The sun., 1893-06-04
III.

The Bishop OF Exeter. who accompanied his
daughter on her visit contributes n preface
to this volume in which he examines briefly
the prosrects OF tho Christian propaganda in
Japan. We observe that he does not even
think Shintoism. although 1t is tho religion OF
tho State. worthy OF being enumerated among
the possible distinctions or rivals OF the
Christian faith. He describes Buddhism as.
II not utterly efrete. fast losing It's grasp upon
tho conscience OF the educated classes. So
far as his observations wont. educated and
Thoughtful Japanese seem to be oscillating
between agnosticism and Christianity. and he
thought 1t will be the fault OF Christian COM
munitles in Europe II japan is not converted
to Christianity. He considers that. by reason
Of its geographical position and the character
OF its inhabitants. the conversion OF tho
Mikado's empire will be ono OF the greatest
triumphs achieved by Christian missionaries
since the day OF tho Apostle Paul. To him
Japan seems IN ideal field for Christian
mission; for what ho asks. would be the
special characteristics OF tho land and people
that Christian propaGandists would desire?
He answers the question as follows English
mon. looking forward to the performance of
evangeistlo work in the far East. would first
have said. Give lis islands which can hold
their sea-eirt Independence. and yet are near
enough to the mainland to exert influence
theio SuSh 40 ouphus n CHhlu VI ClOS0
to Corea and China In tho next place. tho
English propagandss would say. Give us q
hardy race. not unframed in war by land and
sea: for nation OF soldiers and seamen whom
won for Christ fight best under tho banner OF
the Cross. We nro OF the church militant hero
on earth: give us bravo men," Such. indis-
putably. arc the descendants OF the old Daimios
and two-sworded Samural OF Japan. To pro-
ceed with the features OF An ideal country
from tho view point OF Christian missionaries
Give us." they would say, an Industrious race
not idlers nor loungors. enervated by q lux
urious climate. but men who delight in toll
laborious husbandmen. perssvering crafts
men. shrewd men Of business" Such arc the
Japanese agriculturlsts who win two harvests
n year from their grateful soil: such are the
handicraftsmen OF Japan. whose products are
the envy OF western lands: such are the NOR
chants who hold their own with the traders OF
the west in commerce. Give us Also" they
would add. men OF culture. with noble tradi-
tions. yet not so welded to the past til at they
will not grasp the present and salute the fu-
ture." Such are tho quick witted. myriad
minded Japanese who with q m marvellous power
OF imitation. still oontrive. som chow to engraft
their own specialties upon those OF western
lands: not merely to absorb. but to assimilate.
Witness their Constitution. their Parliament
their 10000 schools in active operation.
their colleges and universities. their museums
and hospitals. Give u.s." one would ask. to
complete the picture. "a race whose women
arc domestic and refined. courteous and win
some. not totterlng on tortured foet. nor i'm
mured in zenanas and harems. but mingllng
freely in social life: and. above all. give US n
rcvorent and n religious people. who yet ara
conscious that the faith OF their fathers is un-
satisfying. and who. therefore. arc ready to
welcome a moro elevated and invieorating
belief" Such. beyond doubt. are the women.
and such the thoughtful leaders OF Japan.
The Bishop asked Japanese gentleman
who knew his country we'll whether he thought
II. through any political revolution or revival
OF Buddhism. Christianity should come to be
no longer tolerated. and Christian converts
should be outlnwed and prosecuted. the belief
in the Gospel would be as nearly crushed out
as was Roman Catholicism after the times OF
Francis Xavier. He answered without hesita-
tion that such thing was now utterly impos-
sible. and his opinion is confirmed by DR..
Grifln. tho author OF The Mikado's Empire"
In tho latter's judgmen the publication OF the
B!ble In Japanese was like building railroad
through tho national intellect 1t Is the
Bishop OF E1eter's own conviction. based on
all that he could SEQ and hear. that Japan is
destined to become Christian before the next
generation shall have passed away.