A PASTORAL LETTER TO I HE CLERGY OF THE CHDRCH OF EN'GlARD IN THE SOOTH TOKYO AND OSAKA MISSIONARY ■ JORISDICTIONS: BY EDWARD BICKERSTETH, D.D., Bishop of thic Church of England in Central Japan; Fellow of the University of the Punjab, and late Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge, Together with an Appendix containing Statistics, etc. LENT, 1895, *■' With one soul striving for the Faith of the Gospel.” YOKOHAMA : Printed at the “Japan Mail” Office; Published by Kelly AND W'al.sh, Limited. I Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from ^Columbia University Libraries https://archive.org/details/pastoralletterOObick \ 7 ■V' '. v:” ' ■ ■ .'.' '' -A ■■ - ■ ■ J- J i / - . TO THE REVEREND THE CLERGY OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN THE SOUTH TOKYO AND OSAKA MISSIONARY JORISDICTIONS- Azabu, Tokyo, February, 1895. Reverend and dear Brethren, — I thank you for the answers to my visitation questions, which you have kindly forwarded. I propose in future to issue these or similar questions yearly. The political events of the past year in the history of this country have undoubtedly been of unparalleled im- portance. Probably without exception, we rejoice in Japan’s success in at last making good her claim to a position of legal equality with great western natioqs. It can hardly fail that the removal of what was felt to be a just cause of irritation will work favourably in the Interests of the Church. For the most part, we do not share the very natural fears of our fellow-countrymen in the East who are engaged in mer- cantile pursuits. A wider knowledge of the Japanese people has led us to a different conclusion. Still, no doubt a new era will bring its own difficulties, and nothing that we can do— and we may often do much — should be wanting to maintain relations of goodwill and confidence between ourselves and the people with whom our work brings us into such close connection. Such relations do much in themselves to facilitate the direct object of our residence in this land. The unbroken success which has attended the Japanese armies in the invasion of Korea and China involves conse- quences alike to victors and vanquished of which it is im- possible to over-estimate the importance. For the next generation at all events Japan will hold the prerogative position among the nations of the Further East for good or for evil. The result must ultimately depend upon whether or no her rulers and statesmen act upon principles of which religion is the sanction, and of which Christianity alone hag as yet proved the adequate inspiration. The Church has been at work far too short a time in Japan for us reason- ably to expect the open acceptance of the obligations of Christian teaching. But the influence of the Church and of the Faith of Christ has at all times been felt over a far wider area than that in which their authority is directly recognized. And we may hope that the influence not only of Christian missions but of intercourse with Christian nations has so far prevailed that the principle of unselfish regard for the interests of others, even of foes, will be allowed some real weight in the new settlement of Eastern affairs which is imminent. • An extension of the territory under the Japanese flag may open the way to the further development of our mis- sions. From this point of view it is a matter of congratula- tion that a diocese had already been formed in Korea and Manchuria, and a mission outpost established in Okinawa, the island which is the natural stepping-stone to Formosa. So far as it involved my own separation from workers and work in which I had no small interest, it was a grief to myself to hand over the jurisdiction of Kiushu to Bishop Evington in May last. But for the Church’s sake I greatly rejoice in the elevation to the episcopate of one who himself had ‘ laboured abundantly ’ in this country, during so many years. I am much indebted to Bishop Evington for con- senting to be responsible for the superintendence of the Yezo Missions during the unexpected delay in the appoint- ment to the bishopric in that island. The solution of the questions relating to episcopal jurisdiction in Hondo which was arrived at with happy unanimity in the special synod of last May, has suggested the further extension of the episcopate in Japan. I concur in what as far as I have been able to ascertain is the general wish, that each of the two jurisdictions now under my care should have its own bishop, and have laid the matter before the Archbishop of Canterbury. I understand that our American brethren are anxious to establish a bishopric in Kyoto. I cannot doubt that the appointment of bishops in the two districts of Kyoto and Osaka would greatly contribute to the attainment of the common object which we have in view, the foundation of an independent Christian Church in this country. The late Under Secretary for British Foreign Affairs in his interesting volume on “ Problems of the Far East ” has assumed that the extension of the episcopate in Japan is due to an expectation that there will shortly be a widespread movement towards Christianity in* this Empire. I share his own opinion that no such movement is immediately to be expected. But the justification of a multiplied episcopate is the development of direct evangelisation which, alike in ancient and modern times, it has brought in its train, and which in all probability is necessary as a preparation be- fore any general desire will be manifested to embrace the Christian Faith. The question has been raised whether new bishops should be Japanese or foreigners. I notice that a popular Church magazine in England has recently advocated the immediate consecration of Japanese clergy. I am unable to agree in this suggestion. No one can be more anxious than I am to adopt the counsel of the late Bishop of Lahore and “ to stand behind our native brethren ” in the East. No one desires less than I to perpetuate Anglican dioceses in Japan. But an episcopate which was wholly supported by foreign subscriptions and the nomination to which con- sequently remained in foreign hands, could not be counted really indigenous, because the see was held for the time be- ing by a Japanese. Some portion at least of the required funds should be supplied from Japanese sources, and this is at present impossible. While then I hope that the time may not be very far distant when it may be right to consecrate a Japanese bishop in this country, I do not think that it has yet come. Kindly English opinion has credited us with more rapid advance than has actually been made. Meantime, the special circumstances to which I have referred emphasize the obligation resting on the Church of England to do all that is possible to bring the message of the Faith to the knowledge of the Japanese people in the districts which are now formally committed to her care. In the South Tokyo and Osaka jurisdictions the population numbers about i8 million souls. The new table of statistics and names which will be found in the Appendix gives some idea of the strength of the Christian force with which w'e are essaying our task. Comparing our present numbers with those of earlier periods we cannot be too thankful for the steady growth which has taken place from year to year. But at such a crisis as the present we have a right, I think, to claim from the Church at home support more adequate to the actual work in hand. We may fairly press upon our Societies and other missionary agencies that larger ven- tures of faith are necessary than hitherto have been made, if the thought and heart of this country are to be wOn for Christ, and the masterful influence which it will now exercise in other lands is to be penetrated by the grace of Christian principles. Our immediate aim should be to make each prin- cipal division of a vast urban area like that of South Tokyo, and each chief provincial city, a distinct mission centre, complete in all its parts. An addition of some thirty clergy to our present staff with a proportionate increase of other workers would enable us to reach this standard in both jurisdictions. For the present, in most, though not in all cases, vve must look to England and Canada for the men and women who can act as responsible heads of new work. God grant that the practical outcome of the intense in- terest which western lands have taken in the fortunes of this country during the past year may be the offer of personal service on the part of men and women who are fitted phy- sically and spiritually for such high tasks. Meantime, it is pleasant to notice that some advance has been made during the past twelve months. To name only some points among others : the important district of Ushigome in South Tokyo has been occupied by S. Andrew’s Mission, Mr. Cholmondeley having gone to re- side there in October : a new congregation has been organized under the Rev. H. McC. E. Price in the neigh- bourhood of the Mom.oyama School in Osaka : the Rev. T. Makioka has been placed in responsible charge of Hamada in Iwami, and two Japanese deacons, the Rev. M. Kakuzen and the Rev. D. T. Terada, acting under the Rev. J. G. Waller and the Rev. G. H. Pole respectively, of Matsumoto and Hiroshima. I note too with much thank- fulness the gradual growth of both the Canadian Missions, and that the Church Missionary Society, at Archdeacon Warren’s suggestion, has undertaken to provide for an- other of the vacant urban districts in South Tokyo. The Mission to Seamen at Kobe, which was set on foot by the Rev. W. Weston before his return to England, is an important addition to the Church’s work among Europeans, and will I hope obtain the support of one or other of our English societies as well as of European residents. The great increase during the last few years in the number of ships touching at, and in some cases staying for some weeks in, that port offers an opportunity of bringing to sailors the ministrations of religion which they themselves appreciate, and which we should be unwilling to neglect. I am glad also to know that the erection of a Church at Kobe, in which the full services of the Church of England may be regularly solemnized, is not likely to be much longer delayed. The need has been greatly felt for some years. ( 7 ) For the first time for many years an English clergyman paid a visit in February last to the Bonin Islands.^ Pro- bably there are few members of the Church more isolated or more in need of help than the few English speaking residents in these .islands. It is hoped that a like visit may be repeated annually. I have since licensed one of the islanders as a lay reader to work among both Europeans and Japanese, and during the past winter two English ladies have been residing among them and giving instruction to those who are willing to receive it. The new Japanese version of the Prayer Book has been finished after probably a greater expenditure of toil in translation and minute revision, extended over some six years, than has been devoted to any of the numerous versions of the Prayer Book in our day. It is impossible that all should be entirely satisfied with the result. The differences between the English and American Books in- volved numerous decisions in which strong predilections, happily by no means always running parallel with nation- ality, were engaged on one side or the other. The selec- tion of a theological terminology in an Eastern language adequate to render the venerable forms into which the Christian thought of the West has cast its beliefs and prayers is, as you are aw’are, a task of extreme diffi- culty. This difficulty has now been in large part over- come, and the thanks of the whole Church are due to those who, under whatever inevitable imperfections, have given us a service book which in completeness and * See “A visit to tlie Bonin Islands” by tlie Rev. L. B. Chol- mondeley. literary style is much in advance of its predecessor. I may express the hope that now that the version is com- plete, it may be allowed to remain as it is, at least for some years. No doubt a later generation will improve upon the work of our own. But stability is a note of the Church with which frequent changes of liturgical forms or even of translation are more or less inconsistent. As it now stands, it is I believe fairly adequate to the needs of the little Japanese Church, and like the Japanese Church itself it bears witness to the unity of the American and English Churches, and to the good results of the co-operation of their clergy in a heathen land. It is hoped that the new book will be in your hands by Whitsun Day. It will, I believe, be well worth your while to study it carefully, especially in those points in which it differs from the English Book of Common Prayer. The Lectionary (for the preparation of which we are chiefly in- debted to the Rev. H. J. Foss), the rules for shortened services following in the main the American use, the greater liberty in the selection of psalms, the new occasional prayers, mainly from the last edition of the American Prayer Book, the alternative use — adopted with the Archbishop’s consent — of the Prayers of Consecration (involving when the longer form is adopted the employment of the second Post-Communion Collect), the restoration of an Absolution to the Visitation of the Sick, with a rubric drawn from the English Communion Office, the Prayer for the Consecra- tion of a Grave, the Family Prayers and the Office for the Institution of Ministers (from the American Book) and for the Consecration of Churches (after Bishop Andrewes) are among the many points which deserve attention. The ( 9 ) services in the Appendix for the Admission of a Catechu- men, the Emperor’s Birthday, Harvest Thanksgiving, In- tercession for Missions, etc., though they do not form part of the Prayer Book and their use is not of obligation, are, I believe, sure to be valued by our people as adding the sanction and blessing of their Religion to days which stand out in expectation or memory from year to year. Let me express the hope that the issue of the new translation will lead to a more complete and, may I say ? a more obedient use of the Book as a whole. To specify two points among others which I might select. (a.) The answers to the Visitation questions show that the Catechism is not taught as universally and completely as it ought to be. A recent writer, not of our Church, traces to it what he calls “the secret of the wholesome influence ex- ercised by Anglicanism upon the general mind of England for generations.”*' We certainly do no service to Japanese children, if we allow them to grow up without at least as much definite teaching as is contained in its brief pages, and to adult converts, though they may not be able to com- mit its words so accurately to memory, the acquisition of its substantial teaching is not less important. (b.) The disciplinary rubrics are only partially and fitfully enforced. This seems to me likely, with the in- crease of our numbers, to bring serious danger. I fear that very many communicants have not been taught how to prepare for Holy Communion, and as a matter of fact make no, or no sufficient, preparation. If, on coming to * Lilly. “ Tlie Great Enigma ; ” p. 41, ( lO ) church, they find there will be a Celebration they do not abstain from receiving because they have not made pre- paration beforehand. This is in direct contrariety with apostolic injunction and Church rule. There may be some difficulty in carrying out to the letter the first rubric preceding the Communion Service. But during the past year (by a system of cards and a box at the Church door) this has been done successfully in one church in the South Tokyo jurisdiction. The clergyman in charge tells me that attendance at regular services has doubled during the twelve months. His example might well be followed. In reference to this and other rules it cannot be too constantly remembered that the success of aggressive work among un- believers depends mainly on the vitality of the Christian congregation, and that this in turn is bound up with a strict system of discipline. “ Where discipline is strict,” it has been excellently said by the venerable Secretary of the Church Missionary Society in the Punjab, “ enquirers will be numerous.” # Let me add one practical point. A clergyman should not, under ordinary circumstances, solemnize a Japanese marriage until he is satisfied that the civil registration of the parties to be married is duly completed. Serious diffi- culties have arisen from the neglect of this rule. This letter will reach you about the beginning of Lent, the season of the Church’s year which is most suitable fora careful review of our own life and work, and for personal in- tercourse with the members of our flocks in prospect of their Easter Communion. In all places and especially where con- gregatibns have been formed for some years and are liable ( II ) to t^at deterioration which from apostolic days has followed upon and chilled the fervour of conversion, it is important to make use of the season for special services and instructions. May God’s Holy Spirit be with you in all work of this kind! We may be sure that new love, deeper penitence, higher attainment in holiness in Christian souls, our own or those of our people, will not fail to make itself felt in the vast unbelieving society around us, even as the first baptisms followed on the Good Friday and the Pentecost. I am. Reverend and Dear Brethren, Your faithful and affectionate Brother in Christ, EDW. BICKERSTETH, Bishop. ; r. J: / , / r- APPENDIX. A. THE BISHOP. Rt. Rev. Edward Bickersteth, D.D., 1886. I3i ligura Rokuchome, Azabu, Tokyo. ARCHDEACONS. South Tokyo Jurisdiction : Ven. A. C. Shaw, M.A., 1888. Osaka Jurisdiction : Ven. C. F. Warren, 1891. CHAPLAINS TO THE BISHOP. Rev. H. J. Foss, M.A. Rev. J. TOSHIMICHI ImaI Examining. Rev. L. B. Cholmondeley, M.A., 1887. SECRETARY TO THE BISHOP. Rev. A. E. Webb, M.A., S. Andrew’s House, II Sakaecho, Sliiba, Tokyo. BISHOP’S COMMISSARIES. Rev. S. Bickersteth, M.A,.., Tlie Vicarage, Lewisham, S.E. 1888 Rev. R. L. Ottley, M.A., Pusey House, Oxford 1886 Rev, Prof. V. H_. Stanton, D.D., Trinity College, Cambridge. 1886 SOUTH TOKYO JURISDICTION. priests. Rev. W. T. Austen (Seamen’s Mission, Yokohama) 1874 Rev. J. M. Baldwin, M.A. ...(Nagoya) Wyclif College, Toronto, Mission. 1889 Rev. A. F. Chappell (Gifu) C.M.S., 1888 Rev. L. B. Cholmondeley, M.A. (Ushigome, Tokyo), S. Andrew’s Mission. 1887 Rev. F. E. Freese, M. A (Yokohama) S.P.G., 1889 Rev. H. J. Hamilton, B.A ...(Nagoya) Wyclif College, Toronto, Mission. 1892 (Shimofukuda) 1889 Rev. A. Eijiro Iida ( u ) Rev. J. Toshimichi Imai (Shiba, Tokyo) S.P.G., 1888 Rev. E. C. Irwine, M.A (Chaplain of Christ Church, Yokohama) 1880 Rev. F. W. Kennedy (Nagano) Canadian Church Mission. 1894 Rev. A. F. King, M.A (.Sliiba, Tokyo) S. Andrew's Mission. 1888 Rev. H. Moore, M.A (Shiba, Tokyo) S. Andrew’s Mission. 1891 Rev. J. C. Robinson (Nagoya) VVyclif College, Toronto, Mission. 1888 Rev. L. F. Ryde, M.A (Shiba, Tokyo) S. Andrew’s Mission. 1891 Rev. Archd. A. C. Shavv, M.A. (Tokyo) S.P.G., 1873 Rev. J. G. Waller, M.A (Nagano) Canadian Cliurch Mission. 1891 Rev. A. E. Webb, M.A — (Shiba, Tokyo) S. Andrew's Mission. 1894 Rev. J. Williams ( 7 'sukiji, Tokyo) C.M.S., 1876 Rev. Yoneji Yamagata (Numazu) S.P.G., 1885 Rev. C. Naoye Yoshizawa... (T okyo) S.P.G., 1889 DEACONS. Rev. MasaZO Kakuzen (Matsumoto) Canadian Church Mission. 1893 Rev. W. F. Madeley (Shiba, Tokyo) S. Andrew's Mission. 1889 Rev. M. HiTOSHI Satake (Yokohama) S.P.G., 1894 Rev. A. OtoMARU SHIMADA...(Mita, Tokyo) 1889 Rev. P. SUKEJIRO YamADA ...(Shiba, Tokyo) S.P.G., 1892 FOREIGN LAY-WORKERS. Miss Ballard (Ushigome, Tokyo) S. Hilda’s Mission. 1892 Miss Bullock (Azabu, Tokyo) S. Hilda’s Mission. 1891 Nurse Gertrude (Azabu, Tokyo) S. Hilda’s Mission. 1893 Nurse Grace (Azabu, Tokyo) S. Hilda’s Mission. 1888 Miss Hoar^ (Azabu, Tokyo) S.P.G. Ladies’ Association. 1875 Miss Annie Hoar (Azabu, Tokyo) S.P.G. Ladies’ Association. 1885 Miss Hogan ( 15 ) .(Azabu, Tokyo) S. Hilda’s Mission. 1892 Miss Paslev (Gifu) New ZealandC. M. Association. 1894 Miss Paterson ..(Nagano) Canadian Church Mission. 1894 Miss E. C. Payne (Gifu) C.M.S. 1892 Miss Rickards (Azabu, Tokyo) S. Hilda’s Mission. 1894 Miss Thornton (Azabu, Tokyo) S. Hilda’s Mission. 1887 Miss Trent (Nagoya) VVyclif College, Toronto, Mission. 1894 OSAKA JURISDICTION. PRIESTS. Rev. W. P. Buncombe, B.A. ...(Tokushima) C.M.S., 1888 Rev. B. F. Buxton, M.A (Matsuye) C.M.S., 1890 Rev. G. Chapman (Tokushima) C.M.S., 1884 Rev. R. H. CONSTERDINE, B.A. (Matsuye) C.M.S., 1893 Rev. H.J. Foss, M.A (Kobe) S.P.G., 1876 Rev. P. K. Fyson, M.A (Theological College, Osaka) C.M.S., 1874 Rev. C. G. Gardner, B.A. ...(Kobe) S.P.G., 1887 Rev. S. Magohiko Koba ...(Osaka) 1890 Rev. TeTSUYA MaKIOKA (Hamada) 1890 Rev. G. H. Pole, M.A. (Osaka). C.M.S., 1881 Rev. H. Mac C. E. Price, B.A. .(Momoyama, Osaka). .C.M.S., 1890 Rev. S. Swann, M.A (Chaplain of Kobe) 1890 Rev. B. Hisayoshi TERASAWA...(Holy Trinity Osaka) C.M.S., 1887 Veil. Archd. C. F. Warren,, . .(Osaka) C.M S., 1873 Rev. C. T. Warren, B.A. ...(Osaka) C.M.S., 1890 DEACONS. Rev. P. Takusai Arato (Matsuye) 1892 Rev. J. ISAO MizuNO (Kobe) 1890 Rev. Yoshiyuki Nakanishi...(S. Peter’s, Osaka) 1887 Rev. D. Totaro Terada ...(Hiroshima) C.M.S., 1887 Rev. H. G. Warren, B.A. ...(Osaka) C.M.S., 1893 FOREIGN lay-workers. (Seamen’s Mission, Kobe) ... 1894 (Boys’ School, Kobe)... S.P.G., 1878 Mr. j. M. Harmon Mr. H. Hughes ... ( i6 ) Miss Allen ' C.M.S., 1895 Miss Bernau 1894 Miss Boulton . Society for Prom oting Female Education in the East. 1885 Miss Bosanquet C.M.S., 1892 Miss Cox C.M.S., 1889 Miss Dunn C.M.S., 1894 Mrs. Edmonds . C.M.S., 1889 Miss Fugill C.M.S., 1893 Miss Hamilton . Society for Promoting Female Education in the East. 1886 Miss Hill C.M.S., 1894 Miss Holland ., 1888 Miss Howard.... C.M.S., 1891 Miss Huhold .... C.M.S., 1892 Miss Jackson C.M.S., 1894 Miss Julius C.M.S., 1888 Miss McClenaghan ... C.M.S., 1893 Mrs. Mola (Kobe) S.P.G. Ladies’ Association. 1893 Miss E. Ritson . C.M.S., 1890 Miss Smith (Kobe) Canadian Church Mission. 1893 Miss Spicer C.M.S., 1894 Miss Tristram . C.M.S., 1888 B. ORDINATIONS. May 20, in S. Andrew’s, Shiba, Tokyo : — Mark Hitoshi Satake, Deacon. William Frank Madeley, Deacon. CONSECRATIONS. April 5.— S. Michael’s Church, Kobe. April 7. — Emmanuel Church, Tokushima. CHURCHES LICENSED. June 12. — Ota-mura (Hokkaido). June 12. — S. Peter’s Temporary Church, Osaka. ( 17 ) CONFIRMATIONS. (i) In the South Tokyo Jurisdiction : — Febr. 1 1. Japanese : — S. Paul’s, Tokyo 6 Febr. 18. Mita, Tokyo 7 March 1 6. Numazu 4 March 17- S. Andrew’s, Tokyo ... ... 19 March 18. S. Andrew’s, Yokohama 6 April 10. Gifu 8 April 1 1. Takasu 9 April II. Ogaki 4 April 15 - Nagoya 8 May 6. Ushigome, Tokyo 8 May 13- Kyobashi, Tokyo 14 May 23- Nagano 20 May 24. Nakano 5 July I. S, Paul’s, Tokyo S. Andrew’s House Chapel, Tokyo 5 Dec. 22. 2 Total 125 (2) In the Osaka Jurisdiction ; — English : — February 27. Kobe 8 Japanese : — March 8 . Nakagose (Banshu) 4 March g. Tenjin (Banshu) 5 March II. Kobe 3 March 12. Sumoto (Awaji) 4 March 13. Iwaya (Awaji) 2 April I. Holy Trinity, Osaka 37 April 2. Fukuyama 7 April 3. Fuchiu 3 April 4. Tomo 8 April 8 . Tokushima 10 April 8 . Muya 9 Nov. 2. Church of the Saviour, Osaka 22 Total 1 14 ( i8 ) STATISTICS 1894. South Tolcyo Jurisdiction. Osaio Jurisdiction Total. English. Priests 16 12 28 Deacons I I 2 Lay Workers 13 23 36 Com muni cants (approximately) 156 106 262 Baptisms 13 9 22 Confirmations — 8 8 Offerings (approximately) ... 17,980 $2,630 $10,610 Japanese. Priests 4 3 7 Deacons 4 4 8 Catechists 20 21 41 Communicants 692 678 1370 Church Members 1356 1287 2643 Baptisms 155 107 262 Confirmations 125 114 239 Offerings ^1,5 12.20 $1,075.75 $2,587.95 Day Scholars 365 255 620 Sunday Scholars 410 295 705 Divinity Students 10 17 27 c. Opening Address to the Local Synod of the Osaka Missionary Jurisdiction, September 25TH, 1894. Our meeting to-day is, as you are aware, the result of the decisions arrived at in the special synod of last Ma3L According to these decisions Kyoto and Osaka give their names to two mis- sionary jurisdictions which each have their Synod meeting under the presidency of its own Bishop. How far this plan may be permanent or temporary it is for you to decide in the future, when foreign bishops and missions ( 19 ) are things of the past. There is nothing in the arrangements which have been made to prevent you either reversing or deve- loping them, as need may require. So far, however, as the history of tlie Western Church affords a precedent, it seems to me unlikely that either of two such great and prosperous cities as Osaka and Kyoto will at any time in the future be content to be without its own bishop and its own ecclesiastical organization. Certainly in Greece of the second century Corinth would have been ill content to have been included in the diocese of Athens, notwithstanding the politi- cal and literary celebrity of the Attic capital, and on the other hand Athens would not have desired to form part of the Corin- thian diocese, notwithstanding the mercantile superiority of the city on the two seas. So perhaps, if history repeat itself, it may be in japan. This great mercantile emporium of Osaka will feel that it has interests and claims which can be best provided for by a bishop and synod of its own. And on the other hand so celebrated a city as Kyoto, which has occupied a place of first importance in the past history of japan, may think it natural and right to make a similar demand. If so, our present missionary jurisdictions can easily be developed into regular dioceses. On the other hand, if you decide otherwise, nothing has been done to fetter your liberty. In the very few' minutes during which I shall occupy your at- tention, let me refer to (i) our object, (2) our resources, (3) the conditions of success. (l ). — Our object I need not say, is the glory of God in Christ. To promote that glory is the end for which the Church exists. All her activities, whether in W'orship, or the instruction of her own members, or in seeking to bring others within her pale, are sub- servient to this one end. In this country, where even in this one jurisdiction there are ten million unbelievers, our thoughts and efforts are largely occupied with evangelistic missions. Even in these it is necessary to remind ourselves from time to time for what end they are established. The thought, if w'e are conscious of it, cannot fail to hallow and exalt each day's toil. (2.) — Our resources. We may be thankful that after the lapse of only some twenty years since Bishop Evington and Archdeacon Warren commenced work in this city, and of only seven since the organization of the Nippon Sei Kokwai, there is on the whole so good and hopeful a report to make under this head. I he number of Clergy in this jurisdiction is now' 20, 7 Japanese and 13 English, residing in six difi'erent places, Osaka, Kobe, Tokushima, Fukuyama, Hamada, and Matsue. The ( 20 ) number of Catechists is 2i and of Christian Sclioolmasters ig. The number of foreigu lady missionaries is 15, and of Japanese Mission Women, including School Teachers, 14. The. total number of organized congregations is 20 and of Christians 1,300. Moreover, we have already in operation one Divinity School, two upper class Boys’ Schools, two Girls’ Schools, a Training School for Mission Workers, and a Nurses’ School. No doubt if these numbers are compared with the vast crowds of unbelievers around us, they will seem very small. No doubt it is a serious fact, well worth our attention as a Synod, that there are large provinces, like Nagato, and Suwo, and Mimazaka, and Sanuki where we are unrepresented, and others, such as Aki, where we have but one solitary worker. No doubt too, a detailed examination of work reveals many shortcomings which a sum- mary list passes over. All workers are not well-instructed, and there are times when zeal flags. School work is not always a success from the Church’s point of view. Every Christian does not shine as a light in the world. It is right to remind ourselves of these things, and yet they must not make us forget the other point of view to which I have alluded, that GOD has wonderfully helped us thus far. (3.) — Lastly, what are the conditions of success on the part of the Church ? Many might be mentioned. 1 should count these three the principal, (a.) A strong hold on the Christian Faith as revealed in the Bible and summed up in the Creeds. Be sure that Christianity is a definite revelation in historic facts and that there is no substitute for it any where, not culture, not philosophy, not bare theism. Each Christian , above all each Christian worker, should have unshaken conviction that that which he teaches is the truth of God. ( 3 .) A full and pure Church life. I'he Church is a society not of the world but in it, and from the very beginning it lias purified morals, quickened old virtues and created new ones, and established new canons of feeling and action in social life. To this end it must have its own officers, and its own rules, and its own svstem of discipline, and it will only be strong to inspire the world with reverence for its own ideals and to win men to their acceptance, if each of its members yields a full ungrudging obedience for Christas sake to its regulations, and makes its standards his own. (c.) Individual loyalty to Christ. An orthodox faith and apostolic organization and strong discipline are of no avail without personal allegiance and love to Him who is the Alpiia and Omega, the Beginning and End of the Christian revelation. May these conditions be fulfilled in us ! The time calls us to serious thought. A conflict is being waged of wliich the ( 21 ) resulL in God’s Providence may be more fully to open the way in the neighbouring lands to the blessings alike of civilization and of Christianity. Fresh treaties are being concluded with western lands involving new and serious responsibilities. It seems that a new era of wider usefulness and larger duties is opening before the nation. The temper which alone can deal witli its circumstances is that of which the Christian Faith is the one effectual guarantee, the temper of seriousness, of humility, of self-sacrifice. Let us pray that in these and like graces those wlio bear the Christian name may set a standard and example, of which men sliall recognize the u'orthiness and enquire the origin. D. PASTORAL LETTER BEFORE DAY OF INTERCESSION, 1894. The Bishop requests that the following Pastoral be read in all Churches on Sunday, November 25, or Sunday, December 2: — To THE Clergy and Members of the Nippon Sei Ko Kwai in the South Tokyo and Osaka Dendoku. Azabu, Tokyo, November, 1894. Dear Brethren, — There is indeed special reason why our prayers should be offered very earnestly to GoD this year at the time of General Intercession for the Missions of the Church. The war with China is fraught with consequences which must vitally affect the future of the Church in all far Eastern lands. As Christians w'e all feel that, while the success which in accordance with our [)rayer.s God has granted to the arms of Japan is a subject of sincere thanksgiving, that very success will have failed of its highest result if it only enhance the national glory. Again and again in past times the over-ruling Providence of God has made use of military achievements to open new lands to the Gospel, and to remove impediments out of the w’ay of the progress of His Kingdom. So let us pray that it may be in tlie present case : let us ask that one result of the present conflict may be to open Korea and Manchuria and perhaps China itself more fully than they have hitherto been opened to the preaching of the Cross. ( 22 ) Nor would it be unsuitable that in our prayers we should think of the inevitable influence of conflict and victory on the national character. This influence may be for good or for bad. It will be for good if it lead to a fuller and more serious sense of national responsibility, to the unselfish use of the opportunities which victory secures, to the recognition of the hand of Almighty God in the disposition of human affairs. On the other hand, success which ministered to pride or greed or self-confidence, must in the long run be disastrous to those who win it. In so critical a period then both for the nation and the Church, we may^ well be earnest'in our supplications at the Throne of Grace. Two meetings of the General Synod have been held since this time last year. The Me_eting in December last was occupied almost entirely in the consideration of questions con nected with the Prayer Book. Th is work, with the exception of the new Psalter, is now practi- cally complete, and will be in your hands I hope at latest by next Easter. Let me take this opportunity of asking all the members of the Church, so soon as they receive the new book, to give it diligent and close study that they may be able to join as S. Paul said “with mind’^ as well as “ with spirit’’ (see I. Cor. XIV. 15,) in the services of the House of Prayer. It is one of the great advantages of a familiar form of prayer that the attention of the worsliipper is not occupied in enquiring the meaning of the petitions at the time when he ought to be employed only in the worship of God. But a new translation will in part lose this advantage unless it be first diligently studied at home. Let me add that I hope that all pastors and heads of families will take the opportunity of the publication of the new book to enquire how far those under their care are able to take an intelligent part in the services, and will make special arrangements if need be for their instruction. In this connection also let me press upon them as well as on all godfathers and godmothers the grave responsibility under which they are of seeing that as far as possible all under their charge have a full acquaintance with the Church Catechism. In some places I have found with regret that many young persons even have known it very imperfectl3^ Yet the teaching which it contains on Christian doctrine and practice is essential to maturity and strength of Christian character. No general exhortations to goodness and piety can take the place of definite instruction in the Commandments, Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments, w'hich are the four subjects of which the Catechism treats. I hope that these subjects will constantly form the basis of catechical in- struction in the Sunday School and still better in Church, and ( 23 ) that parents and guardians will not fail to show interest in the progress of the young. No such labours can fail of their reward. We may be sure that generally speaking it is well instructed Christians who are firm in the Faitli, and “adorn the doctrine of Christ” in their lives, and bring others to a knowledge of the Truth. The work of the Special Synod in May was confined to the divi- sion of Hondo into four dendoku, each with its Synod, meeting under the presidency of its own Bishop, and its own special brandies oj the Church Societies. I trust that this arrangement, which is more in accordance with ancient practice than that under whicli we liave hitherto worked, will be found to conduce to greater prac- tical efficiency, and to an increase of interest in all that concerns the spread of Christ’s Kingdom in our midst. Alike the solemn events which pass around us in the world, and the season of the Church’s year on which we are about to enter, remind us that “the night is far spent and the day is at hand.” May we not fail to “ walk honestly ” and to “abound in the work of the Lord” (see Romans Xlll. ii-ia and 1. Cor. XV. s8). Believe me to be, dear Brethren, Yours very faithfully in Christ, EDW. BICKERSTETH, Bishop. Note. — Tlie Eve of S. Andrew's Day is llie time most generally adopted for special intercessions. If it prove inconvenient in any particular place, a day as near to it as possible should be selected. E. The following document, of which a translation was published in the Japanese Church magazines in the summer of last year, gives the divisions of Central Japan into mis- sionary jurisdictions as agreed upon between the Right Rev. Bishop McKim and myself : — In accordance with the resolution of the special synod of ( 24 ) May gth and lolh, 1894, llie Bishops have divided the Tokyo and C saka CJiihd '\y\to the following dendoku (missionary jurisdictions) North Tokyo Dendokii — Rikuoku, Rikuchu, Rikuzen, Ugo, Uzen, Echigo, Ivvashiro, Iwaki, Hitachi, Kotsuke, Shimotsuke, Ibaraki and Saitama Ken, so much of Musashi as is north of Hachioji-Kaido. South Tokyo Dendoku — Chiba Ken, Kazusa, Awa, so much of Musashi as is south of Hacliioji-Kaido, Sagami, Izu, Suruga, Totomi, Mikawa, Owari, Mino, Hida, Etchu, Kai, Shi nano. Kyoto Dendoku. — Noto, Kaga, Echizen, Wakasa, Tango, so much of Tamba as is in Kyoto-Fu, Yamasliiro, Omi, Iga, Ise, Yamato, Kishu, Izumi, Kawachi. Osaka Dendoku. — Settsu, so much of Tamba as is in Hyogo- Ken, Harima, Bizen, Bitchu, Bingo, Aki, Suwo, Nagato, Iwami, Izumo, H 5 ki, Mimasaka, Inaba, Tajima, Avvaji, Shikokn. The congregations in Tokyo and Osaka are attached to the dendoku of the Bisliop under whose jurisdiction they are. ' In the event of a Canadian Bishop being appointed on the west coast, Echigo sliall be in his jurisdiction. May 21, 1894. (Signed) ED\V. BICKERSTETH, Bishop. (Signed) JOHN McKIM, -■ Bishop. Of the above the North Tokyo and dendoku are under the jurisdiction of the American Bishop and the South Tokyo and Osaka dendoku of tlie English Bishop. ' ( 25 ) F. Bishopslowe, ligura, Azabu, Tokyo, December, 1894. Reverend and Dear Brother, I enclose a list of the principal engagements which I hope, God willing, to fulfil during next year. In some cases I have not attempted as yet to fix an exact date for the Confirmation, but I trust that a knowledge of the approximate date of my visit will be sufficient to enable you to commence preparation classes in ample time. I am increasingly convinced of the grave importance of full and careful preparation during the three months preceding the Confirmation itself, and beg you to present none to be con- firmed who have not undergone such preparation, without special reference to myself. I am also forwarding to you a paper of visitation questions, which I shall be much obliged by your answering and returning to me, as soon as possible after the New Year. Praying for you every blessing of the New Year, I am, Yours very faithfully in Christ The Reverend. Edw. Bickersteth, Bishop. VISITATION &c., 1895. January 2-4. 20. 27. 29. February 3. 17-23. March i8-April 5. April 6. 7 - 16-19 May 15-June 15. July 17. S.P.G. Conference, Tokyo. Dedication of S. Andrew’s Temporary Church, Shiba. Confirmation (English), S. Andrew’s, Shiba. Confirmation, Hada-no-Machi. Coufirmation, Church of Good Hope, Mita. Kazusa. Matsue, Hamada, Hiroshima, and Fukuyama. Confirmation, S. Andrew’s, Shiba. Confirmation (English), Christ Church, Yoko- hama. Kukwai and Chihokwai, Tokyo. Nagano, Matsumoto, Gifu, and Nagoya. C.M.S. Conference. September. October. November. ( 26 ) Kukwai and Cbiliokvvai, Osaka. Osaka, Kobe, Awaji, Banshu, and Toknsliima. Confirmations, Tokyo, — Kyobaslii, Ushigome, and S. PauTs, Tsukiji. Yokohama, S. Andrew’s, Snruga and Avva. VISITATION QUESTIONS, 1895. Covering the Period of One Year ending December 31, 1894. I- — What is (a) the total Christian population under your charge? (b) the number of communicants? 2 . — What regular services are Iield in your Clnirch or else- where ? What is the average number of communicants at each cele- bration of tlie Holy Communion ? What sermons or addresses are delivered (1) To church members? (2) To non-Christians ? 3. — How many (1) infants, (2) adults, have been baptized during the year ? 4. — What Bible classes have you for (1) Communicants? (2) Adults generally ? (3) Children ? 5. — What is the number of children in attendance at your Sunday School ? Are the Christian and heathen children instructed separately ? Are the Christian children taught the Church Catechism? 6. — What day or night schools are there connected with your Church ? How many scholars are there in each school? 7. — Are the usual Registers kept of Baptisms, Comfirmations, Celebrations of the Holy Communion, Public Prayer and Preach- ing, Alms, Marriages, Funerals, etc. ? ' (See Canon V. § 3 of the Nippon Seikokwai) 8. — Are commendatory letters given to persons leaving your congregation to join other congregations of the Nippon Seiko- kwai ? (See Canon V. § 4 of the Nippon Seikdkwai). ( 27 ) 9- — Wliat amount has been collected in connection with your Congregation during the year for (1) The Poor ? (2) The support of Church services ? (3) The support of the Clergy or of Lay Agents ? (4) Missions? (5) Special objects ? 10. — Are the Church or Churches in your charge in good repair, and provided with all things necessary for the due per- formance of Divine Worship? 11. — What provision has been made for Christian burial? If there is a Cemetery, or part of a Cemetery, set apart for Christian use, is it in good order?