Japan by John N. Herboltzheimer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 25, 1907

Japan

By John N. Herboltzheimer

KOBE.—We have liked this place very much from the beginning. Of course the enemy works as hard as at home, or even harder; for he sees that the heathen are to be taken out of his hands, and in many ways he is trying to discourage the work. I am so thankful that we have a Captain who has never lost a battle, and that we can put our whole trust in him.

Japan has had quite a religious awakening in the last few months. During the first week in April, the world's convention of the Student Volunteer Movement was held in Tokyo. From all reports, it was a good meeting, and in the eyes of all, it was a great success. There were present one hundred and sixty delegates from abroad, who represented twenty-five nations of different races and colors, from all quarters of the habitable globe.

The motto of the conference was “One in Christ.” Messages were received from King Haakon, President Roosevelt, King Edward, and many other persons in high places, wishing the conference success. The conference received much encouragement from the Japanese government. Marquis Ito, himself a heathen, subscribed five thousand dollars toward its expense. The men upon whose shoulders this government rests realize that there must be a reform in the social and commercial life of this nation; and although not willing to accept Christianity themselves, they seem to be willing to support any effort which is made to exalt high ideals and a Christian character. They realize that Christianity is doing something for these people which Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism combined have failed to do, and that is, to make known the value of an ideal. May God help these people in their efforts, and help us to take hold of the opportunity which lies at our feet, and proclaim this message with such force, and in such a spirit of meekness, as will turn these people from utter darkness to his marvelous light.

At present General Booth is touring Japan, and will be in Kobe to-morrow afternoon, May 10.

We enjoyed the visit of Elder Prescott very much. We had a good meeting, and the Spirit of God was present at all our services. We were only sorry that he could not stay with us longer.

The sanitarium has been full most of the winter and spring. Even after Dr. Lockwood left, we had patients enough to pay the running expenses. Our being without a doctor for two months is a setback to us. But we hope soon to make up for lost time, and are anxiously waiting for Dr. Dunscombe, who, I hope, is on the way now. We were glad to get a letter from Dr. Myrtle Lockwood, stating that she was much better.

Brother Field has been here about three weeks. He is now visiting churches with Brother Okohira, north of Tokyo.

Mrs. Herboltzheimer and I are keeping house here all alone. Miss Harriman is in Kyoto, nursing, and Miss Young is taking a vacation.

The Japanese sanitarium is doing well, and the workers there are all of good courage. I never saw a better class of laborers. All seem to take an interest in what they do; and they are doing a great deal to spread the message.

Recently a man who was on the police force was converted, and began to keep the Sabbath. He was compelled to give up his position. Some of our Japanese brethren have advanced him money to purchase a supply of Bibles and tracts, and he goes out canvassing for these. He seems very earnest. His wife is said to have expressed her willingness to starve to death rather than give up the Sabbath. We are helping them along the best we can, and we feel sure that God will hear our prayer in this brother's behalf, and furnish him with a means of support.

A young sister who has recently accepted the truth has had some interesting experiences with the Catholic priests. She is very well educated, and speaks English, French, and Japanese fluently. When she accepted the truth, she had to leave home, and work for herself. She is teaching, and God is blessing her. Recently the Catholic bishop came down from Tokyo, and sent word that he desired to see her. She went, and he pleaded, with tears in his eyes, that she should consider the course she had taken. He is like a father to her, having known her from childhood. He said that when he first heard of the step she had taken, he could not believe it, and that he asked

that she be let alone, hoping she would finally see her mistake and return. She had quite a long talk with him, in which he never asked her to return, but inquired as to what it was she had found which had made her change her mind. She told him, and asked him if the Catholic Church changed the law. He admitted that it had. She gave him “Thoughts on Daniel,” and requested him to read it, and mark any passage in it which was not true. With tears in his eyes, he promised to do so. She is now anxiously awaiting an answer from him.

JOHN N. HERBOLTZHEIMER.