embrace you. I confess, it appears difficult to
compass my desires, but all things are possible to holy obedience."

Undoubtedly, if the letter of Ignatius had found Xavier alive, he had
soon been seen in Europe; for having offered, of his own free motion, to
leave the Indies, Japan, and China, and all the business which he had
upon his hands, and having said, that the least beckoning of his superior
should be sufficient for it, what would he not have done, when he had
received a positive command to abandon all, and repass the seas?

His maxims of obedience shew clearly what his own submission was.

"There is nothing more certain, nor less subject to mistake, than always
to be willing to obey. On the contrary, it is dangerous to live in
complaisance to our own wills, and without following the motion of our
superiors; for though we chance to perform any good action, yet if we
never so little deviate from that which is commanded us, we may rest
assured, that our action is rather vicious than good.

"The devil, by his malicious suggestions, tempts the greatest part of
those who have devoted themselves to God's service: 'What make you
there?' he secretly whispers; 'See you not that you do but lose your
labour?' Resist that thought with all your strength; for it is capable
not only of hindering you in the way to perfection, but also of seducing
you from it: and let every one of you persuade himself, that he cannot
better serve our Lord, than in that place where he is set by his
superior. Be also satisfied, that when the time of God is come, he will
inspire your superiors with thoughts of sending you to such places, where
your labours shall abundantly succeed. In the mean time, you shall
possess your souls in peace. By this means, you will well employ your
precious time, though too many do not understand its value, and make
great proficiencies in virtue. It is far otherwise with those restless
souls, who do no good in those places where they wish to be, because they
are not there; and are unprofitable both to themselves and others where
they are, because they desire to be otherwhere.

"Perform, with great affection, what your superiors order you, in
relation to domestic discipline, and suffer not yourself to be surprised
with the suggestions of the evil spirit, who endeavours to persuade you,
that some other employment would be fitter for you; his design is, that
you should execute that office ill in which you are employed