Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-02-15

hatreds and strife. The gospel has
always made its way through the
wars and intrigues Of the wicked
world. The Master warned his diSci-
pies in the beginning, See that We be
not troubled \ new war of peculiar
interest and vast Importance to all
the world is being waged. We are in
terested in it because of the disparity
of the powers engaged. Japan. with
111,000 square miles and 43.000.000 peO-
pie, faces Russia with S,645. 900 square
miles and more than 129.O00,O00 peo-
pie. 1t is the pigmy measuring arms
with the giant. We are also interested
because of the contrast in the spirit
of the two nations. Japan represents
the ultraprCgressive and Russia the
ultra-cOnservative. Which will win?
We are interested deeply in this war
because it is certain to change the
map of the far east. Whichever ma
tiCn wins will clinch its victory with
territorial possessions. The occidental
nations fear this, hence the note of
Secretary Hay which has met with
such favor. 1t is wise effort to pre-
vent that breaking up of the map of
Asia. which can hardly take place
without involving the western powers.
peace of the world has been cast into
the cauldron.' The wisest diplomats
cannot foresee the result.
From Religious Standpoint.
But we are interested in this strug
gle, not only politically and CONNER
| cially, but also religiously. The great
ethnic faiths are in it. Buddhism,
Confucianism. Shintoi Christianity
have deep interest in the outcome.
Christianity is interested as the prime
agent in the development of the mod
ern Japan. When Commodore Perry
entered the bay of Yokohama in 1854
to negotiate a treaty, he laid an open
bible on the capstan Of his ship and
conducted christian worship. That
was the Introduction of a new force
| into the civilization of the Sunrise
kingdom. The force of christian
truth shining from an open bible.
The missionaries quickly followed the
treaty.
"They carried with the gospel west
ern learning and the western spirit,
| and working together. they have rev
to see how a child of western civiliza-
ton Will acquit himself in this crisis.
christianity is also interested in
this conflict because she has large
plant and many representatives. at
work in the lands where this war is
raging. The northern Presbyterian
church has in Japan and Korea 1875
missionaries working in 4O3 stations
and substations. with about $1,000
communicates in its congregations.
There are probably not less than a
thousand missionaries of all denomin-
atoms at work in the two kingdoms
and millions of dollars invested in
church, schools. hospitals, etc. The
Broadway church is especially inter-
ested, since the missionary whom il
| supports. Rev. Graham Lee. Is located
at Pyeng Yang. Korea, only a short
distance south of the Yalu river. where
the land forces of both Japan and
Russia are gathering. Our congrega-
ton has also put many thousands of
dollars in the school buildings and
chnpels at Pyeng Yang. so that we
are anxious indeed for our interests
in the work at that point. The wo-
hiCh anu N'+iHiCh ttOii our StdAiohS
in Korea have been given leave TO find
refuge at Shanghai, and we trust are
safely there.
OPPORTUNITY for Work.
christianity is also interested in
this struggle. because she will find it
an opportunity to do the work of
Christ. There will be call for work
of mercy in army and hospital, and
already plans have been set in opera
tion for carrying them out. There
will be opportunity also for the exer-