“The Christian army amounted to more than 40,000 men, but of this the emperor was not aware, and he sent a force of about 25,000 to conquer and exterminate them.  The armies met, and after an obstinate combat (for the Japanese are very brave) the victory was on the part of the Christians, and, with the exception of a few who saved themselves in the boats, the army of the emperor was cut to pieces.

“This victory was the occasion of making more converts, and our army was soon increased to upwards of 50,000 men.  On the other hand, the emperor, perceiving that his troops had been destroyed, ordered new levies and raised a force of 150,000 men, giving directions to his generals to give no quarter to the Christians, with the exception of the two young lords who commanded them, whom he wished to secure alive, that he might put them to death by slow torture.  All offers of accommodation were refused, and the emperor took the field in person.  The armies again met, and on the first day’s battle the victory was on the part of the Christians; still they had to lament the loss of one of their generals, who was wounded and taken prisoner, and, no quarter having been given, their loss was severe.

“The second day’s combat was fatal to the Christians.  Their general was killed; they were overpowered by numbers, and fell to a man.  The emperor then attacked the camp in the rear, and put to the sword every old man, woman, and child.  On the field of battle, in the camp, and by subsequent torture, more than 60,000 Christians perished.  But this was not all; a rigorous search for Christians was made throughout the islands for many years; and they were, when found, put to death by the most cruel torture.  It was not until fifteen years ago that Christianity was entirely rooted out of the Japanese empire, and during a persecution of somewhat more than sixteen years, it is supposed that upwards of 400,000 Christians were destroyed; and all this slaughter, my son, was occasioned by the falsehood and avarice of that man who met his just punishment but a few days ago.  The Dutch company, pleased with his conduct, which procured for them such advantages, continued him for many years as the president of their factory at Japan.  He was a young man when he first went there, but his hair was grey when he thought of returning to his own country.  He had amassed immense wealth,—­immense, indeed, must it have been to have satisfied avarice such as his!  All has now perished with him, and he has been summoned to his account.  Reflect a little, my son.  Is it not better to follow up our path of duty, to eschew the riches and pleasures of this world, and, at our summons hence, to feel that we have hopes of bliss hereafter?”

“Most true, holy father,” replied Philip, musing.

“I have but a few years to live,” continued the old man, “and God knows I shall quit this world without reluctance.”

“And so could I,” replied Philip.