The Heathen Waking

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 20, 1872

The Heathen Waking.

PREPARATORY to the last conflict, called the battle of the great day, a summons to war is to go forth among the Gentiles, according to the prophet Joel, and the heathen are to be wakened. He says: “Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles. Prepare war. Wake up the mighty men.” Joel 3:9. And again in verse 12, “Let the heathen be wakened.” As we read these prophecies, we can but ask ourselves whether the present remarkable revolutions taking place among the nations of the East, which have heretofore held themselves aloof from intercourse with the rest of the world, have anything to do with these predictions.

Japan seems to be taking the lead in this wonderful awakening; and it is the influence of our own country which is arousing her from the drowsiness of four thousand years. And what is remarkable is the fact that the first thing in relation to which they seek instruction is the science and practice of war. American military men are now in the employ of the Japanese government reorganizing her armies in accordance with modern military tactics.

Respecting the Japanese embassy now in this country, The Methodist speaks as follows:—

JAPAN AND AMERICA.

“The Japanese Embassy of more than one hundred persons is an unexpected demonstration, showing the progressive interest awakened in that antique country by American influence. The edict of the Mikado is an equally significant indication. He says:—

“‘My country is now undergoing a complete change from old to new ideas, which I sincerely desire; therefore I call upon all the wise and strong-minded to appear and become good guides to the Government. During youth-time it is positively necessary to view foreign countries, so as to become enlightened as to the ideas of the world, and boys, as well as girls, who will themselves become men and women, should be allowed to go abroad, and my country will be benefited by their knowledge so acquired. Females heretofore have had no position socially, because it was considered they were without understanding, but if educated and intelligent they should have due respect. Six young Japanese women of rank go to America in care of Mr. De Long, to be sent to some seminary of learning at the expense of the Government.’

“The rank of woman, in any community, is considered by historians as one of the truest exponents of its civilization. Heretofore Japanese men have been interdicted from foreign travel, and women have not been esteemed worthy of education. In both these respects, Japan has surprisingly advanced. Her six princesses are, it is said, to be educated at Vassar. Japan promises to be the future intermediate link between American and Asiatic civilization.