THE BIBLE IN JAPAN by H. Loomis

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 4, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 36.

THE BIBLE IN JAPAN

By H. Loomis

FOR a number of years the work of publishing and circulating the Bible in Japan was carried on by three Bible societies working separately. It was found that in so small a field such a system was attended with serious difficulties, as well as much extra cost.

In order to render the work more systematic and less expensive, and at the same time do away with all rivalry or competition, a union of the three Bible societies was effected in 1899, and has now completed ten years of joint work. . .

Since the beginning of this union there has been circulated 1,010,300 Bibles, Testaments, and portions of the Scriptures, and the cash receipts were upward of $25,000. The year 1909 was much the best of all. During that year the total circulation was 136,029, and receipts $4,213.

One important fact in connection with this distribution of the Scriptures is the eagerness with which they are being read and studied. . . . Many of these students of the Bible are priests, officials, and other persons who would not at present attend a Christian service, or have it publicly known that they are interested in the subject. But when they come to understand what Christianity is, and accept its teachings, they become bold and earnest followers of Christ.—H. Loomis.