Chapter 11

ROMAN CHRISTIANITY IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY, PAGE 323

The many-sided story of Japanese Christianity.--One hundred years of intercourse between Japan and Europe.--State of Japan at the introduction of Portuguese Christianity.--Xavier and Anjiro.--Xavier at Kiōto and in Bungo.--Nobunaga and the Buddhists.--High-water mark of Christianity.--Hideyoshi and the invasion of Korea.--Kato and Konishi.--Persecutions.--Arrival of the Spanish friars.--Their violation of good faith.--Spirit of the Jesuits and Franciscans.--Crucifixion on the bamboo cross.--Hidéyori.--Kato Kiyomasa.--The Dutch in the Eastern seas.--Will Adams.--Iyéyasŭ suspects designs against the sovereignty of Japan.--The Christian religion outlawed.--Hidétada follows up the policy of Iyéyasŭ, excludes aliens, and shuts up the country.--The uprising of the Christians at Shimabara in 1637.--Christianity buried from sight.--Character of the missionaries and the form of the faith introduced by them.--Noble lives and ideals.--The spirit of the Inquisition in Japan.--Political animus and complexion.