vert him, by letting him see the falsehood of his sect. The ill
posture of his affairs made him apt to receive the instructions which
were given him by Father Antonio Heredia, who endeavoured his conversion
with great zeal. But his fear of farther exasperating his rebellious
subjects, in case he changed his religion, caused him to defer that
change from time to time; and perhaps he had never forsaken the law of
Mahomet, if Father Francis had not arrived to complete that work which
Heredia had begun. The holy apostle preached the word with so much
efficacy to the king of the Maldivias, that at length he reduced him to
the obedience of Christ, notwithstanding all the motives of worldly
interest to the contrary. Having instructed him anew in the mysteries of
Christianity, he solemnly baptized him. In sequel of which, he excited
the Portuguese to replace him on the throne, and nominated some of the
fathers to accompany the naval army, which should be sent to the
Maldivias. His intention was, that they should labour in the conversion
of the whole kingdom, when once the king should be established. But
because it was of small importance to the crown of Portugal, that those
islands, which produce neither gold, nor spices, nor perfumes, should be
made tributary to it, the governors did nothing for that exiled prince;
who, despairing to recover his dominions, married a Portuguese, and lived
a private life till the day of his death; happy only in this, that the
loss of his crown was made up to him, by the gift of faith, and the grace
of baptism.

When the holy man was ready to depart, an opportunity was offered him of
writing into Europe, which he laid hold on, thereby to render an account
of his voyage to Japan, both to the king of Portugal, and to the general
of his order. Then embarking for Goa, he had a speedy voyage, and arrived
there in the beginning of February.

So soon as he was come on shore, he visited the sick in the
town-hospitals; and then went to the college of St Paul, which was the
house of the Society. After the ordinary embracements, which were more
tender than ever, he enquired if none were sick within the college? He
was answered, there was only one, who was lying at the point of death.
Immediately Xavier went, and read the gospel over him. At the sight of
the Father, the dying man recovered his spirits, and was restored to
health. The physicians had given him over, and all things had been
ordered for his bur