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Les diagrammes suivar lllustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 4 5 6 : L_ MICROCOPY RESOIUTION TEST CHART (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) 15.6 US US u 2.8 13.2 1 3.6 ■AQ Z5 2.0 1.8 ^ APPLIED IfVMGE Inc 1653 East Main Street Rochester. N«i» York 14609 USA (716) +82 - 0300 - Phone (716) 288-5989 -Fox CONFIDENTIAL For the Uhh nf Mnnhir^ of the (jeiieral Con/ere iic<; and Mission liotird Oiifi/. REPORT of the GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE MISSION IN JAPAN APRIL TO JUNE, 1898. Toronto : METHODIST BOOK AND PUBLISHING HOUSE 29-33 Richmond Street West. 1898. 1 /< •./■;■; school, in which again was most kindly 3ntertained. Their building is large, new, well situated and commodious. At 2 p.m., addressed the church in reply to a formal and suggestive address on their part. After lunch, with large company at restaurant in full Japanese styk, again addressed a large public meeting in the church on " The Nature and Work of Christianity." The church is a large brick building, say 70 X 50 feet, hqlding from five to six hundred people, and we had it full. Twenty Buddhist priests were present, besides officers of the Government, lawyers, merchants, etc. Here I met and conversed wi i one of the Methodist Protestant Mis- sionaries, who urged that this is tho tiino to seiul on niisBion forces to Japan. Kroin this meeting afterward heard that t..en wero iiuiuiring the >vj',y of SK'.vation. In Shizuoka there are ten Protest ...I denominations, per- haps not a wise distribution of forces, seeing that niillions in tlie country are utterly destitute of gosptil ministrations j its population is 40,000. Next Monday addressed the girls' school at 8 am, and mot the pastors and evangelists at D a.m., to talk over their work, their discouragements ai»d dirticulties. False doctrine and indifference were their main complaint. In the afternoon took train to Hamamatsu HO miles, whore in the evening addressed a large congregation in the theatre on " Tho General Aspects of Christianity." Hero the church was erected by Bro. Cassidy with contribution from Amasa Wood, as also five otlier churches in oMier places from same source and help from Dr. Macdonald. Next day went on by rail to Fukui, 175 miles, populat'on, scy 50,000, where spoke in the evening ; was entertained at the Presbyterian manse by Kev. Mr. Fulton, who has been Peveral years in the country ; met at his bouse Miss Porter, one of their experienced lady missionaries, with both of whom con- versed of the work at length. We have a fine property at Fukui, large mission house, erected by Mr. Mackenzie, and a large plot of ground ; the Jiouse is now unoccupied and wrecked by flood, in bad con- dition and in danger, through carpenters, carrying on their business in part of it. To the church is attached a dwelling for the Japanese pastor. The PresV)yterians desired to rent our Mission House. Saturday morning went on by rail 65 miles to Kanazawa. Population 100,000, where we were met by Bros. Mackenzie and Norman, with whom lodged in the Mission House, which is a good building, well situated on ample premises. Was also met by our lady missionaries who have work here, and by the Japanese brethren. In the afternoon addressed a reception meeting and attended Miss Ciombie's farewell. On Sabbath morning preached and aided in baptisms and administration of the Lord's Supper; in the afternoon addressed a young men's religious meeting, well attended ; and in the evening spoke to a considerable general assembly 6 in a hall on " Education and Religion.*' The Governor of the Ken was present, whose wife is a devoted Christian, formerly a Methodist, now a Presbyterian. On Monday visited our Ladies' Industrial School, also their Orphanage, each a good work ; then through the kindness of Mrs. Mackenzie, had an interview with the Presbyterian and other missionaries of the city, ladies and gentlemen ; and in the ever ing a long conver- sation with a Buddhist priest ; Rev. Mr. Dooman, an Episco- palian dcrgyiican of long experience in the East, who is opening wcik in Kanazawa, and boarding for a time with Mr. Mackenzie, interpreting for us. Talked also with Mr. Dooman on missionary work. The Buddhist could not accept eternal spiritual activity. Must have Nirvana. We have a school in Kanazawa used also for a church. Tuesday went on by rail and jinrikisha to Takaoka, say 50,000 people ; had crowded church (say 250 on mats) and much disturbance, yet there was a feeling after God, Wednesday, pressed on by basha and jinrikisha to Toyama, say 75,000 people. We were waited on by inquirers. The region is strongly Budd- hist as the evening service proved, 800 or 1,000 crowded into our little church, while many more were howling outside. We preached on " the light of the world." All was fairly orderly till we began to name Christ and Christianity, when great disturbance began. The interruptions were fierce and uncontrollable. After much effort for a hearing we finished in a semi- satisfactory way. The police came to our relief and accompanied us to our hotel, where I sat under the a^gis of my passport. Bro. Elliot had labored here, and Bro. Mac- kenzie still visits the place. There are cities with a more open door. We have here a church-room with dwelling attached and a considerable plot of ground. Thursday morn- ing went on to Iwase, where we took boat (a little coast- ing steamei^ for Naoyetsu, 75 miles to the north-east. Did not go up the coast to Niigata where we have a man. Friday forenoon, reached Takata by rail to the south ; popu- lation, 16,000. We have two members in the town, 15 in vicinity ; rent a preaching place and residence on a main street for 2 yen 80 sen per month ; and pay 5 yen for moving snow. This place has sidewalks covered in on account of snow, with crossings tunneled at the corners. All the region round about is a hard field opened up by Mr. Dunlop, whoin I heard of as a man of sreat energy. The Presbyterians had work at Takata, but the pastors left, leaving two ladies to hold the fort ; the ladies have now also gone, and the Presby- terians wish to sell us their property for 250 yen. Of their 50 members none came to the Methodists, which is said in Japan to be a common way of doing. The Buddhist priests here are said to be very immoral, being the principal patrons of the brothels. We visited Dr. Omori's school for blind boys, which was started by Mr. Dunlop, and where ood work is in progress. In the afternoon, went on south past Nae reported increase of one hundred for the year was the occasion of much satisfaction, gratitude and joy. The religious services during Conference wero spiritual and profit- able • and it seemed easy to preach the glorious Gospel with blessed unction. But I felt very much the need of specia prayer, and, it may be, revival services with the brethren, and of opportunities to confer with them on their doctrinal toach- in«r, and on the peculiar difficulties regarding instruction and life they meet with in their ministry and evangelism in Japan. The distance of the residence of the President of Conference, the missionaries and my interpreter, from the seat of Confer- ence, and the pressure of other matters, seemed, however, to render this impracticable. On such visits as I made from Canada, there should be pre-arrangements of this character. And it is my decided conviction such visits should be made more frequently, and each of longer continuance than mine. We must keep in living touch with the brethren in Japan ; and I think this course would have been less expensive and more effective than the one we have taken. The Methodist Superintendency from the United States holds residence m the East for one or two years in each case, so that nearly all the time there is a Superintendent in the Orient ; and the English and Protestant Episcopal Superintendency is on the ground most of the time, and then not engajred simply in financial matters. A merely business connection with our home Board— a business relation and agency— is not by any means all that is required. Trustworthy business is indis- pensable ; but a mission may have that to perfection, and yet be very lame and defective as a moral and spiritual force. During the Conference there were meetings of the Mission Council ; and after the close of Conference, two days were spent in Mission Council, carefully deliberating with the brethren on important subjects, so far as opportunity was afforded. There were present in Council at all sittings : Dr. Scott, chairman; Rev. H. H. Coates, secretary; Rev. Dr Macdonald, and Revs. D. R. Mackenzie, A. C. Borden and D. Norman. Over and above asking the brethren in Council to present such subjects as they deemed desirable for consider- ation, which they did freely, the following topics » ire presented 10 for their views, and, as they thought best, their formal deliverances : (1) The Mission Property. Its present position and mode of tenure. The tenure under the treaties. What measures necessary? What of Insurance? Taxes? What the dill'er- ence, if any, between the Japanese Church property and our Mission property ? How is it with other Churches in the country? What is the ordinary Japanese tenure of their hind ? Is it desirable to sell or rent any of our property, as at Tsukiji or Kanazawa ? (2) Azabu Boys' School or Academy. Is it doing a work to justify our outlay upon it? (3) The Work at the Tabernacle in Hongo. Is it properly equipped ? Has it a place in the work, and will it pay to keep it going? (3) How are members tested and received into the Church ? How are evangelists qualiGed for their work? Are there too many of them, considering the supervision ? (4) Should the wives of Missionaries have any relation to the Work ? What is their present relation ? Can it be improved ? (5) Co-oper- ation of the Denominations in Evangelistic Work, or on Stations; also in Educational Work. How far possible? (6) Relations of the Council of the Women's Missionary Society and our own. Is any further co-operation desirable? Is there any collision of authority or work, or any need or danger of it? Is any further legislation on the subject necessary ? (7) Relations of the Workers on the Field. Any need of collision of work or authority there, or of misunder- standings arising ? \^S) Relations of our Missionaries to the Annual Conference Authorities : Stationing Committee, Chair- men of Districts, &c. Any misunderstandings or interferences there? Relations of the Missionary Council to the Annual Conference. (9) Relations of the Missionaries *and the Mis- sionary Council to the General Board of Missions, and to the Representative of the General Board in Japan. Are any modifications here desirable in legislation or otherwise? (10) Is a Mission Council Desirable? If so, what are its powers and functions ? What legislation is needed ? Do mission- aries feel comfortable and free for aggressive work ? Are the Japanese pastors suspicious of the Mission Council 1 Has the Misiion Council felt Uee to carry out the Discipline? Has it put it in force, ao far as practicable? (11) The Salaries in 11 r formal md mode measures lie dill'er- ' and our is in the of their •perty, as Ccadeniy. (3) The quipped 1 it going? Church 1 there too lould the £? What Co-oper- k, or on possible's Missionary lesirable 1 ' need or 9 subject Id, Any nisunder- les to the ee, Chair- jrferences e Annual the Mis- nd to the Are any se? (10) ;s powers mission - Are the Has the 1 Has it alaries in Japan • of Missionaries and especially of the Pastors and Evan- gelists How are they affected by the increased expense ot fiving? What are the recommendations in the case ( '-) Why do Pastors leave their Work, as they are doing/ (l^) W hat should be our Policy of Evangelism 1 Or is Japan about ready for the departure of the missionaries? Sliould we station missionaries so as to co-operate with one another or with the missionaries of other evangelical churches i bhall we push on the work? How many additional men do we require ? Do we employ evangelists too readily 1 (H) hending our Japanese Probationers for the Ministry, or the Pastors, to Canada or abroad for Education. Is it desirable? If so on what terms? (15) Methodist Union. Is it desirable ? If so, what is the present attitude and prospect ? How, and how tai- can it be advanced? (IG) The Delegation to the General Conference : the case of the Laymen. (17) The Question of Self Support. How far advanced ? How far possible / How succeeding in other churches? What helpful, prudent and energetic measures can be taken ? These and other similar subjects engaged the attention ot the Council for more than two days, and gave rise to many personal interviews with our missionaries and with others in the Church, ministers and members, who were accessible. 1 had no special commission from the Woman's Missionary Society, nor am I aware that either its Board or Executive expressed any desire that I should, in my office as General Superintendelit of the Methodist Church, give attention to their work in Japan. In some regards, however, the very kind and diligent offices of their workers in the held enabled me to obtain something of a view of our Church's affairs from their side of operation and of their relations to the Methodist Church. Visiting nearly all their work, and addressing al their schools, I could not but see they have been faithtul workers, and are rendering to our beloved Zion a very noble and valuable service. , i e ^ e Besides these conversations, moreover the watchti\ tore- thouaht and abundant hospitality of our brethren and their wives, and our sisters in the Gospel, readily opened up my „„, to interviews with leading mifisionaries of the other Protestant Churches, especially those ivho had been longest m way 12 the country and, therefore, had gathered the ripest experience. The open counsel and free cordial fraternity of the Churches on the mission field are most delightful. The brethren and sisters of the other Christian communions, both in their institutions and in their converse in the social circle, gave me for the most part quick access to information and satisfactory answering to my queries. In this way I had the honor and pleasure of meeting in personal interview, more or less ex- tended, either at the homes of the missionaries or in my travels, in addition to several already mentioned, of the Presbyterians, Rev. Mr. Waddell of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, Revs. McNair and Dr. Imbrie of the American Presbyterian Churches, and Rev. Mr. Vanhorne of the Cum- berland Presbyterians, most of them missionaries of long standing ; of the Congregational Church (American Board), Rev. Dr. Davis, with whom I lodged at Kyoto ; Learned, Gordon, Rev. Mr. Allchin, formerly of Guelph, with whom I lodged at Osaka ; Dr. Gulick, Mr. Curtis and Miss Denton, all of much experience in the field, some of them grown old there. Of the Episcopalian Churches, Archdeacon Warren, an aged missionary at Osaka, and Rev. J. C. Robinson, a devoted Wycliflite, at Nagoya, with whom I lodged. Of the Baptists, Revs. Fisher, Bennett and Dr. Ashmore, who has much age and experience in mission fields. Of the Cliristians, Mrs. Garst ; and of the Methodists, besides our own workers of present and past time, whose opinions and judgment are by no means to be put out of the reckoning. Revs. Mr. Johnson and Drs. Spencer and Soper, who have seen many years of evangelistic service, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose splendid school and industrial plant T visited at Aoyama ; Rev. J. S. Spencer, Presiding Elder of the Nagoya District, for many years in the work ; R^v. Yamanaki, one of our oldest native ministers, evidently much esteemed and trusted by his brethren, and of our laymen Yamaji and Yuki. These conversations occupied many liours and even days. To make thenv more comprehensive and etiective, after Conference and Council meetings, in company with Bro. Coates, I took an additional journey to important missionary stations of some of tiie other Churches, as above intimated, at Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya. And besides these set occasions other oppor- cperience. Churches bhreu and in their , gave me tisfactory jonor and r less ex- or in my d, of the sbyterian A.merican the Cum- i of long 1 Board), Learned, J whom I Denton, ;rown old arren, an El devoted Baptists, much age ms, Mrs. orkers of it are by Johnson years of ch, whose Aoyama j District, le of our i trusted i. These To make ■ence and took an s of some a, Kyoto er oppor- ; 13 tunities to converse on missionary topics were of course rb aced, such as that afforded l,y the constant con.pan.on- s In of Bro. Hiraiwa, who rendered invaluable service and assfstanco as interpreter, as brother beloved and as a minister ""^Frmu all this investigation several things were quite apparent, and lay on the surface, and of them I may speak S (I) Our Mission is not the only one that has passed through sore trials and suffered from its set backs. Kvery „ ss^n has seen its dark days, while the political forces and ancient cults and customs have borne equally on all, some ? cm one cause and some from another. No other mission may have had our peculiar difficulties, but they have all had their difficulties, and I found most of them inquiring some of t em even in a bewilderment of disaster, not amazing likely con- dearie ancient ramparts against which the forces have bee" hurled-What have b'een our mistakes^ What is tl. cause of all this? Wherein can we make amendment? Whciein can we change our policy, ways and methods to advantage j (2 ) That about every conceivable policy, way and method has been tried in these numerous missions ; and in the awtul swirl of the feverish anxiety and hasteful variety, some have even tried the variation and accommodation of unchangeable foundation principles. (3.) That this haste, nusdirec ion, apparent waste, and evideiit check have often come largely troni plTcipitate zeal either for the cause o God or the building up of a denomination, and from the recklessness and ill-groundod confidence that youthful inexperience is apt to manifest ann^ exciting opportunities in a suddenly opened held. Some things lad to be learned, ^ven faithful missiona^^^^^^^^ made, as now appears, great mistakes. (4.) That further the check has come somewhat from the character and disposi- tion of the people, themselves «"^e'-g'"g/'^*°//'^ ^'8»t;^^^^^^^ the darkness of centuries. Never accustomed o intellectual, moral and spiritual movements, they are whirled by various currents into a surging flood, and in many regards have not found rock bottom or solid standing ground. They know but little of moral principle or the firm foundations of r^ljgjo^s tr utk No marvel the Christian missions should get run off into an eddy It is well they are not altogether swamped. ■n u (5.) The decided national movement of the last ten years, the rebound from the foreign to the native; the reaction from the West to the East is a large part of the explanation. Some years ago the cry was for western civilization ; and Christianity, in their eyes an accident and ornament of western civilization carried all before it. The life, spirit and genius of genuine Christianity never penetrated, molded or governed their institutions, and not very many of their hearts. Unitarianism and German Rationa'ism were as good to them as clear revelation and divine truth. Call it western civiliza- tion and you gave it a passport. Young Japan asserted itself; vaunted liberalism of life and thonght was what they called for, and true, soul-converting Christianity and its missions fuffered. (6.) Then the missionaries themselves went in with a hundred and more schemes and plans, often airing them in the pride of opinion, and filling the land with diverse experiments. More Christian unity and more primitive apostolic simplicity would have been more effective. (7.) And besides this, most societies had plenty of foreign money ; great institutions were planted ; the economics and politics of Churches grown in old civilizations were set down rigidly in a land and among a people that had never dreamed of such things and nothing short of bewilderment, if not stupefaction, could follow. It is matter of congratulation that the religious societies are pulling out from the wheels, cogs and belts with- out being all torn to pieces. Notwithstanding, however, all misdirections and mistakes, Christianity has made progress and now, -vith God's protec- tion and blessing, has good footing in Japan. It would be a great mistake to say little or nothing has been done. Much has been done. It remains to learn what lessons we may ; and let the failures of the past be warnings for the future. To this end we will take a survey of the present position of different missions as brought out in the conversations above referred to regarding the important aspects of missionary work m Japan. Amid all the variety of effort and whirl of motion some ground has been laid to stand upon in these islands. I found (l)That scattered over the country there are about thirty-three Protestant missionary societies -and agencies at work. (2) That the Presbyterian missions and the 16 en years, reaction tlanation. ion ; and f western id genius governed ■ hearts. I to them 1 civih'za- asserted hat they and its emselves ns, often md with jrimitive 7.) And 'y ; great )Iitics of igidly in i of such efactJon, religious Its with- nistakes, s protec- uld be a Much ve may ; future, dtion of is above ssionary whirl of in these ry there lies "and and the Episcopalian nnssions of England and A.nenca ^ro laboring fn each case to build up an independent and distinctly or- ganized Japanese Church, each after its own pattern and separate from the Church at home. This is their theory, and they work accordingly. On the other hand the Method t Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church South, like our own, are toiling to build up churches in Japan in organic connection with the home churches. The question of final separation from the home church just now lies m abey- ance The Congregationalists, or Kuniai churches have, after their system, attempted to erect each local society into a separate church, and zealously preached independence to the Japanese Christians; of which propagandism they arc now reaping some bitter fruits, as this paper may show /3^ That all the churches, and all men in all the chuiches, both Japanese and foreigners, have abandoned the view so often set forth under the extreme nationalistic spirit a few years ago, that the time had come when the Japanese could stand alone in missionary matters, or might be left to thein- selves; would build up their own church and propagate their own gospel. Yes, that is what a few high-ttying, over sanguine men would have attempted— propagate their own gospel ; but plainly enough now it would have been neither the Church of God nor the gospel of Jesus Christ. fhe bubble has burst, the idea has exploded. The leaders in that crv among the Japanese have about all gone otf into Herbert Spencerism, Unitarianism and Rationalism ; among the foreigners they have gone home disgusted with their own prophecies. How any man could traverse the streets of the towns and cities of that country to-day, or take a journey over its mountains and into its rural parts and come to the conclusion that the foreign missionary had done his work and could be dispensed with is to me utterly inconceivable. Ihe Church of God never had graver responsibilities regarding this people than it has to-day, and ought to settle down to patient acrgressive work. Neither need it be surprised if the day ot persecution cometh. (4) I found that all the missionary societies that are doing anything on the held, and have three or four or more missionaries there, have a council or lar consultation of their missionaries ; in most cases men and 16 I n women together, with jiowors and rehitions one to another unci to the native churches fairly well understood and more or less clearly defined. The testimony was that the mission council is an essential separate entity controlling and inspiring aggressive evangelistic work. While the personal equation enters largely into the consideration, and the missionary'a own moral and spiritual power is a force to be reckoned in, usage and practice, more than written law, have given to these councils and to the province of the missionary their general boundaries and directions. Several things are evident : (a) The missions would not by any means undertake to do with- out the meeting and consultation of niijjsionaries or the missionary council with some definiteness of sphere and power. {/)) This council protects the home interests, (c) It plans and sustains the general, aggressive work of the mission, (d) Its place and functions are readily conceded by the native pastors, 8ynods and Conferences, when it keeps to its own work, properly asserts itself, and pursues a steady course on settled principles, (e) It brings to the aid and comfort of each missionary the experience and support of the entire mission, and hence is deemed indispensable. (5) That this council in the different missions is differently constituted, liaving more or less of what we would call disciplinary authority. Among the Congregationalists it broadly com- prehends the men and women of the mission, taking in even the wives of the missionaries, who are given missionary standing as building up Christian homes. All vote in common on all questions coming before the council. The practice among the Baptists is much the same. Among the Epis- copalians and the Methodist Episcopals, there are separate councils of men and women with consultation on matters that are common to both ; and with such arrangement of powers and functions as will be pointed out under the caption of the relation of the work of men and women missionaries, and other councils to the home boards. Among the American Presbyterians the men and women, including the wives of the missionaries employed by the board, sit together in council called the Mission, all voting in common and all subject to the common action. Under all these arrangements there was said for the most part to be harmony of movement, or a way of (lisposiiK^ of diOeiencea without breaking up the nusbion or daiuaiii.f,' tho work. Amonj,' the Christinnx there are separate oncMiitiona betwixt the men and women througliout. VVliero both are at work, as in India, there are contentions am dilHcuUies Among ourselves, tho cleavage betwixt men and women workers is complete. (6) Thaf as to tho relation of tho men and women missionaries and their councils to the homo boards, I found that amongst the Presbyterians in America t'.e churches ra'se money for the General Board, and W omen s Societies raise money for the women's work ; but all this money from both sources goes into the treasury of the Genera r,oard which operates through one treasury in Japan, and pays out its funds according to the action of the common Council of the men and women in Japan, or, in some of the luissions, according to the decisions of the council of men missionaries on the recommendation of the women. Ihia is of course the money for the support and use of the missionaries in their work, the money to the Japanese Societies being under at least suggestions from the council, a direct appropriation by the Board through the same treasury. The plan among the Congregationalists is virtually the same, as also among the Episcopalians, proper allowance being ir ade for church polity In the Methodist Episcopal Church, the women have their own societies and boards at home and their own counci 'in Japan, but their estimates must be passed by the General Council in Japan in which they vote on their own matters ; and besides, all their appointments to their work are made by the bishop in charge, equally with the appointments of the preachers to their circuits. This avoids the proximity of people given to interference one with another. So in all these missions there are lines of united action from the home societies and boards through the councils, treasuries and administrative officers of the church. There are also the safeguards of a united ecclesiastical control. I found the Methodist Church, Canada, running a two- wheeled vehiuie without any connection between the wheels but the invisible bond of piety and good sense which are not always present in large quantities. The riclt^s on the sepa- rate wheels sometimes make vaulting spurts and dash into collision. 2 18 tl i i .if (7) That the rolation of the missionary and the missionary council to the native churoh, whether that church was growing on the autonomous and separate plan, or in oryanic union with the home church, as lias heen already pointed out, has considerable variations in the did'erent missions, begotten partly of the polity of their churches, partly of their aims and ideals, and partly of their circunistances, management and even personal temperament. This is the citadel of the whole situation, and we must go about it therefore all the more car* fully ((, ; In the Congregational churches, where the purpose has been to build up the separate societies into small independent churches, the missionary preached that he an 1 the home church must decrease and the Japanese pasl.a and church must increase. The Japanese have learned that part of the doctrine perfectly and applied it most effectually. The Missionary Council as such has lost its influence among the longer established churches ; the missionary that planted them waits idly around for an invitation to preach among them which he does not always get, no matter how important in his view that he should strengthen or correct them or build them up in the f \ich, and must depend on mere personal influ- ence to reach the infant church he would cherish, as plainly it greatly needs. Whatever may have been the success of planting, here is plain failure of oversight and nourishing care; and if the missionary would continue his labors he must turn away with a heavy heart to new fields, only likely to repeat the same experience and fall far short of making any of the churches centres of moral and spiritual power. They say things would hM have been in so unfortunate a condition if they had kept a nrve power in the Mission Council, or had some other be id -r -on ia:'d control. I heard some of them say they prefer cd en '<■ bishop to such work. (b) The Presbyftricn ^I^;^!slons are -tiilding, as has been said, around a naci/e j.ipHnese chuich with its Presby- teries and Synods. These Presbyteries and the Synod are composed mainly of native pastors and laymen, and control under their constitution all things ecclesiastical, as disciplining the ministers and members, training the ministry, and raising and expending their own money. ^ 19 ii8sionai'y arch was ill oryanic luted out, , hegottesi aims and nont and the whole the more irposehas lependent the home d church irt of the lly. The mong the , planted jh among mportant 1 or build >nal influ- la plainly luccesa of ourishing 3 he must likely to iking any er. They condition has been i Presby- Synod le nen, and istical, as ning the I money. ir Somo of the mission.ules becouu. members of the Presbytery and Svnod and ar« s- '.j(v* thereto. Of course they are l.ab e ?o1.;ing Hack-M I'ed on application. Son>e o thorn are on y correspondin. .m\ advisory members, withou vo e ; and n BomeTls thev are not allowed by the homo churches to ho Id even these relationships. Hut they nm ntam the in egr. y and vigor of their Mission Council, and in ,t administer the aSairsof the Mission, but not of the Church, lay out their lields, expend their money as committed to ^J;-"' ';;V;' ^ Xj*: power to carry on their aggressive work. \et onl> by thur Lrsonal inriuence have they place for preaching and ed'h-a^^^ Sn fields under pastors , that is, Japanese ministers. Perhaps in this connection I mav be permitted to quote from D . Peery, Lutheran Missionary in Japan, whose book is just from the press, pages 182-3, as follows: "The Mission of the American Board has experienced more trouble in recent years than any other, especially in the attempt promptly to adjust the relations betwien the native and foreign worker, and in the matter of Mission property^ Most of tl- valuable pro- nertv of the Mission has passed into native hands, and in some instances has been perverted from its original purpose The missionaries are regarded with jealousy by many m the native church ; they are excluded from the church councils and are being gradually pushed out of the most important PO-tions, and their places ii\W with Japanese. • • • V'° F,v.-scopal C,m".h ot uapan, which is one of the most a.tive V orous bodies at work here, is governed by foreigu bishops, and nearly all the positions of importance are failed by foreign missionaries, and yet the relations between the native and foreign workers are, on the whole, cordial and harmonious The Methodist Church is governed by foreign bishops, and nearly all the presiding elders are foreign missionaries, yet complete harmony prevails between the native and the foreign ministry. The Presbyterian Church, with a policy somewhat resembling the Congregational, is encountering the same diffi- culties in a milder form." i.^- • (c) All this is also quite true of the Episcopalian Missions except as matters are touched at some points by Episcopal authority, to which the ministers of that body informed me -J. "^ ...:j.- -^«.,;^,,/.«r>t T«/1oorl lYiw nwn little the Japanese are qaitts aeqmeaCvnt' Indeed mv own little m li ilil f 20 observation and experience under Dr. Macdonald's administra- tion and my own satisfied me that when thev were shown the law and the proper line of action they brought themselves readily into a happy conformity thereto. It is a great mis- take to yield to unreasonable demands to their own damage. (d) In the Methodist Episcopal Church the missionaries are members of the Annual Conference, feeling themselves per- fectly safe there as to their relation and work, since the bishop appoints the presiding elders, who may be the evan- gelizmg missionaries or the most active and trustworthy native preachers, as the bishop also appoints missionaries ministers and pastors to their several fields of labor. It will not do to say so, but this system guards what most needs guarding from the point of view of the home churcii, viz the freedom of the missionary on his iield of toil, and his oppor- tunity as presiding elder, not only to open up new ground but as well to foster and protect the church as already planted I his system also gives the best care of evangelists or inex- perienced laborers sent out on the field, who should, of course' be under the direction, constant oversight and control of the . ssionary, that is, the travelling presiding elder. Mean- time this Mission maintains the integrity of its Mission Council, so far as may be necessary from that side, protecting the interests of the home church on the one hand, and on tht other watching over the welfare of the native church in its treely acting Annual Conference, as free as the Presbyterian fcsynod under its constitution in things ecclesiastical. (e) In our own body our missionaries are members of the Annual Conference, being regularly transferred thereto, and thereby are subject both to the Stationing Committee and to the power of the Conference in electing its chairman. Both of these aspects of our economy and management may become, and in fact do become, very prejudicial to the interests of our mission work on the field. Our missionary sent out to do aggressive, organizing and confirming work may be so stationed by the Stationing Committee and so related to supervising pastors as to materially cripple him in his operations. A case has just occurred in which a brother devlined to be transferred, and so in protecting himself embarrassed the home work. Or he may be placed under the 21 chairman of a district to wliom he is subject in his plans and work, and so be partially or completely handicapped, being forced to look up his work and make his arrangements so as not to come into collision with authority or give offence. This is not mere theory, it has been fact. Our Japanese brethren are not slow to see their vantage ground and take possession ; they love power as much as most ordinai'y mortals whether they know how to use it or not, or whether they use it to advantage. As to their ability to control mis- sionary operations we ought to have an opinion. This con- dition of things, as I had occasion to observe, brings some- what of a paralysis upon our movements in Japan, which paralysis is intensified from other causes that I may notice ; and is by no means appreciated by any one who does not feel the pressure of the aggressive work, and the actual work of the evangelistic missionary in advancing the interests of Christ's kingdom and saving the souls of men. The mission- ary should have a free hand under the Oouncil and Board, both in relation to the Japanese Conference authorities and any resident official of this Board. An officer who is not himself an evangelist will be apt to underrate the difficulties of the case. (8) I found, so far as T could learn, that all Home Boards cherished free intercourse betwixt themselves and their Mis- sion Councils, and that all Mission Councils had open access to the Home Boards, either directly by their own communica- tions, or through the Church officers, as bishops, elders, etc., or by both means. It seemed to be considered indispensable that there should be clear, mutual understanding and hearty co-operation. The Council and the missionaries were the trusted intermediary of the ' loine Board in its dealings with the native Church and organization, and so far as possible the representative of the Home Board for the native organiza- tion. (9) As to mission property I found that there are two methods of holding said property, and that in this regard all the missions are under the same regulations and necessities. In the first place, on the concessions made i!i the open ports to foreigners, property may be held and is held in trust for the missions l)y foreigners; as ours in Tsukiji, the concession in 22 I MM Tokyo, ,s held by Drs. Macdonald, Eby and likely Cochrane in the second place property outside the concessions can- not for the present, as has also been the case in the past be held hy foreigners, but must be held by Japanese. And tins holding by the Japanese is in their own right and abso- ute y under their own control, and the property can be egally disposed of at their pleasure. And as matters are now there is no redress. A case in point is what is known as the Doshisha Z wT^ ^.V ^ educational plant of the Congregationalists, as well as their splendid mission buildings and compounds ai ^I^a' ''Y'^^f'^^ f^^th and courage the Cong, egational Board purchased, say ten acres of ground, and has erected thereon by subscription, bequest, etc., six large brick three story buildings, being library, schools, etc., departments of t^A^ZT^^ ''/"''' ^\^y ^°""^^^^ °" Ch"«*i«'n principles, and hoped to employ in the evangelization of Japan In the usual manner they were made over to Japanese trustees under what were supposed to be safe conditions for Christian donors. These trustees have now abrogated the restrictive rules, abolished the Christian instruction, and given the American Board notice to quit ; which indeed It did some time ago, and is conducting its theological wo;;k. the only portion of its vast projects that it^can to «hnw^R"' ""n °*.^"* PT""^'"' altogether. When asked work D^ 1^'''- '°'"' i ^u'-"" T^'^ ^^^"^«^« ^°r Christian work, Dr. Davis one of their old missionaries and an active worker in founding the educational establishment said • "I do not think they will refuse me the key ; I have done work how The key was obtained and we visited a plant worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, coolly perverted fronTthe original foundation, and taken possession of by breach of trust ; and high authorities assure them there is no redress in any law or court, for foreigners cannot hold property, and the Japanese trustees are legal owners and withiS th;ir legS nSS- 1 '" ?"' ^"' ^^^ ^^' Congregational brethren nIZ« l\^' independence of the churches, and that th^ native laborers must increase and the missionaries must 23 decrease, put all their property into the hands of this native Doshisha Board, and have now notice to quit the very houses in which they live, with a few years delay as a compromisi-. The only hope at present is that public opinion, if there is such a thing in Japan, can be brought to bear upon the matter, or, that in view of the incoming treaties, enlarging Japan's intercourse with the world, some of the public men, havinff regard to the lionor and interest of the Empire will bring an eti'ectivo pressure to bear upon the trustees, that may compel them to l.:«,ve some respect for the sacredness of such a trust and restoie what they have wrongfully taken. It can readily be seen that the interests of other missions are bound up in the determination of this case. Sore trial as it is, it may prove a valuable education in ethics, as the Japanese churches are aroused and uttering strong protest. Other missions have by no means abandoned confidence in the honor of their trustees ; and there are scores of faithful men, of whom we have a good share, that do not and will not coun- tenance so })ase conduct. I have gone at length into this matter, for it shows more than is on the surface ; and it is by no means finished, nor its final lesson yet given. It is gratifying to know that many influential Japanese are seeing that such transactions as the Doshisha must affect their foreign relations. When property was thus placed of necessity in the hands of Japanese trustees, the best that could be done was to take a writing in return acknowledging the trust and sealed with a seal. This was by no means solid ; nor would it hold the law or recover for it, as trusts, outside of the foreigners, are not understood in Japan. What the condition of affairs will be when the treaties come in force, which is in a year or so, remains to be seen. But all missions will no doubt put their tenure of property upon such lines of readjustment as will secure the best basis and holding practicable. Mean- time, missions taking warning are not investing largely in property ; nor will they make further large investments till some safer method of having and holding is reached. (10) That there is a general consensus, that under the foreign craze of a few years ago, and the rapid adoption of Western ideas by the Japanese, the churches and their 11 ' 24 missions were canglit in the rushing tide and carried far out to sea ; and that, now that they are pulling into their moor- ings again in several regards they have let too much of control and of managing and directing power slip out of their hands ; and further, that it was much easier to let the ^rovern- ing and administrative function pass over to others, than it is now to recover it and secure efficiency thereby. The very presence of the missionary by foreign support involves some dehnite missionary control. The Japanese brethren in the native churches are earnest and loyal up to their apprehension of Christianity and eccle- siastical and Scriptural government, but as might be expected win e missionaries are required and foreign help is absolute^ d^Ztil oTI^^^^^^^^^ fully qualified to take thf dection of all affairs into their own hands. They must be itlnP ' 1 1"" ^'' ^'•"^'"^ ^"^ ^°^^^' ■> «^'d they must be lielped; and they must, like ourselves, learn that there are various economies, laws, governments and grades of authority that each has its time and place, and that there must be ZC '^"i ""^'uT'' ^'^'•°»g^o"t. There has been a glamour over the whole situation, like the mist over the Tf^om irabil^rH • I'r^y}^^^^ — ^-m temperament let loose^^ n ffi' """ Z'^'" '^^"'■""^^ °^ missionaries OlnrT. i."""^ ^'^^' r ^''°'" ^''''^^ and competition of t^ie tIT' '^"^ ««'"^^'^y t»'e idea prevailed that practically the Japanese were wiser and better than we and our fathers had proved ourselves to be, that they were to be trusted wUh all power and administration at once and upon the start That hey would do things perfectly, and must h^ave tt manUe o vifw 'r j'"':^^' P/r^^ °" ^^'^- shoulders immediately and without graduating thereto as do all peoples iu civil, political linerihe^f "■ '''' ^^^. g>--rl gone, th^'m^fi Sre ouUl fn r^'"T •'"•'•^ ^"^^"« •'^"^* Americans. Ihere ought to be a territorial government, before there is state or provincial government ; there ought to be colonia f^dSv 't" ^'-- 'f 'r^''^' nght%ower,VrS; there fa tllv'''' "• '" i' '" ^-^ '''"'^'''' ^"^ ^ ^^^'^^ '>*^fo?e t eie IS a fully organ,>^ed circuit ; and there ought to be a halfoircmt or two before there is a highly organifed district 25 rried far out > tlieir inoor- 00 much of out of their ; the govern- rs, than it is . Tiie very •rt involves are earnest y and eccle- >e expected, 3 absolutfjly men among o take the ey must be ey must be t there are ' authority; e must be las been a t over the iperament, lissionaries petition of practically )ur fathers isted with start, that mantle of lately and , political, e mist is .mericans. e there is •e colonial privilege iss before it to be a d district Haunting its officiary and jurisdiction. The missions in these relivtions and particulars, are getting down out of the sky on to the ground ; out of theory, extiteirent and flurry into experience and fact, and will likely be able to do better work. And their Japanese churches, in their love of the kingdom, will stand by them in the exercise of their common sense and godly judgment. (11) Also, I found that all the missions are agreed as to the policy of sending young men, candidates or probationers for the ministry, to Europe or America for their education. With one voice they declare that in all ordinary cases this policy is inexpedient ; that on the whole it does not by any means pay. Educational facilities in Japan are very good ; the Churches about all have their Theological Schools, and young men have in their probation as fair chances of reading and study as in pioneering work in other lands. Besides, education abroad fills young men with schemes and notions that are far from prolitable to them in their work, often sets them above their necessary associations in Japan, habituates them to styles of living far too expensive for their sphere, and involves them in debt, too often to their speedy and final overthrow. Such young men, too arrogant for their work, leave it under th.e fia»iie of an earthly ambition ; or, utterly discouraged, are driven out of the ministry, in which, with proper restraints, they might have been an ornament and a power, to seek a livelihood, not according to the standards of good living in Japan, but according to even the artificial standards that have caught their admiration abroad. Special cases may arise where in the interests of the educational work, or for other particular purpose, it may be desirable that the probatio ler go abroad for a post graduate course or to finish a special education ; but the Missions agree that these cases are not frequent. And then the candidates must be put under proper regulation as to health, qualification, debt, obligation to the Mission and future service ; and likely in other particulars. (12) As to salaries, I may not enter into full statement here ; but to show what is going on in Japan, I may append the following action of the Church Missionary Society in Japan, in April, 1898, representing the Church of England ilii 26 S:^ 'MiSr-:i^3;/^^' of A^Hc, «... as eo Tl.o Hrst resolution was • ^' T 1 . '"'* l^'^P'^"^^^ a.^'e„ts. .-ate in the cost of ili' .; wl i h i ''"^' '" '"'^ '''^' "^--'«-^l than it WHS ten years ^.^ '^^ "' '"" ^'^t^f-" -"*• n.ore nnttee to raise the salaHes" of the Mis'stn ',' '"•■'"^^^"'"- acoordlng to the following seal.. • Mn •iTt'''' '" J'^P"*" 1,600 yen to 2 000 vtn/ ^ i" ^^'^"•"'•' Missionaries, from MissioLrie:. fron' "^S^l'T^'lf^t f T'^-^ ^'''^'^ from 750 to 900 yen." They also ask yU ^^^ Missionaries, to raise the allowances o n!f P*'^"^ Committee following scale "^^'^' ^°«"^« according to the .?!^rr«gte5.- .... , Clergymen in Deacons- ofdeT'^^- " '^ " ^'^ III Priests' Orders *^ 40 (All per month.) (( l< \"" per inontn.) in America at school Pav Church Missionary Society . .20 - -J^^^^^^j^j ^ Methodist Church, Canada |jr, _ 20 -single. ( TUptists !'^-«-"8^« ^^-'""'•r^- Universalist i«J - •' '~ Such a view makes it evident we have not been unmindful of our brethren in Japan— either missionaries or native agents. ,, ^, .»• • (13) That upon the question of self support all the Missions are in the territory of exploration, experiment and expectancy. Self support has three aspects, and to know your ground, you must know wliich aspect is meant. Is the Church really a self-supporting native Ch.n-ch 1 Or, is it self supporting by virtue of the contributions of the missionary force on the ground ] Or, is it that the pastor gets part of his pay frmn his people, part from the missionaries, and earns the rest himself by engaging in some other calling. Of genuine self- supporting native churches, there are, indeed, as yet very, very few. There are many obstacles, of course, some of whicli we will be slow in removing, as long as there is a plentiful supply of money from home. The pastors, who are largely from the Samurai class, scorn to ask money for self support, and have hardly risen to the conception of asking for the Cause of (jod. It is uroys School always making effort to bring as much Christian influence to bear as possible, and to keep the management in me JrtinUs ot Christian men. And against the men now in a.^ niHimgement I hoard of no objection as niattcts go in .lapan. Tho inanngcr indeed expressed great willingness to aid in evangelistic work among the boys. (.'{) The work of the Tabernacle in Hongo came in ft)r a sliare of attention. Here the IJoard has erected a building, 70 X 90 feet outside, and sustained a work at a cost of thou- sands of dollars. The building is solid brick on three sides, with we will not Ray/ulae, but temporary front though false enough now from the way its dilapidated condition misrepre- sents our Church — made temporary so as to be removable when enlargement is needed. On floor and in galleries the house will easily hold 1,000 people. There is a strip of ground on one side full length of lot \r> feet wide; on other side 2 feet ; in front is unoccupied space 30 feet broad. There is a narrow strip behind which could be purchased, say 20 feet broad, for house for pastor ; on the front of one side is a book store for religious literature, kept by a faithful woman of our Church. The building stands on a main thor- oughfare (as on Yonge street, just above College), in the midst of a dense unevangelized population, equal at least in number to that of Toronto, and within five minutes' walk of the University and College buildings with their thousands of students. The plan of the Board was, through the students to evangelize the Empire, and meantime, it may be, to gather in a local church. The working force to-day is a Japanese pastor with a missionary, Bro. Coates, under him, and what little help Mrs. Coates gives. The working force supposed to be needed is, say eight or nine, that is : two missionaries, one experienced and one beginner to teach English ; two evange- lists to follow up the work among the students and one pastor. Besides if work among the women and in families is to be prosecuted, lady missionaries and Bible women are required. That provision can be reduced and do a part of the work. And it can be reduced to present dimensions and do but very little. The relation betwixt the pastor appointed by the Stationing Committee and the missionary is not always satisfactory, interfering as it does with laying out plans and working to advantage, but, hy mntij.al regai-d and resf^rve and partial paralysis, friction is avoided. Had the Board not embarked ir ill I ■'f 34 in this work it might to-day ask the question whether it could afford to do so. To allow the missionary and the council to push us into this m..tter may have been a great mistake. Now the Board must ask the question whether it can afford to let it linger to the death, or wholly and promptly extinguish it. I presume we could sell out; but the present position of affairs is extremely unsatisfactory. If we are to build up a church among families, this is a case in which our Woman's Missionary Society could help us very eflfectually I he stereopticon with Bible pictures and incidents is used in preaching, and is thought to prove attractive and instructive especially to the students. It may be well to mention the fact that the Rev. Mr. Allchin, of the Congregational CJmrch, makes evangelistic tours of the country with his stereopticon, and is very confident that he materially helps the pastors and strengthens the churches. He is approved of by his board in the work, paid as any other missionary, and his expenses borne from mission funds. The Tabernacle seems to be about the only work of its kind in the country and rolls upon us a problem that we must grapple with and solve one way or the other-either pressing on to -reater eihciency or putting an end to the agony. It seems impos- sible, under present circum.stances, to induce our churches in that neighborhood to cast in their lot with the Tabernacle which, perhaps, under a vigorous policy could be brou-ht about, having a missionary in charge, a pastor associated with him with well-dehned lines of co-operation, and evangelists as might be necessary. It is true, as Dr. Cochrane said, "Either too much money then, or too little now." It is a m-eit SiCe'""*'^ """"^ ^''''^ responsibility. If it fail.«. a great I preached in the Tabernacle twice. The first time on an evening of overflowing, drenching rain, at the opening of the iX}ubai or wet season, to a congregation of about fifty • the second time, a better night, to five luindred, mostly stud'eits who paid close attention to the theme, "God in knowledge'' (4) I he council had considerable deliberation as to the ITZa U '"■'"''" P'^P^'i'T' *^' '"«"»'^"««. etc. ; but as in this been set forth on this subject in another connection. It was 35 thought on the coming in of the treaties in July, 1899, it would be well to arrange to have our lioldinga in the Treasurers of the Board, and for some change of tne kind we should make ready. As to the sale of the property we are leasing in Tsukiji, Dr. Macdonald thought we had better continue to rent it, as the income is considerable, while by others it was thought, as I subsequently found, that property in Tsukiji must sink in values, as soon as the treaties allow foreigners to hold off the concessions and give them wider scope throughout the Empire. Trustees for our property have in most cases been appointed by Quarterly Official Boards. Documents should be given by said trustees, which a Tokyo barrister, whom I met on the return steamer, said could be mad*; in a good sense valid. The wlioie matter will require revision and attention in 1899, and the coming General Conference and Missionary Board should so arrange. (5) The matter of self-support passed under review. The council did not seem to favor the idea of the pastors partially supporting themselves by outside employment, as is the case in some other Churches, since it would distract their energies and detract from their interest in the work. A church in their view was only self-supporting when the people really paid the stipend. Yet there might be cases where it would be well to assist an evangelist or local preacher, who would give part of his time to looking after the work. That might be left to the missionary or the chairman of the district. Expensive buildings, either for institutions or homes, except it may be in great centres, hinder self-support ; so also the moving of preachers on too short term. Cases occur where self-support exists and then by bad management is broken down. Epworth League contributions or other special eflbrts not passing directly through the Mission Rooms may much hinder self-support, especially if some foreign society within the Church, even with the best intent, undertakes to pro- vide a given amount for a particular place. Once started, it is difficult to change or grade down, which we must do if ever we are to strengthen Japanese Christians to stand alone, or be helpful in evangelizing their nation, or sending the (iospel abroad. After notice from the General Board, estimates should be gradually reduced for Districts ; the Annual Con- .16 ference Estimating Committee making the adjustment and beginning say ,n 1900. The Board n.eantime could keep its grant to the present standard for the purpose of openin- ud new work. Organizing larger circuits and working ti.em with evangelists or local preachers would help self-support Ihe Annual Conference should be made to feel this responsi- bility. In most aggressive work Japanese buildings are sufticient and their use would help self-support. It was suggested that it would be advisable so to arrange the stationing power of the Stationing Committee and the Mission Council that the Stationing Committee station men only o circuits paying at least one-half the support, and the Mission Council supervise the otl.er fields, possibly arran-^inc. miss o districts for that purpose ; or, thatU.e Council stlftion on no" helds under its missionaries, and the Stationing Committee on es abhshed districts ; also, that with the enlargement of circuits there be a rule that it take, say, at least tife circuits to constitute a district. The Church of Christ in Japan (Presbyterian) is laying out to give a vote in Synod onl/'o self-supporting churches. ^ ^ felflhtf Tf ^^^ P*^''P'^^"''^^^«" °^ ^ »^i««ion council our council felt that if we propose to carry on our work vigorously a nmsion council on regular consultation of missionaHes, both men and women, in proper relation to other bodies and interes s is indispensable; but if we propose to linger die or gradually withdraw, we can do this as well withiut 'the council as with it. Whatever it is called, and whatever ^s:lLt1o^Tr H ' ''"" 't' ''^ ••^^'"^- and eS:: cousuitation, and there must be authority to drcide upon cer ain inatters in Japan; certain other n.atters be ng efc" red I av "th""" f """^^ ^^ '^"-^ ^'^^^ -i-^«" districts tLyviuld have them not organizations, but territories under the^charo^ m«! ' ""'"''T^iy: ^''»«h are to be organized promptly as nay be expedient into the Annual Conference. There VZZ tocairy out the Discipline. Your delegate told them they had certainly abdicated their functions and powei-s "s com nutted to hem by the General Conference. ConZl ^r^ troublous times was their explanation. They leld^hat tf o things were to be secured; ilrst, on the sid J o the Boa^l 37 complete control of the finances and full power to step in at any time and direct the atlairs of the mission, and second, on tlie side of the council, that the council should constantly have open access to the Board with its wants and grievances, if indeed grievance arise. But more of this again. (7) The question was asked. Why do our pastors leave their work and retire from the ministry ? ' The reply was : One resigned because of pressure upon his wrong or defective teaching, his doctrinal views ; another because somewhat expensive in habits, lie could earn more in business —likely a case of declension of spiritual life and power;-,* third resigned because of debt incurred to some extent while at school in Canada, and increased by efforts to carry on a school here in connection with his evangelistic work ; a fourth defection was a case of character. It was felt ih the Council that the brethren in the pastorate are unde^ financial pressure, but that in by iiyr the larger part tiiey afe faithful to their work and doing the best they can in the face of tremendous obstacles and discouragements. Our missionaries have the greatest possible regard for the Japanese brethren, and im- plicit trust in their piety, loyalty and fidelity. (8) On the question of sending candidates or probationers abroad for education, our Mission Council thoroughly agreed with the positions of the other missionaries of the country whose views have already been stated. The Conference this year made no election, as they had not been informed as to any provision for the case. If the scholarship is continued, enough must be raised, not only for fees and board, but travelling and other expenses as well, as the probationer or pastor returning to Japan in debt is soon overw,helmed and forced out of the ministry, as has taken place. Should there be a special case, where foreign education is desirable, it might be provided for on intimation of the Council or Conference to authorities at home. (9) What is the present position and prospect on the niatter of Methodist union in Japan 1 was presented for con- sideration. Is it desirable? What is our duty in the case ? The answer was, " The proposed plan is in the archives." There was at one time a union of the theological colleges in their work. Our men, Cochrane and Whittinaton. went to (i 38 the Methodist Episcopal School, Aoyama, but the result was very hurtful to both our academey and theological school. There is now a union in the Methodist paper, Gokyo, and which may be translated either "Guardian " or "Advocate." This meets the case. The fraternal feeling among the Mathodist churches is strong, sincere and effective, manifesting itself always and everywhere, and sometimes with great vigor and emphasis, as at the Annual Conference, and in all reciprocal functions. In the Book-Ro im all Methodists get the benefit thereof. Tliere is an annual grant of five yen to all niission- ai'ies; pastors, evangelists and workers. There is an opinion abroad that union of the Methodist forces is desirable Our Japanese brethren are not eager for the union, but are willing for it and biding their time. They think they ijave larger liberties ;n our economy than in that of the Methodist Episcopal Churches, and likely we are paying larger salaries, though I do not state this as a reason. Five Methodist Churches are working in the country. The home organiza- tions prevent a union, as they hold the Japanese section as a part of the organism. The Japanese, in a spirit of nationalism, may demand it some day, as many there are eager for a home autonomy. But they, too, have their serious obstructions in class distinctions, as Samurai will not fellowship Hei(a)!nan. While Methodist union may be ultimately desirable it does not now seem necessary to any of the churches to agitate themselves or others upon the subject. They await the inti- mations of tlie Great Head of the Church and His plain leadersiiip in every such movement. Meantime they are co- operating in every good word and work. Rejoicing in one another's prosperity, sharing each other's sorrows, all seem to think a Methodist union must come at an early day. (10) Is any effective relationship of the wives of our mis- sionaries to our mission work in Japan, and, for that matter, elsewhere, practicable, consistent with their other duties, and with the interests of the missionary societies ? If they are competent as missionaries, is there any way by which we may avail ourselves of their services 1 are questions that were asked in Council. It has been seen in this paper, that in other missions much service is rendered in mission work by the wives of the missionaries. It does not follow that there should 39 be a much greater expenditure for tlu'ir work than for thf>ir inactivity. The one vote for support wouUl for the most part, as now, maintain both husband and wife. This is true on our home fiehls and pastors' wives help pastors. The mission tields might demand more of a recognition as for instance in the Council. Travelling expenses home- ward and outward need not be increased. The main item of increased expense would likely be what could be afforded and voted for their helpers, as tliey might train and direct tliein. Consecrated missionary women married to ni's- sionaries perhaps ought to be ready for terms something of this sort. On the Board's side, tlie whole ([uestion of the missionary's wife, regarding health, adaptability, kc, demands consideration. The missionary's wife as well as the mis- sionary failing in health may make a bill of expense. An experienced missionary of the Presbyterian Church told me in express terms that his wife was a valuable mis- sionary when they were married, and she is, to say the least of it, as effective a missionary to-day as she was then, and as serviceable to the Board and the church. It is not so amon<» as. One of our best missionaries, or a sister capable of missionary work, marries a missionary on the held, or one who goes to the field, and she is at once retired from mission work. The Ceneral Board has no place for her; the Board of the Woman's Missionary Society has no place for her. Can the Methodist Church afford this as a line of policy, no matter what the exceptions 1 Is this a proper direction of the talent God has given us 1 Do we not go to the expense of sending out missionaries whom we never use? Do we not throw away agencies and opportunities of considerable value in missionary aggression"? Is the policy of our General Board right in this matter 1 Is the policy of the Board of the Woman's Missionary Society expedient and wise in this thing, and to be counten- anced l)y the Church and continued by the Board ? Would it not be well to consider this matter carefully ? for the General Board needs women's agencies that are not supplied by the Woman's Board. By itself or by the Woman's Missionary Society this Board and its missionaries must have women agcMits and workers. There can lie no doubt of this ; missionaries and a^cnt'? of this Board fell into errors, which they them- 40 selves now see ; but, on the other hand, there can be as little dou})t that unconsciously, likely, there has grown into sympathy and operation a union of forces and agencies that shc'ild have been helpful, but which were allowed to drift into a spirit and condition that militated against the useful- ness and hindered the success of the missionaries, however much or little they may themselves be chargeable with this state of things. These things are not thought by any means to be the result of plan or intention • but are rather the consequences of an evolution, that a firm and wise admniistration might have lessened or prevented. If the missionaries themselves had always been prudent, and all cohcerned had kept their eyes on the central point, the proper place and function uf the missionary, there would have been less trouble. I here omit some items which should go forward only to the Board or a special committee of the General Conference. But the avoidance of difiiculty may not be the weightiest consideration. Rather should we seek to emp oy all the agencies that God and nature have put into our liands, to carry on the work, and may well study whether Seated '''' '' °^ ^''''^ ^'"^'' '" *^^ direction now . I^P ,^"^.7.^^' after all this, which comparatively speaking IS bu skirmishing, but none the less indispensable, I come at ength to the central posi.xon of the lield, a congeries of ques- tions, which, because of their interlacings and intertwinin-s must be taken up together, however much or little we may be' able to disentangle them and their environments as we proceed This congeries of questions is as follows : What are the rela- tions of the missionaries and of the native church to the General Board ? What is the proper relation of the miss onary to the native Church ; his relations to the Conference S t^iefw \r T' ^°lf^^t"«"ts ? What are the relations of the wo Mission Councils, that of the General Board and that of the Woman's Missionary Society, one to the other? What are the relations of the men and women laborers of he nifs each may adopt ? Is there any natural and effective order • are there any vital relationships among all these elements? 41 ion : but are Are they design«cl for segroi^ation aiitl lepulsions? or for all'm- ities and co-operation ? This directs our attention to the missionary as tlie cential tigure of tl;e niovenicnt; to the apostles Peter and Paul, and the Acts of the Apostles. In my humble judgment the Hoard has not been kept sufficiently informed of wliat was transpiring in Japan. Possibly we are at fault ourselves in not taking more ed'ective means to gain information. No Board in Japan, or any- where else, has a more careful officer than the representative of this Board in that country. Of long experience, of un- rerutting fidelity to the work, of deep acquaintance with Japanese disposition and ways, of unblemished character and of great influence among the people, and even of extreme so1is, was to crowd the missionary to the wall and in just so far to interfere with the operations of the Gti jral Board. To pile upon the top '>f this unwarrantable arranf^ement another society, completely separate from and virtually independent of the General Board ; completely ind pendent of the Annual Conference, and seeking its alliances and its field of operations where it might find them, would now seem to accumulate the absurdity, and rear the obstacles to the operations of the General' Board, to prodigious dimensions. There is no need to brin" in malice aforethought, or set purpose, or catch some scape<'oat and fix the blame there. We must stop this dis- position and effort to justify ourselves at the expense of others. We can have all we want of that ; but it only plunges us deeper into the mire. We were all learning. We had not perfect foresight. We arranged some things to fr.cilitate differences, and the differences came. Possibly persons of other spirit and mind would have avoided the collisions ; but we had the persons we had ; they said what they said ; and did what thev did. In plan and spirit we must set ourselves to arrange better things for the future. But, amid all, the lioard must keep its eye on the central point, the eihciency and free, well regulated action of the missionary. J his, also, must the General Conference, the Japanese Annual Confer- ence, and the Woman's Missionary Society guard. J^or whatever hinders or belittles the missionary m his proper sphere, from whatever source it comes, just so far antagonizes the interests of this Board and impedes the progress of the Methodist Church in its missionary operations. The eflective missionary, and he must be effective or withdrawn, in his appropriate environment, is the centre and essence ot our movement, and the best expression of our purpose, functions and power ; and the Japan Annual Conference, and the Wr^,nnn's MisRionarv Societv should see it as well as wc. So that with steady eye upon this fact we need not lose our 46 hearings, or suflT.r ourselves to bn hefoggetl in vain specula If we purpose to carry on our mission work ir. .Japan vigor- ously, H,Hl who would ,lare douht or deflect such a purpose .ave certain suggestions to n.ake, which, thou^ T/ 7; ave lost n,uch of the forn.er vantage grouml, n.uv ak us h^ thesout.on of this stupendous prol.IenT, involv 7^^ the interests of the souls of n>ultitudes of n.en S we do S intend to carry it on vigorously, U.ere u Stle or no ..^ carrying it on at all, in which Jase .^.H hardly as a W,^ M%tr\ nf'^'f ^'^'" '^"'' '•e«P'^''''i»>ilities to other^ Til Miss^inaiy So ietv tTiTI ^,T^^''»ff -"'' ^he Wonmn's tl.e pivot on wlnoirthf ba'f'tlrS Get "fE""^''"'' th.nk I „ave already ,!,„„.„ that the agencie. and repre- 47 seiitation of tlio (leiveml Hoard have not filled up the measure of tlioir duty in preserving thoards, and their . iitirely separate institu- tions and methods of work ; there are the two sets of mission- aries of the same Church and tiieir assistants, so entirely separate on the same field, or 't may be for peace' sake in different fields ; and then, tlier.^ are the two home Boards, practically independent one of the other as to their funds, as to the laborers they employ, and their nu^thods of operation, or at least only so related, that any suggestion or requirement, even under the provisions of discipline, is likely to be reckoned a source of irritation, if not resented as an unwarrantable interference. In the providence of Ood these facts and relations iiave grown upon us, not by foresight and unity of plan, but like the rising up of the Epworth Leagues and their entrance upon missionary enterprise, hy successive unforeseen steps and developments. None of these factors is intrusive, none unimportant ; every one of these factors is valuable and potent in its place and relation. What devolves upon us is the plain duty of wisdom, patience and charity in the adjust- ment, and of grace, love and knowledge in the application of their powers. \\T — 1 — 11 ..„4. . .ir. Jflpnl nprfpotioti in the affcnts or the agencies ; but we must do the best we can. The ideal to 48 be reached undt io K, 7n"«"r P''<:sent circumstances would seem to me io be ( ) Such powers in the Japan Annual Conference as shall enable it to regulate its own pastoral term, the stationing of Its own ministry, and be in harmony with the Mission Coun- cil m Its courses of study and the lines of ministerial prepara- tion upon certain specified principles; also the application of lltl: U 'T '■'^'^ '' .''"^ educational and^ n.issionary funds, as well of course as the use of its own contingent fund or Its superannuation fund or other such funds when under taken. The ordinances of worship, the general organiza io. the forms of trial, and such matters should remain for the present as they are, especially for purposes of education The rCircn t T ^^n"'r ''"" P-^rict and Superintendent o? the Circuit should be harmonized with the work of the mission- ary and the Mission Council, and the missionaries .S^Zs editZ-^ZV'":^^ ^r' " P^'-^^^ ^°'- *'^« assistance"! d edification of the Church as well as for aggressive .nissionarv movements Further, no field should be constituted aTcuU in the Conference, and no set of circuits a district of the Con ference, and so be placed within the jurisdictio.i of the Annual Conference except upon well defined atta.n^nents ai^ pHn Itt I T 7?^^:;'."^^. ««Ws up to a certain stage should be ^Tul **f 1"""'*'°" ^^ *^« missionary, and prov sion wlefthe\elS-f"V'%"""°"^'-^ '"^^ --"- 'i- on When the held fails of certain attainments. Our exoerienefl jn the French work may make us cautious in su" h a'^o ley to-k andX^Pf^T °^ '^.'^P^"' ^^'^ compactness ^ofou; f"r n^e' le \ll"of''rh "''-^^ f ^^tricts. and Annual Con- niod of xerd e pofrL the '"t«" ''"^ ^'^'^^ ^"^ (!„i,i I """="^'n council, he knowledge of the l^'Jf-S VlaWs rcontined thereto, receive an allotted *>«¥ y ^^'^^^^^Vro^^^^^^ that his except as may be provided under proper reg««a ^ ^^^ work be mainly aggressive evangelisrn Pf ^pherding the Sr^thThe^n^r^orw^rth^lT^ersof the innua. 5fi n Conference in their allotted tields ; and that upon invitation of chairmen of districts and superintendents of circuits he co-operate with them in extending and building up the work. It is presumed, of course, the Board's missionary and these officers will move in harmony, and to help them thereto their respective jurisdiction, duties and prerogatives may well be written down in the Discipline. Here it is worthy of con- sideration whether there are not Japanese brethren whom the Board could place in the function and office of missionary in this regard, and so on the one hand honor consecration, fidelity and ability, and on the other hand stiffen the mis- sionary contingent at an early date with capable and trust- worthy men who now fully understand the language ; and who, if not alone, yet certainly with the Missionary Council, of which they could be made at least corresponding members, and under a proper supervision from Canada — which all require— could, in my judgment, oftentimes equal the men whom we may send to Japan in leading their countrymen to Christ. This is in effect at least partially secured when a native chairman of a District co-operates heartily with the foreign missionary. Under a proper supervision I would so recognize their worth and capability, as we would in this way be training native Japanese for fast coming responsibilities. It was by no means pleasant or cheering in Japan to observe that elder, more experienced, and more capable brethren in the Conference were scarcely given their place by the younger and more numerous members of the body. The most pronounced people in the world for venerating age and experience forget it in practice. I was thereby impressed with the idea that the Methodist Church is deprived of much evangelistic, aggres- sive and organizing force to which she is entitled, and that for this reason, as well as for others that have been pre- sented, there is a paralysis upon the mission. Nor was this a matter of my opinion alone, but a subject of common remark among Christian people inside and outside our own mission. It will be seen, then, that I recommend (1) Restoring our mission early as practicable to something like its former strength. But whether we send two or twenty we should have an energetic, evangelistic leader. It 5:^ is not cautious -thing. di^^t^olcU^^J^^ a quiet satisf.ct.on ^^/^"f^^ae^t direction, a wise contro a courageous aggression, a pr^de ^^ ^^^ ^ ^^ and obedience to control. May j ^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^, Israel give us the capta- «oj ^J-^^^^^^^^^ fi,d a man let us one nWs taking the lead and « divine plan with y^ave a woman It ^^T^^^^J^^;^ j^el, and Esther, and Paul, Moses^andCndeon andE^^^^^^ ^^^,^^,^^ ,, ^od gave and Wesley. ^""^^'^^Jj^^ or Judson in Japan. u3aThoburn,oraTay^or or JU Conference and (2) Giving the Mission Council, or Discipline, Consultation of Missionaries is P^-^ ^^.^ seeing to prescribing its ««^^.*,r ;bdtat;d nor neglected. range of its responsibility. fission Council and the (5) Defining the ^^^^Xference and its othcers. i:r„t oltS aCtXr "ana o. tUe ™U.— and Conference officers. „„„,u.tion or legislation, or both, (7) Establishingthroaghcons«Uat.onor 8 ^^^ Wonmn's the proper relationships >«t»een the C„^^ ^^^ «,„era Missionary Society m Japan ""^t"- ^_^,^ ,iberty to meet "-■^--^ft^tt-^fttfe^Son of their respective oil these matteis for a time at i««. kitionT impartial, effective ?>'P^^™7ci,e„its and Districts W Eegulating the "^jfj^^^n field, and the Annual rLTS^oCL'-rdT^'.- ot po.erandrespons.. bility. 54 giving (10) Nurturing self-support for our circuits by g,.....„ timely notice, that, say in the year 1900, the Board will begin to withdraw grants from older fields, reducing the allowance under some approved system, till self-support is reached, the Board in the meantime at its pleasure keeping its total grant up to at least the present standard, to be used largely as possible in aggressive work. (11) Making it the duty of both Boards and their Councils in Japan, to do all in their power to build up the Annual Conference, and the Native Church with a view to union or independence, or both, in Japan at as early a date as practic- able. Unless these things, or something like them in degree and kind, can be done with considerable vigor and promptness, I confess I do not see much hope for our work in Japan. Of course we must have faith in God and look for Divine guid- ance and revival power. And we must do our part as well. I confess, were I a young man pressing into the mission field, I certainly, as I regard matters, would hesitate to undertake mission work in Japan under just the present conditions. On the other hand, under proper conditions I would go to that grand Empire with alacrity, confidence and hope for the evangelization of its people. As I have said, I love them, and covet them in all their worth and excellencies for Christ. I rejoice in what has been accomplished, and in the way the providence of God has been leading them and moving them upward to the light. I believe them to be worthy of our greatest sacrifices and trust and most consecrated endeavor. And with proper arrange- ments by the Church, and with a willing, faithful, loyal spirit, among its agents and agencies, under the blessing of Heaven, though difficulties and discouragements will continue, here is a great opportunity. And by the power of the Holy Ghost here are ready and abounding demonstrations of the power of our Christ to save ; to save the man, the woman, the family, the nation, the world. I think there is a plain duty before us in this matter, and I pray that we have grace, wisdom and courage to discharge it. ivmg begin 'ance I, the ;rant ly as ncils inual m or ictic- I and I8S, I Of »uid- well. ield, take 1 go bope love icies hed, ling ieve and nge- irit, ven, liere loly the lan, lain ace.