Countrey-Exchequer Marry and go Cloth'd like other Citizens but concern themselves with no State-Affairs Concerning the Prince of Orange he carried an Army against the Spaniards Besieging every Year his Cities and Fortresses according to the Advice of the States General assembled in the Hague and sent thither from the Seven Provinces of the United Netherlands of which Holland is the Chiefest Sicungodonne proceeded More Questions If your God and the Spanish God be all one wherein is the Difference of your Religion and whose Opinion is the eldeft Schaep reply'd And Answers The Hollanders depend on One God and a Perfect Savior but the Portuguese and Castilians place Gods Vicegerent on Earth and Saints and Saintesses which assist the Savior in his chiefest Business of Salvation in praying for those that are dead Moreover the Hollanders Religion is older than the Portuguese or Castilians because it agrees with the two Prophetick and Apostolick Books without adding to or diminishing from them So that although the Portuguese brag that their Religion was publickly embrac'd and taught in the Churches in Holland before the Hollanders banish'd the same from thence yet the Hollanders Opinion hath been before the Portuguese For that Faith which is now embrac'd was the first that Holland entertain'd and although oppress'd by bloody Persecutions yet flouris'd again at last Lastly Sicungodonne ask'd Is Java a great Island Who possesses it What kind of Inhabitants are there What Colour and what Names Description of Java Captain Schaep reply'd This Island is divided into Great and Little Java The biggest is separated by the Straights of Sunda from Sumatra and spreads it self in length a hundred and fifty Leagues but much less in breadth yet broader in some places than in others According to the Relation of the Inhabitants a River flows in the middle of it which turns Wood into Stone The Mataram an Enemy to the Hollanders possesses the greatest part thereof to the East The King of Bantam oftentimes at Alliance with the East-India Company Commands a vast Tract along the Straights of Sunda Betwixt both of them lies Batavia where the President and Chief Governor of the Indian Trade keeps his Court for that Company residing in the United Netherlands The Inhabitants of Java are barbarous and not to be trusted of strong and well-timber'd Bodies broad and thick Cheeks great Eye-lids little Eyes small Beards black and short Hair and of a yellow Complexion After this Answer Schaep and Byleveld were commanded to depart and being conducted out to their Countreymen the other Prisoners who had with a longing desire staid to hear the Success found with them four and thirty Japanners Prisoners of which some sat Hand-cufft Strange Japan Prisoners others had their Arms tied together under their Coats and talking seem'd as if they rail'd and complain'd against their hard usage Soon after they were carried to the place of Audience from whence the Hollanders were come Schaep ask'd leave of Manykebe to go to his Lodging but was forc'd to stay Manykebe told them That those Japan Prisoners which were by two and two led to the place of Audience had Christian Parents wherefore they had a long time been kept in Prison and miserably tortur'd which appear'd sufficiently by their thin Cheeks hollow Eyes and deform'd Faces seeming rather like Sceletons than living Men. News of Elserak's arrival Whilst they staid here Phatsayosamon's Servant brought News of the Ambassador Elserak that on the Morrow against Noon he would come with his Retinue to Jedo This was told to Sicungodonne by the Masters Son of the Dutch Inn upon which News the Japan Council rose The next Morning being the first of December Schaep sent privately for the Interpreter Kytsbyoye to whom he gave two Letters inclos'd one within the other containing their several Examinations before the Council to deliver to Elserak that he might take notice thereof and govern himself accordingly Comes to Jedo About Noon Elserak came to Jedo with whom neither the Holland Prisoners nor the Dutch Interpreter Tosaymon and Manykebe might speak before they were once more Examin'd Wherefore they were again commanded on the next day to come to Sicungodonne's House where they staid at the usual place about an Hour Here sat a white lean Man between forty and fifty years old A remarkable Japaâ—ner and his Policy in rich Apparel with a square brown Beard who look'd like a Dutch Minister his Hands loaden with great Hand-cuffs which being taken off he was very busie with Sicungodonne's Servants taking Pen Ink and Paper and writ very fast and sometimes broke forth in earnest Discourse not without strange Motions of his Body Manykebe told the Hollanders concerning this Man That he had impeach'd above six hundred Christians that liv'd in Meaco yet was kept in Fetters till they were all Examin'd Schaep and Byleveld are strictly examin'd Mean while Sicungodonne's Secretary bringing Pen Ink and Paper sat down by Schaep and Byleveld beginning thus You Captain and Merchant are strictly commanded to write down every thing concerning your Voyage since you left Batavia to the day you came into the Haven Namboe where you were taken Prisoners If heretofore any thing hath been forgotten you may yen delare it for every thing being writ down it will be compar'd with what Elserak and the Governor of Castrecom who is commanded to come hither shall say So that if you err from the Truth you Prisoners will not onely run the hazard of your Lives but also the East-India Company will suffer a considerable Damage on the Island Disma Schaep answer'd They were very well contented to suffer all their Torments if they could be any ways tax'd with Untruth But since they had always answer'd their propos'd Questions with candid Sincerity which they were still ready to do they fear'd not the least danger Questions of the Japan Secretary Whereupon the Chief Secretary proceeded to their Examination asking them At what time did the Ships Castrecom and Breskens set Sail from Batavia Did any other Ships set Sail with them When dropp'd you Anchor before Ternata Did Castrecom and Breskens arrive there together Did they both weigh Anchors together Where and when lost you Castrecom Did Castrecom never appear since What Countrey do you judge it to be where you lost Castrecom Did you meet with no Land between this and Ternata Whither did you Steer after you miss'd Castrecom When did Breskens light on the Japan Coast When entred the Ship the Haven of Namboe for Water When went it away When entred it the Harbor of Namboe the second time Byleveld's Auswer to him Byleveld reply'd saying The third of February in this present Year Castrecom and Breskens left Batavia steering their Course to Ternata with intention to seek for Tartary When we went to Sea we had no Company but Castrecom with which Ship we Anchor'd after five and forty days Sail under the Castle Maleyen The
his Kingdoms yet he resign'd up all his Kingdoms and Dominions and retir'd to the Territory of Fiungo where on a pleasant Plain he resolv'd to build a New City and to People the same with none but Christians to the end they might there all together live after God's Laws and Ordinances Travels to build a new City The fourth of October Anno 1578. he set Sail with his Fleet the Pennons and Flags of white Damask embroyder'd with red Crosses spreading from their Masts and Yards The Jesuits Capriales Lodowick Almeida and John the Japanner with a considerable number of Christians that were to inhabit the new-built City were Shipp'd aboar'd Upon his departure Franciscus commanded his eldest Son whom he appointed his Successor in all his Dominions That he should no ways molest the Christians but rather assist them in all things His Son is kind to the Jesuits The New King promis'd to perform his Fathers Command faithfully and indeed did more than he promis'd for he pull'd down the Temple of the Idol Camis and Fotoques and allow'd the Jesuits Means giving them also a place to build a stately Church in Usuquin and crost the Bonzies in all their undertakings acting all things after the Christian manner Against which resisted many Princes in Bungo being back'd by Riogozes King of Ximo which were too hard for the young King oftentimes loosing many Men in Skirmishes Cities and whole Dominions were taken from him either by Riogoze's Forces or mutinous Subjects in short it was so decree'd that Jacatondono his Son should be Disinherited of all his Jurisdictions Most of the Loyallest Subjects Voted that Jacatondono should Re-possess his former Authority Why he is in great danger to the end that the Crown of Bungo which was near lost might again by his Prudence be settled before it was quite Demolish'd Mean while Jacatondono now call'd Franciscus expecting daily that he should be forc'd out of his new Christian City in Fiunga march'd Arm'd into the Fields and his Necessity requiring Policy he came forth no less Prudent than Circumspect Franciscus re-possesses his throne four Councellors having by their ill advice order'd their Affairs badly those he drove first out of the Countrey then getting a considerable Army together he march'd against Chicacuro the head of the Rebels Both Parties lay Encamp'd one over against the other Franciscus inviting them daily to fight by Embattelling his Men but Chicacuro who had no very good opinion of his People would not hazard his Life in the hands of wavering Fortune during which time most of his Men quitted his Army His Conquest and went over to Franciscus Camp insomuch that all left him but eight hundred which being slain brought Peace and quietness to the Kingdom of Bungo After which the Conqueror went again to his new City Cuchimochi but liv'd not long after to enjoy the advantages of his gotten Victory For being upon his return from the Japan Emperor he was taken with the Plague at Usuquin of which many dy'd at that time yet notwithstanding though the Distemper threatned nothing but death yet he was desirous to be carry'd to Cuchimochi and being come within nine Miles of the place his Sickness so increas'd that he was necessitated to stay at Sucuma where soon after he gave up the Ghost Dies Anno 1587. The Jesuit Laguna had the ordering of the Funeral-Solemnity to which an incredible number of people came flocking from all parts of the adjacent Countreys The Corps was carry'd by four of the chiefest Peers Is bury'd on both sides went meaner Lords carrying Banners with red Crosses next follow'd the Queen and her Daughter and then a great company of Noble-men clos'd up the whole Train ¶ BUt besides the Province of Bungo several others have embrac'd the Christian Religion which happen'd thus When Xaverius Anno 1551. in November travel'd from Japan to Goa he took with him two Christian Japanners Mattheus and Bernard which were sent to salute his Holiness in Rome But Mattheus dying at Goa Bernard us proceeded in his Journey alone and was the first of the Japanners that kiss'd his Holiness Feet He in his return home-ward dy'd at Conimbrica in Spain Xaverius himself travel'd to China Xaverius leaves the Jesuits in Japan there to Preach the Gospel for the Japanners cry'd continually that the Chineses from whom the Japan Religion was Extracted did not imbrace the Christian Faith There stay'd behind in Japan Cosmus Turrianus and Joannes Fernandez besides two Japan Converts being Paul of the Holy Belief and Lawrence One-Eye by whose extraordinary diligence the Christian Religion was imbrac'd by many of the Commonalty the Jesuits teaching them the Commandments and the Gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity in Cangoxima Firando Amangucium and Bungo Xaverius a little before his death sent from Goa to Japan Balthazar Gago Edward Sylvius and Peter Alcacova after that went over thither also Casper Vilela Lodowick Almeida Gonsalves Fernandes Franciscus Caprialis Lodowick Frojus Joannes Baptista Montanus Organtinus Brixiensis Peter Diasius Arias Blandonius Arias Sanctius Duartes a Sylva Melchior Mugaez Franciscus Perezius and others These effected so much in few years that Christianity began now to increase wonderfully and as an effect of their Zeal they built several Towns Cloysters and Churches being every where highly respected and much esteem'd These successful Progresses gave hopes of a happy Event especially for that now Cosmus Turrianus and Edward Sylvius besides many Citizens in Amangucium Converted two Bonzies of Meaco and indeed Christianity so prevail'd both in strength and number that the Rusticks near Amangucium began to dispute with the Bonzi of which some falling short in the Arguments of their Religion were forc'd to flie for shame Not long after Turrianus built a great Church in the City intending there to perform in publick all Divine Services Some of the Courtiers were by this time also become Proselites and amongst the rest the King's Treasurer Ambrosius Eunadus Faisumius who soon after Dying was Inter'd in the following manner Edvard Sylv Epist Bungo 1555. Besides the Jesuit Edward Sylvius above two hundred young Christians went to his Burial a great Cross was carry'd before the Corps and a considerable number of Torches round about which turn'd the day into night not without great admiration of the Inhabitants by whom the Funeral Solemnities were perform'd quite contrary Fasumius his Widow feasted the Poor four days together after the Funeral A new Almshouse in Funaco distributing much Houshold-stuff and many Clothes among them Moreover Turrianus built a double Alms-house or Hospital in the City Funaco one side being for those that had the Leprosie which came flocking thither from all parts of Japan that Countrey being very subject to that distemper the second partition was for other sickly Persons over both these Turrianus made a Japan Christian Master one that was experienc'd in Physick How the Japanners kept
good out of himself If he be good from whence are these bad Devils Did God create them bad where then is his abundant goodness Or did he give over those to evil which he could have kept from it Was Man created to serve God in holiness why doth he suffer the Devil to tempt him to wickedness Why is Man left to himself that cannot subsist without the Spirit of God How can it also agree with Gods goodness to create Men unable by their weakness to be condemn'd for their sins and by their damnation for ever miserable And why are there such Laws ordain'd that no Creature on Earth is able to perform the least breach of which is eternal damnation insomuch that upon necessity the whole Race of Mankind by the power of that Law must be cursed he being born in sin The Japan Religion was establish'd on better grounds of Gods Mercy in that they had no everlasting Hell The Worshippers and Servants of Amida Xaca Canon and other Japan gods exchanged by death their transitory Life for everlasting Salvation and if it happen'd that after death they suffer'd some torments for their sins committed in this Life that continu'd but a short time according to the Crime Arguments of those Japanners that intended to be Christians These were generally the controverted Questions which Xaverius was to answer but after these arose a new stop in the way The Japanners who by this time gave some ear to the Jesuits could no ways understand why God did make himself known to none but those Strangers which came thither from Portugal they told them That their Forefathers liv'd very retir'd but those which for Theft Adultery Murder or neglect of the Japan Religion as it was taught them from time to time could not be admonish'd in their Life-times must they according to the Japan Christian Faith be therefore tortur'd in everlasting Flames who must bear the blame of that spoil Had the Portuguese Preach'd the Gospel sooner in Japan then they should have been sooner sav'd O miserable Parents and Children which died before the Jesuits came hither A Letter of Fernandes conceâ—ining the Japan contradictions But the better to understand the daily oppositions and contradictions of the Japanners we will give you some Extracts of a Letter Written by Johannes Fernandes from Amangucium to Franciscus Xaverius Anno 1551. wherein he says That since the departure of Xaverius the Japanners came daily slocking to the Jesuits Houses troubling them continually with several Questions particularly they desir'd to know of what Materials God had made the Soul as for the Body they knew that the Earth Fire Water and Air had joyn'd it together Moreover they demanded of what Shape and Colour the Soul was What manner of Creatures the Devils were Why they tempted Men to sin and chiefly aim'd at his destruction How they came to be so wicked since God created all things good They enquir'd what God was and where If he could not be seen Why he had block'd up the way to Heaven with so many troubles where goodness onely resides The Bonzies curse the Jesuits Mean while the Bonzies spent their time continually in their Temples and Cloysters in railing against the Jesuits They Preach'd publickly before the People That the Christians were Cannibals or Men-eaters That the Devil had spoken from a Brazen Image prognosticating that Amangucium should in a short time be utterly destroy'd for their wickedness in embracing the Christian Religion Not long after they say that themselves saw in the Night a of Fire descending from Heaven on the Palace of Amangucium Terrible Fire which suddenly burning made their foretelling true for the City burnt eight days together and then Murder and Cruelties spared neither young nor old not so much as the poor Infants which were Sucking at their Mothers Breasts Those which sought not to escape by flight died a most miserable death whereupon the general Cry of the Bonzies was That the unknown God of the Christians must be a most horrible Monster by whose Religion if it took footing in their Countrey Japan would be utterly destroy'd The Reason why the Roman Religion went on so prosperously in Japan Notwithstanding these grand oppositions yet there is no Countrey either West North or South that hath been discover'd by Navigation which hath taken so large an impression of the true Faith as Japan notwithstanding the Blood-Baths which were made there the cruel Persecutions the barbarousness of their Tortures the meekness of the Sufferers the infinite numbers of Miseries which happen'd in so short a time that can scarcely be paralell'd by any other People in the World for which cause we will relate the way by which the Christians in Japan went on so successfully The first Reason why the Jesuits spoke for the Poor The Jesuits soon after their arrival were much frequented by the poorer sort of People which are very numerous in Japan the Countrey being so exceeding populous that they seem to undo one another the Nobles living on the gain of their Subjects who bring them in so much that they scarce know their own Revenue whilst the meaner sort undergo extreme Poverty and the more because Compassion is banish'd from the Countrey and nothing less found there than Charity to the Poor The Jesuits Preach'd against their hard-heartedness teaching them That the Christian Religion requir'd bountiful hearts towards the Poor that Men should have compassion of one anothers miseries he deserv'd to be forsaken in his misery which will not act for his Neighbors relief what is it that can happen to one but it may happen to another who will forget a poor Man that is himself subject to all frailties This Doctrine the poor Japanners embraced the more willingly because it pleaded for their poverty but yet it took a deeper impression when the action it self follow'd for when the Jesuits had gotten some of the Princes to embrace their Religion Build Alms-houses which allow'd them great Revenues they immediately built Alms-houses dividing them into two several Apartments in one of which those that were infected with the Leprosie had their Lodgings and in the other those that had other Sicknesses great multitudes came flocking thither and at the entring of the Alms-house received Baptism Thus the Jesuits numbers increased daily to their great Cost and Charge none but poor and needy People coming to them out of necessity were Baptized The Letters may be seen wherein they make heavy complaints that the Japan Christians consisted most in diseased and decrepid poor People which were Converted onely to be Maintain'd by them Bonzies are cruel to the Poor And these came the more because the Bonzies never regarded them neither bestowing Alms nor taking care of their Burial or to provide such things as their Religion requires after death to the end they may live in joy and happiness with their gods Amida and Xaca But it is no marvel why the
Vojocata saying That Nobunanga though aspir'd to such a heighth would suddenly fall and drop like a rotten Pear from the Tree of which Nobunanga had information and happening to light upon him in his way homewards though the Emperor much perswaded him yet he utterly destroy'd him and all his Relations levelling his Cloysters and banishing nis Wife and Children but all this was not enough to satisfie his revenge The famous School Facusangin He had a long time observ'd the famous School Pacusangin which the Bonzies had been Masters of and possess'd it in peace and quietness six hundred years together To this School or University belongs several Cloysters and a thousand Habitations no less convenient than costly which also to destroy he wanted some fair pretence to hide his unsatisfi'd revenge yet at last he found a way that answer'd his desire Some Robbers having pillag'd the Kingdom of Boari carry'd their Booty to the Facusangin Bonzies which opportunity he neglected not for having his Hands at liberty and a Peace being concluded between him and the Emperor he thought it the best time to satisfie his spleen Is ruin'd by Nobunanga and all the Boinzies slain whereupon he unexpeedctly fell upon Facusangin and destroy'd all the Bonnes setting most of their Houses on fire Anno 1573 which was the same Year that Nobunanga became Emperor These were the occasions that set the Bonzies so much against his being chosen Emperor by whom stirr'd up none more oppos'd than Xinguien King of Cainochuno who having banish'd his Father and also imprison'd his eldest Brother set himself on the Throne and wanting just Claim he betook himself to other practices that might better strengthen and improve his Title and therefore the Cloak of Religion must be his Royal Robe seeming Sanctity his Scepter and so shaving his Head and his Chin close he took the Order of the Bonzi performing all their Ceremonies and religious Duties punctual in all the stiff Formalities of well-dissembled Holiness attended constantly by six hundred Bonzies the rumor of which spread round the Countrey the Japanners not being accustom'd to see a King play the Priest and Officiate at Divine Service and that thrice a day straight believ'd so had he gain'd upon their Affections that he and onely he was appointed to re-establish the shaking Church and restore to its Pristine Glory now almost utterly defac'd their Ancient Religion On which great Multitudes from all Parts resorted to his Palace he giving out That he would Re-erect the destroy'd Temples and Cloysters on the Mountain Frenioama and also the famous Temple Consecrated to Canon These Promises and fair Pretences tickl'd the Ears of the Vulgar for Frenioama was always held to be the Supreme University for the Education of their Youth both in the Mysteries of Religion Study in Philosophy and other abstruse Learning Here also stood Canon's Temple highly esteem'd and so venerable amongst the People to whose Feast yearly great Multitudes from the several Territories round about use to resort invited by the hopes of the propos'd Rewards of Everlasting Bliss for all such as repair annually thither He also boasted That he would out-do if possible the Renown'd Xaca himself in Vindicating and Establishing their pure and ancient Religion under which their Ancestors liv'd happily ever since they first Planted in Japan His Letter to Nobunanga Thus the Business prepar'd and a good Ground-plot laid by this time his Admirers in several Places offer'd themselves and Forts their Lives and Fortunes to serve and be under his Conduct So that suddenly he grew as powerful and as great a Prince as the Emperor of which Nobunanga being sensible and perceiving his Power daily to encrease and also not a little shaken with a ranting Epistle from the high-flying Xinguen who subscribed thus Taindino Taxuxamon Xinguen that is Xinguen the King of Kings and Patriarch of all Religion The Emperor contrarily subscribing thus Dainoquin Tennomavon Nobunanga which is Nobunanga the Great Commander of Devils and Prime Leader of Wandering Spirits Besides Xinguen appear'd also the Prince Aquechi bred a Soldier who after slew Nobunanga before Meaco in the Imperial-Blood-Grove Nobunanga slain so call'd as we said before from his Death Amongst his Captains was a Prime Leader of a Noble Aspect call'd Faxiba whose Extract Life and Right to the Imperial Crown we will here relate Faxiba from whence he got that Name ¶ THis Name Faxiba the Emperor Nobunaga had given him when he led a puissant Army of the Emperors against the King Amanguci for when he was ready upon his March he entreated him to give him a new Name which Nobunanga granting whereas formerly he had been call'd Toquixiro he denominated him Faxiba which is to say Fly above the Wood by which the Emperor express'd his hopeful Success for the King of Amanguci against whom Faxiba was to fight bore the Name of Maridono which two first Syllables signified A Wood and the last Lord By which also Nobunanga would have them to understand That his new foremention'd General should by Conquest of his Enemy fly like a Bird over the Wood. Serves a Rustick to cut his Wood. This Faxiba formerly call'd Toquixiro was of a very mean Extract being Servant to a Rustick his business to cut Wood from a neighboring Hill and carry it home This was hard Labor the Mountain being very steep and craggy and his Master consum'd daily much Fewel who on a time had laid on more than he was us'd to do which Toquixiro observing took some of the Wood from the Fire putting the remaining Sticks up in such order that a few of them cast an exceeding great heat His Master taking much notice of this his handsome contrivance to make a greater and better Fire with much less Fewel judg'd hi◠Servant was fitter for other Employment than to be his Slave Whereupon he not onely commended him and freed him from his bad Service How he gets out of his Service into the Emperors but giving him Money bid him seek his Fortunes in the Wars or elsewhere not doubting but the Gods had better things laid up in store for him Soon after this Toquixiro began to have a more elevated opinion of himself and his swelling Thoughts aiming at something higher he travel'd big with hopes to Meaco where at first he got into the Service of a great Merchant and soon after he was preferr'd to a Noble-man a Prime Favorite of the Emperor Nobunanga's who one day happening to go with the Emperor a Hawking and Toquixiro being amongst the Faulconers and others of the Court-Retinue it chanc'd that one of the best Hawks flying at his Game hung tangled about the Bough of a high Tree by the Vervils and when none of them were able to climb the Tree Toquixiro's Master bid him see what he could do which he perform'd so well and with such comely agility and taking dexterity that the like having not been seen before the
their Enemies and supposed Friends The Chinesy General Maovenlung had an Army that quarter'd here against the Tartars his Souldiers being spread over all parts of the Countrey and lying idle committed many outrages on the Coreans which at last grew so unsufferable that they call'd in the Tartars for their Aid who imbracing this proffer with great eagerness contriv'd a subtil Plot which redown'd to their great advantage for the Tartars Army came marching with a Van-guard of Coreans in the Front on purpose to surpress Maovenlung by mistaking them to be all Coreans which as contriv'd happen'd for by this means the Tartar fell suddenly into the Chinesi's Quarters and e're he could rally his Forces lying about he suffer'd great losses but after a while gathering and being drawn up in a Body he gave them so sharp an Entertainment which put them to a stand the event thereof doubtful on what side the Victory would fall yet at last the Tartars press'd so upon them that Moavenlung lost ground and retreated so by degrees that getting near the Sea he sav'd most of his Men aboard of several Ships that lay there This Victory cost the Conqueror dear and being the more displeas'd because Moavenlung had thus got off from him which to revenge fell treacherously upon the Coreans The four Northern Territories bordering next to Tartary he had already miserably ruin'd when the King of Corea rais'd an Army to oppose the Tartars who then design'd to Besiege the Metropolis Pingjang chusing a convenient place for Ambuscade to surprise them in their March and as design'd suddenly sallied out upon them suspecting there no Opposition both Sides fighting very fiercely Yet the Coreans for all their Advantage had been utterly defeated A cruel battel betwixt three enemies but that Moavenlung accidentally fell into their assistance being newly Landed galling the Tartars in the Rear who seeing themselves block'd up as in a Sack steep Mountains on each side before them the Coreans and behind the Chineses would not stand still in this exigency or danger for they saw no way to get out but what the Sword must make whereupon they gathering fresh courage a cruel fight began the like scarce ever heard of by Antiquity The Tartars at last made their way through the Chineses and fled Northerly towards the Kingdom of Niuche leaving behind him as they say on the spot fifty thousand men neither had the Chineses nor the Coreans this Victory for nothing for the first bought it with ninety thousand men and the other with seventy thousand insomuch partly that neither could boast their victory or pursue the flying Tartar Taicosama sends a mighty Army of Japanners to war against Corea ¶ TO this Peninsula Anno 1595. Taicosama sent his new-rais'd Army being minded to free himself from the powerful Kings in his Countrey which he fear'd might joyn their Forces together and remove him being of mean Extract from the Imperial Throne he pretended that Japan would be mightily inrich'd if Corea could be joyn'd to that Crown and such a weighty matter might easily be performed being able to raise an Army that should conquer five such places as Corea Whereupon the Kings which he fear'd most were sent for to come to the Emperor who giving them several Commands Imbark'd them with sixty thousand men for Corea where Landing they found more work than they expected so that the War continu'd a long time The war lasts seven years during which Taicosama sent them friendly Letters and fresh Supplies yet it pleas'd them not to be absent so long from their own Countrey Wives and Children and to be amongst their Enemies without seeing any hopes of being releas'd for none durst return home without the Emperors Licence Description of the Philipines ¶ DUring the War in Corea Taicosama's mind was also busi'd with other matters of Consequence he sent in the beginning of his Reign a Letter to the Governor of the Philipines who was the King of Spain's Viceroy and kept his Court within the City Manilla The Castilians discover'd these Islands Anno 1564. and made themselves Masters thereof with little trouble because the Inhabitants belonging formerly to China deserted that Government and since liv'd wildly without any Laws but though the Chineses lost their Government there yet for the fruitfulness of the Islands they still Traded thither sending yearly twenty Jonks or more Bartering Cotton Silk Purceline Brimstone Iron Copper Mille Quicksilver Gunpowder and Linnen for Buffles Deer-Skins and Civet Cats A Letter of Taicosama to the Governor of the Philipines ¶ BUt concerning Taicosama's Letter the Contents of it were thus Japan which hath so long been shaken by a Tempest of War is now calm and settled in quiet which ceased not before the gods fix'd him in the Imperial Throne being the labor of ten years Now I have leisure I will fall upon the Chineses and if you perform your duties acknowledging me with all humbleness to be that which I am your Chief Commander you shall not receive any damage by the Japan Arms which else I will send to you and endeavor to possess the Philipines to your utter destruction The Governor of the Philipines stood amaz'd at this strange Letter very well knowing the Power Pride and Ambition of Taicosama whose Friendship if he would preserve he had no other means but to answer him with all respects for which purpose he sent Lupo de Liano with Missives to signifie to the Emperor That the Philipines Governor had receiv'd a Letter from his Imperial Majesty but without being Sign'd by his Royal Hand therefore he had not the confidence that he could willingly have wish'd for especially because the Jesuites in Nangesaque who held some Correspondency with him had given him no manner of Intelligence thereof This Answer not onely displeas'd the Japan Emperor but he was much startled thereat because no Transactions nor ought else private or publick that was worthy of information could happen Hazart Church Hist 5.6.9 but as Father Hazart says in his Church History the Jesuites gave Intelligence of to their Concerns abroad which they well observ'd and left no stone unturn'd that might improve their intelligence This jealousie of the Emperor was fomented by an Apostate Castilian at Saxuma who being revolted from his Religion became a severe Persecutor of the Christian Faith insinuating to the Emperor that the Jesuites would never be obedient longer than needs must to his Commands and the whole Design was to introduce their Doctrine amongst the Japanners which was no other but to ferment Sedition to such a Rebellion that first might tread down all subordinate Authority and at last supplant the Emperor himself and so bring the whole Nation under the Subjection of that Catholick Tyrant the King of Spain A second Embassy from the Philipines to Taicosama Upon which Taicosama sent another Mandatory Letter to the Governor of the Philipines which the Ship being lost by the way he
never saw but soon after hearing thereof sent a second Embassy over The Chief in Commission was Peter Gonsalves his assistance four Franciscan Monks Bartholomew Ruiz Francisco de Sancto Michael Peter Baptista and Gonzales Garcia Anno 1593. they had their Audience before Taicosoma presenting him with Gifts of great value which pleas'd the Emperor so well that his former jealousies being quite blown over The Franciscans built a Church in Japan he granted the Friers leave to build a Church and Cloyster near Meaco provided that they should not meddle with his Subjects nor perswade them neither in private or publick concerning matters of Religion all which they promis'd and in a years time rais'd a Church Consecrating it to the Virgin Mary of Portiuncula but however notwithstanding all this they busied themselves clandestinely and often in publick to raise Proselites which Doctrine spread every where in short time amongst the Japanners who imbrac'd Christianity with such eagerness and came flocking to them in such multitudes that these four were not able to perform their Functions at the Ceremony belonging to their Conversion and Baptism for which cause they sent for assistance to the Manilla's from whence soon after came the Franciscans Augustin Rodrigo Marcello Ribadeneyra and Hieronimo de Jesu with Letters and Gifts from the Governor of the Philipines to Taicosama to whom the Presents were very acceptable but the Letters unpleasing seeing they answer'd him not to what he had written Franciscans build Cloysters in Japan Peter Baptista was the chief of the Friers which so spread their Religion that they built another Cloyster calling it Bethlehem in Osacca Moreover they obtain'd liberty of the Governor of Meaco to build a third Cloyster at Nangesaque under pretence of two sick Brothers Peter Baptista and Hieronimo de Jesu which could not agree with the Air about Osacca so that for their health-sake they were necessitated to remove These two went and resided in a Chappel Dedicated to Lazarus standing near Meaco between two Alms-houses which were govern'd by the two Brothers of Mercy Thither a great number of people flock'd daily from the City to see them perform Mass and hear their Disputations A Japan Nobleman erects an Order of the Virgin Mary ¶ AMongst whom came a Noble Person call'd Didacus Gonnoi who soon after imbracing the Roman Religion was a great Promoter of it in the Territory near the City Macava insomuch that he Indow'd a Brotherhood with Means and built a Colledge Dedicating the Society to the Holy Virgin who also invited the Heathens to the hearing of the Gospel Why Taicosania permitted the Friers to be in Japan Taicosama seem'd to wink at this nestling of the Monks sent from the Philipines to Japan because those Islands brought him in yearly a great Revenue and amongst other Rarities which came from thence were certain Pots or Cruises call'd Boioni which might be had there at a mean Price but by the Japanners valu'd above Gold because no Vessels whatsoever preserves their Liquor mixt with the Powder Chia better than these Cruises This Drink the Noblest men in the Countrey make with their own hands in a peculiar place of their Houses built for that purpose Trades in Cruises Taicosama sent two Persons to the Philipines to buy up all these Pots being certain to make vast profit thereof But these his Factors found in the City Manilla several Japan Christians which bought up all those Vessels with intention to dispose of them again in Japan Taicosama being inform'd thereof took all those Traders and seiz'd upon all their Cruises which he could light on and forbad them upon pain of death not to bring any more thereof into his Dominions so they escaping narrowly with their lives were again released Promotes his Brothers Sons to high dignities ¶ BUt before Taicosama began the Wars with the Coreans he Promoted his Brothers Sons having no Children of his own to high Dignities and Honor the eldest whom he alotted to be his Successor he Crown'd King over five Kingdoms the second over three lying near Meaco and to the youngest he gave two preserving fifteen for himself with the Supreme Command over all The remaining Provinces and Territories were divided amongst his Courtiers Generals and nearest Friends with Proviso's to pay an Annual Tribute to the Emperor But those Princes which were not removed were oppress'd by Taxes that they were scarce able to rebel living continually in fear on one time or other to loose life and all His intention about the common War And indeed it was so design'd for he had no other intention to make Wars with the Coreans but that those Kings which he sent thither might be ruin'd there or at least so much Work to do that they should not disturb him in his Dominions or if they should in any time Conquer Corea then he would give them the Conquer'd Territories in exchange for those in Japan that so he might be absolute Governor over his own Empire at home Pretends to give over his authority And that none might suspect this his Design he pretended that he would no longer Administer but give over his Imperial Authority to his eldest Nephew of twenty five years of age Whereupon he nominated him the Quabacondono which name is onely given to those that are Heir-apparent But this was but dissembled for though he Nominated him yet he no ways intended nor did part with his Authority But the Kings and Princes which he imploy'd for Corea never scented in the least that he had laid this Plot for their destruction and the enjoying of their Estates pretending nothing but the care of theirs and the publick good so that they went chearfully abroad with an Army of sixty thousand men Japan Forces goes to Corea and soon after follow'd a hundred and forty thousand more which Forces Landing in Corea in a short time carrying all before them made themselves Masters of the Metropolis Pingjang and most part of the Island yet oft they met with repulses and great obstructions for the Chinese Auxiliaries Chineses assist the Coreans which still came fresh and fresh maintaining a doubtful War six years and drove them at last towards their Landing-place Beat the Japanners from Corea where they were sorely gall'd by twelve well man'd Fortresses that oft Sally'd out upon them so that they were forc'd to make a dishonorable Peace the relinquishing of all their Conquest in Corea Thus ended the War which exhausted Taicosama's Treasure and spent him a hundred thousand men amongst which his second Nephew whose youngest brother dy'd before Quabacondono commits great outrages in Japan The eldest made Quabacondono was yet living he being witty and quick of apprehension yet was most inhumanely cruel for his greatest delight was Butchering of Men in a humane Shambles which he had thus contriv'd himself in a place near his Palace in the middle of an open Court inclos'd with
nothing there and also the Citizens at that time being up in Arms against a crue of Rebels had neither Time nor Ears to hearken after a New Religion They give Presents to the King of Amangucium Thus seeing that nothing could be done here they return'd back with mean success to Amangucium and there presented the King with a curious Watch and many other Rarities which the Portuguese Vice-Roy of the East-Indies and the Bishop of Goa had sent them to give to the Cubus in Meaco But having no Audience there they bestow'd the Presents on the King of Amangucium who was desirous of nothing more than Foreign Rarities yet he proffer'd them in return of their Gifts a great Bag of Silver and Gold but the Jesuits modestly refusing it desir'd onely that he would be pleas'd to permit them to Preach the Doctrine of Jesus Christ which he granted Why he put himself in rich Apparel Mean while Xaverius observing that the Japanners valu'd a Man according to the Richness or Meanness of his Habit having hitherto gone in poor Apparel found that he was little or not at all regarded therefore resolv'd to put on a rich and stately Coat that so he might be better regarded and because the Japanners out of Curiosity would look upon him the more And indeed it prov'd so for teaching therewith in the Streets he had a far greater Congregation than formerly Then the People began private Disputations amongst themselves concerning that Religion and chiefly the Bonzi were at variance amongst themselves concerning the Articles of the Christian Faith A strange accident by which a Japanner became a Christian ¶ THe first Converting of these Heathens in Amangucium was occasion'd by a strange Accident which Tursellinus relates in this manner Johannes Ferdinandez standing in the Street surrounded with a great number of People read the Book of Angar's Translation which a Japanner passing by heard whereupon he made his way through the People and spat Fernandez full in the Face which be suffering with patience wip'd off and proceeded without the least sign of anger in reading of his Doctrine One Auditor amongst the Crowd seeing his admir'd Patience was amaz'd thereat and as if inspir'd judg'd in himself that without doubt it must be the True Religion which was taught by so mild a Person and afterwards being better Instructed by Xaverius was the first which receiv'd Baptism in Amangucium Several others follow'd his example amongst which Bernard Eenoog afterwards by Xaverius made a Jesuit King of Bungo shews great kindness to the Christians ¶ WHilst the Christian Religion went on thus prosperously in Amangucium Xaverius was sent for by Jacotondono King of Bungo in whose Harbor a Portuguese Vessel was come to Anchor He covetous of Lucre proffer'd the Portuguese all Civility and Kindness sending an Embassy to Goa and promoted the Christian Faith at Amangucium His Brother though with great resistance of the Council there being accepted of as their King interceded also for the Christian Religion Notwithstanding all these Favors yet Xaverius found great opposition by the Bonzi insomuch that he Baptiz'd not one in the Province Bungo onely Instructing some in the Christian Doctrine The King seem'd also to have a great inclination to the Christian Belief but fear'd if he should become a Convert from the Japan Heathenism that his Subjects would rebel against him Yet though he remain'd a Heathen he provided for those Jesuits that came after Xaverius a convenient Colledge and gave free leave to Balthazar Gago and Johannes Fernandez to Preach the Gospel Insurrection in the Kingdom of Bungo against the Christians These Actions of the King of Bungo were ill resented by his Subjects who took up Arms against him But soon after Jacotondono took the chief of the Rebels which were commanded speedily with their Relations Wives and Children to be executed Yet after that a Company of fresh Rebels rising again the King brought an Army of sixty thousand Men into the Field and after various Successes became Conqueror and absolute Master getting also by that means Facata Fiuago Amangucium and the Island Taso Anno 1554. he sent from Bungo to Goa a Portuguese call'd Antonius Ferreira sending his Arms to the Vice-Roy with which he had subdu'd Fiuago as also a Letter entreating his Friendship and that he would be pleas'd to let Xaverius come over again Miracles wrought by Xaverius But Xaverius had two years before been kill'd in China not far from Canton after having several times laid Tempests asswag'd Earthquakes rais'd twenty five dead Persons to life again if we will believe those Relations which have been divulg'd thereof Embassy from Goa to the King of Bungo The Vice-Roy of Goa rested not upon this Business but dispatch'd with all possible speed the Jesuits Melchior Nugnez and Ferdinand Mendez Pinto to Jacatondono With a Train of forty Portuguese richly clad they made their appearance before the King who told them at large how many Inconveniences and Troubles he had undergone in his Kingdom since he permitted the Christians to set footing in his Dominions insomuch that not long since he was necessitated to slay thirteen Princes with sixteen thousand of their Confederates in one day besides a great number which he had banish'd and withal he saw it apparent that there would be no end of Blood-shed if he did in the least uphold them in their Proceedings in Japan which before he did he would first see better Times In vain did Nugnez use the Perswasions of the uncertainty of a Mans Life and the certainty of Eternal Damnation for Unbelievers Thus Jacatondono cutting off all hopes of being Converted Depart fruitless Nugnez departed returning fruitless to Goa And after that the King declin'd it daily more and more building in the City Usuquin a stately Cloyster for the Bonzi bestowing great Revenues upon the same and sent for the most Learn'd of the Pagan Priests which had been Tutors to Princes and betook himself to be of their Order King of Bungo becomes 2 Bonzi and daily Study and Endeavors obtain'd so much of their Learning that he surpass'd the best of them Yet notwithstanding all this he molested not the Christians but his Wife on the contrary persecuted them with Fire and Sword Divorces his Wife This her Cruelty so displeas'd the King that he divorc'd her from him and took for his Consort a Princess of a mild and affable disposition whose Daughter was Married to a Christian Prince call Sebastian The King thus Wedded was oftentimes admonish'd of the Christian Religion which his Consort and Daughter embrac'd to which he began now to hearken and receiv'd Baptism of Capriales Is Christned Franciscus and in Commemoration of Xaverius who preach'd the Gospel seventy years before in Usuquin took the name of Franciscus But he chang'd not only his Name but also his manner of Life for though he was not fifty years old Resigns up
their Feasts ¶ THe Province of Amangucium was beyond all other Dominions full of Christians because the King embrac'd that Faith and promoted the same the People upon Festival days flock'd to the Temples in great numbers where the Jesuits represented the Sufferings of our Savior hanging a large Vane on the top of the Church with a Crucifi'd Man in the middle which done all the lights were quite put out and every one having stor'd themselves with Whips and Scourges disrobed the upper part of their bodies and Disciplin'd themselves so long till the fiftieth Psalm was read out On Palm-Sunday Also Palm-Sunday they distributed Consecrated Branches and went in Procession having a great Cross carry'd before them locking the Church-doors round about without stood a Jesuit holding a Cross in his hands saying aloud Open O ye Eternal Gates whereupon those within answer'd Who is the King of Honor At last walking two by two into the Temple towards the Altar a Jesuit Celebrated Mass At other times they walk'd about the Churches with Torches Casp Vilela Epist Eirando 1557. when hiding a Man in a Grave they plac'd two Arm'd Portuguese and two Youths with Helmets on to Guard the same then the Man arose out of the Grave so representing the Resurrection of Christ In the middle of the Church stood the great Altar on both sides of it were built several Chappels all hung with stately Pictures and rich Tapistry shewing the Crucifying on Golgotha the Resurrection Several representations in Japan to establish the Roman Religion and Ascention from Mount Olivet round about the Walls were plac'd a great number of Wax-Candles before the Altar in the corner of the Chappel hung a black Cloth behind which stood a Jesuit in the Habit of a Priest Nine times they sung Kyrieeleyson which done the Cloth was suddenly drawn aside and there appear'd on the Altar the Cross and other Images with many Ornaments then also the Jesuit came in open view whereupon the Bells Were rung then their Singers with Garlands about their Heads and lighted Torches in their Hands follow'd the Host who was carry'd through the Church under a rich Canopy The Province and City Amangucium suffer many inconveniencies This manner of Worship the Japanners were mightily taken withal and chiefly in the Province Amangucium where the Catholick Religion was no way less exercis'd than in the middle of Spain or Italy notwithstanding the City Amangucium had suffer'd much for it being in the space of five years twice pull'd down to the ground and was scarce Re-built when Anno 1557. the Drossaert Moridono laid the whole City the third time in Ashes the King with all the Christian Nobility and Souldiers flying to a Castle five Leagues from Amangucium was slain there with all his Retinue ¶ IN other places the Jesuits enjoy'd themselves in Peace and quietness and receiv'd yearly Revenues of the Lords of the Countreys for the promoting and teaching their Doctrine In the Royal City Facuta The Jesuits build several Churches in Japan they had built a stately Church and in Firando one to the honor of the Virgin Mary to which they got three more of the Bonzi which fled from thence In Meaco they bought a large House which they turn'd afterwards into a Church in Cangoxima they nestled first of all The King of Vocoajura proffer'd them a piece of ground twenty Miles in circumference where no heathen Japanners but onely Christians were permitted to live Within the City Saccay Villela built also a stately Church and another not altogether so costly was erected in the City Ximabra But those built by the Jesuits at Nangesaque exceeded all the other in splendor and magnificence The Japan King of Omura becomes first a Christian ¶ AMongst the first of the Japan Kings that receiv'd Baptism was Xumitanda King of Omura whilest the poor and needy also imbrac'd the same Faith because that according to the Testimony of John Peter Maffeus the Roman Priests taught them that every one according to their Abilities must assist the poor with Alms this King at his Baptism took to him the Name of Bartholomew It seems that the Jesuits brought this manner of changing of Names out of Europe to Japan according to a Custom us'd amongst the Popes who leave off their Christian-Name when they take upon them the Supreme Government of the Church Changes his name The first original of this exchanging of Names Onuphrius and Cardinal Baronius ascribe to Pope John the twelfth but most to Sergius the second who would be call'd so when he was chosen Pope Anno 844. upon the dislike of his own Name which before was Bocca de Porco as Platina Stella Bocca de Porco or Swines-snout Suffrid Epist 1. Suffridus and Aeneas Sylvius testifie Civil Wars against Xumitanda King of Omura But Xumitanda soon found great opposition for his relinquishing his old Heathenism for the Bonzies the prime Actors in this Plot stirr'd up Gotondono base Son of the Deceas'd King against Xumitanda pretending for a reason that he broke in pieces his Predecessors Image which before his Conversion he was wont to Perfume with Incense By this seeming zealous Pretext Gotondono soon got great Aid for every one was much inrag'd that the Old Religion should be banish'd from Omura and a New one brought in by the Portuguese Whereupon the Rebels joyning in a Body together set Omura on fire and storm'd the Palace but the King throwing a Tyger skin athwart his shoulders over a white Silk Suit on which was Embroider'd the Name Jesus with a Cross of Massy Gold on his Breast and a Garland of Roses about his Neck made his escape both through the Enemy and Fire to a Castle near the Sea-shore But Gotondono pursu'd him closely and getting several Ships from Goto and Firando Besieg'd him both by Sea and Land How he escap'd great danger Xumitanda could not possibly have escap'd had not his Father Xengandono by a subtile Policy made the Besieg'd fall at variance and fight among themselves for when he proffer'd the King of Arima's Daughter in Marriage to the chief of the Rebels he immediately sided with Xumitanda by which Conjunction being enabled he Sally'd out and slew the greater part of the Enemy and from thence forward for a considerable time he rul'd in Peace and quietness till Isafay his Brother-in-Law made private Combination with the Lord of Firando who sent a Fleet to Sea whilst Isafay laid the City Omura in Ashes Xumitanda at that time resided with a small Train Obtains many victories in a Castle scituate near the Sea Thither Isafay march'd with all speed and had undoubtedly slain the King had not some unexpected Forces happily come to his assistance with which he March'd to meet the Enemy and after a sharp Conflict utterly routed them The Ships belonging to Firando being separated by stress of Weather were lost The last that rose against Xumitanda was
them also many Mysteries of the depths and shallowness of Waters and the ebbing and flowing of the Ocean But especially they discoursed at large of Earthquakes because they frequently infest Japan sometimes shaking it like a Skiff toss'd by the Waves at other times lifting it up and down and swallowing whole Villages Towns Cities nay great Tracts of Land leaving in their steads unfathomable Pits all which wrought strange effects in the Japanners But they were much more concern'd even to admiration when the Jesuits told them before-hand the Moneth Week Day Hour and Minute when the Sun or Moon would be Ecclypsed the first by the Moons passing before the Sun the second by the interposition of the Terrestrial Globe betwixt the Sun and Moon Japanners are desirous of Learning These Discourses concerning Lightning Thunder Clouds Rain Hail Fountains Floods and other natural Motions and Meteors delighted the Japanners the more because they are much addicted to learn knowledge of Mysteries Johannes Fernandes relates That they came daily to his House spending the time in asking all manner of Questions concerning God and his Divine Works The fourth Reason may be known by the Bonzies The fourth Reason of the happy and prosperous success of the Catholick Religion in Japan may be drawn from the Bonzies who not onely taught wicked and abominable Doctrine but lead also very debauch'd and vicious Lives What Lodowick Frojus writes in a Letter from Firando to the Indian Jesuits concerning their abominable Religion Their wicked Religion may serve for a pattern He tells us of a Gentlewoman that was ninety years old who had paid her Devotions in several of the Japan Temples and bestow'd great Revenues upon some of them this Bounty of hers was requited by the Bonzies with a Paper Coat which they esteem'd very highly for the Life of Amida was at large written therein and it was accounted an extraordinary and peculiar favor to purchase such a Coat with a great sum of Money for the Woman dying in the same was immediately transported to the happy Place of Amida's Residence without suffering any pain to cleanse her from her former offences But Johannes Fernandes being fetch'd to a sick Person of kindred to the foremention'd Gentlewoman discoursed with her laying open the vainness of the Paper Coat against which he us'd so many arguments that she tore and burnt it The other wickednesses of their Religion appears by murdering themselves to the honor of Amida Their Cruelties Xaca and Canon The Bonzies live very debauch'd And no less abominable were the Lives of the Bonzies whose Debaucheries Drunkenness Whoring Murdering and other outrages were known to most People nay they accounted it no sin to Rob upon the High-ways and go a Pyrating upon the Sea oftentimes venturing to set upon whole Towns and Villages burning the Houses to the ground and putting the Inhabitants all to the Sword not so much as sparing the poor Infants for which their Cruelties the Emperor Nobunanga burnt their Cloysters and as many as he could get of the Bonzies caus'd them to be nail'd on Crosses to die a lingring Death This made the way clear for the Jesuits who told them they were come above six thousand Leagues over the Sea to Japan to no other end but to teach them the right Road to Salvation The fifth Reason is the alliance of the Japan Religion with the Catholick At last the little difference which was between the Japan Religion and the Catholick made an easie way for the Jesuits to settle it And certainly there was a great resemblance of the Japan Religion to the other according to which the Dayro in Meaco governs himself not much unlike the Pope at Rome Moreover the Japanners have an infinite number of Cloysters full of Priestesses and Nuns who punish themselves for their sins and account Marriage unlawful in some of their religious Orders They are perswaded that the more largely they shew their Charity to the Cloysters the sooner they shall go to Amida's happy dwelling so that their Bounty in those particulars makes them equal in their future happiness for the Heirs of the Deceased with Gifts and Presents beseech the Bonzies to deliver them by their means from their Pain They all Read their Prayers by Beads Concerning matters of Religion none may Judge but the Dayro and a Cloyster They account it great Piety in any to visit the Tombs or Shrines of the Japan Saints These were the chiefest Reasons why the Catholick Faith went on so successfully in Japan which nevertheless for divers causes before-mention'd met with such oppositions that at this day there is scarce one Christian to be found in the Countrey Nobunanga Taicosama and Daifusama as we have already mention'd begun to persecute them but being continually busi'd with Civil Wars amongst themselves they found their hands so full that their Cruelties gave some little intermissions The first Persecution of the Christians But when Conbosama took possession of the Imperial Throne he feard none since Fideri was burnt with the chiefest of the Nobility by his Father Daifusama Thus suspecting no manner of Insurrection Anno 1617 he began anew to raise Persecutions endeavoring totally to subvert Christianity and utterly root out all its Professors with the greatest torturing that could be thought on therefore when to be nail'd on Crosses and run through the Sides with two Lances seem'd too easie a Death and to be beheaded was far easier Therefore he resolv'd to make them feel a more painful and lingring Exit and that he perform'd by roasting them to death in this manner Christians are Roasted First a great Post was driven into the Earth placing several Pyles of Wood about it and onely leaving a Gap or Passage open towards that Corner from whence the Wind blew through which those that were to suffer pass'd to the Stake to which they were bound by the Hands with a Rope of twelve Foot long and about the same distance the Wood lay about the Post excepting onely where the Gap was left to the end the Wind might blow away the Smoak that the Martyrs might not suddenly be choaked up and so die sooner and easier than those bloody Persecutors desir'd so that they were roasted by degrees and died if it were possible a thousand Deaths in one undergoing the miserablest torture that could be imagin'd Burning of Men very antient This kind of burning of Mankind had a long time before been us'd in the World but never in so cruel a method as in Japan The Holy Scripture tells us of Juda that he condemn'd his Daughter in Law to be burnt because she had committed Adultery Gen. 38.24 of which Moses saith thus Bring Thamar forth and let her be burnt The Rabbin Jews affirm that Thamar was the Priest Melchisedech's Daughter and therefore for her Uncleanness was to be burnt by order of the holy Law Levit. 31.6 which saith If a Priest's Daughter play
Ships who commonly put their Priests ashore in such private Places Why did you not whilst you Cruised on the Coast send some of your Officers ashore that might tell our Magistrates you were Hollanders your neglecting of this Duty made the Inhabitants of Namboe suspect you The Emperor also resented it very hainously that you should offer to fire several Guns on his Coast which is certainly reported to the Council though you deny it for which Crime you are liable to be punish'd The Hollanders Answer These Questions Schaep answer'd thus The Japan Fishers receiv'd full satisfaction for their Fish and moreover they entertain'd them with all civility giving them Arak and what else they desir'd by which they might well judge we were Friends and no Enemies besides we inform'd them as well as we could possible that we were Hollanders but whether they understood it or not because not being able to speak the Japan Tongue we know not Furthermore we have not the least knowledge concerning the Emperors Watches nor of that Order of coming ashore to make themselves known and as for often Shooting they were altogether ignorant of because they fir'd but once and that was for the Reason aforesaid and as for what happen'd and was done in the Haven of Namboe was upon the entreaty of some Japan Lords so that if any other great Guns have been heard to fire they must needs have been from the Ship Castrecom or some other Vessels Tosaimon's Examination Whereupon Tosaimon again reply'd Since you are Hollanders to whom the Emperor grants a free Trade why did you not freely ask for Masts Yards Rice Provision and other Necessaries of which you might have had enough in the Haven of Namboe Why did none of you go before the Magistrates then Did the Governor of Batavia command you to put in for Japan or did you come thither of your own accords What Officers have the chief Command of the Ketch Breskens and Castrecon Who will certifie the Emperor that your Voyage was for Tartary and not rather to Land Portuguese Priests because at present there is Peace concluded between the Portuguese and the United Netherlands Schaep's Answer Captain Schaep answer'd When on the first time they entred the Haven of Namboe hundreds of Japanners came flocking Aboard of them to see the Ship who being kindly entertain'd by us granted that we should furnish our selves with fresh Water which then was all we defir'd and also told them that we were Hollanders after which being toss'd by Tempest we were a second time forc'd to stand for Namboe but entred not the Harbor before we had leave from the Governor who also granted us to buy all manner of Necessaries for the Ships for which purpose coming ashore we were carry'd Prisoners to Jedo without the help of Witnesses to certifie that we were Hollanders and accordingly the Emperor's Friends Furthermore they had no absolute Command from the Governor in Batavia nor the Indian Council whether to put in for Japan nor to keep off from it but to make a Letter of Agreement before we came from Ternata to the end that if their Ships should be separated by Storm or otherwise they might the easier find one another again by both their Ships Councel before Ternata the Japan Coast was judg'd to be fittest for that purpose because it lay in their Way The Command over both the Ships belong'd to the Merchant Captain and Pilot. Lastly although the War between the United Netherlands and the Portuguese be laid aside for some years concerning which a Writing was made by the Prince of Orange and the States under which the East-India Company are comprehend yet notwithstanding that the Portuguese Priests were sworn Enemies to them because of an irreconcileable difference in their Religion wherefore they would willingly suffer the cruel'st Death that could be imagin'd if they could any ways be accused to have put any Priests on the Japan Coast Manikebe's Examination Manikebe ask'd moreover Whereabouts Tartary lay How they could find it without a Map How they came to know that such Cities for Trade were seated there How can your People said he be without Maps whereas you have those of the whole World where Tartary is also Without doubt the Pilot of the Ship Castrecom hath a Map of Tartary and would you not be amazed to see such a one sent from Nangesaque Schaep's Reply On these Questions Captain Schaep again made this answe We could not get a Map of Tartary any where but had Orders from the Indian Council that when we had Weather'd the utmost North-Point of Japan to steer North-west and if we could meet with no Land to keep on till forty five Degrees then stand to the Norch-east to six and fifty Degrees Northern Latitude where the River Polisange disembogues into the South-Sea On the Banks of this River are erected several famous Cities for Trade accordingly describ'd in credible Books but because no European Ships have ever Sail'd thither we could not find a Map of that Coast and therefore would not regard any Chard that should be made by Art which was not real and from thence it proceeded that the Hollanders though they have Maps of the World yet they place no Sea-Coasts therein but what are discover'd by Navigation They could also with real truth affirm that the Ship Castrecom was unprovided of such a Map and if a Map of Tartary might be seen from Nangesaque it must without doubt be one of the Inland-Countreys and not of the Sea-Coast because to our knowledge never any European Ship Sail'd thither to discover them Enquiry after the Religion in Holland Manykebe ask'd moreover Are the Hollanders not Christians and believe in the same God that the Portuguese do What Fast-days do they keep Keep they not holy the day on which the Cross was found Are there no Popish-Priests in Holland What difference is there between the two Religions of the Hollanders and Portuguese The Answer thereupon These Questions were thus Answer'd The Hollanders are Christians and acknowledge the Trinity by which the World and all things therein were Created about six thousand years ago and is yet preserv'd and govern'd They keep no Feasts but one day in seven call'd The Lords-Day on which they rest from all manner of Labors and go in great companies to their Churches In private there liv'd some Roman Priests that had small Congregations for which they were often times punish'd by their Judges by reason of the great difference between the Roman Religion and that Opinion which the Hollanders embrac'd who abhor the Pope and all his Doctrine and are onely bound neither to add nor diminish to one Book or Word Written by God himself through his Apostles As for any farther difference they were not able to give them any account because from their youth they had been brought up at Sea and it was the least of their business to enquire after the
is gone to Sea out of the Haven of Namboe without Officers Do the Hollanders keep such small Command over those that are under them Their Answer Byleveld answer'd That the Pilot in the Captain and Merchants absence according to their Custom bore the chief Command in the Ship which the other Seamen ought to obey But the Pilot must give an account concerning his Command therefore they knew not how he could answer it before the Indian Council at Batavia for he notwithstanding their earnest entreaties by Writing desiring him not to weigh Anchor from Namboe yet on the contrary set Sail without staying for his Captain and the Merchant The Reasons that mov'd him thereto may be better guess'd than poke for truth Perhaps he was fearful of further danger seeing us thus violently carry'd away by which he might judge that the Hollanders were not priviledg'd to come on the North of Japan though the Emperor gave them leave to Trade to Nangesaque Moreover none in the Ship to our knowledge was ever in Japan to know it wherefore the Pilot might think that we could sooner get from Jedo to our Countreymen at Nangesaque than to the Ship in the Haven of Namboe Father Examination and Answer concerning the State of Portugal Samoccysamma reply'd This present Emperor did not onely grant free leave of Trade to the Hollanders but also his Father and Grandfather were no less Courteous to them But how comes it that after a long War with Portugal sworn Enemies to the Japan Empire you have made Peace with them which dealing the Japan Emperor cannot but suspect and dislike Japan Councellors make enquiry after the difference of Religion between the Portuguese and Hollanders But Sammoccysamma went on in his Examination The Portuguese Priests said he teach That they can help themselves and others by Prayers and Offerings to I know not what not onely in this Life but also in the other Do you Hollanders also believe that you can reap any benefit by that means Most mighty Lord replied Schaep how should we be so foolish to expect good from those that prosecute our Souls and Bodies for indeed very great is the difference between the Portuguese and Dutch Clergy which in the time of the Popish Priests were murder'd by thousands and at present since they cannot destroy us by violence they condemn us to everlasting damnation accounting us Vagabonds that must for ever burn in unquenchable Fire so that if they could save us they would not But how can they Why do they not help themselves Ought they not to use that Art and rid themselves from so many tortures We believe that the Emperor of Japan can give us free leave that we may go for Nangesaque Which Discourse of Schaep caused all the Japan Lords to laugh But during this Examination a Secretary sat next to Sicungodonne who took an exact account of and set down all the Questions and Answers that pass'd between the Councel and the Netherlanders Description of a Japan Inkhorn They write in this manner The Inkhorn is like a long Box out of the Top of which appears the Mouth of a long Flask cover'd with a Wax Lid to keep it from breaking the Box is divided into three Partitions one is the Place in which the Writing-Pencils lie inclos'd of which the top is made fast with Pins at the bottom of the Box in which the Flask stands is a place wherein they preserve their Cakes of Ink which are sometimes red but generally black and cost much Money because they use them but little These Cakes must be mark'd with the Emperor's Arms and try'd by his Officers and if they are found to be good they set certain Letters upon them without which mark upon pain of death they may not be put to Sale or us'd Japanners are great Artists in Writing Hereby it plainly appears that the Japanners have great skill in the noble Art of Writing which like a Master domineers over Death because it not onely shews on Paper the Transactions of Man and communicates to us the Knowledge of others in the Mysteries of God and Nature but also preserves things against the wearing of Time to all Posterity therefore the antient Greek Philosopher Anaxagoras judg'd that Man was the wisest and strongest of all Creatures because he had Hands which would write things that Death could not blemish for Learned Books last many Ages and by that means instructed their Successors Japan Pencils after what manner they are made But the Japan Pencils are made of Copper or Silver and at one end eight square and flat on the top on which every ones Arms are Engraven for to Seal their Letters withal under the Seal is a round hollow Joynt full of black or red Powder according to the colour of their Ink about the middle Images are Engraven which serve for Ornament and below appears the Pencil with which they Write in this manner The foremention'd Box hath a round Case on one side for the Pencil and on the other side a long square place wherein are four Indentings at the end thereof are eight Copper or Silver Pins in the four holes they pour their Water for to make their Ink with which they make either black or red according as they please and dipping the Pencil first into the Water they rub it on the Seal'd Cakes of Ink. How they Write They Write quite after another manner than the Europeans for the Japanners take not the Pencil with which they Write between their three Fingers but in their whole Hand so that the upper end thereof appears between the Thumb and Fore-finger and the middle part they grasp in the Palm of their Hand and after that manner they make exceeding good Letters and Write very fast with their Pencil their Paper not unlike the European is somewhat browner but smoother and the one side which is not written represents Silver Checker-work on a blue Ground Several ways of Writing Here also is to be observed their four several ways of placing their Letters The first and oldest hath always been us'd as also to this time by the Hebrews Chaldeans Syrians Arabians and Egyptians Writing from their right Hand towards their left whereas on the contrary the Latines Greeks Celâ—s and other Europeans Write from their left to their right The antient Greeks had another way of Writing as may be seen by the famous Laws of the wise Solon which was where the first Line ended the second began directly and upright and where the second ended there began the third and so accordingly the rest not unlike Roads in Countreys which take a beginning where others end and oftentimes are cut through one another Genial Dies l. 2. c. 36. Lastly the Chineses a great part of the Indians and all the Japanners begin on the right-side and so Write from the top downwards Alexander ab Alexandro relates That the antient Moors in like manner
must shew to the Emperor But whilst they were busie about this Injunction Orders came that the Ambassador should come in Auwanno and Joffiesamma A remarkable passage happen'd to Indiik with an unknown Courtier went before brought Indiik to the Presents which were laid in good order over against the Emperor Indiik kneeling down the three which brought him in fell down behind him Then Matsendeiro Biesecusamma the Councellor Insiens Brother said the usual Word Hollanda Capitein at which saying which is their Complement Indiik lifted his Head from the Ground but before he could raise himself to see the Emperor sitting on a high Cushion Joffiesamma hit him on the Back with his Hand as a sign that he had not yet leave to lift his Face from the Ground Indiik's Son entertain'd in the Japan Court But soon after Indiik was order'd to rise and go to the Guard-Chamber where several Courtiers wish'd him Joy for the Honor which he had receiv'd by appearing before the Emperor They were scarce turn'd about to be gone but a Gentleman came that taking the Ambassadors Son by the Hand led him with the Interpretor Fatsiseymon and the Merchant Nicholas de Roy to the place where Indiik had shewn honor to the Emperor where the Councel stood yet altogether and ask'd the Child's Age where Born and his Name on which they were answer'd that he was six year and a half old born in Siam and was call'd Garret The Youth seeing the rich Cushion ask'd the Interpreter If the Emperor did not sit there sometimes Which the Councel observing ask'd what he said which Fatsiseymon Interpreting they admir'd at it They also saw him very earnestly looking on the Gilded House and rich Sieling over the Emperors Throne first one and then the other taking the Child by the Hand led him through the Emperors Chambers and at last sent him again to his Father who then had leave to depart Indiik's other business in Jedo After that Indiik spent two days in dividing of Presents to the four Councellors of State and other Persons of Quality and was visited by many so that he found enough to do for a whole day to speak and Complement all those that came to see him and Entertain them with Tent and Brandy Amongst others came Ficojemon's Son with a Commander of two hundred Souldiers on whose Knee being hurt the Hollanders Chyrurgeon laid a great Plaister and pour'd some Oil into his Sons Ear to cure him of a pain which he had been long troubled with Sicungodonne's Secretary also fetch'd the two Globes which his deceas'd Lord had desir'd Appears a second time in the Emperor's Court before the Councel The tenth of April Indiik came again to Court to receive the Emperors Presents of Return and staying about an hour in the Guard-Chamber Auwanno and Joffiesamma conducted the Ambassador to a very stately Chamber in which the four Councellors of State fate against Gilded Partitions Sacaja Outusamma fat on the right hand of them all next Isen then Bonge and Monisamma The chiefest Councellor being Outasamma His discourse with them spake saying Holland Ambassador it is not unknown to you how acceptable it will be to the Emperor to hear of you if the Portuguese have any Design upon this Empire as on the contrary the Emperor is not pleas'd that the Trade of the Chynese Jonks should be molested by your People Indiik answer'd That the Councel need not to doubt of the Hollanders Fidelity who would do all things to preserve the Japanners Favor wherefore they every where employ'd Persons to observe the Affairs of the Portuguese that if they should have the least knowledge that they had a Design upon Japan to acquaint the Governor of Nangesaque with it Moreover the Governor of the East-India Trade had given strict Orders upon Pain of great Punishment That none should any way molest the Chinese Jonks Indiik commanded to withdraw was soon after fetch'd in again Outusamma ask'd him again If he would promise to tell the Governor of Nangesaque when at any time he should meet with any Portuguese between Batavia Formosa and Japan whether at Sea or on any Islands or main Land before the Chyneses brought advice thereof Indiik promis'd to perform it to the utmost of his Power Then being order'd a second time to withdraw and call'd in again he saw thirty Imperial Coats lying on curious Wax'd Boards before which he lay down on the ground When Joffiesamma said Your Presents 0 Holland Ambassador are very acceptable to the Emperor wherefore he Presents you with these Coats as a return for yours and gives you leave to go for Nangesaque How Indiik receiv'd the Japan Presents of return Which said Indiik being instructed by Auwanno crept towards the Coats and laying a Skirt of one of them on his Head so returning thanks for them went away The Coats pack'd into three Chests were sent to the Hollanders Inn Moreover Indiik return'd all the Japan Nobility thanks for their several favors in their own Palaces but not finding Auwanno at home he deliver'd his Message to the Secretary that in Indiik's Name he would be pleas'd to return his Lord hearty thanks for his speedy dispatch which his Secretary telling him so soon as he came home sent Indiik three Silk Coats and proffers to do him all the service he could After this several other Coats were brought by Noblemens Servants as returns for their Presents which they had receiv'd from the Hollanders all which the Merchant Nicholas de Roy modestly receiv'd whilst the Ambassador Indiik took his leave in several places his Son going twice to Outusamma's Pallace who took the Youth and set him in his Lap feeding him in the presence of divers Persons of great Quality Is entertain'd by a Japan Priest Indiik was now ready for his Journey having onely the chief Priest at Asaxen's Temple to take his leave of whose favor was very requisite to obtain he being brother to Otta Bietchonsamma chief Councellor of State This Person was exceedingly pleas'd when Indiik besides several other European Commodities Presented him with a curious Woodden Ship which he afterwards hung in the Church in memory of the Hollanders Moreover he entertain'd the Ambassadors after a very stately manner carry'd him thorow the Temple where he shew'd him the Mysteries of the Japan Religion and gave him in return some Silk Coats and four Boats of Silver Lastly Indiik sent to Auwanno the Hollanders Solicitor several curious Glasses and desir'd that he might take his leave Auwanno accepted of them but as for the taking of his leave he had not time for the present for he expected every hour several Persons of Quality to visit him so that he could scarce in one word wish him a prosperous Journey whereas at other times he would not let the Holland Ambassador ever have gone without Treating him at his Palace so parting and going home Indiik reckon'd with his Landlord paid