human interest, and worldly considerations, made the knowledge of the
truth serve only to their greater condemnation."

Not long afterwards, Xavier had another conference with a Brachman, who
lived in the nature of an hermit. He passed for the oracle of the
country, and had been instructed in his youth at one of the most famous
academies of the East. He was one of those who was knowing in their most
hidden mysteries, which are never intrusted by the Brachmans, but to a
certain select number of their wise men. Xavier, who had heard speak of
him, was desirous to see him; and he, on his side, was as desirous to see
Xavier. The intention of the saint was to try, in bringing over this
Brachman, if he could gain the rest, who were proud of being his
disciples.

After the first civilities which commonly pass betwixt two men, who
mutually covet an acquaintance, and know each other by reputation, the
discourse fell upon religion; and the Brachman found in himself, at the
very first, so great an inclination for Xavier, that he could not conceal
from him those secrets which a religious oath had bound him never to
disclose to any. He confest plainly to him, that the idols were devils,
and that there was only one God, creator of the world, and that this
God alone deserved the adoration of men: that those who held the rank of
wisdom amongst the Brachmans, solemnized the Sunday in his honour as a
holiday; and that day they only said this prayer, "O God, I adore thee at
this present, and for ever:" that they pronounced those words softly,
for fear of being overheard, and to preserve the oath which they had
made, to keep them secret. "In fine," said he, "it is to be read in our
ancient writings, that all the false religions should one day cease, and
the whole world should observe one only law."