The Life and Letters of St. Francis Xavier Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876 edition. Excerpt: ...returned from Meaco by sea, taking boat probably at Osaka, and this may account for his returning to Firando rather than to Amanguchi. At Amanguchi, however, he made up his mind to begin his new career of preaching. He took with him the letters and presents from the Governor of the Indies, the Bishop of Goa, and the Captain of Malacca, which had been originally intended for the Mikado himself. He dressed himself in a manner more becoming the Envoy of Portugal, and, with his companions as attendants, demanded an audience of the Prince or King of Naugato. He was very well received by the King, who was charmed with the presents--among which Cosmo Torres tells us were a 'manicordio e relox, ' a musical instrument of some sort, and a watch, with other more costly articles. Oxindono, as he was called, was unwilling not to show all courtesy to the representative of the secular and religious authorities of that half unknown power in India and the Eastern Archipelago which had so strangely risen up of late years, to interest and alarm the various countries at whose ports its ships were so continually presenting themselves, laden with strange merchandise of the most costly sorts, and whose prowess in arms seemed quite on a par with its spirit, of mercantile adventure. The next day an edict was placarded in the city of Amanguchi, allowing of the preaching of the Christian religion, and an empty 'bonzery' or monastery was assigned for the residence of the new teachers. A large present of gold and silver, which Oxindono sent to them, had previously been refused by Francis. We have now reached a point in the history of Francis Xavier's stay in Japan at which we may again use his own words. The following letter is remarkable for its comparative brevity, ...