forsake their faith.

Xavier, seeing the time of his departure drawing near, composed, in the
Malaya tongue, a large instruction, touching the belief and morals of
Christianity. He gave the people of Ternate this instruction written in
his own hand, that it might supply his place during his absence. Many
copies were taken of it, which were spread about the neighbouring
islands, and even through the countries of the East. It was read on
holidays in the public assemblies; and the faithful listened to it, as
coming from the mouth of the holy apostle.

Besides this, he chose out some virtuous young men for his companions in
his voyage to Goa, with design to breed them in the college of the
company, and from thence send them back to the Moluccas, there to preach
the gospel. These things being thus ordered, and the caracore, winch was
to carry him to Amboyna, in readiness, it was in his thoughts to depart
by night, in the most secret manner that he could, not to sadden the
inhabitants, who could not hear of his going from them without a sensible
affliction. But whatsoever precautions he took, he could not steal away
without their knowledge. They followed him in crowds to the shore; men,
women, and children, gathering about him, lamenting his loss, begging his
blessing, and beseeching him, with tears in their eyes, "That since he
was resolved on going, he would make a quick return."

The holy man was not able to bear these tender farewells without melting
into tears himself. His bowels yearned within him for his dear flock; and
seeing what affection those people bore him, he was concerned lest his
absence might prejudice their spiritual welfare. Yet reassuring himself,
by considering the providence of God, which had disposed of him another
way, he enjoined them to meet in public every day, at a certain church,