NO STATE RELIGION IN JAPAN.
MUCH interest has been aroused in efforts of Buddhism to obtain governmental recognition in Japan. By its contact with Christianity, Buddhism has been aroused from its lethargy, and resumed somewhat of its activity as a missionary religion, even projecting a propaganda in America. Its renewed activity, which is evidently a conscious or unconscious struggle for very existence, in view of the spread of Christianity on the one hand, and atheism on the other, has been directed to an agitation in the Japanese Parliament looking toward the "establishment" of Buddhism as a state religion. The adoption of any such measure by the Japanese Government would do much to destroy the confidence of other nations in Japan as a progressive, civilized power. The zealous 'church party' has met with a decided set-back in the refusal of Abbot Shaku Shoyen to endorse the movement. That Buddhist dignitary is held in the highest esteem, and his opinion will carry great weight. He remarks very pointedly that a religion that needs the support of law is so weak and worthless that it does not deserve to live. If the Buddhists are to propagate their faith, it must be by the purity of their lives, and not by the aid of the law.—Missionary Review.