PS 3537 .T94 S6 1903 Copy 1 ...:,.. .....ITED POEMS AND ADDRESSES ■ ^^^P r Class JPij3 BooklTiiS^ Copyright N»__L__ COPyRIGHT DEPOSIT. DR. E. A. STURGE. Tke SPIRIT QF JAPAN WITH SELECTED POEMS AND ADDRESSES OF ERNEST ADOLPHUS STURGE, M. D.. PH. D. Missionary of the Presbyterian Board to the Japanese in California With Introduction by REV. HENRY COLLIN MINTON, D. D., LL.D. ex-Moderator of General Assembly of Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. Edited by THK COMMITTEE) under the auspices of Members of the PRESBYTERIAN JAPANESE MISSIONS ON THE COAST • — HEADQUARTERS 121 Height Street. San Francisco, California LISRAKY ')t CONGPESS Tw& Copies iRaceived FEB n 1904 Copyright Entry CLASS eu yXc. No. ^ COPY 3 75 3 ?3 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1903 BY J. K. INAZAWA In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. TABLE OF CONTENTS> Introduction, by Rev. H. C. Minton, D.D. ; L.L.D 9 Preface, by Mr. K. Tosawa, L.L.B 13 Brief Sketch of the Life of Ernest A. Sturge, Ph.D.; M. D. . 15 PART L SELECTED POEMS. The Author's Prayer 23 One String and Paganini 24 Doubt and Faith 25 Copying the Master 26 Care 28 The Peace of Christ 29 Hope 30 Love 30 The Divine Weaver 31 Peace 31 Love Abides 32 The Language of Love $s The Bible 34 The Gospel Mine 35 To Rev. M. C Harris, D.D ' 36 Better Than Gold 37 Golden Words 38 Bellicose Bells in England 39 Our Shield 40 The Great Physician 41 Jesus Saw the Signal 42 Intolerance 44 Thoughts for the New Year 45 A Clean Record 46 The Hidden Future 46 4 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. PART IL THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. The Spirit of Yamato 49 The Creation of Japan 50 Match-Making 5i The Birth of the Gods 52 The Pouting Sun-Goddess 54 An Afternoon Tea for Men 55 The Thunder God 56 Masamune's Swords 56 The Samurai's Children S8 The Wind God 60 A Japanese Nobleman's Dream 60 Susano Kills the Dragon 62 Japanese Dreams of the Home Land 63 The Emperor's Three Treasures 64 Japanese Art 65 The Emperor's Birthday 66 Earthquakes 67 Nature Worship 67 Japanese Wall Decorations 68 The Seventh Night 69 JAPANESE FAVORITE FLOWERS, TREES AND BIRDS The Plum 70 The Lotus 7i Morning-Glories 72 The Chrysanthemum IZ The Cherry 74 The Bamboo 75 The Pine 76 The Nightingale 17 The Lark 78 The Swallow 79 The Hototogisu 80 The Crane 81 The Pomegranate 82 The Willow 83 Our Attitude 83 Reverence for Age 84 CONTENTS AND ILIvUSTRATlONS. 5 PART IIL SONGS OF THE SUNRISE KINGDOM. Urashima o The Prize Poem gj The Farmer and the Looking Glass q2 Daruma \JA Quid Pro Quo g- Araki, the Fencer ^ The Three Travelers og Ikkyu, the Buddhist Sage ' jg^ .A Japanese Belle Tn^ Adventures of Hayakawa jge Kano, the Lightning Artist jgg The Magic Fans t*^ bayonara ^ ^^ • • 1 1^ PART IV. ADDRESSES, LETTERS, ETC Nature's Teaching About God u^ Conclusion, by Rev. Joseph K. Inazawa 126 An Appreciation, by Hon. K. Uyeno 129 His Imperial Japanese Majesty's Consul, San Fran- cisco, Cal. A Tribute to Dr. Sturge, by Rev. M. C. Harris, D.D 131 Superintendent of Japanese Methodist Mission on Pacific Coast. A Letter. From Rev. A. J. Brown, D.D 133 Secretary of Presbyterian F. M. B., New York. A Plea. To Dr. and Mrs. Sturge 13c In tlie name of the Japanese, by Mrs.' M "c. Harris! A Colleague's Appreciation, by Rev. I. M. Condit, DD 136 Missionary of the Presbyterian Board to the Chinese in California. Personal Estimate of the Author, by Rev. F. Matsunaga i.g Pastor, Nihonbashi Church, Tokio, Japan. the: spirit of japan. ILLUSTRATIONS, PORTRAITS, Etc. Dr. E. A. Sturge Frontispiece Mrs. E. A. Sturge Page 12 '' Mrs. C. H. Sturge and Mr. Adolphus Sturge " 14 Home of Doctor's Childhood, Medical Department of Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, Missionary Cottage, Siam.. . " 16 Group of Japanese Mission Homes in California " 18"^ The Spirit of Yamato (in colors) " 48 ^ The Birth of the Gods " 50 / The Pouting Sun Goddess (in colors) " 54 , The Thunder God " 56 y Masamune's Swords " 58 ' The Wind God " 60 Susano Kills the Dragon " 62 , The Emperor's Three' Treasures " 64 The Emperor's Birthday (in colors) " 66 Earthquakes " 68 Japanese Wall Decorations " 70/ The Seventh Night " 72 / Reverence for Age " 84 Urashima '' 86 Daruma " 92 Araki, the Fencer " 94 Tkkyu, the Buddhist Sage " 102 A Japanese Belle " 104 . Kano, the Lightning Artist " 106 ' Sayonara " 112 Dr. and Mrs. Sturge and Other Japanese Missionaries. .. " 114 Dr. and Mrs. Sturge, with Assistant Workers " 124 Group Portrait of Prominent Japanese Mission Workers. " 128 Group Portrait of Zealous Workers " 130 Japanese Mission Homes in California " 138 this little volume is dedicated to Mrs. C. H. STURGE, the beloved mother of our dear doctor, BY Admiring Friends. PRESS OF H. S. Crocker Company San Francisco Cal INTRODUCTION HE desire for some permanent token of recognition _l_ on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of the work of Doctor and Mrs. Sturge is characteristic- ally Japanese in this, that it is both grateful and very graceful. And, at the same time, it is both appropriate and worthily directed. Doctor and Mrs. Sturge have the affectionate esteem of all who know them, both for their worth's sake and for their works.' There is no more in- teresting missionary work on this continent than that which has been quietly but efficiently carried on all these years among the Japanese community in San Francisco. The conditions are unique. It is work at home in the interest of a foreign people. No country made history more rapidly during the last third of the nineteenth cen- tury than did the Sunrise Kingdom. The hour struck for the Nippon of the past and the new Japan came forth almost in a day. The fear has not been that it should not move fast enough but that it should move too fast. The Japanese are to the Chinese in Asia largely what the French are to the English in Europe. There are elements of strength and stability in the conservative Chinese character which one will look for in vain in 10 THE) SPIRIT OF JAPAN. Japan. And this mercurial trait of the Japanese char- acter has not failed to reflect itself in the annals of modern missionary work in Japan. It has been a series of ad- vances and repulses, of actions and reactions. Fifteen years ago Japan was one of the most encouragingly re- sponsive countries open to the choice of the Christian missionary; a half dozen years ago it was in the trough of the sea, and Japan, with its intellectual hauteur and reactionary anti-supernaturalism, was forbidding and al- most hostile to evangelical effort ; while at the present moment, after the far-sweeping and wonderful Pentecost- like evangelical revival which in that country signalized the ushering in of the new century, it is the richest and most fruitful soil in all the east, if not in all the world. These successions of ebb and flow have swept eastward across the broad Pacific and have not been unfelt in mis- sionary work among the Japanese at the Golden Gate. But through them all this work in San Francisco, under the consecrated leadership of Doctor and Mrs. Sturge, has held right on to its course. It has sent to the theological seminary across the bay a number of its most eager and devoted students, and these are to-day doing noble work for Christ in the work of the ministry of the Gospel. In the class of 1891 were Messrs. Hattori and Mitani, the former now at work in his native land and the latter among his countrymen in the Hawaiian Islands; in 1894, Mr. Inazawa, the author of this book and the diligent and earnest missionary to INTRODUCTION. 1 1 his countrymen in the south-bay counties of Cahfornia, and Mr. Okuno, son of the pioneer Moody of early Japan- ese missions and himself a Christian gentleman of fine spiritual attainments, who came to an early death soon after his graduation; in 1895, Dr. Hoshino, who, after leaving the seminary, completed a course at the Cooper Medical Institute in San Francisco, and is now exerting a strong Christian influence in the city of Yokohama ; and in 1901, Mr. Sakabe, who is doing a very useful work in charge of an adjunct mission in San Francises). Cer- tainly these are enough to show that, in connection with many other sides of his work. Dr. Sturge has been con- ducting a sort of preparatory school from which have come out a goodly number of ministers of the Gospel who are destined to multiply his godly influence on two con- tinents for the years that are to come. No one can have visited Japan, with its lovely land- scapes and dainty cherry blossoms and magnificent Budd- hist temples and sequestered Shinto shrines, without ever afterwards having the deepest interest in the future of that almost fairyland of the east ; and no one can have come into close contact, as the writer of this has done, with the Japanese character, with its picturesque naivite and ceremonial politeness and charming gentleness of manners, without having that interest greatly deepened and enhanced. Dr. Sturge's work only needs to be bet- ter known to the Christian people of our own churches in order that it may be more highly appreciated by them. 12 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. His work is not so much for to-day as for to-morrow; not so much directly for the few thousand Japanese peo- ple in California now as indirectly for the millions of Japanese in their native land. I trust that this anniversary may be to Doctor and Mrs. Sturge the occasion not only for the expressioh of the grateful appreciation of the Japanese Christians in Cali- fornia ; not only for a renewed interest in their work on the part of their many friends in the churches of Cali- fornia, but also, by the favor of God, for a fresh develop- ment of faith and effort and fruitfulness in the singularly interesting work to which, in the providence of God, they have been called and in which they have been so gra- ciously blessed. Henry Collin Minton. San Anselmo, September i, 1^02. MRS. E. A. STURGE. PREFACE 1HIS book of verses is brought to the pubhc atten- tion through the efforts of the young men of the Japanese Y. M. C. A., who desire in some way to express their appreciation and gratitude for the years of untiring fidehty to the cause of that institution, upon the part of Dr. Sturge. For fifteen years Dr. Sturge has superintended the work of the Japanese Y. M. C. A. of San Francisco. By his indefatigable zeal and painstaking kindness he has won the respect and affection of all those who have come under his tutelage, and these, in recognition of the years of earnest toil for the education and advancement of the Japanese in San Francisco, have resolved to surprise their benefactor by the publication of these verses written by him for his own entertainment and with no thought of ever seeing them in print. As a patriotic and warm-hearted people, we desire in this public manner to express our gratitude for the con- tinued and untiring efforts of Dr. and Mrs. Sturge, and I am confident that not only the Japanese of Califor- nia, but also those at home will ever remember Dr. and Mrs. Sturge for their kindness to us. 14 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. These poems reveal a wonderful insight upon the part of the writer into the character and spirit of the Japanese people. Rhythm and rhyme alone do not constitute poetry, but the true poet must have a profound knowledge of that concerning which he writes, and a deep insight into the innermost spirit of what he undertakes to depict. The poet is born, not made. The impulse must come from within, not from without, just as the author himself says : " * * * * * The spirit hidden in the breast Is painted, not externals, and perhaps this way is best." — Japanese Art. These poetic qualities are amply evidenced in the writ- ings of Dr. Sturge. He has shown an unusual knowl- edge of the life and character of the Japanese and a won- derful insight into the dominating spirit of the people of " Old Japan." Few Americans have so fully understood and ex- pressed the traits and influences of Japanese life. This writer was indeed inspired in the writing of these verses, and they are to a remarkable extent a revelation of the spirit of '' Old Japan." K. TOSAWA. San Francisco, September 7, ipo2. w 3 Q. O ■o < SKETCH A Briei^ Sketch of the Life of Ernest A. Sturge. l^l'^J^ST ADOLPHUS STURGE was born of English parents, in Cleveland, Ohio, U. S. A., April 29, 1856. The name Ernest, given to him in infancy, pretty well describes his nature. He was always serious, less fond of play than most boys, gentle and obedient, and one who gave his parents comparatively little trouble or anxiety. From both mother and father he inherited a robust constitution, and from the latter, who was a natural artist and poet, a strong love for the beautiful, both in nature and art. When eleven 3-ears of age, the family moved to Bridge- ton, New Jersey, and in that quiet town of ten thousand inhabitants the subject of this sketch grew up to man- hood, receiving his education in the public and private schools. The parents, though not rich, wxre in comfortable cir- cumstances. It was not from necessity, therefore, but from personal inclination, that Ernest, at the age of fif- teen, secured a contract from the United States Govern- ment to carry the mail for one year between the post- 1 6 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. office and the railroad station. He went before the county clerk and took an oath to perform this duty faith- fully, and he did, never failing to be on time. At the end of the year, he found that he had saved sev- eral hundred dollars, and knowing of no better way of spending it, he decided to make a voyage across the At- lantic, and visit his English relatives. This was a rather formidable undertaking for a lad of sixteen, but the journey was made without mishap, and certainly with great benefit, as it awakened a strong de- sire for study and more extended travel. Though from childhood possessed of a strong religious nature, it was not until his return from England that he made a public profession of his faith, and united with the First Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton. It was about this time that he began to think seriously of becoming a medical missionary. In order to fit him- self for this work, he spent three years in the study of Latin, Greek and higher mathematics, then entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with honorable mention in 1880. His vacations were spent in the study of science, so that he was enabled to pass successfully the examination for the degree of PH. D. at the same institution in the summer of the same year. Having been accepted as a medical missionary by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, and leaving >. O) (8 U) '4-> i- •I-' (U o -5 O § >» 0) s. Z TO C ^ o c w o (U S TS ^ m tT re o r o m sz > Ti >» -C (/) O L. ske:tch. 17 the choice of the field to the Board, he was appointed to go to Petchaburi, Siam. He sailed in August, 1880, go- ing to Asia by way of Europe and again spending a short time with the English relatives. While a medical student in Philadelphia, he met the lady who was to become the sharer of his joys and sor- rows, both abroad and in the home-land. Knowing the climate of Siam to be unhealthful, the young physician thought it advisable to go out alone, with the understand- ing that if climatic and other conditions should not prove too unfavorable, his intended was to follow him. This she did a year later, crossing the Pacific and being met by Dr. Sturge at Hongkong. They proceeded at once to Canton, China, where the two were made one by Rev. B. C. Henry, D. D., a mis- sionary of the Presbyterian Board, August 2'], 1881. The home established by this union has been for more than twenty-two years a very happy one ; and we trust has had its influence for good as an object-lesson to the Siamese, who have no word in their language for home and who sometimes asked in surprise if the doctor and his wife never swore at one another. From the beginning there was plenty of work for the physician. With the assistance of an English uncle, he was enabled to build a small hospital, the first in Siam, without any help from the Mission Board. Some years Dr. Sturge treated as many as five thousand patients. Quite a number found in the hospital the Great Physi- cian, and united with the little company of believers. l8 THK SPIRIT OF JAPAN. Som'e of those who found Christ in this way are still living, while others have gone to join the larger company of believers above. One who came a long distance for physical healing became an earnest preacher of the Gospel to his people, and proved faithful unto the end, dying as a Christian martyr. During these years Mrs. Sturge had charge of the Petchaburi Boys' School. The doctor and his wife passed through two fearful epidemics of cholera, and these were indeed busy and anxious times. Both were attacked by the dread dis- ease, but the husband's case was more critical. His life for a time seemed to be hanging by a single thread. Not- withstanding frequent illnesses, due to malaria and other tropical disorders, the five years they spent in Siam were happy and useful ones. At the end of that time, broken health compelled a return to the United States. Many natives gathered on the bank to wave a sad good- bye, as the house-boat, bearing the medical missionary and his wife floated down the river, on the way to Bang- kok, where they took a steamer for the homeland. In the spring of the following year (1886), while rest- ing in San Francisco, expecting soon to return to Siam or to some other field in Asia, this missionary couple be- came greatly interested in some Japanese who had formed an independent society for the study of the Bible, and for mutual improvement, meeting in an upper room on Golden Gate Avenue. u. re w o ^ ^ +! o (0 +J ,^5 o ^ O c .? _• ^ re I re O ^ E c^ > r E < O V) o re 6 ■!-> re ^E ^ ^ re o (U E > E — a o /n O •D C I (S c o £ C CM C C\J o CO O 3 M I £ i E £ o o o c c re Si (/3 re 'Z i| 'E SI 03 E « w I SKETCH. 19 At the request of the missionaries laboring among the Chinese in CaHfornia, Dr. and Mrs. Sturge were ap- pointed by the Board to continue in San Francisco, and build up a Presbyterian Japanese Mission. No urging was necessary, as the hearts of the doctor and his wife were at once drawn to these earnest and intelligent young men. Both cheerfully taught classes of Japanese stu- dents who were anxious to learn the English language. In the early days there was no native evangelist to assist in the work and Dr. Sturge conducted most of the religious services on Sunday and Wednesday even- ings, while his wife presided at the organ. The Japanese Young Men's Christian Association was organized and soon the association was moved to a larger and better building on Mission Street. This also became too small for the growing society and the ad- joining house was rented. After three years thus spent, the doctor, believing that his vocation was medical work rather than teaching, the Japanese Mission was placed in the competent hands of Rev. A. Hattori, a Japanese minister, who had taken a post graduate course in one of our eastern theological seminaries ; and Dr. and Mrs. Sturge being now relieved, spent a year in Germany, and another in visiting various parts of the United States ; when again, at the urgent re- quest of the Board, they resumed charge of the Japanese Mission on the Pacific Coast. Dr. Sturge being now assured that he was called to this work, threw his whole heart into it. The old theo- 20 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. logical seminary on Haight Street was purchased for the headquarters of the Japanese work, and a branch mis- sion home was opened in another portion of the city. Through the generosity of the Assembly's Board three other flourishing mission stations have been founded, one being at Los Angeles, one at Salinas and the other at Watsonville. During all these years Dr. Sturge has been ably as- sisted by the Japanese and any success that he has met with is due largely to this fact. About three hundred young men have united with the mission church since Dr. Sturge took charge. Most of these are now in Japan, helping by their words and lives to witness for their Master. Dr. and Mrs. Sturge, after a score of years of mission work, are only in middle life. How many years are left to them they know not, but they ask for nothing better than to be permitted to spend them all in the service of the Master and in assisting the Japanese whom they dearlv love. (S\\\U(c) PART FIRST & 22 THK SPIRIT 01^ JAPAN. CONTENTS OF PART FIRST. SELECTED POEMS. The Author's Prayer ^3 One String and Paganini 24 Doubt and Faith 25 Copying the Master ^^ Care 28 The Peace of Christ 29 Hope 30 Love 30 Peace 3i The Divine Weaver 31 Love Abides 32 The Language of Love 3Z The Bible 34 The Gospel ]\Iine 35 To Rev. M. C. Harris, D.D 36 Better Than Gold 27 Golden Words 38 Bellicose Bells in England 39 Our Shield • . • • • 40 The Great Physician 4^ Jesus Saw the Signal 42 Intolerance 44 Thoughts for the New Year 45 A Clean Record 46 The Hidden Future 46 PART FIRST SELECTED POEMS -^ ■^p -o- THE AUTHOR'S PRAYER. My life, dear Lord, like harp unstrung, Has only rung With discord drear, or else stood mute, Like rifted flute. God, I am not satisfied To thus abide. 1 would be useful, if I knew What I should do. This harp I bring to Thee, my King; Tune Thou each string. I'm waiting, Master, at Thy feet ; Make me complete. Dear Master, bring out every tone, Fm Thine alone; Oh, let me sing at Thy command, Touched bv Thy hand! 24 THK SPIRIT OF JAPAN. ONE STRING AND PAGANINI. "One string and Paganini !" The master cried, and drew His bow o'er one remaining string, — The rest had snapped in two. — The vioHn seemed crippled, And quite unfit to play ; But one string in the master's hands Made melody that day. If we our single talent Resign into the hands Of our great Master, who has made, And fully understands. Each one of us, His instruments. His power through us will flow, As Paganini skill, that day. Transmitted through his bow. se:i.i:cte;d poems. 25 DOUBT AND FAITH. Doubt seems a bird without a wing; It cannot fly, it cannot sing ; It never did a useful thing To tell about. Faith spread the wings that crossed the sea, To find this land for you and me ; And Faith did everything that we Feel proud about. Doubt tunnels into some great height, And dwells in gloom O'f endless night, Not digging through to find the light It doubts about. Faith, piercing Alps, comes out again Where flowers deck Italia's plain. And sends to heaven its glad refrain, With mighty shout. Doubt tears the chart, cuts down the mast, And breaking compass, leaves at last Our helpless boat on ocean vast, To float about. But Faith has done such mighty things. No wonder the apostle sings In praises of the faith that brings Such things about. 26 the: spirit 01^ JAPAN. COPYING THE MASTER. To study Munich's works of art. And find the secrets hidden there, The students come from every part To copy paintings old and rare. Long since, the masters passed away, And yet they speak in colors bright, As speaks the sun at close of day. In lovely lines of living light. Among the students, side by side Wrought two, who reproduced with care A picture of the crucified Redeemer, that was hanging there. In contemplation they remained Some time, and then produced again The curves and colors that had gained The admiration of all men. Each day the pictures grew to be More- like the one upon the wall, — The blessed Christ upon the tree, Who gave Himself to save us all. Some days they little progress made; Indeed, it seemed the other way; Unsatisfied with shape or shade, They scraped their form.er work away. A little color here and there Was added, and perhaps a line Was drawn again with greater care; And so they wrought from time to time. si:i.e:cte:d poe:ms. 2^] There came a day when both were done; They looked upon their work with pride; But, glancing from their own to one Above, they were not satisfied. 'Tis thus each one should copy Him Who came from heaven to be our guide, Who died to save us from our sin; And yet, who can be satisfied? But if we do the best we can. Will not the Master say, " Well done ! " And make complete what we began, When our brief day on earth is done? Though we should copy every day, In order that we may succeed, And follow Him, who is the way. We each an inward fitness need. No artist ever yet became. By copying another's art, Renowned in song, or known to fame ; True works of art spring from the heart. The artist must be born, not made; His own exertions will not make A genius. Is art a trade That any one can undertake ? So, likewise, those who wish to form The image O'f the One they love Upon life's canvas, must be born A second time, from heaven above. 28 THE SPIRIT O]? JAPAN. CARE. 'Tis Care drives the plow- That furrows the brow. The silvery hair Is frosted by Care. I know where Care stays By the tracks which he lays; By tear-bedimmed eyes And sorrowful sighs. Corroding Care is everywhere — In mansion grand and attic bare, On every hand lurks hateful Care. Would you know how To stop the plow That furrows the brow ? Would you know where To lose the care That whitens the hair? " Come, laden one," we hear Christ say, *' Here at My feet your burden lay ; ril help you bear it day by day." se:i.ect£:d poems. 29 THE PEACE OF CHRIST. What peace had Christ, the crucified? He said, " My peace I give," and then Went out to bear from cruel men The scourge, the buffeting, the cross. To bear the world's great load of sin; Had Jesus peace? Yes, peace within. This peace had Christ, the crucified ; A peace that gave Him power to bear The dreadful cross, and all the woes Inflicted by His cruel foes, Without a murmur; while His prayer Was made for those who placed Him there. This peace gives Christ, the crucified, A peace that, while we follov/ Him And suffer, we may feel within A calmness that the world knows not. He may not give an easy lot. But peace within, sweet peace within. 30 the: spirit or JAPAN. . LOVE. ■Tis love hath power to change a humble home Into a very paradise of bliss ; But if 'tis absent, even palaces Are cold and cheerless. Yes, 'tis love alone Can make a heaven in the next world or this. It will not be the pearly gates above, Nor glassy sea, nor streets of purest gold, Nor all the glories such as we are told In Revelation make up heaven ; but love, — The love of God and man together rolled. •^ -S? ■?! HOPE. Hope is full of cheer, Hovering on sunny wings. Whispering of better things, Into every ear; Helping weary ones to bear Poverty and pain and care; Hope is ever here. SEI.KCTED POKMS. 31 PEACE. Peace is a lovely angel with white wings; Beatitude is beaming in her face. The rarest, sweetest blossoms fill her hands ; Such only bloom in that most favored place Where sweet Contentment at her labor sings. Where'er the dark and angry clouds of war Do hang with sullen, threatening aspect o'er Our little world, this angel flies and fans With her untiring, swiftly-moving wings The gathering gloom, and drives each cloud that lowers Away ; then scatters o'er the land her flowers. •^ -^ -^ THE DIVINE WEAVER. The threads of life are gathered up Into Thy hand divine; And as the shuttle of the years Flies swiftly, and to us appears A glimpse of Thy design. We see in part — for Thou alone. Beholding from Omniscient Throne Canst see the finished web — But from the glimpse we have, we know The pattern will in beauty grow Until before us spread Will be the whole, and not a span, The work begun when time began, Complete in every thread. 32 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN, LOVE ABIDES. Love is ever young and strong; Passion will grow cold in time ; Love, if true, will last as long As the heavens ; it is divine. Admiration takes its flight, When the natural beauty wanes ; Love depends not on the sight; 'Tis immortal and remains. Love will cease not with the breath ; Freed from passion, purified. Stronger far than life or death. Love forever will abide. Earthly passions turn to dross, And so perish ; love, like gold Purified, sustains no loss ; Love, if true, can ne'er grow cold. skle:cted pokms. 33 THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE. Why should we speak In Latin or Greek, Dead as a nail, And stiff as a rail? Far above these A language of ease Speaks with the eye, Sometimes in a sigh Or grasp of the hand. Which all understand. These make no slips Like stammering lips. Speech born of love — All others above — Learned not at school, Nor governed by rule, Comes, without art. Right out of the heart. 34 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. THE BIBLE. The Bible is a mirror, where we see Ourselves, imperfect, soiled, and clothed in rags ; But standing near to us, with outstretched hands. We see the Christ, who beckons us to Him For cleansing, dress and everything we need. Approach this mirror with an open face; Throw off the veil of prejudice, and take One look at self — one look will be enough — Then look on the reflected image there, Not thine, but God's revealed in Christ our Lord. With bended knee, gaze on that lovely face Until His likeness forms within thy soul, And self will be transformed, not lost, but raised From glory unto glory, till you bear Li your own features, God's, your Maker's, grace. From glory unto glory, till at last, The one you dimly saw reflected there. You shall in perfect beauty clearly see. Then face to face. The glass may pass away ; You'll need it not in heaven's brighter day. si:lected pokms. 35 THE GOSPEL MINE. On old Pacific's wave-washed shore There is a .Golden Gate ; Through this, for thirt}' years or more- Borne by the stream of fate — The Japanese have found their way To western lands ; a while to stay Within the Golden State. A few who came with hopes and fears Found here a richer mine Than any found by pioneers Who came in 'forty-nine. This precious treasure still remains, And all who will may take up claims To riches for all time. And rich, indeed, is he vvho finds, Here, in the Golden State, The treasures of the Gospel Mines, Where riches still await The earnest seekers, young and old, Who enter through the gate of gold, Borne by the stream of fate. 2,6 the: spirit of japan. TO REV. M. C. HARRIS, D. D. Upon the completion of fifteen years of labor for the Japanese on the Pacific Coast. Dear doctor, since you first came here. The flying shuttle of the year Has sped some fifteen times ; And every year the pattern grew In loveliness, as, added new. Were other g-raceful lines. Thank God, the thread of life holds strong ! And may the time be very long Before the set of sun; When every thread shall be complete, The web sDread at the Master's feet. You hear the sweet, '* Well done !'' se:i.ecte:d poems. 37 BETTER THAN GOLD. Better the word of the Lord than much gold ; Better than anything e'er bought or sold ; Better than treasures, which men cannot hold; Better than gold, yes, better than gold. Better the story its pages unfold; Better than anything else ever told ; Better the treasures it holds, new and old; Better than gold, yes, better than gold. Better than money-bags soon to grow old; Better than anything destined to mold; Better than stories which pall when once told; Better than gold, yes, better than gold. 38 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. GOLDEN WORDS. Words, when fitly spoken, Are like to fruit of gold, And fairer than the apple Which jealous Eris rolled Among the guests assembled Upon the wedding day Of Peleus and Thetis, Which caused an awful fray. Words, when fitly spoken, Will heal a breaking heart; Loving words, like ointment. Will take away the smart. Gold oft causes discord,- Like Eris' golden ball; Golden words are better, And in the reach of all. SKLKCTED POEMS. 39 BELLICOSE BELLS IN ENGLAND. From yonder graceful steeple high, That points straight upward to the sky. Eight bells call out to passers by: " This is the true and only church- All others leave you in the lurch — The mother church, the church of Rome, Come home ! Come home ! Come home ! Come home V A little church with steeple slight, And one coarse bell, quite impolite. Most brazenly made this reply : '"T'sa lie! 'T'sa lie! 'T'sa lie! 'T'sa lie!" Another church with steeple grand, A temple aided by the land. Called out, ''O people, understand, This is God's church! Oh, cease your strife! The place, of all, to God most dear ; We teach the way, the truth, the life. Come here ! Come here ! Come here ! Come here !" Again, I heard same bell dissent; A little bell on discord bent, In angry tones make this reply: " 'T'sa lie! 'T'sa lie! 'T'sa lie! 'T'sa lie!'' 40 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. OUR SHIELD. YouVe read the story of Elaine, the fair, Elaine, the lily maid of Astolat, Who guarded in her tower, with jealous care, The scarred and blazoned shield of Lancelot ; And how she made for it a cover rare, To shield the shield from any rust or spot. You've read how she would daily climb the tower. Strip off the case, and read the naked shield, And gaze on its depressions by the hour. And guess the meaning which each dent revealed: " This but a scratch, while that one shows the power, Such as a mig'hty arm alone could wield." " This made at Camelot, and that elsewhere ;" ''This scar," she thought,"was new and that one old ; And ah, God's mercy! what a stroke was there! And this blow would have killed, had not God rolled The great foe down, and saved the brave knight there." And " so she lived in fantasy " we're told. 'Tis well, at times, to bar the chamber door. And thus, in secret, gaze upon our shield ; Far richer and more precious in its lore Than that which earthly armor e'er revealed. The Saviour is the Shield, Who for us bore The fiercest onslaught that our foe could wield. SELECTED POEMS. 41 See ! on the brow are scars which show the place Where cruel thorns were pressed, and on the back Are marks made by the lash, and on the face Are signs of smiting ; and behold the track Of nails in feet and hands which richest grace Dispensed, supplying many people's lack. And there, behold that scar upon the breast! Which marks the place the soldier's spear went in; Had not our Shield received this and the rest, And broken there our foe's strong lance of sin, We would have died, instead of being blest To share forever heaven's joys with Him. ■© ■«5 * THE GREAT PHYSICIAN. The Great Physician's sympathizing heart Is moved to pity by the cruel smart That any of His loved ones have to bear ; He mixes for each one the cup with care, And puts in not one bitter drop too much ; He stills life's fever with His soothing touch; Each untoward symptom, by His wise control Is mastered, till the loved ones are made whole. 42 the: spirit o^ japan. JESUS SAW THE SIGNAL. In a ward lay little Bobbie ; Both his legs were crushed and torn By a truck; and close beside him Sat a comrade, Billy Dorn. '* Bobbie," said his young companion, Bending o'er the iron cot, " Have you ever heard of Jesus?" " No," said Bobbie, " I have not." ''Well, a teacher at the Mission Told us, v/hen a feller dies. If we axed Him, He would take us To His home up in the skies." '" There is never cold nor hunger. Pain, nor cause for any tear." " What a jolly place !" said Bobbie, '' Not for like of us, I fear." " Teacher said," continued Billy, '' Jesus never turns away Any feller 'cause he's ragged. And has not a cent to pay." SELKCTKD pof:ms. 43 " Wish I knew where I could find him ; But it is no use to know; If I knew/' sighed weary Bobbie, '* Without lesrs how could I eo ?" .^o i.wvv ^^ciiva X gv " Teacher said that Jesus passes By, and you can speak to Him." '' Oh, that I might see Him, Billy, But the lig'hts are growing dim !" " Raise your hand, and He will see you." Languidly poor Bobbie tried : But it fell because of weakness, In a moment, at his side. '' I'm too weak," sighed weary Bobbie. " I will help you," Billy said ; And all night he propped the little Arm upon the iron bed. Jesus passed. He saw the signal ; Took poor Bobbie to that home Where there is no cold nor hunger, Whence the inmates never roam. 44 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. INTOLERANCE. Some call a man intolerant Because he tries to fight The gambling-hells and grog-shops, And sin with all his might ; Because he hates corruption, And everything untrue; If this is called intolerant, I would be called so, too. Some call a man intolerant Because he does his best To put a stop to traffic Upon the day of rest; And yet his heart may throb with love For Gentile and for Jew. If this is called intolerant I would be called so, too. SELECTED POEMS. 45 THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR. The year is done; its record is complete. Another leaf is turned, another sheet In life's account-book, and before your eyes The new year, like a page unsullied, lies. Soil not the clean, white page as you begin Another record ; blot it not with sin ; But let the writing be both fair and true ; Not such as you will be ashamed to view, Or seek to wash away with bitter tears. As you behold it in the coming years. The years are flying swiftly ; each when passed Should show a better record than the last ; Until the book of life again you give To Him Who gave to you this life to live, And Who is proving by your doings here Your fitness for existence in that sphere Where years are numbered by no little v/orld Revolving round the sun ; for there unfurled Eternity shall stretch through endless time, And you shall enter on the life divine. 46 THE SPIRIT 01^ JAPAN. A CLEAN RECORD. Much better the vessel should never be broken, Than shattered and mended again ; What hand hath the requisite skill to restore, And make it again what it had been before It fell ? Is it not so with men ? * * * THE HIDDEN FUTURE. 'Tis well we have not power to look Within life's sealed, mysterious book, And read what's written for us there ; If we upon that page could glance, We might lack courage to advance Upon a path beset with care. Enough for us that God knows all' That must to each of us befall, For He alone marks out our way ; And He will give us power to bear Each burden, and will with us share The load we carry day by da)'. g^lllf^ PART SECOND emm CONTENTS OF PART SECOND. THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. The Spirit of Yamato 49 The Creation of Japan 50 Match-Making 51 The Birth of the Gods 52 The Pouting Sun-Goddess 54 An Afternoon Tea for Men 55 The Thunder God 56 Masamune's Swords 56 The Samurai's Children 58 The Wind God 60 A Japanese Nobleman's Dream 60 Susano Kills the Dragon 62 Japanese Dreams of the Home Land 63 The Emperor's Three Treasures 64 Japanese Art 65 The Emperor's Birthday 66 Earthquakes 67 Nature Worship 67 Japanese Wall Decorations 68 The Seventh Night 69 JAPANESE FAVORITE FLOWERS, TREES AND BIRDS The Plum 70 The Lotus 71 Morning-Glories 72 The Chrysanthemum 73 The Cherry 74 The Bamboo 75 The Pine 76 The Nightingale 77 The Lark 78 The Swallow 79 The Hototogisu 80 The Crane 81 The Pomegranate 82 The Willow 83 Our Attitude 83 Reverence for Age 84 The Spirit of Yamato. PART SECOND THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN THE SPIRIT OF YAMATO. When the sun ascends the eastern sky, And the cherry blooms perfume the air, There is something comes to the Samurai Like the voice of an incense-laden prayer ; And a whisper says : " It is sweet to die At the Master's call ; but never fly." With their delicate fleeting, fragrant breath, The magnificent petals that quickly fall. To the Samurai's spirit speak of death, For they say in language known to all: '' We relinquish our hold on the parent trees, And v/e fall at the call of the morning breeze." 50 THi: SPIRIT OF JAPAN. CREATION OF JAPAN. A god and goddess took their stand Upon the rainbow bridge that spanned The heaving, shoreless sea, Until that time, we understand Was water only, for the land Had not begun to be. Thus, standing o'er the wide expanse Of sea, the god thrust in his lance ; At once the drops congealed. Then, lo ! that matchless chain of isles Which stretches full two thousand miles, In beauty stood revealed. There stood the mountain crowned with snow, The azure lakes reposed below. Like mirrors for the skies, The waterfalls and streams that gleam, And fields and woods in living green. In nature's fairest dyes. All other lands are from the foam Of ocean made ; Japan alone Came from the jeweled spear. No wonder that this land most blessed, The first created and the best, To Japanese seems dear. The Birth of the Gods. THK vSPIRiT OF JAPAN. 5I MATCH-MAKING. Every year, upon the last day Of the ninth month, the believers In the Shinto faith assemble At the shrines to hold their farewell Meetings for gods of Nippon, Who at that time make a journey. In the province of Izumo, At the grave of brave Susano, Who laid low the fearful dragon, Which devoured the maids of Nippon, For a month the gods assemble, To arrange for future bridals. Here, unseen by earthly mortals, Gods select the youths and maidens Who will in the year to follow Be united to each other In the holy bands of wedlock. What an anxious time for lovers ! One month later, the disciples Meet at Shinto shrines to welcome Back the gods, and in the wooing, Which is always sure to follow, Urge that those by gods united, Men should not attempt to sunder. 52 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. THE BIRTH OF THE GODS. Two heavenly beings, Yo and In, Stepped down from the rainbow bridge, To the beautiful earth, undefiled with sin ; And sacred to many since then has been The bold Kirishima's ridge. Then Yo on the left side, and In on the right, Explored the magnificent isle. So lately awakened from chaos and night. Through paradise crowded with every delight, They wandered for many a mile. They circle the beautiful island and meet Again on the opposite shore; '' To meet such a lovely companion is sweet !" The goddess exclaimed, in her joy to greet Her heavenly lord once more. The goddess spoke fii-st, as a goddess will, Which angered her spouse divine; Who, vexed at this liberty, bade her be still. And also to make, for opposing his will. The journey a second time. They circled the island and met again Once more on the other side ; " How sweet is the pleasure," cried Yo, who began, " To meet such a goddess as you, in Japan ! Together now let us abide." THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. 53 Thus, love had beginning, and from it there sprung Both the gods and people of earth ; The first was a daughter, the radiant sun, Called Ama-Terasu, the glorious one. Transferred to the sky from her birth. The second, a daughter called Tsuki, the moon, Resembling the sun, but less bright; At first they reigned jointly, but poor Tsuki soon Offended her sister, who ordered the moon To show herself only at night. The third was Hiruko, a cripple, and he At three was unable to stand ; So making a boat from a sweet camphor tree, They set him afloat on the wide open sea, The first of the fisherman's band. The fourth was a scape-grace, Susano by name, Who ruled o'er the great, restless sea ; His spirit the gods were unable to tame ; He trod down the rice-fields again and again, His sister had sown on the lea. The gods of the mountains, the thunder and rain. The gods of the rivers and earth, The god of the winds and the god of flame. With myriad others, too many to name, From these we have mentioned had birth. 54 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. THE POUTING SUN-GODDESS. One day, as the sun-goddess sat at her loom, Her vexatious brother threw into the room A hide that was reeking, just stripped from a horse; The goddess was angry at conduct so coarse ; She wept and she frowned, and in order to pout She entered a cave and refused to come out ; But shutting herself in an adamant tomb. She left the poor world in the deepest of gloom. The gods tried to coax the bright one to come out ; They built her a palace both ample and stout ; They made for her jewels and beautiful clothes. And also a mirror her charms to disclose ; When all things were ready, they gathered before The mouth of her cavern, with adamant door; They played upon instruments, one danced and sung, The others all shouted till the heavens rung. The sun-goddess wondered on hearing their glee, How could they rejoice and she absent. To see The cause of their mirth, she peeped out of the door, And saw in the mirror, which one held before. Her own lovely face ; ne'er before were such charms Revealed by a mirror ; a god with strong arms Held open the door of the cavern, and then They led out the goddess to daylight again. The gods to her brother gave punishment dire ; They plucked every hair from his head in their ire ; They pulled out the nails from his fingers and toes ; And banished the wretch to the kingdom of woes. The sun-goddess never again hid her light ; She shines save when sleeping, which causes the night. Her sister called Tsuki instead then holds sway. Till cocks by their crowing awaken the day. o O c CO c \ rnit SPIRIT OF JAPAN. 55 AN AFTERNOON TEA FOR MEN. How queer it seems, a tea for men ! It does seem rather strange, but then All things were strange in old Japan, And that's where teas like this began, Six hundred years or so ago. The tea was picked in early spring. When things are fresh, and gay birds sing Their sweetest songs; then stored away In jars until the proper day. Six hundred years or so ago. They spoke of literature and art, Made poems, each one taking part, But never gossiped o'er their tea; They set the pace for you and me. Six hundred years or so ago. All sipped the tea from one fair bowl, A fragrant font, where soul met soul ; 'Twas like communion in Japan ; And that's where teas like this began. Six hundred years or so ago. 56 the: spirit of japan. THE THUNDER GOD. The thunder god rides on the cloud, And plays upon his arch of drums, Producing music soft or loud ; And as he strikes, there often comes A flash of vivid, blinding light. Which turns to day the darksome night. •© >: -^ MASAMUNE'S SWORDS. Masamune hated pelf. But he welded his own self Into every shining blade That he made. True as steel in which he wrought, Pure as devv^ in every thought. He impressed upon his art His own heart. The Thunder God. the: spirit of JAPAN". 57 Masamune's weapons gleam Like a flashing mountain stream, While upon their edge a haze Ever plays, Making those who but behold Shiver, for the blood runs cold, Even in the warmest days. When they gaze. In the hands of sons of Mars They will cut through iron bars, Yet remain unnicked, unscarred. Quite unmarred. His of all swords are the best. As is proved by every test, That can possibly be made Of a blade. Stand a Masamune sword In a brook, upon a ford. Let the edge but slightly lean 'Gainst the stream; Then a straw upon the tide It will certainly divide. If it strikes the weapon true. Into two. 58 THI^ SPIRIT 01^ JAPAN. THE SAMURAI'S CHILDREN. When but five, they say, '* He must learn the way Of his fathers, the Samurai, Whether sunshine or rain. He must never complain. He's the son of a Samurai." On a large checkerboard He is stood, and a sword Is placed in his little hand ; Thus his heart is steeled. And he learns to wield The sword for his native land. Every Samurai knows That with heavy blows On the anvil his sword was made ; That the heat and the cold Were both needed to mold And to temper the trusty blade ; And the Samurai knows. That his boy needs the blows Dealt by fortune, to make him strong ; Both the heat and the cold. Are required for the bold. Who vv^ould battle against the wrong. THK SPIRIT OF JAPAN. 59 With his httle feet bare, To the cold winter air, He must go to his daily tasks ; And not many the sweets, And still fewer the treats, That the Samurai's boy dares to ask ; But the sword by his side Is his glory and pride, For he thinks of it as of his soul ; And the sword must be bright, And employed for the right, xA.nd kept under most perfect control. To the Samurai's lass There is given a glass, A bright mirror which answers her true ; And the maid must be sure To be modest and pure. Never minding what others may do ; And a keen dagger bright Is concealed from the sight, In her bosom ; 'tis better to die, Than to have any stain On her family name; 'Tis the wav of the Samurai. 60 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. THE WIND GOD. The wind god carries on his back The various winds held in a sack; The ends in his great fists he grasps; He gives them exit, fast or slow, And regulates the winds that blow, From zephyrs to the raging blasts. * A JAPANESE NOBLEMAN'S DREAM. In youth there came to me an awful dream, Which left its impress on my later years ; To me, in that night-vision it did seem I wandered in the gloomy vale of tears ; The path was wet and slimy ; on each side Were pitfalls, yawning like the mouths of hell ; And pretty soon my feet began to slide From under me, and into one I fell ; I landed at the bottom of the pit. Which seemed a den of foul and hissing snakes. The writhing reptiles at each other bit. At very thought of which my spirit quakes ; The Wind God. THK SPIRIT OF JAPAN. 6l There seemed to be one way of getting out, And that was furnished by a sturdy vine, Which from above sent down a section stout, And seizing this, I soon began to cHmb ; On hfting up my eyes, I saw a rat Engaged in gnawing at my Hving rope ; I knew my danger, but I argued that I Vv^ould have time, and so was full of hope ; When half way up, I saw, to my surprise, Some luscious fruit dependent from the vine; It seemed so sweet and tempting to my eyes, I gathered some, and thus delayed a time. But while I stopped, the vine was cut in twain By that vile rodent, with his chisel teeth, And down I tumbled in the pit again ; And gone were now all chances of relief. I woke, the sweat was standing on my brow. Which came from horror of that awful dream ; The dreadful vision haunts me even now; I tried to reason out what it might mean; I plainly saw, that if I wished to climb To higher places in life's rugged way, I must not stop, and waste my precious time. Though pleasure tempt me with her fruit to stay. So for my life I made a stringent rule. When urged to taste her fruit, to answer, " No !" In doing this I have not played the fool. But reached a high position, as you know. ^2 THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. SUSANO KILLS THE DRAGON. From the mountains there came, In pursuit of fair game, A fierce dragon of wonderful size; Not content with one pate, This huge monster had eight, Bestudded with great fiery eyes. By the dragon appalled, They Susano recalled To protect them from their dreaded foe ; Which devoured all the maids In his desperate raids. And so filled the whole country with woe. Unlike Hercules strong, Or St. George famed in song, Not with arms did he conquer the foe ; But with Sake instead, A great jar for each head, Eight large vessels set out in a row. Soon the beast came and drank; In a stupor he sank, Quite unable himself to defend ; He was easily slain. To the nation's great gain, 'Twas through Sake he came to his end. From the tip of his tail. With its coating of mail. There protruded a wonderful sword Of most marvelous strength, This was given at length To the sun-goddess, whom all adored. Susano Kills the Dragon. THE SPIRIT OF JAPAN. 63 JAPANESE DREAMS OF THE HOMELAND. The beauty of the Inland Sea, Bestudded with its lovely isles, Is ever in our memory, Though distant, now, five thousand miles ; Brave Fuji San, that guards the coast, And blessed our eyes far out at sea; 'Tis hard to tell what charmed us most, Where all so lovely seemed to be. When cherry blossoms in the spring Their witchery of beauty spread, And happy feathered songsters sing Their sweetest carols overhead. In summer when azaleas blow. And beautify the mountain-side. We think of thee where'er we go ; Thy memories with us abide. When frost comes stealing in the night To kiss the graceful maple leaves, Which blush to scarlet, then how bright The glens appear; Oh, how it grieves Us to be absent from our home, The land we love across the sea ; No matter where our feet may roam, Our hearts are constantly with thee. 64 THK SPIRIT OF JAPAN. THE EMPEROR'S THREE TREASURES. The soil of Nippon, by the gods Was trodden for a time; And so made sacred by the feet Of those who were divine ; At length from Kirishima's ridge, They step upon the swinging bridge, And so to heaven climb. The bridge was lifted very soon, And carried far away; Direct communication ceased With heaven from that day. Then one was from their number sent, Who, in their stead, should represent The gods of early sway. Three treasures had the sun-goddess, — A mirror, sword and seal. The first was made by hands divine, From heaven's burnished steel; The seal, which curious art displayed, Was from a stony substance made. But very smooth to feel. The sword was from the dragon's tail. The monster as you know. With eight huge heads, and which was slain By valiant Susano. The sun-goddess these treasures three Gave to her grandson Ninigi, Who then came down below. a E LU