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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 12, 1903

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 80, No. 19.

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Japan

A SCENE NEAR TOKYO
A SCENE NEAR TOKYO
It is hard for the outside world to realize that it is only thirty-five years since Japan emerged from feudalism, a system very similar to that which prevailed in Europe during the Middle Ages, but which passed away centuries ago. For many centuries the real ruler of Japan was the shogun, the military chief of the nation. During all this time the emperors still ruled, in name only. In the year 1867 the last of the shoguns surrendered to the imperial army, and the emperor became the real ruler of his people.
Since that date, Japan has made remarkable progress in material things. The civilization of Europe and America has been carefully studied and copied, until Japan ranks among the most progressive nations in the world. Japanese students have turned their attention to the learning of the Western nations, and many of them have shown themselves capable of high intellectual advancement. Many are also interested in the religion of the foreigners. True, this interest, with many, is not above the level of their interest in worldly matters. But how can this be otherwise until they learn the true nature of Christianity? We all know that there is much that passes for Christianity that is wholly undeserving of the name.
Here is the missionary’s opportunity so to present Jesus Christ in his life and labors that this people shall see the loveliness of our Saviour, and be drawn to him. To this end we are working and praying.
The Japanese are on the alert for whatever will advance the material prosperity of their country. This year an industrial exhibition will be held at Osaka, the great industrial center of Japan. Other nations are invited to exhibit the products of their skill in the industrial and liberal arts; and Japan hopes to profit by the display.
Of course, in Japan, as in every other part of the earth, men are more interested in the affairs of this world than in their eternal welfare; but we rejoice to find some whose hearts God has touched and who respond to the gracious invitation of the gospel. There is a great work to be done here to warn this people of the coming day of God. — Selected.