow now out of date, had withdrawn themselues from his obedience, changing [...]is determination, and leauing off all thought of ob­ [...]ayning the King Letters-Patents, began to try the Meacensians themselues how they stood affected to­wards the Christian Religion. But finding the whole Cittty in perplexity, and solicitous expectation, and [Page 314] feare of warres which were then cōming vpon them, he lost his tyme and labour in speaking to them, who had their eares, & mynds wholy bent another way.

Moreouer, when he preached in the streets to the people that stood round about him (which had also hapned to him in other townes) the boyes, He is thowne at with stones. and baser sorte of people, threw old shoes, and stones also at his head to driue him away; so far was obstinate Su­perstition from opening her eares, or vnderstanding to admit of wholesome doctrine. But he went away, reioycing that he had byn held worthy to suffer reproach for the name of IESVS. At last when he saw the saw the Citty to be both disquieted in it selfe, & wholy auerted frō the Ghospel, it much grieued him that after so lōg & pain­full a iourney, he was to depart without doing any good, hauing not so much as reaped one handfull out of so large & spacious a field. But leauing all to Gods diuine prouidence, he returneth agayne to Amangu­cium, comforting himselfe with this consideration, That it is a great honour, not only to do, but also to suffer for Christ.

CHAP. VII.
Hauing by Presents obtayned the King of Amangucium his fauour, he conuerteth many to the Christian Faith.

RETVRNING therfore to Amangucium with almost as much trauell and misery, as he had gone from thence to Meaco, he de­termined presently to go vnto the King, & [...]o deliuer him certaine letters, and presents from the [...]iceroy of India, and the Bishop of Goa, which he had [...]eft at Firandum. He intended to haue presented these [...]uifts to the King of Meaco, who was sayd to be the [...]reatest of all Iaponia: but when he perceiued that he [...]aigned now at other mens pleasures, and that his [...]uthority was not so great as his Name, and withall, [...]hat the King of Amangucium was very potent and wealthy, changing his determination, he thought it [...]est to present them vnto him; deeming it not amisse [...]o gaine his fauour by guifts, who was by his autho­ [...]ity best able to helpe the Christian cause. So retur­ [...]ing speedily to Firandum, he bethinkes himselfe of a [...]ew meanes to obteine accesse vnto the King, the which necessity had forced him vnto.

He had now learnt by experience, that the Iapo­ [...]ians (according to the common corruption of mor­talls) esteemed men by the outward shew, and orna­ment [Page 316] of their body, & that any one in poore cloathes was scarce accounted a man amongst them: as if the worth of man consisted rather in his outward attyre, then in his vertuous disposition. Wherefore laying aside his old worne coate, By put­ting on rich ap­parell he procu­reth to speake with the King. he resolued to cloath him­selfe in Court-like habit; and by the splendour of his ornaments, so to feed the eyes of such as were carry­ed away, rather by the exteriour shew of things then by that which was truly good indeed, that afterwards he might bring them to conceiue the light of Truth. As soone therfore as he came backe againe to Aman­gu [...]ium, putting himselfe into rich apparell, and with two or three seruāts attending him, he went vnto the King. And the euent declared his prudence heerein. For being presently brought in to the King by his of­ficers, he is by him receiued in a very friendly & cour­teous manner. Then making a short speach before hand, He pre­senteth his guifts to the King. he deliuereth vnto the King, from the Viceroy of India, and Bishop of Goa, as pledges of their friend­ship, Letters, and certaine outlandish Presents, among which there was a Musicall Instrument, & a Watch, things very gratefull, and much esteemed in those places, not so much for the value, as for the rarity, and curiosity of the workemanship.

The King therfore being wonderfully glad for these letters & guiftes which the Portugheses had sent him, presents againe Xauerius very bountifully with a great quantity of siluer, He refu­seth the Kings guifts. & gold. But he remembring himselfe to be a Priest of God, & no merchant, giueth backe againe the things which were offred him, and withall earnestly requested the King, that he would [Page 317] by his Royall Edict giue him leaue to publish the di­uine Law throughout his dominions, and his subiects to receiue the same: for that nothing could be more gratefull to his and the Portugheses desire, then that. At which words the King being stroken with admi­ [...]ation at his temperance, The Kings E­dict for the Christan Religiō. who despised that which o­ [...]hers sought after with so great dangers both by sea & [...]and, made no difficulty to fauour his Religion whose vertue he admired. Wherupon without any further delay, he commandeth a Proclamation to be made [...]hroughout all the streets of the Citty, that it was his Royall pleasure, that the Christian Religion should [...]e propounded to his subiects, and that whosoeuer would, might become Christians: And that none should either by deed or word offer any affront to the Portughese Priests; neither should any of his subiects suffer any detriment, or disgrace for hauing forsaken [...]is country Religion. Besides this also, the better to [...]nable Xauerius to performe that which was granted vnto him, he gaue him for his dwelling place a certai­ [...]e Conuent of the Benzies, which then was voyd.

This gayned both credit to Xauerius, and esteeme [...]o his Religion. For many desirous to know the new Religion came flocking to heare him; nor was Xaue­ [...]ius wanting to giue them satisfaction, hauing now gotten some pretty skill in their language. Twice therefore euery day did he preach vnto the people, be­fore a great assembly of the Cittizens. After he had [...]ended his sermon, he spent some tyme in conference with his auditours about that which he had propoun­ded vnto them out of the pulpit, eyther by answering [Page 318] to their questions, or else by questioning them. These disputes cōming one vpon the necke of another, held out most commonly till it was very late in the night, so that he had scarcely any leasure to prouide for his corporall necessities. And in all this businesse nothing hindred him so much, as his vnperfectnesse in the Ia­ponian language. For oftentymes when any vnpro­per word sounded harsh to their nice and delicate ea­res, they laughed at his ignorant pronunciation. And there wanted not some also, who did load him with questions, for no other end, but to fynd out some­thing whereat to laugh.

But such was the spirit which he spake with all, such the sanctity of his lyfe and Religion, and so farre excelling the lyfe and doctrine of the Bonzies, that what he could not effect by words, he cleerly de­monstrated by deeds. Wherefore the Iaponians being an ingenious nation, & much led by reason, saw now well inough that the things he spake, had very good sense & connexion, how soeuer he vttered them in bad language. Many therefore came vnto him out of the Cōuents both of Bonzies & Bonziesses; many also of the Nobility, but much greater was the nūber of the vul­gar sort. The house was continually filled with peo­ple of all qualities, and many tymes it could not con­teine the multitude which came thither. The questi­ons which were disputed to and fro, were so many & diuerse, that the foggy mist of errour being dispersed, and the light of truth spreading abroad its glorious beames, many perceiued by Francis his answeres, how vaine & false their superstitions were, and that [Page 319] the diuine Law was true and solid: and this diligence of theirs to find out by examination the true Religion was seconded also on their part, with as great for­wardnesse in receauing the same.

Some dayes therfore being spent in asking & an­ [...]wering Questions, many became Christians, wherin [...]hose who had bin formerly the chiefe men, in obsti­ [...]ately ouerthwarting and contradicting Xauerius in [...]is sermons and disputations, gaue the first example; God turning their spirit of contradiction into a mild [...] plyable disposition. Fernādez vertue at a certay­ne Iaponi­ans inso­lency. And heerin, Patience, and not Learning only, carried away the chiefe prize. For as [...]ernandez, Xauerius companion, was preaching to the [...]eople in the publike street, a certaine Iaponian pas­ [...]ng by by chance, came to his sermon; who being an [...]solēt rude fellow gathering his mouth full of spitle, [...]asteth it forth, full into the preachers face, in sight of al the people: The for­ce of pa­tience to conuert Ethnic­kes. who bare that disgrace with such ad­mirable patience, that he was not moued one whit [...]herat, but only wept his face with a handkercher, [...]nd so went on with his sermon. Wherupon one of [...]he Assembly was so moued by that example of Pati­ [...]nce, that he verily belieued men endowed with such [...]ertue, could not teach any Religion but that which was holy. And so repayring to Francis, was instructed, [...]nd the first of all that was baptized.

Others afterwards followed his example. Amongst whome, one Laur [...]ntius Lusko conceiued within his soule, Laurence Lusko a notable preacher such impressions of diuine light, that quite a­ [...]andoning all earthly things, he consecrated himselfe wholy to Gods seruice, to the great good of Iaponia. [Page 320] For being by Xauerius receiued into the Society, he be­came afterwards a notable Preacher, and brought very many of his Country-men to the light of the Ghospell. After this many of good note were receiued to the sacred fountaine of Baptisme, who being ther­by bound to Francis in the highest degree, endeauou­red so to gratify his loue, that they could neuer sa­tisfy themselues therin. When he therfore asked them about the Iaponians Sectes, and Religions, they disco­uered all vnto him, and that with more freedome and forwardnesse, then they were demaunded.

CHAP. VIII.
Hauing found out the Sects of the Iaponi­ans, he conuerteth many of them.

BY these men therfore, he got a farre more exact knowledge, then before he had done of the Iaponians Religions, The Ia­ponian sectes. & Ceremonies. There were in all, amongst them, nine principall Sectes, as well of men as women, wher­of it was free for euery one to follow that Sect which best pleased him. Whence it came oftentimes to passe that there were in the same house almost as many dif­ferent opinions, as there were seuerall persons, and all at strife amōgst themselues, euery one endeauouring to preferre their own sect before others. Among al these Sects, there was not one which taught any thing cō ­cerning the world, or the soules Creatiō. And no mer­meruayle, [Page 321] since they all togeather held, that they had no beginning. Yet they all agreed in this, that after this lyfe there be two places, one for the damned, the other for the blessed. But what 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, Xacas & Amida [...] the Iapo­niā Gods 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 Bonzi [...]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 conditiō, that they should allow them houses to dwel in, yearely re­uenewes, & other maintenance; & withal (forsooth) should do them honour & reuerence. The Bou­zies wic­kednes and aua­rice. 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 [Page 322] 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 frō 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, The Ia­poniās fa­bles of Xacas & Amidas. & 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 [Page 323] God (being vtterly vanquished) had nothing to say; the Christians were indeed very glad, and much cō ­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 Iaponian [...], 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. The Ia­ponians ignorāt in astro­logy. 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 [Page 324] much they detested the Bonzies, & the Iaponian Sectes.

By these disputations therfore Xauerius did so vexe the whole generatiō 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. The Ja­ponians witty in­terroga­tions. 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 dep [...]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 [Page 325] [...]e neuer shew mercy to them that be condemned to e­ [...]ernall torments? Xauerius contrary wise declared vn­ [...] them, that such was the Maiesty of God, and so [...]reat his benefits bestowed vpon all men, and euery [...]ne in particular, that there could be no torment foūd [...] great, which was not due to man for his abomina­ [...]e wickednes; who being a base worme of the earth, [...]urst violate the infinite power of Almighty God: yet [...]ch againe was the diuine Mercy & Clemency, that [...] alwayes punished lesse, then was deserued.

These, & many other such things were heard with [...]ceeding good liking, so as they were all easily satis­ [...]ed. But that which troubled thē most, was, that God [...]emed neither bountifull nor indifferēt, who hauing [...]are of all other Countries besides Iaponia, had neuer [...]eclared himselfe to the Iaponians, before Francis his [...]omming thither: Who likewise, had damned to the [...]aynes of Hell, all those who had not worshipped the [...]od they knew not; and had permitted also their an­ [...]estours, who neuer enioyed that heauēly light, to be [...]arryed headlong thither? Concerning this point [...]rancis made it cleare vnto thē, that the diuine Law, [...]hich of all others is the most ancient, was imprin­ [...]d in the harts of men. For the Iaponians euen before [...]ey had their lawes from the Chineses, knew by the [...]ght of reason that it was an heynous offence to kill [...] man, to steale, forsweare, and other things which [...]ere forbidden by the diuine law. Wherupon if any [...]ne had committed any of these crimes, he was tor­mented with the worme of conscience, which tooke [...]s it were reuenge of that wickednesse. This (quoth [Page 326] he) we may vndoubtedly find to be true, in a solitary man, who although he should be brought vp in the wildernesse, without any learning or knowledge of humane law, would not for all that be ignorant of the diuine law, concerning Man-slaughter, Theft, Periu­ry, and other the like things. And if this were so, euen amongst barbarous nations, what should we thinke of those, that were ciuill, and well trained vp? Should not they therfore be iustly punished, who did violate the diuine law, which was ingrafted in them by na­ture? which if they had obserued, they should infalli­bly haue bin illuminated with light from heauen.

After he had satisfied them with this answere, they began by little and little to put themselues vnder the wholsome yoke of Christ. 500. Ia­ponians baptized Wherupon within the compasse of two moneths, there were wel neere 500. cittizens baptized, who bewailing the state of their children, parents, kindred, and Ancestours, deman­ded oftē of Xauerius, whether there was yet any hope, or meanes to deliuer them out of euerlasting misery? But he with teares in his eyes affirming no, exhorted them, that they who had the diuine light & saluation now offred them, should be so much the more thanke­full to God for it, and should mitigate the feeling of others ruine, with the hope of their owne saluation: so that Patience might make that lighter, which they could not auoid.

Then turning themselues to other questions, they asked him of what figure the world was? what cours [...] the sunne and the starres held? from whence came the [...] blazing Comets, the winds, lightning, and thunder? [Page 327] [...]hat force that was which powred forth snow, haile, [...]nd showres of raine? Of all which, when Xauerius, [...]ho was very skilfull in Astrology, & natural Philo­ [...]ophy, had fully declared to thē the causes, they being [...]holy ignorant before of all such things, stood wholy [...]mazed therat, admiring both his wit, and learning, [...]auing neuer heard of the like. And when the report [...]ereof was spread ouer all the Citty, it brought also [...]ch esteeme to the Christian Law, that it was much [...]oken of, not only in publick, but also at home in pri­ [...]ate houses. This thing also caused no lesse domage to [...]e Bonzies families, then it did good to the Christian [...]ause, by auerting the affections of many from their [...]ountry Superstitiōs: so as some were of opiniō, that [...]any Bonzies forsaking their manner of discipline, & [...]eir corporall maintenance failing them, many of [...]eir Conuentes would heereby fall to decay, to the [...]reat aduancement certainly of the Christian cause. [...]nd how much the Bonzies authority was weake­ [...]ed heereby, may euen appeare by this, in that there [...]as neuer a one amongst them all, though neuer so [...]ealous, who was not detained in his former course, [...]ather out of necessity, then for any affection he bare [...]nto it.

There was in Amanguc [...]um a certaine Noble man [...]o rich & wealthy, as few in that kind out went him. He, togeather with his wife, exceedingly fauoured [...]oth Xauerius and the Ghospell; but their too much [...]orwardnesse in former times did much abridge them [...]f their liberty afterward. For they had built many [...]ouses for the Bonzies, and endowed them with great [Page 328] reuenewes, to the end that Amidas, to whome they bare special deuotion & reuerēce, might be propitious vnto them for the attayning of eternall blisse. Where­upon they stood earnestly vpon it, that they would neuer by changing their Religion vpō a suddain, loose Amidas his fauour, which they had now purchased with such expences, for so many yeares togeather; & that if this were not, w ^ch lay heauy vpon their cōsci­ences, they would be otherwise aduised: shewing heer­in a double folly, who hauing once rashly cōmitted an errour, had rather still remaine plunged therein, then once to rayse themselues out. But that which they, out of a vaine respect of their ancient institute, would not do, to follow the glorious faith of Christ, was zea­lously performed by many others, who were illumi­nated with the light of truth.

The Bonzies therfore, being not able to indure this ignominy, and disgrace, began to be enraged agaynst the Christians, and in their Sermons to cast out ma­ny impious wordes against God; also to belch forth many reproches against Xauerius, which suited better with themselues; and withall to denounce vnto the Iaponians in a threatning manner, that as soone as Ia­ponia had receiued the faith of Christ, it should be vt­terly destroyed. But these their reproachfull speaches caused more hatred to themselues, then cōtempt vnto Xauerius. For the Iaponians knowing for certaine that the Bonzies maledictions proceeded out of enuy and malice, begā not only to find fault therewith, but also to fauour the innocent, by turning their backbiting into Xauerius prayse, and respect towards his person.

[Page 329] In the meane time Francis making most diligent [...]quiry whether the Iaponians had had in times past a­ [...]y knowledge of Christ, The Ja­ponians had re­ceyued no knowledge of Christ & his Gos­pell. & his Ghospell, found both [...]y their writings, and testimony of the Iaponians thē ­ [...]lues, that they had neuer so much as heard of the [...]ame of Christ before his comming: which thing (as [...]ood reason it should) gaue thespurre to Xauerius fer­ [...]ent desire, who was of himselfe forward inough, in [...]reading abroad the Ghospell, being exceeding ioy­ [...]ll that he was come thither for the aduancement of [...]eligion: & that the sound of the Gospell which had [...] in heard in the furthest parts of the Land, might also [...]ow be preached in the vtmost Ilands thereof. Many [...]herefore being thus brought into the fold of Christ, Christianity began greatly to flourish, when as there [...]apned an accident which caused much furtherāce & [...]onour thereunto. There is at Bandua in Iaponia, an Academy of very great note, both for the fame & no­ [...]ility therof, as being frequented by more then 4000. [...]udēts. One of this Academy, a man of good esteeme, [...]nd renowned for his wisedome and learning, vpon [...] very memorable occasion, became a Christian.

There were in that Academy a kind of Bonzies who [...]aue themselues much to speculatiō, The Academy of Bandua. pondering what would become of thē after this life, & other such like [...]hings: wherof many through deep cōsideration, came [...]tlast to be of opinion, that there was no meanes in the Iaponians Religion for the sauing of their soules. For thus they discoursed with themselues: That certainly there ought to be one beginning of all things, wherof [...]in their Books & Records there was no mention at al, [Page 330] nor of the maker of this world. How therefore could they be saued who knew not their maker? But whilst others stood staggering betwixt shame and feare, this man, of whome we speake, ouercomming the one & the other, through desire of his saluation, was made a Christian. He was indeed of the mynd to haue v­nited himselfe to the Bonzies; but as soone as by Francis his discourse he came to know their errours, thinking that he ought certainly to worship him that made both him, and the whole world, and whome the Chri­stian Religion propounded vnto them to adore, chan­ging his mind, he put himselfe vnder the triumphant standart of Christ.

This accident grieued the Bonzies no lesse, The Ja­ponian Neophi­tes zeale. then it comforted the Neophytes. For when he for his lear­ning, bare away the bell from the whole Citty where he dwelt, his authority gaue great aduantage to either part. Whereupon inciting others by his example to Baptisme, the Christian Common wealth began to be increased both in dignity and number. And this cau­sed in the Neophytes such feruour of spirit, that euery one of them fell to dispute with the Ethnickes about matters of Religion: and when they had conuinced them, would lead them, as captiues to Baptisme, stri­uing in these their combats, and victories one with a­nother. Whereat Francis took such content of mind, Within the space of one yeare he bapti­zeth 3000. that it made him to haue no feeling of his labours.

Thus therfore was the Christian busines wonder­fully increased at Amangucium (for within the com­passe of one yeare there were baptized to the number of 3000.) and their piety equalized the increase of the [Page 331] [...]ocke. For they who in former tymes had so often run [...]er their beades, by imploring the Authours of their [...]ct; now turning superstition into true Religion, in­ [...]eased wonderfully that deuotion of theirs. For in [...]ying the Beades of our Blessed Lady, at the end of e­ [...]ery Aue Maria (which is vsually said vpon euery smal [...]ead) they alwayes pronounced the wholesome na­ [...]es of Iesus and Maria, Iaponian Beades. and withall endeauoured, as [...]uch as they could, to frame themselues according to [...]rancis his fashiō, as being the [...]nly patterne they had [...] imitate. And so great was the progresse in piety [...]hich the Amangucian Neophytes made vnder Xaue­ [...]us their Maister, that although, when he was called [...] way by other Kings who importuned him, they [...]ere left almost wholy destitute both of maisters and [...]eachers, for the space of 25. yeares, in the midst of Ethnickes: yet they held on most laudably the sayd Christian course which they had begun, being ther­in both guides, and maisters to themselues.

CHAP. IX.
Going to the King of Bungo, at his inui­tement, he is honourably receyued by the Portugheses.

SO great was now Xauerius Name in Iapo­nia, and so great was the opinion of his Sanctity, that it almost exceeded all hu­mane power: wherefore the Iaponians re­uerenced [Page 332] him as a diuine man. This fame of his Ho­lines spreading it self farre & neere, had filled almost all Iaponia with his renowne, and worthy acts. Whilst therefore he was imployed, especially at Amanguci [...] about the occasions whereof we spake before, Francis is sent for by the King of Bungo. he receyueth from the King of Bungo very courteous, & respectful letters to this tenour: That wheras by rela­tion of a certaine Portugese ship that was lately arri­ued in his Dominiōs, he had vnderstood many things of his singular vertue; and being greatly desirous to impart an important businesse to his owne person, he would be pleased to repaire withal speed to Bungo &c. At the very same tyme also, one Edward Gama Gouer­nour of the Portughese ships, had by his letters inui­ted Francis to a port Towne of Bungo, distāt 180. miles from Amangucium. Xauerius therefore, conceauing in ech place new hopes of happy successe in his busi­nesse, leauing Cosmas Turrianus, and Iohn Fernandez to looke vnto the Neophytes at Amangucium, he pre­pareth himselfe for this new iourney, and forthwith setteth forward on his way, with two or three Neo­phytes in his company.

He had now gone almost 175. miles on foote, when as Gama vnderstood that he was comming on his way▪ all wearied-out with trauailing a foot: wher­fore he speedily sendeth out certaine Portugheses with horses to meete him; who hauing gone about a mile, met with Francis, and his Neophytes These Neo­phytes were of noble Parentage in their owne coun­try, and heertofore of great wealth; but hauing had all their goods taken from them by the King of A­ [...]angucium, [Page 333] because they were become Christians, [...]hey went with Xauerius with intention to be brought [...]p at Goa. They rode vpon excellent horses with good [...]urniture, for so Xauerius had commanded them. But [...]e followed them on foote, loaden with his packe of Church-stuffe, so ardent was his loue to Humility, & [...]he Crosse. Xauerius loue of humility and the Crosse. This sight moued the Portugheses no lesse [...]o admiration, then compassion, that so worthy a [...]an, should in such sort so debase, and tyre out him­ [...]elfe. Presently therfore they offer him a horse, as also [...]o take his packe to ease him: but he by no meanes [...]ould be drawne to mount a horse backe. Wherefore [...]he Portugheses, although Xauerius were very vnwil­ [...]ing, and forbad them so to do, went along with him [...]n foote. This spectacle was most gratefull, & pro­ [...]itable vnto the Neophytes, who admired the ciuility and courtesy of the Christians. Thus they came vnto [...]he Port of Bungo, which is called of the inhabitants, by the name of the Riuer, Fingus.

Bungo is a Citty wherin the King keepeth his Court, Bungo the Royall Citty. standing in that part & Iland of Iaponia, which as we said, is called Ximus. The King of Bungo was but a yong man, Xauerius is with all ho­nour re­ceiued by the Portuge­ses. yet far surpassing his age in grauity & wisedome. At that time he had only Bungo vnder his gouernment, being a King among the Iaponians more famous for prudence, then wealth. None was more fauourable to the Portugheses then he▪ For being gre­ [...]atly desirous of their friendship, he had long before sent letters with presents to the King of Portugall, and the Viceroy of India.

As soone as newes was brought to the Portughese [Page 334] ships that Xauerius was arriued, the men came all out presently to meete him with great ioy & gratulation, euery one endeauouring to honour so holy a man: wherein they proceeded so farre, as to salute him one after another in a triumphant māner, with foure vol­ley of shot, from out their great Ordinance, being 18. peeces in number. And the euent declared afterwards that this was not done so much through the aboun­dance of humane affection, as by the diuine prouidē ­ce. For that the thundring out of so many great shot, sounded to the Iaponians eares, as though there had byn a battayle at sea. Whereupon the King, who remayned in the Citty not farre from the Port, was surprized with no small care, thinking that the Por­tugheses had byn at fight with Pirats. And therefore with all speed he sendeth a principall Gentleman to Gama the Gouernor, to demand of him what the mat­ter was, that he might assist the Portugeses, if any oc­casion serued.

Gama, after he had returned humble thankes to the King, tould the Gentleman that all things were quiet and ioyfull with the Portugheses; and for that Francis Xauerius an holy man, & much respected by the King of Portugall their maister, was there arriued, they had receyued him with that applause, and shew of good will, as was fitting his deserts. At this the Gentle­man stood amazed, & would hardly belieue that they had affoarded such extraordinary honour to so poore a beggar, The Bon­zies de­fame Xa­uerius. whome he thought of no credit, by reason of his beggary, and basenesse of attyre: For the Bon­zies being afrayd, that if Francis (who was very fa­mous [Page 335] for his sanctity of lyfe) came once to Bungo, he might there also lessen their credit, as he had done at Amangucium, had defamed him after an vnworthy manner, both with the King, and the people.

The Gentleman therefore stood still as one great­ly astonished, without once mouing, through admi­ration. But afterwards, when he saw Xauerius coun­tenance shining out with worth, and sanctity in that [...]old torne habit, he perceyued presently the Bonzies [...]crafty dealing. Whereupon returning with all speed [...]e relateth to the King both what the Portugheses had answered him, and what himselfe had also seene; and withall tould him, they had made as great a triumph for Xauerius arriual, as if a ship had come into the port [...]oaden with siluer; wherefore there could be no que­stion, but al those things were false which the Bonzies (who were indeed fretted to the hart at his incom­parable vertue) had broached abroad of him. For that his very contenance was so full of worth, that he was able to drawe the behoulders, to loue and reuerence him. The King greatly admiring heerat; Good reason, quoth he, haue the Portugheses then, to reuerence and respect him.

CHAP. X.
He is conducted to the Kings Court, in great pompe, by the Portugheses.

PResently vpon this relation, the King sen­deth a yong Gentleman a kinsman of his to Xauerius with letters, in a most friendly & respectfull manner, earnestly requesting him, not to thinke it much to come vnto him the next day, pretending withall the great desire he had to be acquainted with the Christian Religion. The Princely youth therfore, cōmeth to the Portugheses, hauing in his company 30. Noblemen, besides his Tu­tour. Who as soone as he beheld Francis, although in poore attire, yet most venerable both in counte­nance and corporall presence, and much honoured by the Portugheses, was amazed. Wherupon, after he had deliuered the Kings letters to him, The Ja­ponians admire at the loue of pouerty. looking v­pon his Tutour; Certainly, quoth he, this Nation cā ­not but haue a most excellent God, whose secrets are wholy hidden from vs, seeing that his pleasure was, that the Portughese shipps should doe homage to so poore a man; giuing all to vnderstand by that solemne triumph of theirs, what a gratefull iewell Pouerty was in the sight of Heauen, which is commonly so basely esteemed, & contemned by mortall men. The next day Gama calling to counsayle the merchants, & the other Portugheses, concluded with the generall [Page 337] [...]onsent of all the rest, that it would make much for [...]he aduācement of the Christian cause, if perhaps that first encoūter of Francis with the Ethnicke King did [...]arry some shew of Maiesty, by setting the same out with all the preparation that might be; The Portu­gheses preuent the Bon­zies calū ­niations. as well to pre­ [...]ent the Bonzies slaunders and culumniations, that [...]here might be no hindrance to the current of the Gos­ [...]ell; as also that Xauerius high esteeme might be able to [...]rāple vnderfoote that authority, which a most proud [...]eneration had vsurped through falsehood and lying. [...]or certayne it was, that how much he should seeme [...] be esteemed by the Portugheses, so much the more [...]lso would the Iaponians account of him.

But now, He is a­gainst his will condu­cted with gre­at pōpe to the King of Bungo. when all the rest agreed to the Gouer­ [...]ours proposition, Francis only, who could not en­ [...]ure to heare of such honour, as holding fast his Euā ­gelicall simplicity, was of a contrary opinion: yet be­ [...]ng conui [...]ced not so much by reasons, as by the vna­ [...]imous consent of the Portugheses, he was forced at [...]ast to condescend vnto them. Whereupon the Por­ [...]ugheses putting on euery one the most costly appa­ [...]ell they had, set forward with Xauerius towards the Royall Citty, with such solemne preparation, as is worthy to be obserued. They were carryed in small [...]oates, hauing their sayles all of silke, bedecked & set [...]ut with glittering banners. Besides this, there went [...] long with them Trumpets and Cornets, answering [...]ne the other by turnes, with notes declaring their [...]estiuall ioy. At this vnusuall spectacle the inhabitants [...]locked by troopes from all parts there about, in so much as the bankes vpon the riuer side where they [Page 338] were to passe, were all so thronged with people who came to behold this solemnity, that the Kings Officers were constrayned to keep backe the multitude, and to make place for the Portugheses landing. There was also one of the Nobility sent by the King, ready with a costly Litter wherein to carry Xauerius; but he very courteously giuing the King thankes for his ho­nourable offer, would not accept thereof; and so sending backe the Litter, came on foote to the Court with very many of the Nobility of Iaponia attending him.

Amongst all those that accompanied him, the Por­tughese trayne far surpassed the rest in brauery. They were 30. in number, all gorgeously attyred, hauing chaynes of gold about their neckes, and euery one his man following him in a rich Liuery. Francis also (the Portugheses hauing forced him therunto) had set himselfe forth better in his apparell then ordinary, in­tending afterwards to resume againe his old habit. For he had put on a very fayre gowne, ouer which he wore a fine linnen Surplisse, and about his necke there hung a Priests stole of green silke grogran down to his knees, with a fringe of gold, such as Priests did ordinarily vse to weare. Gama the Gouernour, as though he had bin his Steward, wēt before him with a long wand in his hand: Then fiue of the choysest yongmen of the whole company followed Francis, at­tending as it were vpon his person; whereof one car­ryed his Breuiary in a litle bagge of silke, another his Veluet Pantofles, another his staffe made of a Benga­lian Reed, which had a typpe of gold at the top, ano­ [...]her [Page 339] his Hat, and the last an Image of the Blessed Vir­ [...]in mother of God, vnder a Canopy of crimson Da­ [...]ask. The rest of the Portugheses marched after, in a [...]oure square ranke.

This was the Portugheses owne inuention, not [...] much approued by Xau [...]rius, as winked at, becau­ [...] he could not hinder it. They went in this pom­ [...]e to the Court through nine of the principall streets [...]f the Citty, with such concourse of the inhabitants [...]ho flocked to see them, that the very houses were [...]ucke, and euen couered with the people.

CHAP. XI.
The King of Bungo vseth Francis vvith honourable respect, although the Bon­zies vvere agaynst it.

AFTER this, when Francis was come into the Pallace, he findeth at the entrance or vtter Court thereof, 600. Souldiars of the Guard, all well appointed; and by and by [...]n a large Gallery he meeteth with many more of the Kings Attendance. Heere, those fiue Portughese yongmen, whereof we spake before, bowing downe [...]heir knees, offered to Xauerius with great reuerence that which euery one carryed; wherat the Iaponi­ [...]ns were so stroke with admiration, that presently they muttered out these, and the like words: Let the [Page 340] Bonzies now be gone with a mischiefe, and neuer heerafter haue the face to appeare in the sight of men, idle companions as they were. For certainly this man is not such a one, as they haue described vnto vs and the King, but rather indeed one, as we may thinke, sent hither by God himselfe, to curbe the slaunders of malicious tongues.

From this Gallery there opened a fayre & spatious Hall ful of Noblemen, A child of seauē yeares of a rare wit. where a Child of seauen yeares of age (but of a rare wit, as might easily be perceaued) being led by a Venerable old man, meeteth with Xa­uerius, and saluteth him according to the Country fa­shion, telling him, that his fortunate arriuall at the Court would be as deare, and pleasing to the King, as a seasonable showre of rayne, is to a thirsty field of corne in the summer tyme. Wherefore he willed him to enter with ioy, & to know that he was as welcome to the good, as odious to the bad. To whome, when Francis had courteously saluted, and kindly returned answere: O Father (quoth the Child agayne) hap­py are you, who are come out of another world into forrayne countryes, desiring to carry hence no other merchandize but the ignominy of Pouerty! O infinite goodnes of the God, whome you serue! O hidden wisedome of his, who is comforted with the Want & Pouerty of his Priests! Behould our Bonzies do so ab­horre the disgrace of Pouerty, that conspiring all to­gether, they auouch openly, that the way to heauen is stopped, and rampierd vp agaynst poore people. Heere Francis replyed, that he was in good hope, that God, the most mercifull Lord of Heauen and Earth, [Page 341] would at last driue away the cloude of errous, which [...]ad blinded the Bonzies vnderstandings, and bestow vpon them the light of truth; and that they would al­ [...]o, when they saw that heauenly splendour once arise, forsake their peruerse and ignorant opinions.

Then the Child discoursing a while vpon very weighty matters far beyond his age, brought Francis [...]nd the Portugheses into a further Hall, The No­blemens children make re­uerence to Xaue­rius. where the Noblemens sonnes sate all together. Who as soone as [...]hey saw Xauerius enter, rose vp presently euery one, [...]nd bowing their heades thrice downe to the ground, [...]ccording to the Country fashion, make reuerence [...]nto him. Then two of them, made a speach in the [...]ame of all the rest, which I will heere set downe in [...]riefe, wherby it may appeare what kind of eloquence [...]he Iaponians are delighted in. Thus therefore they [...]re sayd to haue spoken. Your happy comming, Sa­ [...]red Priest, will be as gratefull to the King, What kind of eloquen­ce the Japonians haue. as the smile of the sweetest infant is to the mother when she giueth it the pappe to suck. And what wōder? seeing [...]hat the very walles, which heere you behold, reioy­ [...]cing as it were at your presence, command vs to celebrate your comming with great loue and affection: & this for the honour and glory of that God, of whome as the report goeth, you haue declared certayne stran­ge things at Amangucium.

After this, they passed into another spacious Gal­lery leading into an inward Hall, where Ficharondono the Kings Brother remayned with the chiefe of the Nobility. As soone as he saw Francis, he rec [...]iued him courteously with the rest▪ & after mutu [...]ll [...] [Page 342] betweene ech other, he tould him, that the Court neuer saw a more ioyfull day; and with good reason, since the King accounted himself more happy, by the arriual of so worthy a mā, then if he were Lord of the 33. Treasuries of China: for so many there are sayd to be. The King of Bungo standing vp expe­cteth Francis his com­ming. At last Xauerius being brought by Ficharondono in­to the inmost Hall, which for richenesse of furniture surpassed all the rest, he there findeth the King him­selfe, who expected his comming. The fame of his worthy actes had long before this caused in the King a great admiratiō, but now vpon his meeting he con­ceyued a much greater esteeme of him, so farre did Francis his presence surpasse the imagination (how great soeuer it were) which the King had conceyued of him in his owne vnderstanding. For his maiesti­call and venerable aspect which Nature, and Age had now bestowed vpon him, was also much graced by the splendour of his sanctity, which euen dazeled the eyes almost of all that beheld it.

The King therefore seeing Xauerius, came on a litle towards him, Xauerius maiesti­call coū ­tenance. and receyued him, both in a respectfull and courteous manner. And when Francis according to the custome was kneeling down, he presently for­bad him, by lifting him vp by the hand. And forth­with making himselfe reuerence vnto Xauerius, by thrice inclining of his head as the coūtry fashion was, caused him to sit downe, on the same seate by him. After these salutations, & gratulations past on both sides, the King looking vpon Ficharondono his brother, and the other Noblemen, began with a lowd voyce that all might heare, to speake in this manner: ‘O that [Page 343] [...]ere lawfull for vs to demaund of God, The King of Bungo his testimo­ny of the Christian fayth. the maker [...]d Lord of Heauen and earth, his secret iudgments, [...]d to aske what the cause hath byn, why he hath ey [...]er suffered vs to lye so long buried in such darknes, [...]else bestowed such light and wisedome vpon these [...]en who come out of another world? For we all ma­ [...]festly see, that whatsoeuer they say, although it be [...]aynst our Religion, is confirmed which such solid [...]asons, that we are not able to contradict it, if we [...]ill follow the light of reason, or vnlesse we be who­ [...] voyd of all vnderstanding. Contrariwise we see [...]r Bonzies to keep a stammering, when they are to [...]plicate any difficultyes of our Religion, and to be [...] variable and inconstant, as neuer to stand fast to [...]hat they say; in so much that if they be now of one [...]ynd and opinion, presently they wilbe of another. Wherby it sufficiently appeareth, that their doctrine [...]nd Religion is nothing els but a rabble of confusion [...]nd vncertainties: so that one cannot with any dis­cretion hazard therein the euerlasting saluation of his [...]oule.’

At this speach of the Kings, a certayne Bonzy no­bly borne, called Faciandono, being by chance present and finding himselfe touched to the quicke, rose vp & answered the King very boldly and freely: That the cause of Religion was not of that nature that it might be determined by him, A Bonzies arrogan­cy. who was ignorant of the doctrine therein conte [...]ed; Wherfore if he Maiesty had any doubt in his mind, he had those present there who could easily resolue him. And euen he himselfe would vndertake not only to ridde him of his scruple, but al­so [Page 344] to make whatsoeuer he doubted of, more cleare vn­to him then the sunne that shines: whereby all might plainly see, that those things which the Bonzies taught were both true; and that they also well deserued the stipēd which was payd them for their learning. Then the King smiling: ‘Goe to (quoth he) incomparable Doctour, declare at last these secret and hidden my­steryes of your Religion, we will with silence giue eare vnto you. Faciandono then, looking about him with great grauity: First, qu [...]th he, it is impiety to call the Bonzies sanctity into question; for all do know well inough that they lead a lyfe which is holy, gra­cious, and acceptable in the sight of Heauen it selfe. For they are men who do religiously obserue chastity, abstayne from fresh-fish, teach and instruct young youth, giue Bills of Exchange to those that lye a dy­ing for the taking vp of mony in heauen, and ryse in the night to pray for the sinnes of the people. And be­sides this, they are great friends to the sunne, starres, and celestiall Gods, with whome they haue often dis­couses in the night tyme, and whome they do also many tymes imbrace, after a most sweete and louely manner.’

The Bonzy hauing stuft his Preface with these & such like fooleries, The Bon­zies foo­leries. anger so boyled in his proud and passionate hart, that he began, without feare or shame to inueigh intemperatly agaynst the King himselfe. Whereupon he gaue a signe, The Kings temper. twice or thrice to his brother, to cause the Bonzy to hould his peace. Who being commaunded so to do, and the King firmely fixing his eye vpon him, tould him, that indeed [...]e [Page 345] gathered by his manners a sufficient tryall of the Bon­ [...]zies sanctity; and withall auerred, that he was so well edifyed, by the intemperancy & temerity of his ton­gue, that he durst sweare, Hell had more right to his person, then [...]e to Heauen. Heerupon the Bonzy ad­ding intollerable pride to his former violent humour, cryed out aloud. That the tyme would come when Faciandon [...] should be exalted so farre aboue all mortals that neyther the King of Bungo, The pri­de & in­tēperate tongue of a Bon­gy. nor any other should be able to aspire to his throne. The King at these his wordes began to be moued, yet withall laughed at his [...]rrogancy, looking vpon Xauerius, who aduised his Maiesty not to trouble himselfe, but to expect vntill the Bonzies fury were past▪ But the King commanded Faciandono to be gone, and warned him withall, that henceforward when he spake of God, he should not be so vaine glorious before men: In the meane time, he wished him to keep hand ouer his passions, and come againe to himselfe before he returned to the Court. The Bonzy therfore, being set on fire with this disgrace in respect of the assembly of Nobles who were present cryeth out alowd; Fyre from heauen consume the King, who dares do these things against the Prelates of the Gods; and so in a fretting and chasing manner flingeth vpō a suddain out of the Presence, leauing the King & No­bles greatly moued with indignation at his vnciuill behauiour.

The King then ready to sit downe to table, The King in­uiteth Xauerius to dinner inui­teth Xauerius to dinner. But he alledging that he was not acquainted with the Iaponian daynties, courte­ [...]ously refuseth: and withall making d [...]e reuerence to [Page 346] the King, beseecheth God, for whose sake he did him that honour, to bestow vpon him sufficient diuine light & grace, that he might serue him in this life with sanctity, and purity of hart, and in the next enioy him for all eternity. At last the King, at Francis intrea [...]y, giueth him leaue to depart, and withall earnestly re­questeth him that he would now and then visit him, and teach him the mysteries of the Christian faith. Xauerius promised he would. And then the King pre­sently with a cheerfull and friendly countenance of­freth him with his owne hands, The King gi­ueth to Xauerius from his owne ta­ble. a dish of meate which stood before him, desiring him to take it; who, to com­ply with the King, accepted of the same. Then the Go­uernour with the rest of the Portugheses, who stood about Xauerius, fell downe vpon their knees all togea­ther, giuing the King humble thanks for the great ho­nour he had done vnto the Father, & themselues, euen against the Bonzies wills.

CHAP. XII.
Xauerius instructeth the King and people in the misteries of the Christian faith, & curbeth the audacity of the Bonzies.

FRANCIS remained 46. dayes in this royall Citty of Bungo, imploying himselfe with al possible diligence in the instructiō of the Inhabitants. Yet his principall ca [...] [Page 347] [...]as to make deep impression of the mysteries, & ob­ [...]eruances of the Christian faith in the Kings mind. [...]or which cause he became so inward with the King, [...]hat there was then no comming for any Bonzy to [...]is presence. For that he beganne to be much asha­ [...]ed of the foule enormities, which he had commit­ [...]ed, through the doctrine of the Bonzies. Wherfore by Xauerius perswasion he first abandoned many vicious [...]abits in his owne person, The King by Xauerius persuasi­on refor­meth both his owne & his sub­iects mā ­ners. rid his pallace of all vn­ [...]wfull loues and pleasures, and began liberally to [...]elieue, & susteine the necessities of the poore, con­ [...]rary to the doctrine which the Bonzies taught. Then [...]urning his thoughts to the reformatiō of his people, [...]y little and litle he enacted many and seuere lawes a­gaynst the murdering of infants (an vsuall practice in [...]hose places) and other haynous crimes, and enormi [...]ies, which hauing byn brought in by the Bōzies were [...]ow growne to a custome. He reuerenced Xauerius, as one that came from Heauen, & sent vnto him by the fauour of celestiall powers. Him only he admired, say­ [...]ing many tymes, that he saw in his face, as in a glasse, [...]o his great confusion, all the hainous offences, wher­with, by the Bonzies incitemēt, he had defiled his own soule; so as he was now vpon the point to be made a Christian.

Yet Francis, did not so imploy himselfe about the King, as that he neglected thereby the people. For be­ing wholy vnmyndfull of himselfe, he spent so much of the day in preaching to them in the market-place, that the Portugheses could scarce get from him one houre after sun-set, to [...]onfer about pious matters, [Page 348] and another before day [...] heare their Confessions. Not minding his meate he attends to the sauing of soules. Wherefore when some of his familiar friends com­playned, that he came home late; he earnestly reque­sted them, that they would neuer at any tyme expect for him at dinner, no [...] in the day tyme euer thinke him aliue, for if they did otherwise, they would cause vnto him much trouble. For the dainties whereon he fed with chiefest delight, were the good of soules: neyther did he esteeme any cheere better then the sal­uation of one only Iaponian, by vniting him to the flocke of Christ. And to this pious a [...]arice of his, the diuine Prouidence was not a litle indulgent.

There came flocking to him an infinity of peo­ple, not of the vulgar sorte only, but also of the No­bility, and many of the Bonzies themselues: whereof one of a very Noble Family became Christiā, with no small good vnto the Christian cause. He was called Saquaygirano, A noble Bonzie being conuin­ced and conuer­ted to Christ profes­seth his fayth in in the market place. the chiefe of the Bonzies, a man of great note both for his learning, and Nobility of birth: who entring into disputation with Xauerius, & being ouercome by reasons, & inspired by the diuine good­nes, yielded himselfe captiue to the truth. Wherfore, not thinking vpon any thing els then the truth which was offered him from Heauen, he publikely in the midst of the market place, before an infinite assembly of people falleth downe vpon his knees, and lifting vp his hands and eyes to heauen, with teares falling from his cheekes, cryeth out with the lowdest voyce he could. ‘Behold, O Iesu Christ, eternall Sonne of Almighty God, I yield, and dedicate my selfe wholy vnto thee. And what I haue conceyued in my hart, I [Page 349] [...] freely prof [...]ss [...] with my mouth. Do not thou, I [...], thee who of thyne own accord l [...]ast called me, [...]pe [...]l me now, when I come vnto thee. Then with [...]eeping eyes looking vpon the multitude who stood [...]ound about him he added. And yee, O Cittizens, I [...]treate & beseech you, that you will both your selues [...]ardon me, and desire also others to do the like, for my [...] often setting to sale those things vnto you for true, [...]hich now I vnderstand to be false.’

This Confession of that famous Bonzy wonder­ [...]ully moued the affections of that Country people, 500. Ia­ponians wonne to Christ in one day. & [...]as an example to many of imbracing the Christian Religion. For it is well knowen, that Xauerius him­ [...]elfe often affirmed to the Portug [...]ese [...], with whome [...] there liued, that if he would, he could haue bapti­ [...]ed more then 500. Iaponians one day. But (which [...]as very rare in such feruour of spirit) he was more prudent, Xauerius prudence then forward in the making vp of the mat­ [...]er; and also very circumspect, that nothing might [...] done rashly, or in passion, which might giue aduan­ [...]age to the Bonzies fury, beeing now ready to burst [...]orth. For that, being mortall enemies to the Chri­ [...]tian cause, they were long since, incensed against Xauerius and his friends, and had persuaded the peo­ple, that seeing they would needs cast away themsel­ [...]es, they should damaund of Francis a great summe of [...]mony in recompence, for changing their Religion, that they might not perish for nothing. Pouerty a disgra­ce amōg the Iapo­nians. Which plot of the Bonzies had this drift, that the vulgar sort taking notice of Xauerius pouerty, might haue lesse esteeme of his sanctity: so great a disgrace was pouerty a­mōgst [Page 350] the Iaponians. A crafty deuise of the Bon­zies. Yet little or nothing did they pre­uaile by this calumniation against the knowne & tryed truth, but rather like water cast vpon hoat burning coales, it made Xauerius zeale flame out with greater force & vehemency. Whereupon the enraged Bonzies being put to the plunge, not knowing what to do, left nothing vnattempted, which might seeme for their purpose. But whē they perceaued their endeauours not to correspond to their desirs, they resolued to try their very vttermost.

They had now oftentimes by entring into dispu­tation with Francis, byn so foyled, & euen driuen out of the field, that they durst not open their mouth be­fore him. Therefore they falsly slaundred him behind his backe, but in vayne. For that the threats which they had denounced, of the Heauens Wrath, agaynst the people, were now accounted idle. Wherefore see­ing their ancient authority, to be worne out in the estimation of the Cittizens, turning their passion into fury, they began to waxe mad indeed. And first they heaped vpon Xauerius all the reproaches and maledi­ctions they could deuise, calling him in scorne, A foule stinking dogge; the most beggarly fellow aliue; and a deuo [...] ­rer of dead mens carkasses. Then they cast forth threat­ning words against him, and his company, that they would make them repent it, vnlesse they presently desisted from their enterprise. At last their passion & fury went so farre, that they plotted to make a tumult in the market-place, and therein vpon a suddain, to kill both Francis and the Portugheses. Yet were not these things kept so secret, but that Xauerius and the [Page 351] [...]ortugheses had notice thereof. But he accounted it [...]he greatest fauour which God had bestowed vpon [...]im, to be threatned by his enemies: taking heed with­ [...]ll that he might not vnaduisedly prouoke those who [...]ad no stay ouer their owne enraged passions. As for [...]e Portugheses, they hauing the Kinges guard to se­ [...]re them, contemned the vayne threats, and plottes [...]f such mad-brayne fellowes. Wherupon the Bonzies [...]eing violence would not serue the turne, they bent [...]eir designes another way.

CHAP. XIII.
[...]n a disputation before the King, he ouer­commeth the most learned of the Bon­zies.

THERE was a certayne Bonzy called Fi­carondono, the only esteemed man for lear­ning among them, & who carryed the bell away from al the rest. For he had for thirty [...]eares togeather, taught their profoundest & deepest [...]ciences in the most famous Vniuersity of Iaponia. He [...]as at that time President of a Conuent of Bonzies [...]ome 40. miles distant. The Bonzies therfore of Bungo [...]erswaded him, without much difficulty, to dispute with Francis, thinking it would be a great honour, if (as to him it seemed easy) he could in the presence of the King confute that strange Priest, who, as al knew, [...]ad already beaten downe the rest of the Bonzies. He [...]hasteth therfore with all speed to the Royall Citty, [Page 352] with six or seauen other famous Doctours in his com­pany. It fell out very opportunely, that at the same time Xauerius, & the Portugheses were gone to Court to take their leaue of the King, being the next day to depart. And whilst they were rendring his Maiesty thankes, and requesting his passe-port for their iour­ney, newes was suddainly brought vnto the King, that Ficarondono was arriued with a cōpany of choice Bonzies. The King (as might be noted by his counte­nance) was not very ioyfull at this newes, fearing least Xauerius, & the truth might be beaten downe by his great learning. Xauerius therefore, seeing the King troubled, & doubtful what to resolue vpon, tru­sting in the goodnes of his Cause, humbly intreated his Maiesty to let Ficar [...]dono, that pillar of the Bonzi [...] race, be brought in, knowing for certayne, that al­though learning could do much, yet Truth could do more. Wherupon, the King being at last content, the Bonzy was admitted.

After he had made due reuerence according to the vsuall custome, when the King demaunded the cause of his comming to Court, he answered: That he came to see a strange Priest, The pri­de of a Bonzy. who was sayd to be come out of another world, and to know what manner of man he was, and the newes he had brought thence, This he thundred out with such boldnesse and arro­gācy, that one might easily descry what a most proud and diuelish mayster he serued. And presently fixing his eyes vpon Xauerius (who courteously saluted him) and making an end of his ceremonious complements (whereof the Bonzies are very liberall) with a [...]ooke [...] [Page 353] [...]n aboue the Bonzian strayne, he demaundeth of [...], if he knew him? and when Xauerius told him No, cause he had neuer seene him before, he turned to [...] companions, and sayd: I perceiue, we shall haue [...] great difficulty with this fellow, who knowes not [...]arondono by his lookes. Fixing then his eye vpon [...]ancis: Dost thou, quoth he, remember what mer­ [...]andize thou soldest me at Finorama? He tould him [...] had nothing to answere to that, The Bon­gies Py­thagoreā fooleries concer­ning the transmi­gration. of soules whereof he was [...]holy ignorant, for he had neuer byn eyther a Mer­ [...]ant, or seene Finorama, or spoken with him before [...]at tyme; how therefore could it hang together, that [...] had sold him wares at Finorama? The Bonzie af­ [...]med for certayne that it was so, and he could not [...]oose but remember it, vnlesse he were very forget­ [...]ll. Xauerius therefore requested him, that because [...]s memory fayled him in that point, he would help [...]m out therein. Then very confidently, and setting [...] it such a face as bewrayed his inward pride: Call [...]y [...]fe, quoth he, to remembrance with me: It is [...]w 1500. yeares agoe since thou soldest to me at Fi­ [...]oma an 100. balles of raw silkes, in the vtterance [...]hereof I became a great gayner.

Hereupon Xauerius looking vpon him both grauely [...] pleasantly: And I pray, quoth he, how old are you? [...]he Bonzy answered that he was one and fifty. Then [...]uoth Francis, how can it be, that you haue beene a [...]erchant 1500. yeares ago, who before one and fifty [...]ere not borne? vnlesse perchance you played the [...]erchant before you were borne. And I vnderstand, [...]uoth Xauerius, you all agree, that this Country of [Page 354] Iaponia began to be inhabited, not aboue 600. yeares since: how therfore doth this hould togeather, that you were a Merchant 1500. yeares ago at Finor [...], which at that time was nothing but a meere wilder­nesse and solitude? See then, quoth the Bonzy, how much better we know things past, then you do what is present. Thou shalt therfore know, (because hi­therto thou hast bin ignorant of it) that neither the World, nor Mankind, hath either had any begin­ning, or shall haue any end. And so, mens soules being immortall, go successiuely out of one body in­to another, both of men and women, according to the coniunction of the Moone, with the Sunne, and the starres, who frame and fashion the Bodies tender lim­mes. Wherfore soules which haue good memories (such as myne is) do easily remember all whatsoeuer they did in their life time, when they were vnited to other bodies, which is not so with forgetfull soule [...], as it seemeth yours is.

Xauerius hauing heard this foolery, He con­uinceth the Py­thagori­call fa­bles. & being very learned both in Philosophy and Diuinity, found n [...] difficulty, by solid arguments, to confute these Pytha­goricall and Platonicall dreames. First therefore he sheweth, that the World was not from all eternity, but was made at a certayne tyme, seeing that it ney­ther was of it selfe, nor could be equall or coeternal [...] with the maker thereof. And that it was made, and a­dorned with men, and other liuing creatures by God [...] the Parent and Authour of all things. When he ha [...] proued this by many arguments, it was easy for him to shew, that the soules of men, had also a beginning [Page 355] [...]nd were not before the bodies, which they do infor­ [...]e; but being by God infused into bodyes aptly orga­ [...]ized for them, did make vse of the corporall senses, [...]r the gaining of arts & sciences. For who is so blind [...]at seeth not, that Soules would willingly, if they [...]ould choose, with losse & domage of so great a good, [...] creeping into new and mortall bodies? And that [...]ey would not, vnlesse it were by constraint, yield [...]hemselues prisoners to their bodyes, to be parta­ [...]ers of all their miseries? Wherfore hath God, as euen [...]eason it selfe teacheth vs, who is a most iust Iudge, [...]ppointed for mortall men after this life▪ eyther eter­ [...]all rewards, or torments, according to their deserts; [...]nce we playnly see, this equity is not vsed amongst [...]hem whilest they liue in this world?

When Francis made these things cleere and mani­ [...]est, by euident arguments, most fit similitudes and e­ [...]amples, the King indeed & Noble men agreed vnto [...]im, declaring by their fauourable acclamations, that what he sayd, was very coherent, and most confor­ [...]able to reason. But the Bonzie, although in the iud­gement of all he had the foile giuen him, would not for all this, through the pride & obstinacy which was [...]ooted in his hart, giue ouer, least he should seeme to grant his [...]duersary the victory, if he should acknow­ [...]edge himselfe ouerthrowne. Going therefore from the Controuersy concerning the world and soules, he [...]egan to inueigh bitterly agaynst Xauerius, for that he [...]euerely censured preposterous lust to be a most hey­ [...]nous offence, notwithstanding it was cleere & eui­ [...]dent, that the same was allowed by the lawes of Ia­ponia, [Page 356] which neuerthelesse punished murders, adulte­ries, and thefts most rigorously. To which Xauerius (after he had euidently demonstrated, that, that abo­minable kind of lust, was most repugnant both to na­ture, reason, propagation of mankind, and honest behauiour) answered, that it was no wonder the ma­kers of the Iaponian Lawes, being themselues blinded with the very same vice, saw not the fowlenesse ther­of; or if they did, yet would they not by any Law re­strayne the liberty therof in others, which they would haue to be common to themselues. But grant it be so (quoth he) that no Law of the Iaponians did forbid it, yet certayne it was, that the law of Nature, en­grauen in the harts of men, and Reason it selfe (if it were not depraued by euill custome) did wholly for­bid it. For proofe wherof, this is a most impregnable argument, that in these kind of enormities specially, the doers thereof seeke out darke holes, and corners, and vse all meanes that none may see, or know it. Be­sides this, if any one be knowen to be branded ther­with, it is the very first thing that is cast in his teeth, when one intends to do him a disgrace, if he be once knowne to haue committed the same.

Heere now Ficarondono's obstinacy being in the iudgment of euery one conuinced, The pee­uish per­tinacy of a Bonzie. gaue way to the truth. Yet he, because reasons failed him, held on his combat with spitefull clamours, & that in a more froward then obstinate manner. In so much, that the violent course into which this arrogant fellow did at last run, moued both the King and his Nobles, who began to cry all out vpon him, and that if he came to [Page 357] fight, he should get packing into the kingdome of Amangucium, which then was vp in armes, & there [...]e should not want matter of combat; for that heere [...]ll peace and quietnes was desired; But if he came to [...]ispute, he should abstaine from passion and obsti­ [...]acy, and should imitate the forreyne Priest with whome he disputed, for that his temper & modesty in disputing ought to giue him example. At this the Bonzy (as he was naturally much inclined to chollar) [...]eing carryed on by the intemperance of his tongue [...]egan to curse the King and his Nobles, as though he [...]ad bin mad, or drunke. Wherupon the King, incen­ [...]ed and styrred vp to indignation, commanded him presently to be thrust out of the Pallace, solemnely protesting withall, that were it not for reuerence to his Priesthood, he would haue commanded his necke to be broken.

CHAP. XIV. Francis his constancy vvhilst the Bonzies be vp in tumult.

THIS so publick a disgrace (as they termed it) 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 [Page 358] amongst the vulgar, The King of Bungo his prudēce. 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 intrea [...]ing him that he would auoyd the present storme of persecuti­on, which was comming vpon him from the Bonzie [...].

But Xauerius being endowed not only with an vn­daunted courage against dangers, Xauerius couragi­ous spi­rit. 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 [...] [Page 359] 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 cā 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 attēpts 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 [Page 360] 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, By the Gouer­nours meanes the Por­tugheses vndergo the dan­ger with Xauerius. 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.
[...]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 cō ­ [...] and the disputation betweene Ficarondono & Francis [...]oncerning Religion which had byn broken of, The Cō ­ditions of the disputa­tion. to be [...]gaine renewed. The King at first was no wayes incli [...]ed therto, but yet vpon certaine conditions he at last [...]ondescended; To wit, that the busines might be car­ [...]ed without clamours, & falling into chollar; That [...]or deciding of matters which might occurre in any [...]ōtrouersy, there should be appointed certaine arbitra­ [...]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 [...]hat the arguments were made according to the rule [...]f reason; That the disputation ended, the said arbitra­ [...]ours, and the other Auditours should giue their sen­ [...]ence of euery article of Religion disputed, and that which was confirmed by the greater part of voyces, [...]hould be held for certaine & ratified; And lastly that the Bonzies should neyther by themselnes, nor others hinder any frō being Christians that desired the same. There conditiōs were not so much approued, as acce­ted [Page 362] 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 nū ­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, The Portugheses new affe­ctions to Xauerius. they came againe vnto the Citty in a brauer mā ­ner thē 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 Religion brought out of another world might not be diuulged in that Royall Citty? To whome the Bonzy, being now taught by the late dis­grace he had suffred, to vse more temper, answered calmely; that the reason was easy to be giuen, because there was nothing more hurtfull then that, to their ancient Religion, to the Common-wealth, and to the whole order of the Bonzies, who both had, & al­wayes did serue the Gods after a holy & pure māner: wherof there were extant most certayne approbati­ons, and testimonies of the Kings of Iaponia; so that it were impiety in they Iaponeses, to seeke to saue their [Page 363] [...]oules by other meanes, then had byn vsed by their [...]orefathers, & predecessours for so many ages.

Then Francis being by the King willed to answere [...]nto this, desired that there might be some order, & [...]ethod obserued in this disputation. Wherfore he re­ [...]uested the King, that seeing the Bonzies were come [...]f their owne accord to oppugne him, he would be [...]leased to command Ficarondono to declare in parti­cular, whatsoeuer either he, or the other Bonzies mi­ [...]ked of that which he taught, that so he might an­ [...]were vnto them all. And moreouer he intreated, for [...]he auoiding of contention, that that might be ratifi­ed, and held for good, which his Maiesty, with the greater part of the arbitratours, should agree vpon, touching matters in the present cōtrouersy. The King granted Francis his request, and commanded that all matters should be so carryed. To which the Bonzy also agreed.

Then Ficarondono demaundes of him, why he, be­ing a Priest of a strange Coūtry, inueighed against the Iaponians most sacred Gods? Because (quoth he) I iudge them vnworthy of so glorious, and diuine a Title; which the rule of right reason hath made pro­per only to him, who by nature is Eternall, and Im­mortall▪ and being the Author of all things, made both heauen and earth, wherof he is sole Lord and gouernour For such is the infinite power & maiesty of God, that hardly can the wit of man, by imaginatiō or thought cōprehend it. Wherfore these few things which heere we see with our eyes, the motions of the celestiall globes, and starres; the certaine and fixed [Page 364] courses of times; corne, fruite, and other things pro­claime him to be the only true and proper God, who gouerneth & ruleth this world, which himself made. As for Xacas, Amidas, Giron, and others whome you hold for Gods, looke but into your owne Chronicles and Monuments, and you will find them to haue bin men, very rich, and potent indeed, but yet mortall as we are.

This answere which Xauerius gaue, caused in the Iudges a soft whispering among themselues, wherby they declared that it pleased them well. Wherupon when the Bonzy was ready to oppose him, the King bad him go to something else, for that was already iudged for good by the Arbitrators, whose sentence they were to stand vnto. He therfore demandeth of Francis, The Bon­zies bills of Ex­change. Why he disallowed of the Bonzies bills of Ex­change, wherby the dead were prouided of mony in heauen, specially seeing by that meanes they who de­parted out of this lyfe, became rich in heauen on a suddaine, who otherwise would haue remained poore and beggarly?

To this Xauerius replyed, that their riches who went to heauen, consisted not in the Bonzies Bils, but in the Merit of good workes. And those workes were good which proceeded from right reason, and true Religion, being without question gratefull, and ac­ceptable to that Eternall God, who giueth rewards to euery one according to their merit. As for Religi­on there was none true & pure, but that of the Chri­stians, whereby, sincerely and piously the true God is worshipshed; the which is also called Christian, be­ [...]use [Page 365] Christ the sonne of God deliuered it vnto men. [...]or Christ, quoth he, being made Man for mans sake [...]ought downe that excellent doctrine from heauen, [...]ho being also glorious in miracles, replenished the [...]rts of men with heauenly precepts; and lastly for [...]ans saluation suffred death, washing away their sin­ [...]es with his owne bloud. Whosoeuer therfore being [...]aptized according to the Christian rites, do truly & [...]ncerely obserue the cōmandments of Christ in this [...]ortal life, shall at last be admitted into heauen, to an [...]uerlasting life, abounding with all happines.

Neither is the Christian Religion so niggard, and [...]inching as the Bonzies is, The Bon­zies shut out of heauen poore people and wo­men. it shutting out neyther [...]oore people nor women from heauen, so that they [...]iue and dye as Christians ought to do; and yet the Bonzies either out of niggardnesse, or superstitiō will not affoard them any entrance into blisse: wherby it is easily seene, that the Bonzies course of life, aymeth rather at their owne profit and commodity, then at truth of Religion; and that they respect their owne [...]gaine more, then the honour of God, or saluation of [...]oules. For seeing God, who is Lord of Heauen and earth, hath created women as well as men, poore as well as rich; he will without partiality, haue them also to be saued and blessed, if they leade a good, and vertuous life.

Heere now the King, and the other arbitratours approued the discourse of Francis for very good; whe­reat the Bonzies were extremely grieued and ashamed, it galling them to the hart, to depart the field with the losse of the victory, by the iudgement both of [Page 366] King and his Nobility. For with this, the disputation ended; notwithstanding that their obstinacy in de­fending what they had once sayd, was not yet o­uercome.

After this other Bonzies, gallant fellowes both for learning and eloquence, that they might not seeme wholly vanquished, New dis­putation with o­ther Bon­zies. set againe a fresh vpon Xauerius. As he was therfore speaking to the people, they be­ganne to presse him with very many, and different questions. This businesse lasted for aboue fiue dayes: all which time the King was neuer absent, either to benefit himselfe by the disputations, or else by his authority to defend Francis, of whome he had vn­dertaken the protection; hauing not the patience to see the Bonzies, with more obstinacy then truth, im­pugne his answeres, which were very cleare, and ac­cording to reason: so as when the Bonzies ran crying out, and rushing togeather in throngs vpon Xauerius, he caused them to be kept backe, telling them aloud, that if any one would try whether a Religion were according to reason, he should not himselfe be void of reason, as they all seemed to be. And with this, ri­sing vp, The King leadeth Xa­uerius to his lod­ging. he tooke Francis by the hand, and with his Nobles following him, led him to his lodging, which was not indeed more gracefull and glorious for Xauerius, and the Christian Religion, then disgracefull & ignominious for the Bōzies, who vpon this their new ignominy, heaped vp also new rage in their spitefull minds. The Bon­zies rage. Wherfore like men out of their wits with fury they fell openly a roaring out, and with lowd voices to wish, that Thunder from heauen would consume [Page 367] [...] King to ashes, seeing he made lesse account of his [...]ncestours Religion, confirmed by authority of so [...]any Kings, then of a strange, and infamous [...]ect; & [...]ad a more sleight esteeme of the Bonzies authority, [...]en of a stinking, roguish, and base fellow.

CHAP. XVI.
He procureth the Kings of Amangucium and Bungo to fauour Christianity.

IN the meane time whilst Francis was glad to see matters fal thus out happily (God almighty seasoning his sweet meate with soure sauce) he commeth to vnderstand [...]ow variously things had bin carried at Amangucium [...]nce his departure thence. Cosmas Turianus had al that [...]hile imployed himself there with no lesse fortunate [...]ccesse in refuting the Bonzies, then in instructing [...] Neophytes, when as a ciuill warre breaking forth [...]pon a suddain, disturbed all. For that a certaine [...]otent Prince setting vpon his King at vnawares, [...]ith a great army of souldiars, had driuen him out [...]f his kingdome; who being not ignorant that his life [...]as sought for, & that he might not fall aliue into the [...]ands of his enemy, being his owne subiect, had [...]esperatly killed himselfe. Vpon this, the Citty be­ [...]ame all in a tumult, and all things were turned vp [...] downe, whilst the souldiars without any restraint [Page 368] had practised their cruelty vpon all that stood in their way, without respect eyther of quality, age, or per­son, wasting also in a furious manner, euen the very houses themselues.

In the middest of these so many slaughters and de­uastations by fire, the malicious Bonzies intended to haue oppressed the Christians and their Instructors, if the diuine Prouidence had not with present ayde pro­tected thē. For presently vpon the newes of the Kings death, that dismall warre soone was turned into a ioy­full peace, by meanes of the chiefe Nobility of the Kingdome, who conspiring all togeather, sent forth­with Embassadours to Ficarondono the King of Bung [...] his Brother, to demaund him for their King. Where­fore Xauerius hoping for a fit opportunity to obtayne the new Kings fauour, towards the Neophytes at A­mangucium, went straight vnto the King of Bungo, & requested him to commend vnto his brother, the Fa­thers of the Society, and the Christians that liued at Amangucium.

The King did very carefully what Francis reque­sted, and the new King of Amangucium also made vn­to him a liberall promise of what he desired, which heafterward faythfully performed. Moreouer the King of Bungo, that his deeds might adde force to his words, The King of Bungo gi­ueth an house to the Soci­ety of IESVS. began presently himselfe to practise that in his owne Kingdome which he persuaded his Brother to do in his, by fauouring of the Neophytes, and ap­pointing a certayne house for such of the Society as should come at any tyme to Bungo: Yet himselfe durst not imbrace the Christian Fayth, which he so much [Page 369] [...]proued and fauoured, for fearing he might be thrust [...] of his Kingdome by sedition. Wherefore Francis [...]uing done his endeauour, although in vaine, to draw [...] to the fayth of Christ, when he saw that he lost [...] his labour therein, and that the businesse was not [...] ripe, turneth his thoughts another way.

Now when Xauerius was to depart, the King with [...]ares in his eyes, The King weeping at Xaue­rius de­parture. looking vpon the Portugheses that [...]ccompanyed him; I do, quoth he, in all sincerity, [...]uch enuy you, in this your Companion, of whome [...] being depriued, cannot refrayne from teares; and [...] more, because I feare that this is the last tyme [...] shall euer see him. Then Xauerius giuing the King [...]umble thankes for these tokens of his good will to­wards him, told him that he would certaynly, if God [...]pared his lyfe and gaue him leaue, returne vnto him [...]gayne ere long; by which promise he put the King [...]nto some comfort. Then entring into speach with his Maiesty about the Christian Religion, he put him [...]n mynd of those things which he thought most pro­fitable for him, Francis his ex­hortatiō to the King. aduising him seriously to remember that he was a mortall man, and therefore should deep­ly consider with himselfe, how many foule crimes and offences would cry vengeance agaynst him after his death, vnlesse he purged himselfe therof whilst he liued: And that he should for certayne know, that whosoeuer dyed out of the Christian fayth, was in­fallibly to be tormēted euerlastingly in Hel: but they who were Christians, and liued as they ought, should by the help & grace of Christ, enioy euerlasting blisse [...] in heauen. These words of Francis, so stroke the King [Page 370] vnto the hart, that in the presence of them, he agayne brake forth into aboundance of teares.

Xauerius now humbly bidding his Maiesty fare­wel, departeth from him at last with much a do. Then comforting the Catechumens with hope of his speedy returne, or else to send one in his place, he departed also the Citty, ful of hope and confidence, for that he left the King, & a good part of the people well affected to the Christian fayth. Besides, he had much confi­dence, that so great a Kings fauour might be a sin­gular defēce to the Christiā cause in those places. Ney­ther was he mistaken therein. For euer since the King of Bungo entred into amity with the Portugheses, and tooke vpon him to protect the Christian Religion, he hath alwayes proceeded with very much fauour and friendship towards thē; assigning also a cōmodious place for Francis his companions, that were after sent thither, and by his letters of Commendations, ope­ning the way for them, to enter into the familiarity and fauour of his neighbour Kings. Besides this, he furthered also the propagation of the Ghospell, The King of Bungo his desire to pro­tect and propa­gate the Christiā Religiō. and fauoured those of the Society, in the greatest muta­bility of times that might be, with extraordinary be­nefit both to himselfe & all Iaponia. For by his meanes although an Ethnicke, Christianity came afterwards to be exceedingly increased. And he by the goodnesse of Christ, who rewarding in due time al these fauours of his▪ did not only add foure other kingdomes to that which was left him by his Father, but was also made a Christian about the 30. yeare after Francis his death, as hauing no small reference vnto his merits. For that [Page 371] [...]he King when he was baptized, eyther out of respect which he bare vnto Xauerius, or for that he attributed [...]hat benefit vnto his merits, would needs be called Francis.

This most prudent Kings example, When the King of Bungy was bap­tised he would be called Francis. was by many [...]f the Nobility, and some Princes also followed: yet [...]e went beyond them all, no lesse in piety then in dig­ [...]ity. For God Almighty hath granted this our age [...] fauour, as to see an Embassadour sent from him [...] Grego [...]y the XIII. supreme Pastour of his Church; [...]hen as certaine yong Noble men of the bloud Royal [...]ere solemnely sent to Rome, from the Christian [...]rinces of Iaponia, to acknowledge the Bishop of [...]ome for the chiefe Prelate of Gods Church, and Fa­ [...]er to all Nations: Who comming out of another world, & returning againe into their Country, were [...]onoured greatly as they deserued, not only in Rome, [...]ut also throughout Italy and Spayne. For which way [...]euer they wēt they became a most pleasant spectacle [...]nto all; the like wherof had neuer bin seene or heard [...] the memory of man. So as they were euery where [...]eceiued not only with great concourse, & admiratiō [...]f the people, but with applause, congratulations, & [...]ther tokens of excessiue ioy; that euen the memory [...]f Xauerius, who first of all brought the Ghospel into [...]aponia, might also seeme heerin to triumph.

Yet was there one thing which did not a little [...]ouble Xauerius mind, for that he had wrought so [...]all good amongst the Nobility of Iaponia (whose [...]thority euer beareth great sway among the people) [...]nd that neuer a one of them had receiued his whol­some [Page 372] 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, Why he deter­mined to go into China. 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.

Intending to passe into China, he determi­neth first to returne into India. CHAP. I.

THE Confines of China, are distant from Iaponia, The des­crip [...]ion & man­ners of the Chi­neses:. 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, [Page 374] 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 [...]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 thē, 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, The coū ­try of China shut vp against Christs Ghospel & 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 [Page 375] [...] the China, and so he going as companion to the Em­ [...]ssadour, when he had gotten entrance, might bring [...] the Ghospell amongst the Chineses. And because so [...] any People, and Prouinces were gouerned by the [...]mmand of one King, it seemed as an euident token [...]ō God, that the propagation of Religiō there would [...] the more easy. Wherefore he was not out of hope [...]t that (as it had in tymes past happened in the Ro­ [...]an Empire) Religion begining with the King him­ [...]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, His care of the Society. [...]d had not only vnited many to the flocke of Christ [...] the chiefe kingdomes therof, but procured places [...]so of abode for those of the society, when as he begā [...] thinke of returning into India. Besides the cause [...]herof we now spake, of procuring an Embassage to [...]e sent into China, the sollicitude & care of his owne [...]ociety inuited him also home; not that he was so [...]uch troubled for the great distance of place from [...]em, or for any longing desyre he had to see them, [...]ut that he deemed, he ought not so to employ him­ [...]lfe in gaining of Ethinckes to Christ, as wholy to [...]bandon the flocke & company which was commit­ [...]d to his charge, both by Christ, and Ignatius. For [...]lthough he often vnderstood by letters from India [...]hatsoeuer was done by those of the society there: yet [...]e remembred well the Prouerbe that sayth, The [...]ore part of the head is better then the hinder; & that [...]igilant pastours ought to vi [...]it their flockes, with [Page 372] [...] [Page 373] [...] [Page 374] [...] [Page 375] [...] [Page 376] 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 wēt 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, intēding 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 Christ [...] that so, hauing by [...] eye witnesses of the glory, and ri [...] ches of that Church, especially at Rome, they might returning home agayne, cause the Iaponians to co [...] [Page 377] [...]yue a worthy esteeme of the Christian Religion, [...]y relating vnto them what themselues had seene.

Departing therefore from Iaponia with a prospe­ [...]ous wynd, they found this their nauigation after­ [...]ards very various, & remarkable for miracles. The [...]auenth day, after they had put to sea, there arose v­ [...]on a suddaine a cruell tempest, which by mayne for­ [...]e & violence carryed away their ship into a sea who­ [...] vnknowne to the marriners. And as they wandred [...]p and downe amongst the billowes, without once [...]nowing where they were, or whither they wēt, they were so tossed with crosse waues, that they were in [...]mminent daunger to be cast away. For the sky was [...]uercast with such thicke and mysty clowdes, that [...]hey were wholy depriued of the light of the sunne, & [...]o remayned in darknes for the space of fiue whole [...]ayes. At which tyme, not only Francis his sanctity, [...]ut also his care and sollicitude manifested it selfe. He [...]ncited the rest to assist the marriners in their offices, [...]ot more by words, Francis imploy­eth him­selfe to help the ship be­ing in danger. then by his owne example. He was behind none in labouring, both night and day. He comforted the afflicted, and put them that were [...]ut of hart, in hope to escape. One would haue sayd [...]e had byn the Captayne, or rather Gouernour of the [...]hip.

But when the wind was enraged with greater fury, [...]nd tossed the waues higher and higher, the Maister [...]f the ship fearing (which after hapned indeed) that some soddain puffe of wind might violētly rend away the Cock-boate frō the ship, caused it to be fast bound thereto with cable ropes. As they were now labou­ring [Page 378] about it (being fifteene men in number, besides two Saracens) they were presently ouercast with a mist as darke as pitch. And not long after, their ca­bles burst a [...]under with the violence of the tempest, and the boate, with the men, was carryed away with such swiftnesse and vehemency, that almost in an in­stant it was out of all their sights. Wherupon the May­ster lamenting their case, making accompt they were all but lost men, vnlesse the Cocke-boate could be recouered, directed his course that way, which he thought the boat was carryed. But the waues grow­ing rougher & rougher, and the ship compassed round as it were with mountaynes of water, was vpon the suddayne driuen vnder the waues, ready to sinke. Whereupon Xauerius stirred vp by the clamours of the marriners and passengers who called vpon our B. Lady, He deli­uereth out of danger the ship almost cast a­way. commeth running out of the Maysters ca­bin, where he was at his prayers, and there finde [...]n the passengers & marriners cast one vpon another on a heap, expecting nothing but their certayne casting away. He therefore not caring so much for himselfe, as for his companions, cryeth out: O Iesu Christ, God of my hart, I beseech thee by those fiue wounds which the Loue of vs gaue thee vpon the Crosse, help these thy seruants, whome thou hast redeemed with thy precious bloud. A wonderfull thing. The ship on a suddayne mounted vp aboue the waues, and got out of present daunger, euery one acknowledging Gods most liberal, and helping hand therein.

When they had thus escaped their owne perill, all their care was for their neighbours: and euery one [Page 379] who had kindred, or friends in the lost boate, began greatly to lament their misfortune. After they had thus a while bewayled their friends, they fall to pitty themselues. For they were tossed vp and downe in an vnknowne sea, where neuerthelesse together with the Cock-boate, they had lost almost all hope of sa­uing themselues. Xauerius therefore, seeing them all weeping, and halfe dead through feare, biddeth them take courage, and telleth them withall, that with­in three dayes the daughter would agayne come to her mother, signifying thereby that the Boate should re­turne agayne vnto the shippe. They generally gaue no great credit to the matter, A predi­ction of the boa­tes re­turne to the ship. yet they were not alto­geather out of hope. The next day in the morning as soone as it was light, Francis commeth forth amongst them with a cheerfull countenance, and saluting the Mayster of the ship after a courteous manner, willeth him to command one to clime vp the Mast, to espy whether the Cocke boate were in sight or no. Wher­upon an ancient and expert marriner, called Peter, answered in a gibing manner, that they should then recouer their Cock-boate, when they had lost their ship. To whome Francis replyed: why, Peter, thinkest thou any thing hard for God to do? I for my part am not out of hope, but that by the goodnesse of God, & our B. Lady of Malaca her help, to whome I haue vo­wed three Masses, the boate with those poore wret­ches in her, will shortly b [...] safe with vs againe.

Then when he who had ascended the Mast sayd, that it could not yet be seene, Frācis shut himselfe close vp in a Cabine, and there with teares spent a good [Page 380] part of the day in prayer, and at last commeth out tel­ling them good newes, that they should presently see the boat returne home againe: and forth with intrea­teth the Maister to strike sayle, and to stay for the boate, for certainly all that were in her, especially the two Saracens, should by Gods and his B. Mothers help be saued. The maister of the ship refused his re­quest, and the others cryed out vpon it, both because it was in vaine then to expect the boate, and also be­cause they could not do it, without manifest perill of their ship. For euen still they thought they saw be­fore their eyes the danger which they had so lately es­caped. But the Maister, being at last wearyed out with Francis intreaties, causeth the small sayle which then was only vsed, to be let downe. Hauing thus stayed his course for a good space, and the boate not yet appearing, and the ship also seeming to be in some danger because the sea was still very rough and the wynd boisterous, he commandeth the sayle to be hoysed vp againe. But Xauerius still vrged him, and intreated the marriners to expect yet a while, confi­dently assuring them that the boat would come pre­sently without any danger to their ship. But when the marriners, who were out of all hope, and moued also with the present danger they were in, would not­withstanding haue hoysed vp the saile, the Father runneth vnto them, and laying his hand fast vpon the yard, besought them by the pretious death, and woundes of our Sauiour, that they would be pleased to expect yet a little longer. With much ado they obeyed; and he set himselfe againe to pray.

[Page 381] In the meane time Antony Dias was at his request gone vp to the toppe of the Mast, who looking all about, tould them he could yet see nothing; and therefore intreateth Xauerius to giue him leaue to come downe: but he, on the other side, wished him to stay there still a while. And as he prayed earnestly with his hands lifted vp to heauē ▪ he biddeth the Mai­ster and the rest to be of good courage. Now all this while the ship (being as it were warranted by Francis from any present danger) was tossed with mighty waues, and floated vp and downe the sea without any harme at all. And hauing in this manner expected al­most three houres, and the matter held for desperate by some, behold vpon a suddaine Dias cryeth out that the boate was in sight, and comming towards them. Then they being all exceedingly comforted, began to giue thankes to God, and to Francis Xauier. As soone as the boate came within all their sights, pre­sently they turne the ship crosse-wise to receiue her, and she, God certainly guiding her, cōmeth directly vpon the ship. As she approached neerer vnto them, the marriners, now leaping for ioy, went about, as the custome is, to cast out a rope vnto her: but Xauerius tould them that there was no need so to do, The bo­ate of her selfe co­meth to the ship side. for she of her owne selfe would come close to the ship side. And so it came to passe indeed; all the company being astonished at the miracle. At last she came so right vn­to the side, that the poore men might be cōmodiously taken vp. Besids this, although she were in the midst of the waues, yet remained she firme without any to hold her, vntil she was againe fast bound vnto the ship.

[Page 382] Besides this so euident a miracle, another strange & almost incredible thing is recoūted by Fernand Men­dez Pinto, a graue and vertuous Portughese, who was companion vnto Francis in that voyage out of Iaponia into China, & partaker also of all these dangers; which was, That after the men were taken vp safe into the ship, & the marriners would haue thrust of the boate w ^ch was now empty & fast tyed therto, Francis being in the ship was seene at the same time also in the boate. they all cried out vnto them that they should first help forth Xauerius who was stil in the boat. When the marriners replyed that Xauerius was well & safe in the ship, & had neuer byn in the boat, they affirmed constantly one after another, that all the while they were tossed by the tē ­pest, & driuen vp and downe in the sea, Xauerius was seene comforting them, & putting them in hope to es­cape euen vntil the boat came backe. Then they began to vnderstand, that Francis whilest he prayed for their deliuery appeared also vnto them (as it is recounted of S. Nicolas Bishop of Myra) by whose prayers it was manifest they had byn saued from shipwracke. This thing was much spoken of by all the passengers, He fore­tels a calme sea. and marriners. But Xauerius affirmed, that it was Gods handy-worke and not his, and willeth the Mayster of the ship, with all speed to make ready all his sayles, for that presently the tempest would cease, and they should haue faire weather. This proued also very true, for the marriners had scarce put in order their say­les, when vpon the suddaine, the storme wholy cea­sed, and the ship sayled on with a prosperous gale.

Now this regayning of the Cock-Boate, made also much for gayning of the two Saracens soules, who [Page 383] [...]ad byn in all the danger. For they being moued by [...]o euident a miracle, were by Xauerius without great difficulty conuerted to the fayth of Christ; and being [...]y him instructed and baptized, were, next to God, [...]ound vnto him for the saluation both of their bodies [...]nd soules. The ship then hauing afterwards a prospe­ [...]ous voyage, came safe to Cinceum, an hauen Towne of China, whither she was bound.

CHAP. III.
He maketh the Port of the Chineses, and his voyage to Malaca, very famous by his Prophesies.

AS soone as Francis was landed, he met very fitly with Iames Perera his ancient & great friend, a man of note both for Nobility of birth and riches, who was shortly to re­ [...]rne into India. When they had saluted each other [...]ith great signes of ioy & affection, Francis acquain­ [...]ng him with his determination, of cōming to speach [...]ith the King of China, asked his aduise therin. Wher­ [...]pon he being a prudent man, and experienced in [...]ch matters, thought his best course would be to [...]rocure the Embassage which he spake of, and also [...]resents from the Viceroy of India to the sayd King [...]f China. Iames Pererias notable bounty. And to second his aduise with his helping [...]and, he offered cordially for that purpose not only [...]is owne endeauours, but his ship also, and all he [...]ad besides; so much did the loue of Xauerius togea­together [Page 384] with aduancement of Christian Religion in China moue him. And truly his deedes proued grea­ter then his words: for he sent with Xauerius to Goa, a man of purpose to conduct him, & furnished him with 30. thousand Crownes for that voyage. Francis giuing him many thankes prayed God to requite him, and promised also, that his King should do the like.

From thence he passed to Machao a very famous Mart Towne of the Chineses, where finding a yong mayd, who through pouerty and want had exposed her Chastity to be abused, he presently began to beg money to make her vp a dowry. He therfore going to one Peter Vellius an ancient acquaintance of his, and a wel monied merchāt, & finding him playing at chesse in another mans house, openeth the matter briefly vn­to him, and withall intreateth to borrow some gold of him to be payd agayne an hundred for one in hea­uen. Ʋellius being somewhat troubled at Xauerius vn­seasonable comming vnto him, Peter Vellius his great liberali­ty. tould him that it was then no tyme to talke of such things, for that he was not at his owne house where his money was. Francis vrged againe in a very friendly manner, saying, that to one who was to dye, no time was amisse to do good deeds in. At which words Vellius being moued, gaue him the key of his chest where his mony was (for Xa­uerius knew wel his house & where to find any thing) bidding him take as much as he would. Francis went and tooke out 300. crownes, and presently bringeth him backe the key, telling him withall how much he had taken. Then, quoth he, Father, you haue com­mitted an errour, and your modesty hath done me an [Page 385] [...]niury, hauing taken farre lesse then I intended you should. For by deliuering you my key, I meant you should haue taken the halfe that was in the chest I which I thinke are 30000. crownes of gold) & haue equally deuided it betweene vs; but alas, what a [...]mall summe haue you taken thence, for your selfe?

Francis admiring hereat, perceiued that Vellius spake [...]incerely frō his hart, & that his words were not more complementall then true. Wherupon he replyed: Go [...]orward Vellius, quoth he, stil in this thy liberality, for [...]hy noble & reall Hart testified by these effects, is gra­ [...]efull and acceptable to God; A nota­ble Pro­phecy. in whose name therfore [...] promise, that God shall neuer fayle thee, and that [...]hou shalt also by reuelation from him, foreknow the [...]ast day of thy lyfe. Wherein God neyther deceyued Francis, nor he the merchant. From that tyme for­ward Vellius became quite another man, and was ve­ [...]y much addicted to bounty and piety. Some yeares [...]fter, being forewarned from heauen of the tyme of [...]is departure out of this lyfe, he began to cast vp his [...]ccoumpts, and to setle his household affayres, distri­ [...]uting a great part of his substance among the poore, and made himselfe ready for that last combat, now whilst he was strong and lusty.

When his last day was come, he went vnto the Church, & caused the Priest to sing a solemne masse of Requiem for Peter Vellius, at which himselfe was pre­sent, reckoning himselfe euen then for dead. Then go­ [...]ng to euery one of his friends, he biddeth them fare­well, for he was to take a long iourney. When they asked him, whither he meant to go? To heauen, quoth [Page 386] he, I trust. Wherupon they thought he had but iested being alwayes a merry and pleasant man. But he per­sisted with many asseuerations that indeed he went to heauen. Then they thought verily he was distracted, or crazed in the braine, wherein they were absolutly confirmed when they heard it reported, that Peter Vel­lius hauing gotten a Masse sayd for his soule, had shut himself vp in his house, & there expected deaths com­ming. They therfore came vnto his house by troupes, & endeauoured one after another to draw him from that melancholy cogitation. But he, carrying himselfe with a cheerfull contenance, shewed manifestly, that he had no griefe of mynd, and withall very ioyfully openeth to his friends Xauerius his prediction, and the euent thereof. At last, when he had tould them the whole matter, he intreated that they would euen that very day, keep the funeralls of Peter Vellius who was presently to dye. It so fell out indeed: for being well stroken in yeares, he was presently taken away by suddayn death; and the very same day his friends ac­companied his Corpes to Church, being greatly asto­nished and amazed, partly at his departure, and partly at Xauerius prediction.

In the meane tyme, as Francis was going to imbarke himselfe in Perera's ship, turning vpon a suddayne to those that accompanied him, who were many in nū ­ber: Let vs, A dou­ble Pro­phecy. quoth he, pray to God for the Citty of Ma­laca, which is pressed by the Enemy that besiegeth it, & if any one can affoad any help to it in this distresse, let them make hast, least they come to late when all is lost. This fearefull saying wrought much in them all, [Page 387] [...]ither by reason of the Malacensians dāger, or els for the [...]iraculous prophecy it selfe: for Malaca was distant [...]rom thence 900. leagues, or thereabout. Through this [...]each of Francis they all fell together to their praiers. [...]or was it in vayne. For whilst the marriners were [...]reparing for this their iourney, Iames Perera afore­aid, being much moued by what Xauerius had spoken [...]ade prouision both of armour and souldiars to assist [...]he besieged. Whome when Xauerius perceyued to be [...] such care, through feare of danger wherein the Ma­ [...]censians were: Away Iames, quoth he, with this feare [...]nd preparation for warre, and giue God thankes to­ [...]eather with vs; For now Malaca is by the diuine Goodnes freed from the siege: wherby all might per­ [...]eaue that the Malacensians were succoured by the [...]rayers which were lately made for them vnto God.

Now Xauerius imbarking in Perera his shippe, [...]hey arriued vpon the fortith day after their depar­ [...]ure frō Iaponia, The Ha­uen Sin­capura. at Sincapura a hauen Towne 120. mi­ [...]es distant from Malaca, and where they remayned [...]ome few dayes. From thence Xauerius least any thing [...]ight peraduenture hinder his iourney at Malaca, [...]rote letters to the Society there, aduertising them of [...]is returne, & warning them to prouide him with all [...]peed of all things necessary for his voyage into India, [...]or that he was in very great hast. The chiefe season [...]or commodious passage into India was now a good while past, when they departed from Sincapura to­wards Malaca, intending from thence to passe in­to India. Wherfore Perera was very anxious doubting that there was not at that tyme of the yeare any ship [Page 388] to be gotten at Malaca, to transport Francis vnto Goa. Then Xauerius: Iames, A Pro­phecy. quoth he, be not afrayd, but cast away this care: For Anthony Perera hath now stayed for vs a good while, with a shippe ready for our iorney. The euent shewed presently after, that what he said was true.

As soone therfore as they came to Malaca, they find Anthony, who had now three dayes expected the comming of Xauerius with a ship fraught, and ready to set forth. And withall, they vnderstood that Ma­laca had byn lately straitly besieged by those of Iaua, a barbarous people that border vpon them; and that it was freed from the siege, & danger, at the very same time that Francis had foretold. As soone as it was re­ported abroad that Xauerius was returned out of Iapo­nia to Malaca, presently there came vnto him great concourse of al sorts to congratulate with him for his safe returne. At Ma­laca he is receiued with great ioy & gratu­lation of all. For when he departed for Iaponia he had cōmitted himself to so long & dangerous a nauigatiō euen against their wils, to their great griefe, and sor­row. But as soone as newes was brought that he was safely returned agayne at Malaca, the whole Citty presently making a procession to the Church of the Society, gaue there publike thankes to Almighty God, demonstrating thereby the great affection which they bare vnto him. Wherfore his safe returne, togeather with the good newes of the conuersions he had made in Iaponia, brought aboundance of ioy vnto the whole Citty.

CHAP. IIII.
At Goa he cureth one that vvas ready to dye: and taketh account of vvhat the Society had done, since his departure.

FRANCIS hauing stayed at Malaca some few dayes for the comfort of the Society which there resided, imbarketh himselfe in the shippe, which had now byn there a [...]od while ready, and with a prosperous gale arri­ [...]eth at Cocinum, where he is receiued with the gene­ [...]all ioy and gratulation of all the Citty. Now at the [...]ery same time that Francis arriued at Cocinum, there [...]ere shippes ready bound for Goa. Wherfore making [...]se of the benefit which was at hād, he presently with [...]ll speed maketh hast thither. As [...]oone as he was lan­ [...]ed, he went as his custome was to the hospitall of the [...]cke before he would go to his owne house of the So­ciety. As soone as he came to Goa he visiteth the sicke After he had in a sweet manner comforted the [...]ck he went vnto the Colledge, being earnestly expe­ [...]ted there by all his Society. Where after he had most [...]ouingly & tenderly saluted & imbraced them all one [...]fter another, that he might not seeme more courte­ [...]us vnto externes, then to those of his owne family, [...]e asketh whether there was any sick in the house? To whome it was answered, that there was only one. Wherupon he goeth presently vnto him, before he [Page 390] went to his owne chamber.

The Patient at that present lay in great extre­mity, and was watched day and night by some of the Society who had care of his soule. All things were now prepared for his buriall, yet the sickeman him­selfe, although he was then euen ready to giue vp the ghost, was not out of all hope of life, saying of­tentimes with a broken and dying voice, that if Xa­riuss would come before he were dead (for he was e­uery day expected) he should certainly by his merits & prayers recouer his health, He reco­uers one of the Society ready to dye. although euen then des­payred of. Francis failed not to answere to the sicke mans hope, and assoone as he entred the chamber, he saluteth him as he lay euen a dying, reciteth the Ghospell ouer him, and deliuers him from death; so as be­ing instantly eased of his paynes, not long after per­fectly recouered his health. One would haue thought that God had so disposed the matter, that both the sick man should expect the comming of Xauerius, and Xauerius make hast on his iorney to come to him.

After this, incredible ioy was conceyued not only by those of the Society, but also by the principall of the Citty for Francis his safe returne, who greatly lon­ged to heare how matters went in Iaponia. Xauerius found also in Goa that Christianity, The Frā ­ciscans & Domini­cans in­dustry. & the Society had there much increased in his absence. For the Portu­geses hauing bin very carefully instructed both by the Franciscans, Dominicans, and those also of the Society, after their vices were once rooted out, liued very ci­uilly and piously, euen amidst the greatest liberty and affluence of al things. For although they were warlike [Page 391] [...]nd martiall men [...]yet they lead a life void, and free [...]ot only from quarrelling, wrangling, and iniuries, [...]ut euen from those pleasures also, which are law­ [...]lly granted vnto men; in so much that it was held [...]r a monstrous thing for any one to keepe a Concu­ [...]ne: so farre did the force of heauenly mysteries re­ [...]raine the liberty of Souldiars. For many times in the [...]eare, and as often also as they were to be sent vpon [...]y seruice, they armed themselues with the Sacra­ [...]ents of Confession and Communion. One would [...]aue thought they had bin rather religions men, then [...]uldiars.

Fa. Paul Camertes also ( Francis his Vicar) hauing [...]stituted an Hospitall at Goa for the poore, did [...]imselfe begge almes about the Citty for the mainte­ [...]ance therof, with no lesse incouragement to pious [...]eople, then comfort to the poore themselues. Be­ [...]des this, Fa. Anthony Gomez by the Viceroyes and [...]shops command hauing byn sent to Malauaria, The King of Tanoris baptized had [...]structed in the mysteries and precepts of the Chri­ [...]ian faith, the King of Tanoris, (who had bin lately [...]onuerted and baptized priuatly by Vincentius a Fran­ [...]scan Friar) and brought him at last (being much a­ [...]ayd of the speeches of men) to prefer religion be­ [...]ore feare, professing himselfe a Christian publikely [...]uen in the Citty of Goa. Where being intertayned by [...]he Bishop and Viceroy with all honour and solem­ [...]ity, he became an example to many Kings and Prin­ [...]es, and to his owne subiects also, to make the same [...]ryall of the Christian Faith.

Those also of the Society, whome Xauerius [Page 392] had sent abroad into diuers other places, had ech of them wrought great fruit by labouring in our Lords vineyard. For in the Promontory of Comorinū, which as we sayd before, had byn manured by Fa. Anthony Criminalis, & watered with his dearest bloud, was to be seene a most plentiful haruest of soules, In the Promō ­tory of Comorinū there are numbred 400000 Christiās there being numbred 400. thousand Christians. So that there may be a question whether his life, or death caused more increase to the Christian cause. But at O [...]s, that most fayre and rich Citty (as we said) seated in the mouth of the Persian gulfe, Gaspar Barzaeus the low Country mā had most nobly carryed on the businesse. For that Citty, being the very sincke of Ethinckes, Saracens, and Iewes, had now publikely giuen full scope to all abuses, being growne euen degenerate, & wholy ignorant of their owne country customes and ceremonies. Wherefore Gaspar being sent thither by Xauerius order, had in a short space greatly corrected and reformed their corrupt & wicked manners, she­wing himselfe a schollar not vnworthy of such a mai­ster; whose worthy acts being by others already recoū ­ted, I will only mention one in this place, whereby a coniecture may be made of the rest.

There was at Ormus a most ample and famous Temple dedicated to Mahomet, A memorable fact of Father Gaspar Barzaeus wherein he was ser­ued by the Saracens with the greatest solemnity an [...] deuotion that might be. Gaspar could not endure to se [...] the honour due to Christ, giuen to that wicked Apo­stata from the Christian Religion. Wherfore infla [...] med with diuine zeale he performed a noble act, wor­thy of all memory. For leading with him a troupe o [...] [Page 393] [...]ldren with great crosses in their hands and singing [...]oud, he setteth vpon the Temple, in the open day [...]e; and himselfe carying also a Crosse, first of al ru­ [...]th into the midst of the chaunting Saracens, and in [...]e sight of those Barbarians, who stood amazed at [...]e strang accidēt, planteth at leasure six great Crosses [...]st in the pauement of the Temple. One would haue [...]ought the fury of that franticke people, to haue [...]n with-held by diuine power from doing any out­ [...]ge vpon him, who was moued by God to performe [...]at noble act. The for­ce of the Crosse. The which was afterward made more [...]ident by the euent of the thing it selfe. For that the [...]ght therof did so discourage and terrify the Saracēs [...]at they forsooke the Temple euer after, and ran a­ [...]ay like men distracted, as the Deuills are wont to [...]o when the signe of the Crosse is made against them. [...]aspar at first, by Francis his appointment, remayned [...] the hospitall. But afterwards when the Citty of [...]rmus had receaued euident triall both of his, & his [...]ompanions vertue, they built a proper House and Church for the Society. Both which, the Society for certayne reasons, The Do­minicans commended. thinking good afterwards to leaue, [...]yielded them vp freely to the Dominicans (who with much prayse & fruit laboured in that vineyard of our Sauiour) for the respect they bare vnto that most holy Family.

With no lesse labour did Fa. Cyprian liue in Meli­ [...]pora the Towne of S. Thomas, who after he came thither, so moued the townes-men by his preaching and exemplar life, that of themselues they freely gaue to the Society a place for their perpetuall habitation. [Page 394] Cyprian therefore assisted by the diuine goodnes, did therin many and worthy things, but amongst others, this one was very remarkeable. A certaine Marri­ner hauing taken away a Christian woman by force from her husband, put her into a ship, not without the Maysters knowledge, Cyprians notable vertue. to carry her away. Wherof Cyprian being aduertised, when he could not by any meanes hinder such an abominable fact, pronounced this prophecy out of the pulpit. Certaine persōs haue carryed away another mans wife, but it shall not be long before they be punished, according to desert, for their sinne agaynst God and man. For the ship where­into the woman is conueyed shall perish; and wheras he that hath committed this fact, hath now but one eye, and stammereth with his tongue, shall ere long loose his other eye, and speach also. All this fell out as he foretould. For within few dayes after the ship was cast away; whereupon the Mayster thereof, be­ing enraged agaynst the sayd marriner, pulled out his other eye. And he lykewise, by his loud crying out in the shipwracke, became of a stammerer, wholy speachlesse.

Moreouer Fa. Nicolas Lancelot at Colanum, Balta­zar Gage at Bazain, Francis Perez at Malaca, Iohn Beira in Moluca and Maurica, & others of the Society, some in one place, some in another, by the help of our Lord imployed their labours not without great profit, in confirming the Neophytes, and gayning of Ethnic­kes to Christ. And all of them carryed themselues with such wonderfull sanctity of lyfe, euen amidst so great want of humane assistance and hardnes of all [Page 395] [...]hings, that with ease they obtained, or established pla­ [...]es of Residence for the Society. About the same time also Gaspar Consalues procured a Residēce for the Socie­ [...]y at Tanaa a towne distāt from Bazain 17 miles, where [...]he Townes men being instructed by the same Father [...] Christian piety, became good husband-men, & of [...] vertuous life. And many of their children were trai­ [...]ed vp according to ech ones capacity & propension, [...]ome to learning, and others to diuers handycrafts; so [...]s, they were taught at once, both to behaue themsel­ [...]es vertuously, & also to get their liuing for the main­ [...]nance of their lyfe.

At this place there came vnto Fa. Gaspar, from [...]e furthest part of India for religion sake, a certayne [...]ndian who was very aged, and almost withered vp with leanesse of body; yet of such comportment both in habit & countenance, that he resembled one of the ancient Hermits. He being in a short space instructed [...]n the precepts of the Christian Fayth, An Indiā like ano­ther Si­meon dy­eth after he had imbra­ced Christ. when one day [...]e beheld, drawne in a Table, the Child Iesus in his mothers lap, began presently with great veneratiō to [...]ake vp the diuine babe into his armes, & forthwith, [...]s he was in that sort imbracing the picture, being [...]ike another Simeon, admonished that the tyme of his death was at hand, vrged and instantly besought the Father that he might, without delay, be made a Chri­stian, for that his last day and death was at hand. He was therfore forthwith baptized, and the next mor­ning at breake of day he departed this life in peace, after he had imbraced the Sauiour of the world.

Xauerius being certified how matters went in all [Page 396] places, and of the difficulties also which many of his subiects were in, he sent vnto euery place according to the condition & necessity therof, not only supplies, but rules and precepts also for their further direction; which not to interrupt the order of this our History we haue thought good heere to omit, intending after­ward to set them downe in their proper places.

In the meane time whilst euery one greatly reioy­ced for the good newes he had brought out of Iapo­nia, with a speciall feeling; only he, who had bin the Author therof, still burning with an vnsatiable desire of the good of soules and glory of God, thought the conuersion of Iaponia but a matter of small moment, in comparison of those other things, which he hoped, and intended to compasse. For he had now a good while, fixed his cogitations vpon China. That was the Countrey, so replenished with townes and inha­bitants, yea the Court it selfe of the most ample king­dome of the world, which his intentions aymed at, as the complete and finall end of his trauiales, and a thing whereon the saluation of all the East did spe­cially depend.

CHAP. V.
Hauing procured the Embassage before spoken of, he goeth himselfe to China.

SCARSE was he come to Goa, when as the care he had of China ranne so conti­nually in his mind, that be began with all diligence to set forward the businesse, making account, that how long the matter was differred, so long was the saluation of the Chineses delayed. He therfore out of hand dealeth with Alphon­sus Noronia the Viceroy of India, and Iohn Alboquercius Bishop of Goa about the sending of an Embassage vnto China. The pie­ty and liberali­ty of Ja­mes Pere­ra. The person appointed heerto was Iames Perera a man of singular piety, & by Xauerius the only desi­red, and one who was no way failing in that which was expected from him. For out of the desire he had [...]o aduance Religion, he so tooke the businesse to hart, [...]hat in setting out his Embassage, and prouiding of Presents, he spent the greatest part of all his wealth.

In the dispatch of this businesse Xauerius carryed all things with exraordinary speed. For within the cōpasse of a moneth, he had gotten ready not only the Patents, Letters, and Presents from the Viceroy, and Bishop for the Embassage, but also all other things that were necessary for so hard a voyage. Wherin he was much furthered by the prompt liberality of the Viceroy, a very pious man, & Xauerius speciall friend, [Page 398] who gaue him both an Embassadour according to his desire, and prouided all things necessary for that ior­ney, not with more care then speed, & besides com­mended earnestly the whole businesse by his letters vnto Aluares Thardus Gouernour of Malaca.

Now though Xauerius were daily imployed in this busines of China, Gaspar the low country­man Frā ­cis his vi­car. yet was he not vnmindful of his charge at home in India; setting in order all such things as were necessary for the Society, in those and other places round about. Wherfore he calleth Gaspar the low country man from Ormus, and ordayneth him his Vicar, and Rectour of the Colledge of Goa, lea­uing with him most prudent and wholsome precepts for his direction. The Towne Diu. At the same time he sent also a Priest, with a Coadiutor to assist him, vnto Diu (a Fort in the Portugheses dominion standing vpō the mouth of the riuer Indus) & diuers others vnto other places, giuing to euery one instructions fit for the place, wherunto they were sent.

In this meane time Mathew one of the two Iaponians chanced to dy at Goa. Wherfore Bernard was his other companion was sent to Rome in cōpany of Andrew Fer­nādes whom Xauerius sent vnto the King of Portugal, and to Rome also to Ignatius Founder of the Society, to bring backe with him some store of the Society, and such as were most fit for the Iaponian haruest, The summe of Fran­cis his letters to the King of Por­tugall. and expedition of China. Xauerius writing at the same time vnto the King of Portugall, declared what his drift was, in going into China, in these words: ‘We are only three of the Society who go into China with Iames Pe­rera the Embassadour, with intention to redeeme the [Page 399] Portugheses who remayne there in captiuity, and to [...]ake a league of friendship betwene the King of Chi­ [...]a and them; & moreouer to wage warre against the Deuils, & those who worship them. We will therfore [...] the name of the King of Hauen, denounce first vn­ [...] the King of China himselfe, then vnto the people, [...]hat they do not hereafter worship the Deuil, but God [...]e creatour of mankind, & Iesus Christ who redee­ [...]ed and saued them. This may seeme indeed a bold [...]ttempt among so barbarous a people, and with so [...]ighty a King, as to reprehend their errours, and [...]reach vnto thē another law. But then we are againe [...]reatly encouraged, that this desire of ours cōmeth as­ [...]redly from God, who hath so replenished vs with [...]rme hope and confidence heerin, that depending wholy vpon his goodnes, we shall not need to doubt [...]f his omnipotent power, which by infinite degrees [...]urpasseth that of the King of China.’

Besides this, he writeth also many other things in [...]he same Epistle to the King of Portugall, wherby [...]id euidently appeare his great courage of mind, ac­companied with the like humility; as also his singular [...]eruour and zeale for the aduancement of the Chri­stian Faith, euen with the manifest danger of his [...]wne life. But, because those things belong not pro­ [...]erly to this present History, we will heere passe them [...]uer in silence, reseruing the same to a Volume a [...]art, wherein we haue made a collection of allmost [...]ll Xauerius his Epistles., that haue come vnto our [...]ands.

Francis being now ready to depart from Goa, to the [Page 400] end he might stirre vp in those of the Society a great loue to Humility and Obedience, he called togeather all the Fathers and Brothers, and like a rare maister of Obedience, very efficaciously exhorted them all to the practise of those Vertues, & finally confirmed by this notable deed of his, what he had commended vnto them in words. An exā ­ple of Christiā humility For hauing constituted F. Gospar aforesaid Superiour ouer all the Society in India, and ouer himselfe also, he fell downe at his feete, and after an vnusuall manner, not heard of before, promised entyre Obedience vnto him; striking thereby no lesse admiratiō into the rest of the Fathers present, then in­to Gaspar himself. Wherupon all the rest with weeping eyes through the tender feeling they had therof, pro­strate themselues in like manner, and promise one by one to performe the same; no one refusing to imitate the example which Xauerius their Maister had giuen them. Then, because that being perhaps the last time he was to see them, all bedewed with mutuall teares, he imbraceth euery one; & out of all those who ear­nestly desired to follow him, he chose only foure, not so much to take them with him into China, as to send them for a supply into Iaponia.

He departed therefore from Goa vpon the 15. day of Aprill in the yeare 1552. leauing behind him many [...] good wishes, both to himselfe, and his iourney. A [...] soone as the ship was come into the mayne Ocean, there arose a vehement tempest, which put her int [...] extreme danger. When the storme was most violent [...] and euery one (especially Iames Perera, who was a skil [...] full Pilot) affrighted with the imminent danger the [...] [Page 401] [...]ere in, Xauerius remayned without any feare at all. [...]nd looking vpon Perera, who stood as one benum­ [...]ed with feare: Take courage Iames, quoth he, the [...]iuine Prouidence protecteth vs. Would to God the [...]her ship which put out of the Hauen togeather with [...], A triple Prophe­cy. fared as wel, the signes of whose calamity we shall [...]ortly behould. As for the shippe wherein we are [...]rryed, in a docke was she built, and in a docke shall [...]e be taken asunder agayne. This triple Prophecy [...]as verifyed by the euent thereof. For presently the [...]ind began to fall, and the storme to cease. Then by [...]e planckes, vessels, and bodyes which floated vp & [...]owne the sea, they manifestly perceyued that the o­ [...]er ship was cast away. And lastly, that very ship [...]herin they sayled, being thirty yeares after brought [...]to the Docke, to be taken asunder and mended, [...]erifyed the whole Prophecy of Xauerius.

About the eight day after their departure from Goa [...]hey arriued at Cocinum. There, when he had with [...]uch ioy & cōfort, visited those of the Society in that [...]lace, being informed of the necessity of others that [...]iued in Comorinum, and Colanum, he wrote backe in [...]ll hast to Gaspar his Vicar, to succour them as soone [...]s might be, and whatsoeuer he should do in that kind to certify him therof by writing with the first oppor­tunity, not doubting but that he would vse the more [...]peed and diligence therin, since he was presently to giue an accompt therof.

Hauing stayed a few dayes at Cocinum, he sayled to Malaca the same moneth, and about the midst of their course, a vehement tempest put both the pas­sengers [Page 402] & marriners into great feare. The conside­ration of the present danger had now stroken them all with a dismall terrour, when as Xauerius, whilst others bewailed their owne, & their friends distresse commeth forth amongst them with a cheerfull coun­tenance, willeth them to take courage, and put away all feare. A tēpest by Xa­uerius is calmed through Gods help [...]. Then going vp to the Poope of the ship, he hangeth in the sea a little Reliquary, tyed by a cord, and hauing withall made his prayers vnto God, retur­neth againe into his cabbin to heare Confessions. A strange thing. Vpon a suddayne the winds cease, the tempest is allayed, and they sayle on forward with fayre weather. When they had giuen thanks to God for this their preseruation, their feare as cōmonly it hapneth, was turned into ouer much security. But Xauerius aduising the maister to looke vnto himself, told him, that he was very much afrayd, least in the same iorney other difficulties no lesse dangerous then the former, were hanging ouer their heades. And iust so, it came to passe. For the ship running twice against the rockes, was almost cast away, which perhaps would haue so happened, if Xauerius prayers had not preuented the danger.

Neither did he in this iorney, foretell their owne dāger only, but the calamity also of others, though in a more hidden manner. He was at that time farre di­stant from Malaca, nor had any man come lately frō thence, when vpon the suddain he earnestly intrea­ted the passengers, to make feruent prayer to God for the Citty of Malaca, which was, as he feared, a [...] that time insected with grieuous sicknesse. The euent [...] [Page 403] [...]roued this to be a diuine presage. For assoone as they [...]riued at Malaca they find it almost vnpeopled throgh [...] grieuous plague, which happened among them by [...]easō of the great wants they had endured in the late [...]ege. And first of all, it had spread it selfe amongst [...]e Cittizens, afterwards it made as great hauoke a­ [...]ongst the Country people, & strangers; and was at [...]ast by litle and little crept into the Nauy, which was [...]en lately come from Portugall. And although in [...]e very same shippe wherein Xauerius came, this pla­ [...]ue had made an end of fourty men; yet by Gods [...]oodnes, it had not once touched any of his compa­ [...]ions.

CHAP. VI.
He Excommunicateth the Gouernour of Malaca.

XAVERIVS was more friendly entertai­ned at Malaca by the Cittizens, conside­ring the calamities wherwith they were oppressed, then by the Gouernour himself. As soone therfore as he was come to the Residence of the Society, being not ignorant of the combat he was shortly to vndergo, he earnestly intreated all his cō ­panions, by their serious prayers, to commend to God his iourney into China, greatly fearing that the e­nemy of mankind would by all possible meanes seeke to hinder the same by his ministers. Which feare [Page 404] of his was not, indeed, without good ground. For the Gouernor of Malaca hauing no disposition in him worthy of a Portughese, began to enuy Iames Perera's glory, to whome he had long before borne a grudg: well foreseeing that not only great gaynes, but much honour also, would redound to an Embassadour that should be sent from the Viceroy of India into China. Wherefore by a deuice, and help also of some of the chiefe of the Citty, vnder colour of a siege that was feared might happen to Malaca, he resolued to hin [...] Perera his Embassage.

Francis, who had his mind wholy fixed vpon his iourney perceauing this, began by all māner of swee [...] meanes, to draw the Gouernour from his resolution. But emulation which had blinded his mind, stopt also his eares. For neither the Bishop of Goa his Letters, nor the Viceroyes Patents, nor all the allegations, o [...] intreaties of friends could any whit mooue him, so ob­stinate he was. Xauerius therfore who had lately fol­lowed a suite of his with the Viceroy, & procured him money by way of reward, commeth vnto him wit [...] great humility, and first requesteth him for friend­ship sake; then beseecheth him for Christs sake who was their common Lord and Father, that he would [...] permit him to go into China with the Embassadour, whome the Viceroy had appointed; & that he would not be any hindrāce or obstacle to the setting forward of Christs Ghospell; lastly that he would not comply with the diuell whose desire was to hinder the same nor offer any such iniury to the Bloud, and Name [...] Christ.

[Page 405] But the Gouernour, who through his insatiable [...]ride & auarice, had already, in conceyt, made him­ [...]elfe sure of the Embassage, shewed himselfe no lesse vngratefull towards men, then impious to God. For [...]auing lost all feeling of humanity, neither Fran­ [...]is his authority, nor the late courtesy he had done [...]im, nor Religion it selfe, which was obiected vnto [...]im, could once moue him a iote. Then Francis ioining [...]hreats to intreatyes, began seriously to aduise him, [...]hat he should beware he did not incurre the displea­sure and indignation of the Viceroy of India, the King of Portugall, and of God himselfe; seeing that in this one businesse, he should violate the authority & ma­ [...]esty of them all togeather. But he for all this remay­ [...]ned obstinate, and shifted off all, in a most contemp­tible manner.

Xauerius therfore, when he perceyued the senselesse man neyther to respect his King, nor feare God, being also vncertaine what to determine of, was constrai­ned by necessity, to vse the best meanes he could de­uise. He had indeed before that tyme, neuer carryed himselfe publikely for Legate Apostolicall: but now seeing that neyther his words, nor intreatyes would serue the turne with that obstinate fellow, he thought best to take vpō him for a while the person, which for humilityes sake he had so long layd asyde, & terrify him, by threatning against him present reuenge from heauen. He therfore produced the Popes Breue which he had so long kept close, wherin was denounced Ex­communication expresly against all such, as durst any way presume to hynder the aduancement of Christiā Religion.

[Page 406] Now Francis his moderation was neuer more ad­mired, then at this time. Francis notable modera­tiō when he was iniured. For though he were much moued to see so great an iniury offered rather vnto God, then to himselfe; and though he could not ob­teine that which was iust: yet neuerthelesse he kept himselfe in all quiet of mind, and did so moderate his grief, & held so mighty a hand ouer his passions, that euen at the very time, when he was by the Gouer­nour vsed most insolently, he shewed no lesse temper & mildnes in his words, then authority in his deeos. For so sweet was his behauiour vnto all sorts of per­sons, and so wisely did he produce the forsaid Breue, that he desired not to wound, but to terrify with the same. Yet if mildnes would not serue, he determined to vse seuerity: and so at last when he had tryed all o­ther meanes, His mo­deration in excō ­munica­ting. being constrained therunto by necessity, he pronounced the sentence. In the execution wher­of notwithstanding he shewed no lesse prudence, then moderation. For to the end the businesse might be carryed without tumult, or vproare, he thought it best to deale by a third person, as the Iaponians vse to do; thereby to auoyd meeting with the Gouernour whome he knew had no stay ouer his owne passions.

He therfore went vnto Iohn Soarius the Vicar of Malaca, He dea­leth with the Go­uernour by a third per son, as the Iapo­uians vse to do. and relating to him all the matter, intreated him to vndertake the businesse. Now when the Vicar had taken vpon him to performe it carefully, as wel to satisfy his duty therin, as for friendship sake, Frācis giueth vnto him a supplication, as a testimony, no lesse of his moderation in this busines then his autho­rity; which supplication we haue thought good to [Page 407] [...]ert into this History, wherby it may more euiden­ [...] appeare what tranquility of mind and moderatiō [...]uerius held, when he was most intemperately abu­ [...]. This therfore is the tenour therof.

The Vicar therfore moued by this supplication & [...]treaties of Francis, goeth to the Gouernour, and de­ [...]areth vnto him plainly, that he is forthwith excom­ [...]unicated by his Holines authority, vnlesse he desist [...]om hindring of Xauerius endeauours, & withal in­ [...]eateth him by the death and passion of our Blessed [...]uiour not to commit any thing which might cause [...]nto him so deadly a wound, together with no small [...]sgrace. And withal, that he would beware how he [...]tangled himself in so heinous & vnexpiable a crime [...]or which certainly, God would take a more seuere [Page 410] accoumpt of him, then he could imagine. But the poore Gouernour harbouring a world of disordinate affections within his brest, could not be persuaded to heare what was sayd vnto him. For neyther his Ho­linesse authority, nor the threatning of excōmunica­tion could once induce the miserable man to giue o­uer what his madnesse had begun; so farre is Enuy from thinking any thing vnalwfull. Wherby it ma­nifestly appeared that it was not so much the obstina­cy of the Gouernour, The Embassage into Chi­na hin­dred. as of the Diuell himselfe, who was afrayd of the kingdome of China, and his owne ample domination therein. At last, with much ado it was obtained of him, to permit Francis to go forwards into China, but for Perera the Embassadour, he could by no meane be drawen vnto it. Thus was the whole Embassage, and Xauerius designe brought to nothing, as afterward appeared by the effect, through the de­fault of one passionate man.

Then Francis being indeed greatly moued at such impudent audacity, thought it high tyme to giue a [...] example of his seuerity, that none might thence for­ward dare to attempt any such thing heerafter. Wher­fore he giueth order, that the Gouernour, with all hi [...] ministers and officers by name, according to course [...] should be declared excommunicated by Apostolical authority, not that his intention was to inflict an [...] new woūd vpon them, but that they might acknow­ledge the wound which they had before receyued. Fo [...] Xauerius himselfe is reported to haue sayd, That he fo [...] his part would neuer counsayle any one to lay so so [...] a wound as Excommunication is, vpon another; y [...] [Page 411] [...]e would by all meanes cause their wounds to be laid open, Xauerius opinion of excō ­munica­ted per­sons. to the view of all, who for their contumacy were wounded by Apostolicall Decrees, to the end [...]hat others might by their punishment be warned frō [...]he like folly, and themselues, at least through shame [...]ight seeke a speedy remedy for so loathsome a sore.

But Xauerius receiued no small wound in this cō ­ [...]at. For it is certaine that of all the many & vnspea­ [...]able vexations and troubles which he suffered all [...]is whole life after, nothing euer hapned more bitter [...]nto him, then that so important a iourney should be [...]indred by one, who ought to haue bin a chiefe fur­ [...]herer therof. Wherfore being grieued not so much [...]or himselfe, as for the Gouernour, who by his owne [...]ault had cast himself into that danger, A grie­uous prophe­cy. he is said with [...] sighing hart to haue cryed out in this manner: In­ [...]allibly that violatour both of humane and diuine law will ere long pay deerely for his vnsatiable desire of money & honour; not only in money, and honour, but in body, if not (which God forbid) in soule also.

Then looking vpon the Church which stood ouer against him, he cast himselfe downe vpon his knees, and with his hands lifted vp to heauen, began to pray to God for him; He by his pray­ers obteyneth of God pā ­nance for the Gouer­nour of Malaca. & with his eyes all gushing out with teares, cryed out: I therfore beseech, and earnestly intreat thee, O Iesu Christ, God of my hart, by those most bitter torments of thy death, that thou wilt be hold those thy pretious wounds, which continually thou she west vnto thy heauenly Father for vs, and vouchsafe also to apply the benefit therof to this mi­serable wretch, that being taught by his owne misery [Page 408] [...] [Page 409] [...] [Page 410] [...] [Page 411] [...] [Page 412] he may at last come to himselfe againe. Neither were his prayers, nor prophecy in vaine. For not long after, whē he had against al iustice done many other things, and with the same impudency, and audaciousnesse contemned the Viceroyes command, wherwith he had contemned Xauerius authority, he by the watch­full wrath of Gods indignation, was punished accor­ding to the height of his arrogancy. So as by the Vi­ceroyes order, and command the obstinate wretch was cast into fetters, being accused to haue gone a­bout to reuolt from his King; and forthwith, bound as he was, was carryed to Goa to the Viceroy, & from thence sent into Portugall to the King; where being despoyled of all the goods which he had vniustly got­ten, branded with ignominy, condemned to perpe­tuall imprisonement, and his body couered all ouer with a most loathsome leaprousy, he ended his dayes in such misery, that the King seemed not so much to reuenge the transgression of his Command, as God the violating of his diuine Maiesty. At last this wretch being euen tyred out with calamities, opened his eyes, and by wholsome pennance, washed away the staynes of his former sinfull life.

CHAP. VII.
The designe of going vvith the Embassa­dour into China being broken of, Xaue­rius notvvithstanding setteth forvvard thither.

NOW although Xauerius his designe were broken of, yet was he not a whit discou­raged; but knowing his combat was not so much with men, as with the common Ene­ [...]y of mankind, he thought he was bound to make [...]ll resistance he could, not to giue ground therby vnto [...]he Diuell. He was not ignorant that in the kingdome of China there were very many prisons full of priso­ [...]ers; and that all strangers who presumed to enter in [...]hither, without publicke warrant, were cōdemned [...]o perpetuall imprisonmēt. These things which would [...]aue bin a terror vnto others were an encouragement [...]o him. For that, burning both with the loue of Christ [...]nd men, he bequeathed himselfe vnto perpetuall im­ [...]risonemnt, that he might first preach the Ghospell [...]nto those that were in captiuity, and afterwards by [...]hem to others. And he conceyued such an hope with­ [...]n himselfe, His desi­re to propagate the faith. that if he could but once bring any of the [...]risoners to imbrace the fayth of Christ, they would [...]fterwards, when they were set at liberty, bring their owne family to the same fayth; and might also, if it [Page 414] were Gods blessed will, procure his freedome also, so to propagate the Christian Religion.

Now though Xauerius in respect of the peruersity of men, found no humane assistance in so hard and dif­ficult a businesse; yet for all this, placing a firme con­fidence in the diuine Goodnes, he resolued to go for­ward into China, and try what he could do alone; ho­ping at least, that if he could not himselfe enter into the kingdome, he might yet open a way therinto for others of the Society, and leaue an example to them that should come after him, of what himselfe intended and desired to haue done. He therefore sendeth three of his cōpanions, to wit Baltazar Gage, Edward Silua, and Peter Alcaceua into Iaponia, & departeth himselfe from Malaca with one companion only, He sha­keth of the dust of his shooes. & a Chinese for his Interpreter. And at the gate of the Towne sha­king off the dust from his feete (as Christ had com­manded his Disciples to do) he denounceth to that Citty, wrath from heauen, and many other miseries. And as he had denounced, so it fell out. For shortly after, A deno­uncing of cala­mities. the Citty was so wasted, and exhausted with warre, famine, and plague, that being before of great resort, it was almost left vnpeopled.

Now Xauerius although he were not ignorant that Perera the Embassadour was much afflicted by reason his Embassage was thus hindred and for the great ex­pences also which he had byn at, in setting forth the same; yet for al that, he could not be induced to speak with him at his departure, least by imbracing one another, both their griefes might be increased, as or­dinarily it hapneth. Wherefore hauing a greater fee­ling [Page 415] [...]ng of Perera's griefe then his owne, he writeth vnto [...]im from out the ship, a most friendly letter, assuring [...]im, that the contumely togeather with the dommage [...]hich he had incurred, would one day turne both to [...]is great gayne, & honour. Which fel out according­ [...]. For that by the King of Portugall (to whome [...]rancis had most earnestly commended him) he was [...]fterward raysed, to great wealth and dignity.