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AN
(Lopez, G





THE LIFE
OF
GREGORY LOPEZ,
A HERMIT IN AMERICA:
"For many years I despaired of finding any inhabitant of Great Britain,
that could stand in any degree of comparison with Gregory Lopez.
Rev. John Wesley.
NEW-YORK.
PUBLISHED BY JOHN EYRE,
29
AND SOLD AT
FALSOM'S BOOK STORE, 40 FULTON ST.
1841
L
min?


THENEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
1397.
PIERCY & REED, PRINTERS.


PREFACE.
THE Life of Gregory Lopez was reprinted
in England about sixty years ago, and as there
is no subject in literature more interesting than
narratives of this kind, or more profitable to the
pious reader than religious biography; and as
the subject of it lived the greatest part of his
days in America, (though well nigh forgotten at
the present period) the publisher hopes that no
apology is necessary for giving it to the public.
The language of the pious character is,
"Who will shew me any good? How shall I
obtain a greater conformity to the life of my
Saviour-or what shall I do that I may be more
devoted to God?" Hence, to have the lives of
the most devoted characters minutely depicted,
their actions exhibited in the clearest manner,
and their conversation, in a written document,
1*


iv
PREFACE.
laid before them, is no small gratification—nay;
it is a considerable motive to stimulate them in
many particulars to follow, step by step, such
worthy examples. Nor can we speak lightly of
the motive when followed with a single eye to
God's glory, seeing the Scriptures set before us
such examples, and exhort us to follow them.
Our blessed Saviour has said, "Go and do thou
likewise." And an apostle has also said, "Be
ye followers of them who through faith and
patience inherit the promises." But how could
this have been done had no record been left as
a memorial of them?
This narrative, however, is not intended to
excite any one to follow him to the desert, nor
turn hermit; for, whatever reasons some peo-
ple may have had, in times past, for secluding
themselves—or, however God may have blest
them in that situation—yet this, without the
authority of his word of command, is not a
sufficient reason for others to follow them.
Some people, probably, have said that the life
of a hermit is not the life of a Christian; but it
may not be amiss to suggest to the reader, that


PREFACE.
the ways of Providence to many have been
diversified and mysterious-that many things
are permitted for a trial of faith under this dis-
ordered state of the world, and many difficulties
encountered by necessity which finally prove a
blessing to mankind, though not primarily
according to the will of God. Thus, the apos-
tle was banished to the Isle of Patmos, where
he wrote the Revelation, and the author of the
Pilgrim's Progress was cast into prison, where
he studied that book which has been so blest to
mankind. And while some, from necessity,
have sought a place of safety in mountains, in
dens and caves of the earth, some others,
probably from mistaken notions, have volunta-
rily retired to the woods, the most effectually to
mortify themselves, or as the best method of
devoting themselves perfectly to God, who,
notwithstanding an error, have given us worthy
examples. Thus, in both instances, good has
been brought out of evil.
Hence, considering this holy man independ-
´ent of error and one of the purest of characters,
1*


vi.
PREFACE.
or exhibiting him to the world in an age of dis-
sipation like this, his example, in many in-
stances, notwithstanding such circumstances,
may be studied to great advantage. At a time
when thousands are striving to excite each
other's vanity, by adding superficial embellish-
ments to natural beauty; at a period when many
others are trying to outlive their fellows in
broadcloths and velvets, their silks and satins,
or in some splendid piece of furniture, which no
person in the neighborhood can equal; it may
not be altogether in vain to show them " a more
excellent way," by setting before them a char-
acter who renounced such vanities; not unsea-
sonable to remind them that “a man's life con-
sisteth not in the abundance which he pos-
sesseth;" to convince them, that, while some
people possess every thing, and enjoy nothing,
there is a possibility, to use the apostle's words,
of "having nothing, and yet possessing all
things" that there is a degree of faithfulness,
which, after having forsaken all, is graciously
rewarded with a hundred-fold in this life; that
such people invariably obtain a peace that is


PREFACE.
vii
more permanent than the foundations of the
earth, and which they cannot lose though the
earth be removed, and the mountains carried into
the midst of the sea-in a word, to assure them
that
"Nothing have the just to lose,
By worlds on world's destroy'd."
Or, finally, to set before them the beauties of
self-denial, which leads to lasting enjoyment,
and to convince them that Christianity in its
maturity always proves an antidote to the most
fatal sickness, and gives a perfect meetness for
the kingdom of heaven. But, say some people,
"We must live and act according to times and
circumstances this and that are only indiffer-
ent things, according to the customs of the day-
there is nothing wrong in conforming to the
refinements of the age," &c. Nay, let us re-
flect for a moment! Can any length of time add
wisdom to Him who was from everlasting to
everlasting? Shall we presume to say that
any future period can alter the character of
His law, or that any refinements in a fallen peo-
ple can tolerate pride, or make it less sinful


viii
PREFACE.
than it was a hundred or a thousand
years ago 3
Is uot every man, though born and educated in
a Christian land, an heathen and an idolater,
only as he embraces Christianity by faith in
Christ Jesus, and by virtue of that faith takes
up his cross to follow him? And is it not
written, that "the unrighteous shall not inherit
the kingdom of God?" Wherefore, if such is
universally our condition, and we are all equally
involved in the common ruin, let us lay aside
the gaudy robes of the effeminate, to obtain the
spotless raiment of Christ's righteousness, that,
being clad in the wedding garment of God's
people, we may be admitted with them into
everlasting habitations.
"For many years (said the Rev. John Wesley)
I despaired of finding any inhabitant of Great
Britain that could stand in any degree of com-
parison with Gregory Lopez," &c., which was
saying a great deal of him. Nay, could he
have said any thing more? Hence, if his life
was read to such advantage at that day, why
not now? Nevertheless, this eminent man did


PREFACE.
ix
not approve of following him to the desert.
This would be a step absolutely impracticable
to thousands, and followed by death to many
others yet, all might follow him in some par-
ticulars, or read his life to their mutual advan-
tage. Let us, therefore, put on the whole armor
of God, and practice his virtues at home, with-
out retiring to the desert-follow his example
in renouncing the love of this present evil
world, and all sinful pleasures-imitate him in
plainness of speech, avoiding evil speaking and
useless ceremonies his abstinence-his fer-
vent prayer-his striving seventy times seven
to enter in at the strait gate of perfect love to
God-perfect resignation to his will-perfect
charity towards all men-and his earnest and
perpetual desire to do the will of God on earth
as it is done in heaven.
JOHN EYRE.
NEW YORK, January 2, 1841.





THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
CHAPTER I.
His birth and employment till he was twenty years of age.
GREGORY LOPEZ was born at Madrid; he
seemed to be one without father, without
mother. For no one ever heard him mention
his family, or knew him write to his relations
or enquire concerning them. This made many
believe that he was the son of some persons of
great quality. What confirmed them in that
opinion was the manner of his behavior; gen-
teel, noble, and full of humble gravity; par-
ticularly, when he had to do with men of rank,
or eminence. For they admired the freedom
and firmness with which he spoke to them, yet
without violating the respect which he owed
them.
One having pressed him to tell of what fam-
ily he was, and what was the name of his


12
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
father, he appeared somewhat moved, and re-
plied with a countenance full of gravity, quite
extraordinary, "My country is Heaven, and
my father is God." Father Juan Ozorio, hav-
ing asked, of what country he was? he replied
only, "of the same country with your rev-
erence." A few days before his death, when I
was resolved to know the name of his parents,
in order to send them an account of his life and
death, he told me, ever since I left all to evil
wholly to God, I have considered God alone as
my Father. As to my brothers, I do not doubt
but they are dead, for I was the youngest of
all." Behold, how this servant of God had for-
gotten the advantages of his birth; he considered
the nobleness of his family as baseness; he es-
teemed only the honor God had done him.
66
He was born the fourth of July, 1542, in the
reign of the Emperor Charles the fifth. At his
baptism he was named Gregory; as to the sur-
name of Lopez, I do not believe it was the name
of his family; but rather that he endeavored to
conceal himself under that borrowed name.
God favored him with uncommon grace, even
from his tender years. Having once asked him,
whether he had begun to serve God as soon as


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
13
he had the use of his reason? He replied, "he
was not sure, whether he had begun then or a
little after; but it is true God had blest him
very early with different sentiments from those
which children use to have." And he was ac-
customed to say, as from happy experience,
“Happy is he who bears the yoke of the Lord
from his youth."
With a wonderful facility he learned to read,
and to read so well that he surpassed his mas-
ters; as one may still judge from the things
written by him, with such elegance, such
strength, and in so beautiful a character, that
one cannot look upon them without admiration.
It is certain, and he owned it freely, that he
never learned, either Latin, or any of the
liberal arts or sciences, so that there is no
room to doubt, but it was God who was his
master in several things, and who taught him
many truths, divine and human, which others
hardly attain by much labor.
Being as yet very young, he went without
saying any thing to his parents, into the king-
dom of Navarre, where he remained in a reli-
gious retirement, upwards of six years; it was
here that his soul as a fruitful soil watered


14
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
with the dew of heaven, received the seeds of
that holiness which afterwards produced ex-
cellent fruit in great abundance.
His father having carefully sought, at length
found him there. He brought him to Vallado-
lid, where the court then was, and by a sur-
prising change he was made page to the em-
peror; God ordering thus, that even in the re-
tinue of a prince, there should be one that was
a saint.
The fear of God was so rooted in the heart
of young Lopez, that even a court-life, and all
its various agitations, which like impetuous
winds are apt to ruffle the calmest souls, that
he was always recollected; and he has told me,
that when his master sent him with any mes-
sage, he had such an attention to God, that
neither persons of the highest quality with
whom he had to do, nor all the other occasions
of distracting the mind, which are found in the
courts of princes, interrupted his thinking of
God. And by this means he preserved the
same peace and devotion, as if he had still
been in the desert of Navarre.
Thus, even in the heat of youth, and in the
dangerous snares of a court, he passed two or


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
15
three years with a mind as unmoved, and a
judgment as solid, as if he had been ever so
far advanced in years.
Being one day in prayer in a church at To-
ledo, God gave him a fuller and stronger reso-
lution, than he had ever yet had of executing
his design to live wholly to Him. But as re-
solutions of importance ought not to be made,
but in consequence of much prayer, he passed
several days in prayer and watching in the
church of Guadaloupe, to obtain light, how to
proceed in what he purposed; and hereby he
was more and more determined, to quit both
the court, and his friends, and native country;
that there might be no obstruction to the en-
tire devotion of himself to God, which his soul
continually panted after.


CHAPTER II.
His voyage to New Spain.
He arrived at New Spain in the year 1562,
and landed at Vera Cruz, being then just
twenty years of age. He distributed among
the poor, the stuffs which he brought with him,
to the value of eight thousand four hundred
reals, shewing how little he esteemed the
riches of this new world; while instead
of seeking them there he gave away what he
had brought thither, without reserving any
thing for himself.
From Vera Cruz he went to Mexico, where
he stayed some days at a notary's, named St.
Romain, to earn, by writing, as much as would
carry him to Zacaticas, where he hoped fully
to execute his design.
Coming thither, he changed his dress to one.
suitable for his design, and went eight leagues
thence to the valley of Amagac, inhabited by
Chichinque Indians, who for their cruelty and
fierceness, were then terrible to the Spaniards.


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
17
But this servant of God not having been afraid
to declare war against all the invisible powers
of hell, was under no apprehension from visible
enemies: nothing doubting, with the assistance
of God, to conquer their savageness and fierce-
ness, by his patience, sweetness and humanity.
The effect answered his expectation; for, after
he had spent but a few days in the valley, and
conversed with the Indians, their fierceness
was gone, and he had gained the affection of
all that were near him.
Seeking for a place proper for his design, he
found, several leagues from Zacaticas, a farm
called Temaxeco, belonging to Captain Pedro
Carrillo de Avila; this captain, seeing him so
young, so well made, and of so fine a carriage,
barefooted, without shirt or hat, clothed only
in a coat of coarse cloth, which reached down
to his heels, and was girt round with a rope,
asked him, whither he was going, and what it
was that had brought him to that country? He
answered, "that he was come from Castile
with the last flota, and that he was seeking an
hermitage, to pass his life there in the service
*
* This step does not accord with God's design to-
wards his rational creatures, and, therefore, cannot be


18
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
of God; but that he had not till now found a
proper place." He then gave him the reasons
which induced him to retire from the world,
with which he was entirely satisfied. Carrillo
offered him men to build him a little house in
the place which he had chosen: he thanked
him, but without accepting his offer, only de-
siring leave to work himself. He then, with
his own hands, built a little cell, only the In-
dians assisting him therein.
He entered into the twenty-first year of his
age when he entered on his solitary life; and
seeing himself engaged in a war, wherein he
had so powerful enemies to combat, the first
thing which he did, was to throw himself wholly
into the hands of God, and to implore his suc-
cor in these words "Lord, I here engage
myself altogether in thy service. If I perish,
it will not be my business, but thine to answer
for it." Words that expressed the absolute
confidence he had in the power and mercy of
recommended to any one. In the beginning, God our
Creator said, "It is not good that the man should be
alone," &c. And Christ our Redeemer commanded,
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven."


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
19
God, and his full assurance that God would not
suffer him to perish, whilst he cast himself
wholly upon him.
From the moment that Lopez had thus aban-
doned himself in fervent love to whatever it
should please God to order concerning him, he
felt the sensible effects of his assistance, and
began to walk valiantly and with a great pace
in the narrow way of penitence; without ever
looking back, without ever stopping, without
ever losing sight of that light by which it
pleased God to guide him. He lay upon the
ground; and, to keep him from the cold, he
had but one quilt, and a stone for his pillow.
These were all the moveables of his cell; and
all the ornaments of it, were sentences he had
wrote upon the walls, exhorting to go on to
perfection. His abstinence was not only great,
but continual; he eat only once a day, and
then very little, and of the coarsest food; for,
generally, it was nothing but parched corn.
And this he so rigorously observed, that he
could not be persuaded to dispense with himself,
even when in violent sickness. He never tasted
flesh; and when any happened to be given
2


20
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
him, he received it with thanks, but touched it
not.
Captain Carrillo had two sons, Sebastian
and Pedro. The latter has often mentioned,
that Lopez living near them, his father used to
send them to him, to learn to read and write;
and that he often found him on his knees, in
deep prayer, with his arms extended, and his
eyes fixed on the earth. The two brothers, in
return for the pains he took with them, brought
him cakes made of Indian corn, the only thing
(as we observed) on which he lived, unless he
sometimes ate a raw lettuce or turnip. And
if they happened to bring him two or three
cakes at once, it gave him dissatisfaction. He
told them, one served him for eight days, and
he ate them hard and dry as they were. If
their father and mother sent him any thing else,
he sent it back again. They sometimes found
in his cell rabbits, quails, and figs, which in
this country were accounted delicious food.
These (after telling them they were the pre-
sents of his good friends the Chichinques) he
gave them to carry to their mother.
He never made use of any candle, saying he
had no business which required it. As the


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
21
nights were exceeding cold, the Captain offered
him a better quilt; but he did not accept of it.
When there came any minister, who per-
formed divine service at the Captain's, he sent
word to Lopez, who came to hear it with
the greatest devotion, and immediately after
returned home, without staying to eat, how-
ever pressed thereto, or speaking to any per-
son whatever. He never went out of his
cell to divert himself, or even to entertain him-
self with a good neighbor. Thus it was that
this holy giant went on amain, in the way
wherein the love of God had constrained him
to enter.
2*


CHAPTER III.
The conflicts he sustained, and the assistance he received,
whereby he was more than conqueror.
*
Those uncommon temptations of the devil,
which God permits to come upon his saints in
their solitude, arise from the shame of that
`proud spirit, when he sees himself vanquished
by them. Accordingly, though the extreme
austerity of his life, and his want of almost all
necessaries, occasioned Lopez to suffer so
much, yet these sufferings appeared inconsider-
able to him, compared to the inward pains
which he endured.
In one rencounter (he owned to a friend) he
* Perhaps it is more proper to say, that his uncommon
temptations arose in a great measure from his peculiar
situation. If the husbandman were to leave the labors of
the field for a life of retiremet, he would enter upon a
new course of life, must feel the effects of it, and treat
himself accordingly. Nevertheless, we may admit, that
if a person engages to serve God in the most perfect man-
ner, either in solitude or more public life, the Devil will
use all his power to oppose and afflict him.


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
23
had such a conflict with the grand enemy,
and was obliged to use so violent efforts in re-
sisting him, that the blood gushed out of his
nose and ears. He was experienced in all
sorts of spiritual weapons, long before his com-
bat; such a symptom, therefore, in one that
was accustomed to conquer, shewed how obsti-
nate that fight must have been.
*
Once the devil attacked him in a visible
shape. Being asked what he had done to de-
fend himself, he replied, "Believing I could
not do better than continue in the design God
had put into my heart, I resolved to labor
therein with all my strength; on which Satan
disappeared, and never tempted me again in
that manner."
It is certain, that during the whole time of
his solitude, the devil strove to affright him by
a
* Many people speak as if this age is too much enlight-
ened to admit of this assertion; but, how can we abso-
lutely deny it, without equally invalidating the testimony
of scripture? St. Matthew and St. Luke assure us, that
the Devil appeared to Jesus Christ, &c.; that, after his
departure, angels came and ministered unto him. Matt.
iv. 3-11; Luke iv. 3-13. Was all this in imagination
only? If not, is it altogether incredible that he should be
permitted to appear on any occasion to one of his faithful
followers? If so, how can we understand that scripture,
viz. "He that is perfect, shall be as his master?"
2*


24
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
all means possible; sometimes by the roaring
and rushing of wild beasts, sometimes by the
cruelty wherewith he saw the Indians massa-
cree the Spaniards, at a small distance from
him; sometimes by various inward tempta-
tions, and by the artifices he used to deceive
him. Continual prayer, both day and night,
was the remedy used in these encounters; in
which, that he might not faint, there was no
kind of effort which he was not obliged to use.
Among the sentiments from which he drew
the most strength and the greatest consolations,
were these words: "Thy will be done on
earth as it is done in heaven; amen, Jesus!"
For the space of three years, he repeated them
without ceasing, so that he scarce ever took
his breath, without saying them mentally, while
he was eating or drinking, or speaking to any
one person whatever. I asked, if it was possi-
ble, at every time that he awaked out of his
sleep, they should be present to his mind? He
answered, "It is; I never breathe'twice, after
waking, before they are brought to my remem-
brance." This application to conform himself
to the will of God, was so necessary to him, in
order to resist these temptations, that although


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
25
he never discontinued it, yet if instead of being
as exact as usual, he slackened therein ever so
little, he presently perceived the devil drew
such advantage therefrom, and so redoubled his
temptations, that it was not possible for him
then so much as to look into a book. But these
words, "Thy will be done," served him for a
book; he found in them all the instruction he
could wish for; they were as arms of proof,
which not only defended him from the assaults
him means of con-
of his enemies, but gave
quering all by his entire resignation, whereby
he threw himself absolutely into the hands of
God, to dispose of him in what manner he
pleased, and prostrating himself on the earth,
he said, "Lord, thou art my Father, and noth-
ing is done, but in thy presence and according
to thy will." With this he recovered new
strength to run the race set before him.
These temptations were so violent and so
frequent, that he has many times said to me,
he was astonished that he had been able to
persevere in his design, and that he could not
think of them without making his hair stand on
end upon his head. When he related this to me,
he was an old soldier of Christ, of deep expe-


26
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ,
rience in this spiritual warfare. There needs,
therefore, no better proof of the greatness of
his courage and the fury of his enemy; for, if
the bare remembrance of it produces such an
effect, it is no wonder that the combat itself
cost both pains and blood,


CHAPTER IV.
God exercises Lopez in another manner; he removes
from the Valley Amajac.
The conflicts of Lopez were not with the
devil only, he suffered from men also. As the
Spanish soldiers passed by his cell to make
war with the Indians, some called him heretic
and Lutheran; others said, he was a fool or
madman. But this servant of God had nothing
to fear he remained unhurt, either by one
side or the other; and in the midst of the dan
gers to which he was exposed, he continued
without interruption in his ordinary exercise of
conformity to the will of God.
After he had continued three years to repeat,
without ceasing, "Thy will be done on earth.
as it is in heaven," he found himself so
strengthened, that he had no longer any will
but that of God. He then entered upon ano-
ther exercise, which consisted not so much in
words as in actions; and this was, an ardent
love for God, and for his neighbor. This he


23
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
practised in so excellent a manner, that he was
daily going on from strength to strength, with-
out relaxing or abating any thing in the exercise
of perfect love.
He was so advantageously situated at Ama-
jac, that he would never have quitted that
place, had he not thought himself obliged so to
do, by the love of his neighbor, whom he
earnestly desired to serve. Several who heard
of his manner of life, were offended that he did
not attend the service of the church, although
he had no opportunity of so doing, the church
being seven leagues off. In condescension to
their weakness, he resolved, after having stayed
at Amajac between three and four years, to re-
move thence and settle in one of the villages
of Alphonso d'Avalos. He received him with
much humility and affection, and offered him a
lodging in a place planted with trees. He ac-
cepted it gladly, but not the food provided for
him; for he lived wholly on milk and cheese.
After he had spent two years here, God put
it into his heart to return to his little cell; the
night before his journey, that great earthquake
happened, in the year 1568; and opening his
window, he saw the joists of his chamber fall


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
29
without receiving any harm. He stopped in
the way at Sebastian Mexia's, who entertained
him gladly. He recompensed him by his good
example, and the excellent counsels which he
gave him. These made so deep an impression,
that instead of the fine rich cloths, of which he
was so extravagantly fond before, he wore from
that time only coarse brown cloth, like Lopez.
Mexia conceived so strong an affection for
him, and had so great an esteem for his wis-
dom, that he resolved to leave all his estate to
his disposal.
But, Lopez being apprized of this, and not
judging it proper, after he had renounced all his
own goods, to embarrass himself with those of
another man, resolved, immediately to proceed
on his journey, whatever instances could be
used to detain him.
Father Dominie Salazar, a Dominican, was
preaching to those who were working in the
mines round about Zacatecas. He was a man
of great virtue, and the conversation he had with
Lopez, made him conceive such a high esteem
and love for him, that he pressed him extremely
to go to the monastery of St. Dominic at Mex-
ico; where he would give him a little cell,


30
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
saying, that by this means he might without
danger or hindrance, pass his life in retirement
and prayer; and yet without being deprived
of the advantages that may be received in a
religious society. Lopez, yielding to his rea-
sons, accepted his offer, and resolved to return
to Mexico.
He had passed near seven years in the val-
ley of Amajac, in the village of Alphonsoď
Avalos and with Sebastian Mexia, living every
where with the same austerity. His habit was
then so worn, that it was absolutely necessary
for him to have a new one. He might easily
have had it, for a word speaking from any of
the persons abovementioned. But he chose
rather, to gain by the sweat of his brow, as
much coarse cloth as he had need of; not so
much to keep him from the cold, as to cover
his nakedness. He went, therefore, to a rich
inn-keeper, who gladly intrusted him with the
management of his family. He acquitted him-
self with so much care, tenderness and humil-
ity, that they were struck with admiration.
After having earned in two months as much as
he wanted, he took his leave of them; nor
could all the prayers or tears, or the money
they offered, prevail upon him to stay longer.


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
31
How poor soever he was at that time, he
never asked alms of any one; but entirely
abandoned himself to the providence of God,
having nothing to live upon, but what was
given him without asking. And if nothing of
this was left, he labored with his hands till he
had gained more.
For a long time (as we observed,) he lived
wholly on parched corn, and during Lent, upon
herbs. But, hence, he contracted such a weak-
ness of stomach, as continued all the rest of
his life. He often worked in his little garden,
but what grew there, he gave in charity to those
that passed by. Sometime, every day he spent
in reading the holy scriptures, and particularly
the epistles of St. Paul.
During all the years he spent in solitude,
the aforementioned assaults and temptations of
the devil continued. But these in a great mea-
sure ceased when he quitted his retirement, yet
others arose in their place. Many highly con-
demned his manner of living; others, raised
numberless calumnies against him; so that he
did not want enemies in the world, any more
than in solitude; but in all these things he
was more than conqueror.


CHAPTER V.
He goes to Mexico; thence to Guasteca, and falls sick.
Coming to Mexico, he was informed that
Father Dominie de Salazar, was not yet return-
ed; after waiting for him some time, he be-
lieved the providence of God, called him to
resume his solitary life; for which purpose he
went into the country of Guasteca; which, he,
judging to be most proper for his design, as
being wide and thinly inhabited, and abounding
with wild fruits. Here he fixed his abode, resolv-
ing not to remove, till the providence of God
should plainly call him to it. He fed on fruits,
roots, and herbs, which the earth brought forth
of itself, and valiantly fought the battles of the
Lord, continuing his exercises of the love of
God and his neighbor.
He had from his early youth an ardent de-
sire of reading the holy scriptures; and, he
now, more frequently than ever, besought God
to enlighten his understanding, and tò nourish


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
33
his soul with the important truths which are
contained therein. That he might neglect
nothing in his power, in order thereto, he re-
solved to learn the bible by heart; and he had
so happy a memory, that he never forgot any-
thing which he once knew. In this he spent
four hours a day for four years. And, during
this time, God gave him the understanding
thereof.
At the same time, and all his life after, he
read several books, both of ecclesiastical and
profane history. Many were glad to lend him
them, and he read entire volumes in three or
four days. His manner of reading was so ex-
traordinary, that it might be thought even su-
pernatural; for, he frequently read over in ten
hours, a book, which another would scarce read
over in a month. In twenty hours he read the
works of Teresa, and that, so effectually, that
hardly could any one give a better account of
all that is contained therein.
But he did not give himself the trouble of
reading anything but spiritual books. With
regard to others, his manner was, to read the
contents of the chapters. And such as con-
tained anything which he did not know, he read
through; the rest he entirely passed over.


34
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
He would have spent the rest of his life at
Guasteca, had he believed it to be the will of
God. But God showed him, that this was not
his will, by sending him a violent bloody flux.
He bore it for several days, in the midst of all
inconveniences imaginable, through the want
of things necessary for a sick man, and even of
food. While he was in this condition, the pro-
vidence of God, which is never wanting to them
that fear him, sent to his relief, a priest, named
Juan de Mesa, minister of a town in Guasteca,
a man of an exemplary life, who, merely out
of charity instructed the people of that country,
and assisted them with his substance. He no
sooner learned the extremity to which Lopez
was reduced than he sent to seek him, and en-
tertained him at his house with all possible care.
As he past several days without any sustenance,
after the disorder ceased, he was extremely
weak. But he received his appetite in a short
time, and then by degrees, his strength. As
soon as he found this, he would have returned
to his solitude, if his host had not hindered him;
but he kept him in his house for near four
years, to the unspeakable comfort and edifica
tion of all round about him.


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
35
Mesa provided him a chamber, where he
spent all his time, except when he was at
church. He was commonly in an upright pos-
ture, or leaning against the wall with his eyes
fixed. In this retreat, he continued day and
night, never going out, but when he took his
sober repast, with his host, whom he abund-
antly paid for his hospitality, by the inestima-
ble blessing of his conversation. All the fur-
niture of his chamber, was a bible, a terrestrial
globe, and a pair of compasses.
66
During his stay here, one who came from
those parts to Mexico, was saying, "there was
a man at Guasteca, who was suspected to be a
heretic, because he used no beads, nor gave
any of those marks by which good christians
are wont to be known." I asked, whether he
spoke well on the matters of faith? and if his
life was unblameable? He said, As to his
faith, there is no fault to be found; he has all
the bible off by heart; and his manners are un-
reprovable; he is almost always alone; he
spends much time in the church; and no one
can learn who were his parents, what is his
country, nor hear him speak about anything in
this world." I replied, mildly, "I am sorry


36
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
that in this he resembled Eli, who seeing Han-
nah move her lips only in prayer, concluded
she was drunk." I added, "why should you
so hastily conclude, that such a person as this
is a heretic, one so knowing in the scripture,
so holy in his carriage, who spends his life in
conversing with God?" He was so moved by
what I spoke, that he thought no more of put-
ting him in the Inquisition.
Till this time, I had never heard of Gregory
Lopez, nor did I know what was his name.
But from this very relation, I conceived such
an esteem for him, that nothing could ever
efface.


CHAPTER VI.
He goes to Atrisco, and thence to Mexico.
The design of not being known and esteemed
of men, occasioned Lopez to change his abode.
Accordingly, perceiving that, after he had been
here four years, he was much known and hon-
ored by the Spaniards and Indians, he set out
for Atrisco. When he was within a league of
it, he met a gentleman named Juan Perez
Romero, who gave him a room in his house,
and all that he wanted. His habit being worn
out, his charitable host gave him another, made
of coarse brown cloth, in the form of a cassock,
with breeches and stockings of the same-he
wore the same sort all the rest of his life.
was situated much to his satisfaction here; his
host living truly a Christian life, and profiting
both by his advice and example, the only
recompense he had to make him. But God
did not permit him to remain here any more
than two years. Some who lived near Romero,
He
3


38
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
seeing in so young a man, and one
who was of
no religious order, so great mortification and
such admirable wisdom and knowledge, even
without a learned education, were afraid where
no fear was, and accused him with so much
-warmth before the Archbishop of Mexico, that
he believed a judicial information ought to be
taken concerning him. This information was
taken in due form of law, and the sentence
which the Archbishop gave thereupon, made
not only the innocence of Lopez appear, but
likewise his eminent virtue and piety.
He then took his leave of Romero, leaving
both him, his family, and his neighbors swal-
lowed up in sorrow. Being in the way to
Mexico, he observed a church near Testuco,
where he imagined he might find some small
lodging fit for a religious retreat. And so he
did in his return from Mexico. During the
first seven months of his abode there, none
knew what he was, nor took any notice of him.
As he appeared like a simple man of little
spirit and understanding, no one was forward
to accost him, nor did any one perceive the
immense treasure which God had hid in his
soul.


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
39
By this means he was in so great necessity
(as was afterwards known) that sometimes he
passed several days without eating any thing
but wild quinces. But afterwards, the people
began to observe him more, and devout persons
invited him to eat with them. His very un-
common abstinence and manner of life was
then matter of edification to some; others sus-
pected all was not well; and others concluded
he was a secret heretic.
These could not be at rest, till they had ap-
plied again to the Archbishop, Don Pedro
Moya de Conturas, who then determined to be
more exactly informed of the life, manners, and
sentiments of Lopez. To this end I went to
Testuco; where, after I had conversed with
him for a long time, I was thoroughly satisfied.
Of this I gave an account to the Archbishop,
who, in order to remove all future objections,
commissioned Father Alphonso Sanchez, a
person of eminent piety and knowledge, to en-
quire more fully into his employments, exer-
cises, and sentiments. He accordingly went,
and asked him many questions, which he an-
swered with much modesty and humility, but
exceedingly briefly, till Sanchez said, “I will
3*


40
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
declare to you frankly, it is my Lord Arch-
bishop has sent me; and therefore, as you are
one of his sheep, you are obliged to answer
me with all plainness." He then began to in-
terrogate anew, and to ask the most difficult
questions concerning faith. Lopez answered
him with the utmost clearness, and supported
all his answers with scripture, recounted all
the heresies which had arisen against the
truth, marking all the times and authors of
them, and also the fathers and doctors that op-
posed them either viva voce or by writing; and
all his answers were so judicious and solid, that
the Father stood in admiration of him—and
much more at the manner wherein he answered
all objections, either to his inward or outward
conduct, which convinced him he acted with a
prudence that was rather divine than human.
He gave an account of all that had passed
to the Archbishop in a manner so advantageous
to Lopez, that this good Bishop testified much
satisfaction at having a man of so great virtue
joined to his flock.
The first time I spoke to his Grace after
this, he said, Father Sanchez, in giving him
an account of Lopez, had used these very


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LÓPEZ. 41
words, "In truth, my Lord, I am obliged to
acknowledge, that in comparison of this man, I
have not yet begun to learn my spiritual
A, B, C."
While he was at Testuco, several persons of
all ranks, coming from Mexico to consult him
touching their spiritual distresses, they all re-
turned much enlightened and comforted. All
the people then began to take knowledge that he
had a peculiar gift from God of easing and
comforting the afflicted.
8*


CHAPTER VII.
He goes to the Hospital of Guastepea: his inward and
outward exercises there.
After this servant of God had spent two
years at Testuco, he fell into so severe an ill-
ness, being attacked by so violent cholics and
pains in the stomach, that he was constrained
to remove from thence. He then went to the
Hospital of Guastepea, twelve leagues from
Mexico, in the year 1580.
He was received there by brother Stephano
de Herrera in the best manner he was able,
considering the poor condition the hospital was
then in, being newly founded. He lodged him
in his own chamber, and treated him with abun-
dance of tenderness. The same he used to-
wards all the poor that came to the hospital,
although he had not then a revenue to feed
them, or a building to lodge them in. Indeed,
it appeared impossible that he should, if things
were but humanly considered. But the zeal of


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEŻ. 43
Bernardin Alvarez, the founder, and the bless-
ing of God, conquered all things. I remem-
ber, that when I asked Alvarez, whether he
was willing to receive Lopez into his hospital,
he replied: * Would to God there were room
in my hospital to lodge all the poor in the world.
or I have such a confidence in the goodness of
Jesus Christ, that I cannot doubt but he would
provide for them all." And how pleasing to
God this his faith was, soon appeared. For in
less than two years after the hospital was
founded, they gave away there every day sixty-
five measures of bread. Neither did they re-
fuse to entertain any poor of any sort, men or
women, Spaniards or Indians; not only those
that came from New Spain, but from Guati-
mala and Peru. And they were so well re-
ceived, so well attended, and treated with so
much care and love, that almost all these pa-
tients were in a short time restored to perfect
health.
As Lopez was discharged from all outward
care, he employed himself wholly in contem-
plation, in order to confirm himself still more
in the love of God, and of his neighbor; of
which he had so long before begun to lay the


44
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
foundation. But although this was only the
continuation of the same spiritual exercise, yet
the growth which he received day by day was
such, that it appeared entirely new.
He used to spend all the morning alone in
his chamber. At noon, when the clock struck,
he went to the refectory, having always his
head bare, with an admirable modesty and
gravity. He brought his pot of water, covered
with a little napkin, and ate his portion as the
rest of the patients, but did not speak at all,
while he was eating, although others were talk-
ing round about him. After his meat, he drank
the water, which he had set to warm in the
sun, because of the extreme weakness of his
stomach when grace was said, he remained
some time, talking of spiritual things with the
brothers of the hospital. But when any men
of learning, or of a religious order, were there,
he conversed with them on things of the most
'elevated nature; and that with so much mode-
ration and wisdom, that one would rather have
taken him for an angel than a man. No sooner
was the conversation ended, than he retired
with a cheerful countenance, with much civility,
and a remarkable humility, carrying his pot


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
45
and his napkin into his chamber, where he re-
mained in his ordinary recollection of mind till
noon the next day.
Father Hermando de Ribera relates, that be-
ing then very young, and Father Herrera send-
ing him to call Lopez to dinner, he sometimes
found him in a kind of trance, so that he did
not answer when he was called. But when he
continued to call, he answered, at length-
"What do you want, my son ?"
"I come to
call you to dinner," replied the child; on which
he followed him, saying, "Praised be God."
He went on Sundays and holy days, and some
other days, with a mantle of the same cloth as
his habit, to the public service of the hospital
chapel; or if there was none there, to a neigh-
boring monastery.
Those who were sick of any contagious dis-
tempers he could not visit, his own extreme
weakness not allowing of it. He therefore the
more earnestly exhorted the brothers to supply
his lack of service-on which he spoke to them
with such force as redoubled their fervor in
that holy exercise.
Thus he performed by them what he could
not do in person, and seconded his advice by his


46
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
continual prayers. As to the other sick, he
comforted and encouraged them, in so touch-
ing and affectionate a manner, that they were
unspeakably edified, and knew not how to
praise God enough for his mercies.
He was
particularly assisted to calm the spirits of
those, whom either their own natural impa-
tience, or the greatness of their pains rendered
so fretful and outrageous, that none else were
able to bear them.
As much as he loved solitude, he never shut
his door against any who came for spiritual re-
lief or comfort. And many declared their trou-
bles to him, and opened their whole hearts.
He administered comfort and counsel to them
all, without ever refusing it to any; and, indeed,
he did it in so persuasive a manner, that few
went from him without much joy and satisfac-
tion. Many persons of learning also went on
purpose to confer with him, concerning several
passages of scripture, and were as much
amazed at his knowledge of divine things, as
his sanctity of manners.
About this time, Father Pedro de Pravia,
first professor of divinity at Mexico, who had
refused a bishopric, and was equally eminent


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
47
for his humility, piety and knowledge, went
privately to Guastepea, talked with Lopez a
whole evening, and said, at parting, "You will
come to me to-morrow morning." Lopez went
to him in the morning, conversed with him till
noon, and, after dinner, continued the conver-
sation till night. Father Pravia afterwards
said, "I had heard great things of Lopez; but
I have found far more than ever I heard."
While I was in the hospital, he compiled, for
the sake of the sick, a book of receipts, con-
taining simple remedies for most diseases. He
wrote it all with his own hand, and so well that
it looked as if it was printed. With these reme-
dies, almost incredible cures were wrought; so
that one would have thought the author of that
treatise had made physic his study for several
years; but indeed he had not studied it at all ;
nor had ever learned that science but in one
book, that of the love of God, and of his neigh-
bor.
He sometimes employed himself in mending
his poor habit, which he did with great address?
and he made himself a little brown cloak to
cover him. As for a hat, he did not make
use of any, unless he was abroad, when the


48
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
sun shone very hot. He was not skilled in
making of shoes; but he mended his own so
dexterously, that one pair served him more
years.
than three


CHAPTER VIII.
A severe illness obliges him to return to Mexico; whence
he retires to St. Foy.
God, whose will it was that the light of his
servant should now shine in other places also,
sent him a disease which was not known at
first, which proved to be a purple fever. His
great courage, his mortification and patience,
made him pass thirteen days without taking his
bed. But then the violence of his distemper
constrained him to suffer himself to be treated
like a sick man. Being so weak as he was,
he being blooded fourteen times, must needs
have cost him his life, had not God preserved
it for his own glory, and the profit of many
souls.
He recovered from that extremity, but there
still remained an inflammation of the liver, at-
tended with a slow fever; so that he was
constrained to change the air for that of St.
Augustine, a village three leagues off from


50
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
Mexico. He no sooner came hither, than he
sent me word, just as I was taking horse to go
and see him at Guastepea. I went to St. Au-
gustine, but found him so weak, that it was ab-
solutely necessary he should have more help
than could be had there. So I removed him to
Mexico, to my own lodging. He remained
there some months; and several persons, during
that time, coming to consult him in points of
the highest concern, were so profited thereby,
that it clearly appeared God had brought him
thither for that very purpose.
All the time he stayed here, he never went
abroad, but to hear divine service. And though
the Marchioness de Villa Manrico sent three
times, desiring me to bring him to her, he ex-
cused himself by saying, "I have no need of
seeing her, nor she of seeing me;' which was
the more remarkable, because the Viceroy, her
husband, was greatly feared, and she had an
absolute power over him. But some years af-
ter, hearing the Marquiss was deeply afflicted
at the coming of a Commissary from Spain, to
take information of his actions, he told me, "If
the Marchioness desires to see me, I will go
to her now."


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
51
But to return.
health at Mexico. His fever continued. He
had no appetite, and was as weak as ever: so
I sought for some country-place near Mexico,
which might be better for his health than we
found the city to be.
He did not recover his
With this design we went together to St.
Foy, a town two leagues from the city. We
judged it to be an extremely proper place, and
we pitched upon a little house separate from
the town. He settled at St. Foy on the 22d
of May, 1589, and passed the rest of his life
there in contemplation and prayer, without
ever going out of it but twice, to a church
which is at a small half league from St. Foy.
Before he communicated there, he fell on his
knees before Father Vincent Calba, and, striking
his breast, said, "Through the mercy of God,
I do not remember to have offended him in any
thing. Give me, if you please, the most holy
sacrament." Which Father Calba repeating
with amazement, said, "Is it possible that a
man should have attained so high a degree of
virtue, as not to be conscious to himself of
even an idle word."


52
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
In his little lodging here, he employed him-
self in the same spiritual exercises as before;
having for several months scarce any company
at all; only I visited him, as often as I was
able, in doing which, I observed continually
more and more, so great a depth of piety in
him, that my affection for him, and my desire
of living wholly with him, increased in the
same proportion.
I recommended this to God in fervent prayer,
and desired several persons of piety to do the
same, begging that he would be pleased to
show me clearly, what was his will concerning
me-for I had had the care of the great church
at Mexico for more than twenty years. And
some judged, that I had done some good in my
charge, were it only with regard to the poor
who were ashamed to beg relief: for whom I
had provided above ten years, by means of the
alms which I procured for them. At length, I
was convinced it was my duty to retire. My
superiors consented to it. So I went to Lopez
on Christmas day, the same year, and stayed
with him till his death.
I then observed. both day and night, all his
actions and words with all possible attention,


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
53
to see if I could discover any thing contrary to
the high opinion which I had of his virtue. But
far from this, his behavior appeared every
=day more admirable than before, his virtues
more sublime, and his whole conversation ra-
ther divine than human.
His life was so uniform, that by one day
you may judge how he employed whole months
and years. As soon as the day began to dawn,
he opened the window of his chamber, washed
his hands and face, and spent a quarter of an
hour, or a little more, in reading the Bible, in
consideration of its being the word of God,
who ordered him to read it; likewise to the
end, that what he did not understand at one
time, he might understand at another; but
chiefly because he had such a reverence for the
Holy Scriptures, that he took it for the rule of
his conduct every day.
After this reading, he entered into so deep a
recollection, that one could not judge by any
outward mark, whether he was speaking to
God, or God was speaking to him. All one
could conjecture from the tranquillity and devo-
tion which appeared in his countenance, was,
that he was in the continual presence of God.


54
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
But that presence of God wherein he lived was
not barren or unfruitful, seeing it daily pro-
duced more and more acts of love to God and
his neighbor-the love which is the end of the
commandment, and the sum of all perfection.
Behold how this servant of God passed all
the morning, all the evening, and great part of
the night. Behold the bread with which he
nourished his soul every day! But, although
this was in his mind continually, yet I have ob-
served, it was in the morning chiefly, that he
was, as it were, transported out of himself. He
had not herein any determinate place, nor any
fixed posture of body: but commonly he was
standing or sitting; sometimes walking in his
chamber; and sometimes he went for a few
moments into the sunshine, in a little gallery,
which was near it. As for kneeling, he could
not, during the last years of his life, by reason
of his extreme weakness.
At eleven he quitted his posture of recollec-
tion, took his cup of water and his little napkin,
and we two dined by ourselves, unless it fell
out that any stranger came in; for he never
sent any away, much less any person of piety.
While we were at dinner, we talked on reli-


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
55
gious subjects; and sometimes of natural things,
and even from these he would take occasion to
speak truths of the sublimest nature.
After dinner, we continued for a while to en-
tertain each other in the same manner; and if
any person of a religious order came, it was a
pleasure to hear Lopez talk with him; but it
was only by answering questions, or when oc-
casions were given, for he never began the dis-
course. At other times I read to him, at this
hour, the Lives of the Saints, the Spiritual
Combat, or some such book. After this read-
ing, which was a kind of recreation to us, he
entered into his chamber, where he continued
in union with God, which neither eating, nor
conversation, nor business, nor any thing what-
ever, could interrupt. And as he never slept
in the day, he had a great deal of time to con-
verse with God: he had seldom
any visitant
in the morning; but, in the afternoon, his gate
was open to all the world-he advised them,
comforted them, and promised to pray to God
for them. Accordingly, in the last years of
his life, he was perpetually visited not only by
people of common rank, but by ecclesiastics,
by men of learning and of authority, by gentle-
4


56
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
men and noblemen, who either came to see
him themselves or wrote to him, to desire his
advice, and to recommend themselves to his
prayers.
Among these, Don Lewis de Velasco, Mar
quis of Salines, who had been twice Viceroy of
New Spain, then Viceroy of Peru, and after
wards President of the Royal Council of the
Indies, had such an esteem and affection for
him, that he came several times to see him,
and remained shut up with him for two or three
hours-such a capacity did he find in him, not
only for things relating to conscience, but also
to secular affairs, even those which concerned
the government of a kingdom.
Thus did he employ the afternoon. Before
sunset he returned to his chamber, whence he
went out no more till morning. He never used
any candle; upon which several inquiring, what
he could be doing all that time he spent with.
out light? I replied only, “They do not com-
prehend that his employ being wholly interior
he had no need of a material light, but only that
of a spiritual one, which enlightened the eyes
of his understanding, no less by night than by
day."


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
57
As he never eat in the evening, he remained
alone till half an hour after nine o'clock, and
then wrapt himself in his bed-quilt, which was
the most delicate bed he had from his youth.
For many years he lay on the bare ground;
afterwards on some sheepskins. But a few
years before his death, I constrained him to
have a thin quilt, besides his coverlet. I do not
think he slept in the whole night above two or
three hours the rest he spent in contemplation
till break of day; this he continued till God
called him to an eternal repose.
:
Before I speak of the time which he spent
at St. Foy, it may be proper to give a more
particular account, both of the graces and su-
pernatural gifts, with which it pleased God to
enrich his soul.
4*


CHAPTER IX.
The knowledge which God infused into his mind.
He has sometimes owned, that God himself
had given him to understand the Scriptures.
And so it appeared; for, though he never
learned Latin, he translated the Scriptures from
Latin into Spanish, in terms so proper, as if
he had been equally acquainted with that and
with his native tongue. It seemed, that the
whole Bible was continually before him. When
men of learning asked him where such and
such texts were, he not only told them without
hesitation, but shewed the sense of them with
such clearness, however obscure they were,
that there remained no difficulty or obscurity
in them.
Twenty years before his death, Father Do-
minic de Salazar, afterwards Archbishop of
the Philippines, said before several persons of
learning, "What is this, my Fathers, that after
we have studied so closely all our lives, we


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
59
know nothing near so much of divine things,
as this young layman ?"
Many persons of eminent knowledge came
to him to resolve their doubts concerning pas-
sages of scripture; and they all returned, not
barely satisfied, but amazed at the understand-
ing which God had given him.
Indeed, he had a vast, comprehensive know-
ledge of things, even of the speculative sci-
ences. And what he knew so well, that he
spoke on any of these subjects, with as great
clearness and accuracy, as any of those who
had made it their particular study. When he
was at Guastepea, Father Jean Cobus, an emi-
nent divine, was astonished in conversing with
him on the Revelations, at the admirable ob-
servations which he made. The Father prayed
him to give them in writing. He did so in less
than eight hours, and sent them immediately to
him at Mexico, without any rasure in them—
who was no less surprised at his diligence, than
he had been at his knowledge and piety. This
tract has been admired by all the learned who
have seen it, as the most excellent that was
ever wrote upon the subject.
4*


60
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
Yet he was exceeding far from taking any
superiority upon him, from needlessly engaging
in any dispute, and from setting himself up as
a judge over others, or desiring that they should
follow his sentiments.
Father Antonio Arias and some others, dis-
puting one day concerning these words in the
Revelation, (chap. 21, ver. 1,) “I saw a new
heaven and a new earth," whether they were
to be taken literally or not? When all had
spoken, Lopez only said, "When we are
there, we shall see what will be there."
He knew with all the clearness which could
be drawn from the scripture and other histo-
ries, all that passed from the creation to Noah;
and he recited all the generations, their degrees
of kindred to each other, their several ages, and
the times when they lived, with as much ex-
actness, as if he had the Bible before him, and
was reading them out of the book.
Nor was he ignorant of the history of other
people; but if occasion offered, could tell with
the utmost accuracy (so far as any records re-
main,) what were their manners, their cus-
toms, and the arts which they had invented.


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
61
The same knowledge he had of what passed
from Noah to Christ, and spake of those times
as if they had been present to him. He refer-
red all profane histories to the sacred; knew
the wars and events which had occurred in any
nation, to the birth of Jesus Christ, and spoke
of them as clearly as he could have done of the
things of his own times.
He was a thorough master of all ecclesiasti-
cal history, since the birth of Christ; as like-
wise of all the Emperors, to Philip II., in
whose reign he died.
He was equally skilled in profane history,
ancient as well as modern.
He drew up a
chronology from the creation of the world, to
the pontificate of Clement VIII., so exact,
though short, that all remarkable incidents, whe-
ther ecclesiastical or secular, were set down
therein.
But this knowledge was not limited to his-
tory. He was so knowing in astronomy,
cosmography, and geography, that it seemed as
if he had himself measured the heavens, the
earth, and the sea. He had a globe and a
general map of the world, made by his own.
hand; so just, that I have seen it admired by


62
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
persons deeply skilled in the science; and he
was so ready herein, that the Marquis of Sali-
nas having sent him a very large one, he ob-
served in it several mistakes, corrected them,
and gave his reasons for it, and sent it back.
He had so particular a knowledge of na
tions, provinces, and the customs of them, that
he could tell punctually where every coun-
try was, and in what degree of latitude; their
cities, their rivers, their isles; the plants and
animals which were peculiar to them-of all
which he spoke as knowing what he said, yet
without that arrogance which usually attends
knowledge; because his, coming from heaven,
was not sullied with the defects of that which
is acquired in the world.
He was well acquainted with anatomy,
and several times made many curious re-
marks in that kind, which gave me reason to
admire the wisdom of God, in the human
frame, and to own that we are fearfully and
wonderfully made.
He was no less acquainted with the art of
medicine; insomuch that he wrote (as was
mentioned before) a book of excellent recipes,


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
63
cheap and easy to be procured; and God
blessed them with remarkable success.
He was an excellent botanist; he not only
knew the quality of plants, and for what dis-
eases they were proper, but likewise how those
qualities might be altered, by mixing or infu-
sing them with various liquors. I have seen
and proved that he hath by this means made
them quite different from what they were be-
fore. He told me, if he knew any good and
skilful man, he would willingly give him these
recipes-but that otherwise they must die with
him, lest they should be applied to a bad use.
He wrote several hands perfectly well, as
may still be seen, particularly in the map of
the world; all the writing whereof one would
imagine to be print, the strokes are so elegant,
bold and strong.
But all this knowledge did not for a moment
divert his mind from the one thing needful.
When I asked him, one day, whether none of
these things ever gave him any distraction?
He replied, "I find God alike in little things
and in great." God being the continual object
of his attention, he saw all things only in God.


CHAPTER X.
His skill in directing others.
As God had given Lopez peculiar know-
ledge in the Holy Scripture, so he instructed
him likewise in an admirable manner, both to
walk in the strait path to heaven himself, and
to guide others.
He saw spiritual things with the eyes of his
soul as clearly as outward things with those of
his body, and had an amazing accuracy in dis-
tinguishing what was of grace from what was
of nature; and that not only with regard to
himself, but those also who consulted him in
their doubts and difficulties. Several persons
speaking before him, of helps to prayer, one
said, "That the best help of all was music,
and that he had never found so much sweet-
ness and peace in prayer, as in the cathedral
service at Mexico."


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
65
Another said, "It is much better to pray
with others, and much easier than to pray
alone," to which Lopez said not one word.
When they were gone, I asked, why he said
nothing to them? He answered, "I would
not condemn that conduct of theirs, which
serves them as a staff to walk a little; if you
was to take it away, they would not walk at
all."
God had given him so clear a discernment
of words and thoughts, that he readily distin-
guished those that were useful and those that
were not; such as came from God, and those
that came from nature-upon which he was
accustomed to say, "It was not the love of
God, but the love of themselves, which made
them speak of God." He said also, “As the
love of God is all action, it talks little, and
often not at all." It was from this light and
quick discernment, his extreme circumspec-
tion in all his words proceeded.
The same light freed him from all scruple,
and kept his soul in admirable tranquillity; so
that whatsoever attempts Satan made upon his
soul, he never had any doubts of any kind.
Many knowing and spiritual men came to


66
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
St. Foy, to consult him touching their inward
conduct; and he cleared all their doubts with
so much ease, that they returned entirely satis-
fied. That which I admired, was the incredi-
ble brevity with which he answered them; and
that those few words were sufficient to remove
so great difficulties, so that they seemed to be,
as it were, rays of light, which penetrated and
enlightened their spirit; sparks which, pro-
ceeding from the love that burned in his heart,
inflamed their hearts with the same love of
God.
One consulting him, who was in great trou-
ble of mind, was eased at once by his speaking
those words "I counsel thee to buy gold tried
in the fire, that thou mayest be rich." Another,
under strong temptation, was delivered by his
uttering only that text, "The kingdom of
heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take
it by force."
To many, who inquired what they should do
to please God, he gave only this answer, "Do
what you do now, out of love to God, and it
will be sufficient."
To persons of letters, judges and men of bu-
siness, he often said, "Change your intention,


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
67
1
and you will do well enough." One desiring
of him a rule for prayer, he gave him this an-
swer in writing: "Jesus Christ our Lord, is
an admirable master, who can instruct you how
to pray; and all prayer is included in his
prayer; but that you may not complain that I
refuse your request, I will tell you, you need
only say these few words-'O Lord, my God,
enlighten my soul, that I may know thee, and
that I may love thee with my whole heart.""
But when persons came to him out of curi-
osity, not a real desire to serve God, he gave
them no other answer than this: "There are
teachers in the church." And Antonio de
Avila coming out of curiosity, and with a design
to dispute with him, Lopez, as if seeing his
heart, answered him at the first word, "I do
not dispute; neither do I know any thing but
what God teaches me. Therefore, you are
come hither in vain.”
After that, it pleased our Lord to make
known the graces which he had given his ser-
vant-men saw. clearly what gift he had re-
ceived for guiding those who came to him in
their doubts and troubles. They were ravish-
ed to see the light which he had received from


68
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
God; they were charmed with the sweetness
of his carriage; they respected him as a divine
spirit, inclosed in a mortal body; they were
persuaded that God himself instructed him,
in all his actions, and all his answers he gave.
They came to consult him as an oracle from
heaven, as a prodigy of holiness. He fully
satisfied all the doubts that were proposed to
him; he instructed every one in the manner
wherein he should behave in his profession.
None were so afflicted but he comforted them;
imprinted on the spirit of all to whom he spake,
an ardent desire of holiness. His words were
all words of fire, and inflamed the heart with
the love of God. None went from him without
feeling himself comforted and strengthened.
In the year 1579, Father Francis Losa, (who
wrote the preceding and following parts of his
life) being then Rector of the largest parish of
Mexico, asked Lopez whether he should not
retire from the city, and live in some solitude
as a hermit? He answered, "Remain this year
a hermit at Mexico." Losa returned thither,
and his whole manner of life was entirely
changed. Whenever he went through the city,
whether to collect or distribute charity, he felt


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
69
an inward recollection and prayer, which not
all the noise and hurry of the city could inter-
rupt. As if he had been fifty years in that holy
exercise, he found himself a new man. Having
lost, in a moment, all thoughts of earth, and
being filled with heaven alone, he renounced
all compliments, visits of form, and needless
conversation; and his only joy was, to retire
into himself, and treat with God upon the af-
fairs of salvation. He began to walk alone,
unless he was obliged to go with any one on a
work of charity; and the multitude of people
whom he met, no more disturbed his attention
to God, than if they had been rocks and trees.
He immediately gave to the poor all his goods;
he renounced all the pleasures of life; he dis-
missed all his servants, and employed all the
rest of his days in serving God and his neigh-
bor. He gave away upwards of six thousand
ducats, and resolved to give up two thousand
of his yearly income. He entered upon a
course of rigorous fasting; meantime he was
exercised with more violent temptations, both
inward and outward, than ever he had had; but
in all this he was more than conqueror.


70
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
At the end of the year, he went to Lopez
again; and, after having given him an account
of all his life, he said, the year is expired;
what shall I do now? Lopez replied, "Love
God and your neighbor."
In return to Mexico, Losa began to think on
these words; but he thought he had thoroughly
practiced them already, and accordingly found
some repugnance in himself to the advice
which Lopez had now given him. But, remem-
bering what advantage he had reaped from his
first advice, he presently humbled himself, be-
lieving these words contained much more than
he had at first imagined. He besought God to
shew him the full meaning of them, and to par-
don his pride. Immediately he heard a voice
in his inmost soul, "Before thou canst love
God, thou must renounce thyself, and die to
all the things in the world." He offered him-
self to God for this with all his heart, and
prayed the divine majesty to work this in
him; and in the instant he found it in himself,
and was so penetrated with his love, that, his
understanding not being able to comprehend,
nor his heart to contain so great a favor, he felt
his bodily strength taken away, and thought


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
71
that he should have fallen from his horse. Thus
he found the excellence of the advice Lopez
had given him, and the efficacy of his prayer.
So great a favor produced great effects. For
he continued six years in the same fervor of
love, experiencing all the Christian graces, and
enjoying all the fruits of the spirit. And these
were his support for forty years after, in all the
labor and pains which he had to suffer; so that
nothing could move him from his resolution,
in following, in all things, the will and guidance
of God."
It was in pursuance of this that he quitted
Mexico, and came to live wholly with Lopez.
The first night he spent there, he was in vio-
lent temptations, which he mentioned to Lopez.
in the morning, who replied, "I forgot you
last night; it shall be so no more." And, in
fact, the following nights he had no such trou-
ble, but found his heart calmly staid on God.
He remained with Lopez seven years in the
little house at St. Foy, whom he eased of all
care concerning temporals, having a small sal-
ary for taking care of a chapel in the hospital,
which was sufficient for them both. After his
death, he continued there twenty years, em-


72
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
ployed in the same private exercises, and in
assisting the poor Indians, who had received
the faith, in all things pertaining to conscience.
In the year 1612, sixteen years after the
death of Lopez, he wrote his life, and dedicated
it to the Marquis of Salinas, being himself at
that time eighty-four years old, as appears by
the deposition which he made in 1620.


1
CHAPTER XI.
His government of his tongue, and his prudence.
saith St.
We may
If any man offend not in word,
James, the same is a perfect man,
then pronounce Lopez a perfect man; for all
the eighteen years that I lived in the strictest
intimacy with him, though I narrowly observed
him, I never heard him speak one single word
that could be reproved.
He never spoke evil of any man-no, not of
a heretic or a pagan. He was occasionally
speaking one day of an Emperor, who would
66
eat meat fresh killed when he was in the
midst of the sea, and fishes which had been
alive just before, when he was in the most in-
land country." I said,
I said, "That was Heliogaba-
lus." He replied, "It is enough to condemn
the action, without naming him that did it.”
When he was told that certain persons spoke
evil of him, he heard it without emotion, and
said, first, "We ought to believe they had a
5


74
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
good intention:" and, after a while, "accord-
ing to what they have heard said of me, they
have reason to judge of me as they do." He
strove not only to excuse the persons, but like-
wise (as far as truth would bear) the action,
without ever attempting to justify himself. And
when he could not excuse them, he readily
shifted the discourse to another subject.
His conversation was always of things useful
and spiritual, meet to minister grace to the
hearers. His manner of speaking was sweet,
civil, and invariably serious and equal. The
tone of his voice was not high, but agreeable;
he was a perfect master of pronunciation; his
discourses continually gained the hearts of those
that heard them, and were delivered with such
modesty as well as majesty, as made him ap-
pear a kind of heavenly man.
I never observed, that either the beauty of
heaven, the stars, or of the most green or flow-
ery fields, or of the clearest fountains er
streams, or the visits of any person whatever,
whether at table or after, occasioned his speak-
ing one idle word: I do not mean, a light or
trifling word; this would have been an utter
contradiction to his whole manner of life; but


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
75
even an unnecessary word: for he measured
his words so well, that he spoke no more than
was needful to make himself understood, and
he never exaggerated any thing.
As excellently skilled as he was in all the
arts and sciences, yet even when he was
among men of learning, and they were talking
on those heads, he never opened his mouth,"
unless the discourse was addressed to him.
And even when he spoke of the things of God,
as deep as his answers were, they were ex-
pressed in the most simple terms; because he
retrenched whatever would have been super-
fluous in them, and was content with satisfying
the demands and needs of his neighbors.
One day, standing at the window, I said to
him, "See how hard it rains!" Instantly a
flash of lightning struck my hand, and made it
smart exceedingly: I told him of it, and he re-
plied, "You are paid as you deserve for your
idle words; did I not see myself how hard it
rained ?"
Upon his telling me, one day, a thing of
great importance, I asked, "If you knew this,
why did you not tell it me before?" He an-
5*


76
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
swered, "I do not speak all that I know; but
only all that is necessary."
He was as sparing of words in writing as in
speaking. He never wrote first to any one, nor
did he answer others, but when either necessity
or charity obliged him to it; and then so pre-
cisely, and in so few words, that nothing could
be retrenched. I have several of his letters in
my hands, of five or six lines each, or less;
some of them were wrote to Don Lewis de
Valesco, our Viceroy, in answer to those he
had received from him; one of them contained
only these words, "I will do what you com-
mand me." And although this manner of
writing might seem disrespectful to persons of
so high a quality, yet it gave no offence from
one who was so far from all compliment, and
who never spoke any thing superfluous.
But when the honor of God was concerned,
the truth of the scripture, or the good of his
neighbor, if others did not, he spoke without
asking, and that largely, if the cause so re-
quired. For example-if any one in tempta-
tion, or great affliction, began to complain of
God, it was amazing to hear with what strength
of piety he spoke to convince them of their mis-


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
177
take, ignorance and weakness of the depth of
the wisdom and mercy of God, hid from the
eyes of men in their afflictions, and of their
obligations to abandon themselves to his con-
duct, and to throw themselves wholly into his
hands.
He heard, at all times, with attention, what-
ever questions were proposed to him; and he
either answered them or not, as he judged it
his duty. One of a religious order came to see
him, and desired me to bring it about, that he
might talk of God. I did; and he began a
large, pompous discourse. Observing Lopez
to make no answer, I desired him, by a private
sign, to say something on the head. He an-
swered me softly, that the doctor might not
hear, "My silence will edify more than my
words. When he went away, I asked him
what he thought of Lopez?
esteem his silence, much." Lopez said to me
after, "I see that many talk well; but let us
live well."
He answered, “I
He was used with much earnestness to
plead the cause of princes, governors, and ma-
gistrates. To those who found fault with
them, he often said, "If you were in their
5*


78
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
place, perhaps you would not do as well as
they; and who gave you authority to judge
them?" If they still insisted, "They were to
blame;" he answered, "Then you ought to
speak it to them; it is useless to speak of it
here."
If persons who passed for religious, spoke
evil of any one, he told them, "I cannot be-
lieve that any can be truly religious, who set
themselves up for judges of the actions of
others, and who speak to their disadvantage."
On these occasions, his usual words were,
"This is not the place to remedy this; it is
not the business here."
A person of authority speaking of the king's
manner of governing, he said, "There is not a
man in Spain of more ability than the king:
and are you more able than he ?" He stood
reproved, and spoke no more.


CHAPTER XII.
His patience and humility.
He never mentioned to any one the pains he
endured, nor sought consolation of any crea-
ture-only, sometimes, when he thought it
might be of use to his neighbor, totell what had
befallen himself: but nothing that befel him
could ever disturb his recollection of mind.
And that equality of spirit which he continually
preserved, plainly shewed that he was raised
above all human things, and entirely possessed
with the thought of things above, without ever
losing sight of them,
Although he frequently suffered great pain
at his stomach, and violent cholics, he never
made any complaint, nor indeed any shew of
them I found it out only by his unusual weak-
ness, and not being able to eat. Observing
this one day in particular, I asked him, "What
is the matter?" He answered, "I have had
:


80
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
a violent cholic for fifteen days, without inter-
mission."
He had a fever often; and he cured it by
fasting, three, four, or five days. But how
ill soever he was of any of these disorders, he
never would keep his bed.
While he was at St. Foy, he had the tooth-
ache for almost a year together; but I did not
perceive it by any outward sign, only that twice
he used some herbs, which he knew to be good
for it, and that sometimes it was so violent
that he could not eat.
He was accustomed to say on this occasion,
"We ought not to desire sufferings, but to en-
dure them valiantly when they come." And
this he so steadily practiced, that one might
have imagined he did not feel them-as I re-
marked from the very day that I saw him first.
Men naturally desire to be thought better
than they are; but Lopez was so far from this,
that he always esteemed himself less than
others, and I have heard him say more than
once, "For many years I have judged no
man; I have believed all to be wiser and better
than me.
I have not pretended to set myself
up above others, or to assume any authority


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
81
over others." And hence he easily excused
them who judged ill of himself.
him, one day, that many had
When I told
spoken evil of
them not only
him, he answered, "I excuse
with my lips, but with all my heart."
Hence, also, it was, that he did not desire
that others should embrace his sentiments, and
that he did not study to express them in such a
manner as might recommend them to others.
On which he told me, one day, “I knew a
man once, who diligently studied what he had
to say, and he had no opportunity of say-
ing it at all; which taught him not to spend
time so uselessly, but to trust in God, who will
not fail to give help in time of need."
He was also far from those inquietudes
which arise from the uncertainty of success in
our undertakings; insomuch as seeking only
to please God, he considered those cares as
obstacles to his design. Accordingly, he was
never in pain for the event of things; nor did
he ever lay great designs beforehand, even
touching the service of God and his neighbor.
He looked upon this as a useless way of spend-
ing time, and was always for employing the
present moment. As he was always on his


82
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
guard, if a thought of this kind came at any
time into his mind, he checked it immediately
by saying, "I am nothing, I am good for
nothing." He was content to observe the law
of God, without thinking himself worthy to see
into futurity, although he was always prepared
to do whatever the Divine Majesty should call
him to.
He was so far from all desire, that he has
sometimes said to me, "Ever since I came to
New Spain, I have never desired to see any
thing in this world, not even my relations,
friends, or country." He never desired
to see angels or visions. "I only desire,"
said he, "to see God." And even in this, hè
was wholly resigned to his will, as to the time
and manner of it. To which he added, that
the raptures and extasies which he had in this
life, were only to unite him to God, and to com²
fort him, and to conform him more and more to
his holy will, that he might obey him in all
things.
The moment he came to the Valley of Ama
jac, he kneeled down upon the ground, and
taking his discipline, began to chastise his
body; but his Divine Captain, whose wisdom


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
83
is infinite, suffered him not to go on-he spoke
these words to his heart: "Another shall gird
thee and carry thee where thou wouldst not❞—
giving him to understand that he was not to
choose for himself, but God would discipline
him according to his own good pleasure.
He began by exercising him with inward
trials, and those so painful, that he had need of
all patience to suffer them. He has told me
he could not think of them without trembling;
but that he had never told the particulars to
any one.
Yet it was easy to judge from his
advice to others in their trials, that he had ex-
perienced the same himself; he answered
them so exactly, as he could not have done, if
he had not spoken by experience.
Other sufferings he had from the prince of
darkness-who, knowing faith to be the foun-
dation of all good graces, was continually stri-
ving to throw doubts or blasphemous thoughts
into his soul; but his lowliness and firm confi-
dence in God, as often as they returned, put
them to flight.
And he was no less eminent in denying him-
self, than in taking up and bearing his cross.
From his first retiring, he resolved to eat noth-


84
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
ing to please his taste, but only to sustain life.
And this he observed very religiously, even to
his death, that when he was pressed to eat even
some melow, or raisins, or figs, he only smelt
the melow, and said, "This is enough for this
year."
On my telling him once, "You take no rest,
and you can take none in the way you go," he
replied, with a calm and cheerful countenance,
"It is true, I cannot take any rest, while my
brethren are engaged in so many labors and
dangers; because it is not just, that I should
think of rest, as long as they are exposed to
those hazards. God keep me from giving way
to such sloth! If but one of them is in dan-
ger, that is enough for me to continue to pray
without ceasing for him."
But what cost him the most pains of any
thing in his whole life, was, always to follow
the
grace of God, as none can follow this with-
out renouncing himself, grace so often demand-
ing just the contrary to nature. Accordingly,
it was his continual endeavor to die to all cre-
ated things, and to combat nature, which loves
to enjoy them, to live in pleasure, and ease, and
honor. He desired to be despised like his


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
85
Master. He studied to forget all temporal
things, and thought only of seeking God, and
serving him. He received, with constant pa-
tience, all that could befal him, without seek-
ing any satisfaction, or finding any, even in his
virtues, but as they contributed to the glory of
God, to whom alone his heart was attached,
forgetting all things else. He had so great a
hunger and thirst for God, that no creature
could satisfy him. After this sovereign good
he ran without ceasing, in spite of all his incli-
nations; and this agonizing after God, is a
greater cross, and a heavier self-denial, than
than any who have not felt it can conceive.


CHAPTER XIII.
His Prayer.
Several things give me reason to believe,
that Lopez began to pray from the time he be-
gan to reason; he has occasionally told me,
"that he had never been a child; and that he
had never cast one look backward:" whence
one may easily infer, he had never been with-
out prayer, even from his tender years. I have
likewise heard him say, "that from the time
he came to Court, he prayed continually; and
went through his business with the same in-
ward peace, as he could have done twenty
years
after and that neither the Noblemen he
met in the way, nor the noise and distractions
of the Court any more interrupted his prayer,
than if he had been in a cavern."
he was brought at first, not by the
And to this
fear of hell,
The foun-
but God always led him by love.
dation of all his devotion was Jesus Christ, the
only door whereby we can come to God. This


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
87
he has often told us, while he has spoke in so
affecting a manner of the life and death of our
Redeemer, as made it clearly appear how well
he was exercised in this kind of meditation.
The first prayer wherein he was employed
in his little cell, (as was observed before) was
contained in these words: "Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven :" words that con-
tained the most sublime and the most difficult
doctrine in the whole spiritual life; for they
contain a fixed resolution to do all that God re-
quires, whether temporal or spiritual things,
and an entire submission to his orders, by re-
ceiving at his hand, with tranquillity of spirit,
whatever he pleases, how rough soever it might
be; because the will of God being our sancti-
fication, we ought to embrace whatever condu-
ces to it; and to this end obey him without
recompence, and the creatures for his sake.
This is the way to be always in the presence
of God, and to show our love to him by our
obedience.
This includes all true mortification in all our
works, all our affections, all our desires; for it
is to make a continual sacrifice to God of our


88
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
own will, and to have no end but to fufill his
in all our actions.
By this exercise, one arrives at a state of
uniformity, that is, so strict an union of our
will with that of God, that ours disappearing,
we have no will but his, which actuates, guides
and governs us.
Lopez has told me, that after the first year,
he had no need to put himself in remembrance
of his prayer, because his very drawing his
breath reminded him of it every moment. The
effect of which was, that he was continually
raised above himself, without ever having a
thought about worldly things; and that his un-
derstanding, memory, and will, were also taken
up with this divine exercise; that great as his
temptations were, they were no sooner past
than he had forgotten them.
After three years, God led him to practice
another lesson, viz: "Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy
soul, and with all thy strength; and thy neigh-
bor as thyself." And he now employed him-
self with the same application, in those acts of
love, as he had done before in those of resigna-
tion insomuch that I have heard him
say, it


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ. 89
would be very difficult for him to discontinue
this exercise for a moment, even in eating, in
talking, or in any other employment, whether
of body or mind.
His soul being in this situation, he applied
himself to the Holy Scriptures with more ap-
plication than ever; in this he spent three or
four hours every day; and the love which filled
his heart, gave him understanding therein. By
this means also, he acquired that wonderful
discretion in his words, that prudence and wis-
dom in his answers and counsels, and that even-
ness wherewith he loved his neighbor as him-
self, and sought his happiness no less than his
own.
Hence likewise proceeded that great purity
of heart, that readiness in all kind of prayer,
that entire mortification of all senses, and that
constant power over all the powers of dark-
ness.
I have talked with Lopez (says a person of
eminent piety) sometimes for four hours to-
gether, upon spiritual things, and from what I
saw and remarked in him, I judged him to be
a man highly favored. His soul appeared to
be disengaged from all things else, by a pure


90
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
union with God. Him he always enjoyed in
the essence of his soul, where the Supreme
Majesty delights to dwell. This I could ea-
sily learn during an acquaintance of seven
years, from many things which he communi-
cated to me. Hence I found that he was in a
continual act of love with God; in which his
soul, freed from all created things, was inti-
mately united to God; that from this fountain
flowed all the graces which it pleased our
Lord to bestow upon him. For at the same
time that he received this pure, uninterrupted
love, he made an admirable use of it on all oc-
casions, as knowing that love is the source,
the origin and mother of all other virtues;
which God continually communicated to him,
that he might communicate them to others, and
enrich their poverty with his abundance. I
asked him once "if he had any particular hours
wherein he prayed more than at other times?
And if he did not abate something of his pray-
er in his employments and conversations with
his neighbors?" He answered, “that he had
no particular hours, and that he had no neces-
sity for them, since no created thing was capa-
ble either of interrupting or abating his contin-


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
91
ual love to God and his neighbor. That 30
far from ever drawing back in this union with
God, he advanced in it continually, referring
to God by this simple act of pure love, all the
graces which he was pleased to give him,
without assuming any thing to himself: that
this union was the source of all his knowledge;
and that accordingly God himself was his
teacher, and not his books, through which in-
deed he was sometimes taught."
He told me likewise, "God had shown him
there was then the greatest union between God
and the soul, when it was such that nothing
interposed between them; and that he had giv-
en him to comprehend what sort of union this
was, from that which is between the light and
the air for these, being two distinct things,
and which have each its separate subsistance,
are nevertheless united, that God alone is able
to divide them, How much closer is this un-
ion between the pure essence of the soul, and
him who is an infinitely pure spirit?"
Asking him one day, "What would you have
done, if you had been a priest ?" He replied,
"What I do now." "And how," said I, "would
you have prepared yourself to celebrate the bles-
6


92
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
sed sacrament?" He answered, "As I now pre-
pare myself to receive it. And if I were sure
of dying in a few hours, I would do no other
thing than I do now; for I do actually offer up
to God all that is in my power, by a continual
act of love. And can do nothing more till he
shall enable me himself."
He told me farther, "Perfection does not
consist in visions, revelations, ravishments, and
extasies; although God often favors his ser-
vants therewith, because he acts towards every
one, according to his capacity, his need, and
the disposition wherein he is. But souls ac-
customed to acts of pure love, do not need the
suspension of their senses, in order to have
deep communion with God, because these do
not hinder them therein." He added, "that
he had never had any revelations, extasies, or
ravishments, which had deprived him of his
senses; nor had his senses ever occasioned in
him any distraction of mind, because they were
perfectly spiritualized, entirely subject to his
reason, and conformable to the will of God."
Continuing the discourse, "I knew a man,"
said he, (by whom I was assured he meant
himself,) "who for six and thirty years never


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
93
discontinued, for one single moment, to make
with all his strength, an act of pure love to
God."
At another time I spake of some who ac-
quired great inward peace by a passive union
with God, and by a love which made them con-
tinually taste the grace which God communi-
cated to them. He answered, "Such souls
are happy and walk in a good path. But yet
the perfection is not so great in this state
wherein one enjoys these sweetnesses, as in
that wherein we labor with all our might, to
love God in the most perfect manner we can
possibly; because in the latter state, we act,
rather than enjoy; whereas in the former, we
rather enjoy than act. For a soul that perfect-
ly loves God, can only give him what he gives
first. And he requires no more; inasmuch as
this is all the law and the prophets."
6*


CHAPTER XIV.
His Union with God, and the Fruits thereof.
I asked him one day, whether his not using
a hat, was because he was always in the pre-
sence of God? He answered "No: my un-
ion with God being in my inmost soul, does not
require me either to be covered or uncovered;
but it is, that I may want as few things as pos-
sible, and that I may not make my body deli-
cate."
Hence proceeded that humility which he
possessed in so eminent a degree; being al-
ways so intimately united with God, he had a
full knowledge of God's infinity, and his own
nothingness; and earnestly desired that every
one should consider him as nothing, and God
as all.
Hence also it was, that he received whatever
befell him from men with such patience and
tranquillity of spirit, that he readily excused


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
95
those who despised or spoke evil of him, and
that he never complained of any one.
From the same fountain proceeded the per-
fect purity both of his body and soul. For the
rays of divinity fell continually upon his soul,
as those of the sun on a crystal mirror. By
this act of pure love, his soul was transformed
into the same image. And what purity was
thereby communicated even to the body, can
hardly be conceived in this life.
Hence sprung that purity of conscience
also, which astonished the most spiritual; as
one sees by his own words, "through the mer-
cy of God, I do not know that I have sinned
in any thing." And upon my asking, "Is
it possible for any one to remain for any
time without committing sin ?"* He answered,
"When those whom God has enabled to love
*Not without having been first made deeply conscious
of its universal defilement-deep repentance under that
conviction-faith to believe that God hath taken away
thine iniquity-and profound seriousness, perpetual
watchfulness, humility, and faithfully using the grace
given as the fruits of it. Hence those people who talk
about sanctification, or being saved from sin, and bring
not forth the fruits of it, we do not believe them.
that saith he (thus) abideth in him, ought himself also so
to walk, even as he walked." 1 John, ii. 6.
"He
6*


96
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
him with all their soul, do, with his assistance,
all that is in their power, and that with deep
humility, it is possible for them to remain with-
out committing sin; as clearly appears, in that
our Lord, who commanded nothing which was
impossible to be performed, commanded this,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all
thy heart, mind, soul, and strength. But he
who does this, not only does not sin, but grows
daily in all holiness." I replied, “But how can
this be, when the Scripture says, 'The just
man sins seven times a day'? He answer-
ed, "This could not be taken literally; since
:
99*
1
* The gospel does not say that a man cannot live with-
out sin on the contrary, St. John positively declares-
"Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin.”
John iii. 9. Christ speaks of the pure in heart; the good
tree which cannot bring forth evil fruit; and the same
Apostle, of being cleansed from all unrighteousness.
And can that heart be pure where sin still abides? Is
not sin evil fruit? And can any sin remain in the heart
which is cleansed from all unrighteousness? Again
Christ declares that he who is perfect shall be as his
Master. And St. John says, " as He is, so are we in this
world." John iv. 17. Finally, St. Paul saith that "love
is the fulfilling of the law." If, then, a man is cleansed
from all unrighteousness, and filled with the pure love of
God-if in this state of fellowship with God he uses the
strength he has as a faithful steward thereof, is there a
greater contradiction in the world, than to affirm that he
must daily and hourly commit it, when thus free from
it?


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
97
we see some who spend not only one day, but
many, in uninterrupted prayer, and in one con-
tinued act of love to God."
But although this servant of God was con-
tinually employed in this act of love to God
and his neighbor, yet he had likewise other
ways of praying, which did not hinder, but in-
crease his union with God.
When he had any great conflicts, he rejoiced
to sustain them for love to God; and after he
had conquered, he offered all that he had suf-
fered, as a sacrifice to him. He offered him
not only all the spoils won from his enemies,
but the gifts and graces which he had given
him, joined with fervent prayer, and an un-
speakable sense of his obligations to the giver
of every good gift: so that when he received
any new grace or gift, his understanding being
more enlightened, and his heart still more in-
flamed with love,instead of resting on those gifts
and graces, he offered them to God, for whom
alone he loved all that he received from him.
He was likewise accustomed to offer to God
the life, passion, and death, of our Lord, some-
times in behalf of all the world; sometimes of
particular persons. He told me one day, that


98
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
"he frequently practised two sorts of spiritual
communion; the one, by an ardent desire of
receiving Jesus Christ in the Lord's supper;
the other by receiving into his soul the Father,
Son, and the Holy Spirit; thus becoming a
living, pure temple of the ever-blessed Trinity,
actually giving them an abode in his heart, to
dwell and rest there forever."
He prayed earnestly for the church—for its
increase, and for the propagation of the true
faith through all nations; and for all sinners,
that they might offend God no more, but might
all love him and keep his commandments.
What he asked for his neighbors with the
greatest fervor, was, that they might do the
will of God as it is in heaven. And this he
did on all occasions. So that when he heard
one say, "The king was extremely reverenced
because of his power and justice, and that he
possessed his realms in peace;" he immedi-
ately broke out, "Lord, thou hast all justice,
and all power; let all men reverence thee;
and possess thou thy kingdom over all the
earth in peace, throughout all ages!" If he
heard of a father whom his children loved for
his goodness, he would presently say to God,


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
99
"Eternal Father, thou art the source of all
good; let thy children love thee." When one
mentioned a gardener, who took great care to
make his trees bear good fruit, he said, “Suf-
fer not, Lord, any of thy creatures to perish,
but make them all bring forth good fruit." If
he heard of great wars, and many deaths, he
lifted up his heart to God, saying, “See, Lord,
the miserable state of thy children, and my
brethren, whom thou commandest me to love
as my own soul." In a word, there was noth-
ing, either good or evil, which did not furnish
him with matter for prayer. He told me some-
times, that at one glance, he saw in God all
that was in the world. Hence one may judge
how sublime his prayer was, and how great a
resemblance he bore to God; seeing all the
world was present, as it were, in epitome, and
in his understanding; and by so peculiar a gift
he reduced all to one point, to offer it to God.
He was extremely desirous that every chris-
tian should continue to pray, even in outward
works. And this he practised, not only in all
he did, but likewise in all he spoke. For
whenever he spoke, either in asking or answer-
ing any thing, he lifted up his heart to God,


100 THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
and prayed for his assistance and blessing.
Particularly, whenever he had a desire to as-
sist any one that was in distress, he had re-
course to God by prayer. By this it was that
he did so many surprising things; saying, of-
ten, "it was much better to treat with God
than with man."
By this means he could say, with the strict-
est truth, "I live not, but Christ liveth in me."
For he appeared to all who observed him with
attention, to be a real portraiture of Jesus
Christ, truly crucified in him, and having no
affection but for a life wholly divine. Being
in a manner transformed into the image of
Christ, he had an ardent desire to follow him,
in his life, in his labors, and in his sufferings,
as the most perfect pattern that can ever be
set before us. Therefore he had no rest dur
ing his whole life, but was laboring and suffer
ing incessantly.
He could continually testify, "To live is
Christ, and to die is gain." For it was his
chief joy to suffer with Jesus Christ. In this
he gloried, and in this alone; saying with the
Apostle, "God forbid that I should glory, save
in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Him


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ. 101
he regarded in all things, as the only model by
which he was to form himself. He said with
David, "My eyes are always lifted up unto
thee, O Lord." He was accustomed to say,
"The eyes of a wise man always are fixed on
Christ, who is his head: and the soul that is
touched with the love of God, is like a needle
that is touched with the load-stone, which al-
ways points to the North. Thus, in whatever
place a truly spiritual man is, and in whatever
he is employed, his eyes and his heart are al-
ways fixed on Jesus Christ.


CHAPTER XV.
His last sickness and death.
In May, 1596, he began to find himself out
of order. He lost his appetite entirely; nor
could he swallow any thing but liquids, and
that not without much difficulty. A few days
after, he fell into a bloody flux, which was the
more dangerous, because he was so extremely
weak. Seeing the concern I was under, he
said, "My Father, now is God's time"-
meaning the time of shewing by facts his resig-
nation and conformity to the divine will, ac-
cording to his common saying, "True resigna-
tion consists wholly in doing, and not in talk-
ing."
As soon as his sickness was known at the
Hospital in Mexico, the Superior of the Hospi-
tal came to visit him; and believing he might
want one to attend him, he brought with him
brother Pedro de Sarmiento. When he was
"


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
103
come, he could not but admire his patience
and tranquillity of spirit. He asked, "If he
should not leave his brother to attend him ?”
He replied, with his usual gravity and sweet-
ness, "He was not willing to deprive the hos-
pital of any help, which perhaps they could
not spare;" but being assured they could spare
him, he willingly accepted his service. He
bore his illness many days with his accustomed
courage and patience, never complaining, were
his pains ever so great.
On the 24th of June, I thought it would be
well to give him the Sacrament. I asked him
if he was willing to receive it. He answered,
"Yes, and particularly on St. John the Bap-
tist's Day, for whom he had always had a pecu-
liar veneration." I then gave it him without
delay, fearing lest death should prevent, as he
was exceeding weak, and received scarce any
nourishment; besides that, he had an extreme-
ly troublesome hiccup, and his pulse began to
intermit.
His hiccup continuing, he said to brother
Pedro, "My brother, you know what this hic-
cup means;" intimating thereby that his death
was near.


104 THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
This day, and the following days, his illness
increased continually-notwithstanding which,
he would rise, even to the day of his death, and
dress himself as oft as his distemper required,
although he might have avoided that extreme
fatigue by accepting the services of others.
He grew weaker and weaker every day, and
was not able to eat any thing, unless some
sweetmeats, which certain persons of quality
sent him from Mexico-upon which he said,
"Thou art wonderful, my God, in that a man
who possesses nothing in the world, having
need of such food as belongs to noblemen, has
it provided for him.”
I never perceived in him, during his whole
illness, any repugnance to the order of God,
but an admirable peace and tranquillity, with
an entire conformity to his will. All his vir
tues shone marvellously in his sickness, and
particularly his humility. A few days before
his death, an Indian of St. Foy came to see
him; and, as he did not understand the Indian
tongue, he said to me, "If you please, my Fa-
ther, hear him; perhaps he would give me
some advice." Such was his spirit-to believe


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ. 105
he might learn from an Indian, in the state
wherein he then was!
All this time his pains of body were so
great, that, when I asked him how he found
himself, and in what part his sharpest pain
lay, he answered, "From my head to my foot."
It was then that a lady of quality came from
Mexico to visit him; but as she had not profit-
ed by his former advices, but still continued
passionately fond of dress and gaming, I sent
her word, "She might go back, for she could
not see him. Three or four hours passed in
messages to and fro. At length, hoping it
might have a good effect, I consented. She
was admitted. She kneeled down by his bed,
served him herself, and prepared his food with
her own hands, with the utmost tenderness and
humility. She was then dressed plain, with-
out any ornaments at all. During the time she
stayed at St. Foy, she had much conversation
with him every morning and evening, and with
many tears recommended herself to his prayers.
From that time she felt an entire change in
her heart, abhorring the things of which she
was fond before. And, some days before she
returned to Mexico, she told me with great


106 THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
joy, "My Father, you shall be witness that
Gregory Lopez has taken charge of my soul."
He replied, "I have so." Immediately his
pains redoubled, and she on her part felt her-
self struck with the same illness which he
had. Nevertheless, she continued two days
serving him on her knees, and shedding abun-
dance of tears. But her illness increasing
daily, she was constrained to return to Mexico.
Lopez said to her, at parting, "Madam, fare-
well: we shall see each other no more."
As her illness increased, in the same propor-
tion increased her shame and sorrow for her
sins and so did his pains. When she was in
extremity, one came from her, to beg he would
remember her, he answered to my astonish-
ment, "Yes, I do; and I carry this weight on
my shoulders." In fine, the lady died, giving
all the proof that was possible of a saving
change. I heard of it a few hours after. When
I mentioned it to Lopez, he expressed his joy
in these few words, "God has all power."
I have related this to shew how deeply the
love of his neighbor was rooted in his heart,
and with what ardor he assisted, even in his
utmost weakness, the souls that were in danger,


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
107
pun-
and even taking as it were to himself the
ishment of their sins, as he seems to have done
on this occasion. Seeing, besides the exces-
sive pains of body which he felt, the inward
cross which he bore from the time that he
charged himself with this soul, was so extreme-
ly heavy, that he was astonished at himself;
and not knowing before what it was to com-
plain, he then cried out, with the strongest
emotion, "Jesus, assist me! my God, how
severe is this refining fire!" And one time,
when I was going out, he stopt me, saying,
"My Father, do not leave me. Alas! it was
not without great reason, that Christ bade his
apostles stay and watch with him." Such a
word as never fell from him before in the se-
verest trials, either of body or soul.
Yet, in the midst of all his inward pains, his
courage and faith were unshaken. I frequently
asked, during all those storms, "Do you con-
tinue that act of pure love?" He answered,
"That is always the same." To set which in
the clearest light, I will repeat the several
questions which I proposed, when I saw him
at the lowest ebb, and his answers.


108
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
One time, I asked if so great pain did not a
little divert him from thinking on God? He
answered, "Not in the least." Another time,
seeing him suffer extremely, I said, now is the
time to think upon God. "And of whom
should I ever think," was his reply. When he
was in the very pangs of death, I said, are you
thoroughly united to God? He answered,
"Yes, thoroughly.”
Another time he turned to me, and said,
"Perseverance, joined with peace, is of great
price." And when I comforted him by saying
God led him in the way of the cross, as he had
done his own Son, he replied, "I cannot be too
thankful for it, nor rejoice in it too much. His
holy will be accomplished in me." In fine,
when it appeared to me time to give him the
blessing, I said, behold the time of going to see
the secret of the Lord-he answered, "All is
clear, there is no longer any thing hid—it is
full noon with me." Plainly declaring, that
the light which then shone upon his soul far
surpassed that of the noon-day sun. And in
this marvellous confidence, full of faith, hope,
and love, he gave up his spirit to God.


THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
109
This was on Saturday noon, on the 20th of
July. He lived fifty-four years, thirty-four of
them in America. His face appeared as if he
had been still alive. His flesh, all over his
body, was. as soft as that of a little child; and
many who touched him, even for twenty-four
hours after, found all the parts of his body full
as flexible as those of a living man. His corpse
was carried into the church, where it remained
all the night. The Indians covered it with
roses, and abundance of other flowers, as a
testimony of their love,
As soon as his death was known at Mexico,
many persons of quality, as well as people of
all ranks, ran to St. Foy, that they might be
present at his funeral. All appeared full of
joy and consolation, believing there was no oc-
casion for tears here, as at the death of other
persons, but rejoicing with him who was now
triumphing in his own country.
His body was interred near the high altar,
the Dean of Mexico performing the office, and
brother Hernando Hortez, one of the cannons,
preached his funeral sermon.
He was of a middle size, and so exactly pro-
portioned, that no blemish could be found in
7


110
THE LIFE OF GREGORY LOPEZ.
him. But his constitution was tender; his
hair was chesnut; he had a large and high
forehead his eye-brows were arched, his ears
small, his eyes black, and his sight so strong
that he read the smallest print or writing with-
out spectacles. His nose was inclining to
large; his lips small, though the under lip
somewhat thicker than the other. His teeth
were even and white; his face and hands of a
dead, wan color, through his extreme absti-
nence. But the beauty of his soul shone
through his face, and wrought such a reverence
in all who beheld him, that they considered
him rather as one just come down from heaven,
than a mortal creature.


THE
Ꮋ Ꭼ Ꭱ Ꮇ Ꭵ Ꭲ .





THE HERMIT.*
BY DR. T. PARNELL.
Far in a wild, unknown to public view,
From youth to age a reverend HERMIT grew ;
The moss his bed, the cave his humble cell,
His food the fruits, his drink the crystal well:
Remote from man, with God he passed the days,
Prayer all his bus'ness, all his pleasure praise.
A life so sacred, such serene repose,
Seem'd Heav'n itself, till one suggestion rose;
That vice should triumph, virtue vice obey,
This sprung some doubt of Providence's sway;
* It is impossible (says a writer) for any one who has a taste for poe-
try to read this poem without pleasure and profit. A late celebrated wri-
ter justly observes, that this poem "is conspicuous, throughout the whole
of it, for beautiful descriptive narration. The manner of the Hermit's
setting forth to visit the world; his meeting with a companion, and the
houses in which they are successively entertained, of the vain man, the
covetous man, and the good man, are pieces of very fine painting, touch-
ed with a light and delicate pencil, overcharged with no superfluous
coloring, and conveying to us a lively idea of the objects."-Dr. Blair's
Lectures on Rhetoric, vol. iii. page 163.
7*


114
THE HERMIT.
His hopes no more a certain prospect boast,
And all the tenor of his soul is lost-
So when a smooth expanse receives imprest
Calm nature's image on its watery breast,
Down bend the banks, the trees depending grow,
And skies beneath with answ'ring colors glow:
But if a stone the gentle sea divide,
Swift ruffling circles curl on every side,
And glimmering fragments of a broken sun,
Banks, trees, and skies, in thick disorder run.
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To clear this doubt, to know the world by sight,
To find if books, or swains, report it right;
(For yet by swains alone the world he knew,
Whose feet came wandering o'er the nightly dew)
He quits his cell;-the pilgrim-staff he bore,
And fix'd the scallop in his hat before;
Then with the sun a rising journey went,
Sedate to think, and watching each event.
The morn was wasted in the pathless grass,
And long and lonesome was the wild to pass;
But when the Southern sun had warm'd the day,
A youth came posting o'er a crossing way;
His raiment decent, his complexion fair,
And soft in graceful ringlets wav'd his hair.
Then near approaching, "Father, hail!" he cried;
And "Hail, my son!" the rev'rend sire replied.


THE HERMIT.
115
Words follow'd words, from question answer flow'd,
And talk of various kind deceiv'd the road;
'Till each with other pleas'd, and loth to part,
While in their age they differ'd, join in heart:
Thus stands an aged elm in ivy bound,
Thus youthful ivy clasps an elm around.
Now sunk the sun; the closing hour of day
Came onward, mantled o'er with sober grey;
Nature in silence bid the world repose:
When near the road a stately palace rose :
There, by the moon, through ranks of trees they pass,
Whose verdure crown'd their sloping sides of grass,
It ehanc'd the noble master of the dome
Still made his house the wandering stranger's home?
Yet still the kindness, from a thirst of praise,
Prov'd the vain flourish of expensive ease.
The pair arrive: the liv'ried servants wait;
Their lord receives them at the pompous gate.
The table groans with costly piles of food,
And all is more than hospitably good.
Then led to rest, the day's long toil they drown,
Deep sunk in sleep, and silk, and heaps of down.
At length 'tis morn, and at the dawn of day
Along the wide canals the zephyrs play ;
Fresh o'er the gay parterres the breezes creep,
And shake the neighboring wood to banish sleep.


116
THE HERMIT.
Up rise the guests, obedient to the call,
An early banquet deck'd the splendid hall;
Rich luscious wine a golden goblet grac'd,
Which the kind master forc'd the guests to taste.
Then pleas'd and thankful, from the porch they go ;
And, but the landlord, none had cause of woe;
His cup was vanished; for in secret guise
The younger guest purloin'd the glittering prize!
As one who spies a serpent in his way,
Glist'ning and basking in the summer ray,
Disorder'd stops to shun the danger near,
Then walks with faintness on, and looks with fear;
So seem'd the sire; when far upon the road,
The shining spoil his wily partner show'd.
He stopp'd with silence, walk'd with trembling heart,
And much he wish'd, but durst not ask to part;
Murmuring he lifts his eyes, and thinks it hard,
That generous actions meet a base reward.
While thus they pass, the sun his glory shrouds,
The changing skies hang out their sable clouds;
A sound in air presag'd approaching rain,
And beasts to covert scud across the plain.
Warn'd by the signs, the wandering pair retreat,
To seek for shelter at a neighboring seat.
'Twas built with turrets, on a rising ground,
And strong, and large, and unimprov'd around;


THE HERMIT.
117
Its owner's temper, tim'rous and severe,
Unkind and griping, caus'd a desert there.
As near the MISER's heavy doors they drew,
Fierce rising gusts with sudden fury blew;
The nimble light'ning mix'd with showers began,
-And o'er their heads loud-rolling thunder ran.
Here long they knock, but knock or call in vain,
Driven by the wind, and batter'd by the rain.
At length some pity warm'd the master's breast,
'Twas then his threshhold first received a guest)
Slow creaking turns the door with jealous care,
And half he welcomes in the shiv'ring pair;
One frugal fagot lights the naked walls,
And nature's fervor through their limbs recalls :
Bread of the coarsest sort, with eager wine,
(Each hardly granted) serv'd them both to dine;
And when the tempest first appeared to cease,
A ready warning bid them part in peace.
With still remark the pondering Hermit vie v'd
In one so rich, a life so poor and rude;
And why should such (within himself he cried)
Lock the lost wealth a thousand want beside?
But what new marks of wonder soon took place,
In every settling feature of his face!
When from his vest the young companion bore
That cup, the gen'rous landlord own'd before,
And paid profusely with the precious bowl
The stinted kindness of this churlish soul.


118
THE HERMIT.
But now the clouds in airy tumult fly;
The sun emerging opes an azure sky;
A fresher green the smelling leaves display,
And glittering as they tremble, cheer the day;
The weather courts them from the poor retreat,
And the glad master bolts the wary gate.
While hence they walk, the pilgrim's bosom wrought
With all the travel of uncertain thought;
His partner's acts without their cause appear,"
"Twas there a vice, and seem'd a madness here:
Detesting that, and pitying this, he goes,
Lost and confounded with the various shows.
Now night's dim shades again involve the sky;
Again the wanderers want a place to lie,
Again they search, and find a lodging nigh.
The soil improv'd around, the mansion neat,
And neither poorly low, nor idly great :
It seem'd to speak its master's turn of mind,
Content, and not for praise, but virtue kind.
Hither the walkers turn with weary feet,
Then bless the mansion, and the master greet:
Their greeting fair, bestowed with modest guise,
The courteous master hears, and thus replies:
"Without a vain, without a grudging heart,
To him who gives us all, I yield a part;


THE HERMIT.
119
From him you come, for him accept it here,
A frank and sober, more than costly cheer."
He spoke, and bid the welcome table spread,
Then talk'd of virtue till the time of bed,
When the grave household round his hall repair,
Warn'd by a bell, and close the hours with prayer.
At length the world, renewed by calm repose,
Was strong for toil, the dappled morn arose ;
Before the pilgrims part, the younger crept
Near the clos'd cradle where an infant slept,
And writh'd his neck: the landlord's little pride,
O strange return! grew black, and gasp'd, and died.
Horror of horrors! what! his only son!
How look'd our Hermit when the fact was done?
Not hell, though hell's black jaws in sunder part,
And breathe blue fire, could more assault his heart.
Confus'd, and struck with silence at the deed,
He flies, but trembling fails to fly with speed.
His steps the youth pursues; the country lay
Perplex'd with roads, a servant shew'd the way :
A river cross'd the path; the passage o'er
Was nice to find; the servant trod before;
Long arms of oaks an open bridge supplied,
And deep the waves beneath the bending glide.
The youth, who seem'd to watch a time to sin,
Approach'd the careless guide, and thrust him in :


120
THE HERMIT.
Plunging he falls, and rising lifts his head;
Then flashing turns, and sinks among the dead!
Wild, sparkling rage inflames the Father's eyes,
He bursts the bands of fear, and madly cries,
'Detested wretch!"- -But scarce his speech began,
When the strange partner seem'd no longer man :
His youthful face grew more serenely sweet;
His robe turn'd white, and flowed upon his feet;
Fair rounds of radiant points invest his hair;
Celestial odors breathe through purpled air;
And wings, whose colors glittered on the day,
Wide at his back their gradual plumes display.
The form ethereal bursts upon his sight,
And moves in all the majesty of light.
Though loud at first the pilgrim's passion grew,
Sudden he gaz'd and wist not what to do,
Surprise in secret chains his words suspends,
And in a calm his settling temper ends.
But silence here the beauteous angel broke,
(The voice of music ravish'd as he spoke.)
"Thy pray'r, thy praise, thy life to vice unknown,
In sweet memorial rise before the throne:
These charms, success in our bright region find,
And force an angel down to calm thy mind;
For this commission'd, I forsook the sky :
Nay, cease to kneel-thy fellow servant I.


THE HERMIT.
121
"Then know the truth of government divine,
And let these scruples be no longer thine.
"The Maker justly claims that world he made.
In this the right of Providence is laid;
Its sacred majesty through all depends
On using second means to work his ends :
'Tis thus, withdrawn in state from human eye
The power exerts his attributes on high,
Your actions uses, nor controls your will,
And bids the doubting sons of men be still.
"What strange events can strike with more surprise
Than those which lately struck thy wond'ring eyes!
Yet taught by these, confess the Almighty just,
And where you can't unriddle, learn to trust.
"The great, vain man, who far'd on costly food,
Whose life was too luxurious to be good;
Who made his ivory stands with goblets shine,
And forc'd his guests to morning draughts of wine,
Has, with the cup, the graceless custom lost,
And still he welcomes, but with less of cost.
"The mean, suspicious wretch, whose bolted door,
Ne'er mov'd in duty to the wandering poor;
With him I left the cup, to teach his mind
That Heav'n can bless, if mortals will be kind.
Conscious of wanting worth, he views the bowl,
And feels compassion touch his grateful soul.


122
THE HERMIT.
Thus artists melt the sullen oar of lead,
With heaping coals of fire upon its head ;
In the kind warmth the metal learns to glow,
And, loose from dross, the silver runs below.
"Long had our pious friend in virtue trod,
But now the child half-wean'd his heart from God;
(Child of his age) for him he liv'd in pain,
And measur'd back his steps to earth again.
To what excesses had his dotage run?
But God, to save the father, took the son.
To all but thee, in fits he seem'd to go,
(And 'twas my ministry to deal the blow.)
The poor fond parent, humbled in the dust,
Now owns in tears the punishment was just.
"But how had all his fortune felt a wrack,
Had that false servant sped in safety back?
This night his treasur'd heaps he meant to steal,
And what a fund of charity would fail!
"Thus heav'n instructs thy mind: this trial o'er,
Depart in peace, resign, and sin no more."
On sounding pinions here the youth withdrew,
The sage stood wond'ring as the seraph flew.
Thus look'd Elisha, when to mount on high
His Master took the chariot of the sky;
も
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THE HERMIT.
123
The fiery pomp ascending left the view;
The prophet gaz'd, and wish'd to follow too.
The bending Hermit here a pray'r begun,
"Lord, as in heaven, on earth thy will be done.”
Then gladly turning, sought his ancient place,
And pass'd a life of piety and peace.





LATELY PUBLISHED,
BY JOHN EYR E,ˆ
And Sold at 40 Fulton Street.
The Christian Spectator; comprising a Journey
from England to America-two years in that
Cts.
State, Travels in America, &c.
18
ALSO,
The European Stranger in America,
25
Together, (unbound)
37
Bound, (together)
50


A
سلام








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