utilize
the credulity of the superstitious in furthering the faith--all of which
is related not by hostile critics, but by admiring historians and by
sympathizing eye-witnesses.[27]

The most prominent feature of the Roman Catholicism of Japan, was its
political animus and complexion. In writings of this era, Japanese
historians treat of the Christian missionary movement less as something
religious, and more as that which influenced government and polities,
rather than society on its moral side. So also, the impartial historian
must consider that, on the whole, despite the individual instances of
holy lives and unselfish purposes, the work of the Portuguese and
Spanish friars and "fathers" was, in the main, an attempt to bring Japan
more or less directly within the power of the Pope or of those rulers
called Most Catholic Majesties, Christian Kings, etc., even as they had
already brought Mexico, South America, and large portions of India under
the same control. The words of Jesus before the Roman procurator had not
been apprehended:--"My kingdom is not of this world."

CHAPTER XII - TWO CENTURIES OF SILENCE

"The frog in the well knows not the great ocean"
--Sanskrit and Japanese Proverb.

"When the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch."
--Japanese Proverb.

"The little island of Deshima, well and prophetically signifying
Fore-Island, was Japan's window, through which she looked at the
whole Occident ... We are under obligation to Holland for the
arts of engineering, mining, pharmacy, astronomy, and medicine
... 'Rangaku' (i.e., Dutch learning) passed almost as a synonym
for medicine," [1615-1868].--Inazo Nitobe.

"The great peace, of which we are so proud, was more like the
stillness of stagnant pools than the calm surface of a clear
lake."--Mitsukuri.

"The ancestral policy of self-contentment must be done away
with. If it was adopted by your forefathers, because it was wise
in their time, why not adopt a new policy if it in sure to prove
wise in your time."--Sakuma Shozan, wrote in 1841, assassinated
1864.

"And slowly floating onward go
Those Black Ships, wave-tossed to and fro."
--Japanese Ballad of the Black Ship, 1845.

"The next day was Sunday (July 10th), and, as usual, divine
service was held on board the ships, and, in acco