p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 36. (9/12/1911)

Little Studies on the Prophecies

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By Editor

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New Japan

By F. W. Field

THE progress of Japan during the past half a century is the eighth wonder of the modern world. How it all happened is still a story of absorbing interest. The policy of seclusion adopted three centuries ago was followed as a means of escaping the white peril. Yet when the Westerners urged their claims at the muzzles of their cannons, Japan was forced to yield. But the treaties opening the country to foreign intercourse were so unpopular that the government of the shogun at old Yeddo was overthrown, and the emperor restored to his rightful position as the ruler of the country.

This was in 1868. The die had been cast. The dangers from foreign intercourse could no longer be avoided by excluding the foreigners from the country. The only alternative was to adopt the white man's civilization, and be able to compete with him whether in peace or in war.

And thus it was that with the beginning of the Meiji era, Japan was fairly launched for her career as a modern nation. Of course there was always a conservative element that clung tenaciously to the past; likewise an overzealous radical class who ran wild after everything foreign. The radicals had their way and their day for about a score of years. This period was characterized by the hasty, indiscriminate adoption of Western ways. When a top hat, a frock coat, and a pair of drawers, with native wooden clogs, made a full dress suit, the progressive element made themselves ridiculous in the eyes of both foreigners and the more conservative Japanese.

As a result, about the year 1888 an anti-foreign reaction set in, and continued till about the time of the war with China. Another cause of this reaction was the attitude of the treaty powers in holding Japan to the old treaties, with their extraterritorial clauses, and their practical control of Japanese tariff rates.

Then came the war with China, which some Japanese are free to admit was entered upon by Japan in order to show her military prowess to Western nations. By the close of the century all the hated treaties had been revised, and Japan had thus secured recognition as a civilized nation, with full sovereign power in her own domains. The removal of this grievance brought about a better understanding with Western nations. The reaction against foreign ways led to more careful discrimination in the adoption of Western civilization. And this was as it should be. It has been observed by some writers that Western civilization is a mere veneer in Japan. That remark may have had some truth in it a score of years ago, but is less and less true as time passes. And after all, so far as the moral and religious nature of a people is concerned, civilization alone is never anything more than a veneer, covering the natural barbarity of human nature. In this respect the Oriental kettle is no blacker than the Occidental pot.

That the white peril in the Orient was by no means an imaginary quantity, the experience of Japan in meeting the encroachments of Russia has clearly shown. With Manchuria under Russian rule, with Russian influence predominant in Korea, and a Russian naval base at Masampo on the Tsushima Straits, not only would Japan's most natural and easy means of expansion be cut off, but her very existence as a nation would be threatened. And the only course open to Japan in averting this peril was to resort to the modern means of self-protection.

The Red Gate, a relic of Old Japan; entrance to Imperial University, Tokyo

As an immediate effect of the war with Russia, Japan was recognized by Western nations as one of the great powers. This recognition came when the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, and finally Russia, raised the rank of their diplomatic representatives from that of minister to ambassador. During and immediately after the war, the Japanese were highly praised for their patriotism, and for their success in war. And as was very natural, a goodly number of them became much exalted in their own opinion, and greatly overestimated their power and importance as a nation. But time and experience have already done much to correct any such misconception; for as Japan, in her new role as one of the great powers, has made her influence felt all through the Far East, and has entered into keen competition with other nations in the markets of the world, inordinate praise has changed to adverse criticism, suspicion, and dislike. And this, too, is the way of the world.

Thus far we have considered only the political aspects of New Japan. But this consideration will be very helpful to a proper understanding of the attitude of the Japanese toward Christianity, the religion of European nations. As is well known, the first Christian missionaries to Japan, in the sixteenth century, were Roman Catholics; and it was fear of the political power of the head of the Roman Church, that led the rulers of Japan to expel the missionaries, and proscribe their religion. But now the Japanese know that they have nothing of this sort to fear from the propagation of Christianity.

During the pro-foreign period mentioned in a previous paragraph, there was a strong movement in favor of Christianity. The churches were crowded with eager listeners, and many professed the new religion. So encouraging was the prospect, that by 1888 it was freely predicted that by the close of the century Japan would rank as a Christian nation.

But very much of this work was doubtless superficial, like the hasty adoption of the top hat and the frock coat. Prominent politicians and educators recommended the adoption of Christianity as the national religion; and with the Church-and-State systems of European countries before them as models, this is not at all to be wondered at.

When the anti-foreign reaction set in, there was a great change in the attitude of the people toward Christianity. The attendance at the meetings fell off, and many who had joined the churches gave up their profession. Yet this experience was far from proving a calamity to Christian work in Japan. During this period the faith of true believers was tested, and mere nominal professors were sifted out. The adoption of Christianity as the national religion would have been a calamity indeed.

With the passing of the period of anti-foreign feeling, there was a corresponding subsidence of antichristian feeling. Various causes might be assigned for this change; but one of the most potent of these has been the ethical failure of popular education. Western education has destroyed faith in the old religious systems, and has supplied nothing in their place. As a result there is observed a marked decline in morals among the rising generation in Japan. To meet this condition, the educational leaders have been making strenuous efforts to advance moral education in the schools. But all religious instruction is strictly prohibited; and many thoughtful

Japanese are coming to see the futility of ethical instruction without a religious basis. Thus their attention is drawn to Christianity with its exalted morality and high religious sanctions; and while the obstacles to the propagation of the Gospel are by no means all removed, there will probably never be a more favorable opportunity than now for evangelical work in Japan.

F. W. FIELD.

Sympathy

By Frank E. Graeff

By Frank E. Graeff, in "Christian Advocate"

He preached a sermon wondrous wise; With eloquence he charmed. What power to hold! Men sat entranced, and owned him great, As of the heavens and earth and sea he told. Then to their daily tasks they went where raged life's battle hot, Nor lingered long within their minds the sermon great — they soon forgot.

He found a child with tear-stained cheek And heart aggrieved, for he had fallen in his play; He stopped, and by his kindly smile he sought to cheer, And eased the bruise, and wiped the tears away. Then on his way he went again, nor marked the spot; The child grew up to man — but ne'er forgot.

Constant Progress.

By Editor

Even during the short time this number is in preparation we are receiving most encouraging news from our mission fields. Before us is a letter from Dr. A. C. Selmon, of Shanghai, China. After telling us of the relief that funds which we sent forward were to famine sufferers, he says:

"In closing I wish to mention one incident that shows the power of the Gospel to make new creatures of sinful men and women. Last December, during some preaching services that were held in our church at Ying Shang, a middle-aged man by the name of Dziang took his stand to be a Christian. He had a bad reputation in the town, for he had been an official in the yamun, as head over a lot of tax-collectors. His favorite son was sick and at the point of death, when a Christian neighbor of his told him that the Christian God could heal diseases. Hope grew in the man's heart, and he resolved to pray to God. The Lord in mercy heard his prayer, and the son lived. The man began attending meetings in our chapel. He stopped swearing, left off the use of wine and tobacco, and showed in his life the fruits of the Spirit. He began calling his neighbors in and telling them the good news. He attended a Bible institute held in Chow Kia Kew, a month ago, and he, together with his son, was baptized. While he was away from home attending this meeting his wife came down with famine fever, and died. We felt anxious, fearing this would be a heavier blow than he could bear; for whenever any calamity comes to one who has taken his stand to be a Christian, all the man's heathen neighbors, friends, relatives, and in fact the whole town, are loud and insistent in proclaiming that calamity has come because the gods are angered at the man for worshiping the foreigner's God. But when Brother Dziang returned and learned of his wife's death, he showed such a spirit of submission, and in every way manifested such a Christian spirit, that it touched the hearts of all who knew him, and brought a blessing to the church. Altho a successful business man, and well able to provide for his family, the famine was so severe that he himself was affected by it."

And this is how God's Gospel is reaching the hearts of many in China.

Do You Wish a Part in This?

By Editor

Brother A. G. Stewart writes us from the islands that he needs a club of papers for mission work among the Europeans. He is doing, of course, all he can among the natives, but he is not able personally to subscribe for the English papers that he needs among those that speak that language. Are there not some of our readers who can not use papers in this way themselves who would like to help toward a club for Brother Stewart?

And while we are asking for him, another call comes to us from far Jerusalem. There are English-speaking people there, also, and we have a brother there who would like to obtain papers for that purpose. Those who send money for this purpose please designate that it is for the "Coöperation Corner," and for clubs for these purposes. We meet some of these calls ourselves, but we can not meet all the calls that are continually coming to us from such mission fields. We want the co-operation of our readers. Please respond promptly.

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"HERALDS OF THE MORNING"

By Editor

The appalling loss of life by murder and suicide, political and social troubles, dissatisfaction between employer and employee, strikes and fires, wars and rumors of wars—all these are of daily occurrence. What do they mean? and is there any significance to these things at this particular time? To the close observer, all these are evidences that there is a nearing social vortex into which all unsettled factions, and the world at large, will be plunged. When and how this will be brought about is revealed in "Heralds of the Morning." By appealing to the "sure word of prophecy," the author clearly shows that these conditions were to exist just before the Lord's return, and points out many other signs that the Scriptures tell us are certain heralds of the glad morning when strife shall cease, and peace and happiness reign forever. That the reader may understand these events, and be prepared for the final outcome, is our reason for calling attention to this valuable work. More than 150 illustrations vividly portray that upon which the subject-matter treats. A live book upon a live subject.

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Contained in This Issue

By Editor

Our Question Corner	PAGE
3551 — 1 Peter 3:6; 3552 — Let No Man Judge You; 3553 — Shall We Be Disappointed? 3554 — Moses and Elijah	2

Our Bible Band . . . . . . . . 2

General Hope for the Penitent . . . . . . . 3 Do the Dead Return? . . . . . . . 4 Power — Spiritual . . . . . . . 5 An Erroneous Idea . . . . . . . 5 Studies in Revelation — The Fall of Babylon . . . . 6, 7 Righteousness . . . . . . . . 8 A Threefold View . . . . . . . 8 Back to the Bible . . . . . . . 8 A Voice for the Lone Ones . . . . . . 9

Our Bible Reading Spiritual Gifts . . . . . . . . 9

The Outlook Our London Letter . . . . . . . 10

Home Department Letters to a Daughter (Saved to Serve) . . . . 12

Missions New Japan . . . . . . . . 14

Poetry The World's Harvest . . . . . . . 1 There Is No Peace . . . . . . . 4 Illusions of War . . . . . . . 5 O That Men Would! . . . . . . . 8 Are You a Leaner or a Lifter? . . . . . 12 Sympathy . . . . . . . . 13

Poems on Peace and War

By Editor

Read the two striking poems on Peace and War on pages 4 and 5.

Sunday Persecution Article Deferred

By Editor

We regret to leave over an article on a case of Sunday persecution in a Southeastern State; it will be printed next week.

Christ’s Priesthood After Melchizedek

In the study of our Lord's priesthood, it would be well to remember that it includes much more than the fulfilment of the types of the Aaronic priesthood. He was also a priest "after the order of Melchizedek."

Do the Dead Return?

By Editor

We call especial attention to the article on page 4, "Do the Dead Return?" It presents the question in a new form, and ought to appeal to honest believers in Spiritism. It will be followed by another presenting the Bible testimony. These articles were written some time ago, but they are still up to date.

England in the Throes of a Revolution

By Editor

We print next week a most graphic article on conditions in England, entitled, "England in the Throes of a Revolution," written by a gentleman who has spent many years in public life in England, and returned after a year or more elsewhere. He writes from the very heart of the strike manifestations. He saw and heard, and writes direct from the field of struggle.

Dowie Disciples Predict Christ’s Return

By Editor

The disciples of the late John Alexander Dowie have filed a document in the office of the county recorder in Chicago which declares: "Before the year of 1912 shall close, Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, will come forth from the eternal throne once again, to teach and preach the Gospel of salvation, and to heal the sick." "The Christ will be revealed in Zion City, built by God's Elijah, as a preparation of the way unto all who await His coming." It is by such folly as this that men will be deceived in 1912, if some man can be found with brass enough, or who is insane enough, to personify the expected Christ.

Wedding Party Killed in Explosion

At a wedding at Constantinople August 6, at the house of a powder merchant, a terrific explosion occurred in one of the rooms where powder was stored. The bride and bridegroom and twenty-eight guests were blown up and killed.

The World’s Largest Steamers

No sooner had Germany determined to float the biggest steamer in the world, the Imperator, able to carry 5,000 passengers over the Hamburg-American Line to New York, than the Cunard people of England changed their plans regarding their latest, the Acquitania, to make it just a little larger than the German, a ship considerably over 900 feet in length. These ships will be great floating cities.

The House of Lords Veto Settled

By Editor

Referring to Our London Letter, which was forwarded before the veto question of the House of Lords was settled, we note here that the Lords, by a vote of 181 to 114, did not insist upon their amendments to the government bill. Money bills in Great Britain now become law without the assent of the Lords, and so do all other bills if passed by the Commons in three successive sessions. The speaker of the House of Commons certifies as to what is a money bill. A parliament is to last only five years instead of seven. Had these demands of the government been refused, King George would have created enough new peers to outvote the Conservatives in the House of Lords. "Emotional excitement unexampled in history" attended the consideration of these measures. The Westminster Gazette says that "gross and unprintable expressions of the most offensive character were bandied about by excited Tories." Prime Minister Asquith was grossly insulted, and refused audience. Now that the matter is settled, things will probably go on as before.

A New People

A New People.—Vilhjalmur Stefansson, leader of the American scientific expedition which left New York in April, 1908, in a letter to his wife dated October 18, 1910, says that they had discovered a people in a region supposed to be uninhabited, and had lived among them a few months. "These people had never seen a white man nor an Indian, tho they had heard of both, and did not even know I was not an Eskimo, so little are they informed of what white men are like. They seem to be Eskimo in speech and habit, but Scandinavians in appearance. The question is, Are they descendants from some of Franklin's men and native women, or are they descendants of some of the 3,000 Scandinavians who disappeared from Greenland in the fifteenth century?" He tells us that his party had undergone many hardships. Once when the food supplies ran out and no relief was in sight, they ate the skins to their fur clothing.

Europe’s Heat Wave and Drought

The hot weather in Europe has caused not only great suffering but fearful results. In one week in London, as given by the London Times, the thermometer rose above ninety-three degrees every day, and as high as ninety-eight degrees and a fraction. This, with the humid atmosphere of London, makes the heat intolerable. The persistent drought has also caused a great deal of loss in crops. On the continent it has been even worse than in London. The drought is the longest and the weather the hottest that that city has known for seventy-seven years. Everywhere, the despatch tells us, the suffering is intense. "Streets of molten asphalt, and trees burned to a cinder, were common; and the red brick dwelling-houses radiated and intensified the fearful heat of the sun. Casualties among the poor are enormous; many prostrations and deaths are reported." Business has fallen off fifty per cent. Parks have been converted into lodging-houses, and police discipline has been notably relaxed.

Whirlwind Strikes South Carolina Coast

August 27 a whirlwind swept over the coast region of South Carolina, snuffing out five lives, and property to the value of more than one million dollars in Charleston and its immediate vicinity. Its velocity was ninety-five miles an hour. Great damage was done to shipping. Ten small steamers and schooners were sunk in Charleston harbor. Telephone and telegraph wires were put out of commission, and the city was submerged in total darkness.

Little Faith in Peace Talk

By Editor

Little Faith in Peace Talk.—It will be seen by Our London Letter that the English people have little faith in the talk of universal peace. When it was thought that a peace and arbitration plan might be established by treaty between the two great English-speaking nations of earth, United States and Great Britain, the English welcomed it; for these two nations firmly bound together could maintain the balance of power and preserve the peace of the world. It would be a consummation to be wished and of interest to both peoples. But when England saw that America was passing the offers of such treaties around to all, England's traditionary and present enemies and rivals, her ardent faith in such treaties was bound to cool. It would not stay a general war in Europe, nor a war between England and Germany, and hence would be utterly worthless. The simple fact is that the danger of United States and Great Britain going to war is slight; this the past demonstrates; but the moral effect upon the nations, of these two great powers treaty joined, would be tremendous. But if this country is to join all others through like treaties, of what benefit is it to England? The arbitrament of war is still the court of last resort, and it is bound to come.

Sight and Hearing Miraculously Restored

Dr. H. D. Chapin, a Cleveland physician who lost his sight seven years ago in a trip across the Syrian deserts, and whose eyes specialists in Europe would not undertake to treat, was treated by Dr. Arnold Knapp of New York City, who cut the outer veiling of the eye, put back the epithelial coat, a part of the conjunctiva, to get to the cornea. A slit was made down to the vitreous fluid, and then, with the eye held so that none of the fluid could escape, a superfluous part of the iris, which caused the blindness, was cut away. This certainly was an achievement of great skill. The very next day comes another despatch stating that a man who had been deaf for years had his hearing restored by a stroke of lightning near-by.

Ragged Tramp Leaves a Fortune

It is not always those who are in rags that are in want. There recently died in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a man who had tramped north and south and east and west, all through the country, on crutches at times, and in rags, who bequeathed to a woman who took him into her house and cared for him $330,000. After he died it was learned that he had a mine which produced $500 a week, stock valued at $200,000, $60,000 cash, and the finest farm on the Wahoo River, in Nebraska, worth $50,000.

The Christian Sabbath: Scriptural, Historical, Prophetical

By Editor

"The Christian Sabbath; Scriptural, Historical, Prophetical," by H. W. Cottrell, is No. 205 of the "Bible Students' Library." It contains 48 pages, and its price is 3 cents. It takes up the Institution of the Sabbath, Christ and the Sabbath, Christ the Lord of the Sabbath, the Day and Purpose of the Sabbath, Apostolic Practise, the Lost Time question, the First Day of the Week, an Attempt to Change the Sabbath, Who Made the Attempt? and the Restoration of the Sabbath.

Germany Stayed by Anglo-French Unity

Despatches from London seem to indicate clearly that Germany's hand was stayed because she saw that England would stand with France in the Morocco difficulty. There was a time when Germany with any power alone was indeed a strong menace, but it is said now that Germany finds that there is no one power which will meet her; that if she wants to have European war on her hands with either France or England, she will have two powers to meet instead of one.

Gold Recovered from Lake Guatavita

It is said that English engineers have drained the lake Guatavita in the mountains of the United States of Colombia in South America, in which had been cast by the extinct Indian tribe Muyscas large offerings of gold and jewels to the goddess of the lake. Much gold has already been secured.

Automobile Race Grandstand Collapses

In the auto races at Elgin, Illinois, only two were offered as a sacrifice to the sport deity. This was somewhat less than the usual automobile sacrifices. Many were injured, however, by the collapse of a grand stand on which were 7,000 persons.

"Complete deliverance at the Red Sea." . . . From "The Return of the Jews"