p. 19 | F. W. FIELD by F. W. Field

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 5, 1907

F. W. FIELD

By F. W. Field

Japan

TOKYO.—The work in Kobe continues to prosper. When I arrived there week before last, they had a full house, and the patronage continues good. During our stay we had some very interesting experiences. Dr. Dunscombe arranged to have a daily class in Bible study for the Japanese helpers employed, and Brother Noma will give the instruction. Several of the helpers are becoming quite interested. One woman servant, who is a professed Christian, and has been at the sanitarium for some time, says that she thinks the seventh day is the right day to keep. She was ill recently, and is very grateful for what the doctor did for her at that time. A young man employed shows much interest in the study of the Bible, and seems really in earnest.

We had a very interesting experience with several patients, all medical missionaries from southern China. They were on their way to spend the summer at Karuizawa, and stopped a few days at Kobe, at a hotel. Hearing of the sanitarium, they came and stayed a week or more. Dr. Dunscombe invited them to the Bible reading he has been holding mid-weekly. I was invited to give a reading on the millennium. These patients expressed interest in the explanations given, and made no objection, although Dr. — said the views advanced were new to him. On Sabbath he and Miss — attended Sabbath-school and meeting. Dr. — remained, and took part in the ordinance of feet washing. I took occasion to explain somewhat in detail the meaning of this ordinance, and afterward the doctor expressed himself as quite satisfied that it should be observed. His wife claims to be in harmony with us on most points, but not on the Sabbath question. On Sunday I held another Bible reading, at which all three of these patients were present. In the time we had, I gave them all I could on the subject of the sanctuary, showing the relation of this subject to the plan of salvation, to the Sabbath and law, to a future probation, etc. They seemed as much interested as before, and made no objections, although some intelligent questions were asked. This experience is something quite without precedent in our work with missionaries here in Japan, and was a great encouragement to us all.

Brother Kuniya is at present out in the country near his old home, and reports some about ready for baptism. Of late he has received some encouraging letters from persons who have written for literature, especially on the subject of the prophecies. One young man from Fukuoka has about decided to obey.

The work of distributing our papers still continues at Maebashi, and now we are planning to start the same plan of work at Fukushima, another large place, where Brother Okohira and I were in May. So the work progresses. We are doing our own printing now, and are getting on well with this part of the work. We have just gotten out another new tract, and have others in view. This extra printing we still have done at Yokohama, although we are able to do some work besides that on the paper and the Sabbath-school lessons.

The workers in Korea write rather regularly, and seem to be of good courage. The work there is advancing, according to their reports. Brother Smith says that they have been able to get the deed of some land there at Sunan, from the government, with no expense except for travel to Seoul in connection with the necessary papers. It was government land, and was obtained under some law by which government land might be granted for educational purposes.