Wherever the sound of the third angel's message is heard, one of the chief mediums for its spread is the printed page. From the beginning of our work in Japan, we have felt the need of literature. Here we are among a people numbering more than forty million, but very few of whom speak any other than their native tongue, and it takes many years for a foreigner to acquire proficiency in it.
Three years ago we began the publication of the Owari, an eight-page monthly, which has ever since been faithfully sounding forth the message for these times. About a year and a half later Brother Wade had “Steps to Christ” translated into Japanese, and stopped at nothing until it was published. Now we have added to these standards “His Glorious Appearing.” We hope soon to have a press of our own on which to print other books, tracts, and leaflets. Already some have contributed liberally toward this enterprise, but we should be glad to have others add to this fund. If any of our people in America or elsewhere are living where they can use any of our Japanese literature, one yearly subscription for the Owari may be obtained for thirty-five cents, or one copy of “Steps to Christ” or of “His Glorious Appearing,” postpaid, for twenty cents. A liberal discount will be allowed where several copies are ordered, or where they are wanted for missionary work.
Another forward step, for which we praise the Lord, is the starting of a colporteur wagon, which is shown in the accompanying cut. It will elicit inquiry; for the name of our paper is on it, both in English and in Japanese. The two workers who go with it, Brethren Kuniya and Matsukura, are both devoted laborers, and though this is somewhat of an experiment, we trust that with God's blessing it may prove a great aid in carrying the truth to the country districts.
THE JAPANESE COLPORTEUR WAGON
In Tokyo frequent festivals are held in honor of the different temples, and for some time past we have sought these occasions for holding street meetings. A short time ago there was one of these held in the park near our Shiba station. The park was lighted up with large Japanese lanterns, and for several blocks the streets were lined with small stands selling various wares and confections, while here and there were found small shows or theaters. The Buddhist priests were holding their meeting in front of their temple, so we took a position some distance to one side. Before long it became evident that they had decided to stop our work if possible. Taking their stand right beside us, some priests with banners began preaching. Soon another company began on the other side of us, and finally a third company, coming directly in front of us, completely shut us in, for just back of us was a high bank. Finding that we did not stop preaching for all this, they stopped, and began shouting, “Mash their wagon,” “Break their lantern.” At last we concluded not to give out any more papers, for many of them were being destroyed. One man asked for a paper, and I gave it to him. He was well dressed in European clothes, and appeared like a gentleman, but grabbing the paper with his hands and teeth, he tore it into shreds, and threw it in our faces.
Failing to stop us by other measures, the whole crowd, which by this time numbered several thousand, tried to rush on to us. Fortunately, some of those near us, either out of sympathy or as a means of self-defense, resisted the press. Just then a policeman made his appearance before us, and holding his lantern aloft, forced the crowd back. After a little the policeman disappeared as suddenly as he had come, and sometimes I have wondered if it might not have been an angel in disguise, for the people seemed ready to swallow us up. Again the crowd tried to overrun us, and this time came also a shower of dirt, sticks, and stones. After several attempts they succeeded in turning our wagon upside down. What they might have done next I cannot say, but two policemen came to our rescue. They said that if we wished to continue, they would protect us the best they could, but they feared such a crowd. We told them that we did not wish to make any trouble, so would withdraw if we could get out. They cleared a way for us to pass through the crowd, helped us to get the wagon right side up, and escorted us part way home.
Many times during the evening's experience the words of Paul sounded in my ears, “If after the manner of men I have fought with the beasts at Ephesus.” When the truth begins to stir the people, the devil is sure to stir up opposition. But all he can do only helps to spread the truth. After we stopped giving out the papers, I saw some hunting around on the ground to find the little scraps to read. Seeing this, I again began giving out the papers, and continued as long as our supply lasted.
Brethren, remember the work in these far-off lands, and bear us before the throne of grace, that we may stand faithful to our post, let come what will.
