Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1858-12-10
Correspondence Of the Traveller.
LETTER FROM JAPAN.
CHRISTIANITY RESTORED.

sNoDA, JAPAN, August IS 1888.
Gators Of the Traveller
Townsend Harris, ESD, L. S Consul Gen
eral for Japan, after long continued and
most iuiieious Efforts, . short time Since
succeeded in negotiating a treaty with the
government Of Japan, opening new ports to
american commerce, eai securing new rriSi-
ieras T. Americans visiting Japan or per-
manently settled there. More than all. and
better than all, the treaty provides that
Americans may practice their reli zion, and
prpmu!gate it throughout the empire, and
cree. churches wherever they please, the two
imperial cities, Mako AMI Jsddo. not exeep-
ted. 1t was 10 bring the negotiations to q
close by the oficill signature Of the treaty,
which occasionel our tripup to Jcddo Bav,
Of whieh have informed y6u.
l, was desired by Mr. Harris. himself a
highly exemplary Christian gentleman, and
cordially approved by 9gr Commodore, that,
upon the signing Of TIE treaty, aud our re-
turn 10 Sim9da, this great and unexpected
eyet should be religioasly celebrated by hold
ing pubic worship in his house on tie fol-
lowing Sabbath. As the frigate Mississippi
was in port, as well as the Powhattan, the
number OF men on board both ships was
nearly nine hundre3-enough 70 make very
considerable congregatiJn-most of whom
We're DESTROYS to attend the services, though
in = private dwelling. and thata one-story
Japanese house, small part only could be
accommodated. Sunday, August lst. lS5S,
Commodore atnall and Captain Pearson and
Captain Nicholson leading the way, the boats
put OF, and soon the party marching through
the streets amidst crowds OF wand ring but
respectful and quiet natives, reached the
Consul's house, in which some were seated
in chairs, some on sJfas, some ON boxes AMI
benches, but the mos. On the floors covered
with soft mats.
Ii added great interest to the occasion to
remember that Christianity had been expell-
ed from these islands for nearly two centuries
and half, the fatal edict against it having
been promulgated in the year 1920. the very
year when the Pilgrims carried it to the new
world, when they and it were expelled from
the old and now their descendants were
bringing it back, and replantins it in these
islands, so far from their own home.
Besides this, it was the first celebration oil
Protestant worship since the empire Of Japar
was known to the civilized world. Ia con.
sideration o. these facts, i, may be agreeable
. " NOul lSS.uSi5 " iIt.ht al OuilbC VI li'
services on this memorable occasion, which
like the rude stones piled up in the river
mark the passage af the Christian and Pro
testant faith into the promised land.
Exclusive Of the devotional portion, thu
services were as follows
In the first place, the reading Of the frs
chapter OF Romans, descriptive Of the char
acter of that heathenism which by its IDOL
literally stared us in the flca as we engaged
in Christian worship.
The familiar and charming hymn followed
beginning
WELCOME, Sweet day of rest
which awokc not only the spirit OF devotion
but all toe sweet memories of home. tn
family, the Sabbath and the church though
unhappily for the depth Of the impression
it was midnight there while midday here
and thus we could not, in Imagination ever
he going up to the house of God in company
As have remarked before, the services o
the Band were dispensed with, to be rid OF ;
martial air on the occasion, while the Twin,
voice ,sweeter and better than all instruments
alone was used to extemporized choir, ant
in a tone familiar to all from childhood, ir
which the congregation was invited to join
"From Greenlands icy mountains"
very naturally followed and with great efiec
while the services were concluded with tht
grand and prophetic dox llosy in grand ol,
Hundred
"From all who dwell below the Skies
sung by the entire congregation, standing.
The sermon, from l. Thessalonans,i, 9, 10
was designed to illustrate by historical fact
the POWER IF the Gospel in the list ages o