uncivilised nation. The reason of their success is not far to seek. St. Ignatius founded his society for the special purpose of educating the young; he was wise in his generation, for it is through their splendid colleges that they draw so many neophytes. His children, however, have advanced in wisdom and adopted another main object, and a very worthy and arduous one, no doubt—the spiritual care of the rich. To a good supply of men and money they add a rigorous discipline, and the elements of success are complete. A famous Roman caricature hits off very happily the characteristic feature of the Jesuits and of three other orders by a play on the words of Peter to Christ. A Franciscan, Dominican, Augustinian, and Jesuit are seated at a table of money; the Franciscan repels it with the words 'Ecce nos reliquimus omnia,' the Dominican imitates him, 'Et secuti sumus te,' the Augustinian strikes an argumentative attitude, asking, 'Quid ergo?' and the happy Jesuit gathers in the spoils, with the rest of the text, 'Erit nobis.'
At the same time they are characterised by a remarkable esprit de corps which produces an intense isolated activity. The glory of the society is paramount, and always coupled with the glory of the Church; they never co-operate with other orders, but they freely cut across the lines of, and come into collision with, other ecclesiastical forces. Hence there is a very strong feeling against them amongst the clergy and in higher quarters; indeed, one would be surprised to find how many priests are ready to agree
