of Jesus; the Brothers of Jesus; Reformed Priests; Theatines; Priests of Santa Lucia; Priests of Santa Catharina. Thus by their friends and admirers; but the compact and awfully execrated patronymic "Jesuit" will cling to them more closely, until they will boldly adopt it themselves, always exceedingly accommodating to the troublesome world. Then will all manner of perverse names be showered on the sturdy workers :Jesuweiter, or "far from Jesus;" Papst-Schärgen, the pope's lictors; Papst-Schwarze Ritter, the pope's black horsemen; Esauïtes; Jebusites; and the Philistines of Christendom. But little cared the followers of Ignatius for these hard names. They could boast of a mighty vision, which showed their credentials in Heaven. It follows:

From Vicenza, the little band of pilgrims set out for Rome. On the journey, whilst retired in prayer, Ignatius saw the Eternal Father, who presented him to the Son; and he saw Jesus Christ

The most remarkable vision Ignatius ever had.

bearing a heavy cross, who, after having received him from the Father, said these words to him— I shall be propitious to you at Rome.

In the Acta Sanctorum, the Jesuits give an engraving of the chapel where the vision was vouchsafed.2 Ignatius could not have hit on a better plan to invigorate the enthusiasm of his chosen band. He boldly related the "vision" it had the desired effect: they marched on rejoicing. "This vision," says Bouhours, "is one of the most remarkable that St. Ignatius ever had; and it is so well vouched for that it admits not of a doubt." Subsequently referring, with no small intrepidity, to this his "vision," Ignatius proudly exclaimed, "When the

1 Hasenmüller, Hist. p. 21.

2 July 31. Acta Sanct.

Eternal Father placed me with his Son,"-Quando el Padre Eterno me puso con su Hijo." This is one of

the most suspicious traits in the character and career of Ignatius.

Only before the grand accomplishment did the prudent Ignatius make known to his disciples his final scheme; and then he did so in a long speech which is given by his biographer.

The final scheme.

66

Ought

we not to conclude that we are called to win to God, not only a single nation, a single country, but all nations, all the kingdoms of the world?" Such was the leading idea then looking forward he exclaimed, "What great thing shall we achieve if our Company does not become an Order, capable of being multiplied in every place, and to last to the end of time?":

2

He foresaw difficulties; but the man who had overcome every obstacle in his way, or patiently bided his

time for sixteen long years;-such a man, if any, can look the future in the face and resolve success. Some thought him mad, but they knew him not some think, even now, that he was mad, and echo the words of Voltaire, the ex-pupil of the Jesuits: "Would you gain a great name?" asks Voltaire,-"Be completely mad: but of a madness befitting the age. Have in your folly

a bottom of reason to guide your ravings, and be excessively stubborn. It may chance that you get hanged: but if you are not, you may have an altar." There is some truth in this. Ignatius is now in no danger of a halter, but bids fair for an altar.

1 Dict. Philosoph., tome x. Ignace.

BOOK III. OR, XAVIER.

Preliminary

SUCH are the leading facts in the life of Ignatius, hitherto the wandering preacher, as described by his own disciples, for the edification of the faithful. observations. Every fact has been either questioned or bitterly ridiculed. The enemies of the Jesuits have clapped their hands with merriment thereat; but the Jesuits and their friends have not ceased, on that account, to venerate their sainted founder. Ever convinced of his perfect integrity and holiness, they cease not to put up their prayers to Ignatius in Heaven for the protection and advancement of his cherished Society. His divine mission is believed; his miraculous powers are firmly asserted; and every Catholic is bound to reverence his name, since a festival has been appointed to him, and his name is invoked in the Mass.

The historian must bear these facts in mind: he must give them some little weight in the judgment he labours to form of this remarkable man. There must have been some merit-some considerable merit in Ignatius, to effectuate or direct the achievements of his nascent Society.

In the picture of the age which has been given, we

may

RENOWN OF IGNATIUS AND HIS FOLLOWERS. 235

behold the field open to precisely such a man as Ignatius be conceived to be, after making due allowance for the peculiar views of his biographers. In his career, up to the foundation of his Society, we see evidence of unflinching determination-a boundless passion for spiritual teaching-and we have no reason to believe that his morals were otherwise than pure, however strongly the whole narrative induces the thought that spiritual power was ever his object; hence the assertion of his visions and inspirations, all which, if not invented by his followers, must have been proclaimed by himself. Herein is the important feature of the founder's character. Success attended his efforts: the world applauded circumstances combined to cheer him on: he advanced as to the breach of Pampeluna; but his arms were now those of the spirit, and with these to conquer, or seem to conquer, is one and the same. God alone will finally decide what is or what is not, true victory.

Renown of

his followers.

The Pope of Rome beheld Protestantism boldly advancing. Germany was almost totally Protestant. England was severed from papal allegiance. Switzerland, Piedmont, Savoy, and all the Ignatius and adjacent countries were "infected with heresy." France had caught the "distemper" from Geneva. The "venom " had penetrated into Italy. In such disastrous circumstances extraordinary succour was required.

Paul III. thought well of Ignatius and his followers, whom he had dimissed to their probation, after the first interview and explanations. Rumour announced their deeds, their success. "Everywhere," said the thousandtongued, "they revive the spirit of Christianity; the