The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-04-24

you will be glad to hear is being found a
beautiful guide to these children. By
the way. it is hoped that Miss Imai will
bs able during her next summers vaca-
ton to translate this book into Japanese.
After singing "Good-morning Merry
Sunshine" another teacher took up the
thought and showed how a certain Japa-
nese inventor aided by certain noble
man-both of whom loved their neigh
bors as hemselves-taught their people
how they might with one of the plants
which. by the power of light" grew in
abundance in their country-how they
might from this plant make sugar so
cheapy that all the poor people could
afford to use it. 1t was simple story
but it interested the children and taught
them to love their neighbor and the
"power of light" The teachers are
striving during these March Sundays to
lead the children up to the great Easter
climax.-I am the Light.
At the close of the lesson all rose. and
after singing Miss Imai offered prayer
and then boy eleven years old prayed,
instead of the usual Lords Prayer. Miss
Osborn then played the organ and they
all joined in the closing hymn and then
marched out of the vestry. 1t was then
ten o'clock and Mr.. Hoshino read the
call to prayer. The Prayer Book seems
like an old friend, the service is so finely
rendered. We cannot report Mr.. Hosh.
mos sermon. as he preached in Japa-
nese, but we are told he has good ser.
mons.
BAPTISM.
At the close of the service Mr.. Cate
baptized two young men. Mr.. Taketa
and Mr.. Ishida. One young man was
kept away by illness. 1t was an impress
sive service, and though we could hear
only and not understand, yet it all
seemed Ineligible and real. There is
such thing as understanding with the
heart. There we're not many present
but we welcomed the young men as
heartily as they would have been in
America. We dined with Miss Osborn
and Miss Imai in their cosy semi.
American Japanese home. We will
make no comments, but assure you
that a "gomen kudasai" at their
door will insure you a hearty well
come. Try it if you doubt our word.
At six o'clock rain was falling but with
callers there we're nine Of US to start
forth with Japanese umbrellas for
church. Have you ever tried to walk
with such company? II SO you know
there is of necessity quite distance be-
tween umbrellas. Imagine us filing out
of the narrow court to the click of the
Japanese shoes. 1t was twelve. minute
walk to church. When we arrived Mr..
Rice was hearing the young mems Bible
class, 30 we joined it.
BIBLE STUDENTS.
If you think the young men are not
quick to grasp Bible as we'll as other
truths, please Danish such thoughts.
Then came the evening service. Why
were the children there? you are asking.
Miss Imai gave an illustrated talk and
they are always present when she has
word. The first picture was beautiful
lily with which the Easter thought was
carried little further. Then came pic
lures from the life of Christ. The sum-
ming up was: "If we will but be patient
and forbearing as Christ was. living for
others. we shall be truly his followers,
filled with the light of love and giving of
that lightto all around US. Thus shall
we help to make our people better, purer
and stronger, as Christ taught us to dol
The children, though rather noisy at
first. became completely absorbed in the
story. When they passed quietly out of
the church after prayer by the assistant
pastor = Mr.. Kusunoki we felt that
some of the best soil for missionary
planting is the hearts and lives of the
Japanese children. This is one Sunday
in one church. Mr.. Rice preached in
the Tameike church, and Mr.. Leavitt is
looking after the work in Sendai. We
recall recent Sunday in Nagoya. when
at an early morning hour Mr.. Cate bap.
tized young Buddhist priest, then
preached, and in the afternoon talked to
eight young priests. He gave them good
thought food and they took generous
notes. At the close of the talk they asked
questions. 1t was exceedingly interest
ing. Can you see us seated on the floor?
But there are other days and varied
work. 1t is especially fitting to speak
of the Universalist Girls Home as it cell
ebrates its birthday soon and can say:
"I am year DID," Why have the Home?
That the older girls may be kept in
school and in such close relation with
the church as to grow into it if possible
and become workers-Bible women,
teachers, etc. Mrs. Imai is the mother
with all that that implies. There are
three girls in the home at present. The
Home is to teach what home may be.
To emphasize the sacredness of wife and
mother-life. II you really knew what
that means in japan you would be in
terested in a way that gives not only a
word,but dollar. Look into the faces
of your daughters and think about it.
These three girls are helpers in our
church now. 1t is pleasant for this pen