Chapter X

1581-1608.

COMMOTION AMONG THE JESUITS.

Acquaviva chosen General—His Character—The Spanish Jesuits
refuse to obey him—Philip II. takes part with them—Sixtus V.
supports Acquaviva—Prudence of the latter—His Letter—_Ratio
Studiorum_—Admirable Plan of Education—Influence which
it gave them—Origin of the Congregations, 1569—Its rapid
Increase—Directed by the Jesuits—Who derive immense Power
from it—Its various Denominations—Internal Life of the
Jesuit Colleges—Their Studies—The Instruction more Specious
than Solid—Distinctive Character of Jesuit Writers—They are
Affected—Exceptions—Bartoli—Segneri—Bourdaloue—Great Change in
the Policy of the Society—They become Attached to the French
Interest—Henry IV. re-establishes them in France, 1603—Reasons
which he adduces to his Minister Sully—He writes to the General
Congregation in favour of Acquaviva—Affair of Venice—The
Jesuits leave the Territory of the Republic—Henry IV. sues
for their Return—Spain opposes it—The Jesuits not allowed to
re-enter Venice till 1657—Acquaviva’s Success in mastering the
revolted Province of Spain—Proves ultimately the Ruin of the
Order, 209