CHRISTIANIZING BY DECREE.
It was by edict that Christianity was established in the palace of the Cæsars by Constantine, A. D. 325. Now there is an indication that history may repeat itself. On Sunday of last week a great meeting was held in Tokio to consider the question of founding in Japan a Japanese Christian Church. Commenting on this meeting, the Tokio correspondent of the London Telegraph says:— Leading men consider that the time has arrived to adopt the elements (religion) approved by a majority of civilized nations. An edict establishing a national church is not improbable. This serves to recall a chapter of Japanese history. A number of years ago, when the ruling classes of Japan were looking to other nations for their inspiration, the Mikado and his advisers consulted a foreign official in the diplomatic service of his country upon the question of a state religion for Japan. He was asked whether, if the Mikado should proclaim Christianity the religion of the state, and should order his subjects to embrace it, this action would help in securing recognition for Japan among civilized nations. The question of so Christianizing Japan, it was said, was under serious consideration. The argument, in brief, was that as it had been shown that occidental firearms and machinery were better than oriental; this created an inference in favor of the occidental religion. The main point, however, insisted upon was, that Japan, by becoming Christian, would remove by one stroke prejudice against her and at once be conceded a place in the family of the most enlightened peoples. Whether or not the case of Constantine was recalled, is not stated. But what is known is that our diplomat was not ignorant of that chapter in history, and that he knew that the Franks and other Teutonic tribes, at the command of chiefs, had received Christianity en masse, and Charlemagne had baptized the Saxons after whipping them in war. All the same, the subject seems to have taken him by surprise. Of course, an intelligent Christian himself, he did not hesitate for an answer. He told his inquirers that the Japanese do not seem to understand the spirit of modern Christianity, and expressed doubt as to whether a wholesale conversion, such as was suggested, would have the effect sought. So the Japanese9statesmen determined that their country, at least until a more opportune time, should remain pagan. Sunday's Tokio meeting would seem to imply that it is now thought the opportune time has arrived. It has been remarked by travelers visiting Japan and enjoying intercourse with its people, that the Japanese Kingdom is non-religious rather than irreligious. That is, the Japanese are devoted to the worship of their ancestors, and they respect the teachings of Buddha. This condition of affairs has produced a feeling of content among the Japanese, which has proved a strong obstacle to the work of Christian missionaries, altho they have won splendid success in spite of popular indifference. Doubtless the people would accept and yield obedience to the edict if it were issued. But what sort of a religion such a state religion would be, the reader can best judge for himself.—Christian Work. And “the reader” who knows anything of the spirit of “political religion,” and of its effect when carried to its logical conclusion, will be surprised at this further comment by the same paper, after the foregoing statement:— “Still it would open the doors very wide to the missionaries; so that from a political religion they might come to see the spiritual side, and recognizing that, and to acknowledge its power to change the heart and life. In such a contingency only missionaries possessing some spiritual gifts could make headway. All of which illustrates the fact that tact and rare good judgment are as essential as eloquence and great mental gifts, to induce a people to become Christians. And what is this but a return to St. Paul's method, who became all things to all men that he might win souls for Christ?” Well, it is a long way from “a return to St. Paul’s method.” Paul was not talking politics nor political religion when he said, “I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.” He foresaw that when he became a Christian. He had renounced all class association, and was following in the footsteps of his cosmopolitan Master. He never sought any one to make a heartless profession as a stepping-stone to a true confession of Christ. A change of heart does not come in that way. The hope of worldly gain or political advantage never did and never can bring a soul to Christ.