Chapter XIV

1617-1700.

INTERNAL CAUSES OF DECLINE.

A Spirit of Independence pervades the Order—The
Aristocratic Class of the Professed refuse Obedience to the
Generals—Incapacity of the latter—Under Vitelleschi, the Spirit
of the Constitution is quite Changed—Letters of Vitelleschi
and Caraffa to deprecate the Ruin of the Order—Piccolomini
and Gottifredi, Generals—Nickel, the elected General,
attempts a Reform—General Congregation depriving him of all
Authority—Oliva Vicar-General—He becomes General after the
Death of Nickel—His Character—His Epicurean Habits—Relaxation
of Discipline—Political Influence which the Society acquired at
such an Epoch—Its Causes—The Jesuits, blinded by Prosperity,
become less Cautious—Noyelle, Gonzales, and Tambourini,
Generals—The Company follow a Road which leads to Ruin—They
excite the Jealousy of all the other Monastic Orders—They sell
a Passport against the Evil Spirit—Mastrilli sends a Message
every day by an Angel to Xavier, and receives Answers, 315