Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-25
# CHRISTIAN ¬abor pour :
Nj H. Up 4arbtp q. 3rmit ~

before the ecumenical missionary con-
ference, in New York, said:
! THE feature Of the educational sys-
tenn in Japan most to be deplored IL
| the almost universal agnosticism which
exists among the teachers and students. "
The tendency Is not toward Christianity.
! but toward general unbelief. 1t is
stated that this trend is being gradually
counteracted by the influence Of the In
tercollegiate Young Mems Christian As
| ISOLATION This band of Christian young
| consistent lives, is making deep i'm
preston upon the student body of Japan.
l need not dwell on the commercial
I progress of Japan. The newspapers
The fact that in a few years her for
eign trade increased over 800. 000. 900 is
SUFFICIENT to tell the story of her
wonderful commercial advancement.
gone astounding changes in the direc-
ton of a higher civilization. Ever since
| the adoption Of the constitution in 1889
the principles of self-government have
been encouraged and advanced. There
has been gradual extension Of the bal
| lot. and as the intelligence of the people
Increases it will be further extended
This progress in education, commerce
and statecraft all have a bearing upon
the cause of missions. 1t is testified
by the late DR.. J. H. De Forest, on his
last visit to this country. that Japan
has already virtually adopted Christian
ideals.
Great progress has been made, and
the promise is inspiring for the future.
\ X *
China.
The flowery kingdom, which may ere
long be known by the name of the
'nowery republic" is largely attracting
the worlds attention, not only by reason
OF sunering, through the devastation by
war and famine, but also on account Of its
wonderful advance toward modern ideas
OF civilization. A year ago China was
asleep so Tar as the stir Of modern enter
prise was concerned; now the march of
events Is SO rapid and startling that we
are amazed at the Transformation in an
hour. of the most conservative empire
into a progressive republic.
The great hope for China is in the
character OF the men who are leading the
movement for the reorganization Of the
nation. DR.. Sun Vat Sen. when pro-
visional president, opposed the indiscrim-
mate killing Of Manchus on the ground
tnat 1t was against Christian morality,
ana ne added Il am a Christian He is
also quoted as having said. "Our great
hope for China is in the Bible and in edu-
cation"
| AS an evidence OF the progress in mis-
sion work in China. l submit the state
China Inland Mission: when / went out
IN o. to China there were only 300 native
Christians to be found in the empire Of
China itself. and also in the Straits Set
Elements, in Batavia and Singapore and
Maiacca and Penang and elsewhere only
$50 Christians all told. Now, thank God,
there are about 100000 communicates in
connection with Protestant Christian
churches. This statement was made in
1900. and much greater propPtionate ad-
vance has been made in the last twelve
years.
Just now missionary work is almost at
standstill on account Of foreigners be-
ing recalled to treaty ports. schools closed
and churches generally in charge only of
native workers. as stated in the March
issue Of the Missionary Review of the
World. with the added words: THE pros
pect Is, however. that with the return of
peace even larger opportunities will be
given for preaching the gospel
1t Is the general expectation of the
missionaries that when the persecution
Of those who abandon the old forms Of
religion ceases. as 1t will undeIathe new
regime. there will be large numbers Of
inqu.rers. and the missionaries are trou-
bled about how to take care Of them
China is wide open. Let the church en-
ter and possess the land for Christ
=