p. 256 | Religious Liberty in Japan by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 22, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 16.

Religious Liberty in Japan

By Editor

THE article in the new constitution guaranteeing religious liberty in Japan is to the effect that "Japanese subjects shall, within limits not prejudicial to peace and order, and not antagonistic to their duties as subjects, enjoy freedom of religious belief," which means that the subjects of that empire shall believe just as they please provided the Government is willing. The provision is, of course, about as valuable as an exemption clause in a Sunday law allowing Sabbath-keepers to do ordinary work on the first day of the week, provided it does not disturb others, and leaving the "others" the judges of what constitutes disturbance.