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 〈◊〉 freely profâ—ssâ— with my mouth Do not thou I 〈◊〉 thee who of thyne own accord lâ—ast called me â—â—peâ—l me now when I come vnto thee Then with â—eeping eyes looking vpon the multitude who stood â—ound about him he added And yee O Cittizens I â—â—treate beseech you that you will both your selues â—ardon me and desire also others to do the like for my 〈◊〉 often setting to sale those things vnto you for true â—hich now I vnderstand to be false This Confession of that famous Bonzy wonderâ—ully moued the affections of that Country people â—as an example to many of imbracing the Christian Religion For it is well knowen that Xauerius himâ—elfe often affirmed to the Portug â—eseâ— with whome 〈◊〉 there liued that if he would he could haue baptiâ—ed more then 500. Iaponians one day But which â—as very rare in such feruour of spirit he was more prudent then forward in the making vp of the matâ—er and also very circumspect that nothing might 〈◊〉 done rashly or in passion which might giue aduanâ—age to the Bonzies fury beeing now ready to burst â—orth For that being mortall enemies to the Chriâ—tian cause they were long since incensed against Xauerius and his friends and had persuaded the people that seeing they would needs cast away themselâ—es they should damaund of Francis a great summe of â—mony in recompence for changing their Religion that they might not perish for nothing 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 amoÌ„gst the Iaponians 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 wheÌ„ 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 deuoâ—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 â—ortugheses had notice thereof But he accounted it â—he greatest fauour which God had bestowed vpon â—im to be threatned by his enemies taking heed withâ—ll that he might not vnaduisedly prouoke those who â—ad no stay ouer their owne enraged passions As for â—e Portugheses they hauing the Kinges guard to seâ—re them contemned the vayne threats and plottes â—f such mad-brayne fellowes Wherupon the Bonziesâ—eing â—eing violence would not serue the turne they bent â—eir designes another way CHAP. XIII â—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 â—eares togeather taught their profoundest deepest â—ciences in the most famous Vniuersity of Iaponia He â—as at that time President of a Conuent of Bonziesâ—ome â—ome 40. miles distant The Bonzies therfore of Bungoâ—erswaded â—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 â—ad already beaten downe the rest of the Bonzies He â—hasteth therfore with all speed to the Royall Citty 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 coÌ„pany 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 Ficarâ—dono that pillar of the Bonziâ—â— 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 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 arrogaÌ„cy 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 â—ookeâ—â— â—â—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 â—arondono by his lookes Fixing then his eye vpon â—ancis Dost thou quoth he remember what
magistrates of whole power they stand in great feare by reason of their extraordinary seuerity There be indeed many other things and those not of common note recounted of the manners and customes of the Chineses which because they make nothing to our present purpose I willingly heere passe ouer Yet I can hardly say whether that custome of theirs be more inhumane or imprudent whereby contrary to other Nations which haue entercourse with one another they debarre all strangers from comming into theiâ— Country vnder payne of death There is adioyning to the sea coast of China an Iland called Sanciana a desert place and without any tillage lying about 70. miles from the Continent In this Iland the Portugheses and Chineses meeting togeather for traffique sake had sleightly built themselâ—â— certayne cottages of straw and boughes to serue them for their present vse Xauerius therfore tending â—o this place for his traffique also as they sayled along by the coast of the Iland the mayster began to doubt whether he were not already past the Port of CunianuÌ„ or no whither he had directed his course to land Yet thinking he was still short thereof sayled forward with good speed when as Francis seeing him in that doubt telleth him that he was already past the Port. Whereat not knowing what to thinke he presently stroke sayle for that Xauâ—rius had yet neuer deceyued him in any thing he affirmed so as deeming that he ought to giue more credit to â—auerius then to himself casteth ancker and causeth the Cock-boate to be let downe into the sea wherin he sent certaine marriners with all speed to make enquiry of the truth Within a few houres after they returned backe together with certain Portugeses in their boat who remained in the Iland certifying them that they were past the Port of Câ—nianuÌ„ as Xauerius had affirmed At which newes the marriners being all stroken into admiration cryed out and sayd that certaynly Xauerius had it reuealed to him from heauen Then weighing ancker and turning their course backe agayne they sayled towards the Port. As soone as it was bruited amongst the inhabitants of the Iland that Francis Xauerius for his name was also famous in those places was coÌ„ming thither presently all the Portugheses runne with ioy to the shore side to meete him When he was landed after they had courteously saluted ech other they contended amongst themselues who should haue so worthy a man for his guest But Xauerias soone decided the coÌ„trouersy without wrong to any and lodged with George Aluarez his ancient and deere friend Then he desired the Portugheses in generall that they would build him vp a litle Chappel of straw and boughes with the least expence they could wherin he might say Masse administer the Sacraments instruct children and seruants in their Catechisme according to his custome They condescended most willingly to what he required and very diligently set vpon the businesse so that within two dayes there was built a chappell for him vpon a hill which runneth downe with equall descent vnto the Port. Xauerius therefore as his ancient custome was began presently to exercise therin his sacred functions with all diligence by comforting sometymes those that were sicke in the ships and at other tymes relieuing the poore with almes which himselfe would beg of the richer sort Sometymes also would he dispute with the Chinese merchants concerning their owne the Christians Religion And in these labours exercises he spent two moneths a halfe with extraordinary feruour of spirit which made him also renowned euen amongst the Chineses themselues no lesse for wisedom then for sanctimony of lyfe In the meane tyme he inquired of the Portugheses Chineses if there could be any meanes possibly found to bring in the Ghospell into China They both answered that it was a very hard matter full of danger seeing that by special coÌ„mand of the King himself al entrances into 〈◊〉 Kingdome were kept with a most strict watch 〈◊〉 al strangers debarred froÌ„ accesse thither vnder paiâ—e of death no lesse to the commers themselues then 〈◊〉 the bringers of them in Moreouer it was not lawâ—ull for any forreyner to touch vpon the Continent â—ithout expresse command of some of the Gouerâ—ours neyther durst the Chinâ—ses aske leaue of them â—y reason of their rigorous gouernement nor were â—he Portugheses able to do it being excluded no lesse â—hen other strangers Wherefore there was neyther â—ortughese nor Chinese to be found who durst vnderâ—o so manifest a daÌ„ger as death or certayne captiuity But Francis as he was of an vndaunted courage eueÌ„ 〈◊〉 those attempts which ordinarily strike terrour into â—thers was notwithstaÌ„ding greatly inflamed through â—he continuall good successe of his indeauours to enâ—ounter with this danger Wherfore seing there was â—o other way to compasse the busines he resolued to â—duenture euen vpon the dangers themselues and to â—ontriue by one meanes or other to be conueyed seâ—retly into some Citty of China that so he might haue â—ccesse vnto the Gouernour deale his busines with â—im himselfe This deuise of Xauerius was generally â—iâ—liked of by all the Portugheses as ouer bold and teâ—erarious Wherfore there wanted not some who out of their friendship and familiarity with him endeauoured al they could to terrify him froÌ„ that desigâ—e dissuading him not to cast himself wilfully into so manifest a danger either of death or perpetuall seruitude For the Gouernours whome the Inhabitants call Lutij and the Portugheses Mandarino's were so seuere or rather harsh and cruell in keeping their Lawes that euen for the least fault they do without any difference of persons beate to death as well Inhabitants as Forreiners Of which cruelty they had lately had a domesticall example of certaine Portugheses who hauing the yeare before bin by a tempest driuen vpon the shore of China had found the Chineses dispositions farre more cruell then the waueâ— of the Ocean where they lay vntill that day in prison and misery cruelly rent and torne with stripes without any hope of deliuery What reason therfore could Xauerius haue to leaue of labouring amongst other nations with certaine and secure hope of great good which might be done to hazard his owne liberty only to intrude by force the Ghospell vpon a nation fierce cruel and this which the Portugeses said was also confirmed by the general consent of the Chinesâ—s But Francis being vndaunted at these things so much doth the force of diuine loue ouercome all humane feare replied That he desired nothing more from the bottome of his hart then euen with his owne death to bring the Chineses to euerlasting saluation For do you not know quoth he being euen taught by experience that feare giues way to hope where the rewards are greater then the dangers can you make any question but that the Citties of Chinâ— if they should once receiue the seed of the Ghospell would yield most plentifull fruit by
their companions the manner â—unctions and imployments of their former life before their entrance into the Society and other such â—ike things which may help to humility But in this kind there is great respect of persons to be had and much consideration also of what euery ones condition and vertue can beare For vnlesse this heed be taken there may arise more harme then good therof Xauerius iudged it likewise fit that Nouices should be accustomed to declare themselues to their Instructors and to lay open vnto them all their temptations inclinations and passions as likewise their feelings of deuotion their diuine consolations and voluntary pennances that so they may infallibly defeat all the machinations of the enemy who most of all assaulteth there where his deceit is least feared by manifesting the same to those who are experienced in such kind of matters And if by chance they shall haue erred in any thing they may thereby agayne bâ— brought into the right way Moreouer he required that Superiours should take great heed that they did not inconsideratly admit all to receyue holy Orders but such only of whose fidelity and vertue they had had long triall and whose prudence learning was at least ordinary For Priests of the Society to liue according to their institute cannot without great danger want these helpes Whereupon he giueth Gaspaâ— this admonition You shall iudge none fit for Priesthood vnlesse he haue the commendation of long and throughly tryed Vertue because the Society requireth Priests of approued Vertue and learning for the performance of the functions of their Institute This our experience hath taught vs to be true for they that haue not byn such we know to haue byn rather an hindrance then an help vnto the Society And before all others he would haue those that be absent labouring in our Lords vineyard far from the company of their Brethren to be especially prouided for of all commodities because they as he was wont to say were workemen who indeed did beare the burthen of the day and the heate For which cause he sayd that both their corporall and spirituall necessityes ought carefully to be considered relieued And that it was also good to aske oftentymes of such men of credit as came thence how they behaued themselues and oftentymes lykewise to giue them comfort by letters but neuer to write any â—â—ing sharpely vnto them or of that nature which â—ight either cause them trouble or put theÌ„ out of hope 〈◊〉 effecting what they haue vndertaken for that they â—ommonly suffer vexations inough where they be â—herefore it was good to absteine from all seuerity â—ot to heape affliction vpon the afflicted Moreouer â—e forbad they should be often changed vnles necesâ—ity did perchance vrge vnto it especially by such Suâ—eriours as had not yet sufficient knowledge of the places countryes and imployments wherein they liued For there was danger least the changing of the labourer should bring some disturbance to their fruitfull and profitable workes He would also that the Rectours and Superiours should haue great care that the Societies good name might be spread abroad and that all offence might be euery where auoyded although it were with some detriment in their temporall meanes for better indeed is a good name then store of riches Wherfore he seriously exhorted them that attending more to the edification of Vertue then of Colledges they should cause their Houses to be built in such sort that they might not so much carry a glorious shew as serue them for necessity and commodity of habitation If any thing belonging to their temporall meanes should cause them much trouble as the exacting of rents or money due vnto them they should commit that businesse being no lesse odious then necessary to some hyred Attourney rather then to one of their owne Company Likewise he most earnestly intreated the Superiours of the Society to gaine the good will of the Superiours of all other Religious Orders families as also of Clergy men and Priests and to liue with theÌ„ in the greatest vnity and friendship that could be To which end they should sometimes go to visite and salute them as well to gaine as to conserue their good will or other wayes to shew their vnion and amity with them CHAP. XV. VVhat kind of men Xauerius vvished should be in the Society XAVERIVS required that those of the Society should be humble obedient moderate and conquerers of themselues in all things which are repugnant to our corrupt nature For without these vertues none of the Society could either be grateful acceptable to God profitable to himselfe and others or euer liue with a quiet and contented mind in the Society All therfore ought to exercyse themselues very diligently and for a long space in the knowledge of themselues that by plucking vp disordinace appetites as weeds by the rootes they might lay a deep foundation of true humility and solide vertue For as he who in meditating vpon the most bitter death and torments of Christ by feeling a pious enflamed griefe in himselfe can easily enkindle in another the same sorrow of hart so he that hath conquered and beaten downe the disorâ—â—nate motions of his owne mind can without diffiâ—ulty restraine and bridle the same also in others Moreouer he said that none ought to esteeme much â—f himselfe because he had byn long of the Society For the worth of those that be in the Society was not â—o be measured by the length of the time but by the greatnesse of their vertue Seing that they ought raâ—her to be ashamed then to boast of themselues who hauing bin so long in the schoole of Vertue haue made so small progresse therin Alwayes learning and â—euer arriuing to the knowledge of truth He likewise forbad them to make any account of the esteeme which other men had of theÌ„ least perhaps a disguized fayre glosse of things might breed in them pride haughtinesse of mind the most certaine and greatest plague and poison which can befall the Society But contrarywise he willed them to turne their consideration to the knowledge of their owne weakenesse and especially to ponder oftentymes the difference between the iudgments of mens and the iudgment of God and there indeed to lay the foundation of their Humility For he that attentiuely considereth what a different iudgement God Who is the searcher of harts frameth of men from that which men themselues do who behould only exteriour actions will vndoubtedly depresse himselfe to the lowest ranke that may be in Gods sight repute all humane prayses as ayming far amisse from the truth for nothing els but crosses and scornes of men Yet we must not for all this through consideration of our owne weakenesse loose courage in the war-fare and seruice of Christ but we are rather to endeauour as well by distrusting our owne forces as by reposing our confidence in the diuine assistance to take hart
streets and borrowing â—â—stoole out of some shoppe standing theron he would â—â—eake of vertuous and godly life with more feruour 〈◊〉 spirit then flourish of words to such as either stood â—â—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 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 mannâ—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 froÌ„ 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 â—athers agreed among themselues that Ignatius Loyola â—â—ter Faber Iames Laynes should go to Rome in name of the rest offer to his Holines their endeauours â—â—bours for the help of soules In the meane time the â—â—hers dispersing themselues throughout the most faâ—â—â—ous Academies of Italy should instruct the students â—â—â—vertue draw more to be of their Company if it â—â—ould so please God In this diuision the vniuersity of â—â—â—onia fell to Xauier his lot with no small benefit toâ—â—â—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 â—â—ere was present at his Masse Elizabeth Casiline of Boâ—â—nia a religious woman of the most holy Order of 〈◊〉 Dominick who perceauing Francis his great deuoâ—â—on desired so speake with him Their discourse was â—â—ch that she was wholy possessed with an opinion of â—â—s sanctity This Elizabeth had an Vncle called Hierome Casiline a man both learned and noble who was also Chanon of S. Petronius 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 Xauieâ— 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 Iâ— the meane time Casiline obserued him greatly admiring his vertues wherof he gaue also publicke testimony Francis therfore although his courage waâ— greater then his forces because he was at that timâ— sickly and weake yet his admirable feruour of spiriâ— abundantly supplied what he wanted in strength Foâ— such was his great desire of doing good to all thâ—â— 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 thâ— could be Hauing said Masse euery day as his custome was he afterwards employed himselfe in seruing the siâ—â— in the Hospitals and the poore that were in prison 〈◊〉 teaching children and ignorant persons the principles of Christian doctrine in hearing Confessions He moreouer preached to the people in the streets anâ— 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 aâ— togeather that old feruent and Apostolicall manneâ— of preaching There was in him no curious setting â—orth of arguments nor ornament of words but all â—eruour of mynd and spirit intermixed with most pithy and graue sentences wherto his plainesse and as it were neglect of speach an euideÌ„t marke of truth â—â—â—ue great lustre and force The modest and humble â—â—mposition both of his countenance whole body â—â—â—eathed out that saÌ„ctity which lay hiddeÌ„ 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 eloâ—â—â—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 apâ—â—are how fiery the diuine word is when men speake 〈◊〉 as God alwayes supplieth them with matter For â—â—â—uiers drift was not to haunt after fauour and vulâ—â—â—â— applause of the people but to cause in his audiâ—â—â—rs affections a feare and loue of God and indeed â—â—â—eeke truly the saluation of soules not his owne â—â—â—eeme In fine the substance of his sermons was to lay beâ—â—â—e the people the most bitter euerlasting tormeÌ„ts hich are ordained for the reprobate in hell and the â—ost sweet neuer-ending rewards layd vp for the â—â—t in heauen as also to shew the deformity of sinne â—â—d the beauty and louelynesse of vertue not in cuâ—â—â—us but in weighty and substantiall words And â—â—â—ds word being cast and sowen in this manner was receiued by the hearers with proÌ„pt 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 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 WheÌ„ce 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
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 â—esus sitting in his mothers lappe And after he had â—ould the Prince diuers things of the Christians Religion he shewed him this picture who forthwith ben deth downe his knees in veneration therof coÌ„mandeth 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 womaÌ„ 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 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 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 that the peoples affections depended wholy vpon the authority of the Bonzies and that if he could but once weakeÌ„ 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 prudeÌ„ce 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 â—â—od will they bare vnto him There was nothing â—hich they more admired in him then the greatnesse 〈◊〉 his mind who for Religions sake only had by a â—â—ng and dangerous nauigation come from Portugall â—â—rough the vast Ocean to those vtmost partes of the â—orld They also with exceeding admiration and deâ—â—ght gaue eare to him whilst he declared vnto them â—at there was an euerlasting Blessednes in Heauen â—yd vp for those who serue Christ with deuotion â—â—nctity of life Now the Bonzies being partly wonne by Xaueriusâ—â—ourtely â—â—ourtely and partly conuinced by his erudition the â—â—usinesse seemed to be in a good forwardnesse But beâ—ause he could not deale with the people without an â—nterpreter his endeauors were indeed much hindred through want of language Wherfore being solliciâ—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 countenaÌ„ce 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 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 theÌ„ 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 daughâ—er whome he loued most deerely who by vntimely â—eath was suddainly taken away Whereupon falling â—ut of wits with griefe he sayd and did many things â—nbeseeming a man of his ranke AmoÌ„gst others there â—â—me vnto him certaine Neophytes of his kindred â—â—iends to condole with him to celebrate the funeâ—lls of his daughter who being greatly moued with â—â—e wofull case of their kinsman aduise him with all â—â—eed to go vnto Xauerius who was a holy man newly â—ome out of another world and implore his ayde for â—ertainly he would restore his daughter to life There was no great difficulty to perswade the afflicted Faâ—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
friendly courteous manner Then making a short speach before hand 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 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 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 admiâ—ation at his temperance who despised that which oâ—hers sought after with so great dangers both by sea â—and made no difficulty to fauour his Religion whose vertue he admired Wherupon without any further delay he commandeth a Proclamation to be made â—hroughout all the streets of the Citty that it was his Royall pleasure that the Christian Religion should â—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 â—is country Religion Besides this also the better to â—nable Xauerius to performe that which was granted vnto him he gaue him for his dwelling place a certaiâ—e Conuent of the Benzies which then was voyd This gayned both credit to Xauerius and esteeme â—o his Religion For many desirous to know the new Religion came flocking to heare him nor was Xaueâ—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 â—â—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 to their questions or else by questioning them These disputes coÌ„ming 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 CoÌ„uents both of Bonzies Bonziesses many also of the Nobility but much greater was the nuÌ„ber 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 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 anâ—wering Questions many became Christians wherin â—hose who had bin formerly the chiefe men in obstiâ—ately ouerthwarting and contradicting Xauerius in â—â—is sermons and disputations gaue the first example God turning their spirit of contradiction into a mild 〈◊〉 plyable disposition And heerin Patience and not Learning only carried away the chiefe prize For as â—ernandez Xauerius companion was preaching to the â—eople in the publike street a certaine Iaponian pasâ—â—ng by by chance came to his sermon who being an â—soleÌ„t rude fellow gathering his mouth full of spitle â—â—asteth it forth full into the preachers face in sight of al the people who bare that disgrace with such admirable patience that he was not moued one whit â—herat but only wept his face with a handkercher â—nd so went on with his sermon Wherupon one of â—he Assembly was so moued by that example of Patiâ—â—nce that he verily belieued men endowed with such â—ertue could not teach any Religion but that which was holy And so repayring to Francis was instructed â—â—nd the first of all that was baptized Others afterwards followed his example Amongst whome one Laurâ—ntius Lusko conceiued within his soule such impressions of diuine light that quite aâ—andoning all earthly things he consecrated himselfe wholy to Gods seruice to the great good of Iaponia 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 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 amoÌ„gst themselues euery one endeauouring to preferre their own sect before others Among al these Sects there was not one which taught any thing coÌ„cerning the world or the soules CreatioÌ„ And no mermeruayle 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
both a great incitement to the Christian Religion also a pledge of the Portugheses friendship vnto his person When the Viceroy had perused the Kings letters he easily persuaded Fa. Melchior Nunius who was one of the chiefe Fathers of the Society in India to go himselfe with all speed vnto the King of Bungo In this meane tyme Xauerius Body was exposed at Goa not only to the view but also to the admiration of all the behoulders But the great desire of the people was not satisfied by seing him but rather more inflamed Yea the selfe same persons did oftentymes returne agayne to looke vpon him others came flocking almost euery moment to behould him The Fathers therefore through necessity were constrayned to change their determination And so to satisfy the longing desire of such an infinite multitude the body was exposed three dayes in a Chappell well fenced with strong Cancells to the full view of all and euery one that would might looke vpon it at their leasure So as there came from all parts an infinity of people to behold touch the same with their beades which they performed with aboundance of teares and much inward feeling of deuotion Now whilst some became doubtful of the incorruption of his body the same was made therby not only more certayne but more glorious also For seeing the miracle did surpasse all humane beliefe there were not wanting some yea Religious persons men of good authority who gaue out that Francis his body being bowelled was by art certayne precious embalmings kept thus liuely The Viceroy therefore to examine the truth of the thing commaunded Cosâ—as Saraina a Physitian of great fame and experience to try and looke into the Body But he beginning to launce the belly with an instrument when he perceyued fresh bloud to issue thence being astonished â—t the miracle gaue ouer his designe Then putting his finger into the hole he had made he findeth his bowels intiere sound without any signe of balme or other preseruatiue applied which he coÌ„firmed by publicke testimony vpon his oath Wherfore the matter being throughly examined and diuulged abroad Xauerius Body began to be greatly honoured reuerenced not more by others then by those who had byn authours of the false rumour aforesayd euery one kissing his feete and hands and touching them with their beades And so great was the opinion of Xaueuerius sanctity that euery one did striue to get yea purloyne some small particle of his body or garments in so much that all the care and vigilancy the Fathers could vse to looke vnto it did hardly hinder the violence of the deuout pepole In the meane tyme Xauerius prayses were spread all abroad his worthy actes prophecyes and miracles were blazed far and neere not only by those who had themselues byn eye-witnesses thereof but by others also who had heard the same from credible authours so as all India sounded forth his sanctity as it were with one mouth And likewise for the confirmatioÌ„ of the former miracles there were many others added anew For that many who went to behould that sacred spectacle affirmed vpon their oath that there came thither many persons who hauing eyther lost the vse of some of their lymmes or otherwise sick of some disease were by touching Francis his body healed returned home sound and in perfect health Now when these three dayes were past although the people had not yet their fill of behoulding contemplating the sacred Body the shrine was for a time placed in a Sepulcher which they had prepared for the purpose vpon the right hand of the high Aultar vntil a fayrer monument were erected and adorned fitting the dignity of so worthy a man according to the Fathers desires and deuotion of the Cittizens of Goa if the King of Portugall as they hoped would procure his Canonization from the Pope About the tenth day after his buriall Doctour Antony Ribera the Bishops Vicar and Inquisitour Generall determined in respect of his charge and office to examine the matter with his owne eyes and see whether those things were true which had byn diuulged abroad of Francis his incorruption Wherefore opening the Sepulcher about Midday himselfe with many lighted torches attending throughly felt and viewed the whole body all ouer And finding nothing which was not entiere he gaue testimony therof vnder his hand and seale to all posterity This caused the reuerence and deuotion to Xauerius dayly to increase There were all most none who came not with veneration to his sepulcher many brought thither flowers and garlands and the number of white wax tapers to burne continually before it were exceeding great And this deuotion of the people towards his seruant was by God himselfe approued also For there is euident proofe that a wax Candle of a â—ubit long only being lighted before the Sepulcher â—id burne perpetually for the space of 18. whole daies â—nd nights togeather The King of Portugall being moued by these reâ—tions gaue order presently to the Viceroy of India 〈◊〉 make exact inquiry of Xauerius worthy facts and â—iracles to set them carefully downe in writing â—e which he afterward sent to Rome to his Embassaâ—our that he might deale with his Holines about his Canonization But this most Excellent Kings pious â—deauours were hindred by his vntimely death The â—thers therefore hauing finished their new Church â— Goa and dissolued the old remoued Xauerius Body â— to a priuate Chappell within their house where 〈◊〉 this day his memory and name is honoured vntill 〈◊〉 Holinesse shall graunt if it please God that soâ—mne Honour and Veneration may be publikly exâ—â—bited vnto him OF THE LIFE OF S. FRANCIS XAVIER THE VI. BOOKE By the King of Portugall his command Francis his deeds and miracles are committed to vvriting CHAP. I. ALTHOVGH the guifts and fauours which the Goodnes of God had already heaped vpon Francis shined forth at sundry times in al thâ—â— parts of his life as we haue demonstrated before yet will it not be amisse heere to propound those things to be maturely coÌ„sidered which haue byn touched by the way and as it were in an obscure manner that so by vnfoulding the chiefe heads of matters we may at once behould all whatsoeuer appertaineth thereunto And to the end we may first of all speake of such passages which ordinarily cause most admiration and are essteemed both by good and bad-willers many things not only through the whole course of his lyfe but much more at the very tyme of his funeralls haue by diuine power happened vnto Xauerius which no natural cause can any way excuse froÌ„ being miraculous Wherefore we will heere in a more exact manner treate of these signes and testimonies of his sanctity will cite for euery thing such authors witnesses whose authority and fidelity cannot iustly be called into question Iohn the third King of Portugall by whome as we haue sayd before Xauerius was sent