Whence,  now,  was  this  constant  state  of  warfare,  and  why
these  eternal  feuds  among  the  priestly  colleges  ?  The  blame
rested  solely  and  entirely  with  the  sons  of  Loyola,  because
they  considered  themselves  to  be  servants  of  the  Lord  much
superior  to  the  rest  of  those  ordained.  Naturally,  they  were,
as  their  name  itself  indicated,  associates  of  Jesus.  Naturally,
then,  was  He  in  direct  command  of  His  combatants  and  warriors
as  supreme  Ruler.  Naturally,  then,  had  He  entrusted  the  prin-
cipal keys  of  the  gates  of  heaven  to  them.  His  favourite  and
■chosen  ones ;  or  rather  had  Peter,  the  porter  of  heaven,  received

29*


444  HISTOEX   OP   THE   JESUITS.
