The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-09-04

Within the past few years the country has been
thrown open to the worlds commerce. The ia
panese army has adopted our Western tactics and
dress Government schools are established under
American and European teachers for the diffusion
OF modern science. Lighthouses now impart safety
TO the coast, and dry docks invite the ships of all
nations needing repair. Railroads, telegraphs,
almshouses, bureau of agricultural science, and
an Imperial mint are numbered among the signs
of rapid national advancement
A few wears ago Japanese OF high rank was
sent to Europe with sixteen native youth who
were to be educated for their countrys service
One of these, graduate of Oxford, is Mr.. Arinori
Mort, now japanese Minister at Washington.
1t is gratifying to know that the influence Of Mr.
Mori is favorable to Christianity. lD a work OF
about $50 pages, prepared by him for Japanese
readers, he has given full account OF the various
religious sects of the country And while he is
cautious in the expression OF his own individual
opinions, he presents Christianity in a favorable
light Selections are made from the most conspic-
uous of our Saviours teachings-as the Beatitudes,
the Sermon on the Mount. the Law OF Love, The
Golden Rule, The Lords Prayer, &c. The laws OF
the Decalogue are also given
The increasing influence of the Bible,' he
adds, "marveousy great, penetrating everywhere.
1t carries with it tremendous power OF freedom
and justice, guided by combined force OF wisdom
and goodness.
Such testimony from such man to his own
people, is most valuable. 1t is more than he
would probably be willing to say Of any religious
system in Japan In effect it is an official intro
duction and commentator of Christianity to the
regenerated Empire. Judging from the influence
of Mr. Mori, what may we not expect from the
hundreds of youth who are now following his ex-
ample, in seeking an education in Christian lands
and that for the very purpose OF occupying the
most influential positions in their Government
The prospective influence of these future leaders
of the rational thought and opinion appears still
greater when we consider the readiness and even
eagerness of the people to learn, and especially to
be taught by Americans. Never before has such
a spirit OF inquiry been shown by any nation
Never before have a people so frankly admitted
their inieriority, and their desire TO emulate those
above them. Says one native writer 1--WE are
like man who, waking late from his sleep In the
morning, goes to work hastily. We have slept too
much. But we have now walked up from our long
sleep; we are struggling to trace the same road to
civilization wherein you have advanced" Still
more frank, and at the same time beautiful, are
words OF Iwakura, the chief ambassador In his
address to the House of Representatives. 1--WE
came for enlightenment, and gladly find it here
Journeying eastward from the Empire OF Sun
rise toward the sunrising, we find (every way) a
new sunrise beyond the one we had enjoyed before.
New knowledge rises daily before US, and when
completed trip shall have passed in review, an en-
crced globe shall gather together our treasures OF
knowledge; remembering that however we have
advanced toward the sources of light, each onward
move has revealed further step beyond.