Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1845-03-07

without her aid, announced a commission from
from On high to subjugate and rule mankind.
| So majestic, indeed, was the aspect Of Ig-
Mathis Loyola, that during the sixteenth cen-
fury, few if any Of the books of his order aP-
| peared without the impress of that Imperial
countenance. Beside him in the chapel ofSt.
Denys knelt another worshipper, whose man.
| ly bearing, buoyant step, clear blue eve, and
| finely chiseled features, eontrasted stragefy-
with the solemnties in which he was enga-
ged. Then in early manhood, Francis Xavier
united in his person the dignity BETTING his
birth as grandee of Spain, and the grace
which should adoIn page Of the Queen of
CASTLE and A[rogan. Not less incongruous
with the scene in which they bore their parts,
were the slight forms of the boy Alphonso
Salneron, and of his bosom friend Jago Lay
nez, the destined successor of Ignatus in his
spiritual dynasty. With them Nicholas AL
phonso RobadilIa, and Simon Rodriguez-the
first teacher, the second a student of philo-
sophy-prostrated themselves beforethe altar,
where ministered Peter Faber, once shepherd
in the mountains of Savoy, but now priest
in holy orders. By his hands was distributed
10 his associates the seeming bread, over
which he had uttered words of more than al
raculous efficacy; and then were lifted up their
united voices, uttering, in low but distinct ar
tlculatioH, an oatll at the deep significance of
which the nations might have lrembled or re-
jolced. Never did human lips pronounce
vow more religously observed, or pregnant
with results more momentous.
i Francis XAvIER.-Itwas in the year 1906
that Francis Xavier, the youngest child of Il
numerous family, was born in the castle OF
his ancestors in the Pyrennes. Robust and
active, OF gay humor, and ardent spirit, the
VOUnU mOuntainpar li>tonod with q throhhnU
heart to the military legends of his house, and
10 the Inward voice which spoke Of days TO
come, when his ilustrious lineage should de-
rive new splendor from his own achievements.
But the hearts Of his parents yearned over the
son of .heir old age; and the enthusiasm which
would have borne him to the pursuit of glory in
the camp, was diverted by their eounsels to the
less hazardous contest for literary eminence at
the university of Paris. From the embrace of
Aristotle and his commentators, he would,
however, have been prematurely withdrawnby
the failure Of his resources, (for the Lords Of
Xavier were not wealthy if d domestic pro-
|, phetess (hs eldest sister, had not been inspi-
red 10 reveal his marvellous career and immor-'
), tai reconpense. For child dis,ined to have
t affairs raised to his name throughout the Ca
tholic Church, and masses chanted in his hon.
, or till time should be no longef,, every sacri.
fee was wisely made; and he was thus ena-
= bled to struggle on at the College of st. Bar
bara, till he had become qualified to earn his
. own maintenance as public teacher Of Phlo-
J sophy. His Chair was crowded by the siu-
dIons, and his society courted by the gay, the
noble, and the rich. 1t was courted, also, by
one who stood aloof from the thronging null
lltude; among them, but not Of them. Sordfd
5 in dress but of lofty bearing, at once unim-
FASHIONED and intensely earnest abstemious OF
speech, yet occasionally uttering, in deep and
most meodous tones, words of strange sig
3 ni6cance, lgnatius Loyola was gradually
working over the mind OF his young compan-
j ion spell which no difference oftaste, of hab-
its or of age, was of power to subdue. Potent
/ as it was, the charm was long resisted. Hill
arity was the native and indispensable element
of Francis Xavier, and in his grave monitor
: he found an exhaustless topic of mirth and
!, rallery. Armed with satire, which was not
), always playful, the light heart of youth con-
9 tended, as best it might, against the solemn
, impressions which he could neither welcome
+ nor avoid. Whether he partook of the friyoii-
y ties in which he delighted, or in the disgust
tons in which he exceIled, or traced the win
i dings of the Seine through the forest which
then lined its banks, Ignatus was still at
q hand to discuss with him the charms of soci-
ETY., Of Learning, or of nature but, whatever
3 had been the theme, it was still closed by the
same awful inquiry, s. What shall it profit a
man if he gains the whole world and lose his
own soul!' The world which Xavier had
= sought to gain, was indeed already exhibiting
y to him its accustomed treachery. 1t had Civ
;, en- him amusement and applause but with
Z his seIf-goveInment had stolen from him his
pupils and en.oluments. Ignatius recruited
, both. He became the eulogist of the genius
and the eloquence of his friend, and as he
e presented 10 him the scholars attracted by
F. these panegyrics, would repeat them in the
presence of the delighted teacher: and then,
20 as his kindling eye attested the sense of con-
scious and acknow lodged merit, would check
the rising exultatlon, by the overcoming
t. question, "What shall it profit :" I'M
Or providence squandered these new resources /;
- but nothing could damp the zeal Of Ignatius.
There he was again, though himself the poor
est of the poor, ministering to the wants Of
Xavier, from purse filled by the aims he had
solicited; but there again was also the same
a. unvary ing demand, urged in the same rich,
though solemn cadence, s. What shall it pro-
fiji :" In the relaxing grasp of the strong man
at once forgiven and assisted, rebuked and
m beloved by his stern Observation-Disclosures gTada'
d. ally yielded TO the fascination. He became,
is like his master, impassive, at least In appear.
of ance, to all suDluEary pains and pleasures
,g and having performed the initiatory rite of tn,
e. Spiritual Exercises, excelIed all his brethren
of the society of Jesus in the fervor Of his de
votion and the austerity of his selfdiscipline
His DEATH.-But his earthly tolls and pro
he iects were now to cease forever. The ange
he of death appeared with summons. for which
y, since death first entered our world, no MAJ
e- was ever more triumphantly prepared. |
in found him on board the vessel, on the point o
st departing for Siam. At his own request h
n; was removed 10 the shore, that he might NEE
TO- his end with the greater composure. Stretch