The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-04-02
JAPAN.

Rev. S. l. Baldwin tells the Missionary AdUo-
cate some clear things:
FIRST, WHAT Is NOT TRUE IN REGARD TO JAPAN.
l. 1t is not true that the edcts against Chris
tianity have been revoked. The statements that
reached US In America to that effect in May last
seemed to be SO direct and positive that all sung
"haeluiah" over them, and rtjJced that Japan
was entirely open to the gospel.
q 1t is not true that the government or any
high officers of the empire show any present ln-
teution to tolerate Christianity Ga the contrary,
while they are eager to adopt foreign arts and SCI
ences, and are providing for general system OF
railroads and telegraphs, they are manilestly Jsal'
Gus and suspicious OF Christianity.
g. Il is not true that the Mlkado is making a
special effort to revive Sntooism nor that he is
devising new religion to which all must conform.
as reported by telegraph Just before lett home
Some time ago he put forth proclamation to the
effect that men would fulfill the requirements OF
duty by Q) ReverencDg the gods; e. Honorlng
the Mikado; g. Loving their country; a Being
faithful to the natural relations; and ID ODeylDg
the heavenly principles This may be taken as au
indication of indifference TO all the existing forms
of religion-a sort of recommendation OF Broad
Church" ideas in japanese theology, but Is GER
tainy not by any means The establishment of a new
religion.
4 IL is not true that the Mikado has abolished
Buddhism, or set the Buddhist priests to work as
farmers under penalty Of being impressed into his
army. The priests of Buddh We're put under ban
for short time, but it was soon removed.
SECOND, WHAT IS TRUE.
l. 1t is true that the Mlkado has completely
revoutloniZed the government OF Japan, and is
anxious to introduce foreign arts and sciences, and
all material Improvements.
2. It is true that railroad is in successful op
Grafton from Yeddo to Yokohama, and others are
being constructed.
3. 1t is true that the Mikado opened the railroad
in person on its completion to Yeddo, aud APP
peared to the people In Yokohama, and other
| places
t. 1t is true that a church of some twenty mem
bers has been organized at Yokohama with the
| knowledge OF the government; that government
officials have been present at some OF the services
and no complaint has been made nor any step!
taken against the native Christians
s. 1t is true that there is very general desire foi
education, which has resulted In the establishment
of numerous schools, both under public and prl
vate auspices, and that the educators are nearly
all Christians known to be such, aud not objected
to on that account.
G. It is true that the people are in transition
state. This can be seen even 10 their clothing
| Many are in full European dress; others have hat
or coat. or pair of shoes, adding one carmen
after another as they become able. Aud there
can be no doubt that state OF mental TRANSITION
exists which may be favorable to the introduction
OF Christianity.
T. It's true that in the school taught by Mis-
Kidder which is under the patronage of the gov
ernor of Yokohama, and in which the governor
wife is pupil, the Lord Prayer and the Ten Com
maudments are committed TO memory and thu
school is daily opened by reading a passage from
the New Testament which Is explained by Mis-
Kidder Portions of the Bible are also committee
to memory, as part OF school duties.
Since the above was set in type intelligence come
of different aud deeply interesting character; W,
copy from an exchange:
barriers BROKEN DowN-The last barrier
which seemed TO stand in the way of the entranct
of the gospel into the empire of Japan has gver
way. The despatch which announced the arriva
Gamer announced also that full tolera
| tlOn. ene Christian religion had been granted b,
imperial authority Henceiorth it will he no of
fence against the law OF the land for any Japanese
of high or low degree, TO become disciple o
Christ. The way lies broad and open for thu
| Church of God TO enter and possess the land =
| Much preparatory work has been done, and SO don,
as to make the work now opening more easy o
accomplishment Missions have been established
schools founded, the Sculptures translated, church
es formed in a few localities, and the language ac
quired by number Of ministers of Christ, whC
have been on the ground for years But all thi
was done on the circumference now the Church
by her agents. may strike for the heart OF the ma
tion and carry the news OF salvation to the re
hottest bounds of the empire. Is the Church
ready for the opportunity