ABSTRACT
The first step taken by the new government in regard to religion was an attempt to establish Shinto as the religion of the State. In the official circles too, some realized that an entire suppression of Buddhism was neither desirable nor possible, and the Government was induced gradually to modify their religious policy. Thousands of these Catholics were arrested in 1869, because the new Government not only still continued the prohibition of Christianity but was just attempting to establish Shinto as the national cult and to enforce conformity to it. He was Joseph Neesima, who had managed to get into an American ship in 1864, at the risk of life, and studied at Andover through the fatherly support of Alphus Hardy, of Boston. Thanks to Neesima's inspiration and to the honest zeal of these young men, Christianity was soon implanted in soil of Japan. A youth of enthusiasm and sincerity, he was converted to Christianity after an acute spiritual struggle.
