A BRIEF RELATION OF THE PERSECUTION LATELY MADE Against the Catholic Christians, in the Kingdom of JAPONIA, Divided into two Books.  
Taken out of the Annual Letters of the Fathers of the Society of JESUS, and other Authentical Informations. Written in Spanish, and printed first at Mexico in the West Indies, the year of Christ M.DC.XVI.  
AND Newly translated into English by W. W. Gent.  
THE FIRST PART.  
IHS   seal of Society of Jesus 
Permissu Superiorum, M.DC.XIX.   

The Contents.  

IN this first Part is set down what happened in japonia, before the banishment thence of the Fathers of the Society of JESUS, & other Religious Persons, that there preached the Christian Faith.  
IN the second, is declared what succeeded after their departure.    

TO ALL THAT SUFFER PERSECUTION IN ENGLAND FOR CATHOLIC RELIGION.  
THIS ensuing Relation being sent out of the West Indies where it was first printed to a friend of mine in Spain, & from thence by him to me, after I had read & perused the same, it seemed unto me, & others also whose judgements I fatre prefer before mine own, to be worthy the public view. Whereupon I resolved (though my necessary occasions would scarce afford me leisure) to steal so much time from them as was necessary for the translating it out of Spanish into our English tongue. More pains and labour it cost me then at the first I thought it would have done: and I found therein that true by experience which I had often heard of others, to wit, that it is not so easy to translate out of one language into another, as is commonly imagined.  
Having at length finished the same, I knew not to whom I might better direct it, then to You the poor afflicted Catholics of this our Country, for whose comfort and encouragement I did indeed principally from the beginning intent it. For although I do presume it willbe grateful to all Christians of what nation or nature soever they be, to understand of the propagation, increase, and augmentation of Christian Religion in those Countries where before there was never any notice thereof, and of the constant perseverance of those therein that have so lately received and embraced it: yet am I certainly persuaded, that it willbe to you much more welcome, then to any other; not only because these most worthy Christians of japonia whereof this relation doth entreat be of the same Christian and Catholic Faith and Religion that you be, and not of any other private or particular sect or faction, of which God knoweth there is to great a multitude in the Christian world in these miserable days of ours: but also by reason of the great likeness and similitude betwixt their case and yours.  
If it be an axiom in Philosophy, that Omne simile gaudet sibi● s●mili, Every thing doth take a particular delight in such things as be like unto itself; well may it be supposed that it willbe at least some kind of contentment unto you (amongst so many occasions of discomfort as are daily offered) to understand of the estate of those that in many things do more symbolise with you, than any other persons in the world. For (omitting that they be Inhabitants of an Island as we be, and of the greatest Island in those parts of the world as we in these, of the like Climate also that we be, all things considered, they in a manner Antipodes to us, and we to them) first of all they be but lately converted to the true faith of Christ from Infidelity, and so be most of you from Schism or Heresy, which is a kind of infidelity: to them it is granted according to the saying S. Paul, to suffer for their faith; and so it is to you: they be falsely slandered and calumniated in many things by the devils ministers, and so be you: they be persecuted for their Religion, many of them to death & more to loss of goods by the enemies of Christ and his holy Church; and so be you, very many amongst you having lost their lives, and more their goods & livings for no other cause but only the constant confession of the Catholic Religion. Finally they for their valour and constancy in God's cause be famous in all those parts of the world, yea, and in Europe also; and you for yours be no less glorious, both in all Europe, and in the rest of the Christian world: so that I may well say both of you and them, that which the Apostle said to the Romans (whose religion both they and you embrace) fides vestra annuntiatur in universo mundo, your constancy in faith is published and famous throughout the whole world.  
These than be the reasons for which I thought it most expedient to dedicate this short Relation unto You; although there wanteth not also another, which truly I must needs confess was of great force to move me thereunto: the which is that I hoped thereby you would both be more careful to commend in your prayers to Almighty God the necessities of those poor afflicted Christians, your Brethren, as also more willing to imitate their admirable examples of valour and courage in the cause of Christ, and of patience and constancy in enduring crosses and persecutions, troubles and tribulations for the same. Many of you I know have oftentimes occasions ministered of suffering wrongs and injuries, losses and disgraces for the same cause, the same Faith and Religion for which they do endure all these cruel persecutions. If then you do imitate their patience, their courage and constancy, their joyfulness and alacrity therein, you shall obtain thereby the like honour & renown in earth that they have done, and afterwards in their company everlasting crowns of glory in heaven: for as the holy Apostle testifieth, Si socij passionum estis, eritis & consolationis; if you be partakers of their sufferings, ye shall also be companions of their comforts, joys, and consolations.  
And because there be some things in the discourse of this relation which proceeding from an extraordinary fervour, are rather to be admired of all, then imitated of any that is not after an especial manner moved by Almighty God, as we may prudently judge those persons were that did them; I doubt not but that you guided by discretion (reverencing such like actions as issuing from the particular motion and inspiration of the holy Ghost) will apply your endeavours, only or principally, to imitate those other things that are more conformable to the common course of virtuous and pious persons ' assisted with the grace of Christ; knowing that thereby you shall both avoid the damage that is incident to those that rashly thrust themselves into eminent dangers; & also gain withal no small merit to you souls  
It shall not be needful for me to advertise you how this persecution of the poor Christians of japone was partly, if not principally, occasioned by persons of the same profession in religion, as those be that persecute you: nor yet to note how like the Devil is unto himself in all places, causing the Gentiles there to hate and exterminate the pictures and images of our Blessed Saviour and his Saints, together with all other things appertaining to the promotion of Christian piety, as he hath moved your Persecutors here utterly to abandon and abolish them: It shall not I say be needful for me, to signify these things unto you, for that I do assure myself that yourselves in the reading thereof will easily observe these and many other things greatly worth the marking; as the great fear and care of the gentiles lest any relics of the holy Martyrs should remain to be reverenced by the devouter sort of Christians? their extraordinary diligence to make those that were constant in their faith, to dissemble at least a little while in the exterior profession thereof: their false and slanderous calumniations of the Catholic religion: their fears, suspicions, and jealousies of priests and religious persons concerning matters of State, all of them things common to them, and to the Gentiles of former times that persecuted God's Church, as also to the Heretics of all ages, and in especial to these of ours.  
That which I would wish you to reflect upon, is only the bad success even in temporal affairs which in the end befell to such persons that for worldly respects, either forsook their religion, or without care of their conscience behaved themselves to the discredit thereof: and how on the contrary those that were constant therein, and careful to frame their lives according thereunto, besides their happiness in heaven, & honour upon earth, through the Paternal providence of Almighty God, were ever in the end after some suffering sufficiently provided for.  
And now because I do imagine that many of you hitherto have not had much notice of the Kingdom of japone, and less of the affairs thereof, it being a country so far distant & remote from ours, as perhaps few or none in the world more (at least, as it is accessible) and by reason thereof you will not so easily understand some things that will occur in the reading of this relation: I have therefore thought it not amiss preifly by way of a Preface or Introduction to set down some few things concerning the same that may help to give you some little light therein. If therewith or by the reading the relation itself you shall receive but so much contentment as I took pains in the translating thereof, yea or but any comfort or other good at all, I shall think any labours very well bestowed, desiring no other thing in requital thereof but only to be remembered in your best devotions, and made partaker of those afflictions that it shall please our Blessed Saviour to give you grace to suffer for his sake: and so humbly beseeching Almighty God to send you either a speedy end of them, or else much patience to endure them as long as it shall be his holy will and pleasure to permit them, with all dutiful respect I take my leave, ever remaining  
Your servant in Christ jesus, W. W.   

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.  
AMONGST other countries which were unknown to us of Europe until in this later age they were discovered by the Spaniards & Por●ugalls, one is japone, under which name be contained divers Islands lying in the east Ocean of the great Kingdom of China, chief province of Asia, from whence the ●earest of them is distant some ninescore ●nglish miles, and about four hundred and fifty from Nona Espana a principal part if the West Indies, conquered and inhabited by the Spanish Nation. These Islands are divided one from the other by little crikes 〈◊〉 arms of the sea; and amongst them there be three which do far exceed the rest, unto the which the others are subject, and in 〈◊〉 manner do adhere. The greatest of these three, which is called Niphon, doth lie from East to West, and is 700 m les in length an● 180. in breadth, and it divided into three 〈◊〉 fifty little Kingdoms or Provinces, an● therein is the noble City of Meaco th● chief and head of all japone. The second called Ximo extendeth itself from Nort to South, and hath in it nine kingdoms 〈◊〉 The third Scicoco, is deiuded into four● Provinces, and lieth Eastward from the second. All these Islands be for the most par● full of hills and mountains, much subject unto could and rain, whereupon it proce●deth that for the most part they be nothing fertile, rather subject unto barrenness. The● yield no wheat nor rye, nor any such li●● grain, at least but very small: the chief thing they bear is rice, which they brin● forth in great abundance: they have th● same kind of birds and beasts that we of Europe, both wild and tame, though the ●habitantes seldom eat the flesh of any ●●lesse at sometimes it be of Venison. Their ●●mmon fare is herbs, and fish, and rice, 〈◊〉 the which they also make a kind of wine, ●●though their ordinary drink be warm ●●ater into the which in feasts and banquets ●●ey put a certain ponder much esteemed of ●●em, the which is called Cham Their buildings for the most part be of wood, partly because they have but little store of stone, and ●ood in great abundance, especially Cedar; ●●d partly by reason the country is much subject unto earthquakes, yet be there many ●oodly houses and stately palaces of excellent workmanship and rare Architecture.  
The people are more swarthy of complexion than the Spaniards be, almost like the tawny Moors, and something less of stature commonly then those of our nation be. They are for the most part of pregnant sively ●ittes, of exceeding memory, of stout courageous minds, and wonderful patience in occasions of adversity. Commonly they be ●aughty and high minded, very desirous of honour and estimation. They do contemn all other Nations in the world in comparison of themselves, from whence proceedeth the small account they make of any strangers that come into their country. Poverty doth not with them diminish Nobility, nor Gentility nor wealth gain or increase it. The better sort do use great ceremonies of honour and courtesy one towards another: yea the common people as tradesmen and artificers must be used with respect, or else you shall obtain nothing at their hands: neither will they put up intury at any man without complete revenge. They are very careful not to show fear or cowardice in any case: they stand much upon their gravity, and therefore they carry themselves always very soberly & after a stayed manner: in so much that it is held a wondrous incivility for any to make any great noise, as shouting, hollowing, or the like, whether it be in public or private, at home or abroad. To bring up their children to hardness, as soon as they be new borne they wash them in some river, and when they be weaned from the nurse, they take them from their mothers, & bring them up most commonly in exercise of hunting & the like: when they come to a certain age they change the form & fashion of their apparel, using therein very many ceremonies.  
They have divers fashions very different from ours: with us men wear hats & women ever something on their heads: they both men and women go bareheaded at all times, and in all occasions, both in the heat and could, in sun and wind, in hail, in snow and rain: they mourn in white as we do in black, & black with them is worn in sign of joy: we hold it good to have white teeth, they think it otherwise, and therefore die them black: we get on horse black on the right side, they on the left: we when in meeting we salute put of our hats, they put of their shoes. When they visit one another, he that is visited must not go out to meet the other that cometh to visit him, nor rise up if he be set in any place, but rather contrary, if he be standing he sits down to receive him. Our manner of music is not grateful unto them, our meats distasteful, our sweet odoriferous smells odious and abominable. They cure their sick quite contrary to us, giving them raw meats, and salt and sour things to eat. In steed of knives and spoons they use two wooden sticks exceeding curiously, and after a far neater fashion than we they use to eat their meat. Whereas we writ from one side of the paper to the other, they writ from the ●oppe to the bottom of the leaf, making their lives downward.  
In all japone there is but one only language, the which yet is so exceeding copious, and of that variety, that it may seem to be many, by reason that for almost every thing they have very many words, whereof some do signify it when mention is made thereof in contemptible manner, others when in honourable sashion; some are to be used only by the common people, others only by those of Nobility or Gentry: some are only for men, others only for women: their manner of writing is very different also from their speech; and their writing letters from their writing books: their characters or letters are of a fashion far different from ours, and of that nature that with one only letter they signify sometimes a whole word, sometimes many words.  
In times passed there was but one only King in all japone who was Monarch thereof, and obeyed and reverenced exceedingly of all, and lived with wondrous state and majesty, and him they called the Dayri or Vo: but these dairies giving themselves at length by occasion of the great peace and quietness they enjoyed to sloth and idleness, and to all kind of voluptuous pleasures and delights, about 500 years ago were by two principal captains that rebelled against them, dispossessed of a great part of the Kingdom, they making themselves kings of all they could get and maintain by force of arms, and afterwards others moved by their example did the like: so that within short time the Dayri, although he still remained with the title of universal Lord of all japone, yet had he small or no jurisdiction at all, only a power to give titles of honour and dignity according unto men's desires or deserts, the which he enjoyeth to thy day without any government at all, scarce having means to maintain himself in honourable fashion.  
Since those times to these, he hath ever been accounted King our Empe or of japone that could by any means make himself Lord of the Tenca, that is, of some few Kingdoms or Provinces near adjoining to Meaco, which is the principal City of all those countries, as London is in ours; and so in our days there have been three who have had the name and authority of Emperor one after the other, not by any right or title of election or inheritance, but obtained by main force, or other wrongful means. The first of them was called Nobunanga who conquered six and thirty Kingdoms. The second Taycosama, or Quambacù, who being a man very meanly borne, brought under his dominion fifty Kingdoms or Provinces. The third is the Xogun who reigneth at the present, and hath raised the persecution (whereof this book entreateth) against the Christians, and he as it seemeth is acknowledged as Lord of all the threescore and six Kingdoms of japonia.  
These Emperors as absolute Lords and owners of all the country, do dispose of all things as their pleasure, and therefore for their own greater security as soon as they have gotten the government by force or other means into their hands, they divide the kingdoms or provinces unto divers of their friends, with obligation that they shall serve them in time of war with a certain number of men, at their own charges and expenses: and these again do divide their provinces amongst their friends with the like obligation to be ready to serve them in all occasions, reserving to themselves sufficient for the maintenance of their house and family: so that all the whole country doth in such manner depend of the Emperor, that he gives and takes, raiseth and pulleth down, enricheth and impoverisheth whom, and when, and how he pleaseth. And it is the custom amongst them when they take from any one their Province or Estate, or change them to another, that all the gentlemen and soldiers that did depend upon that person, do leave that province together with him, and either go with him, or else seek means to live in some other place, the trade semen, artificers, husbandmen, and labourers only remaining therein.  
Those that be the Lords or petty kings of particular provinces or kingdoms, as also all other principal personages, as governors of towns and Cities, besides the obligation above mentioned, are bound at the beginning of every year, betwixt the ninth & twentieth day of the first moon (for their account is by Moons, and after a different manner far from ours) to go unto the Emperor's Court to do him homage, and acknowledge their obedience towards him, and together therewith they must always offer him some thing of good value by way of present, whereby he draweth to himself the greatest part of all the wealth of the country, & by means thereof, together with his own revenues (which amount to two million or more every year) be groweth in short time to be exceeding rich potent, strong, and so powerful that none almost dare withstand or contradict him in any thing, no though he make himself a God, as divers of them have procured to be accounted and esteemed.  
And indeed most of these that be adored amongst them as Gods, were either kings famous for their valour in war, and feats of arms, or else Bonzos' singularly noted for their learning and eloquence, or strict rigorous course of life. These last they call Totoques, the other Camis, of whom they ask only earthly goods, temporal blessings and benefits, as of the Totoques they do only the selicity of the future life. The principal or chief of all these be two, the one named Xaca, the other Amida, whom they worship and invoke with great reverence and devotion. Their Bonzos' which be those that teach and preach unto them, as our priests to us, be divided into ten or eleven divers Sects, very contrary amongst themselves, though the most of them do agree in denying the providence of God, and immortality of the soul, the which they do to the end they may live with more liberty, and more freely give themselves to all kind of lewd licentiousness. Besides these Gods some do adore the Heavens the Sun and stars, others Oxen, Stags and other base creatures. Not far from Meaco they have a sumptuous Temple dedicated to the Lisard, which they reverence as the God of learning, wisdom and eloquence. Many there be that do adore the Devil who doth appear unto them in sundry forms and likenesses, and makes them confidently believe that all things do depend of him, and that they prosper or have ill success according to the devotion they bear and show to him.  
And in this miserable blindness was all that whole country until the year of our Lord 1549. in which the Blessed Father Francis Xavier, a Priest of the Society of jesus, and one of the ten Companions of the holy Father Ignatius Loyola of happy memory who was the first Founder of that worthy Religious Order, did enter thereinto to preach unto them the Gospel of our Saviour jesus Christ; the which he did upon this occasion.  
There was in a certain port town of japone called Cangoxima in the kingdom of Saxuma a wealthy substantial man named Angier, who in his youth had committed some enormous crime, and finding afterwards his conscience much burdened and tormented therewith, used all means possible he could invent, or that the Bonzos' could imagine to advise him, to obtain some remedy therefore, and procure the peace and quiet of his mind: but having after experience made of all the remedies that any of the Sects of his country could afford, found that his affliction did still endure, he was even almost out of hope of ever obtaining ease or remedy; until it happening afterwards that the portugals coming with some ships unto Cangoxima to traffic about merchandise, were an occasion of raising a new hope in him; for he falling into familiar acquaintance with some of them, and after much other talk having had by their means some notice of Christian religion, as also of the great Sanctity and holiness of life of Father Francis Xavier, who at that time was famous in all the East Indies, thought with himself, that perhaps by his means he might find some salve for the soar of is wounded and afflicted conscience. And thereupon resolving to go and seek him out, he left his house, wife and family, friends kinsfolks and country, and taking with him only a servant or two he went with the Portugals, & after many dangers passed at sea of storms, tempests, soul weather, and the like, he arrived at length at Malaca, a town of great trade and traffic in the East Indies, and there by good fortune to his great content he found the Father whom he sought, and from thence went with him to Goa, the chief City that the portugals possessed in all those countries; where having found by following his direction as much ease and comfort of his mind as he did wish for and desire, and being sufficiently instructed in all the mysteries of Christian Religion, he was baptised by him, and named Pablo de la santa Fe that is, Paul of the holy Faith.  
Having thus obtained his desire, and being after some time to return again into his country, the Blessed Father Xavier, whose whole desire was to propagate the faith of Christ to the honour and glory of Almigty God, and for the salvation of men's souls, would needs accompany him, carrying with him other two of the Society, the one a Priest called Father Cosmo de Torres, the other a lay brother whose name was john Fernandez both of them Spaniards borne: and so they all departed from Goa in the month of April 1549. and at the end of May they came to Malaca, from whence they arrived at Cangoxima in japone about the midst of August: where being welcomed and well received of the friends, kindred, and acquaintance of Paul the new converted Christian, and having with much labour and iudustry learned a little of the japonian language, they began to preach the Christian faith publicly to all with the good leave and liking of the Lord or Prince of the country, who hoping to have some benefit by the coming of the portugals into his country was content to give way to the Fathers, and let them preach: but afterwards perceiving that some of the Portugells leaving his port went unto another not far off called Tirando in the Kingdom of Tigen, he withdrew his favour from them, and by instigation of the Bonzos' made a Proclamation, that under pain of death none of his subjects should leave their former Sects to embrace the Christian religion. Whereupon Father Xavier after he had in vain used all possible diligence to mollify the King, and suffered divers incommodities and injuries with exceeding patience, taking his leave of those Christians that were already made, which amounted to the number of an hundred or there abouts, he went unto Tirando together with his two companions, where being now somewhat more expert in the japonian tongue than they were before, setting themselves to preach, partly thereby and partly by the rare example of their lives, they moved more in a few days to embrace the saith of Christ, and to receive the holy Sacrament of baptism, than they had done in a year before at Cangoxima.  
Father Xavier did persuade himself that if he could get unto Meaco, which was the chief City of japon, & the place where the Cubosama, who was then the chief King of all the country, did keep his Court, that there he might do more good, and sooner come to give notice of Christ and his religion to the principal persons of the Kingdom, then in any other place: and therefore having commended the care of the new converted Christians in Cangoxima to Paul the japonian, and those of Tirando to Father Cosmo de Torres, he and brother john Fernandez took their journey towards Meaco, and about the beginning of October they got unto Amanguchi a goodly City at that time, for since it hath been burned, sacked, and destroyed, even in the heart of all japone, almost three hundred miles distant from Tirando, whither being come, they were carried unto the king or Prince thereof, unto whom they declared in the best manner they could the principal mysteries of Christian religion, he neither showing liking nor dislike of any thing they said: and afterwards they did the like in the public streets and market places of the City, wherein by reason they were but meanly apparelled according to the custom of religious men, and spoke the japonian language but very brokenly, they were not only derided and mocked of all, but also injured and handled very hardly by some of the ruder sort. From thence they went unto Meaco, and in their journey which endured well nigh two months, they suffered exceeding many miseries. First they went barefoot all the way, and then because the ways were very dangerous and full of thieves who murdered all they rob, they were enforced to keep company with horsemen, to run though the hard stony ways, as fast as the others did ride, towade also over many great rivers and other deep waters in the way, having afterwards no means almost to dry, rest, or ease themselves, no where finding any that would help or secure them, take pity, or compassion on them, but many almost every where that egregiously abused and injured them: so that had they not carried some little rice in satchels on their backs for their sustenance, it is very likely they had perished by the way for very want, and necessity.  
Being now arrived at Meaco, they found all the City in uproar and arms, no disposition at all for them to manifest the Christian faith: whereupon they were enforced almost immediately to return again to Amanguchi the same way, and after the same fashion that they came from thence before. And there Father Xavier did resolve, notwithstanding all difficulties, to set and settle himself to the preaching and planting of religion: and because he had learned by experience that the japonians did neither esteem of men nor of their words, unless they were in exterior good fashion, and well apparelled, therefore to accommodate himself unto them for their greater good, he went unto Tirando, and there at they charge of the king of Portugal he put himself in good apparel, and taking with him letters of favour from the viceroy of the Indies, and of the Bishop of Goa, which he had procured unto the Princes of japon, and certain small things brought out of Europe, as clocks, and such like curiosities, the which were given him by the Governor of Malaca to bestow in such occasions, he returned back again to Amanguchi with Brother john Fernandez, and two or three japonians in his company, where he made means to have access unto the King to whom by way of present he gave those things which he had brought with him thither to that purpose. The king accepted of them willingly, and though he wondered at them as being rare and never seen before in those countries, yet much more did he admire at the greatness of the givers mind, who did refuse a great quantity of gold and silver, and other things which he offered him in requital thereof, and only required that he would give him licence to preach the faith of Christ to whom, and where he would: the which he granted easily, and assigned him besides a certain house of good capacity, where he and his companions might remain.  
This licence being thus obtained, the which was all the holy Father did desire, he and the Brother his Companion did set themselves immediately to work, preaching all the day time in the streets and midst of the market place, an innumerable number of people flocking about them, some to see and hear what they said, others to laugh at their manner of speech, others to mark their actions, and mock at their behaviour: and in the night they did the same in the house where they lodged to those that came thither to visit them, as many did, some of courtesy, but most of curiosity. And in this manner they spent divers months without seeing any fruit at all of all their labours, until at length one was converted upon this occasion. Brother john Fernandez preaching one day in the street according to his wont manner, a japonian that passed by in a scornful manner, did spit at him; and the filthy phlegm falling just upon his face, he wiping it of, without making any show of the least impatience in the world, with great serenity of mind went forward in his speech: the which being well marked and observed by one of the standers by, caused him within himself to frame this conceit: doubtless this doctrine must needs be very good that causeth in the professors thereof so great humility patience and constancy of mind, in suffering injuries and indignities: and thereupon the Sermon being ended, he followed the brother to their house, where having learned the Creed, the ten Commandments, our Lord's prayer, the Salutation of our B Lady, and divers other prayers, and being sufficiently instructed in all the mysteries of Christian religion, and sorry for the sins of his former life, he was the first in all that City that did receive the holy Sacrament of baptism, and thereby was made a member of Christ's holy Church and Congregation. Soon after him divers others also were baptised, and within a short time the number of Christians there amounted to five hundred or there about, and all of them (as they well showed in many occasions that happened afterwards) exceeding constant, virtuous, and perseverant.  
Matters being come to this good pass, letters were brought unto Father Xamer, in which wa● signified that it was precisely necessary for him to return in person to the Indies upon urgent business: leaving therefore behind him Father Cosmo de Torres, and Brother john Fernandez to conserve and increase the best they could that little flock of Christ, which he had there begun and gathered, he went back to Malaca, and afterwards to Goa, from whence he sent some more of the Society unto them to help towards the conversion of Iapone● the which they and others that succeeded them did with such diligent care and industry (God Almighty blessing their labours & concuring thereunto with many miracles wrought by them) that within the space of twenty years or thereabouts, there were in that country by their means and good endeavours more than an hundred and forty thousand Christians, and amongst them many persons of great worth & estimation, as the King of Bungo a very potent Prince, who for the devotion and veneration he bore to Father Francis Xavier, when he was baptised, which was some years after the holy Father's death, would neede● be called Francis by his name. The King of Arima also named Don Protasio, and his brother Don Bartholomew Prince of Omura, a most pious and valorous Gentleman, and divers other Noble men; who all agreeing amongst themselves to the end the whole world might understand how sincerely they did believe and embrace the faith of Christ, in the year 1583. they sent from thence to Rome, which is well near ten thousand miles, four young Gentlemen, some of them very near of kindred unto the kings before named, to render obedience in their names unto the most pious Pope Gregory the thirteenth, who then lived, as unto the vicar of our Blessed Saviour here on earth and chief head & pastor of all the Christians in the world.  
After Father Xavier his death, which was in the year 1552. the Superiors of the Society of JESUS still continued sending some of their subjects to japone, to procure the increase of Christianity therein, and some years ago others of other holy Religious, Orders, as of S. Dominicke, S. Francis and S. Augustine, have gone thither also to the same in●ent, whereby their holy endeavours many thousands of souls have been delivered out of the darkne: of superstition and Idolatry, and brought unto the light of Christ's only true and Catholic Religion. And in such prosperous manner did they go on assisted by the help of God, and all of them in concord of heart, and unity of faith, that there was no small hope that the whole country would within a short time have been either all or the most part thereof conuer●ed to the Christian faith, until now of late the raising of the persecution (whereof this ensuing relation doth entreat) hath been a great hindrance and impediment thereunto, as you will easily perceive by perusing thereof, from the which I will now no longer detain you.   

THE FIRST PART OF THE RELATION OF THE PERSECUTION RAISED IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, M.DC.XIIII.  
Against the Christians of japonia. Wherein all the Priests and Religious persons were banished thence, together with divers other Christian japonians: with the Martyrdom of some for their constant perseverance in the profession of their Faith.  

Of the beginning, causes, and occasion of the Persecution. CHAP. I.  
THE Church and Christiany of japon which now 66. years ago was first founded by the Blessed Father Francis Xavier of the Society of jesus (and ever since then hath beeve principally conserved next after God by the labours and good endeavours of the Fathers of the same Society) hath suffered many great and grievous persecutions, even as the Primitive Church did in the first beginning thereof. Some of these Persecutions have been particular only in some Countries or Provinces subject to certain Lords or petty Kings: and these have been so many and so continual, that scarce ever the Christians have been without some molestation in one part or other, as may appear by the history of that Country written at large by Father Luis de Guzman of the Society of JESUS. Others have been general, caused by the Lords of the Tenca, who were the Monarches of all japone, not only banishing the Fathers of the Society, destroying their Churches and houses, and taking away from them all that they had, but also banishing likewise the Christians of the country, together with their kindred, friends, and familiars, confiscating their lands and goods, and sinally bereaving the also of their lives.  
2. But never hitherto hath any been either so general, or so rigorous, as that which Minamoto jyeyasu, who at this present is the Xogun or Cubosama, King and Lord of all japon, did raise now two years ago in the year 1614 For that if heretofore the Fathers were banished out of some one country or province they still found refuge in some other part or place of the kingdom: and although Taycosama the predecessor in government to him that now reigneth did twice cast down and destroy all their Churches, and commanded them to departed his kingdom; yet always had they a Church standing on foot in Nangasaqui (a port town in japon) for the use of the Portugal merchants who traffic thither; and under colour of that, they not only remained there, but also from thence went secretly into many other provinces of the kingdom, and did great good amongst the Christians; who likewise were never before used so hardly as at this time they be. For that the Xogun in this persecution hath not only caused all the Churches to be burned and razed to the ground, and given express charge that no Priest nor preacher of the Christian religion whether he be a stranger or free-denizen should remain therein, but also hath commanded, that all the Christians do leave their faith and religion under pain of banishment out of the kingdom, or being put after many torments to some cruel kind of death Upon this occasion there have happened many accidents worthy of memory, to the great honour and glory of Almighty God, and very like to those of the primitive Church, as in the discourse of this Relation will appear.  
3. The causes and reasons of this so rigorous sentence and proceeding of the Xogun, and of the execution thereof, be divers, some of old, and some of new. Of old is the hatred of the Devil, who having had peaceable possession more than a 1000 years of all that kingdom, and seeing that now of late by reason of the preaching, teaching, holy life and instruction of the Fathers, many thousands of souls were daily drawn from Idolatry and superstition to the knowledge and service of the true and everliving God, their only Lord, maker, creator, and redeemer, and that very probably within small time if they were permitted he should be altogether dispossessed of the tyrannical dominion he had so long exercised upon them, did therefore all his endeavours to hinder their prosperous proceed; especially for that already (besides many thousands that were departed this world) there were then living more than two hundred and fifty thousand Christians, so zealous & fervorous in the service of their Lord and Saviour, that besides their diligence to learn and know all the duties of good Christians, and their care in keeping & observing gods precepts and commandments, many of them did animate themselves to attain to a higher perfection, and to follow the evangelical Counsels of Virginity, Chastity, voluntary poverty, recollection and religious life.  
4. This I say made him bestir himself, and move the Bonzos' his Ministers, to hate the Fathers bitterly, and to procure their disgrace by all means possible: the which was not very had to do, because themselves did see that their credits with the people was much decreased since their coming into the country, as also their gains greatly diminished. For which cause within short time after the entrance of the Fathers, to avert the minds of the people from them, they published that they were Devils in human shape sent from hell to hinder the happy success of the japonian Sects; that the kingdoms wheresoever they entered went presently to wrack; that they did eat man's flesh, and the like. But all these reports being found out in short time to be wholly false and untrue, reproachful slanders, and forged calumniations, they changed their note and begun another tune, protesting in their Sermons that it ought not to be endured, that a few poor strangers (as the Fathers were) should be permitted to procure with so great diligence & endeavour as they did, the destruction of their Idols, Temples and Sects, that had been always so highly esteemed of all their ancestors; and to bring into their country another new law and religion, and customs wholly opposite and contrary unto those which so long time had been professed and practised therein: complaining moreover, that those that were made Christians in many things were more obedient unto the Fathers then unto their own Princes & natural Lords, and that for their religion they would by their persuasion lose both their livings, honours, and their lives. Moreover they said, that it was not probable, nor possible, but that the Fathers under colour of preaching the religion and faith of Christ, had some pretence of matter of state: nor that any wise man could persuade himself, that men of judgement and discretion (as the Fathers seemed to them to be) would ever come from so far countries, with so great cost and charges, through so many and so evident perils and dangers, both by se● and land as they did, only for the salvation of the souls of other men, as they pretend to do, especially of such as they never saw before, nor do any ways belong or appertain unto them: and that therefore doubtless there was some other temporal respect that moved them thereunto.  
5. And to give a greater colour of likelihood and show of reason for what they did affirm, they added thereunto divers things which were most true, as that the Spaniards (of which Nation most of the Fathers be) be very warlike people, and how they have conquered the East and West Indies, the Islands of Molucas, and the Philippines; that all the Christians converted by the Fathers are very obedient unto them, ready to do in ●ll things what they shall advise, and ●hat they are all very much united among themselves.  
6. With these and the like reasons ●hey easily persuaded divers Princes of ●he Country, who commonly are very ●ealous of their states, to have the Father's ●n suspicion, seeing especially before their ●yes what a revolution had been made ● little before in their own country by a Bonzo of Ozaca, who under colour of defending certain Sects, had troubled & molested both Taycosama, Nobunanga, and all the princes of japon. Many of these reasons were alleged by Taycosama both ●n the year 1587. when he first banished the Fathers, as also when he renowned the persecution in the year 1596. wherein he made exceeding havoc among the Christians. For although he were moved thereunto principally by reason of the desire he had to have taken the great Spanish galleon, called S. Philip, which passed by that way unto Nova Espana from the Philipines'; yet was he also not a little provoked by the foolish words of a certain Pilot, who being asked how the Spaniards had gained so many kingdoms, he answered that they went first to traffic into them, and that if therein they either received injury of any, or were not well used, or not received by the people of the country, that then they made war against them, and overcoming them, took possession of their kingdom and estates. And being asked if they did not also for that cause send religious men before them, he answered, yes: the which although it were most false and fabulous, yet did Taycosama take it as a sufficient occasion to raise a cruel persecution against all the Christians of japone.  
7. This suspicion was confirmed in them, yea & much increased by certain Englishmen, and Hollanders, who in the time of this Xogun do not only traffic but also some of them reside and dwell within japone: for they partly through the hare they have and bear to religious men and Catholics, and partly for fear lest the Spaniards should be a means to hinder their traffic thither, have made many malicious and most vile reports, even the very worst they could imagine or invent, both of the one and other. As for example that the religious men are dangerous persons, both wicked and rebellious: that they do not preach Christ's true Religion, but only their own fancies & imaginations, and that for that cause they have been oft times banished by Christian princes in Europe out of their kingdoms and dominions; that the Spaniards have no other end nor intention in coming thither, but only to bereave them of their kingdom and government, alleging to that purpose, and as it were in proof thereof many particular examples to make some show of truth.  
8. That they were the authors of these false reports, came to be known from the Xogun himself, who one day in speech used these words: That if the Kings and Princes of Europe do banish the Fathers out of their countries, I shall do them no injury to send them out of mine. These and such like malicious rumours and reports were in themselves sufficient to have been causes of greater harms and mischiefs than they were for a long time, had not Almighty God in a manner bound and held the Gentiles hands, who with the desire of continuing traffic with the Spaniards and portugals, either would not hear, or when they heard would never give credit unto such wicked and malicious untruths.  
9 The Devil perceiving this, and knowing well how that by occasion of the traffic from the Indies and Macan, Christian religion found first entrance into japone, and how by means thereof it hath hitherto also been there conserved, and that if it should cease, religion could not probably be of long continuance there, he did therefore his utmost endeavour to hinder it, and for that cause it is most likely, that first of all he moved the Heretics to go thither, to the end that by their false reports they might bring into discredit with the Gentiles the Catholic religion: and offer to bring them the same merchandise that the Spaniards and Portugals have done hitherto. Secondly, that the Xogun, through the false informations of a Governor called Safioyedono, and other his adherentes should most injustly command that the ship of traffic of Macan should be set upon, and taken most injuriously, the which in the year 1610. by that occasion was set on fire and burnt to the damage of divers Christians, and little less in all then a million of loss.  
10. And finally that some japonians did wrongfully take and usurp at the same time, almost all the goods of the ship called S. Francis of the Philippines which did arrive at the port town of Quanto, where they offered so many and so gross injuries unto the Spaniards and Portugals as were scarce to be endured: and matters came thereby to that pass, that it was thought it would have been an occasion of the total ruin and destruction of all the Christianity of japone, had it not pleased Almighty God by the good endeavours, diligence and intercession of some friends, and especially of Don john Arimadono, who at that time was in great favour with the Xogun, to have pacified matters, and so calmed the tempest that was then rising against them.   

Of the beginning of the Persecution in the Province of Arima. CHAP. II.  
DON john Arimadono aforesaid was Lord and Prince of all the Province of Arima. He was an Ancient Christian, a great benefactor, and as it were the very prop and pillar of the whole Church of japone, as well for that he had caused the conversion of all his subjects to the Christian faith, by means of the Fathers of the Society, whom he always favoured very much, not only permitting them to preach freely to all in his dominions, but also giving them succour & harbour therein even in the time of the greatest fury of Taycosama his persecution, exposing himself thereby to the danger of losing his honour, estate, and life, and that not once but oftentimes, although he were therefore much molested both by some friends of his own, as also by the Lords of the Tenca.  
2. There was close by his country of Arima another Province which indeed of right belonged unto him, and had been sometime possessed by his ancestors, but now was usurped by another man. This province Don john did much desire to obtain by means and favour of the Xogun, & to that end he used some means not so conformable either to reason, or to the law of God as might have been wished and desired. One was to marry his son & heir, who was already married to another wife, unto a young lady that was grandchild to the Xogun. Another was in having a hand by the appointment of the Xogun in the burning of the ship of Macan, whereof we spoke before, under pretence of certain injuries done unto some japonians, it being indeed nothing so, but only a devise and deceit of Safioyedono.  
3. It seemed unto him that by making the people of that province which he pretended Christians, by destroying Idolatry in it, and building Churches to God therein, that these sins which he committed, to condescend with the Xogun & get his favour, would be thereby well satisfied, and the scandal given unto the Christians either wholly taken away or else much qualefied: but it happened much otherwise (and indeed things though they be good and holy, if they be brought to pass and compassed by evil means, can have no good end, and commonly have bad success.) For first of all Almighty God permitted him to be deluded by a false fellow, a counterfeit and feigned Christian called Dayfachy Paulo, who receiving of him many bribes both for himself and for other favourites of the Xogun, did persuade him that the Xogun had made him a grant of that Province, and that the Letters patents thereof were already drawn, but afterwards it was found out all to be a mere cozenage and decept. Whereupon Dayfachy was put in prison for it, and being convinced of Forgery, was condemned to death, and finally burned for falsifying the kings Letters. Then Don john his own son called Saiemon Nosuque, by the persuasion of his new married wife the grand child of the Xogun, and also carried away with ambition and desire of command, joining and uniting himself with some of his Father's mortal enemies, made such complaints? and framed such articles against him upon this occasion, that they caused-him to be banished by the Xogun, and his estate to be assigned to his son. And finally by procurement of his own said son, & his wife whom he had caused to marry against all right and reason, hoping by her means more easily to compass his desires, to honour and strengthen his house and family: by their means, I say, and others, who feared least coming to answer for himself he would discover their false dealings, and accusations laid against him, he was at length deprived of his life. And in this ended the unlawful and evil grounded worldly policy of Don john, although he died very penitent for that he had done, with great signs of true sorrow and contrition for his sins, and of good preparation for his death, forgiving all injuries had been offered him, and ask pardon of all whom he had offended. And in him the whole new planted Church of all japone did lose exceeding much, for he, as I said before, was a great defender, supporter, and a stay thereof.  
4. By reason of the bad proceedings of Don john in the things aforementioned, and his evil success therein, the Gentills took occasion to speak their pleasure of the Catholic religion, and to calumniate it as though the sins and imperfections of some particular persons that profess it, were to be imputed to their faith, it being in itself most perfect, pure, and holy. The Xogun also thereupon begun the persecution of the Christians of the Province of Arima, who were all Don john his subjects, and most loving towards him. For being as he was even from the very beginning of his government so great an enemy to Christian religion, that he commanded that none of his house should be Christians under pain of losing both their livings and their lives, protesting publicly that all the princes of japone should do the like with their subjects, and earnestly entreating Don john oftentimes that he would renounce his religion, as being unworthy to be professed of so principal a person as he was, and that he would permit Temples to be built to the Idols in his Countries; upon this occasion of the banishment of Don john he sent word unto his some Sayemon Nosuque, that seeing he did him the favour to place him in his Father's estate and government, as also to admit him to marry with his own Grandchild, that in recompense thereof he would have him leave to be a Christian, and not only himself, but all his servants and subjects also, and that he should banish the Fathers out of his Countries. And for the execution thereof he sent unto him for his director and chief counsayler in the business Safioye the Governor of Nangasaqui a great enemy to Christians. Sayemon durst do no other than obey him in all he commanded, for fear of losing his estate, and so hereupon immediately through the counsel of his new Herodias, his pretended wife, and the policies of Safioyedono, he begun the persecution of Arima, and of that was occasioned afterwards the general persecution in all japon, as after shall appear.  
5. The Xogun moreover did command inquiry to be made amongst his own Servants, Soldiers, and Captains, to see if any of them were Christians; and having found that fourteen of them were so, all of them persons of note and quality, and five or six of them noble, rich, and his great faubrites, he was exceedingly offended therewith: and having understood that after diligence used with them, there was no means to make them change their minds, he banished them all together with their wives and families, in such rigorous manner, that he commanded all the Princes of japone under grievous pains and punishments, that none should give them any succour or entertainment whatsoever.  
6. Great was the courage and constancy which these good Christians showed in this extremity in losing their lands & livings for our saviours sake, rather than they would leave his holy faith whereof they made profession, being ready also to lose their lives for the same cause, if occasion had been offered. They suffered exceeding much, themselves, their wives, and children wandering up and down, and going secretly here and there, not finding any place where to abide. julia also a principal Lady of the Court who was banished for the same cause to a little Island scarce inhabited, did suffer there exceeding much in this occasion.  
7. Many noble personages in the Courts of Yendo and Suruga did imitate the Xoguns proceedings in this kind, but above all the Prince of Toxogun did show himself most cruel and rigorous, moved partly by the Xoguns example, but principally incited by the words of an English Pilot who spoke most bitterly against religious men and Spaniards, making their persons odious unto him, and all that they did suspicious. Whereupon many Christians of great worth & quality were sent into banishment. And this affliction had been much more grievous and more general, had not Itacuradono the Governor of Meaco, an honourable, moderate and moral man, & a friend unto the Fathers, signified unto the Xogun, that it was no reason that all the Christians, being as they are, people that live in the Kingdom well and quietly, and do hurt and injury to none, should be punished for the fault of some one, or a few particular persons of their Religion: neither do I hold it (said he) for good policy, now that the Kingdom is in peace and quietness, to strike a string that may make to great a noise, & perhaps put matters more out of tune, then is by us imagined.  
8. Upon this good advise the Xogun did for a while somewhat temper himself, and gave licence again that the Fathers of the Society might remain, and have one Church within the City of Meaco: and thereupon, and by reason that the Governor did command to proclaim that the Xoguns former order was not to be understood of merchants, tradesmen, or common people, but only of Soldiers and Gentlemen, many of their Churches did remain untouched, and the Christians in some good quietness, for that many other Princes winked at them, as at the Fathers also. So that this persecution first of all begun as it seemeth in Suruga and Yendo, although the principal blow did fall upon the province of Taccacu, or Arima, which is all one.  
9 For when notice was given in the Country of Ar●ma, with what determination the new Arimadono was coming from the Court, great was the grief and affliction generally of all the Christians thereof, but above all unto the good Fathers of the Society the news was most heavy, seeing the evident danger of those whom with so great pains, care, labour and travail they had connerted to the Christian faith, and for so many years instructed therein: and that the Churches which with so great costs and charges they had builded for the serving and honouring of Almighty God, should now either be destroyed, or else turned into ● emples of Idols for the service of the Devil. And sinally that, that flock of Christ whereof they had had so great care, should be now delivered to the custody of cruel wolves the Bonzos', without having any Pastor that might feed it, keep it, and defend it. Like good shepherds therefore they began to animate their sheep, and arm them by means of the holy Sacraments, which they ministered unto them, making also many spiritual exhortations unto them and pious sermons, persuading them therein to patience, constancy and perseverance, to fasting, prayer, and true penance for their sins.  
10. As soon as Arimadono was arrived at Ximavara which is the first town of that Province, together with Sasiove and another favourite of the Xogun, who were his wicked counsellors, which was upon the ninth of july, they published an edict or Proclamation, in which was commanded that all his subjects and servants should leave the faith of Christ, and send for the Bonzos' to instruct them in the sects of japone, appointing withal three judges unto whom they gave order to procure by all means possible, that all the Gentlemen of quality that had any rents, revenues or pensions from the Xogun, should immediately jeave to be Christians under pain of losing both them, and the rest of their goods and livings, and thereby be reduced to extreme poverty and most miserable estate. And upon the 13. day of the same month he sent word unto the Fathers of the Society, that seeing the Xogun had forbidden the profession of Christian religion, his pleasure was they should immediately departed out of his Country, leaving their Churches and houses as they stood. The ornaments of the Church, the pictures, and their books they had caused before to be conveyed to Nangasaqui, and so they dispatched now the sooner obeying to his command, though not without great grief and affliction, for they had in that country a College the best and biggest in all japone, a Seminary also where they did bring up many young youths and children of the japonians, teaching them learning and virtue, latin, music, and the characters of the Religions and sects of japone, and the manner how to confute them, which hath been one of the best and most efficacious means for the conversion of those Gentiles. They had also in that Country of Arima six other places of ordinary residence, besides other Churches and houses, which now and then they visited to the number of three score and ten: and all these in one day were confiscated, and they cast out of them. Some of the Fathers remained in the country secretly & disguised, together with some of the Brothers also & youths of the Seminary, for the better helping of the poor afflicted Christians thereof. And although they did it not without great labour and pains, and exceeding danger of their lives; yet was it well recompensed with the great good they did thereby among the Christians, who with great care, love, and charity did hide them, keep them, and maintain them.  
11. The judges appointed by young Arimadono for the examining and proceeding against the Christians, sent for some of them one after another, and did their best endeavours to persuade them to do some exterior act whereby at least they might make show to have obeyed to the Xoguns command in leaving of their faith. Some although very few did easily condescend to their requests, hoping thereby to gain the favour of their Prince; and these all of them were such as either were not well grounded in their faith, or else were men of evil life, and bad corrupted consciences. Others moved and overcome with the entreaties, importunities, and tears of of their kindred, friends & acquaintance, showed some weakness and frailty at the first, it seeming to them either no sin at all, or else not very great exteriorly to dissemble for a time, so that inwardly in their hearts they did not leave their faith, thereby to give contentment to their Prince, and save their own estates. But being afterwards advised of their fault, and told how great a sin it was, they were so seriously sorrowful and penitent therefore, and did recompense their fall with so great courage, fervor and constancy, that some of them afterwards endured most cruel martyrdom, and others suffered incredible afflictions want, misery, and poverty for their faith after they had publicly revoked that which before they had of frailty done: and this they did before the judges, and Arimadono himself, ask pardon of all for the offence and scandal they had committed through fear, and in a manner unawares. All the rest answered so courageously and constantly, that they not only remained conquerors, but also so confounded the judges, that they durst not pass any further in examining and questioning them: and in this occasion there happened many things very notable and worthy of memory, not only of men and women, but of young Virgins also and tender children, which would be to long & tedious to rehearse.  
12. Thomas Ondafeibioye a principal and most valorous soldier, and one of the best Christians of that country, who had two several times before been banished for his faith, once in the year 1587. with Don justo Veondono, whose subject then he was, and the second time in the year 1602. losing then likewise all the living that he had for the same occasion, was one of the first that was called by the judges: but he not going in person unto them upon some occasion, sent them his answer in writing in this manner following: Neither I, nor my brother Mathias, nor any person of my house shall show himself disloyal to Almighty God, nor deny the holy Religion in the which from children we have been brought up, nor will we change our minds for all that the world can offer or afford. I and my brother, my mother, my wife and children are ready to do any thing that Arimadono shall command us, so that it be not against the law of God, and holy faith which we profess. Presently as soon as he had sent this message, he sent for a Father of the Society, of whom they all received the holy Sacraments, thereby the better to prepare themselves to Martyrdom: and although at that time it did not take effect, yet afterwards it did, as shall appear in the sequel of this Narration. Many others did answer to the judges with like constancy and resolution; the which being perceived by Arimadono, because he was loath to lose so many true & trusty faithful and noble Captains, he therefore dissembled the matter at that time with Thomas and divers others, giving them secretly leave to be Christians so that exteriorly they made no great show thereof: but they were all resolved, and he certified, that they would not make any show of the contrary in prejudice of their conscience & religion.   

Of so ne that were banished, and others put to death for the faith of Christ in the Province of Arima. CHAP. III.  
ARIMADONO fearing he might disgust the Xogun, and so perhaps lose his Estate, if he did show himself remiss in persecuting the Christians (although on the other side he saw the courage they showed) commanded upon the twentieth day of june, that the lands and goods of five rich Gentlemen should be confiscated, and that they, their wives, children, and families should be put out of their houses, taking no other thing with them, but only the apparel on their backs: charging withal that none should entertain them in their houses, nor give them any food, relief, or sustenance under pain of severe and grievous punishment. He caused moreover officers to be set in the high ways, port towns, and passages to the end they should not escape out of his country, but perish there for hunger, want, and misery, even in they eyes of their dearest friends and kinsfolks. Much they suffered by this means for livers days, living only upon herbs and such wild fruits as they found growing in the woods, being perpetually exposed to the cold, the wind and rain which at that time happened to be very much, until at length the Christians of Arima, and other places found means to help and secure them, and by the order and direction of one of the Society they made themselves little cabins of straw, among the mountains for their abode, therein spending their time in fasting, prayer, and reading of good and holy books, and so they led their lives a great while, not only with great patience, but with much joy also, comfort and content.  
2. Arimadono perceiving by this that what hitherto he had done against the Christians did little or nothing prevail, he resolved with himself to put to death some of them, to wit, such as had showed themselves more forward and fervorous: by which means the happy lot of martyrdom befelunto two brethren the one called Michael Soday of fifty years old or thereabouts, the other Mathias Coychi of one and thirty. They were both of them borne in a town of that Province called Ariye, their parents were persons of good quality and very worthy Christians. Michael was always accounted very devout & fervorous, & from his very childhood he was of so great virtue, purity and integrity, that none ever noted in him any thing that might be a mortal sin. He was but weak and sickly, by reason of the hard usage of his body with fasting, haircloth, disciplines, and other penances. All his delight was in hearing sermons, and reading good and pious books, in somuch that he seemed rather a religious man then secular. He was very charitable and desirous always to help others all he could, for which cause he was generally beloved of all, and respected and esteemed as a father. By the appointment of the Fathers of the Society he had for the space of fifteen years the care and direction of thirteen Congregations or Confraternities into which the devouter sort of Christians for their excercise of virtue had put and placed themselves. And in this employment did his brother Mathias help him, being as like unto him in good qualities and virtuous inclination, as he was in blood and natural condition. When the Fathers were banished from Arima (as before is mentioned) Michael called together all the prefects and Officers of the thirteen Congregations, and told them that the time was now come in which they must all show their faith; and the desire they had of the salvation of their souls: Let every one therefore (said he) ask those of his Confraternity what disposition and courage they feel and find within themselves. Whereupon amongst themselves they made a catalogue or role, in which within short time more than fifteen hundred with great spirit and resolution did write their names in sight that they were ready & prepared to give their lives and suffer all kind of torments, rather than leave and forsake the Christian religion.  
3. Michael, and his brother were the two first whose names were written in the Catalogue, and he said, he did desire it should be so, because he hoped by that means he might animate others to do the like. And the reason why he wished the rest would imitate him and his brother therein, was to the end, that if the judges should offer any more to call the Christians to examination, seeing their names written in the catalogue they should have no cause to adoubt of their resolution & conformity ●●n desire to die for Christ. They had a Father of the Society hidden amongst them, who with great care and secrecy went from one place to another, said ●●asse, preached & administered the holy Sacraments unto them. But the devil not being able to endure that those two good brethren should do so good service unto God, nor that the Christians should ●iue with such love & fervour as they did, did so dispose that Arimadono and his judges came to have notice and intelligence of all that passed: which being known to them, and they easily perceiving that whilst those two holy brethren lived, they should not be able to do any thing with the Christians of Ariye, they therefore condemned them to death, committing the execution thereof unto two principal men whom they willed to do it secretly, because the Xogun had not commanded that they should put to death any of the Christians but only that they should molest them in such manner, that they of their own accord for the avoiding of those troubles should leave their Faith and Religion.  
4. Upon the Eve of S. james of the year 1612. the Father of the Society went to Michel's house, and there said mass the two days following, heard their confessions, gave them the Blessed Sacrament, and then returned to a little Cottage where he did lie hidden. In the afternoon, which was upon the day of the glorious Saint S. Anne, did God Almighty choose to crown these two happy brethren with the crown of martyrdom. Michael was taken and carried to a place where sometimes had stood a Church of the Misericordia; and for that those that were to execute the Sentence were his friends they notified it unto him, and wished him to prepare himself to die. Presently he lifted up his eyes and hands to heaven giving first thanks unto Almighty God for so great a benefit, and afterwards he said ●nto those that brought him the news: This is a favour which a long time I have desired at God Almighty his hands, and being so weak and sickly as I am, it seemed to me that I should have died of some ordinary sickness and disease, and therefore now I am exceedingly rejoiced with such happy ●ewes and so glorious a lot. Then he kneeled down upon the ground and prayed a little space when as the executioner came to him and said, Brother Michael I beseech you, that seeing you are ●o die for the love of God, that you would entreat him to pardon me this sin, for I am also a Christian & do this office God knows of force and much against my will. He answered with great ●●ildnesse; that he would do it very willingly, and so his head was presently strooken of whilst he was invoking the holy name of jesus. His Brother Mathias they took at the same time in his own house, as he was folding up the ornaments, which the Father that day had used in the holy Sacrifice of the mass, and carrying him aside, they gave him three or four wounds, with which he fell down and died, saying with a loud voice, jesus, Maria.  
5. The executioner that cut of Michael's head did great reverence to their two holy bodies, and taking some of their holy relics, he gave notice to the Christians of their death and cause thereof. So many came thither to reverence their bodies, and to get some of their relics, that they could scarce get them buried all that night: at length they buried them, though afterwards they were taken up again and carried to the Church of Nangasaqui, where they were likewise much reverenced of all, some taking pieces of their apparel some parcels of their hair, others some of their blood: many therewith made the sign of the cross on their own foreheads desiring much to imitate and follow them in dying for their faith. An old man of threescore and ten years called joachim, as soon as he had notice of their death, went running to the place where their bodies lay, and embracing Mathias his body by the feet, he most earnestly desired the executioners who yet remained there, that they would do the like to him, seeing he also was a Christian, and had promised Michael to die in his company.  
6. Some months before this matter happened, Lucy the mother to these two holy martius, a very devout and virtuous Christian, did see in a vision a most beautiful child, who having two precious stones in his hands, showed them unto her, and she desiring to take them in her hands, he vanished away. The next day following he did appear again with two nosegays made of many goodly followers, and when she desired to have taken them as before, he vanished away again: likewise the third day he appeared again with two beautiful red roses in his hands, at which she wondering, told her son Michael of it, and he afterwards related it to another brother of his who is of the Society: not long after she died, and as seems that Almighty God thereby would let her understand how grateful and beautiful the souls of her two sons were in his heavenly eyes.  
7. The same sentence of death was executed upon Leon Quita Quinzayemon, on the two and twenty day of August 1612. He was a Gentleman of a good house, and a very valorous soldier of fifty years of age or thereabouts he was borne at a town called Chinxina, and from his youth very virtuous and of exemplar life. When Arimadono came first to Ximavara, Leon sent him word that if he meant to make use of his service, it could not be but upon condition that he would give him leave to live a Christian, for that otherwise he would not serve him. He went up and down two months and more without his sword, expecting an answer from Arimadono, animating with great fervour all to constancy, and to that end visiting the neighbour towns and villages. And some wondering to see him go without his sword, he told them:  that I am not to defend myself when they come to kill me for Christ's cause, I have no need at all to wear my weapon. Going up and down in this manner he, found that the Christians of one town durst not bury publicly one that was dead; and reprehending them for their cowardice therein, they told him they feared some hurt and damage would befall him for the great boldness which he showed. To which he answered: What can they do to me more than kill me, and for that I am very ready whensoever they will, for there is nothing that I more desire then to die for Christ: and saying so, with his own hands he buried the dead body of the Christian.  
8. The judges did procure by all means possible to persuade him to accommodate himself unto the time, and so he might enjoy his living and be in favour with his Prince: and a certain Noble man that loved him very well, called Camon, who was Uncle to Arimadono, after divers persuasions said unto him: What matter is it man, if our Prince will go to hell, let us make no moreado but go with him thither too. To whom he answered: My Lord the obligation which the servant hath to his master, and the subject to his Prince doth end together with this life, for in the next life they have no power nor authority at all: and if your Lordship will not believe me make try all if you please, and call any of those captains that have died in your service, or in the service of your ancestor, and see if they do now answer to your call. In such things therefore that do concern this present life, I will very willingly serve my Prince, but in those that do pertain unto the next and whereon my salvation doth depend, he must pardon me, I cannot nor I will not do it. And unto a brotherinlaw of Arimadono that did entreat him concerning the same matter he answered: Although I confess it will be something a●ffu ult unto me to serve now one that hath left to be a Christian, I having before served in the war two so good Christian Princes, as were Don john and his brother Don Stephen, yet notwithstanding obtain you that I may live freely in my religion, and I will do willingly that which you desire me. In many other occasions likewise he sufficiently showed his great zeal and fervour which for brevines sake I do not here rehearse.  
9 In conclusion Arimadono, because with his example and speeches he did much animate the rest, gave command unto two strong soldiers that they should kill him secretly, for the reason before expressed. They therefore sent for him one day unto the castle, and he imagining the cause to be that which indeed it was, went thither with great alacrity; and the soldiers going out to meet him, asked him whither he went? He answered that he went to the Castle called by the Prince: wherefore said they? to have my head out of said he, because I will not leave to be a Christian: and in this manner they went talking with him, and he wished them they would have care to look to the salvation of their souls, all other businesses whatsoever in comparison thereof being of small account and consequence. He made the sign of the Cross upon himself many times as he went along the way, & coming to a place where there had been a Church of the Society, he kneeled down upon the ground, and prayed for a while: which done he rising up and going forward in the way one of the soldiers with his sword gave him so great a blow upon one of his shoulders, that he cut him down into the breast: he then pronouncing the holy name of jesus three times aloud, unbuckled his rapier, and casting it away from him did his endeavour to bless himself with making the sign of the Cross, and so fell down and died. The Christians came thither presently, and because the sentence that Arimadono had given against him was publicly known, as also the cause thereof, together with the disposition and preparation he made for martyrdom, they therefore took his holy body, and sent it secretly to the house of the Society of jesus in Nangasaqui, where it was buried with all due respect and reverence.  
10. The happy deaths of the three foresaid martyrs caused so great fervour and courage in all the Christians of that Country and Estate, that now they did not think nor talk of any other thing, but only how to prepare themselves to imitate and follow them: to that end by the counsel and advise of one of the Society, they began in the City of Arima to renew their Confraternities, not admitting into them any one, but only such as were fully resolved to give their lives, and all they had, yea and to suffer all kind of torments rather than to deny the faith of Christ. They made amongst themselves certain laws and rules, and set down the fasts, the disciplines, and other pennanes they were to do. Then they did divide themselves into Decuria's (Companies of ten) to the end that meeting so in divers places they might the better help one another. And the like was done by the Christians in all the towns of that whole country of Arima with a kind of holy emulation: but before any one could be admitted into any Confraternity, they did many penances and other things of piety to dispose themselves thereto. The like was done by the women, and by the children also; the women thinking that in matters of devotion they ought not to be inferior unto men, and the children desiring and endeavouring to imitate their parent's piety.  
11. And this was the preparation which the common people made, although they were not comprehended in the Proclamation: and we may with reason think that, that which the gentlemen and other of better sort did make, was not inferior unto this, Those who, as I said before, at the entreaty and importunity of their friends had in the beginning exteriorly condescended to do some things not so convenient, being now exceeding sorry and repentant for their fault, desired no other thing so much, as some good occasion wherein publicly to acknowledge their error, & to make profession of their faith. For which causes it being a custom among the Bonzos' in their festival days, in sign that one is of their sect, to take a book made by Xaca, which is called Foquequio, and to put it upon the heads of their parishioners or sectaries, saying there withal a certain prayer: and one of them having in treated Arimadono that upon a certain solemn day, he and his Courtiers would do this ceremony, they conspired amongst themselves not only not to do it, but also to disgrace the Bonzo if he did persist therein. The day appointed came, but notice being had of their determination, and both Arimadono, and the Bonzo being afraid, that if the ceremony were done, it would redound more to their disgrace and to the encoragement of the Christians, they thought it therefore more convenient to omit the ceremony, and so it was done, Arimadono himself alone going to visit the Bonzo without any more ado. Wherewith the Gentlemen were not a little grieved because they had lost that good occasion of publishing their minds, which yet they determined to manifest, and did that very day, going all together unto the judges, unto whom they spoke in this manner: We be all Christians, and are willing and desirous to suffer banishment, and death rather than for sake our faith and religion: and seeing that we have not had means to signify so much to Arimadono in public, we desire you to do it for us. So many they were that went thither with that protestation, that although Arimadono were so much offended therewith that he commanded they should be all put to death, yet could it not be put in execution, unless he would have left himself without servants to attend upon him, or at least been deprived of the more and better sort of them.  
12. One among the rest named Leon having showed himself so constant that he was condemned to death therefore by Arimadono's special order, because he understood that a friend of his thinking to do him a pleasure had counterfeited his hand, and going to the judges therewith, assured them thereby that he had revolted from his faith, he took four witnesses with him & went unto the judges, telling them he was a Christian, and that the subscription which had been showed unto them as his, was not his, but counterfeit and false. The judges having heard him gave order he should be sent immediately into banishment. His wife thinking that for this action of her husband both he and she should have been put to death, put on the best apparel she had, expecting therein the sentence and execution: but as soon as she understood that the punishment of death was changed into banishment, leaving of her gay attire, and her husband laying aside his weapons, & losing all his wealth, they departed from their house in poor apparel, desirous to lose and leave much more than they had done, for our Blessed saviours sake.  
13. Arimadono at the beginning of the first month of the year 1613 went unto the Court according to the custom of japone to visit the Xogun for that new year, and being on the way his judges wrote unto him of the great fervour of the Christians, and how that every day some came before them to make potestation of their faith: and therefore they desired him he would consider what they ought to do therein. He answered that for a warning and example to the rest they should thrust out of Arima Don john Tacry n, who was his own great Uncle, a grave and aged Gentlemen of great esteem, and a father to the Christians, taking from him the greatest part of his revenues. And that they should deprive George Tefengi (who was a very worthy Christian, and had been a famous Captain about Meaco, and banished also from the kingdom of Fingo, & lost his castle for his consciencesake) of all his living, & banish him out of the country of Arima, & finally that they should put to death Thomas Onda Feibioye together with his brother mother and children.  
14. This Thomas was he that answered the judges so resolutely as we related in the end of the precedent Chapter: and Arimadono because he was a man of notable courage and valour had given him once leave to live a Christian, but not many months afterward he begun again to entreat and urge him very much that he would accommodate himself unto the time, assuring him that therein he should give him great content: Whereto he answered, that neither in honesty nor Christianity he could, nor would show himself disloyal unto God: but yet for all that he still persisted, urging him even till a little before his departure towards the Court, and was much grieved to see he could not prevail against his constant resolution; the which Thomas well perceiving, grew more careful of himself: and to be in better disposition for whatsoever might succeed, he made a general confession of all his life unto the Father that went secretly and disguised amongst them, of whom always when he came to his house to celebrate the holy sacrifice of the mass, he received the Sacraments with particular devotion: and all his discourse with him commonly was what a happy thing it was to give one's life for the love of God. He usually did much penance, and gave himself to prayer, grieving oftentimes that he had lost so many good occasions to die for Christ's holy faith, and true religion.  
15. Upon the 21. of january one of Arimadono his Governors sent for him to his house, and another of them sent for his brother Mathias, and there secretly they caused them to be slain, cutting of both their heads, they calling at that time upon our Blessed Saviour with great devotion and content, commending their souls into his holy hands. Thomas was one and forty years old when he was put to death, and his brother Mathias was one and thirty, both of them very well beloved of all sorts of people, for their good nature and rare qualities but much more for their virtue and Christianity. The judges sent word forthwith unto their mother Martha of the death of her two sums, signifying withal that she and her grandchilds must bear them company. The which news although to some it might seem heavy, yet did she receive it with signs of great joy and contentment, and as though it had been a message sent from heaven unto her: and giving thanks to Almighty God, & to those that brought it her, she sent immediately for her two grandchilds whose names were justus and james, the one of eleven, the other of nine years old. Their mother justa was pardoned her life at the entreaty and intercession of some of her kinsfolks, although she nothing at all desired it, it being to her worse than death not to die in that occasion.  
16. When her children took their last leave of her, they spoke these words unto her: God be with you dear Mother, for we be sent for to accompany our Father unto heaven; both he and we will expect you there. She kissing and blessing them, gave them great charge they should not be afraid of death, nor show any sign of fear or cowardice at all. Then she and her good mother-in-law took their leave of one another with many tears, each giving the other good counsel and advise: which being done, the two little children with their good grandmother were carried to a place by the sea side which was appointed for their execution; whither being come, james the younger of the two remembering the good counsel that his mother had given him, did himself uncover his own neck and laid down his little head upon the block in readiness for the hangman to cut it of, & then devoutly saying jesus Maria three several times the Executioner bereaved him of his life. His brother justus with like constancy and more than manly fortitude did follow him. Then their holy Grandmother Martha a grave matron of three score years and one, and the example of all that country of Arima, glad to have seen the Sacrifice of her sons and grandchilds for so good a cause, detained herself a good while in her prayers, and then giving to some present certain holy relics which she had about her, and to others her beads which she wore about her neck, and some part also of her apparel, she desired them all very earnestly to pray for her to Almighty God, and so falling again to her prayers she had her head cut of by the same executioner that before had beheaded her two grandchilds. Her head together with her blood was carefully taken up by the Christians that were there present, notwithstanding the presence of the officers, who either durst not or would not contradict their devotion therein. Afterwards both hers, as also the bodies of the children were carried to Nangasaqui, and there buried withal respect convenient, in the Church of the Fathers of the Socyety of jesus. The sentence pronounced against Don john Tacuyen, Arimadono his great Uncle, as also against the worthy Captain George Yefengi of banishment and loss of their goods whereof I spoke before, was also with all rigour put in execution.   

Of eight Christian japonians that were burned alive for the faith of Christ. CHAP. FOUR  
SAFIOYE, seeing that with his violent manner of proceeding, putting some to death and banishing others, he was so far from obtaining of his purpose and desire, that rather matters were worse now than they were before: for those that were but somewhat bold before, were now much more encouraged by the examples they had seen, and with the hope of victory & heavenly reward, and those that had showed some weakness & frailty at the first, by the same examples were moved to be very sorry and repentant for their fall, and rose up again with courageous resolution: he now determined to change his rigour into another kind of crafty cunning persecution. He sought out therefore a certain Bonzo, an ancient preacher of the japonian Sects, that was very famous in the Courts of Suruga and Yendo, and brought him to Arimadono, telling him that if he could get the Christianes' of his country to hear his Sermons, without all doubt they would very quickly little esteem, wholly give over, and lean the Christian Faith. He wished him therefore to carry him to Arima with him, and to make him preach therein. Arimadono to give content unto Safioyedono and the Xogun, was very willing therewithal, and Banzui (for so was the Bonzo his name) was not backward but rather exceeding glad to go, thinking doubtless he should do some great exploit and gain immortal Fame in convincing and converting of the Christians: the Bonzos' of Mea●o who by experience knew of how small effect their Sermons are against the Christian Faith, in the mean time laughing in their sleeves to think how wholly his hopes would be frustrated.  
2. Assoon as the Christianes' of Arima had intelligence of the Bonzo his coming towards them, they began forthwith to prepare themselves: And sent unto the Bishop and unto Father Provincial of the Society, to know of them what they might do, neither to prejudice their Consciences, nor to be wanting in their duty to their Prince. And it was resolved that they should neither go out to meet the Bonzo, nor afterwards to visit him. The which although some of them did not observe, going at the petition of the chief Governor to visit him, yet when they went they carried their beads in their hands, and Agnus Deies at their necks, in sign that they were Christians.  
3. It was appointed by Arimadono that there should be a Temple or Chapel, and an Altar made for the Bonzo his use: and because the Christians neither for love nor money, neither by threats nor entreaties could be brought to put their hands thereunto, they were forced to fetch from other places Carpenters & other workmen who were Gentills, for the framing & making thereof. When the Temple was finished and all in readiness, Banzui would needs now have them come to hear him preach. Some went of curiosity to hear what he would say, but before the end of his Sermon they did so laugh, so mock and deride him both in the Temple and after in the streets, that the poor Bonzo almost besides himself did grievously complain to Safioye, that instead of honouring him as he expected they had brought him thither, as it seemed, wholly do disgrace him, and make him lose his credit: Telling him withal, that if Arimadono would show some exemplar punishment upon some of the principal Christians, the rest would be terrified therewith. Whereupon the matter was proposed to Arimadono, and by him, and them it was determined, that eight or ten of them should be put to death publicly, together with their wives and Children.  
4. Great was the fervour that was at that time among the Christians, continual their prayer and frequent their doing of penances. In many places they made the prayer of Forty hours continually without intermission, carefully following the counsels, direction and exhortation of the Fathers of the Society, that in disguised habits lived amongst them. Innumerable daily entered into the Confraternities, writing their names in the Cataloges, even with their own blood which to that end they let out of their bodies, and making protestation, that assisted by the grace of God, they would remain firm and constant in the confession of their Faith. As soon as it was known that some of them should be put torments, and afterwards to death, a wondrous great joy arose amongst them all, each one congratulating the good news with his neighbour, friends, and kindred; every one also desirning that it might be his happy lot to be one of those that should die for the Christian Cause in that occasion.  
5. Out of all the towns of the country there was six or seven of every Confraternity sent to the City of Arima to give Intelligence when, and where the sentence should be put in Execution before mentioned, with intention all of them to be present there to make public protestation of their faith, and to show how desirous they were to die therefore. And this was in such manner that almost all tradesmen and artificers did leave their work and occupations, and merchants did suspend their traffic until they saw what would be the issue and conclusion thereof.  
6. But Safioye having understood of all that passed amongst them, fearing some uproar, and doubting that he should be blamed for it at the Court: seeing also that their resolution was such, that to use rigour towards them, should be but to cast oil into the fire, rather augment their constancy then otherwise, he commanded no more should be done in that business: and thereupon the Christians returned all unto their houses with intention there to prepare themselves against another time for Martyrdom. Notwithstanding this command of Safioye, Banzui the Bonzo at the petition of Arimadono his wife, who was an eager enemy unto the Christians, would needs urge some Gentlewomen and pages that waited in the palace, to take of him certain scrolls and grains which the Bonzos' use to give, and which they call juzus, and Maburi; but it was his misfortune and hard hap to gain as little honour in this matter as he had done before by his Sermons; for some of the younger sort upon that occasion not only refused to take his juzus with devotion, but also made him and them an object of their mirth; and some of them being to much urged by him in that business cast his trumperio in his face, for which he did revenge himself even to the full, causing some of of them to be put in prison for it, and others to be banished.  
7. A little after this, there came news from the Court, that by occasion of a little Chapel that was built by the Christians, for certain poor leprous persons of Yendo, the Xogun was so much offended therewith, that after many examinations and other diligences used he commanded and caused 28. of them to be put to death at three several times, they all suffering most constantly so glorious a Martyrdom because they would not deny the Faith of Christ. Eight of them were put to death upon the 16. day of August, and fourteen upon the 17. the rest in the next month following. Moreover he commanded that all the Christians, whose names were written down in the Catalogue (whereof upon some other occasion perhaps hereafter we may speak) should be compelled to leave their faith. This news made great impression in Safioyedono, and thereupon he took occasion to cause the Martyrdom of those whereof I purpose now to speak to be put to execution Safioyedono when he departed from Nangasaqui unto the Court at Suruga, sent word to Arimadono, that it was reported in the Court that he was a Christian, and that therefore he did not only not endeavour that his subjects should be otherwise, but rather procured that the faith of Christ should daily flourish more and more in his dominions: and that doubtless the Xogun now at his going to the Court would ask him how the matter stood, and that he must needs certify the truth although much against his will, which being known, it seemed to him very likely that he would be sharply rebuked for permtting matters to be in that manner that they were. He wished him therefore as a friend to consider well what he did, by reason he perceived that his Estate upon this respect was in great hazard and jeopardy.  
8. With this message Arimadono was at his wit's end and almost besides himself, seeing that it seemed to him he had already done almost all he could against the Christians, and for that cause had deprived himself, by putting some to death and sending others into banishment, of the best, most faithful and ancient servants of his house. And thinking with himself that he should be utterly undone, if Safioye did make such a Relation to the Xogun of him as he said he would, he publicly protested, that he had now no Christians in his house and that he therefore wondered very much any such reports should be made of him. When he made this protestation he imagined that none would have contradicted that which he had said, and so thereby he should sufficiently have complied with Safioye. But some that thinking perhaps, that they had obligation in that occasion to manifest themselves, answered him aloud and said; yea, and if it please your Excellency there be many Christians in your house and those also that are very desirous to spend their blood for their faith and religion: and there withal eight Gentlemen of the best note and quality in all Arima did manifest themselves for Christians.  
9 Arimadono was now much more grieved and afflicted then before, and caused Safioye his letter to be showed them, desiring them for the love they bore unto him, that they would accommodate themselves unto the tyme. They answered him with courageous resolution, that in no case, and for no respect they could condescend to his request therein. The day following which was upon the first of October he called them all unto him, one by one and very earnestly, tears accompanying his words, spoke unto them in this manner. My estate and honour wholly standeth at this present in your hands for as you cannot choose but know I have many enemies who by this means do seek my utter overthrow. For the love therefore that you bear me, I beseech you make but only some kind of show before the Bonzo for one day, nay but for one hours space that you be no Christians, and afterwards do even as you please. To the rest of the Christians you shall do a great good turn in doing so, for I with this will rest satisfied and trouble no one man more, and if you do it not I shall be compelled to proceed with rigour against them all. And although perhaps it be a sin, you are not ignorant that S. Peter being an Apostle, yea the Chief of them all, denied Christ, and yet afterwards obtained pardon for it: much more may you who do not deny him in your hearts nor yet for fear, but only make a show to deny him, and that for a very little time, to conserve thereby a whole Province and the Christians thereof in peace and quietness.  
10. With these reasons and the like, five of the eight did yield themselves unto his will, and afterwards he gave assault unto the other three, reducing to their memory the many benefits they had received of his house and family: he told them he meant to do them more, and that it was no reason for a thing that might so easily be remedied to put in hazard his honour and estate. But they answered him with such courageous constancy, grounded upon  and substantial reasons, that being out of hope to bring them to his beck, he went presently to Nangasaqui to take his leave of Safioye, to tell him what he had done, and take his further advise what afterwards to do.  
11. The three glorious Confessors of Christ returned very joyfully home, confessed themselves immediately with one of the Society, and procured to prepare themselves for martyrdom which now it seemed they were almost assured of. And upon the fifth day of October came the sentence from Nangasaqui, that they their wives and Children should be burned alive. The same day in the afternoon it was notified unto them, and a certain house appointed them for their prison, unto the which they went most willingly without any officer or other person to carry or conduct them thither. The names of those that went in this manner were these, Adrian Tacafati Mondo and joanna his wife, Leon Fayaxida Lugutyemon and his wife Martha, with two children, james of eleven years of age and Magdalen of eighteen, a very virtuous virgin, who with the licence of her ghostly Father and good liking of her parents had made a vow of her virginity some years before, Leon Taquendomi Canyemon, and Paul Canyemon his son.  
12. And together with these did two other valorous soldiers of Christ enter into the prison to bear them company in dying for their faith, although afterwards they were put out from thence with no small grief unto their hearts, because their names were not in the Catalogue. Only there was wanting Monica the wife of Leon Taquendomi, with a daughter of hers of nine years old. The reason of their absence was, because it was reported credibly to her that the women should not be put to death, whereupon she and her daughter not without many tears had before taken their leaves of her husband and son, and they of them: but afterwards Leon understanding the truth, he used means to give her notice thereof, which when she knew, presently leaving her house, her goods, and all she had, she came with her daughter running after him, but she was stayed in the way, and carried by force unto the house of an ancient Gentleman Uncle unto Arimadono, who because he had brought her up of a child, would needs save her and her daughter from the fire. And although they were both of them much afflicted therewith, and used many entreaties, that they might be sent unto the prison with the rest, yet could they not by any means obtain it. For which cause Monica that night leapt over a wall and so got out of the house to go unto the prison, but being found by the watch, she was hindered & carried back again.  
13. Of those five which yielded to the entreaty of Arimadono, as I said before, four of them falling soon after into consideration with themselves, were exceeding sorry for their fault, and used all means possible to amend the same. First therefore, they sought out 〈◊〉 Father of the Society with whom they ●id confess their sins; after their confession, they made a Catalogue of the ●entes and goods they had, the which they gave unto the Governors, saying that they from their childhood had been Christians, and how being seduced by the intreatres of their Lord, they had showed frailty only for one day, for the which they were exceeding sorrowful, and did repent themselves, and so delivering unto them their goods, they went unto the prison, and would have entered in, but were not permitted by the Officers. Agreeing therefore among themselves they went all together into a house thereby, and from thence they wrote a letter to the Bonzo Banzui, in which they did protest how they were Christians, and did desire to die for Christ, and that the frailty they had showed proceeded of deceit, and that they were very sorry for it. Arimadono returning from Nangasaqui & having knowledge of their repentance, commanded they should be set free, and that they might live christian's. But they with wondrous grief and sorrow not to have obtained their desire, causing their head to be all shaven, in token that they meant to forsake the world, leaving their houses, goods, and livings, did voluntarily banish themselves, to expect some other where a better occasion to suffer for their faith.  
14. As soon as the sentence was known and published that the three above named with their wives and children should be burned, there was so great a concourse of Christians to see that spectacle from all the towns and villages thereabout, that all the ways and streets were filled with men and women of all ages, sorts, and qualities: and which is worthy to be noted amongst them all, they being more than twenty thousand in number, there was not so much as one only sword or other weapon whatsoever, it being an usual thing there for almost every one to go with his weapons; but instead thereof every one had their rosary or beads in their hands to pray upon, and nothing else; and many of them came in such haste, that they forgot their very meat, leaving also their houses open, and not one to keep them or look unto them. Banzui the Bonzo for very fear retired himself into the castle, and a certain disciple of his went in all haste to Nangasaqui, and there reported that the Christians were up in rebellion, and that they had killed his Master. Safioye was much troubled with this news, but the Governors did assure him that there was none there that had any Arms, and that they did not so much as offer to make the least resistance in the world. In so much that it being told them, that Arimadono had commanded they should be driven from thence with musket shot, there was not one that fled, or stirred, but with great silence and devotion there they stood all that night praying on their beads, which every one held in his hands, setting forth so many lights in every place, that the city of Arima seemed to be another starry firmament.  
15. So great was the joy of the holy prisoners and the thanks they gave unto Almighty God to see themselves in that estate, that they could scarce contain themselves through the great content they felt. That night they spent all in prayer, disciplining themselves also all of them together. It was imagined most convenient by some in authority, that they should be put to death secretly, and their bodies to be hidden, partly for fear some violence would be offered by the Christians, and partly because their Relics should not be reverenced. But the prefects or Stewards of the Confraternities hearing thereof, came unto them and did assure both them and all the officers there should be no disorder at all committed, and desiring them that supposing they would not let them be companions to the other in their martyrdom, yet at least they might accompany them unto their death, the which was granted, And so presently they caused to be made upon the Sea shore, a mile or thereabouts from the Castle, a little house with eight pillars of wood, putting in the midst thereof and round about many boughs, and straw, and dry canes: and to the end none might come near the said house they made a great pale round about it.  
16. The day following, which was upon the 7. of October, the Governors did signify unto the designed Martyrs that, that very day the sentence should be put in execution: and there with their joys were much increased, they giving thousands of thanks unto Almighty God for so great a benefit. Those of the Confraternity casting themselves down before their feet, did congratulate their great happiness, and desired something of them for a relic and memory: But they in all humble manner answered they feared they should not be worthy of so great a good, entreating them to pray to God for their perseverance: particularly james the little child of nine years old, when any came to him to congrarulate his happy lot, that he should be a martyr of Christ, he would run away from them saying: I am not yet a Martyr. Me thinks I see the crown and do desire it much, but as yet I have it not, and therefore it is yet to soon to give me that honour and that name. They all of them put on their best apparel therein to go unto their Martyrdom, and over them they had long white garments like to surplices such as those of the Confraternity of Cochinotzu did ordinarily use in their solemn feasts.  
17. Now all of them being ready, those of the Confraternity to accompany them unto the place of execution framed a procession, and such a one as the like perhaps was never seen before: For that in the midst of a Nation and country of Gentills and Infidels, there went more them twenty thousand Christians every one with his beads in his hands, all desirous to be partaker of the Martyrdom of those that then were to die. First of all there went many of them before by six and six in a rank: then came the Martyrs, the hands of the men being fast bound behind them, the women's lose. The little james entreated very hard that they would tie his hands as they did the rest, and scarce could they quiet him with telling him that there was never a cord to tie them withal. They went one by one betwixt the Stewards or prefects of the Confraternity, with lighed candles in their hands in signification of the light of faith in their minds and burning love of God in their hearts, and after them a whole army of Christians, singing aloud the Litanies of our Blessed Lady. A virtuous man one of those that went in the company, did offer to take up james the little boy and to carry him in his arms, but he humbly refusing his courtesy, said: I pray you let me go on foot, for our Blessed Saviour jesus Christ I take it, neither went on horseback nor in a litter to be crucified, and after this little labour I hope I shall have certain and eternal rest. These words moved many that heard them unto tears, and made the good man take up the holy Child by force, and so he carried him until he came unto the place of Martyrdom.  
18. Being come thither, whilst the Officers were busy in binding them to the pillars of wood, at the which they were to be burned, many came to take their leaves of them, and to get some parcels of their garments to keep as Relics: In the mean while one of the Martyrs whose name was Leon Canyemon stood up, and spoke aloud in this manner: We be come hither, good people, to die in the manner you see for the honour and glory of Almighty God, and because we know there is no other means, nor way unto salvation but only by the holy Faith of jesus Christ, and for it we ought not to make any reckoning of this present life. All you Christians that are come hither with so great fervour do know this well enough, only therefore we desire you for a farewell that you persever in the confession of this faith, without making any account in respect thereof of all that is in this world, no nor of your very lives. The rest which he speak could not be well heard.  
. After they were all bound to their pillars, the Christians lifted up aloft, for the Martyrs and all the rest to look and meditate upon, a very devout picture of our Blessed Saviour as he was bound to the pillar. Then the soldiers putting fire unto the wood and straw, the Holy Martyrs in the midst thereof withal devotion called upon the help and favour of our Blessed Saviour oftentimes, to that end naming the most holy name of jesus, and all the Christians upon their knees did sing the Creed, the Pater noster, ave Maria, and other prayers until the Martyrs had given their Holy Souls into the hands of God.  
. james the little Child when the ropes were burned with which he was bound unto his pillar, went treading upon the Coals towards his holy Mother, without ever offering to go out of the fire as he might have done. As he went he said three times aloud jesus Maria, jesus Maria, and his Mother said unto him, look up my Child, look up into heaven; and so he did, and then fell down and died. The Devotion also of his holy sister the Virgin Magdalen was much noted of some, and very worthily, for when her hands were loosed, the cords wherewith they had been bound being burned, she took the hot burning coals, & put them on her head (for it is the custom of the japonians when they like any thing which is given them, to put it on their heads) in token that she did esteem them as a Gatland of flowers, and as precious pearls, wherewith being crowned and adorned, she desired, and meant to meet her heavenly spouse, whom she loved above all other things, and therewithal she gave her soul into his holy hands. Leon Canyemon making the sign of the Cross, gave up the Ghost, and all of them made happy ends, their souls being as it seemed more inflamed with the fire of the love of God, than their bodies scorched with the heat of the material fire.  
. The Christians who from the beginning, as I said before, were all upon their knees in prayer, seeing that the holy Martyrs were now all dead, reverenced their holy ashes, and without regard of the officers leapt into the fire, & took out thereof the Blessed bodies, although thereby some of them received no small hurt and damage by the fire. A man of worth got the hands of the holy Virgin & Martyr Magdalen, and the Christians of Conzara got her body: the other seven were carried in Coffins to Nangasaqui, and there delivered to the Father Provincial of the Society of jesus, and withal possible solemnity, although not public, they were placed in their Church, the Bishop of japon, Don Luis Cerquyera being there present at that time, and a little after the body of the holy Virgin Magdalen was brought thither also, and laid with the rest. So great was the devotion of the Christians, that they neither left pillar, nor coals that they did not take away for Relics of them.  
23. The Lord Bishop made an authentical information of all this history, according to the custom of the Church, and out of it was drawn that which is here related. A little after upon the 29. of October another man named Thomas was put to death for the same cause. He had been banished eight years before out of the Kingdom of Fingo for the faith of Christ, & at the present he had care of the Christians of a certain town, and he did it with such care, diligence, and fruit, that many at his persuasion did confess their faith before the judges, and for that cause Arimadono commanded him to be put to death, the which he endured very willingly, and calling continually upon the Blessed name of jesus, made an happy end.   

How this last persecution of all did begin: and of the causes thereof. CHAP. V.  
MATTERS passing in the country of Arima in the manner before related, there was all this while no change at all in the Cities of Meaco, Fuximi, and Ozaca, nor in the Kingdom of Canga & Noto of Bungo & Fixen, nor in Aqui a City of Firoxima, nor in Nangasaqui, and divers other towns, nor in the Islands of Xiqui, and Cozura: The Churches there stood open unto all, and God's Word was freely preached therein, although they were not without some fear and care to see what that tempest which threatened some greater storm to come, would prove at length. They celebrated in the year 1613. the Night of our Blessed Saviour his Nativity in all the places afore mentioned, with great solemnity, concourse and devotion of the Christians. And upon the 27. of December begun in Meaco the first Thunder-clappe and sign of the future tempestuous storms; Itacuradono the Governor of the City commanding that the names of all the Christians should be taken and written down in a Catalogue, and the same was done in Fuximi and Ozaca: the which caused no small trouble among the Christians, especially they not knowing the cause and reason why it was so done, until at length there came two letters, the one from Safioye, the other from Xozamburo both of them great favourites of the Xogun. The first was directed to the Father Rector of the Society of jesus in Meaco, the second to another Christian a very friend of his, both of them dated from the Court upon the eleventh Moon: and the contents were, that it had been signified unto the Xogun, that the Christian Religion was such, that those that did profess it, did neither obey nor esteem of their Masters, Lords, nor Princes, and that they did adore men put to death for Malefactors, took their flesh and bones for Relics (as they termed them) and wore them at their necks. And for proof thereof they related all that had passed about those Christians which had been burnt at Arima, signifying that it had so been told unto him. And that moreover very many Christians did of late publicly adore a man that for his rust deserts was crucified in Meace. For all which he being much offended said, that, that Religion which teacheth such doctrine, is doubtless of the devil, and therefore could not be tolerated in japone. In the end they said that they were very sorry to send them so bad news, but yet could not choose but let them understand thereof.  
2. This blow did grieve the Christians very much, and to the end they might better understand how the matter went, and procure some remedy thereof, after they had consulted amongst themselves, they sent unto the Court a Brother of the Society, a man very expext and intelligent, with intention that Father Rector should also go thither to that end soon after him, Safioye had notice thereof, and meeting with the Brother reprehended him exceedingly, telling him moreover, that now there was no remedy, for that the Xogun had given express Command that not one of all those that taught the religion of Christ, whether they were strangers or borne in the Country, should remain in all japone, and that therefore he should return immediately unto Meaco from whence he came.  
3. The truth of the matter was, that when Safioye came unto the Court he found that many there talked very much of the 28. Martyrs that had been there put to death in the month of August last passed, as also of the great constancy of those that in Arima chose rather to be burned alive, then for one only hour deny their faith: of the courage likewise of those Christians that went thither to see that spectacle, offering to die with them, and how they reverenced their Relics. Some said it was too great a cruelty, and that it had been enough at the most to have banished them and confiscated their goods: whereupon Safioye and others partly through the hatred they bore unto the faith of Christ, and principally for the excusing of their own cruelties, did defame the Christians unto the Xogun, as disobedient, stubborn and rebellious people, that they did not fear death, but rather did desire to be put to death as Malefactors, and that they do esteem and adore such like persons; and a brother of Safioye did give this reason thereof, because said he, Christ whom they hold for their Lord and Saviour did die upon a Cross as a Malefactor.  
4. But this proceeded from the late death of a Christian that was crucified in this manner. Seven persons were condemned to death in Meaca, for having bought uncoined silver, as it seemeth, against some law of the country to that effect. Six of them were Gentills and the seventh was a Christian. The Gentills were beheaded, the Christian was crucified. Many people according to the custom of all places went to see the execution, and when the Christian gave up the Ghost, the Christians that were present kneeled down upon their knees to commend his soul unto God; and thereupon some of the Gentills, malicious people, took occasion to give out that they did adore him that was crucified. And to excuse their cruelty towards those of the Province of Arima, they exaggerated the matter, saying that if one only Province was so obstinate, that there was no remedy to make them obey neither their Prince nor the Xogun, what would it be if the greater part of japone were Christians, as already they were very many in Meaco? adding withal that as long as the Fathers were permitted in japone, it was not possible there should be any remedy therein.  
5. These and the like things they did paint out, and exaggerate in such manner to the Xogun and the Prince his son, who before were nothing well affected, but rather averted from the Christians by reason of the false reports of the Gentills and Heretics; that they resolved to banish all the Fathers out of japone, and cruelly to persecute the Christians thereof: saying, that the Fathers as being strangers and religious persons were not much to be blamed for preaching of their religion, seeing it was their office and profession so to do; but that every Prince and Lord were worthy to be blamed that did permit them to live and preach in their Countries; & much more the Christians there, that gave ear unto them, and did more esteem of the doctrine that was taught them by a few strangers, then of that with their ancestors had professed, & their Princes did embrace and command to be believed & followed, and that therefore they did only banish the Fathers without doing them any other hurt, or harm, but only depriving them of their Churches and Houses: whereas those that were free Denizens should be secretly punished if they did not obey. And so the Catalogue was first to know how many Christians there were in those places, & then by that to procure that they should all of them leave their faith: which was the self same manner they had used before with those of Yendo.  
6. All possible diligence was used by the Christians to see if they could by any means make the Xogun capable of the truth of matters falsely feigned against them, and to give him a true Information of the Catholic faith. But the Princes of japone are of that nature and disposition that if once in any thing they be resolved, they scarce ever afterwards do change their minds; neither is there almost any that will, or dare make intercession unto them for another, although it be in a matter the most just that may be, especially if the enemies of that person be in favour with the Prince, and themselves be not to receive some benefit by the business. Whereupon it came to pass upon the 12. of February 1614 that notwithstanding all the means that could be wrought, there was an express order made that all the Fathers in japone, with all those that did belong unto them should be sent to Nangasaqui, and there delivered unto their Superiors, and unto the Governors of the City, & that their Churches, & houses should be cast down.  
7. Upon the 14 of the same month this order was notified unto the Fathers of the Society of Meaco, for that there was no other Church but theirs in that City, and they were required to give up a Catalogue of the names of all the Fathers, Brethren, and Doxucos, or Seminaristes, as also of the servants they had, to the end that none of them should remain behind. But because it was very necessary that some should stay secretly there for the help of the Christians of that City, and of other towns and villages there about, of eight Fathers they put only three in the Catalogue, and of seven Brethren other three, and of 20. Seminaristes only six.  
8. Those three Fathers and their company were banished out of Meaco upon the 21. of February, and there was an infinite concourse of Gentills to see them (for the Christians were not permitted by the officers to go;) some mocked at them, others took compassion of them, considering the innocency wherewith they had lived amongst them so many years. When they were come into Fuximi they found the Fathers of the holy Order of S. Francis that did dwell there already put in baotes ready to departed, and there they were all delivered to a servant of the Governor of Meaco, that was appointed to carry them to Nangasaqui. Down the river they went and came to Ozaca before the break of day, and there were joined unto them others of the Society, and of S. Francis his order that did dwell in that City, as also another Father with others of the Society that were brought from the Kingdoms of Canga and Noto: so that upon the 25. of that month there departed from Ozaca a reasonable fleet of banished persons for the faith of Christ.  
9 Before their departure Father Rector did offer unto the Governors of Meaco and Ozaca a memorial in which he answered to the false calumniations which were raised against the Christian faith and Religion, desiring them they would show it unto the Xogun, and inform him of their innocenty. Both of them did read it, and said that which was therein contained stood with very great reason, and that they thought that if the Xogun did see it he would desist from persecuting the Christians. By the same order that those already mentioned, were also banished the Fathers of the Society that dwelled in Firoxima, and in the Kingdoms of Aqui, Bingo, Bungo, and Figen, of the country of Omura, the Islands of Xiqui, and Conzura, as also before had been in the years 1612. and 1613. those of Bugen Chicugo, Chicugen, together with the Fathers of S. Augustins order of Vsuqui, and the Fathers of S. Dominicke of the Kingdom of Fijcn. Finally in all japone there did not remain so much as one Church which was not cast down and destroyed, all the Religious men being brought to the port of Nangasaqui, except some few that lay hidden and went secretly disguised in divers parts.  
10. The Society had at that time in Nangasaqui four several Residences, the College and Seminary all in one, the Misericordia, the Hospital, and the house of All-saints, and other two they had not far from thence: there were also three Coventes there, one of S. Augustine his order, another of S. Dominicke, and the third of S. Francis. There were moreover four parish Churches of secular Priests that were japonians borne, besides other lesser chapels. The number of the Churches that were destroyed in all parts of japone, may be gathered by that which the Society alone did lose in the year 1612. when the persecution did but begin in Arima (although it were not universal) which were fourscore and seven Residences, Churches, and chapels. It would be to tedious a matter to write in particular all the molestations & vexations which the Christians received upon this occasion, together with their valour, courage, patience and constancy therein, the which is nothing diminished by the frailty which some exteriorly did show, seeing that it is no novelty that some in all places be not so constant in religion as they should: even in Europe itself where Christian Religion most flourisheth, and is of most continuance we have to many examples thereof, yea and which is more in the very primitive Church of Christ, there never wanted some, that were unconstant, cowardly, to too fearful, & faint hearted.   

Of that which happened in Meaco and Ozaca. CHAP. VI  
MEACO is the most populous & ancient City of japone, and the ordinary Court of the Dayri, who by right is the true Lord of all those Kingdoms. It is the very well spring & fountain of all the Idolatry of that country, and hath in it many Temples and Bonzoes'. Fuximi is another City distant six miles from Meaco, although it be now almost joined with the suburbs thereof. It was builded by Taycosama the predecessor of the Xogun that now reigneth, who hath there a goodly great fortress, and it is his Garrison town for the parts of Camy. There he hath continually 6000. soldiers under the charge of 4. Captains, and the General of them all is Oquindono who is his own brother. Ozaca is 20. miles lower down the river towards the West, and is also a very populous City, hath many goodly Palaces in it, & one of the best fortresses if not the best of all japone. Taycosama did build it, and his son Fideyor doth dwell in it to this day, Sacay is six miles more towards the South, and the Inhabitants thereof be all Merchants and Tradesmen.  
2. In every one of these Cities there were good store of Christians, and all of them, especially those of Meaco and Ozaca, where were the greater number, hearing of this news did endeavour to move themselves to fervour and devotion. The two Governors Itacuradono and Ichinocami did desire to put as few Christians into the Catalogue as might be, partly because they saw it was a manifest miustice that was intended towards them, and partly lest they themselves should be blamed and rebuked for that there were so many. But all the Christians, even the very Children, would needs have their names written in the Catalogue; for that in Meaco alone there were at that time more than four thousand, whose names were taken. Some there were that were then but only disposing of themselves in Catechizing to be Christians, and were not yet baptised, that did put in their names among the rest, and more than threescore at that very time were baptised, notwithstanding all the troubles likely to ensue, affirming that they should hold themselves for very happy to die in so holy a religion: and among the rest an ancient woman of threescore and ten years old, that had very often resisted unto God's calling and holy inspirations given her to be a Christian, a very little before the departure of the Fathers was baptised, to the great contentment of herself, and all her Christian friends.  
3. There was a little Child in Sacay who saying to his parents that he would be a Martyr with them, and they telling him, that if he could not suffer a little spark of fire on his hand, how would he suffer greater torments, he took a hot burning iron to try it in his hand if he could endure it: his parents detained him, but could not quiet him until they promised him they would carry him with them when they went to die.  
4. There was another young youth nephew to a certain Bonzo whose Temple and Benefice he was to have inherited, and because he made himself a Christian, his own Father hung him by the feet and whipped him cruelly, but for all that▪ he would never leave insisting that they should put his name down in the Catalogue of Christians, because he was he said a Christian, and so would live and die. For which cause his Father did disinherit him, and violently thrust him out of his house, and he went immediately to the Fathers of the Society, making earnest suit to go away with them.  
5. All this time there was an extraordinary concourse of the Christians unto the Churches, notwithstanding all the flouts and mocks, and reprehensions of the Gentills: much frequenting of the Sacraments and prayer, and the prayer of forty hours was almost continually kept in many places: and it was the general care of all by means of these holy exercises and divers penances they did, to prepare themselves to die. They were much grieved to departed from their spiritual Fathers & masters, not knowing whether they should ever see them again or no, and so great and grivous was their lamentation for this respect, that the very Gentills took great pity and compassion both of them and the Fathers also, saying publicly, that the officers that hindered them, did them great wrong and injury not to let them go in their company, seeing they did so much desire it.  
6. Upon the 16 of February Sangamidono one of the principal Captains and Tutor to the Prince of Yendo came to Meaco with a hundred and fifty horsemen, and many more on foot under pretence to pull down the Churches, and destroy the Christians, although as we shall see hereafter the Xogun had another intention therein. The next day following, he commanded to cast down the Church and House of the Society, and to carry the wood thereof to the river side, making a Proclamation that all that would not deny their faith should be burned with that wood, and that every one should prepare his pillar of wood whereunto to be tied when they should be burned. Many immediately got them pillars and set them ready at their doors, others that had no money to buy them withal, sold some of their household stuff, because when the time came they would not be without them.  
7. And they in this manner expecting the happy day of Martyrdom, the foresaid wood was commanded to be burned publicly, together with the wood of two other chapels, and of the Churches of Ozaca, Fuximi, & Sacay to the great grief and affliction of all the Christians, and thereby they came to understand, that all that had been done was only to terrify and put them into a fear. For Sangamidono and the Governors of Meaco & Ozaca seeing their invincible courage, determined first of all to assault them by means of their friends, neighbours and kindred, and if that did not prevail, then to disgrace some of them publicly, and to blot out of the Catalogue the names of others either by force, or by deceit, to comply in that manner with the Xogun; thinking to give him notice only of those that were in their judgements most rebellious and obstinate.  
8. Presently hereupon the neighbours, friends, and kinsfolks of the Christians begun to enter in troops into their houses, some breaking down and tearing in pieces the pictures of our Saviour and his Saints, some taking away their beads and Agnus This, and all other signs of Christianity they found: others partly with threats, partly with entreaties and importunities, insisting that at the least they would consent that their names might be blotted out of the Catalogue. This Combat did endure a good while and divers were the events thereof. Few were overcome: a great number either by force or by decept had their names blotted out of the Catalogue: and the most constant were miserably vexed and afflicted.  
9 There was in Meaco a certain street called the street of the Christians, because all that dwelled therein (except one only family) were so, with these they used extraordinary diligence to make them leave their faith, and because they could not prevail with them, they banished two families as heads of all the rest, and then in the sight of their husbands and fathers they put 27. persons, women and Children, into certain sacks of straw into the which they use to put their rice, and tying them with cords round about from top to toe, they cast them one upon another, as though they had been sacks of corn, and afterwards, because they should not be smothered, they laid them in the streets upon the ground, leaving them so for all men to behold a whole day and a night, in exceeding cold weather and snow, with men to keep them, who continually did importune them that they would yield at least in something or other. But for all this, and all they could do, they could not overcome them. Yea other children there were that wept and cried very seriously, because they were not put and tied in sacks as their mothers and their sisters were; and to quiet them there was no other way but to put them in, where withal the Gentills did remain astonished.  
10. The day following the judges did return, and affirming that the husbands of those women were not men, seeing they were not moved with the disgrace and punishment of their wives and children, they commanded they women to be loosed, and the men to be tied in the sacks, and put to the same torment that their wives were put unto the day before, threatening them that if they did not deny their faith they would cause them to be carried in that manner upon a staff through all the streets of the city, to their public shame ignominy and disgrace. But by the grace of God they made small reckoning of their threats. Then came there thither a great troop of Gentills, who first, giving them many reproachful words and speeches, did afterwards entreat the judges that they would deliver them into their custody, & that they in their houses would give them such counsel, as should be convenient for them. And so it was agreed, because indeed they were loath to fill the prisons full of Christians; whose words in all this time were nothing but protestations, that they would so remain (by the assistance of the holy Chost) until their dying day.  
11. near unto the Church of Meaco there lived in a house all together very recollectedly divers Gentlewomen that had made vows of Chastity in the company of a noble Lady called julia, sister unto Don john Naytodono, of whom shortly we shall make mention. This Lady remaining widow after the death of her husband who was a principal Lord of the Kingdom of Tamba, left the world being yet a Gentile to be a Bicuni, which is a kind of religious life among the Gentills, and so she remained for the space of fourteen years, living in great poverty and penance, spending her time in doing many heathenish rites and ceremonies, for the which she was greatly esteemed of many of the most noble Ladies of all the Land, and of all of that sect which she professed, although the longer she lived in that fashion the less quietness she found in her Conscience. It pleased Almighty God to open her eyes as another Lydia in the acts of the Apostles by hearing the sermons of the Catechism which were preached by a Brother of the Society who was a japenian borne: and although her ancient custom and the speech of the world weighed very much, and were great impediments to hinder her conversion, yet the grace and calling of Almighty God being more potent and powerful, within a short time she came to see the error of the japonian Sects wherein she had been very conversant, & to know the truth of our holy Christian and Catholic Religion, and was baptised by F. Organtino of the Society of jesus in the year 1596. after which divers persecutions were raised against her by the Bonzos' for leaving of their sect; and because she had burned certain Idols which they esteemed very much, they procured the Xogun to made inquiry after her, to punish her therefore; and upon that occasion she was forced to live secretly divers years. She gave herself wholly to devotion and became thereby to be so good a Christian and so spiritual, that she together with her company did exceeding much good among the Gentills, teaching the Christian Religion to divers Ladies & Gentlewomen whom they visited, to whom no man could possibly have any entrance or access, and by her means many souls were delivered from the devils power, and her house was as it were a place of refuge for the Christian women, such was her virtue, such her wisdom, such the good example she gave to all.  
12. The judges together with the governors Nephews were five days in endeavouring to make these good Gentlewomen leave faith, sometimes by fair means sometimes by foul; and finally for a conclusion they told them that having understood that the Christians did desire to die for their religion, they were resolved not to fulfil their desires therein, but otherwise to afflict them by all means possible, and afterwards cause then to be carried naked through the streets of Meaco to their public shame, and then to banish them into divers parts, so that they should never see one another more, and to such places where they could not live as Christians, & that all this they might easily remedy with dissembling a little exteriorly, and consenting that their names might be blotted out of the Catalogue. They answered they would not, and that if they did blot out their names by force, they would publicly proclaim that they were Christians.  
13. The judges went away, and the good Gentlewomen afterwards did expect every moment when the officers would come: at length there came a whole troop of them, and the holy women went out to meet with them, each carrying a sack in her hand, into which presently the officers did thrust them, and bind them so hard that they could neither move hand nor foot, and then they tied them to staves and so carried them upon their shoulders through the streets accompanied with many armed men. The people came all out of their houses to see them, some mocking at them and abusing them, others admiring at their constancy. They put them in a public place without the City, where they use to execute justice upon malefactors, and their they remained all that day and the next, exposed to the could and snowy weather. Great abundance of people went thither to see them, and among the rest a certain Bonzo, who coming full of pride and presumption said unto them, that they were ignorant women, that they should rely upon him who was a learned man, and that he would take upon him their salvation: they laughing at his folly gave him no other answer, that being sufficient to confound his proud presumption. Certain Gentills did procure to deliver one of them, and by force did carry her from thence unto her Father's house, but she went all the way crying out aloud, I am a Christian, I am a Christian, and when they let her go she took up the sack and the ropes wherewith she had been tied in her hands, and never ceased (running through more than ten streets, till she came again to the place where her companions were, and there she made herself to be bound again as they were, to both her own and their great joy, comfort & content. The next day the judges sent word to lose and let them go, but they understanding that it was a devise thereby to give out to the world that they had now yielded, they said, We are Christians, and will not go from hence, unless you go proclaiming that we will not leave our holy faith and Religion, and if you will not do so, let us remain here until we die. As they required so was it done, for they took, and tied them, and carried them back again through the same streets they brought them, proclaiming that they still remained Christians, and themselves likewise did proclaim the same saying all the way, we are Christians, we are Christians. They brought them to a house of a certain Christian, and there they left them giving them back again their beads, and Agnus This.  
14. Others were in other streets likewise put into sacks, and among the rest one that was named Benet showed particular fervour in that action: for being put into a sack within his own house, & so tied that he could not move, he cried out unto them, that they should put him in the street for all to see him so, and at length he obtained his request, but it was in such sort that his face was covered: he was much grieved thereat, for his desire was to be mocked and reproached for Christ's cause: and because they would not discover him, having oftentimes entreated them, he himself with his head and teeth by force made means to discover his face, which when the officers perceived they carried him in again, & put him into a strong prison of wood, so strait that they could scarce put any meat in to him. There he remained until he was banished. This torment of tying in the sacks was so great, that most of them, or all did fall sick thereof.  
15. In Ozaca was the same affliction and persecution as in Meaco, and the constancy of the Christians there no less then in the other place. Those that went abroad about any business left at home in writing how they were Christians, & that if there were any torments to be inflicted for being so, they would return presently to suffer them. Others that were abroad when the news was told them of the persecution, left presently their business for the same end. Some young youths were most cruelly whipped by their parents for being Christians, and shut up without any meat at all for a long tyme. Then arose a report that upon a certain day, at such an hour, the Christians should be put to death, in such a market place. Whereupon divers of them did begin to give all that they had unto the poor: and upon the day appointed before the hour came, there were more than three hundred come and expected in the place, and many more there would have been, had they not been then by force detained by their friends and kinsfolks. Fifty and eight were put in sacks in the manner afore rehearsed & so carried through the streets, unto a great bridge upon the river, where they were left fast bound and divers persons appointed to keep them; the rest were beaten away with cudgels, yet as they went, they did not cease to make public profession of their faith, saying, We are Christians.  
16. Amongst those that were put in sacks there were some Gentlemen of good worth who had thrust themselves into the throng among the common people, because they would not be favoured nor exempted: and a Nephew of the chief Lord of the Kingdom of Avarice, whose name was john Xirey mon and his wife Magdalen no less noble than he, she being then very great with child & ha●ing been banished a year and a half before thither for then faith, were both of them there also in the market place among the other Christians.  
17. That very night certain Gentills came and asked that those that were put in sacks might be given unto them, and that they would be their sureties, but the Christians refused their courtesy, because it might be thereupon suspected that they had yielded to something that they ought not to have done: at length they let go the ordinary people and put 24. of the better sort into divers prisons.  
18. In a town near unto Ozaca the Gentills did take a Christian, and because he would not deny his faith, they first pulled of all his clothes, bound him to a pillar, and for two days together they burned him by little and little with dry reeds and straw (the which they use instead of torches) so that he could not die of it, because they would not do him the favour to make him die for Christ as he desired: and being not able to overcome him with all they could do to him, they banished him together with other of his kindred that were Christians.  
19 The fury of this persecution did endure for ten days space, and at the end thereof, there came from the Court letters in which the Xogun did declare Sangamidono for a Traitor, and commanded that he should immediately be banished into the Kingdom of Omi, and that he spared his life in regard he had been his Captain so long tyme. And this was the reward of all his malice against the Christians. And it was afterwards proved, that, that very day in which he pulled down the Churches, that very day was his Castle of Ondavara seized on & all his lands and livings which were very great, confiscated. The Gentills themselves some of them did note how soon he was punished for his cruelty.  
. For conclusion of this Chapter I think it will not be amiss, to relate a witty and pleasant prognostication which as they say was made in Meaco at this time, by a Gentle, one of their Soothsayers. For he casting a figure upon this manner of proceeding, never seen before of putting the Christians into sacks, said these words: The sacks be of Rice, & Rice is a seed that multiplieth very much: a signe, that though they press the Christian never so much, they will greatly multiply. The Gentills made a lest at it: but some Christians thought that perhaps there was a greater mystery therein then was imagined.   

Of some in Meaco, Ozaca, and Fuximi that were banished for Christian religion, and others imprisoned. CHAP. VII.  
THE Christians of Meaco and Ozaca remained prisoners, a month. But how great their valour courage and deuption was therein may well be gathered out of a letter which one of them wrote unto a Father of the Society in this form: Upon the eight day of this Moon they brought me unto this prison, with my wife and three Children: I beseech you remember me in your holy Sacrifices, and obtain for me by your prayers of Almighty God, perseverance. We are not unmindful of those good considerations which you taught us: and although we be miserable sinners, yet we do our endeavour every day to communicate spiritually, remembering ourselves of the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We do also give thanks daily unto Almighty God for his exceeding benefits. We fear no persecution, nor esteem our lives in any thing at all; and this strength which we find and feel within our selue, we acknowledge it for God's favour, and the fruit of your care in teaching us, and we give you than●kes for all. I understand that all our companions stand very steadfast in their faith, of the which we are exceeding glad: we are not forgetful of them neither day nor night. And so once more desiring you would commend us to Almighty God, and give us your, blessing, I end.  
2. After this came the Xoguns sentence in which he commanded that all the prisoners with their wives and Children should be banished to Taugaru, which is at the end of all japone, a very cold Country, over against Tartary, and scarce inhabited, and that those Gentlewomen which lived all together in one house in Meaco, should be sent with other seven or eight to Nangasaqui to be banished from thence out of japone, and that those whose names were blotted out of the Catalogue should be compelled to follow some of the Sects of japone. There were joined together from Meaco and Ozaca upon the 13. of April threescore and thirteen, who were delivered unto two Captains to be carried into banishment: but they seeing them to be so many, and that some of them were known to be worthy and noble Captains, were afraid to take the charge of them so long away: and therefore they entreated Itacuradono, that either he would command irons and fetters to be put upon them, or else some mark with fire to be made in their for heads whereby they might be known, and taken again in case they fled away from them. Itacuradono laughing at them, said: It seems you do not know them, nor the willingness & contentment with which they go into banishment. I should be very glad I could deteyn them for the compassion I have of them. Go with security, for those that go in the manner that they do, will not run away I warrant you. Take my word, for I know them very well.  
3. It so happened, that the Officers bringing threescore and thirteen horses for them to ride upon unto a place where they were to take shipping, one horse was overplus by reason that a little boy that was one of the foresaid number being hidden by his kinsfolks, was wanting: and the Officers reflecting upon it and saying that one of them was wanting, a young youth that was come thither to take his leave of some of those that were to go into banishment, hearing them, stepped out and said; Here I am, take no care there is none wanting, and saying so, he leapt upon the spare horse, and with great content went along with the rest into banishment.  
4. They went all in a row one after another, most of them very richly appareled, and exceedingly content. Whereat many of the Gentills wondered not a little, seeing that in their conceit they had reason rather to show grief then any contentment at all in that occasion. divers Christians accompanied them to Otzu, with tears and a kind of holy envy, emulating their happiness in suffering that which they did for Christ. And they all that way went aminating those that were to return and remain there behind, not to show any weakness, frailty or cowardice in God's cause, nor to fear neither loss of goods nor life, seeing that all in comparison of everlasting life is but of small, or of no account.  
5. The Fathers of the Society that lived at that time secretly and disguised in Meaco, the better thereby to help the Christians, did very much desire to have accompanied these their Ghostly children, but it being both necessary for the greater good of others not to discover themselves, and dangerous to do it, they therefore sent a good Christian, a japonian borne, unto them in their names, a man of much virtue and great confidence to help and animate them in their journey, who willingly with all his heart did undertake that care, being indeed himself desirous to die with them. They stayed in the port until the midst of May, expecting wind to sail the Northern Seas. Thither in that time many Christians went to visit them, and by a letter which one of them wrote unto a Father of the Society of Ozaca may be gathered the manner of their going, and how they did behave themselves: thus he wrote.  
6. Upon the 22. of the third Moon (which was upon the 30. of April) I went to visit the banished persons which then were in Tzurunga: & I remained so edified by them, that I do assure you I felt in myself extraordinary shame and confusion, accompanied together with devotion. All of them both men and women had caused the hair of their heads to be shaven of: every day three several times they made their prayer altogether, and at every time they spent an hour therein: they had so distributed matters among themselves, that every one did some office or other to help and serve the rest. When they came to Tzurunga, they were all put in a great warehouse, the doors fast locked upon them, and there they passed all that night upon the cold bare ground: and exceeding glad they were that therein they did in some manner imitate the martyrs, of whose afflictions and torments they did discourse amongst themselves. The night following they had given them two mats to lie and sleep upon: their meat whilst they remained there, was a little rice with pottage made of certain herbs, that were (God knows) of an unpleasant taste. The Captains that conducted them said once unto them: Because you were many and most of you skilful in matters of arms, we made some difficulty at the first to undertake your conduction, but now seeing your manner of proceeding, we see we had no reason at all to fear. And verily with this resolution you have showed in choosing rather to be banished then leave your faith, you have given an evident testimony that it is the truth, and the right way unto salvation: and if you had not done so, you had put a great blot upon your religion, and given testimony that all which it teacheth were false and untrue: and doubtless if the prohibition of the Prince were not so strict as it is, we would he are the sermons of so good and holy a doctrine. This and much more I might write unto you, of that which the Captains said, moved with their good example. Hitherto the letter.  
7. They departed afterwards from that port, and arrived safey at the place whereunto they were banished, & there as was after signified, they were well received and also helped by the Prince thereof. The Gentlewomen whereof I spoke before, together with others were sent in banishment to Nangasaqui, where they were relieved by the charity of the Confraternities, especially by that of the Misericordia. Some also were banished at this time from Fuximi. There was also one Peter a were grave man and an ancient soldier much respected by Oquindono the Xoguns Brother, who had endeavoured much to make him leave his faith, and not obtaining it, he sent him word that it was the Xoguns pleasure, that there should not remain one Christian in all japone; that the Fathers were now banished and the Churches destroyed; & that he could do no less but banish him if he did not leave to be a Christian: to which he answered: I did not make myself a Christian because there be Fathers or Christians in japone, but because I knew there was no other way to save my soul. I am very sorry that they are banished, and that the Churches be destroyed: but yet I know that he that brought the from the furthest parts of the world hither, can more easily bring than again from Macan & juson which is nearer. The Xogun can do no more but put them out of his Country for his own time: and if he will banish me also, I shall find God I am sure wheresoever I go, for he is I know in all places wheresoever. And for conclusion he desired him not to speak any more unto him about that business, but either banish him, or command him to be put to death: and so both he and other soldiers of worth that gave like answers were banished with their families, their goods, and livings being all confiscated.  
8. Amongst the Citizens of Fuximi was most persecuted one Mark Mangobioye a man of good account and much esteemed of the Governors, and other of the Xoguns favourites; they used extraordinary diligence to make him relent, but not being possible they banished him withal his family unto Nangasaqui. He told them he did accept of it, but yet that was no banishment seeing they sent him thither where the Fathers were. Some friends of his that were Gentiles did secretly entreat the Governors that they they would dissemble with him for a while, & that they would be his sureties that he should conform himself. The Governors were very well content withal, but he having notice thereof went unto them saying, That he was a Christian, and that he would not leave to be so for all the world, and that therefore they might resolve either to kill him, or banish him as they pleased.  
9 They were much grieved thereat but there being no other remedy they sent him to Nangasaqui, doing him the favour not to confiscate his goods. Scarce was he arrived there, it being 200. leagues from whence he went, but there came letters unto him from Meaco that Marina his wife & her little daughter should presently return to Fuximi, but not signifying wherefore, nor for what cause it was. They were all much troubled therewith, and very loath to part one from the other, but yet for all that they returned according to the command both of them with great resolution first cutting off their hair. The Governors did intend either by threats or flatteries to make Marina yield at least a little, & then by her means win her husband to their will, but she answered very constantly, that although they should kill her, or make her a slave to be a drudge all the days of her life in a kitchen, she would not change her mind. The Governors with this so unexpected answer remained as it were astonished, for they thought infallibly that she would easily yield, seeing herself alone, without her husband, and forsaken of her friends, and thereupon they let her go: and she and her daughter returned both very joyful to Nangasaqui having now made three journeys each of them 200. leagues a piece.  
10. In Meaco the officers had blotted out the names of divers Christians in the Catalogue, of some by force, of others by fraudulent, and deceitful means, the parties themselves some of them openly repugning thereunto; others being content to wink thereat, but having afterwards great scruple of Conscience, they went unto two public Officers, called Choday, protesting unto them that they were, and are still Christians, and that it was contrary to their wills that their names were put out of the Catalogue, leaving with them in writing their names and the streets wherein they dwelled. One of the Choday dissembled the matter with them, and bade them, if they were Christians, they should be wary for fear of the Xogun. The other was more rigorous, & caused thereupon Peter Chobieye, Gyroyemon, Riyem●n, and others to the number of 13. to be put in prison Peter and his mother were banished to Tz●gara for their faith; the rest after many assaults were carried together with their wives and children before the Governor, where a principal person stepping forth and ask them why they naming once left their faith, did not perform their words and keep their promise, but returned again to profess that which once they had forsaken: This is the cause (said they) why we come hither to let you and all the world know, that we never left to be Christians, and that for our religion we are ready to suffer torments, yea and death itself. Thereupon they laid hold on them all, & bound them with such cruelty that their hands, their neekes, and arms did swell exceedingly: and Itacuradono, fearing that all the Christians would do the same that they had done, did revile them bitterly and told them, that if they did not obey he would command that the men should be carried about the streets to public shame, and the women to the stews: and they all answering that they would never obey in that matter, presently they took the women and carried them to the foresaid place, and the men through the principal streets with a great and strange tumultuous noise, and upon a little board, in a paper, their sentence written thus: For being Christians having once left their faith; the which was false. But so they left them tied all that day in a certain little market place for all to laugh and mock at them, and within few hours after john Yos●yemon & james Mangaxichi were taken and carried in the same manner.  
11. Three of the Seminary of the Fathers of the Society went to them immediately to animate & encourage them, & another went to the street called the Christians street, to warn all to make the prayer of Forty Hours to God for their perseverance. That night they were carried back again to prison, and there they lay with irons at their necks. The next day they were carried to the bridge of their street, there to be tied to the posts of it, and because the officers should use no mercy towards them, the judge said unto them: Look that you do as I command you, for the Governor is exceeding angry that you tied them so gently this last night, that two or three of them hath not the skin rubbed of from their necks with the ropts. Tie them hard enough, and if they die of it, it makes no matter, I will bear you harmless. With this the officers used them most cruelly, and tied them up so high that they did scarce touch the ground with the tipps of their toes, binding moreover their necks so straight that they were almost strangled. Three days they used them in this fashion, the Gentills and the Bonzos' coming thither continually to persuade them to accommodate themselves unto the time: but they little regarding their persuasions said unto them: Look upon us, and understand that to suffer that which we do willingly, and with the joy you see is a sufficient sign, that in our religion there is means of salvation. After they had done all this with them, they carried them back again to prison, in which from july of the year 1614 until March 1615. when this Relation was written they did remain suffering with great constancy in their faith, & joy in their afflictions.  
12. The valour of their wives and daughters in that infamous place whereto they were sent, was in my mind worthy eternal memory, for to the end that no man that looked upon them should lust after or desire them, many of them did disfigure their own faces, making them all on a gore blood, with little wounds they made in them. For which cause their hands were after tied; but the Christians used a good devise to get them out of that place to be kept in the house of an honest Christian, where they did hitherto remain firm in faith and constant in their good purposes. With these and the like examples those Christians that had showed some weakness before, were moved to do penance for their frailty and inconstancy, and afterwards to be more constant & courageous, as in particular it shall appear of one Paul Fioxayemon, of whose Martyrdom we shall make mention in the 14. Chapter of the second part of this relation.   

Of the banishment of Don justo Tacayama and of other Gentlemen of Focoru. & of the Christians of Firoxima. CHAP. VIII.  
SOME five or six days journey Northward from Meaco, do stand the Kingdoms of Canga, Noto, and Yetehu, the prince whereof Figevaono was very much affected to the Chistian religion, and used the Fathers with great respect and courtesy.  
2. He had in his Kingdom divers noble Christians Captains and in particular Don justo Tacayama Minaminobo, whose memory is famous in the histories of the Society of jesus of the East Indies and japone, and Nayto Don john Toruan who was Lord of almost all the Kingdom of Tamha: and Nayto Don Thomas Vacmodono his son, and Oquinada Thomas Quicuan a principal Gentleman of Bigen. Don justo had always with him some Father of the Society, and a Brother, and others of the Seminary that was in the City of Canazova.  
3. When the news of the persecution came first into those parts, Don justo did determine to keep the Father secretly, to the end he might help the Christians there in case they came to die for their faith, as all did hope and desire they should. But presently there came a command from the Xogun, that the Father and those that were with him should be carried by officers unto Nangasaqui, and so it was of necessity put in execution: but before his departure so great was the concourse of the Christians to confess themselves, to receive the Blessed Sacrament, and to take their leaves of him, that the Church was scarce ever empty either day or night. Three days after his departure together with the rest of his company, Figendono did by order from the Xogun command (though much against his will) that Don justo, Don john and Don Thomas with their Wives, Children and Grandchilds should be carried to Meaco, and delivered to Itacuradono, and that all their servants should be banished if they did not leave to be Christians. Great was the assault that was given them there to accommodate themselves unto the time, lest otherwise they should undo themselves, and utterly ruinated their Families, which were of so great name, fame, and nobility. But they as men experienced in such like Combats, having lost before at other times, and ventured for their faith, more than they could do now, were nothing moved therewith: saying that to honest men, and such as know what it is to be Christians, no man ought to mention any such matter, no not in way of jest or merriment.  
4. One only day was given them to prepare themselves towards their journey, and so leaving their lands, livings, wealth, weapons, houses and estates, without any more than their only apparel on their backs, and some things necessary for the way, they took their journey to Canozava upon the 15. day of February. So Don justo like another Abraham left his Country, together with his wife justa and five Grandchilds, (the eldest whereof was 16. years old and the youngest 8.) and his daughter who was married unto the son and heir of the Governor of those three kingdoms, a man worth forty thousand ducats by the year. This Lady for divers reasons, and principally because she desired to die in this occasion with her Father, went with him, her husband being very willing therewith. He was also a Christian, and desired much to have accompanied his Father-in-law, but for just occasions he would not permit him. And so having made a general confession of all his life with a Father of the Society before his departure, he remained there expecting what would be the event of these troubles, with intention if God gave him life to send after for his wife: and both of them to die together for the faith of Christ.  
5. When they went out of the City the Gentills did fear there would have been made some uproar, by reason Don justo had so many servants, friends, and wellwillers there, and that all the world saw evidently the manifest wrong and injustice that was done to him, and the rest, and therefore they did arm themselves to prevent whatsoever might happen. But he sent them word, they needed not to fear, saying: That now he was not to fight with weapons as at other times they had seen him do, but with patience and humility, as the Law of God doth teach. Many people did accompany them a little on their way, some weeping to see such men that were a little before so rich and so esteemed in the Kingdom, to go now out of it in banishment, in poverty and with officers to guard, them, not having done the least offence or committed any fault at all. Others admiring to see such courage and constancy in them, said: Doubtless the Christian religion must needs be very good, seeing that men of so good judgement & understanding as these be, so wise, noble and valiant do for it so little esteem, and so lightly regard their lives, & make so small account of their goods, honours & estates.  
6. At the end of the first days journey it was told them, that some were coming towards them with order to put them all to death, the which when they heard, with great joy and gladness they all settled themselves to their prayers, without making the least sign of sadness, or show of resistance in the world: but rather when afterwards they understood it was a false alarm, they were very sorry, and grieved that it proved not so as it was reported.  
7. After ten days journey they arrived at Sacamoto, three leagues from Meaco, having endured much misery in the way passing over many high hills & craggy mountains full of snow, which they could not go over but on foot: and Don justo being so old as he was, & sick withal, was yet still the first, ammating so much the rest that even the children and young damsels which never before knew what hardness meant, went with as great contentment over those mountains, dabbling in the wet, and trampling in the snow, as if they had been walking in stately Palaces, and pleasant galleries.  
8. Itacuradono understood of their coming, and fearing that if they should come into the City, the Christians thereof would be to much encouraged, he wrote unto the two Captains that guarded them that they should stay in Sacamoto until they had further order from the Xogun. It seemed unto Don justo that their sentence would be one of these three things: either that they should be put to death there, or else carried to Yendo & Suruga, and there made an end of with torments and disgrace, or finally banished unto divers Kingdoms, that so being separated one from the other, they would assault them every one by themselves to make them leave their faith, telling them that the rest had conformed themselves and condescended to their will. And this last he feared most of all by reason of the children and women that were among them, lest they thereby might be circumvented, & for that cause he did prevent them with instructions, bidding them they should not give any credit to such like false reports: and wishing them also that thought they should hear that their own parents, and all other Christians had denied their faith, they should remanyne yet constant and perseverant, seeing that, that was the only and secure way to salvation.  
9 At the end of thirty days, there came a sentence from the Xogun, that the men should be banished to Nangasaqui, and that the women if they would might remain in Meaco, but that they should not carry any servants at all with them. The women would not part from the men, but went with them; and in the journey, which did endure 20. days, for want of servants, and upon other occasions, they passed much misery and incomodity, yet at length they arrived all at Nangasaqui, and were there very well received.  
10. There were beside these divers other principal Gentlemen banished from Canozava, and sent to Tzugarum, and in particular Thomas Quiucan with his three sons who were men grown and also of good estates. This Thomas was one of the principal Captains of the prince of Bigen, and of two other Kingdoms. He had been of the sect of Toequexus, and so obstinate therein, that although his sons and friends were most of them Christians, yet was it not possible to make him leave his Sect, until it pleased Almighty God to open his eyes in the year 1600. by means of a Father of the Society. But afterwards he became so fervorous and devout a Christian, that he was an example to them all. He had a certain fair Grange whereto he often retired to recollect himself, to give himself to prayer, to read good books, and do divers kind of penances. Figendono did esteem of him somuch that he made him one of the four judges of all his Estate, and for this cause greater were the assaults that were given unto him, and his Sons: but they defended themselves so manfully, that they with three other Gentlemen rather chose to lose their goods, rents, and revenues, and to be banished out of their natural soil, then to yield in any the least thing against their faith.  
11. In the same City there was a chief Noble man, who having divers servants that were Christians, did use many persuasions to one of them that he would leave it. But he answered: If it please your Lordship, I am so convinced with the force of the truth of our religion, that it is impossible for me to leave it: neither in being of it do I you any injury at all, but rather thereby an bound and obliged to serve you with more sidelity. His Lord was so offended with this answer that he struck him with his dagger, and wounded him, and meant to have killed him with another blow, and had done so, had not some there held his hand, and others taken away the valorous Champion of Christ, who there upon his knees stayed expecting and desiring it.  
12. In the City of Firoxima matters were carried after a calmer sort, by reason that Fucuxima Tayudono Lord thereof, and of the Kingdoms of Aqui and Bingo was a friend unto the Christians, and favoured the Fathers of the Society very much, not only giving them ample licence to make Christians in his Country, but also (being a Gentle himself) gave them a house and place wherein to dwell, and part also of their maintenance: and so by that means there were many worthy Christians in his Countries. But letting pass the fruit which those of the Society did in those and other neighbour Countries at that tyme. I will now only speak of that which passed there in the time of this persecution.  
13. In the beginning of February of the year 1614 Tayudono. being at the Court of Yendo, he wrote a very courteous letter unto the Father that was superior at Firoxima, saying that he was very sorry for their banishment, but now it could not be remedied being so ordained by the Xogun, & that he would be mindful of them. He also wrote unto his Governors that they should send the Fathers withal courtesy to Nangasaqui; and that as touching the Christians they should not meddle with any but of the common sort, and with those only for complement and fashion sake. The Gentills there when they heard first the news of the Father's departure were very sorry for it, and came unto them to signify how much it grieved them, for indeed they all did love and esteem them very much: but therebeing no remedy, one of the Fathers with others of their house remained there secretly, and the rest departed to Nangasaqui. The Governors took from the Christians their beads, pictures and Agnus Dei, and put some of them into sacks as those of Meaco had been, and afterwards making relation to Tayudono of what they had done, and carrying unto him some of the Christians beads, he said that they had done to much, & commanded the beads, Agnus Dei, and other things to be kept with reverence as holy things.  
13. This Tayudono is one of the Princes of most Fame in all japone, a notable warrior and a man of great resolution and courage in his businesses: and because he had emulatours in the Court, he wrote unto four of his Captains that to give contentment to the Xogun, he desired them they would leave their religion, and that therein they should do him great service. They answered, that they desired much to die in his service, and that they were very sorry that in that matter which he demanded they could not give him contentment. For that setting a side that which was the principal (to wit their faith to God, their Religion and Salvation) even in moral honesty and worldly honour, being so known for Christians as they were, they could not now pull back their feet, but that it would be a base and dishonourable thing, and a sign of a false heart & cowardly mind, neither would any men of worth, if they should go from their faith, ever afterward put any trust or confidence in them. That which they could and would do, was to be careful whilst they remained with him in the Court not to make any exterior show of their being Christians, by which any hurt or damage might come unto him: and that if this were not sufficient, they, their wives and children were prepared rather to die then to do any thing against the profession of their Faith. It was thought that Tayudono would have been much offended with this answer: but he did dissemble the matter, rather esteeming them the more for it.  
14. This Prince had a Christian page, who was much molested by other pages to make some sign that he was no Christian, and to this end they feigned that his Lord did send unto him for his beads and Agnus Dei, but he would not deliver them by any means, wherewith they being much vexed to bring him into discredit with his Lord, they told him how they had now drawn him to deny his faith. Within a few days after his Lord asked him if he were a Christian, because it had been told him that now he was none: & the page answered: My Lord I am a Christian as you know, and have been all ways from a child, and for all the world I will not leave to be so. I do desire to serve your Lordship in all you shall command me, but to deny Christ that way not be: and if for this cause your Lordship will cut of my head, here I offer it very willingly; and with that he did uncover his neck. All that were present thought assuredly his Lord would have cut of his head, for that in such occasions many times he is not Master of himself: but yet at that time he did bridle his passion, & praised his page's resolution, who by that means remained with victory over the Devil, and his other enemies, and was in more favour with his Lord, and more esteemed of then before.   

Of the Christians of Bungo: and of four therein that gave their lives for the faith of Christ. CHAP. IX.  
CHRISTIAN relion did flourish very much in the Kingdom of Bungo in the time of King Francis, both in the number of many noble Christians, and also in the many Churches which the Society of jesus had there. But after his godly death his son Yoximune being banished by Taycosama, all that noble company was dispersed into divers places, although they persevering in their faith were occasion that others where they were did the same. The Society in this Kingdom had three Residences, in Facata, Notzu and Xinga, whither the Christians of other places did resort. These also tasted of the same cup that those of other places did, the Father's being banished, and their Churches overthrown. But before they went many came to confess themselves from many leagnes off, and to ask advise concerning their soul's business: divers there were also (although there wanted not some that were not so constant) that notwithstanding all threats and entreaties, remained very strong; and many things there happened of no small edification, and worthy to be remembered.  
2. The Officers ordained that seven persons, two men with their wives, and three Children should be carried to their public shame through the streets round about the Castle, the space of a league almost. And one of them called Benet went all the way disoiplining himself, and at the going up of a steepy hill he said to another Christian: O how wearisome would this affliction be if we did suffer it for our own wills, or for worldly respects. But our B. Saviour for whose sake we undergo it, doth make that we fcele it not. To him be given infinite thanks for his mercy showed us herein.  
3. There was made near the way side a little yard or court, and after their passing through the streets they were put therein, and then sacks and cords and all other things being ready prepared, they were put into them, and bound therein as those of Meaco before had been, and so cast one upon another, and Benet put under them all. And with a thick cane (in which he had used to keep holy water) they did bind and press his hands so hard before his breast; that for a whole day and a night, in which they held him in that fashion, it was a most cruel torment unto him, & he was so much weakened therewith that the officers for fear he should have died, carried him (he being not able to go himself) to the house of a certain Christian: where when they had unloosed him, they began to persuade him to leave his faith, and because he would not, they carried him back again to the place from whence they had brought him, bound and tied him as he was before, and there he remained in that manner till the next day: and then seeing that he was ready to give up the Ghost, they carried him again to the same house as before, where he calling upon the holy name of jesus gave up his happy soul into our B. saviours hands the 7. of April 1614 And because the Christians should not reverence his holy body, they drew and dragged it to the river side, there burned it, and cast the ashes into the water. But a Christian making as though he fished, took out some of his bones that were not consumed with the fire & carried them to Nangasaqui, where the Fathers of the Society that had connerted and baptised him did bury them with all reverence and decency convenient.  
4. This Benet was borne in the Kingdom of Izuno, in his youth he had been a Bonzo, and living in Don justo his Country he was converted to the faith of Christ, together with his Master and divers of his Schoolefellowes: his wife children and companions remaining so constant that the officers seeing that in all that time and withal their torments they could not overcome them, they let them loose and cast them out of the country, and so they went to Nangasaqui.  
5. At the same time three other Christians called Clement, Michael, and Linus (the two last being sons to the former) all substantial men, were much urged that they should leave their faith; and not prevailing with them, the officers let them alone: but soon after there came order from the Court from Inabadono, Lord of that town, that in any case they should compel the Christians to fulfil the Xoguns command: whereupon Clement gave a note under his hand unto the Officers, that he and his sons wholly renounced Christianity. His sons when they understood thereof were much afflicted, and went immediately unto the Governor, saying, That they were Christians, and that the note made by their Father was altogether without their consents: and that if he would give them leave to live as Christians, they would not make any exterior demonstration of it: but if not, that then they were there ready to suffer any torments, yea and death also for their faith. The Governor answered that he had sworn neither to favour, nor to dissemble in any sort with the Christians, yet for all that, he would take counsel and advise in this business.  
6. Not long after the Officers came armed to their house and took them all three, and Maxentia Michael's wife also, and his two children, and they carried them all to the Castle, and there put them in prison every one by themselves alone sparated from the rest, thinking thereby the more easily to conquer than & make yield but all in vain: for they could not overcome any of them no not even the little Children. Linus, Maxentia, & her son Peter were put in sacks, and there being pieces of sharp pricking straws left or put in the sacks as it seemeth to torment them the more, one present would have shaked them out of that sack in which Maxentia was to be bound; but she would not permit him saying, That, that torment was but very small, and that she wished she had many bodies and lives to give for her God & saviours sake.  
7. Peter first animating his mother and his uncle Linus, then spoke unto the Gentills in this manner: I warn you all that no body do give false subscriptions in our names that we leave our faith: for if you do, I will go presently to Meaco to give notice thereof unto the Governor, and he will hold you for falsifiers when I shall tell him that we always have been & are Christians-Linus being in his sack and saying his prayers something aloud, some of the Gentills did put a gag in his mouth of cloven canes, and tied it like a bridle about his chin, and although afterwards moved with compassion they took it away, yet he earnestly entreating them to let him have it still, they easily agreed thereto, and let him so remain for two whole days together. One that was there present did much desire to make him relent, and to that end he carried him to his house, and there both he and his wife did entreat him even with tears that he would leave his religion, for two or three days only, promising if he would do so not only to procure him life and liberty, but that they would also give him good store of money beside: but he little regarding their offers, told them they laboured in vain and so they returned him again to the prison with his brother Michael, where they both of them remained preparing themselves to die for Christ: and from thence they wrote some letters to their friends abroad full of humility and resignation into our saviours hands. By this one of Linus his writing, we may gather the manner of the rest.  
8. This I writ from the prison when at this present I do remain through the grace of the holy Ghost: and although a wretched and miserable sinner, yet having my hope & confidence placed in the mercy of Almighty God, I do most earnestly entreat you would pray for me unto him, our Blessed Lady, all the Saints, and happy souls of heaven, that I may persevere unto the end. Although unworthy yet was I put into a sack and so remained one day and a night because I would not deny my faith, and after that they put me in prison with my Brother Micael. I am determined and resolved by the grace of God and the help of your good prayers to persevere even unto death in the service of my Saviour. Once more I beseech you to pray for me unto God to give me perseverance, for I am a great sinner, and have no other confidence but only in his divine goodness. This sixth of the sixth moon.  
9 After 7. days upon the 13. of july these two holy brethren were adjudged to be burnt alive, which was very joyful news to them, in so much that when they were taken out of prison, Michael said to Linus: Is it possible that only we two be so happy as to die for Christ? desiring much that his Father wife and Children might be companions with them in their crown. And in part Almighty God did satisfy his desire: for that Officers taking his wife Maxentia ●ut of the sack in which she yet remained, they carried her to the place were he and his brother were to be burned, to see if with the sight of their torments he would any thing relent: she seeing her husband was exceeding glad hoping he should accompany him in that happy ●eath. In the way divers Christians went ●o meet them, and saluted them with ●reat reverence, desiring they would ●ray for them unto God. As they passed ●y the place where Benet's body was bur●ed, Michael made a low reverence ●her to as to a holy place. They went all ●he way (which was about a league) are foot, and one of their servants offering them shoes, they would not accept of them, saying: they rather desired that for that little space their feet might be cut and mangled with stones, that so they might suffer something for the love of God. And Maxentia although she was a heavy woman not accustomed to go on foot, and having been four days together bound up in a sack, yet she went barefoot all that way with so great contentment, that the very Gentills did admire her.  
10. Coming to the place of execution, they found three pillars of wood set up, whereat they were to be burned the which they embraced, & then prayed for the space of half an hour: then the two brethren giving their beads and reliquiaries unto a Christian that was present, because they would not have them burned, put of their upper garments and each of them betook himself unto his pillar, where unto being tied, and fire put unto the straw and boughs and other dry wood about them, Linus saying jesus Maria, and Michael reciting of his Creed, both their eyes being lifted up and fixed fast on heaven, they gave their happy souls unto Almighty God.  
11. Whilst this was in doing there were some that earnestly importuned Maxentia, that at least exteriorly she would make some show or sign to have left the faith of Christ. But she would not, rather much desiring to die for confessing it, making offer three several times to go into the fire, but they still detained her with a rope which they had in their hands fast tied unto her neck: and being not yet altogether out of hope to make her yield, they carried her to a house thereby, where they persuaded her most vehemently. But she still answering that she was resolved, and that to use persuasions to her in that matter was but labour lost, they carried her back again to the place of Execution, where a soldier putting his sword twice unto her throat fiercely threatened to kill her if she did not yield, whereat she said: This is a goodly threat inaed, seeing there is nothing that I do so much desire as to give my life for the love of God. If you should tell me that you would deliver me, and set me free, that were the greatest thing that you could threaten me, for I having seen my husband die with such valour and courage for his Lord and God, how can I enjoy life but with great sorrow, grief and affliction.  
12. Which being said she took her hair that hung down upon her shoulders and back, and cast it before to the end it should not hinder the blow of the axe, and then with an invincible courage bidding the executioner do his office, calling often upon the B. Names jesus and Maria, she held out her head whilst he did cut it of. They burned her body presently, which being done they took the ashes together with those of her husband and his Brother Linus, and put them into sacks as also the earth of the place of their Martyrdom, & cast them into the deepest place of all the river, because the Christians should have nothing at all of them, no not of the earth where they suffered, to reverence as relics, although there wanted not some that afterwards found means to get some of them which they carried to Nangasaqui, and delivered unto the Fathers of the Society.  
13. A sister of these glorious Martyrs of Christ that was present at their death gave notice unto their Father Clement of all that had passed therein, desiring both him and her Nephew Peter to persevere constant in their faith imitating so worthy an example, telling them withal, that if they did show fear and cowardice, that besides the falling thereby into disgrace with God, they could never after show their faces even before men. Peter was always very constant, and although his Grandfather Clement had showed frailty as we signified before, now he was very sorry for it, and asked pardon both of God and men: telling withal the judges, that he was a Christian, and desired to give his life for Christ, as his sons and daughter-in-law had done: but they being satisfied with what he had already done, gave him leave to go at liberty, and live as he listed himself.  
14. I will conclude this Chapter with two other things by which all may perceive the constancy and fervour of the Christians of this Kingdom of Bungo. There was a worthy Soldier much importuned by his Lord, by means of other persons, that he would accommodate himself unto the time for the present, and because he loved him very well and was loath to lose so faithful a servant; seeing others could not prevail, he went himself in person to persuade him. The soldier understood thereof, and leaving behind him his sword & dagger (which otherwise they always use to wear) he went out of his house to meet him, and said: My Lord, I am resolved not to leave to be a Christian, because I hope in this religion to be saved. If your Lordship come to persuade me the contrary, it will be but lost labour, and if you please you may cut off my head for it: and therewith all he held out his neck for him to cut it off. And he remaining in that manner, a little son of his of no more than nine years old, came out of the house and did the same that he saw his Father do, and after him his Mother and Grandmother, with the self same resolution: wherewith the Noble man was so astonished that although he were a Gentle and noted for his cruelty, yet did he fall a weeping, & being overcome with so great constancy, returned back unto his house, though after some few days for fear of the Xogun he commanded the valorous Soldier to departed out of his Country: to the which he willingly obeyed (sorry he had not obtained the crown of Martyrdom) going himself and all his family to Nangasaqui.  
15. Another good Christian called Titus, a substantial man, was in like manner persecuted by his Lord, who seeing his great constancy commanded him to send him his son, a child of nine years old called Matthew. He sent him presently: and within two days after feigning as though he had killed the child with torments, because he would not leave to be a Christian, he sent unto him for his daughter Martina, who was of 14 years: and immediately he sent her. Within a while there came another message unto him from his Lord, that Martina was also put to a most cruel death, & that if he were yet so insensible that with all this he would not be moved to obey, he should send his other son called Simon who was 16. years old, and after that he sent for his wife called Marina: and the valorous Christian sent them all most willingly, saying that he had rather lose wife, children, life and all than the grace of God, or leave his religion: and his wife and children all of them went with great content to offer themselves in sacrifice. The Lord put every one of them by themselves a part, and then set upon them, both with entreaties and with threats, but being not able to prevail any thing at all with them, first they powered very could water all over Marinas, body: to her daughter Martina they gave no meat at all in three days together, and Simon the elder son they beat most cruelly, and wrong his hands behind him; all of them notwithstanding this persevering very constant still. The Lord seeing himself so overcome, sent word to Marina, that seeing her Children knew not what religion nor salvation meant, she should make them leave the Christian faith, and with that he would hold himself content, and pardon both her and her husband. She answered, that she had offered to God both her own and her children's lives, and so she could not give them any such counsel. They had confiscated Titus his goods before all this happened, and for the final resolution, his Lord sent him word by a Brother of his own, with armed men, that if he did not desist from his obstinate pertinacy, it should cost him his life, and one of his sons also at least: the which was no ill news to them, but rather being much joyed at the Message, they all offered themselves most willingly to lose their lives for Christ: but the Lord seeing their valour, courage, and constancy changed his determination, pardoned them, and gave them liberty to live as Christians.   

Of other three that were put to death for the faith of Christ in Facata, and Aquizuqui. CHAP. X.  
THE Fathers of the Society had two Churches and houses in the Kingdom of Chicuyen, besides others which they visited now and then, and one in Facata, which Simeon Condera Lord of that Kingdom, and one of the most valorous Captains of Taycosama, did build for his burial place; and another in Aquizuqui built by his brother Michael Sayemon dovo, both of them great favourers and patrons of Christianity in japone.  
2. After the death of Simcon Condera, Chicuyendono his son succeeded in the possession of that Kingdom, and favoured the Fathers & Christians much, who were many, and some of them of noble parentage. And although he were much molested and solicited by the favourites of the Xogun, and especially by Sasioye that he should not permit Churches nor Fathers in his country, yet did he still wink at them during his uncle Sayemondono his life, who was always a valorous defender of the Fathers and Christians. But after his death when the Xogun and his son put the Christians out of their houses and service in the year 1612. he being much more importuned then before, because he would seem to comply with them, and withal conserve the Churches from being ruinated, he sent word unto the Fathers by four Gentlemen of his house, that he had been a long time solicited from the Court not to permit them in his Kingdom, and that he did always excuse himself in that his Father was a Christian, and had builded that Church: and because he bore them good will, by reason he saw they came from the furthest parts of the world, for no other respect or interest but only to preach their religion, he had always hitherto resisted: but now that the Xogun had forbidden all Gentlemen and soldiers to be Christians, he could do no less than what was requested: yet was he content that Tradesmen and common people should be so still, and that he therefore desired them to send him a note of all the gentlemen's names that were Christians.  
3. The Fathers gave him thanks for the favour he showed them, but as concerning the note of the gentlemen's names, they desired he would pardon them, being so that they could not do it because it was a sin, and that they coming thither only with intention to make Christians, if they should give any such note as he required of them, it would be to pull down with one hand what they set up with the other, and not to be true and faithful to those that put confidence in them. He sent another time to urge them, that they would give it, but they answering with good and courteous speeches, resolved in no case to give it, although it should cost them all their lives. Whereupon Chicuyendono desisting from his enterprise, meddled only with some that were publicly known Christians.  
4. The year following 1613. he went to the Court to visit the Xogun, according to their custom every new year, and there understanding that the Xogun was disgusted with him for favouring the Fathers, he wrote unto Father Provincial of the Society, that the Fathers should departed to Nangasaqui, and that the Churches must be pulled down to give satisfaction to the Xogun: but yet that he would be content, that they should visit the Christians of his country secretly: and so they did, and no otherwise. For although these Lords or Princes of japone be great and potent Personages, and well affected to religion, yet the Xogun being opposite and contrary, they cannot, nor dare not resist him, and so the best way was secretly to do what good they could. Within a short time after arose the persecution at Facata. It was there proclaimed that all the Christians should come together to a certain place before a Temple; whither being come they urged them very much, and to terrify the Multitude with the example of a few, and show themselves punctual and exact in performing the Xoguns command, they determined to use some rigour with Thomas Xozayemon and joachim Xinden, who were more forward than the rest.  
5. This Thomas was very fervorous in animating the Christians with his exhortations & example of penance & mortification to perseverance in their faith, & joachim for his virtue and good life was much known and beloved of all the principal persons of the Country. He was a Father unto the poor, and being a Physician he cured them of alms. No diligence was left undone to move and make them accommodate themselves unto the time, but they answering that in no case they could do it, were presently sent to prison, and there bound with cords very straight unto two posts, but seeing that therewith they were not overcome, Chicuyendono commanded that they should be both of them hanged upon a certain tree near unto Facata, and so left there until they did deny their faith.  
6. Upon the 13. of March they did hang joachim upon the tree, which was a very high Pine, his feet upward and his head hanging towards the ground. And in the same tree they did also hang Thomas in the same manner, but something below joachim; and being in that terrible torment they did animate one the other with great joy and alacrity. Remember Brother Thomas (said joachim) that which our blessed Lord & Saviour jesus Christ did suffer for us upon the Cross, and let us give him thanks for this favour that he showeth us, in suffering something to his imitation on a tree. And although we unworthy: yet in some respect we do resemble S. Peter, who was crucified with his head downward. I was even thinking so (said Thomas) & the consideration thereof doth ease my pain which is nothing to that which I do desire to suffer for Christ.  
7. The day following there was great concourse of people to see them: & some of the Gentills saying to joachim, that they wondered he would be so obstinate as to suffer so great a torment for a thing so uncertain as salvation is, after a while he answered. I held my peace a while as being busied with God, not much regarding men: but not to seem discourteous, and because they may not think that we do repent ourselves; I pray you tell me one thing: Those that have received so many benefits, honours and favours of Chicuyendono, as many of you that be present have done, if they should be brought to such extremity, that either they must lose their lives, or else be disloyal unto him; would they not choose death and whatsoever affliction else, rather than to be traitors unto their Lord? How then can we being Gods creatures, and having received so many benefits of him as he hath bestowed upon us, deny him now for all the torments that be, or can be inflicted upon us? With this answer the auditors were all convinced, and both Christians and Pagans did commend it much.  
8. Three days well nigh did those two holy men remain in that manner, hanging by the heels, not having so much as one bit of meat or drop of water given them all that tyme. At the end thereof the Officers still seeing them remain so constant as they were, did let them down, and caused them to be fast bound immediately to a ladder, which had a piece of wood put through it in form of a Cross. A Christian asked them how they did: joachim answered: I suffered much when I was a soldier, but such pains as at this time I never felt before, for it seemed to me that I was sawed through all my body, but I comforted myself considering that all my torments were nothing compared to those which Christ suffered for me: & I did apply my pains to his in satisfaction of my sins. Chicuyendono seeing their constancy, and that with so prolonged and cruel a torment they could not be made to change their minds, gave order that they should be beheaded: which sentence being given they were immediately taken & carried to execution, to a place that was something distant thence. joachim could not move himself, and so he was carried thither upon soldiers backs: and Thomas went on foot, both of them replenished with joy and gladness. When they were come unto the place, having prayed a little space, the executioner out of their heads, they in the mean time often repeating the holy name of jesus. Their bodies and heads were conveyed to Nangasaqui & given to Father Provincial of the Society of jesus. Their holy death was a great encouragement to the Christians, as their lives had also been an example always unto them. A Bonzo preaching in that City soon after their death said in his Sermon to those of his sect: Those men question less were of great valour, & there can be no doubt but that they are saved, seeing they suffered so much, and with so great quiet and contentment, for their faith.  
9 When Michael Saymoendono was Lord of Aquizuqui, through his great zeal and fervour he was the occasion that more than five thousand of his servants, soldiers, and tenants were baptised in the space of two years, by means of the Fathers of the Society. After his death the Estate was wholly changed, only the husbandmen and common people remaining therein, who were committed to the charge of an old Bonzo a great enemy of the Christians. He called them all unto him, and commanded them to write their names in a paper whether they would be Christians or no, and finding that the most of them did subscribe that they were Christians, and would so continue, he was much troubled thereat, and publicly gave out that they meant to rise in rebellion. Whereupon there came thither from the Castle of Fucuoca five Captains with 300. soldiers, who although they saw evidently that the report was false, yet did they enter into their houses, took away their beads, pictures, and other such like things, which bore any show of things belonging any way to Christian profession; and not content therewith, some they punished with tortures, others they banished, and therein though some showed weakness, fear and frailty, yet others, and the greatest part, stood steadfast with notable constancy; of which the Gentills would take no notice, but without all reason and examination of particulars did publish that they had all denied their faith, and so they exercised their fury only upon Mathias Xichirobioye, who was one of the formest in subscribing that he was a Christian, and as it seemeth soreseeing that which would ensue, did therefore assoon as he returned home begin to prepare himself to die for the same.  
10. Upon the 14. of March the Governor sent some unto him to persuade him not to be so obstinate, nor to animate others to be disobedient to their Superiors: and they entered into his house very violently, and by force took away his beads from him, the which grieved him very much for the present, he reputing it as great a disgrace, as if they had taken his weapons from him: but after a little consideration he said unto them: The Faith of a Christian doth not consist in his beads nor pictures, but in the mind, & in the constant profession thereof which by the grace and help of God, I mean to do before the Governor and Captains, & in part I have done, as may be seen by my subscription which already I have given. They seeing that they were not able to prevail with him, went unto the governors Lieutenant, who presently sent for him, and he being set down to dinner when the messenger came for him, rose up immediately without eating any thing with great joy, saying. Let us go, for with the help of God I shall go now where I shall not need to eat any more.  
11. The Lieutenant asked him if he had given his name that he was a Christian, and that he would not obey the Xogun? To which he answered resolutely yes, and that he was in that mind still: and that they needed not to proceed further with him in more questions and demands, for that he would not change from that for all the goods of the world. There they made him expect a while till they had examined some others, and then they carried him to Aquizuqui, where the Governor and Captains were: and in the way passing by an Idol called Fachima which is the Idol of War, they threw him down upon the ground & beat him cruelly, perhaps because he would not worship it, putting a rope about his neck, and pulling it so hard that he was almost strangled therewith, and could scarcely speak, yet as well as he could he desired them they would flacke it a little, that with better quiet and attention he might commend himself to God in that little time he thought he had to live: they answered him that seeing he had wilfully put himself therein, he must now have patience: You say very well said he, for since I suffer this for the love of God, it is great reason I should endure it patiently. Afterwards they offered him to lose the rope a little, but he would not, saying: Let me alone, for I desire to suffer something for Christ in this little remainder of my life.  
12. Being brought before the judges they asked him why he was so stiff and obstinate in his opinion. He answered because there is means of Salvation in the faith of Christ, and none at all in any of the Sects of japone: and because I do believe (said he) this to be the truth, I will suffer for it willingly this and whatsoever else: If it be so (said they) why did you deliver your beads, and subscribe your name that you left to be a Christian? My beads said he, were taken away from me by force, and although therein doth not consist the being of a Christian, yet was I grieved so much therewith that it cost me good store of tears. I gave my name unto the Governor, that I am and always will be a Christian, and if there be any other contrary to this, it is not mine but falsely forged. For that I have neither said nor written any thing contrary to it, nor ever will the by the grace of God. Hereupon they thrust him out of the room with great disgrace, and reviled him exceedingly, saying among other things, that a man so perverse and obstinate as he, could not be a good subject to his Prince, and so they adjudged him to death: and immediately he was carried to the place of execution, whither he went praying all the way, and being come thither, he said aloud that all might hear: I die most willingly with great content and joy for the faith of Christ. Then he made a short prayer, which being ended they cut off his head. It was proved in the Authentical process which was made of his death, that he pronounced the holy Name of jesus three several times after his head was cut off, and the third time it was heard more distinctly than the rest, the which caused great admiration in the standers by. His holy head and body were carried afterward to Nangasaqui, and there laid in the Church of the Society of jesus of All-Saintes, where likewise be the bodies of many other holy Martyrs.   

Of the great Constancy of the Christians of Arima: and how they prepared themselves to Martyrdom. CHAP. XI.  
ARIMADONO perceiving that with the torments, banishmentes and martyrdoms before rehearsed the Christians were rather more and more encouraged then otherwise, and that the fire wherewith some of them had been burned did seem to inflame the rest in fervour, and devotion, fearing least for that cause he should lose his Estate, and being deluded by some that desired to succeed him in it, he sent unto the Xogun to entreat he might be changed to another Kingdom, where he might have no meddling with the Christians, because the more he did torment them, the more constant did they show themselves, so that now he knew not what to do with them. Before an answer to his Letter came, he heard the news of what had passed against the Christians in Meaco and thereabouts, and thereupon he caused those Churches which as yet remained standing to be overthrown.  
2. Some Gentills did persuade him that the best means to make them yield was to cause their wives and daughters to be carried naked through the streets to their public shame. And so it was determined, wherewith the Christians were exceedingly troubled, and afflicted. Some of them were of opinion that the best course in that occasion was to shut up all the women into houses, and that the men should keep them there and defend their honours with their lives, rather than expose them to so vile and dangerous a punishment: but after taking more mature advice they sent the principal persons of the Confraternities unto to Prince to desire him they might be punished with the ordinary torments of banishment, beheading, crucifying, burning, frying, and the like, and that they hoped they should take all with patience being suffered for the love of God, & for the obtaining of their soul's Salvation: but that to use so unusual and indecent manner of punishment, as that which was determined, would not be well thought of at the Court.  
3. Upon this the execution was differred, and instead thereof it was commanded that all those that would persevere Christians should leave the rents they had. Whereupon immediately Fifty noble Gentlemen did leave all that they had with great courage and alacrity, remaining poor without house, lands, or rents, or any revenues in the world. Wherewith Arimadono for that time was satisfied, expecting the Xoguns answer and Safioyes return, who was the Chief author of all this wickedness; and in the mean time the Christians prepared themselves more and more for Martyrdom, those of the Confraternities renewing the oath which they had made to be firm and constant in their faith: doubling also their prayers and penances, and making the prayer of forty hours in divers places. They also sent for a Father of the Society to come unto Arima, who there in a very few days didheare the Confessions of more than 800. persons secretly: and which is worthy of noting, the very Children (the eldest amongst them not being fifteen years of age) had there made amongst themselves a Confraternity in the honour of S. joseph, wherein they made their determination, which in this manner they set down in writing: Although the persecutors do pull out our tecth and pluck of our nails, give us the torment of the water, and burn us alive, we will never leave the faith of Christ which we profess.  
4. After that Safioye was come to Arima, he sent for the 12. Stewards or prefects of the Confraternities. They all went very joyfully, thinking doubtless that they were sent for to be put to death for their religion; many also beside went with them, to see if they could be partakers of their crowns, the rest remained at home preparing themselves for the same. Being come, Safioye made this speech unto them: Through your obstinacy in not obeying to your Lord & Prince, he is now in danger to lose his estate, whereas if you would leave to be Christians as the Xogun commandeth, both he and you might remain in peace and quietness in your Country. Consider well of it, and know for most certain, that if you do not conform yourselves, he will lose his estate and you shallbe persecuted exceedingly. To this speech of Safioye one of the Christians there present answered in the name of all the rest: My Lord, we need not consider nor consult concerning this Matter, seeing that long ago we have been resolved therein. As concerning the conservation of Arimadono his estate, it dependeth not upon our being, or not being Christians, for that being so, we shall be both more faithful and more obedient unto him then otherwise. And as we aways have been to his Father Don john, so will we be to him, ready to serve him both with our goods and lives. But as concerning those things which touch the salvation & good of our own souls, there is no reason that any force or violence should be offered unto us. If it be the pleasure of Superior powers to take away Arimadono his estate from him because we be Christians, we shall be very sorry for it, but have no fault at all therein, for we cannot put in hazard the salvation of our souls, which is for ever to endure, for an estate or life that is so short and brittle, and so soon to have an end as this.  
5. Notwithstanding this answer Safioye commanded them they should go and consult better upon the matter among themselves, and after they had well considered, they should resolve what best they thought to do, and declare plainly whether they would obey unto the Xogun or no, and leave this obstinate cleaving unto this new religion which the Fathers teach and preach.  
6. In Cuchinotzu which is not far from thence, the Christians (who 〈◊〉 very ancient ever since the time of Father Cosmo de Torres companion of the Blessed Father Xavier) made the same preparation, and oaths among themselves that the others had done. Safioye understanding thereof, sent for five of the chiefes● and made unto them a speech like to that which he made unto the others although something more vehement and with greater promises: and they gate him the same answer that the Christians of Arima before had done, and that many years ago they had made their resolution.  
7. Safioye was much offended with their constancy and said, that seeing they were so obstinate in their opinion that he would give notice thereof unto the Xogun, and that without all doubt if they did not obey, Arimadono would lose his estate, they be tormented cruelly, and their wives and children made slaves. For the Xogun would have his will whatsoever came of it. We should be glad (said they) we could conserve Arimadono his estate with our goods and lives, but if it cannot be otherwise done but by de●ying of our Faith, we cannot do it, and willing we shall be to lose all we have for Christ, and for the salvation of our souls. As for obeying the Xogun, we will do it willingly in things that do not concern ●ur Faith.  
8. These five being returned to Cuchinotzu, the fervour of the Christians there increased so much, that whereas before there were but an 100 in the Confraternity, now there entered therein 400. more, all of them making protestation tody for their religion, yea some Gentills also moved with their example were baptised with the same purpose and desire: and many Christians which before had showed themselves but frail and weak, were thereby confirmed and reduced to the faith.  
9 Safioye went soon after to Nangasaqui, and from thence he wrote unto the Xogun how things passed in Arima: whereupon not long after there came order from him, that Arimadono should go unto the Kingdom of Fiunga, which was but bad news for him. For whereas he hoped with the foresaid devices to have gotten a better Estate then that which he had before, now he found that it fell out clean otherwise (and it was Gods punishment upon him for his cruelty against the Christians) for he lost his old estate which was very good, and the subjects thereof very trusty and faithful unto him, and that which was given him was nothing so but very dangerous, and even in the midst of all his enemies.  
10. This change and the many misfortunes which happened unto him in his journey both by sea and land, losing some ships with a great quantity of his goods, and some of his servants also (those only that were Gentills perishing, and those that were Christians escaping) encouraged them very much, seeing how manifestly God Almighty began to punish his Infidelity, and that the means which he took to conserve his estate, was the principal to overthrow it: and that he by whose counsel he had done so great mischief and wickedness (to wit Safioyedono) should be the man that wrought his utter undoing and perdition.  
11. The Kingdom of Biyen and a good part of that of Bungo doth at the present belong to Nangaou Yetchudono one of the most noble and wise Princes of japone, who although a Gentle, yet was very well affected to the Fathers of the Society, to whom he and his son Naiquidono gave a house and situation many years ago in their Cities of Conzura and Nagatzu, & also leave to preach and make as many Christians as they could, by which means there were many noble Christians in his Kingdons'. He was many times himself very near being a Christian at the persuasion of Don justo whose most inward friend he was. And although he was not so happy as to obtain it, yet his wife Donna Gratia did, as may be seen in the 9 Chap. of the second book of the History of japone. This Lady who was the daughter of Coreco Aquehi, a great Lord that killed the famous Nobunanga, was very wise and of an excellent wit, and desired very much to hear the reasons and grounds of Christian Religion, much moved thereto with that which her husband Yetchudono had related unto her thereof; but it was impossible that any man should get into her palace, nor for her to go out to that effect, by reason that the noble Ladies of japone be very closely kept in, & her husband was more rigorous in this point then any other.  
12. Yet so it happened afterward that Taycosama together with her husband and all the Princes of japone being in the wars of Satzuma, in the year 1587. she found means to go out of her house to see the Temples of the Gentills of Ozaca, and from thence she went secretly and disguised with many of her women to the Church of the Fathers of the Society that was in that City. She took great pleasure, and particular contentment to see it: and ask many doubts and questions by means of her servants (because she would not discover herself) about the Sects of japone, & concerning Christian religion, she not only remained very well satisfied, but also exceeding desirous to hear the sermons of the Catechism: and because she had no other means, she sent every day some of the best intelligent & more ancient of her women unto the Church, who hearing the Sermons did relate them unto her in the best manner that they could. All the doubts, difficulties, & arguments that offered themselves unto her against those things of Christian religion she heard, she put down still in writing to know the solution thereof, and being fully satisfied at length in all matters, God Almighty giving her an extraordinary light in the mysteries of our faith, she was baptised by a Christian Gentlewoman (because it could not possibly be done otherwise) that attended upon her, with wondrous contentment to her soul, great abundance of devotion, and extraordinary plenty of comfortable tears. And although she never had any Priest or other religious person to give her instructions, yet did God Almighty together with her Name communicate special grace unto her: Her devotion, patience, and humylity, was extraordinary, evidently appearing in all her actions, and seen in her letter; and messages.  
13. To the end she might write upon occasion unto the Fathers about her soul's affairs, and understand their letters, she secretly learned without the teaching of any both to read and writ after our manner of Europe, much differing from theirs. She caused some of her Children also to be baptised, and fifteen or more of her women and maids, for which she received some unkindness ather husbands hands: who yet when after her death he came to know that she both lived and died a Christian (although he never knew the manner of her conversion) he showed therefore great favour always unto the Fathers, and every year did cause her aniversary funerals to be celebrated. And although he were much molested by the Xogun and his Favourites, and of the Bonzi, who never left entreating him to have no Churches nor the Fathers in his Country: yet never was he moved, nor would give any ear unto them, until the year 1611. in which Father Gregory Cespules whom he loved and esteemed very much departed out of this life. For then upon his death he took occasion to deliver himself from the importunities of the Xogun & his favourites, and so he then wished the Fathers that they would go unto Nangasaqui, whither he sent unto them the wood of their Houses and Churches, not doing the least hurt or damage in the world unto any of the Christians.  
14. When in the year 1614 he understood how Don justo his great friend had left and lost his estate for his faith & religion he commended him very much for it, and said: If Don justo had not done in this occasion as he hath done, he should have blemished all the noble actions of his life. For a magnanimous man both in prosperity and adversity ought still to be the same without any change or mutation at all.  
15. He sent divers times unto Nangasaqui to visit him: and unto a Father of the Society with whom he was acquainted, he signified that he was very sorry for the Xoguns manner of proceedings: and that Father sending unto him a treatise in which were answered the false calumniations made against the Christian religion by the enemies thereof, he answered that he was well satisfied of all those things, but that it was necessary to have patience for a tyme. Notwithstanding all this to give contentment to the Xogun, he commanded that in his Country the common people should be examined as they were in other places, among which there were some that showed not such constancy as they ought to have done. Amongst the Gentlemen also there were divers whom he tempted & proved oftentimes to see if they were truly firm and constant in their faith, or no, and they were of the very principal about him, and such as were in greatest favour with him, for he took great content to be served and accompanied with men of valour and constancy, as indeed they were: for they did plainly signify unto his greatest favourite, to the end that it might come to his notice, that the first time their Lord did send a Message unto them to leave their faith and religion, he should jointly therewithal send some that might cut off their heads, or put them to some other death, for that they were not willing to show themselves discourteous unto him, as it might be they might seem, if they came to be questioned about their religion, for the which they were resolved to suffer any thing, yea and finally to spend their blood and give up their lives.   

Of the Glorious Death of Adam Aracava, and of the Christians of Xiqui, and Conzura. CHAP. XII.  
THE Islands of Xiqui, or Amacusa and Conzura, are part of the Kingdom of Fingo. They did first belong unto Don Augustino Tzun● Camidono, in whose time all the Inhabitants thereof were Christians, baptised by the Fathers of the Society: but after his death which was in the year 1600. they were given unto Ximadono, who put therein certain Governors, who although Gentills, yet did they show much favour unto the Fathers, who used to visit them now and then, for the keeping and conserving thereof.  
2. When the news of this persecution came unto Ximadono, he being then in the Kingdom of Fixen, where commonly he makes his abode, he wrote presently unto the Fathers, that he was very sorry to hear of that new order made by the Xogun, but that he could not choose but be obedient thereunto, and that therefore he desired they would departed his country until they saw what would be the end thereof.  
3. Hereupon they all departed soon after to the grief of the Christians, yea and of the Gentills also who did love them very much. But because the Christians should not remain without all comfort, although none of the Fathers could remain amongst them, yet did they leave with them a good old man called Adam, who was the Porter of their house, and because he had a son that dwelled there in the town of Xiqui, could with better colour stay. In Conzura also there stayed another whose name was Soter, of whose glorious Martyrdom mention shall be made in the 9 Chapter of the second part of this relation.  
4. Ximadono sent word unto his Governors that he went unto the Court, and that from thence he would write what should be done with the Christians: but being in the way advertised how rigorously they were dealt withal in Meaco, he wrote again unto Xiroyemondone his principal governor of those Islands, and to the rest, that they should not leave one Christian in them under pain of losing their estates, yea and their lives also, for that the Xogun had so commanded it. The Governor used great diligence in the business, and after some time signified unto Ximadono, that there were now no Christians in the islands, which he did (it being most false) because he bore no hatred but rather good affection towards them, & thought thereby to comply sufficiently with the Xogun, to whose command they would seem to have obeyed for fear of incurring his disgrace.  
5. Adam the good old man in the mean time went up and down visiting the Christians in their houses, and animating them. The Governor having intelligence thereof, gave command he should be taken, & that diligence should be used to persuade him to forsake his Faith. He hearing of it, lifted up his hands to heaven, gave many thanks to God, and would not absent himself as some advised him, but went directly to his sons house, there to expect the combat, hoping for it afterwards to have a crown in heaven. Thither came many Gentills that were his friends, to persuade him all they could, but he with courage of mind did answer them in this manner. Are you not ashamed to persuade me to so base a thing for a man of my age, and that have been so many years a Christian? Although it were only for worldly respect, I cannot now go back, having served the Fathers so many years, & received so many benefits at their hands: and I do remain here to do my least endeavour that the rest of the Christians remain constant in their faith, how can I leave it myself? Tell them that sent you, and set you on work, that in this only business I must neither regard the Governor, nor Ximadono, nor the Xogun himself, but only God Almighty, who is my Lord and Saviour.  
6. The same persuasions were made him by all the officers, but he being nothing at all moved there with, nor seeming much to regard them, they took and carried him prisoner unto the Castle upon the Thursday before the holy Week, wherewith he seemed exceeding glad, because he said it was so near the time of the passion of his Saviour and Redeemer. The Governor commanded that they should put him all that night in the prison, and in some pain, to see if therewithal he would be brought to change his determination: but seeing in the morning no change at all in him, he sent for him, & in presence of other Gentills he said unto him: Adam, you know well enough the great love that I always did bear unto the Fathers, and that I bear no evil will unto your religion: but it is the Xoguns command, and Ximadono hath signified unto me, that he will make me be put to death, if I suffer so much as one only Christian to remain in his Country: let me entreat you therefore you would dissemble a little for the present, and not to go animating the rest.  
7. Of your love to the Fathers (said Adam) I am a good witness, and they I know will never cease to be thankful for it. But in this matter, seeing it is a thing that doth concern the salvation of my soul, I cannot be obedient to you therein. Your worship saith, that you persecute the Christians against your will, only because you would not lose your estate and life; and I because I would not lose the estate of everlasting life am determined to persever unto death in the faith of Christ. If I for obeying you should be damned to the eternal torments of hell fire, neither your Worship, nor the Xogun with all his power could deliver me from them; & although ye could, yet have I received so many benefits of my Lord & Saviour jesus Christ, that I cannot without most base ingratitude commit so vile an act, as to leave his faith. Your Worship therefore may do with me as you please, for neither will I myself leave my religion, nor yet persuade any other to do it.  
8. The Governor being much offended with this answer, commanded him to be stripped naked: and the good old man glad to see so good a beginning, and giving thanks to Almighty God for it, did help himself to pull of his clothes, which being done they bound him with cords, and carried him in that manner through the streets to his public shame commanding that all should come out of their houses to look & gaze upon him, which being done they left him bound in the street until such time as they had set up two thick posts each of them of a fathom high distant four or five hand-breadths one from the other, and put another piece of wood through them both, and above it a rope. To these two posts they tied his hands and feet in form of a Cross with so great rigour that the tops of his toes did scarce touch the ground. In this manner he remained from Friday before Palm sunday until holy Saturday with was Easter Eve, although lest he should die with the torment thereof, and the Christians reverence him as a Martyr, they took him thence in the night time, as also when it rained or snowed more than ordinary. It was a strange thing that he being 63. years old & newly recovered of a great sickness though he stood there naked all that time exposed to the cold which was exceeding great, yet did he never make any show or sign of feeling any greise at all.  
9 A Father of the Society that had been banished from thence, and was now returned again secretly, to visit the Christians, sent unto him to animate him in his torments, and he answered. Tell the Father that I am of very good courage, desire him to commend me unto God in his prayers, and that since I have been put here in this torment I felt nothing at all of my sickness and infirmity. Many and great persuasions were used unto him all this tyme. One said unto him: Adam, verily I cannot imagine in what you put your hope to be so obstinate, for it is reported as most certain that neither any Church shall stand, nor Father stay in all japone. If my hope said he were placed in these things your news would trouble me, suppose they were certain, as I think they be not: but it is not placed in them, but in Almighty God who is in all places, and not subject to mutation: and I hope in him that if they do cast down the Churches, and banish the Fathers; yet will he when it pleaseth him, build them up a new, and bring the Father's back again to japone. Of this good Lord I hope to have strength to endure my toments, and to persever unto the end, and afterwards to be bountifully rewarded by him for it.  
10. When they were most busy with him to persuade him, he looked still to heaven, and offered up his prayers: and it seemed that sometimes he was as it were in ecstasy, the very position of his body much moving those that beheld him to devotion. He was bound in the manner of a S. Andrews Cross, and his arms being tied by the elbows, he sifted up his hands (together with his eyes) to heaven, but could not make them to meet. He spoke unto the Christians still with great love and affection, animating them, and desiring them to pray for him unto God. If they asked of him that he would pray for them in heaven, he did humble himself saying, that he was a sinner & not worthy of so great a good. After this they carried him unto another place that was both more public and more cold, with intention to disgrace & torment him more. But he still remained the same man, without any change at all. Upon holy Saturday or Easter eve, because they feared the Christians would be to much encouraged with his example, they loosed him from the tormenting place, and put him in the house of a Christian, a friend of his, who did enter into band to deliver him whensoever they should ask for him, & so he stayed in that house two months without any keeper at all.  
11. Three other Christians were tied at the same time, and in the same place with Adam, but they were not stripped naked as he was, nor yet stayed so long in the torment as he did, for that their kindred and friends did promise the Governor that they would make them deny their faith, although unto them they said nothing else, but only that they had obtained licence for them to live as Christians. The Governor was much delighted with this deceitful devise, & greatly desired the same trick, might be put upon Adam: but he was so careful of himself that they could not possibly do it.  
12. The two months he remained in his friends house after he was taken from the torment, he lived a most holy life, spending all his time in a little Chamber there about a fathom square, either talking with the Christians, that came thither, of spiritual matters, or else in prayer or reading the book of the imitation of Christ. He never went out from thence unless it were in the night to bury some dead body. With the Gentills that came with purpose to pervert him he used such kind of speeches and behaviour that they did not long molest and trouble him. The Governor sent him word that he was determined to cause his fingers and his toes to be cut off, not in that manner that the pain thereof should make him die, as he desired to do, but one by one, at several times and days, to torment him therewith the more: to which he answered, I am ready, willing, and prepared to suffer those torments you speak of and greater to, & I hope in God that he will give me strength for all. If I die in them, my lot shall be the happier, and my joy the greater: and if not, yet to have suffered them will be some satisfaction for my sins. Only this I desire, that if it be resolved on as you say it is, that they would begin to execute it presently, for being an old man as I am, I do desire before I die to have some part of the merit.  
13. The Governor with this answer was astonished, & in a rage commanded that they should begin the execution of it presently. But his man fearing some punishment from heaven if so cruel a torment should have been inflicted upon the innocent & holy man, he caused it to be differred until another tyme. After that Adam had given this answer unto the Governor he felt in himself extraordinary joy, with many heavenly comforts and celestial consolations. And as he told a certain friend of his in great secrecy, he saw one time our Blessed Lady the most happy mother of our Saviour Christ with a Cross in her hand, by which he understood that he should obtain the glorious Crown of Martyrdom. And whereas before this time he could not endure to hear others say that he should be a Martyr, holding himself for unworthy thereof: ever after this he delighted very much to hear and speak of it. That he had other heavenly visions besides this, might be also gathered by his words, though through humility he never would declare them unto any.  
14. The Governor afterwards used means that Adam might secretly escape, and go unto Nangasaqui, and he having notice thereof said: What fly? in no case I. If they will banish me, giving me a note under their hands, that having so long time persuaded me that I should leave the faith of Christ, yet I would not, and that therefore they do hanish me, then will I go, and not otherwise.  
15. The Governor durst not give him such a note, but differred the sentence which was given of cutting of his toes and fingers by little and little, carrying him naked through all the Islands for an example to all Chrastians' until he had consulted the matter with the rest of Ximadono his Governors: which when he had done, and had related unto them the whole discourse, they all answered, that it would be a great discredit both unto him and Ximadon● also, if so rebellious and obstinate a fellow as they termed him, were not severely punished: that the sentence of death should be notified unto him, and if he did not change his mind, also executed. Hereupon immediately they notified unto Adam the sentence, wherewith he received no small comfort. And it being published in the Country thereabouts, there came thither so great a multitude of Christians to be present at his martyrdom, that they durst not put him to death publicly, lest they should take his body for relics. They carried him therefore bound unto the Castle, giving out that this death should be very public after some four or five days.  
16. The Christians used all means possible, for some of them at the least, to have been present at his death: but it could not be, for one night very secretly they took him out of the Castle and carried him to the place of Martyrdom, whither he went with great joy and alacrity, although the way was very rugged, and the night exceeding dark, and they had no torches nor other light at all, because of going with more secrecy: and whereas some of the company stumbled almost at every step, yet did he go with such agility and nimbleness, that he was ever the foremost of them all. Being come unto the place he kneeled down upon his knees, prayed most devoutly, and at two blows had his head strooken off. For it being so dark a night that the executioner could not see, he gave the first blow upon his shoulders, at the which he never so much as moved, but quietly expected the second, twice invoking aloud the blessed name of jesus. And the Gentills themselves did testify that after his head was fallen down upon the ground, he named twice more that most holy Name, so loud, that it might have been heard through all the valley, whereat they wondering said: That only to have seen the constancy and joy wherewithal Adam died, were motive enough to move any man to be a Christian: & that it was not possible, but that one dying so as he did should be saved.  
17. They took his holy body and trailed it unto the Sea shore, and there wrapping it together with his head in a net, tying stones unto it to make it sink, they cast it into the Sea, because the Christians should not find it, & so reverence any of his relics.  
18. Though this Martyrdom were done so secretly, as I have said, yet did the Christians suspect it, and thereupon some of them went unto the place where it was done, but they found there only some little quantity of his fresh blood, the which with part of his apparel they took with great devotion, and returned with all speed possible, because the Gentills were now coming back again thither to cover the blood, to the end to sign at all should remain of his Martyrdom. The Christians of Xiqui, and other places used great diligence with nets and hooks, and other instruments to have found and taken up his holy body: and there was a Spaniard that offered 500 Ducats to any one that could bring it him, but it could not possibly be found.  
19 divers Christians did affirm, that for many days together there was seen a great brightness over the place where this holy servant of God was put to death, as also over that place of the Sea wherein his body was cast, the which is so certain, so many Christians seeing it altogether, sometimes forty, sometimes fifty, sometimes more, notonce nor twice but often times, that there can be made no doubt thereof. Some there were that would not believe it because themselves did not see it with the rest, which yet afterwards having disposed themselves by prayer to that end, did most clearly & evidently see and perceive it.  
. Many notable things might be related of this holy man, but omitting all the rest I will only set down two which in my opinion seem very worthy of memory. An ancient Christian thinking in his heart within himself what torments might be given him which might make him waver in the profession of his faith, and all seeming very easy to him to endure, only the thought that seven young Children which he had should be tormented before his face, and that his wife should be carried through the streets to public shame, did terrify him exceeding much, and make him somewhat waver in his mind. All this passed in his heart within himself, not speaking of it one word at all to any one alive. This man afterwards went to visit Adam when he was in prison, who seeing him said: What an impression did the imagination of your wives public shame, and your children's tormenting make in you? O what a deceit is this! Be not afraid, for he that gives courage for one thing will give also for the rest. The man was astonished when he perceived that Adam had seen and understood that which he only thought within himself, and was encouraged thereby to confess his faith, and suffer for it all that should be offered.  
. Another man being overcome by fair words and entreaties, did show some frailty in the confession of his faith, who going afterwards to visit Adam, he reprehended him very sharply for it, but after he was gone from thence Adam said unto those that were present: This man being importunated did show some frailty, but he will stoutly stand here after for the honour of God. And so it happened indeed, for he repenting himself of his fault, and very sorry for it, went to one of the Officers who had been the occasion of his sin, and in his house in the presence of divers Gentills said unto him: Sir you remember well the means you used with me to make me leave the faith of Christ, and I moved with your entreaties did show myself unconstant and cowardly: But in very truth did not leave to be a Christian, nor to say my beads: and now every night I do discipline myself for the sin I then committed. I do desire you very earnestly you would hold me for a Christian, and to signify the same to all that have had notice of my fall.  
. The Gentle was much offended to hear him speak in that manner, as also the rest that were present, saying, that, that which he desired could neither be granted nor permitted being contrary to the Xoguns command. To which he replying, that at least they would let him have his beads and pictures publicly: they being very angry thrust him out of the room disgracfully, with many threatening speeches. But he to show that he neither was afraid of them, nor ashamed to be accounted a Christian, went immediately into the Kitchen of the house, and taking up a hot burning Iron that was there, he made therewith a great Cross in his forehead, burning his flesh exceedingly, and so returning to the place where the Gentills were, he said unto them: My Masters now that I have made this sign of the holy Cross in my forehead, no man can doubt but that I am a Christian: well may you give me all the torments that you please, for I hope in God since he hath given me strength to do this, he will also give me courage to suffer whatsoever else.  
23. The Governor afterward had notice of this action, and determined to have punished him severely for it, but others dissuaded him saying, that with the example of Adam and of this man there would be many more that would offer themselves to martyrdom, if he did deal any further therein. Whereupon he dissembled the matter, and the good Christian who remained marked for all his life, did say that after he heard Adam's words he could never be quiet in mind until he had made this Confession of his Faith, and with his example animated all the other christians to be constant and courageous.  
24. The Fathers of the Society were also banished out of the Country of Conzura, although the Governor there was not so rigorous in his proceed as in some other places, for that he did not immediately set upon the Christians, but after some time, and that only to make a show that he had some respect unto the Xoguns order. He commanded first of all, six good Christians who had the care and custody of six Churches committed unto them, as also to animate the rest of the Christians in the Father's absence to departed the Country: then he banished eleven or twelve over Christians that had been banished out of other kingdoms for their faith, and were retired thither to have means to live near to the Church: so that one with another there were banished out of that Country some two hundred and fifty Christians, all very joyful and content to see themselves so often banished, so tossed and turmoiled for the faith of Christ.  
25. After this they gave out that they would carry all the women, that would not leave to be Christians, through all the towns naked to their public shame; the which did cause in them all great fear and trouble. But one among the rest, a woman of good estate, did animate them all, saying: That it were not much for them to pass that shame for Christ, seeing he had suffered the same for them, and that she was ready and prepared to be carried so through all the towns and Cities of japone, rather than once to offend Almighty God. With this the rest were much encouraged, and so they seeing the Governor coming a little after into the streets with armed men, all of them that could did go together to one place animating one another to die for their Religion. But the Gentiles meaning only to make a demonstration that they did obey the Xoguns Command, and to have some colour afterwards to give out that now there were no Christians in the Country, they went only unto some few poor persons that were without the town, & persuading them to subscribe according to their pleasure, they returned with great triumph, publishing abroad that now all had left the profession of the Christian faith. Whereupon they cast down the Churches, and cut down all the Crosses; but the Christians set up one again on a mountain not far of from the town, whither they went to pray at sundry times, and do their disciplines. The like happened to the Christians of Oyano, which is another Island near adjoining thereto, some of them being very much abused, others banished for their faith.   

Of that which passed in other places: And of the glorious death of Minalius in Fucofoti. CHAP. XIII.  
HAVING related that which happened in other Kingdoms, it remaineth now that we speak a little of such things as passed at this time in the City of Nangasaqui, and in other towns near adjoining thereto. The Fathers of the Society had five or six Houses in the Kingdom of Fixen, besides those which they had in Nangasaqui, and beside divers other chapels which they often visited. The first was in Isafay, where the Lord or Prince although a Gentle being a friend unto them, did desire to conserve the Churches and Christians in peace and quietness: yet for fear of the Xogun, he commanded first that the Church of Isafay should be taken down, leaving the other houses standing as they were, and that the Churches of the villages should be so disguised that they should not seem to be that which they were: yet he permitted a Father to come and visit the Christians secretly. A little after this he made a Proclamation, in which he did command that all should leave to be Christians, as the Xogun had ordained, but yet under hand he gave order that in the execution, no rigour should be used, although some Noble men his subjects moved either with hatred towards the Christian faith, or with that they saw practised in other places, did very much persecute their servants, who thereby manifested their Constancy, and desire to die for their Religion, some of them suffering banishment, and losing thereby all that which they had, others being ready to do the same, were permitted for a time and winked at.  
2. The Fathers had another house in Fudoyama, from whence they did use to visit part of the estate of Omura and other Territories thereabout. The Bonzi of Omura did make earnest suit unto the Prince, that he would compel his subjects to embrace their sect, and leave the faith of Christ: but he made answer unto them, that for religion sake he would not deprive himself of his ancient subjects; telling them moreover, that if they were so certain that their sect was good and true, they should convince the Christians with their reasons, and not compel them by force. Yet notwithstanding to give them some content, he made a law that whosoever did receive any of the Fathers into his house should incur the forfeiture of a certain some of money, but they for all that neither left to entertain them, nor yet to seek and make inquiry after them. Ximadono used more extremity, for that he seized upon the goods and lands of the Christians of Caratzu, banishing them out of his Countries. And one among the rest who in that occasion left all he had with great courage and content was George Acasioye, of whose notable fervour and glorious death we shall make mention in the 10. Chapter of the second Part of this narration. Nabeximadono, who was the Prince of that country, gave command, that the Church of Fundayama should be pulled down, but towards the Christians no rigour at all was used, & so one of the Fathers did remain there secretly & visited them all oftentyms, with no less labour then content.  
3. In this Country there was a Christian to whose care the keeping was committed of a Church and the things therein, and certain Gentills intending by force to take a picture out of it, he told them courageously, that he would sooner lose his head, then let it go. They durst not kill him without order from the Prince, who at that time was fart off, & on the other side they feared lest he would fly away before the answer came. The which when he understood he boldly went unto them, and said. Go ask the Prince what his pleasure is to have done with me, and I will stay here till you return. If I fly you shall understand thereby that I leave to be a Christian, which is that which you desire. There he remained expecting a good while; at length the sentence came that they should take all he had from him, and put him out of the Country, and so it was put in execution, and he taking with him the picture went to Nangasaqui more contented in his own mind, then if he had carried with him all his wealth, and much more than that he had before.  
4. The third & fourth houses which the Fathers had in this Kingdom were in Vracami, and Mongui, in which places because they were so near to Nangasaqui there was no other thing done, but only preparations made for the general assault which all did expect would soon after follow. Their fifth House was in Fucafori, where there was more copious and glorious fruit. This town is subject to the Lord of Fixen, and standeth at the entrance of the Port or Haven of Nangasaqui. When Safioyedono was made Governor of Nangasaqui, he being very zealous in the superstitious religion of the Gentills, and having no place within the City where to use his Heathenish rites (all being there Christians) he caused a little temple (which they call Mia) to be made in Fucafori, whither he went to that purpose as often as occasion was required. It grieved him very much, to see a Church of the Christians there, and he so contrived the matter that the year last past it was cast down without any other damage done unto the Christians: but now upon this occasion he caused a Proclamation to be made that all should leave their faith under great pains & forfeitures: to the which the Christians all with one accord answered, that although it cost them their lives they would not do it. Whereupon the Governor sending for the Chief of them, gave them very bad speeches, calling them fools & Asses, that whereas following the Sects of japone, they might save their souls and jointly live in pleasure, prosperity, and content: yet they would rather follow a hard Religion, taught only by a few strangers, & that with danger to lose their goods and lives, and the liberty of their wives and Children.  
5. To the which one of the Christians in name of the rest answered in this manner: My Lord, the reason why we embrace and follow the faith of Christ, is because it is manifest unto us, that in it only we can be saved and not in any of the sects of japone, which be both very different and disagreeing among themselves, and all of them without any solid ground and true foundation. And in matters concerning the gaining or losing of eternal life, it were no wisdom, but plain folloy, to have too much regard to the loss of temporal goods, as all things in this world be. The Governor replied, ask him, If he had ever seen or spoken with any post, or other messenger that came from the other world, and brought news of another life. The reasons my Lord (said he) are so evident, that there is another life, and the testimonies and arguments that our religion is the only truth, are so strong, that they be of much more force and officacy than the words of any Messenger in the world. If it please your Lordship to hear the Sermons, you shall easily see the truth of the Christian faith, and evidently perceive the falsity of all the Sects of japone. With this the Governor growing into great choler, commanded them immediately to deliver up to him their Rosaries, to whom one named Peter answered very stoutly. There is none here will leave his faith or deliver up his Rosary, and it for this cause you will deprive us of our lives, we are all ready & prepared to give them willingly. And with that he went away. Peter his Father in law, who was a Gentle, fearing lest some hurt would come unto him, for that which he had spoken, entreated the Governor to pardon him for that he was but a young man, and had spoken rashly without mature consideration, and that he would enter into bonds to make him leave his faith.  
6. Peter understanding what his Father in law had done and said, presently sent unto him his wife and children with this cressage. The love of your daughter and grandchilds have made you promise 〈◊〉, that which you ought not to have done there therefore I send you them, and I without them shall die more freely, and with more content. And unto the Governor he sent word, that he would not stand to that which his Father in law had promised in his behalf: and that moreover he was not sorry for the words which he had spoken in his presence; and because he did expect no less then to be put to death for them, he therefore for that effect sent him there is sword. But the Governor dissembling the matter, would not proceed any further against him, contenting himself with his Father in law his word and promise, whereby Peter escaped death at that time, gaining notwithstanding doubtless for his worthy resolution great merit at God Almighty his hands.  
7. At the same time, and upon the same occasion there were two brethren named Mine Cosmo, and Min● Luis, who answered very constantly that in no case they would leave the faith of Christ, the which for so many years they had professed. And although the Governor used all means possible to make them condescend unto his will, at least in outward show, yet could he not move them any thing at all, they still resisting most courageously. He told them he was very sorry that they being of his name, and something also of kindred unto him, would cause him instead of favour to proceed with rigour against them. They answered, that they, their wives & children were Christians, and by Gods holy grace would so remain, and that for their holy religion they were ready to give their lives. Whereupon the Governor commanded them to keep their own house as a prison until he had consulted with the Prince what should be done. Upon this it seemed unto them that they were now in great likelihood to obtain the crown of martyrdom which they so much desired: the better therefore to prepare themselves thereto they went one night to Nangasaqui, and there confessed themselves, desiring the Fathers to pray for them, that for their sins & own unworthiness they might not lose their crown which they expected. The same night they returned home again, made themselves now apparel, and bought candles to carry in their hands when they should be carried to Martyrdom, expecting every hour with great desire their judgement, sentence and condemnation.  
8. Upon Corpus Christi day in the morning the Governor sent word unto Luis, that he meant that day to go to recreate himself, and see some filhing in the Sea, and that he desired to have him go with him to keep him company. Luis at the first thought to have excused himself by reason it was so great a holy day, but afterwards upon further consideration, surmysing what the matter might be, taking his leave of all his family, he went with much alacrity, and the boat in which they went being now almost a league in the sea from the land, the Governor said unto him: Luis do you remain still settled in the opinion you were of three days passed in being and continuing still a Christian? Yes indeed do I (said Luis) and am very well content and desirous to die for it. Thereupon all those that were in the boat mocked and scoffed at him, as if he had been a fool or a madman: but he little regarded their words, & seemed to be nothing moved with their injurious speeches: the which the Governor perceiving commanded that his head should be cut of immediately, the which was done at two blows, he being upon his knees and most devoutly invoking the holy name of jesus. His head being cut off they tied stones thereunto as also unto his holy body, and cast them both into the sea, because no relics of him should remain: returning home they confiscated his goods & house making his wife a slave. The same they did with the wife children and goods of Cosmo his elder brother, whom they banished out of the country, the which he accepted willingly being no less joyful to lose that which he had for Christ, the full of sorrow that he was not companion to his brother in the Crown of Martyrdom.  
9 The manner of Luis his Martyrdom being once known in Nangasaqui, no diligence was left undone to find his holy body, being sought for by divers persons with all care and diligence for five days together, but could not find so much as the least sign thereof, although they knew the place where it was cast into the sea. Upon the fifth day, they saw a kind of clear brightness over a certain place, as those that found it did affirm, and taking that for a sign thereof, they sought there, and so found it presently, & carried it unto the Fathers of the Society who did with alreverence place it in the Church of the Miscricordia with intention, hereafter when this storm is past, to build a Church in Fucafori to the glory of God, in memory of him.   

Of such things, as passed in Nangasaqui, before the banishment. CHAP. XIIII.  
THERE were in Nangasaqui, as I said in the 5. Chapter, four Churches of the Society of jesus, three Monasteries, of S. Austin, S. Deminicke, and S. Francis, four Parish Churches and three or four chapels. All the inhabitants thereof and of the country round about were Christians. There at this time were all the Fathers gathered together expecting either the execution of the sentence, given by the Xogun before mentioned of their final banishment, or else perhaps some mitigation thereof, by means and mediation of the Portugall●, whose ships were shortly expected to come thither. In the same expectation were Don justo, Don john, and the rest of those that were banished from the Caini. exceeding was the concourse of Christians from all parts of japone thither, some to take their leave, others to receive the Sacraments thereby to arm themselves for the future fight, all lamenting the loss they were to sustain by the departure of their spiritual masters, pastors, guides, and ghostly Fathers, and so great was their fervour, that until the end of October they scarce ever let the Father's rest neither by day nor night, coming to them continually for icounsaile, comfort, direction and adu se.  
2. At the beginning of this year the Bishop of japone, Don Luis Cerqueira of the Society of jesus departed out of this life. He was a man of great wisdom and learning, and of no less virtue, piety, & sanctity of life, & very zealous of the good of his Church, which by his death at that time sustained a wondrous loss. Greatly was he grieved to see so cruel a persecution raised against his flock, and that he could not by any means remedy it, nor defend his sheep from the cruel wolves. Some months before the persecution did begin he fell sick, and after with the news thereof and grief there at his sickness daily did increase, and so within a few days no physic being of force to prolong or sane his life, he gave his soul unto Alm. God, unto whose paternal providence he did commend his poor afflicted Church, desiring him either to defend and secure it, or else to give force and strength to the Christians to suffer and endure the violent and tyrannical proceedings of the Gentills their enemies against them. His death was upon the 16. of February 1614  
3. Sixetene years had he governed that new planted Church with great rectitude and rare exemplar life, and in that time he had feene many different successes, sometimes great prosperity in the connersion of many souls and men of worth, unto the faith of Christ: at other times great adversicies, afflictions and persecutions, in all which he always showed a great quietness and serenity of mind, and a firm trust and confidence in God. He was much respected and beloved of his flock & of all the religious persons that were in japone: yea the Xogun himself, his Courtiers and Favourites when some years ago he did visit them, did commend and esteem him very much; so did likewise all the Lords and Princes, though they were otherwise as Gentills, not affected to religion: for which reason at this time there was great want of him, and his death was much lamented generally of all.  
4. After his death Father Provincial of the Society remained with the care of the government of the Bishopric, until such time as another Pastor should be appointed, and for that respect, as also for the obligation of the common good of all the Christians of japone, he determined with the advice and counsel of the rest of the religious, to send unto the Court Father james Mesquita of the Society, who had been a long time Rector of the College of Nangasaqui, & was well acquainted with the Safioye, to deal with the Xogun, and to give him information of the truth of all matters. The Father went and did his best endeavours, but the Safioye himself being the Chief sticler in the business, gave him answer, that it was not possible to have audience in that matter, because the Xogun was already fully resolved that not so much as one of all the Fathers should remain in all the Country, and therewith he commanded him immediately to return to Nangasaqui, where all did prepare themselves to the conflict no less than in other places, using to that end all spiritual means they could, now that there was no hope in human diligence.  
5. In the College of the Society commonly there were wont to be before this persecution began four thousand Communicants, and more in every of the principal feasts of the year: but now there was much greater concourse both of those that dwelled within the City, as also of those that came from abroad and lived in other places. Scarce were there any that did not make in this occasion a general confession of all their life, thereby to prepare themselves the better to Martyrdom: many both men and women made themselves new clothes, therein to signify the gladness and willingness of their minds to suffer death, or any torments for their faith, as also to receive them therein with more decency. To the end that all might be helped and sufficiently instructed in this occasion, & this done with the least note possible, was appointed in every street one house where the people commonly met together to make the prayer of Fortie-howres, six or seven Preachers going out of the College every day thither to make them exhortations, and instruct them how they ought to behave themselves in the confession of their faith, in their torments, and in Martyrdom itself: and in these places innumerable were the prayers, fasts, disciplines, and other penances which were done to that end.  
6. Whilst they were thus busied & employed, there came letters from the Xogun that all the religious persons and those that were banished for their religion should find ships at their own charges, to go out of the Country the October following, the which news did increase both the grief, and the fervour of the Christians, who were all distributed into divers Confraternities, thereby the better and with greater union to help one the other, as indeed by that means they did exceedingly. But because it is an easy matter through zeal & fervour to grow to some, excess therefore the Fathers took great care to counsel them they should behave themselves in such sort, that they did not exasperate the Gentills, nor give them occasion to report, that the cause of the persecution was some mutiny or rebellion on their parts, and not only because they would not deny the faith of Christ: and particularly they did procure that certain writings which they made amongst themselves and subscribed with their names, what they would do in case that the Fathers were put out of japone, and themselves forced to deny their faith, should be done in that manner that the Gentills should have no colour to calumniate them: the which was a matter of very great importance & confequence.  
7. The fervour of the Christians increasing daily more & more, came at lengthto that pass that not contented with their secret penances, they began (without ever consulting the Fathers therein) to make open processions in the streets, doing therein many public penances. About the beginning of May they made one or two, all of them disciplining themselves therein: and upon the twelve day of the same month there went one out of the Church of All-Saintes with divers kinds of penances in which there were about a thousand penitentes, some carring heavy crosses on their backs, others being loaden with chains of Iron, others fiercely disciplining of themselves and the like, in this manner visiting all the Churches of the town, ask with weeping eyes mercy at God Almighty his hands: and divers children went in their company singing the litanies with such devotion, as moved even the hardest hearts to melt with sorrow, and their eyes to shed abundant tears. In this manner they went continuing their procession until there were neither street nor Confraternity in all the town that did not make one or two at the least.  
8. Within the Octaves of Pentecost there were made two very solemn processions; the first was ordered by the Fathers of S. Dominickes Order, and therein were an exceeding number that did discipline themselves, and divers with ropes tied to their necks and crowns of pricking thorns upon their heads. The second was directed by the Fathers of S. Auguflines' Order, in which there were some 500 persons all clothed in purple weeds carrying heavy crosses on their backs, besides divers others that went disciplining of themselves: so that there was not scarce any one person in all the City, man, woman, nor Child that did not, some once, some twice, some thrice go in these processions, doing some penance or other therein, all with intention to move Almighty God to mercy towards them, and to show the desire they had by this means to prepare themselves to suffer some thing for the love of Christ. For conclusion of all, Father Provincial of the Society did appoint that a solemn procession of the blessed Sacrament should be made in the College upon Corpus Christi day, the which was accordingly performed with very great solemnity, concourse of people and denotion, and after it the prayer of 40. hours was kept publicly, there being Sermons made both in the morning and afternoon: wherein the people were so moved to devotion, to sighs, and tears, that the Preacher at length could scarce be heard for them: all which put many in good hope that God would hear their cries and prayers, and either tie the hands of those that were their enemies, or give them force and strength to get the victory.  
9 This fervorous manner of proceeding, and to see moreover that the Christians made so small account of temporal things, did cause such an amaze in the servants of Safioye, who were Gentills, that they wrote forthwith unto their Lord (who was now coming from the Court) signifiiing unto him that the City was all in an uproar, all united together and resolved not to obey the Xogun, nor to let the Fathers depart the country, painting out the matter in the worst manner that they could, and advising him he should be careful and consider how he came. If these letters had come to Safioye his own hands it had been an easy matter to have informed him of the truth and pacified all: but the Messenger missing of him in the way, went directly unto the Court of Surunga, and gave them to a sister of his who was in great league with the Xogun, and she being a wicked woman, a Gentle and an enemy to the Christian faith, went weeping with them unto the Xogun, and related the matter in such manner, as though doubtless her brethren were both of them slain already at Nangasaqui. Wherewithal the Xogun was so moved to anger and indignation, that laying his hand upon his sword, he swore, that if Nangasaqui were near hand he would go thither himself in person, and put it all to sword and fire. And fearing least Safioye alone could not be able to rule the Christians and bring them to due order and obedience, he commanded that Surungadone one of the principal Captains which he had in Fushimi should go thither with all his soldiers, and gathering together all the rest thereabout that were needful should execute that there which should be thought most fitting and expedient.   

How the Fathers of the Society of jesus were banished, & the Churches of Nangasaqui destroyed. CHAP. XV.  
SAFIOYDONO at his arrinall at Nangasaqui upon the 23. of june, having by the way done that in Arima which we mentioned in the 9 Chapter, saw that all was quiet without any mutiny or rebellion at all, and that the fervour which the Christians had showed was only to ask mercy at God's hands, and show that they were ready to suffer and give their lives for Christ. Within two days after his coming he sent word unto Father Provincial of the Society, to the Superiors of the other Religious Orders, and unto the Secular Priests, that they should all make provision for ships in time, for that not one of them, whether he were stranger or free-Denizen, should stay in the Country, no not so much as any of the youths of the Seminary: the which caused a general sorrow in all the Christians: although the news which immediately came upon it, that the ship of traffic of the Portugals was safely arrived from China thither, did not only joy the Gentills, but also gave some comfort unto them, for they hoped that upon this occasion the Gentills through the great desire they have to traffic with the portugals, would wink at them, at least for a time: especially it being most certain that the Xogun himself had showed great contentment when he heard thereof, and commanded that all favour and kind usage should be showed both to the Captain, and his Company.  
2. Hereupon Father Provincial dealt with the Captain, and he very willingly offered himself to go unto the Court to entreat of the Xogun, that at the least he would permit one Church in Nangasaqui, as the portugals & Spaniards, that live there, and go and come with their ships, had ever had, and it was thought the best course to entreat Sasioyedono to join with the Captain in this petition to the Xogun, because otherwise infallibly it would be crossed and never take effect. Whilst they were busy in this consultations Surungadono came with his soldiers from the Court to Nangasqui, and thinking to have found all the Country in Rebellion as it was reported there, he found no sign at all of any such thing, wherewithal he showed himself much disgusted, and Safioyedono was no less with his coming thither. Whereupon they sent new information unto the Court, but neither true nor favourable towards the Christians, both because they knew the Xogun could not endure them & was resolved to destroy the Christianity of all his Countries, and also because they would not contradict one the other, nor raise any disgust or discontent among themselves, for of this and their own interest the Gentills of japone have always ●hore regard, then either of reason, or ●ustice, equity, or Conscience.  
3. Both Safioye and Surungadono were unwilling that the Captain of the Portugal ship should go unto the Court, ●aying that it would be an occasion of a greater breach if the Xogun should not grant (as they thought he would not) ●hat which the Captain in person should ask of him, and that it were far better ●o send an embassage unto him with a present, the which although for this year perhaps it would not do much good, yet would it be a disposition for the year following, when his anger was once past, to get a grant of what they desired. There was no remedy but to follow their counsay le, because it was impossible that any thing could have success which was against their good liking: so thereupon four or five portugals of good estimation were sent unto the Court, and hear caster we shall signify what effect their journey had.  
4. In the mean while Safioy 〈◊〉 not only solicit the departure of 〈◊〉 Fathers by means of his own message● but also forced the Governors of th●● City, and the most substantial men 〈◊〉 every street to enter into obligation, 〈◊〉 to consent that any of the Fathers should remain secretly hidden, under pain 〈◊〉 their lives, confiscation of their goods and bondage of their wives and children. The hope that the Fathers had that they might remain at least some of them in Nangasaqui, and from thence by little and little go recovering that which they had lost, did something mitigate the sorrow which they conceived for the●● Churches lost, and for the evil usage of the Christians. But now seeing themselves frustrate of that hope, and that ●● force they must forsake. & leave desolate so many souls which for so long time they had guided towards heaven, and instructed in the knowledge and true service of Almighty God, with so great labour, care, travail and pains, did wound their very hearts with grief: which was also much increased seeing he tears, and hearing the lamentations ●f those good Christians which continually came unto them whilst they remained there, the which was now to ●e but a very little while: for at that very time there came from the Court the knall resolution of all, which was, that although the Xogun had received the Embassage of the portugals, and promised them all favour in such things as concerned their trade and traffic, yet ●● for other matters concerning the stay ●f some of the Fathers in Nangasaqui, ●here was no remedy; saying that by ●nly granting or permitting them one Church thereon other occasions heretofore, they had by that means entered alaine into all the Countries of japone, and that therefore now he would see ●● he could put them out for good and all.  
5. There were in all japone 22. Priests, and five lay brethren of the holy order of S. Dominicke, S. Franci, and S. Austin, seven secular priests japoman borne, and four or five of other infen●● our Orders Of the Society there were 117. Fathers and Brothers, besides that in their Seminary they had commonly 〈◊〉 young youths, which they brought up in learning and virtue to help towards the conversion of their Country; and almost as many more of good parter and sufficiency which did help to the same end were dispersed in divers of the Father's houses and Residences. The most of these by reason of the necessity & want whereunto they were brought by the persecution, they were forced to dismiss, and some of those of the Seminary they left behind with persons of trust & confidence, because it was not possible to carry them all with them. All the Fathers did desire to remain had and disguised in japone to help the Christians and be partakers of their sufferings, but it could not be, by reason of the strict order that was taken against their stay, and the extreme difficulty in finding means to keep them secret.  
6. The secular Priests and the other religious persons consulted the matter amongst themselves, and as many of them remained as could conveniently, and Father Provincial of the Society did send of his subjects with all secrecy into divers places 18. Fathers, and with them nine brethren, and some Seminaristes, who with more security might visit the Christians in the Father's names than they could themselves. Others of the Fathers should have returned as soon as the were out of the haven, & so remained, but it could not possibly be effectuated, by reason of the many spies and others that were set to watch of purpose to hinder their designment therein.  
7. For all those persons that were to go into banishment, there were but three ships, and those little ones, and very ill provided. Upon Saturday being the 25. of October, Safioye sent word, commanding them that upon the 27. in any case they should embark themselves, and if those ships were not ready then, they should all go unto Fucunda which is another port town thereby. They had already taken all the pictures out of the Churches: and after they had comunicated all that were desirous to receive the B. Sacrament & consummated that which did remain thereof, they made their last Sermons unto the Christians whom they were to leave behind them there, how they should behave themselves in the confession of their faith encouraging them to constancy, with assurance that by the grace of God that tempest would quietly cease and could not long endure. The bodies of divers holy Martyrs that had been buried in their Churches, they took vo & secretly laid them in divers places where they might remain secure, and be kept with reverent respect until some better tyme. The same they did with the bodies of divers of the Fathers and brethren there buried who had with great cure & zeal laboured in the cultivating that parcel of Christ's vineyard, because they should not be abused and profaned by the Gentills, enemies of Christ's true religion. Finally these things being all concluded, upon the 27. of October in the year 1614 the Gentills took possession of all their Churches. The greater part of the religious men, and the rest that were appointed to banishment, were carried to Fucunda, and there put in little Cottages of fishermen, and kept by Officers that watched them both by sea and land. Others, together with Father Provincial remained in a place near Nangasaqui five or six days until such time as the ships were all prepared.  
8. And in this place died Father james Mesquita a man of great virtue wisdom and industry in the conversion of the Gentills of that country of japone where he had lived well nigh forty years. He came from thence into Europe divers years ago for tutor and conductor of those tower Gentlemen that came in the name of the Christian Princes of Bungo, Arima, and Omura to kiss Pope Gregory the 13. his feet, and King Philip the second his hands, and after that so long journey he spent many years in the conversion and instruction of the people of those countries of whom he was exceedingly beloved. His sickness was occasioned as was thought by the grief he took to see the present injuries & calamities of those poor afflicted Christians. Means was made to Safioye that he might be carried into the City to be cured there, but he would not permit it by any means, and so being carried to a little straw cabin of a poor Fisherman there he died with wondrous joy and comfort of his soul upon the first day of November, having suffered in his life time very much for the propagation of the faith, and glory of our blessed Saviour.  
9 The Gentills soon after they had taken the Christians Churches into their hands with great contempt began to pull them down and burn the wood thereof, as they had done in Meaco and Ozaca: but this joy did not endure long, for that not long after there came news that the Kingdom was all in an uproar by reason of a falling out betwixt the old Xogun & Fideyori the son of Taycosama, who was last Emperor, as shall be showed at the end of the second part of this Relation.  
10. Upon the 7. & 8. of November did set to sail the glorious fleet of Religious persons, & japonian Gentlemen sent in banishment for the faith of Christ, & they went in this manner. In one ship that went unto the Philipine Islands there were the Fathers of S. Dominicke, S. Francis, & S. Augustine's Orders, 8. Fathers of the Society, 15. Brethren, and 15. Seminaristes, and with them Don justo, and Don john with their Families, and other Gentlemen banished from Meaco. In the other two which went for Macan a Port town of China there went more than threescor Fathers and Brethren of the Society, and more than sifty Seminaristes. And this was the success of the persecution and banishment of the Fathers, until the 8. of November 1614 That which happened afterwards shall be related in the second Part: although it seemeth convenient first in one or two Chapters more to add to this a brief narration of the Heroical acts and virtues of Don justo, and of his arrival at the Philippines.   

Of the arrival of the Fathers of the Society at Macan, and Manilla; and of the notable virtues of Don justo. CHAP. XVI.  
IT is not hard to conjecture in what affliction the poor Christians of Ipone remained, seeing themselves now without Priests and Pastors, than Churches cast down and burned, and all the Country swarming with Soldiers, not knowing what would be the end & event of so tempestuous a storm, yet much more was the grief of the Fathers, who were by violence separated from their spiritual Children, whom by the Gospel of Christ jesus they had begotten unto God, & whom therefore they most entirely loved, & whose good they most earnestly desired. This only comforted them, that they hoped to return unto them shortly disguised, if they could not otherwise; and also to see them with such courage to suffer for their faith when they departed from them.  
2. The two ships that went for Macan arrived safely there within few days, as both the way being shorter, and the ships much better than that which went unto the Philipines', which being but an old vessel not well provided, and so loaden with passengers that they could scarce stand one by another, was therefore much feared would miscarry by the way. And this fear was much augmented by means of two ships of Hollanders which being in Firando meant to have set out after them and taken them, the which infallibly they would have done, had not the Lord of that City, though a Gentil, hindered them. The Fathers of the Society did not think to have sent more than eight or ten unto the Philippines, and scarce had they taken room for so many in the ship, and therefore when afterwards it fell out to be precisely necessary that eight and thirty should go therein, they were so straightened and pestered, that therewithal & by reason of other incommodities there died two of the Fathers, and two of the brethren: two of them whilst they were at sea, and the other two immediately after their coming to land.  
3. Fa. Antony Francis de Critant was the first of them that died at sea, a man of threescore and eight years old whereof he had spent thirty in japone with great example of sanctity, holiness of life and zeal of souls. He was Minister of the College of Nangasaqui, and took such pains at the time of their departure thence that with very weariness, and the foresaid striatnes, without any other infirmity, he died: and because he was of notorious virtue, and died in banishment for the faith of Christ, he was reverenced of all the religious men that went in the ship, as a worthy Confessor of Christ. He died within sight of land, and therefore the Captain of the ship with divers of the religious persons carried his body unto an Hermitage by the shore side, from whence afterward it was conveyed to the City & College of Manilla, where within a few days they arrived after a months navigation, wherein they had had much foul weather and divers cruel storms.  
4. Before I relate the manner of inter, taynment which was made in Manilla to Don justo, Don john and their Company, it will not be amiss to show briefly who they where, and set down some part of that which they did and suffered for the faith of Christ, and for his holy Church. This Don justo was borne in the Kingdom of Tzunocuni, not far off from the City of Meaco: his Father's name was Darius Findadono, his Mother's Mary: he was of the noble and ancient house and lineage of Tacayama which doth signify a High mountain, and it agreed well unto them, for both the Father and the Son were men of great virtue, excellent example, and singular defenders of all the Christianity of Cami, a great part of the Country so called. Findadono Don justo his Father was always held and esteemed for a very worthy Captain and exceeding wise, much given whilst he was a Gentil to the study of the japoman Sects and superstitious worship of their Idols, from which he was brought by this means.  
5. Father Gaspar Vilela, and one Laurence a Brother of the Society had preached the Christian faith in Meaco, for the space of siue or six years, with such opposition of the Bonzi and Gentills, that the fruit of their labours was but very small: many times they went about to have killed them, or banished them, holding and reputing them as barbarous & ignorant persons, as enomies of the Caymies & Fotoques, & of the peace and quiet of the Kingdom. At the petition of the Bonzi, the examination of their cause was committed unto two Gentlemen very earnest in the superstitions of the Gentills, who one day meaning to make a mockery of a certain Christian, ached him certain questions about the Christian faith. He at the first modestly excused himself alleging his ignorance, as being no scholar, and a simple man, but afterwards he answered the best he could. They urged him with difficulties more and more, and he so well behaved himself in answering, that their jesting and mockery turned to good earnest in the end: for that they seeing themselves convinced with the reasons which he did allege, desired him in any case he would bring them a preacher because they meant purposely to heareal that could be said. It was feared that this was only a trap laid the better thereby to take the Father, yet did he send Brother Laurence aforesaid unto than, who through the help & grace of God, did so work with them that when the Father himself came unto them as he did soon after, he found wolves turned into lambs, and the men wholly changed from that they were before, so that after they were instructed sufficiently he did baptise them, and divers other who were moved by their example, and by that means the storm for that time did cease, to the great grief and discredit of the Bonzi.  
6. There was great speech in the Court of the strange mutation of these two Gentlemen, and Findadono among the rest did use to jest at them very much, it seeming to him an easy thing to convince the Brother in favour of their Sects. Enquiring therefore where he was, he went unto him, heard his Sermons, argued, questioned, disputed with him divers times, but such was the light and evidence of the truth of the Catholic religion, that he found himself (though marveling at himself) wholly convinced therewith, and so was not only himself baptised, but carrying the Father to his Castle of Sava, he caused him also to instruct and baptise his wife, Children, and kindred, and some 100 Gentlemen of his house. He desired his own name should be Darius, his wifes Mary, and his eldest son justus who was then 15. years old; this happened the year 1565. in which year also was converted and baptised Don john Naytodono of fourteen years of age, Lord of almost all the Kingdom of Tamba, a young Gentlemen of great expectation. By Darius his means and example, he was moved to be a Christian, and was companion then unto Don justus in baptism, as he was now in banishment.  
7. This therefore may be the first commendation of these two noble soldiers of Christ to have persevered so firm and constant so many years in the faith they once received, against all the power of the devil, neither being moved with the command of three most potent Emperors Nobunanga, Taycesama and the Xogun that now reigneth, nor mollified with the continual persuasions and example of the Princes, Lords and noble Men of japone, nor terrified with persecutions, losses of their estates livings, goods, and honour, nor with the continual dangers of their lives to do any thing in prejudice of the profession of their faith, nor (which is yet more) carried away with the strong stream of licentious life, which in that country is of mighty force, all liberty in that kind being granted to men of their years and quality to do any thing indecent or ill beseeming Christian Gentlemen; and all this having no example at all, nor any other thing besides their faith and religion that might oblige or move them thereunto, but only the speeches sermons, and persuasions of a few poor religious men, that were mere strangers unto them, of no authority, command, or power in the Country, but rather much hated, disgraced, and abased by the Bonzi, and most of those that did profess the Religion of japone.  
8. Their second commendation may be, for the great zeal they always showed in defending of the Church, & ministers thereof in the great combats and contradictions which it had in the beginning thereof. Immediately almost after they were baptised Miyoridono, and Daniedono Don john's uncle, killed the Cubosama, who was then the Lord of all japone, the Bonzi who were then great with the Dayri (who was the true owner of the Empire) took that opportunity to get the Fathers banished by public proclamation from the Dayri, consilcating their House and Church, and very hardly letting them pass with life. In this occasion these worthy Gentlemen were the principal defence, and almost only refuge the Fathers had in almost three years that their banishment endured. And when Nobunanga entered Meaco by force of arms, Darius and Don justo by Vatadono his means who was Governor of Meaco, got them restored in honourable sort, with ample patents from the new Cubosama, and Nobunanga to preach the Gospel freely where they pleased, in despite of all the Bonzi and of the Dayri himself. And all the time that Nobunanga lived, who favoured Don justo very much, they were perpetual defenders and upholders of the Fathers in many great and grievous persecutions, raised against them by the Bonzi, exposing many times to danger for their sakes their estates, their honours and their lives.  
9 Exceeding great likewise was the zeal they had of the conversion of souls unto the Christian faith. In the time Don john was Lord of the Kingdom of Tamba (for afterwards he lost it in the time of Nobunanga his wars) he was the cause of great good therein in that kind. The Country of Tucacuqui whereof Darius & Don justo were Lords was full of Bonzi, having many ancient Temples therein, and very much inhabited by a sort of Gentills that were most obstinate yet such was their zeal, their care and industry, that partly by entreaties, partly by benefits, partly by disputations they moved and persuaded many to embrace the Christian faith; so that within few years there remained not so much as one Gentle in all the Country, nor any Temple that either was not destroyed, or turned into a Church, nor a Bonzo that was not either converted, or else went willingly away unto some other place. The like they did in another Country that was given by Nobunanga: and in Acaxi they begun to do the same. By which may well be gathered the exceeding great number of Gentills, that by their industry and means received the Christian faith. They builded many Churches in all the towns, set up many crosses in high ways and upon montaines, helping in all things the Fathers of the Society that had care there of the conversion and instruction of the people; and being still the first in prayer, penance, and all other pious works as Fathers and Masters of their subjects, to the great admiration of all the Gentills that lived thereabout.  
10. The same pious offices did they likewise exercise being at the Court among other Lords and Noble men. For Don justo in particular being so wise and prudent, and so esteemed as he was generally of them all, would never let occasion pass, but by one means or other he would procure to give notice to them all; of the truth and solidity of Christian belief, and of the falsehood & errors of their sects, and that with such efficacity, that all the most principal Christians of the Court were converted by his persuasion or example, and the Gentills that were the Father's friends were all gained by his means. Inso much that for divers years the Gentills called the Christian religion the religion of Tacayama, not knowing other name for it but this of Don justo, who was so zealous a professor thereof.  
11. Their integrity and exemplar life was also very notable. Darius' being now old, gave over his estate and government to spend his time in the chief business of the salvation of his soul and the conversion of his subjects to the faith of Christ, and so died a very holy and a happy death in the year 1595. And Don justo his integrity and purity of life was so great he being a most noble and courageous gentleman, in the very flower of his age, and in the midst of manifold evil occasions, that Taycosama the Emperor himself did highly commend him for the same, not without great wondeing thereat. And many noble men that were convinced in their understanding of the truth and verity of Christian religion by the sermons which they heard said, that the reasons why they were not baptised, was because they could not live a continent life, in that manner as Don justo did, it being a thing unworthy to a noble man, or to an honest mind to profess a religion, and not live accordingly thereto.  
12. They were all also most devout unto the holy Sacraments, continually frequenting the same, and all other actions of religious piety: and so great was the respect they bore unto the Fathers, who were their spiritual guides and Masters, that it was noted in Don justo, that in the space of fifty years in which he daily conversed with them, he was never heard, nor known to speak so much as one only unreverent word to any one of them all, for whatsoever cause or occasion that was offered. And which is more, notwithstanding all the good he did unto them, and for the Church and general cause of all the Christians, or evils that he suffered for the same; it seemed unto him to have ●eene very small, and not more but that which he was bound to do in honour: ●nd yet three several times had he for ●●em, and for his faith and religion left ●●s living and estate, lost his honour and ●eputation, and his life also, as far as lay 〈◊〉 him to do.  
13. The first time was soon after 〈◊〉 was a Christian upon this occasion. ●raqui the Lord of the Kingdom of ●zunocuni a great friend and benefactor 〈◊〉 his, did determine to rise against No●●nanga and join with his enemies, ●●n justo was afflicted therewithal, and ●●d all his endeavour possible to make ●●em friends: and to oblige Araqui the ●●re unto him, he did renew an oath of ●●elity and friendship which before he ●●d made unto him, and gave unto him, ●●hostages and pledges of his faith his ●●ly Son, and a sister of his own, ●●o was then but a child. Hereupon ●●aqui put the matter into his hands, ●●d being in his journey towards the Court about that business, an enemy of Don justo persuaded Araqui that he was betrayed: and that if he went he would lose both his estate and life. It was a false report, yet Araqui giving credit thereunto, retired back, and declared himself for an enemy to Nobunanga, & Don justo for many reasons could not choose but follow him, and take hi● part.  
14. Nobunanga had notice thereof, raised a great power, and came again them, using first many means to dra● Don justo to his part, because he knew him to be a very great Captain, that 〈◊〉 had a troop of gallant men, and a Fortress that was almost invincible: 〈◊〉 seeing it was not possible, he took f●● the last means this, which was to se● him word, that seeing the Christian religion doth teach right and justice to 〈◊〉 done, that he should leave the friendship of Anaqui, who without cause and 〈◊〉 'gainst all right, reason, justice and equity had made himself an enemy vn●● him: and that if he did not, he would destroy the Churches and Christians in his Kingdoms, and crucify the Fathers even before his eyes: that he should therefore consider well what he meant to do.  
15. This message was more terrible to Don justo then death itself would have been: for on the one side the friendship and great obligations he had to Araqui, the oath he had made unto him, the pledges which he had given him, his only Son and Sister, who were innocentes, & should be doubtless ●laine if he yielded unto Nobunanga, the speech of the world that he was not loyal to his friend; and above all that his Father Darius and his Captains, whereof the greater part were Gentills, in no ●●se would consent thereto: these reasons I say did move him very much not ●o leave, but still to stand to Araqui. And on the other side the destruction of ●he Christians and Churches, and the ●eath of the Fathers who were already prisoners in Nobunangas Camp, did greatly urge the contrary. He confulted with one of the Fathers whom Nobunanga sent unto him, and by him he understood that the oath which he had made to Araqui, did not bind him, by reason it was only made with intention to make him and Nobunanga friends: but yet the reasons afore mentioned, together with the tears of his mother, and his wife, would not permit him yet to make any resolution: and so the Father returned to the camp to die with the rest of his companions, Darius and his Captains all this while knowing nothing of the business. Don justo the● replenished with grief, full of doubt and perplexity which way to turn himself, entered into his Oratory, and the● casting himself down before a Crucifix, he did at length resolve himself, not without abundant tears, to sacrifice to God, as another Abraham, his only Son, his sister, his honour, and estate, and all he had. Which being done be wrote a brief letter, and very secretly only with two pages attending on him, went forthwith after the Father, and kneeling down upon his knees, he cut of his own hair in sign of leaving off the world: his two pages he sent back unto his Father and his Captains with the letter he had written, wherein he said, that seeing himself in that occasion in wondrous perplexity he found no other remedy but only death, and seeing that it was not lawful to kill himself (as the japonians often do in such occasions) he had determined to die unto the world: that they should defend the Fortress and the Country from Araqui, and he would go to die, or be banished with the Fathers, whose disciple now he had made himself, by dying to the world.  
16. Darius, and the rest remained astonished with this news: and fearing lest they might come by other means to Araqui his ears, and thereupon his Daughter and Grandchild be put to some cruel and untimely death, he took post presently, and went to Araqui himself, protesting that he did not know of his sons resolution, and that he came to die instead of those two innocentes which he had as hostages. divers there were that counseled Araqui to crucify both him and the two Children for an example to all others: but he did not consent thereto, wondering much both at justo and Darius act, and only caused them to be put in prison for a tyme. Nohumanga and all with him did highly commend Don justo his deed, and sending for him to come unto his Palace, he answered that he came not thither to serve him but to die or be banished with the Fathers: but God Almighty who meant only to prove and try him, did so dispose, that Araqui was overcome, his wife, children, kinsfolks, & friends all killed and crucified. Darius and the two Children set free and safe delivered, and that he was both more honoured then before, and his citate increased, and the Fathers and Christians by his means, more favoured. And this was the first occasion in which he showed his love to his Religion, to the Fathers, and the common Cause.  
17. The second was in the time of Quambacu or Taycosama. A certain Captain called Aquechi killed Nobunanga in the year 1582. and Don justo was one of the priucipall that did revenge his death and broke the army of the enemies, and thereby was a great occasion that Quambacu did succeed in the Empire, for which cause he was very much esteemed of him, and the Christians greatly favoured in that manner, and that he was not held for a man of discretion that had not heard the Sermons of the Catechism at Don justos persuasion. By which means many noble personages were made Christians and baptised. This prosperity did endure until the year 1587. in which Quambacu did set upon the conquest of the Kingdoms of Ximo, in which wars his principal Captains were all Christians, Don justo, Don Augustine., Condera, Simeon, the Lords of Bungo, Arima, and Omura, and others: so great fervour being in the Camp that all was hearing of Sermons, and making Crosses in their banners: but all this was turned upside down, by the accusation of an old Bonzo called Yacuin upon this occasion.  
18. Quambacu had given unto Don justo the estate of Acaxi, and the Bonzi thereof thinking doubtless they should be thereby utterly undone, before he came to take possession, they all of them went with their Idols unto Quambacu his mother, to ask mercy and favour by means of this Yacuin, who was very great with her, alleging that Don justo was a destroyer of Idols and Temples, and therefore they entreated she would be a means that they, their Temples with their revenues might be freed & favoured. But Don justo held himself for much abused by them, that they would accuse him in the Court, he having done no injury at all unto them, for which cause he would give no ear unto them. They departed with many Complaints against him, and Yacuin rested very desirous to revenge himself of this which he esteemed a disgrace, & of the destruction of his Idols.  
19 Coming therefore from the Country of Arima, he complained unto Quambacu, that the Fathers had persuaded Arimadono to take from him certain Christian Gentlewomen which he meant to have brought to him for bad intents and purposes. He extolled very much their beauty, comeliness of person, and the like, protesting that the Fathers were much more obeyed in that Country than his Highness, and that it was intolerable that a strange religion should be permitted to flourish so much within the Kingdom of japone, and that Don justo went up and down soliciting all the could, that the Temples and Idols might be utterly destroyed, the Bonzi banished, and the people made Christians by main force, alleging also what he had seen and known done in Tacazuqui, Acaxi Bungo, Arima, & other parts. Quambacu with this complaint was much moved unto wrath, & commanded the Fathers to be banished, the Churches overthrown and that all the Lords should either leave their Faith, or lose their lands, livings, and estates.  
. The principal Combat was now against Don justo, to whom some friends of his carried the message, and used many persuasions unto him to accommodate himself unto the tyme. He answered constantly that he was ready to give his life and living for Quambacu, but much more for the faith of Christ, and that therefore if they loved him, they should not so much as mention any such matter any more. There was none there that durst carry this answer back to Quambacu: whereupon he rising up said: I will myself tell him so much unto his face, and I will carry my sword also with me, that his Majesty may with it cut off my head for this cause if he please. Whereupon Quambacu commanded that he should be banished, and he accepted it with outward signs of great internal joy. This only was a grief unto him, to see so many gallant men as he had attending on him, all unprovided and reduced to poverty upon this occasion: for it is the custom in japone, that the Lord or master being banished, all that hold livings or lands of him do immediately loof them all. But neither this nor the tears of his friends, nor the persuasions of many Princes and Lords could move him any thing at all. So did he now departed from the Court alone & with disgrace, where a little before he had entered with great honour and triumph, and lived in great esteem and reputation. His parents, wife, children and kindred left upon this news the Fortress and Estate of Acaxi, and did retire themselves unto a poor village of the mountain Country, where his Father Darius made an holy end of this miserable and mortal life, and he himself went secretly to seek the Fathers of the Society, who because they would not leave the Country and Christians desolate, lay hidden privately in the Island of Amacasa, where when he came he made the spiritual Exercise with very great devotion, and therein, a General Confession of all his life since his first being a Christian, joyful to see himself now freed from the world, and greatly desirous to begin a new religious life. And Almighty God did so ordain, that the Lords and Nobles of the Court did even strive among themselves to receive & give entertainment to the Captains and Gentlemen that had been his followers, who afterward were occasion of exceeding great good, and of the spreading of the Christian faith in many Kingdoms.  
. More than a year did Don justo live in poverty and obscurity, & Quambacu then seeing that he could not overcome his constancy, nor with honour restore him to his former place and dignity, he commanded the Lord of the Kingdoms of Canga, Noto, and Yetehu, who had been Don justo his equal a small time before, that he should keep him in his Country, and give him necessary allowance for his maintenance. Six and twenty years he lived in those Kingdoms with an invincible courage and constancy of mind, and rare exemplar life, always prepared to give his life for Christ. And that which deserveth admiration is, that being so stout of mind and full of metal as he was, and seeing that other persons that were nothing in respect of him did rise to great estates & dignities, and that only because he was a Christian did live in perpetual disgrace and continual danger also; yet did he never give so much as once a sign of any sadness, nor ever made complaint thereof, but being ever merry, laughed at the world: although Figendone gave him siue and twenty thousand Gocus of rent every year, which do equal almost our Ducats of Europe, wherewith he lived in good and honourable fashion. After Quam●acu his death, he builded three or four Churches in those Kingdoms, having always with him some of the Fathers of the Society, with Figendono his leave, who was the Lord of those Countries, whose love and affection he had gained in such sort, that publicly he would not stick to say, that there was no means to obtain salvation but in the Christian Religion, the which in short time increased so much in those Kingdoms, that it seemed to flourish there the most of any place in all japone, many of the inhabitants being newly converted and baptised, and very many that were banished from other places, for their faith, being called thither by Don justo his means, and honourably provided for and maintained there by Figendonoes' order and appointment.  
. And one of these was Don john Naytodono, together with his son Don Thomas, for that after he had lost the kingdom of Tamba, & wandered through many Kingdoms, he was at length entertained and much esteemed by Don Augustine, who gave unto them both very great rents and revenues in his country, and they with their great zeal and exemplar life did much help and further the Christians thereof, until at length in the year 1601. Canzuyedono Lord of Fingo, after Don Augustine's death and overthrow, did raise a cruel persecution against the Church, in which they both of them suffered exceeding much. For after many entreaties and persuasions to make them leave their faith, he confiscated their lands, houses and livings, commanding them upon pain of their lives not to go out of the Country, and that no body should receive them into their houses, nor sell them any meat, nor buy any thing for them: taking away also their Children from them, commanding and threating to keep them until they paid a great sum of money, so that they were compelled to make themselves little houses or Cabbines of straw, wherein they and their wives & family lived for the space of sit months: at the end whereof seeing their constancy, he took from them all he pleased, and then expelled them out of the Country almost naked. In this time they both of them wrote most fervorous letters, worthy to be read, unto the rest of the Christians, animating them to constancy and perseverance, manifesting therein also their own desires, to die for Christ. Don justo having intelligence of their miseries, and afflictions, dealt with Figendono who knew them very well, to send for them, and give them entertainment: Almighty God so disposing it, to the end that as they had been companions in their faith, in baptism, zeal and exemplar life, so they should also be in banishment, which is a kind of prolonged martyrdom.   

Of their receiving at Manilla, and of the death of Don justo. CHAP. XVII.  
THIS was their estate when the third and last tempest was raised against them (as I mentioned in the VIII. Chapter, wherein they were by the Xoguns order sent to Nangasaqui: there they lived with marvelous example until the end of October, spending their time in pious actions and works of Charity. Don Thomas and others made the spiritual exercise there (Don john could not by reason of his sickness) with such devotion as they seemed rather religious persons, than such as they were. After Don justo his death there was found a paper written with his hand of the good motions, heavenly comforts & consolations which God had bestowed upon him at divers times. At his being in Nangasaqui: divers Gentle Lords did send to visit him, desiring to deal with the Xogun to send for him to the Court: and Fideyori Taycosamaes' Son desired much to have him for his Captain General of Ozaca: but he made small account of all these offers, saying he would not change his banishment for all the world. It is certain that before he took shipping he kwew he should die very soon, so that in the 150 days which passed betwixt the sentence of his banishment, and the time of his taking ship, he always was expecting death, and that with such quietness and joy, as if he had been then in his chief prosperity: in so much that Yetchuydom Lord of the Kingdom of Bugen his great friend, having understood thereof although he were a Gentil said: Yea marry Sir, with this Don justo doth seal 〈◊〉 the rest of his worthy deeds and excellent exploits; and if he had not done so, he should have disgraced himself and obscured them.  
2. Their journey by sea was not 〈◊〉 little troublesome unto them, they never having been acquainted with Sea voyages before, and carrying with them besides so many women and Children. But letting this pass: as soon as in Manilla notice was given of their arrival, there was a general joy in all desiring to give them all entertainment possible, and in particular the Governor thereof Don john de Silva, who had heard much of Don justo, sent a Galley well appointed and therein some persons of account to give him the welcome, and to offer him all courtesy. The wind being contrary it was three or four days ere they could come to land. When they landed all the great Artillery was shot off to welcome them, and all the whole City, and the religious persons thereof went unto the Sea shore the meet and receive them, as holy Confessors of Christ, accompanying them unto the Palace, where the Governor and judges did embrace them with all kindness, congratulating their coming thither, and the courage they had showed in suffering so much for their faith as they had done, offering unto them both in their own behalfs and in the kings, whatsoever should be necessary or convenient for them. Don justo in most courteous manner gave them thanks for the great favour and honour they had done to them, they being altogether unworthy thereof, as not having been so happy to give their lives for Christ: and so taking their leaves of them, they were accompanied by the Citizens unto the College of the Society of jesus, passing in the way by the great Church, and by the Monastery of S. Augustine at the entreaty of the Clergy, and Religious persons, who came out of their gates to receive them with music and solemnity. The like was done the day following, by the Fathers of the orders of S. Dominicke, and S. Francis, all kind of persons desiring to show their forwardness in honouring and entertaining them.  
3. Don justo lived only forty days after his arrival at Manilla, and in that time he was often visited by the Governor, by the Archbishop, by the Religious men, and all the principal persons of the City, all of them conceiving a great love and affection towards him, and making no less esteem of him then his worthiness deserved. But he taking small delight in any thing of this world, desired nothing so much as a house a part, where freed from visitation and complements, he might without distraction attend to the chief business of his soul, saying he feared very much lest God would pay him in this life, for that small service some did imagine he had done him. It seemeth that Almighty God did mean to prove this his worthy soldier as he did his servant job, and that he would honour him both in life & death in sign of the great crown he would give him in heaven, for his great courage and constancy in his faith. For that either through the change of air & climates or differences of meats, or through the incomodities he had endured in his banishment and navigation (very contrary both to his nature, years, and complexion) he fell sick of a continual fever, accompanied with a bloody flux, the which in small time brought him to his end.  
4. He knew presently that this disease was mortal, and so he began to prepare himself for death, and said unto his Confessor: Father, I perceive that I grow towards my end, although I make no show of it, because of not discomforting my family. I am very well content, and comforted therewithal, it being Gods holy will and pleasure, especially among so many religious persons, and in so Christian a country as this is. I pray you render many thanks in my behalf unto the Lord Governor, the Archbishop, judges, Religious men, and all the rest, for the courtesy, favour, and honour they have done me. As for my Wife, Daughter & Grandchilds take no care, for I take none at all: they and I am banished for Christ's cause. I do much esteem the love they have always borne me, and that they would accompany me hither; I hope that Almighty God for whose sake they are now in a strange country, will be a true Father unto them, and so they shall have no want of me. He made a Testament, such another as holy Tobias did, comending unto them perseverance in their faith, and obedience unto the Fathers, and that if any of them did not well, the rest should advise and counsel them, and tell the Fathers of them: and if they did not obey, they should be deprived of their inheritance, and of the name of his house & Family. This done he received the holy Sacraments with great devotion: and after he was annealed, he said often times: I desire now to go to enjoy my Lord and Saviour, and so he gave his soul unto his Creator, about midnight upon the first of February 1615. In all the time of his sickness although it were very painful, he never showed the least sign of impatience in the world nor any fear at all, nor grief to leave his Wife, and Children altogether unprovided for, and in a strange country, but great quietness of mind, and conformity with God Almighty his holy will.  
5. Exceeding great was the grief which generally all did show when this news of his death was published, lamenting on the one side the loss of so worthy a person whom they entirely loved, and whose example if God had given him longer life, might have been a potent means for the conversion of his Country, whensoever he had returned thereunto again: and on the other side comforting themselves, having notice of his holy and happy death, all holding and esteeming him as a most noble and worthy Confessor of Christ. He was buried in the Church of the Society of jesus, whose Ghostly child he had always been. There were present at his funerals all the Magistrates of the City both Ecclesiastical and secular; all the religious men & the whole City, many kissing his hands in sign of great respect and reverence. At the taking of his body out of the house where it lay, there arose a pious contention who should carry his Coffin, every one being desirous to do that office, thereby to honour him. At length it was agreed, that the Lord Governor & judges should carry it unto the street that then the City together with the Confraternity of the Misericordia (whereof he was a Brother) should from thence carry it unto the Church, and that there the Superiors of the religious Orders should take it & convey it to the place where it was to remain, during the time of the office of the dead.  
6. The Clergy of the Cathedral Church did celebrate the office both this day, and the day of his solemn funeral with great devotion: the like was done by the religious of the holy orders of S. Dominicke, and S. Francis in their Monasteries, and by the Fathers of S. Augustine's Order in the College of the Society, they bringing thither to that end such costly ornaments, and doing all in that fushion, as might well have beseemed the funerals of a King. Upon the ninth day after his death all that had been present at his burial returned to his funerals, wherein after the holy sacrifice of the Mass ended was preached a notable sermon of the heroical virtues of Don justo, whose Exequys they then solemnized, to the great comfort and edification of all there present, but more in particular of the japonians, whereof there were in Manilla more than a thousand persons at that time, who much rejoiced to see those so honoured in a strange country, who for the faith of Christ were so afflicted and persecuted in their own.  
7. After the death of Don justo, his wife Daughter, and Grandchilds remained with a new sorrow and affliction, and Don john Naytodono old and sickly with many Children and grandchildren. Don Thomas in like manner, as also the Lady julia with her Gentlewomen (whereof we spoke in the 6. Chapter) all of them in a strange country, not having any thing wherewithal to help themselves. Whereupon the Governor Don john de Silva with the counsel and advise of the judges and others of the kings officers, at the petition of the City and religious persons thereof, did in the name of his Majesty provide them of all things necessary for their sustenance with great liberality, during the time they were to remain in that City: the which in all those Eastern parts will be a great praise of the Christian piety, as also of the liberality of his Catholic Majesty, who doth so bountifully provide & carefully defend those that suffer for the only true and Catholic Religion.   
The end of the first Part.   

TO THE READER.  
I Suppose (good Reader) now that thou hast read the first Part of this Relation, that thou dost desire or expect the second. But indeed as yet I have not seen it myself. I have written for it into Spain, unto my friend which sent me this, and I hope ere long to have it. If I shall understand that by the reading of this thou hast received any contentment, it will greatly animate me to take the pains to translate the other when it cometh. In the mean time accept of my good will, and so farewell.   

THE TABLE of the Chapters  

OF the beginning, causes and occasion of the Persecution. Chap. 1. Pag. 45.  
Of the beginning of the Persecution in the Province of Arima. Chap. 2. pag. 58.  
Of some that were banished, & others put to death for the faith of Christ, in the Province of Arima. Chap. 3 pag. 76.  
Of eight Christians japonians that were burned alive for the saith of Christ. Chap. 4. pag. 102.  
How this last persecution of all did begin, and of the causes thereof. Chap. 5. pag. 130.  
Of that which happened in Meaco and Ozaca. Chap. 6. pag. 143.  
Of some in Meaco, Ozaca, and Fuximi that were banished for Christian religion, and others imprisoned. Chap. 7. pag. 164.  
Of the banishment of Don justo Tacayama, & of other Gentlemen of Focoru, & of the Christians of Firoxima. Chap. 8. pag. 181.  
Of the Christians of Bungo, and of four therein that gave their lives for the faith of Christ. Chap. 9 pag. 196.  
Of other three that were put to death for the faith of Christ in Facata, and Aquizuqui. Chap. 10. pag. 214.  
Of the great constancy of the Christians of Arima, and how they prepared themselves to Martyrdom. Chap. 11. pag. 230.  
Of the Glorious death of Adam Aracava, and of the Christians of Xiqui, & Conzura. Cap. 12. pag. 246.  
Of that which passed in other places: and of the glorious death of Minalius in Fucofori. Chap. 13. pag. 270.  
Of such things as passed in Nangasaqui, before the banisbment. Chap. 14. pag. 284.  
How the Fathers of the Society of jesus were bamshed, and the Churches of Nangasaqui destroyed. Chap. 15. pag. 296.  
Of the arrival of the Fathers of the Society at Macan, and Manilla; and of the notable virtues of Don justo. Chap. 16. pag. 308.  
Of their receiving at Manilla, and of the death of john justo. Chap. 17. pag. 339.   
FINIS