The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c24.146

v1.c24.146

In 1607 a new Christian compelled the devil to leave the body of his wife, not yet a Christian, by making the sign of the cross over her forehead 2. The same happened to a Muhammadan in July, 1608; for when Albert, de Nobili's first convert, made the sign of the cross, the devil exclaimed: "You owe my departure to the weapon given by this man". "Whose weapon is this?", questioned the Muhammadan. "The weapon of the Almighty God, who created both of us", replied the devil, and disappeared for ever 3. In August of the same year one of the disciples of de Nobili, not yet a Christian, was lying very sick, together with his three children; de Nobili on being apprised of the case, sent Alexis, carrying the Gospel and holy water. By these two spiritual remedies the four patients were suddenly cured 4. Another catechumen was sick unto death, as a result of an attack of apoplexy, on October 23rd, 1608; de Nobili went there himself and baptised his disciple, and the latter got up at once in good health 5. At about the same time, another man possessed by the devil was presented to Albert. This Christian, before making the sign of the cross over the sick, asked the devil what kind of man was Father Roberto, and whether the things taught by him were true. The devil replied that Fr. de Nobili was a man of great authority, and that all the things he taught were perfectly true. Again Albert asked the devil about the progress and success of Fr. de Nobili's enterprise. The devil answered that the missionary would obtain very little fruit in the beginning, but, three years later his mission would be extraordinarily developed ¹.