42 EXTERMINATION OP CHRISTIANITY. [1845. 



Dutch intercourse with the East. Henceforth the re- 

 sidence of that nation in Japan can be regarded only as 

 an Aceldama ; its purchase, a river of innocent blood. 



" Four of the most distinguished citizens were deputed 

 to soften the rigorous proceedings of the Government of 

 Japan. They arrived at Nangasaki in July, 1640, and 

 were immediately put under arrest. The edict condemn- 

 ing all Portuguese who should enter Japan was read to 

 to them ; and on their confession that they were aware 

 of its existence, were sentenced to death. The following 

 impious inscription was placed on their common grave : 

 ' So long as the sun shall warm the earth, let no 

 Christians be so bold as to come to Japan ; and let all 

 know, that the King of Spain himself, or the Christian's 

 God, or the Great Saca, if he violate this command, shall 

 pay for it with his head.' The ship which carried the 

 Ambassadors was burned, and the crew returned by 

 another conveyance to Macao. The people of that city 

 abandoned with horror all further attempts on hearing 

 their terrible tale." 



Thus terminated Catholicism and Christianity in Japan. 



" On the arrival of the Dutch ship or ships of 1611, 

 a formal edict in favour of their trade was obtained. It 

 gave them the full enjoyment of the privileges possessed 

 by their competitors. No duties appear to have been 

 levied on them, nor any regulations as to the quantity or 

 assortment of goods, or as to time and place of sale, im- 

 posed. They were not exempt from municipal laws, but 

 in all other respects they were ' let alone.' We have no 

 account of the nature and extent of their annual trade 

 at this period, but it doubtless flourished through the 



