The family of St. Ignatius and the Castle of Loyola. His birth — his name in baptism — his education. He is placed at Court, and there forms acquaintance with a lady whose name he does not give. H4 devotes himself to feats of arms, and reading romances of chivalry. In 1517 he takes part for the first time in the war against Navarre. The revolt of the towns — it is suppressed. In 152 1 Francis I. renews hostilities. Henry d' Albert conquers Navarre and besieges Pampeluna. The garrison wishes to capitulate, but is prevented by Ignatius, who after a courageous defence is severely wounded. He is treated with honour by the enemy, and sent back to his own country. His health becomes worse — he prepares for death, and is suddenly cured. He undergoes a second operation. The reading of some pious books makes him feel the necessity of choosing between the world and the service of Jesus Christ. He decides on choosing the latter. His desire to please God. The Blessed Virgin appears to him with the Infant Jesus. He thinks of becoming a Carthusian pp. 1 — 16
Ignatius falling sick, a coadjutor is chosen. He predicts his death — names a Committee of three members of the Society for transacting business, and retires to a villa. His health becomes worse, and he returns to the Professed House. He dies at an unexpected moment. His death is announced to the Princes who are Protectors of the Society. Letter to Duke Albert of Bavaria pp. 321 — 327
St. Ignatius is falsely accused before the tribunals. He wishes to resign his office, and makes an offer of it in writing to Laynez. Congregation of the Professed Fathers at Rome in 1550. Ignatius fells sick and again offers his resignation, which is not accepted pp. 235 — 243
Ignatius is the sole author of the Constitutions of the Society. Of their main principle, substance, and form. Of their end and the means they propose. They have for their end not merely external acts of virtue, but the very essence of virtue. Their application to some particular virtues. At the first, Ignatius caused Superiors to be chosen in several Colleges by plurality of votes. The Rules were tried for a long time by the Society itself and by the Holy See before they were approved. They were not published until after the death of Ignatius pp. 188 — 213
Ignatius quits his country, notwithstanding the representations of his elder brother, and departs for Mont Serrat. He meets an unbeliever. He prepares nimself in the Church of Mont Serrat for his new life. Gives away all he possesses, and takes the habit of a penitent and a pilgrim. He makes acquaintance with Agnes Pasquale, who guides him to Manresa, where he lodges in the hospital. His kind of life. He is judged and treated in different ways by the inhabitants of the place. He serves the poor and sick pp. 17—25
The Bamabites ask to join the Society of Jesus. The Order of the Carthusians enters into communion of prayers and good works with the Society. Friendship between Ignatius and the Carthusian Prior at Cologne — their correspondence. Philip II. makes use of Ignatius and his Order to reform some Convents in Spain pp. 277 — 282
Ignatius is chosen first General of the Society. Votes of several of the electors. Opposition of Ignatius. He submits the question to his Confessor, and ends by yielding. Solemn profession of the members of the Society. Ignatius teaches the Christian doctrine. Distribution of his day. Two Jesuits are sent as Legates of the Pope to Ireland. Rules of conduct given them by the Saint pp. 175 — 187
Character of St. Ignatius. His idea of Christian asceticism. Letter to Francis Borgia on this subject. His aversion to all exaggeration. Severity to two Fathers of Gandia who were not of the spirit of the Society. The care he took of the health of his subjects — orders he gave on this point. He himself waits upon the sick. He obeys with docility the prescriptions of physicians pp. 328 — 338
Preface of the French Translator pp. xiii — xxi
The Author's Preface pp. xxii — xxviii