Xavier was so well persuaded that God would have him travel to Japan, that he would not listen, to the reasons of his friends.  He laughed at their fears, and told them, “That perhaps he should not be more unfortunate than George Alvarez, or Alvarez Vaz, who had performed the voyage of Japan, in spite of all those pirates, and those hurricanes, with which they would affright him.”  This he said smiling; after which, resuming a serious air, “Verily,” said he, “I am amazed that you would endeavour to hinder me from going for the good of souls, whither you yourselves would go out of the sordid consideration of a small transitory gain; and must plainly tell you, I am ashamed of your little faith.  But I am ashamed for myself, that you have prevented me in going thither first, and cannot bear that a merchant should have more courage than a missioner.”  In conclusion, he told them, “That having so often experienced the care of Providence, it would be an impiety to distrust it; that it had not preserved him from the swords of the Badages, and the poisons of the Isle del Moro, to abandon him in other dangers; that India was not the boundary of his mission; but that in coming thither, his design had always been, to carry the faith even to the utmost limits of the world.”

He then wrote to Father Ignatius, to give him an account of his intended voyage, and of the thoughts of his heart concerning it.  “I cannot express to you,” said he, “with what joy I undertake this long voyage.  For it is all full of extreme dangers; and he, who out of four ships can preserve one, thinks he has made a saving voyage.  Though these perils are surpassing all I have hitherto proved, yet I am not discouraged a jot the more from my undertaking; so much the Lord has been pleased to fix it in my mind, that the cross shall produce great fruits in those countries, when once it shall be planted there.”

He wrote at the same time to Father Simon Rodriguez, and some passages of the letter well describe the disposition of the holy man.  “There are arrived here some ships from Malacca, who confirm the news, that all the ports of China are armed, and that the Chinese are making open war with Portugal; which notwithstanding, my resolutions still continue for Japan; for I see nothing more sweet or pleasing in this world, than to live in continual dangers of death, for the honour of Jesus Christ, and for the interests of the faith.  It being indeed the distinguishing character of a Christian, to take more pleasure in the hardships of the cross, than in the softness of repose.”

The apostle, being upon the point of his departure for Japan, established Father Paul de Camerine, superior-general in his place, and Father Antonio Gomez, rector of the seminary at Goa.  At the same time he prescribed rules to both of them, in what manner they should live together, and how they should govern their inferiors.