The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1885-10-14
Remarkable Progress in Japan

Remarkable Progress in Japan.
We are indebted to the kindness of our
brother, Rev. H. LOOMS, of Yokohama,
for letter, which gives the following
significant facts:
The seventh annual report of the Okla.
yama Mission has Just been received, and
it shows about the average progress of
Christianity in Japan.
The persons stationed at that place
have been two clerical and one medical
missionary, with their wives. There has
also been help from single ladies, who
have gone about to work among the wo-
men. The number of places now occu-
pied by this station alone is 81. The
number of new places opened during the
year was IL. The estimated Protestant
Christians are 45l, and the number bap-
tized during the year is 159. Increase
during the year, seventy per cent.
There was an annual conclave of the
Buddhist priests at Okayama in the
spring, at which $50 were present. A
long and heated discussion took place on
the comparative merits of Buddhism and
Christianity. A Christian woman who
was present reports that all the priests
above thirty-five were satisfied with
Buddhism but the younger were dis
couraged, and said that Christianity was
nearer the truth. Many have called
upon the missionaries to inquire about
Christianity, and it is only the question
of support that prevents large numbers
frApo ~ IL
and two more are reported to have done
so at Ochiai. A few weeks ago had
visit at my house from the President of
the Local Assembly. Two of his special
friends accompanied him, and the princi-
pal subject of conversation was Chris
tianity. He has since sent an invitation
to one of the native pastors to come to
his place anu teach him and others more
of the same doctrine.
The President OF the GAMBIA Ken As
7embIy is a very active Christian, and
five OF the members are also Christians.
have written before of the visit of
some of the missionaries to Tosa last fall
1t was in response to an invitation from
the leading men of the Liberal party who
reside at that place. 1t Is only about
eight months since the first work was be-
gun there, and now there is a church of
fifty five members. They are people of
more than ordinary intelligence and in
fuence and it is one of the most impor
tant and promising fields yet opened in
Japan. An urgent call is made for some
missionary TO go there and give instruc-
ton in the fine school already establish
ed A young friend of mine has opened
a small p.ivate school FOR instruction in
English, and am told that one of the
gulations is that all must study the
Bible and learn about Christianity.
The Sei-sho-no- tomo or Bible Readers
Union, now numbers 200. All are
pledged to read fixed portion of the
Scriptures every day.
One of the most popular papers in
Toxic, that has ministered only to the
popular taste of the people, and often
contained stories of the vilest kind, has
recently published an editorial in which
the assertion is made that gods made of
wood and stone are of no benefit to any
people. Only Being who is supreme
and worthy of reverence can mould the
hearts and control the lives of those who
worship 1t. In this respect Christianity
Is superior to every heathen system, and
has been found to be adequate to meet
all the wants of mankind. Therefore the
people should no longer worship idols
but seek to know and practice the reli.
gion of Jesus Christ.
During the recent food at Osaka the
governor sent for the resident mission.
aries and had them conveyed to place
Of safety, and every possible comfort was
provided for them during their tempo
rary absence from their home. Their
houses and property were carefully guard
ed, and no charge was made for the trans
portation of themselves and such goods
as were needed During all their stay
in the quarters provided their meals were
sent to them daily free of charge. The
great kindness and care of the officials
has shown how much the labors of the
missionaries are appreciated by the peo-
pie, and is cheering evidence of the
favor with which Christianity is regarded
by those who are not its professed fol.
lowers. - The Missionary for October.