The Lord's Working by F. W. Field

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jun 9, 1904

The Lord's Working

By F. W. Field

Tokyo, JAPAN.—Brother Kuniya was in the service of his country during the war with China ten years ago, and saw active service in Formosa. After the war he was converted, and joined the Presbyterian Church. Later, he studied with Elder Grainger and our other workers, and accepted present truth. Thereupon he resigned his position in the army; for he had served out his time. But he had a good position, with prospects of advancement, if he should remain. From that time he has given himself to the work of the gospel of peace. But his name remained enrolled among the government reserves, making him liable to be called upon in case of war. So when war broke out, we were all anxious for him.

Early this month the order came for him to join the army. He returned from Kobe to Tokyo, and on the appointed day, instead of reporting at the barracks at Akabane, he went to the General Staff office in Tokyo. Here he saw several officers, and made known to them his determination not to engage in war, which he could not conscientiously do as a Christian. The first officer scoffed; the next, himself a professed Christian, defended the present war; but all said that they had no authority to excuse him, nor to act in his case. So he was constrained to report at the barracks. On account of his visit to the general office, he arrived at the barracks about three hours late. He was obliged to call on one of the officers at his hotel. To this officer he explained his case, and received considerable sympathy.

Now, the penalty for being even several hours late in reporting, is two months' solitary confinement. But this officer excused him for his tardiness—a special favor. But he said that he had no authority to deal with his case, or to excuse him from service. Then as a further favor, he permitted our brother to return home for the night. Early next morning Brother Kuniya repaired again to the barracks, and stated his case to other officers, but with the same result; they could do nothing in his case. Reluctantly he joined the other men in order to pass the required physical examination. The first examiner tested his eyes, and passed him. The next questioned him about as follows: “Are you quite well?”—“Fairly well, but not so strong as formerly.” “Do you sleep well?”—“Sometimes not very well.” “All right; that will do.”

Supposing that he had been passed as fit for service, he went on to the dressing-room. Very soon two of the examining physicians came to him, and said, “You had better go home and care for your health,” and left him. He could hardly believe that he was free, so went to the office, and was again assured that he was free to go home. He says that the only way he can understand the matter is that the Lord must have blinded their minds as to his condition of health; for while not so strong and rugged as he was ten years ago, he has fair health. Another remarkable thing is that of about three hundred examined that day, he was the only one excused, so far as he could learn.

I will not take time to tell particulars about our earnest seasons of prayer for him. Next day was Sabbath, and Brother Kuniya occupied the time with an account of his experience. Then we united in heartfelt praise to God. But other trials await us, and we must be constant in prayer. Two of our young men must pass their military examination very soon. But our trust is in God.

F. W. FIELD.