Page:The Awakening of Japan, by Okakura Kakuzō; 1905.djvu/83

 Buddhist monks of his age. He would have tolerated even Christianity, if the Jesuit movement had not covered a political menace. He guaranteed the privileges of the monasteries, restored and insured their revenues, and granted funds for the publication of religious works. He even enforced ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and punished by the pillory and banishment all those who broke the monastic vows. But at the same time he debarred the priesthood from any participation in the government. He abolished the custom of employing Buddhist agents in diplomatic amenities with Korea, and appointed a lay officer to control all affairs connected with the clergy. The influence of Buddhism was on the wane. Under the protection afforded to the monkhood, and the cultured ease they