f your little faith. But I
am ashamed for myself, that you have prevented me in going thither first,
and cannot bear that a merchant should have more courage than a
missioner." In conclusion, he told them, "That having so often
experienced the care of Providence, it would be an impiety to distrust
it; that it had not preserved him from the swords of the Badages, and the
poisons of the Isle del Moro, to abandon him in other dangers; that India
was not the boundary of his mission; but that in coming thither, his
design had always been, to carry the faith even to the utmost limits of
the world."

He then wrote to Father Ignatius, to give him an account of his intended
voyage, and of the thoughts of his heart concerning it. "I cannot express
to you," said he, "with what joy I undertake this long voyage. For it is
all full of extreme dangers; and he, who out of four ships can preserve
one, thinks he has made a saving voyage. Though these perils are
surpassing all I have hitherto proved, yet I am not discouraged a jot the
more from my undertaking; so much the Lord has been pleased to fix it in
my mind, that the cross shall produce great fruits in those countries,
when once it shall be planted there."

He wrote at the same time to Father Simon Rodriguez, and some passages of
the letter well describe the disposition of the holy man. "There are
arrived here some ships from Malacca, who confirm the news, that all the
ports of China are armed, and that the Chinese are making open war with
Portugal; which notwithstanding, my resolutions still continue for Japan;
for I see nothing more sweet or pleasing in this world, than to live in
continual dangers of death, for the honour of Jesus Christ, and for the
interests of the faith. It being indeed the distinguishing character of a
Christian, to take more pleasure in the hardships of the cross, than in
the softness of repose."

The apostle, being upon the point of his departure for Japan, established
Father Paul de Camerine, superior-general in his place, and Father
Antonio Gomez, rector of the seminary at Goa. At the same time he
prescribed rules to both of them, in what manner they should live
together, and how they should govern their inferiors.

Behold, in particular, what he recommended to Father Paul: "I adjure
you," said he, "by the desire you have to please our Lord, and by the
love you bear to Father Ignatius, and all the society, to treat Gomez,
and all our fathers and bro