Tokio, Japan by BENJ. P. HOFFMAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 31, 1912

Tokio, Japan

By BENJ. P. HOFFMAN

BENJ. P. HOFFMAN

Arriving in Japan shortly before the funeral services of the late emperor, we were afforded an extraordinary introduction to our field. The thousands of loyal subjects who assembled to witness the procession furnished a good opportunity for a study of the people, not only their physical aspect, but also the religious phase of their life at a very special occasion. Time, money, and even the lives of some workmen had not been spared in making imposing preparations for the interment of Meiji Tenno, the emperor of the era of enlightenment.

Considered of divine origin, his spirit is worshiped as a supreme deity, and the manifestation of reverence and awe on this occasion was most impressive. The suicide of General Nogi is very indicative of the old sentiment of the Japanese mind. When the cannon gave the signal for the exit of the corpse of the emperor from the imperial palace, the noble general of Port Arthur and his wife ended their lives in a time-honored manner, that their spirits might accompany that of their beloved ruler, and be worshiped by their descendants.

The funeral and procession will be remembered as the most impressive combination of Old and New Japan ever to be witnessed. Modern military bands blended their mournful music with the wailing and chanting of Shinto priests and ritualists.

To us the day brought an increased realization of the difficult nature of the work that confronts us, and a sense of our need of a pentecostal experience daily.

We were glad to be welcomed to our field by a band of workers who are faithfully devoted to the work in spite of reverses and opposing circumstances. The first Sabbath here I had the privilege of speaking a few words, through an interpreter, to the Tokio church. We looked upon this little company, who have been brought out of heathenism to walk in the light of present truth, as a token that God still lives and works. But as our eyes follow the stretch of roofs under which millions dwell without the true light, this seems but a small beginning.

The study of a very difficult language is our first work now, and for this we need special grace and help from above. We are glad to be here as representatives of the eternal kingdom. May the prayers of all the friends in the home field be earnest in behalf of the work in Japan.