favour, both in this life and in the next. If I cannot find this year any
Portuguese vessel bound for Malacca, I will embark myself on any ship
belonging to the Gentiles or the Saracens. I repose, withal, so great a
confidence in God, for the love of whom I undertake this voyage, that if
there should only pass this way some little bark of Malacca, I should go
aboard without the least deliberation. All my hope is in God; and I
conjure you by his love, to remember always in your prayers so great a
sinner as myself."

Though his intentions in coming to Meliapor were only to receive the
instructions of heaven in his solitude, yet he employed some part of his
time in the good of others. His holy life gave a lustre and value to his
discourse; and the sight of him alone was of efficacy to touch the heart.
The people had received it as a maxim, "That whoever followed not the
counsel of Father Francis, should die an enemy of God." And they related
the unhappy end of some sinners, who, being urged by Xavier to make a
speedy repentance, had deferred the work of their conversion. This
popular opinion contributed much to the change of manners in the town;
and the fear of a disastrous death served frequently to break off in one
moment the criminal commerce of many years.

There was in Meliapor a Portuguese gentleman, who lived a debauched and
scandalous life. His house was a seraglio, in little; and the greatest
part of his business was making a collection of beautiful slaves. Xavier
went one day to visit him about dinner time: "Are you willing," said the
Father, "that we should begin an acquaintance by dining together?" The
Portuguese was somewhat discomposed, both at the visit and the
compliment; yet he forced himself into good humour, and made shew of
being very glad of the honour which the Father had done him. While they
were at table, Xavier spoke not one word to him concerning his