Storia do Mogor 338.18.2

338.18.2

Men of all nations were much distressed at this act, knowing well that the persons involved were men of merit. The said father ruled over and interfered in things that it is not convenient for me to speak of. We have to point out that the Lord Patriarch had been sent to visit China, where he was to make an inquiry and draw up a true report. During some years there has been talk that the Jesuits offer up sacrifices and use ceremonial copied from the Chinese. As to this question, I have my doubts if the Lord Patriarch will be able to introduce any remedy for these disorders. He will need to put into use the greatest discretion. But I did not meet with any signs of such; for when the Abate di San Giorgio arrived here at Madras, he at once displayed a desire for information as to the lives of the Christian priests and the customs of this country, and also wanted particulars of the Hindu religion. He came across many deviations which gave him little satisfaction. He was then advised that I could give him information. He suspected I might be a friend of or sent by the Jesuits, seeing that such emissaries were very necessary to them in this anxious occasion; and he was aware that they would not speak themselves, in order not to be held at Rome for idolaters.