The ruler of Japan at the time, Hideoshi, is decidedly anti-Catholic and sends converts immediately to the Korean conflict for disposal. On the other hand, one of Hideoshi's top men, a general named Konishi, is himself Roman Catholic, and has caught the Imperial spirit of Rome, the desire to conquer - in the flesh - for the great cause of Christ.

There will come a time when Jesus will brandish a sword, no question. Judgment is coming to the planet as the great Prince of Peace will one day have no more of rejection. But for now, I am not aware of any injunction of Scripture that demands of his people that they kill those who refuse the message. All of this is very foreign to the gentle One Who is the friend of sinners.

Nevertheless, the art work of the time proves that Konishi's flags bore a cross! Much like the Crusaders of old, Konishi's regiments has a purpose in mind. And Hideoshi is only a small part of that purpose. The Jesuits enter the fray, as is their norm when military might allows Rome to rule. And Korean captives are often brought to Japan for further wooing into the Roman flock. When all of this ends, and the Japanese are forced to leave, the distinctive work of proselyting Koreans is abandoned.

A second invasion of Korea is begun by Japan, about half the size of the first. Some dreams don't die easily. And the 100,000 Japanese are not counting on a sudden interest by China, that turns into 200,000. China is also responsible for a shipment of aid that is so great that when the Manchus later invade China, the Chinese are short of food.

Hulbert makes the note that the Japanese were cruel to their prisoners. Whereas the Koreans had no problem with whacking off entire heads, the Japanes played with their captives, cutting off noses and ears, and sending them to their dear leader to add to his collection.

Those Japanese who tire of this prolonged Korean engagement decide to go domestic. They desert, married Korean women, and become farmers. So much for world conquest. A plot of land will do.

The closing phase of the war begins in 1598. Japanese General Kato wants simply to quit, and he wants a free escape. Admiral Yi Sun Sin, the hero I have been describing from week to week, says no. You have torn up our cities and villages, humiliated our king, destroyed much of our military power, and now you want to cut and run with no penalty? Will not happen. We will fight you and destroy you to the last man.

And so comes Yi's last battle. Far outnumbered, he still manages to pull off one of the finest victories of the war. But, they say randomly, a bullet found its way to the Admiral, and brought him down. He has given his life for the protection of his dear Korea, and now has no need to live on.

I believe that his actions during this war turned the tide of history away from a defeating conquering Japan. Korea is given a chance to be Korea, and soon, a chance to know and trust an even greater Commander, the Lord Jesus Christ.