Under the personal influence of their friend and benefactor, both of these men determined to leave all and follow the new light.

Visionary as the object yet was, the firm will, fervent confidence, and saintly life of Loyola inspired them with absolute trust.

That the Christian faith, as they understood it, remained exposed to grievous dangers from without and form within, that millions of souls were perishing through ignorance, that tens of thousands were falling away through incredulity and heresy, was certain.

The realm of Christ on earth needed champions, soldiers devoted to a crusade against Satan and his hosts.

And here was a leader, a man among men, a man whose words were as a fire, and whose method of spiritual discipline was salutary and illuminative; and this man bade them join him in the Holy War.