The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c28.53

v1.c28.53

After his departure three Jesuits remained at Chandragiri: Fr. B. Coutinho, who was appointed Superior, Fr. F. Ricio and the Lay Brother Alexander Frey ⁸. Fr. Ricio, writing in the year 1603, gives the following information regarding their relations with Venkata: “When we converse with him he not only shows us marks of great friendship, but also lends a very willing ear to the exposition of our doctrine, especially when the topic under discussion is Jesus Our Saviour, and the Blessed Virgin. And after he has heard us, he approves of, and repeats our sayings to others. The same willingness is shown to us by very many others, distinguished both by birth and learning. On hearing our exposition they are filled with joy, and acknowledge that there is only one faith and one God (a point we lay stress on in all our arguments.) But though in every doctrine which we propound they show great joy, their happiness when we enumerate and explain the ten commandments of the divine law is so great, that it is easier for one to imagine it than for me to describe it to you in a letter. They confess that this law is divine and very sound, and that theirs is teeming with error; and for this very reason they very often come to us and attend our church and willingly hear the divine precepts and all that pertains to the salvation of our souls with great reverence and devotion. And not only those who dwell in this imperial city flock to our church, but also a large number from many different towns of this kingdom; and on reaching it they prostrate themselves on the bare floor, and with sincerest humility beg assistance from God in their needs " ¹.