The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 16Dryden, John
History
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 16
Dryden, John
English literature
It is true, there embarked with him in the same galley, Emanuel Moralez,
and Alphonso de Castro; but it was only that the Father might carry them
to Malacca, from whence both of them were to be transported to the
Moluccas. The ship, which attended the Father at Cochin, being just ready
to set sail they made but a short stay in that place, but it was not
unprofitable. The saint walking one day through the streets, happened to
meet a Portuguese of his acquaintance; and immediately asked him, "how he
was in health?" The Portuguese answered, "he was very well." "Yes,"
replied Xavier, "in relation to your body, but, in regard of your soul,
no man can be in a worse condition." This man, who was then designing in
his heart a wicked action, knew immediately that the Father saw into the
bottom of it; and seriously reflecting on it, followed Xavier, confessed
himself, and changed his evil life. The preaching of Castro so charmed
the people, that they desired to have retained him at Cochin, there to
have established the college of the Society; but Xavier who had designed
him for the Moluccas opposed it. And Providence, which destined the crown
of martyrdom to that missioner, suffered him not to continue in a place,
where they had nothing but veneration for him.
They left Cochin on the 25th of April, and arrived at Malacca on the last
of May. All the town came to meet Father Xavier, and every particular
person was overjoyed at his return. Alphonso Martinez, grand vicar to the
bishop, at that time lay dangerously sick, and in such an agony of soul,
as moved compassion. For, having been advertised to put himself in
condition of giving up his accounts to God of that ministry which he had
exercised for thirty years, and of all the actions of his life, he was so
struck with the horror of immediate death, and the disorders of his life,
which was not very regular for a man of his profession, that he fell into
a deep melancholy, and totally despaired of his salvation. He cast out
lamentable cries, which affrighted the hearers; they heard him name his
sins aloud, and detest them with a furious regret, not that he might ask
pardon for them, but only to declare their enormity. When they would have
spoken to him of God's infinite mercy, he broke out into a rage, and
cried out as loud as he was able, "that there was no forgiveness for the
damned, and no mercy in the bottomless pit." The sick man was told, that
Father Francis was just arrived; and was asked if he should not be glad
to see him? Martinez, who formerly had been very nearly acquainted with
him, seemed to breathe anew at the hearing of that name, and suddenly
began to raise himself, to go see, said he, the man of God. But the
attempt he made, served only to put him into a fainting fit. The Father,
entering at the same moment, found him in it. It had always been his
custom, to make his first visit to the ecclesiastical superiors; but
besides this, the sickness of the vicar hastened the visit. When the sick
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account