(Jeswvcuv^ / 4 
 
 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 
 OP THE 
 
 MISSIONS 
 
 IN 
 
 ^ ROREfl, 
 
 ■ : ' By REV. A. GOSMAN, D. D., By REV. L. W. ECKARD, : 
 
 UMDBR THE CKRB OP THE 
 
 a 
 
 THIRD EDITION.— (RaviSBjD). 
 
 WOMAN’S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 
 
 No. 1334 CHESOnniT STREET, PHIi:.ADEl.PHIA. 
 
 1891. 
 
 PRICE, lO CENTS. 
 
JAPAN. 
 
 ^ Cx:X>OOOOOOOCXDOOOOOOOOOOC>OCX3 ^ 
 
 BY 
 
 Rev. a. GOSMAN, D.D. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2017 with funding from 
 Columbia University Libraries 
 
 https://archive.org/details/historicalsketchOOgosm_0 
 
rWANCHAwl 
 
 'PINGYANGi 
 
 RENSHAf 
 
 
 
 FUSAI 
 
 IXAWA . 
 
 INO.YAMA , 
 
 Mi 
 
 A 
 
 / J.lKOW*'. > 
 
 •103 irovi'"''' ;uEO^>„„>'*lSlSS.h»«) 
 
 'i 
 
 ) ji'-''"2j— - — 
 
 i ^ \ 0. 
 
 ■k'' '■• -V 
 
 m) ,<}ii^y\ 
 
 KYOTO, 
 
 
 \jWANO 
 
 riiROSW^ 
 
 
 -+ 0 S A Y A 
 
 .o'nO'SEI^ 
 
 
 |;^^tak/oka 
 ^KAWA j’:* At^ 
 :*.'.'Fk -s n»».« 
 
 iakatsv 
 
 iRUWt- 
 
 
 ■ kAGASM 
 
 rtlTOXOSm fyl 
 
 MAP OF JAPAN 
 
 Showinjr the work of the I'nited f'hurch of 
 Christ. 
 
 Names of places where there are organized 
 Churches are underlined. 
 
 In all other places shown onthi.s map. work 
 is in i)rogres.s but no Churches have yet 
 been organized. 
 
 Decemb»:r. 1888. 
 
 I Ear/l ij Am«ricui lUok Woir Co. Xr* fork 
 
 hNoyo 
 
 izuvl 
 
MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 THE COUNTRY. 
 
 The islands wliicli comiDOse the Japanese empire stretch in a 
 crescent shape along the northeastern coast of Asia, from Kamt- 
 chatka on the north to Korea on the south, embracing an area 
 of about 160,000 square miles. They are veiy numerous, but the 
 four islands of Yezo, Nijdion (or more accurately Hondo), 
 Shikoku and Kiushiu form the great portion of the empire. The 
 climate, except in the very northern islands, is mild and healthful. 
 The heats of summer are tem])ered by the surrounding ocean, 
 and the Gulf Stream of the Pacific, which washes the eastern 
 shores of these islands, mitigates the severity of the winter. In 
 location and climate there is a striking similarity between tliese 
 islands and those of the British empire, so that Jajian may he 
 called the Great Britain of the East. The great mountain chain 
 which forms the backbone of the islands is broken by frequent 
 valleys, exceedingly fertile, and opening out to the sea in small 
 but fruitful plains. The skies are clear and beautiful, and nature 
 clothes itself in its brightest robes of green. It is a land of fruits 
 and flowers, and its hills are stored with the choicest minerals. 
 At the census of 1888 the population of the empire was 40,000,- 
 000 . 
 
 A fertile soil, healthful air, temperate climate, abundant food, 
 and comparative isolation from other nations, with that subtle, 
 ever-present sense of uncertainty which clings to all volcanic 
 regions, have shaped, to a large extent, the character and history 
 of the i^eople. 
 
 THE PEOPLE. 
 
 The Japanese are a kindly people, impressible, quick to observe 
 and imitate, ready to adopt whatever may seem to promote their 
 present good, imaginative, fond of change and yet withal loyal 
 to their government and traditions. The long and bloody strifes 
 which have marked their history have not only left their impress 
 in a strong martial spirit, but have naturally resulted in se2)arat- 
 
 3 
 
4 
 
 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 
 
 ing the peojjle into two great classes, the Samurai or military — • 
 who in Japan are at the same time the literati, holding both the 
 sword and the pen — -and the agriculturists, merchants and artisans. 
 The distinction holds not only in their social but in their intel- 
 lectual and moral character. What is descriptive of the one class 
 is not nece.ssarily true of the other. The ruling or military class 
 are intelligent, cultured, courteous, restless, proud, quick to avenge 
 an affront, ready even to take their own lives upon any reproach, — 
 thinking, apparently, that the only thing that will wash out a 
 stain upon their honor is their own blood. The more menial class 
 is low, superstitious, degraded, but more contented. The average 
 Japanese is, however, comparatively well educated, reverent to 
 elders, obedient to parents, gentle, affectionate, and, as far as this 
 life is concerned, indifferent, and, in that sense, haj^py. But there 
 is a sad want of the higher moral virtues. Truth, purity, temper- 
 ance, unselfish devotion, self-denial, love to men, are not prominent 
 virtues : they are lamentably wanting. Even that obedience to 
 IJarents which may be regarded as their characteristic virtue, has 
 been carried to such an extent practically, is held so fully without 
 any limitations in personal rights or conscience, that it actually 
 proves “ the main prop of paganism and superstition, and is the 
 root of the worst blot on the Japanese character — the slavery of 
 ])rostituted women.” The idea of chastity seems almost to have 
 perished from the Japanese life. 
 
 THE HISTORY. 
 
 The history of Japan falls into three great periods. The lines 
 of division are so well marked that all writers recognize them. 
 The first stretches into the remote past, and comes down to about 
 the middle of the twelfth century. Here, as elsewhere, the ab- 
 origines have gradually retired before a stronger foreign power, 
 until, partly by destruction and partly by amalgamation with 
 their conquerors, they have well-nigh disappeared. The pure 
 Ainos — or the original inhabitants — are found only in the north- 
 ern portion of the islands. It is not certain from what quarter the 
 adventurers came ; but the existence of Chinese words in their 
 language, and the known relation between these two nations in 
 later historic periods, point to the swarming hive of China as one 
 of the sources from which the present Japanese have come ; while 
 another element of the population is of Malay origin. The 
 jrresent mikado or emperor of Japan traces his line back in un- 
 broken succession to about 660 b. c., when, according to their 
 tradition, Jimmu Tenno, the first mikado — sprung from the sun- 
 goddess — landed upon the islands with a few retainers, and, after 
 a severe and protracted struggle with the natives, established the 
 
THE MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 5 
 
 empire. The dynasty thus founded has never lost its hold upon 
 the people, who regard the emperor as divine, and whose loyalty 
 has its support and strength in their religion. Its actual power, 
 however, has been liable to great fluctuations. The ruling prince 
 found it difficult at times to restrain the power and pride of his 
 nobles, or daimios. They were restless, ambitious, wielding abso- 
 lute power in their own domain, and chaflng under restraints — 
 rendering oftentimes a formal rather than a real allegiance to the 
 supreme ruler. It was not an unnatural step, therefore, when 
 Y oritomo, one of these powerful nobles, employed by the emperor 
 to subdue his rebellious subjects, usurped the entire executive 
 authority, and thus closed the first period of the history. 
 
 The second period reaches from the origin of this dual power in 
 the state — -1143 A. d. — until the restoration of the imperial author- 
 ity — 1853-1868. Yoritomo never claimed the position or honor 
 of emperor. He was not a rival to the mikado. He recognized 
 the source of authority in the divine line, but under the title of 
 shogun or general, exercised regal jiower, and ti’ansmitted his office 
 in his own line, or in rival families. His edicts were in the name 
 of the emperor. It was his policy to assume only to be the first 
 of the princes under the divine head. The title of tycoon (taikun, 
 great lord), attributed to him by foreign j^owers, was never 
 claimed by him until the treaty with Cbmmodore Perrj^ in 1853. 
 It was the assumption of this title which prepared the way for 
 his downfall and the overthrow of the whole system connected 
 with him — a system which, like the feudal system of the Middle 
 Ages, having served its purpose, now stood as a bar to the nation’s 
 progress, and must therefore perish. 
 
 It was during this period that the papal missionaries under 
 Francis Xavier reached Japan — 1549. Although meeting with 
 serious difficulties, in his ignorance of the language and the oppo- 
 sition made by the followers of the existing religions, Xavier was 
 well received and had great success. Converts were rapidly 
 multiplied, so that in about thirty years there were two hundred 
 and fifty thousand native Christians. But his success was due 
 partly to the doctrines he preached — in contrast with Buddhism 
 full of hope and promise — but mainly to the fact that he made 
 the transition from heathenism to Christianity very easy. It 
 was largely the substitution of one form of idolatry for another. 
 The political plans and intrigues of the Jesuits soon awakened 
 the opposition of the natives. The flames of civil war were 
 kindled and the Christians were exterminated with the decree 
 over their graves, “ So long as the sun shall warm the earth, 
 let no Christian be so bold as to come to Japan.” The edict 
 forbidding Christianity was followed by one rigidly excluding all 
 
6 
 
 HISTORICAL sketch OF 
 
 foreigners from Jaj)an, with the exception of a few Dutch traders, 
 who under the most humiliating conditions were allowed a resi- 
 dence in Deshima, a little island in the jiort of Nagasaki. The 
 Japanese were forbidden to leave their country, and those even 
 who were driven from their land by storms, or carried by the cur- 
 I’ents of the sea to other shores, if they returned were to be put to 
 death. This furnishes an instructive comment ujwn the spirit 
 and methods in which Jesuit mi.ssions are conducted. 
 
 The policy of entire seclusion, so inaugurated, was maintained 
 until the treaty with Commodore Perry, in 1853, which introduces 
 the third period in the history of Japan. It would be a mistake, 
 however (as Griffis — “ The Mikado’s Em^iire,” chaj). xxviii.— - 
 has clearly shown), to attribute the great revolution which then 
 began, and was completed in the restoration of the mikado to his 
 rightful throne in 1868, solely to such an event as this, or to the 
 subsecpient treaties with other western powers. No mere external 
 event like this could have tired the popular heart unless it had 
 been prepared for it. INIighty forces were at work among the 
 people tending to this result. They were growing restless under 
 the usurpation of the shognn. Rival families who had been snb- 
 jected, were plotting his destruction. The more cultivated of the 
 jieople were growing acquainted with the facts and principles of 
 their earlier history. Men of culture and influence — scholars, 
 soldiers, statesmen — were laboring to bring back the old regime. 
 The introduction of the foreigner, even in the restricted degree in 
 which it was first permitted, only served to hasten what was 
 already sure to come. It was the spark which kindled the 
 elements into a flame. But, whatever the cause, a mighty revo- 
 lution swept over the land. The mikado resumed his power. 
 The shogun was compelled to resign his position, the more power- 
 ful daimios were removed from their fiefs, the whole feudal system 
 fell as at a single blow, and the goveimment administered like the 
 modern governments of Europe, was established. The mikado, 
 without formally renouncing his claim upon the loyalty and 
 homage of his people on the ground of his divine descent, has 
 come out from his sechrsion, has changed his capital to the great 
 city of Tokyo, moves among his people like other princes, seems 
 disposed to seek their interests, and is making strenuous efforts to 
 secure for Jajian a recognized place among the enlightened 
 nations of the world. It was this treaty and the revolution which 
 followed it, which opened the way for Christian work in Jaiam. 
 
 An event which moved the entire nation to rejoicing, and stiried 
 the hearts of all Japan’s well wishers with thanksgiving, was tlie 
 })romulgation of the National Constitution, in February, 188!). 
 This pledge of the nation’s new existence as a Constitutional 
 
THE MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 7 
 
 Monarchy went into effect February 11, 1890, and the Diet pro- 
 vided for, comprising a House of Peers and a House of Repre- 
 sentatives, met for the first time November 29th, 1890. Free- 
 dom of conscience and liberty of worship are guaranteed to all. 
 The revision of treaties is now confidently expected (1890). This 
 means that all Japan will be open to foreigners. Heretofore 
 foreign residents could live only in port cities, and could travel 
 into the interior only by permission gained on a plea of ill-health 
 or the pursuit of science. By the revision of treaties our mis- 
 sionaries will be permitted to preach the gospel in the interior 
 without hindrance. 
 
 RELIGIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 The early faith of the Japanese (Shintoism) seems to have been 
 little more than a deification and worship of nature, and a su- 
 preme reverence for their ancestors and rulers, who were not 
 the representatives of God, but the divinities themselves. Its 
 central principle is the divinity of the mikado, and the duty of 
 all Japanese to obey him implicitly. “ It is in no proper sense 
 of the term a religion. It is difficult to see how it could ever have 
 been so denominated.” Whatever it may have been originally, 
 in its revised form as it now exists, it is little more than a politi- 
 cal principle underlying the form of government, and em- 
 bodying itself in governmental laws and regulations. It is the 
 state religion, but has a feeble hold upon the masses of the people. 
 It does not claim to meet or satisfy any of the religious demands 
 of our nature. It left the way open for any system which should 
 propose to meet those demands. 
 
 About 550 A.D. the Buddhists carried their faith from China to 
 Japan. Buddhism, originating in India, but subsequently ex- 
 pelled from its native soil, swept through Burmah, Siam, China, 
 northeastern Asia and Japan, and now holds nearly one-third of 
 the human race among its adherents. Theoretically it is a system 
 of godless philosophy, connected with a relatively pure and 
 elevated morality. 
 
 But this is not Buddhism as it came to Japan. In the twelve 
 hundred years of its existence it had grown from a philosophi- 
 cal system into a vast ecclesiastical and sacerdotal system, with 
 its idols, its altars, its priests and ritual, its monks and nuns 
 — indeed, a Roman Catholicism without Christ. It found a 
 congenial and unoccupied soil in the Japanese mind, and, al- 
 though meeting with opposition, spread rapidly until it ulti- 
 mately embraced the great mass of the people. It reached its 
 golden age, in Japan, about the thirteenth and fourteenth cen- 
 turies, A.D., when the land was filled with its temples, priests and 
 
8 
 
 historical sketch of 
 
 worshippers * Buddhism, in Japan, has its diiferent sects or de- 
 nominations, hearing the names of its great teachers and apostles, 
 varying almost as widely in doctrines and customs as Protestants 
 vary from Romanists, but still all united iu opposition to the 
 Christian faith. While it has lost soiiiething of its power and 
 glory, and deteriorated in its moral teachings, it is still the relig- 
 ion of the j^eople, and presents the great religious obstacle to the 
 introduction and spread of the gospel. 
 
 Confucius also has his followers in Japan ; but as that great 
 philosopher never claimed to be a religious teacher, never discussed 
 or answered the momentous questions as to man’s religious nature, 
 his origin or his destiny, and regarded man solely in his political, 
 social and moral relations in this life, Confucianism cannot be 
 regarded as a religion. It offers no serious hindrance to the 
 ju’ogress of Christian missions. Shintoism as the religion of 
 the state, allying itself with modern secularism ; and atheism and 
 Buddhism, the religion of the masses, are the Japanese ration- 
 alism and superstition which the gospel must meet and over- 
 come. 
 
 PREPARATIONS FOR THE WORK. 
 
 For this work the way had been wonderfully prepared. The 
 providence of God was clearly leading the Church to this field. 
 American enterprise had reached the Pacific slope, and was push- 
 ing its commerce to the eastern continent, which now lay at its 
 doors. I.iines of steamers went out from the Golden Gate, and 
 on their way to China skirted these beautiful islands, which, 
 although secluded from the world, were known to be filled with 
 a teeming population. The scanty information which the civilized 
 world had obtained through the Dutch traders, fed the desire to 
 know more. The necessities of commerce seemed to demand that 
 the long seclusion shonld cease. On the other hand there had been, 
 as we have seen, a great awakening among the Japanese them- 
 selves. The spirit of inquiry which led their scholars back into 
 their earliest records, turned their thoughts also to the outlying 
 world. Eager and searching questions were put to the Dutch 
 traders. A dim conception of the sujjerior power and civilization 
 of the western world began to dawn upon their minds. The more 
 thoughtful were longing for a cleai’er knowledge of the outside 
 world, and to break through the barriers which had so long shut 
 them in. At the same time the fermentation in religious thought. 
 
 * The most famous statues (or idols) of Buddha are the Dai-Butz (Great Buddha) at Kama- 
 kura and Nara. That at Kamakura is a mass of copper forty-four feet high. The Nara 
 image is larger, although not so perfect as a work of art. It is fifty-three and a half feet 
 high ; its face is sixteen feet long and nine feet wide. It is a bronze composed of gold, tin, 
 mercury and copper. 
 
TH^ MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 9 
 
 connected with the political and social changes in the restoration 
 of the Shinto faith, with the mikado’s power, was favorable to the 
 spirit of inquiry. Those who were wearied and dissatisfied were 
 ready to listen favorably to the claims of the new faith which was 
 even now standing at their doors. At this juncture, in 1853, a 
 small American squadron under Commodore Perry — in no s^iirit 
 of conquest, but in the interest of commerce and humanity — 
 appeared in Japanese waters, and succeeded in opening the 
 long-sealed gates. The fleet under Perry was the i-epresentative 
 of the western nations. The American treaty was rapidly followed 
 by treaties with other powers, granting larger privileges. In 1860 
 Mr. Townsend Harris, United States consul-general for Japan, 
 negotiated a new treaty, opening other parts of the empire to 
 commerce, in which Christianity and Christian teaching were no 
 longer forbidden, and the custom of trampling on the cross was 
 abolished, but which contained no clauses granting liberty to the 
 Japanese to embrace the Christian faith, or to Christian mission- 
 aries to proclaim its truths. 
 
 MISSION WORK IN JAPAN. 
 
 The Christian Church was watching with intense interest the 
 steps by which Japan was opened to the civilized word. As early 
 as 1855, the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions requested 
 D. B. McCartee, M.l)., one of its missionaries in China, to visit 
 Japan and make inquiries ])reparatory to sending forth a laborer 
 to this long inaccessible field. The Board believed Dr. McCartee 
 to be peculiarly qualified for this important pioneer work, and 
 hoped, if his reports were favorable, to enter immediately upon 
 the work there. Dr. McCartee went at once to Shanghai, but 
 was unable to obtain a passage thence in any vessel to the 
 Japanese ports, and after some delay returned to his work at 
 Ningpo. The way was not yet open. It was thought to be imprac- 
 ticable then to establish the mission contemplated, and the Board 
 waited, watching for the first favorable indication. After three 
 years of waiting, the favorable indication was seen ; the Executive 
 Committee reported that in their judgment the way was open, and 
 that it was the duty of our Church now to take part in this great 
 work. Brethren were found ready and eager to be sent. Dr. 
 James C. Hepburn and his wife, formerly missionaries in China, 
 but then residing in New York, where Dr. Hepburn had secured 
 a handsomely remunerative practice, were appointed by the Board, 
 and sailed for Shanghai, on their way to Japan, April 24, 1859. 
 Rev. J. L. Nevius and his wife, on account of the failure of Mrs. 
 Nevius’s health in Ningpo, were appointed by the Board to be asso- 
 
JO 
 
 historical sketch of 
 
 ciated witli Dr. and JMrs. Hepburn in tlie new mission. Thus our 
 Church was among the first to enter the o])en field. Dr. Hepburn 
 arrived in Japan early in Nov., 1859, and settled at Kanagawa, a 
 few miles from Yedo (now Tokyo). Here a Buddhist temple was 
 soon obtained as a residence ; the idols were removed, and the 
 heathen temple was converted into a Christian home and church. 
 The missionaries found the peojjle civil and friendly, inquisitive, 
 bright, eager to learn, apt in making anything needed, if a model 
 were given them. There was no decided opposition from the 
 government, although it evidently knew who the missionaries 
 were and what was the object t)f their coming. They were kept 
 under constant surveillance, and all their movements were re- 
 ported to the rulers. The circumstances in which they were 
 placed greatly facilitated their jirogress in the study of the lan- 
 guage. Going without servants, and relying entirely upon Japanese 
 workmen, carpentei’s, servants, etc., they were compelled to use 
 the language, and made rapid progress. Dr. Hepburn says, 
 “ The written language is no doubt more difficult than the Chinese, 
 and the spoken is nearly as difficult, though quite different in 
 structure.” Public service, to which foreigners were invited, was 
 established in their home, and the mission work began — Dr. Hep- 
 burn using his medical skill and practice, as furnishing an oppor- 
 tunity to speak to the sick and suffering of Christ, Avliose gospel 
 he was not permitted to preach. 
 
 ]\Ir. and Mrs. Nevius remained in Japan nine months studying 
 the language. Finding that direct missionary work there was then 
 impracticable and there being no indication of favorable changes for 
 the future, while in North China, just opened under the recent 
 treaty there was an urgent call for laborers, they obtained permis- 
 sion to return to China. For a time there was some solicitude for 
 the personal safet}^ of the missionaries in Japan, owing to a reaction- 
 ary movement among the ruling classes. They were jealous of their 
 ju’crogatives, and in many cases eager for a return to the old ex- 
 clusive ])olicy of the government. But the danger soon ])assed 
 away. MTiile the missionaries were Avatched Avith the utmost 
 A’igilance, they Avere not interfered Avith, or subjected to any re- 
 strictions Avhich Avere not imposed upon other foreigners residing 
 Avithin the empire. They coidd not yet engage in direct mission- 
 ary work, but were forcecT to content themselves Avith the Avork in 
 the disjAensary, Avith the acquisition of the language, and the dis- 
 tribution of a feAV copies of the Noav Testament in Chinese, Avhich 
 it Avas found a small portion of the people could read. JMeaiiAvliile 
 they Avere waiting in faith, exiiloring the field, Avatching for op- 
 ]3ortunities Avhich might ])resent themseh'es, and acquiring the 
 facilities for efficient work Avhen the time should come. They 
 
THK MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 11 
 
 found the people eager for knowledge, fond of reading, and fam- 
 ishing for the Word of life. There was a great work, therefore, 
 in the translation of the Scriptures and the preparation of relig- 
 ions tracts, pressing upon them, and the lone missionaries called 
 earnestly for help. 
 
 It was found difficult, if not impossible, to remain at Kana- 
 gawa, on account of the ojiposition of the Jaj)anese authorities to 
 I the residence of foreigners in that place. Toward the close of 
 the year 18()2 — after three j^ears’ residence at Kanagawa — Dr. 
 Hepburn purchased a property for the mission in Yokohama, and 
 removed to that place. It lay just across the hay from his pre- 
 vious station, hut was more acceptable to the authorities because 
 it was the i)lace where other foreigners mostly resided. Soon 
 after the removal to Yokohama, the Rev. David Thompson 
 joined the mission, and the work in the study of the language 
 and the rough preliminary translation of the Scrij)tures was 
 ])ushed forward with greater energy and success. Doors were 
 partly opened to other work. Api)lication was made that the 
 missionary would consent to instruct a company of Japane.se 
 youth in geometry and chemistry. To his surprise he found 
 these young men far advanced in mathematical studies. With 
 this instruction in English, he was able to connect lessons in 
 Christian doctrines and duties ; and thus, though informally, he 
 really, began to preach the gospel. 
 
 This school, wliich was so full of promise, was soon broken up. 
 The country was in a disturbed state ; society was rent into parties, 
 which were bitterlj'^ hostile to each other, but all more or less 
 jealous of any foreign influence. The young men were called 
 away to fill ])osts in the army, but most of them took copies of 
 the Bible in English and Chinese. The seed was sown : would 
 it germinate and bear fruit? They could not yet preach the 
 gospel or open schools ; still the missionaries did not lose heart 
 or hope. They felt that they were doing a necessary work 
 — they were laying the foundations on which they themselves, and 
 others with them, should build afterward. They found some op- 
 portunities in connection with the government schools, in which 
 they had been invited to take part ; and Dr. He])burn was already 
 engaged in his great work of preparing a Japanese and English 
 dictionary, which he found exceedingly difficult, but which has 
 been so hapjjily completed. He was opening the way for those 
 who should follow him. The first edition of the dictionary was 
 published in 1807, and in that form and in the more complete 
 form recently issued, has proved not only of great service to our 
 missionaries, but to all other English-speaking missionaries in 
 that land. This finished. Dr. Hepburn wrote stating his strong 
 
12 
 
 historicai, sketch oe 
 
 conviction tliat tlie time for more direct work liad come, and 
 urged the Church to increase her force, so that she might be 
 able to take her place in that work. During the year 1868 the 
 mission was strengthened by the arrival of Rev. Edward Comes 
 and his wife. The held of work was gradually enlarging ; the 
 missionaries enjoyed freer intercourse with the people, and their 
 knowledge of the language enabled them to bring the truth more 
 perfectly to bear u])on the hearts of those with whom they mingled. 
 In February, 186!-), Mr. Thompson was permitted to baptize three 
 converts, two of whom were men of good education and talent, 
 and one, an aged woman. Though all a])peared intelligent and 
 earnest followers of Christ, and although the government had not 
 repealed the edicts against Christianity — indeed had republished 
 them as soon as the mikado ascended his throne — these converts 
 were not molested. 
 
 Rev. C. Carrothers and his wife arrived in Japan in 1869, and, 
 in connection with Mr. and Mrs. Comes and Mr. Thompson, es- 
 tablished a new station at Yedo (now Tokyo), which, as the capital 
 of the country, and the residence of the court and emperor, afforded 
 a wide held of influence and usefulness. A special feature of the 
 work, growing in pnuninence and interest, was the number of 
 young men who sought the acxpiaintance and instruction of the 
 missionaries, and who were destined to fill ])ositions of influence 
 among their countrymen — some of whom became thoughtful and 
 interested students of the Scriptures. 
 
 The mission was greatly tried by the sudden death of Mr. and 
 (Mrs. Comes and one of their children, in August, 1870. They 
 had just embarked on board a steamer leaving Yedo for Yoko- 
 hama, when the boiler exploded, and all the family but the little 
 babe were lost. The Rev. Henry Loomis and his wife and the 
 Rev. E. Rothesay Miller joined the mission in 1872. 
 
 From 1859 to 1872 our missionaries, with those from other 
 churches, had been engaged, as we have seen, in preparatory 
 work — in the study of the language ; in the dispensaries and the 
 religious instruction connected with them ; in translating the 
 Scriptures ; in teaching private classes ; and in the government 
 schools. During all this ])eriod there was no regular stated 
 ju'eaching of the gospel to a native audience. “ The missionary 
 Boards were restless and the missionaries were not satisfied.” The 
 edicts declaring that every one accepting the “ vile Jesus doctrine” 
 would be put to death, Avere published all over the land. There 
 Avas no actual persecution ; there Avas, on the contrary, a general 
 belief that religious toleration Avould be granted. The period 
 Avas one of Avaiting and expectation ; and although it Avas true that 
 “ God led our missionaries into the schools, and the kingdom of 
 
'THE MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 13 
 
 C'lirist entered Japan througli the schools,” yet it was felt by all 
 that this state of things could not and ought not to continue. It 
 was time to try, at least, the public preaching of the gospel and 
 the regular methods of church work. 
 
 But during these years of waiting the missionaries had witnessed 
 great events, and events which were full of hope. The great 
 political revolution had been completed ; the mikado was seated 
 on his throne ; a new policy was inaugurated ; wiser hands were 
 holding the helm of state ; more liberal measures were adopted, 
 and the government, once repelling foreign intercourse, now sought 
 eagerly the advantages of western commerce and civilization. 
 They had seen the departure and return of that memorable Jajia- 
 nese embassy to the United States, and the nations of western 
 Europe. They had seen that wonderful movement of students 
 from Japan to Europe and America, and were feeling its results 
 in the new life all around them. Dr. Ferris, in his paper at the 
 Mildmay Conference, says, “ Returning to my office in New York 
 City on a chilly, rainy afternoon in the fall of 1869, 1 found await- 
 ing me a plain man and, as I supposed, two young Chinamen. 
 It proved to be the captain of a sailing vessel and two Japanese 
 young men, eighteen and twenty years old. They presented a 
 letter of introduction from Mr. Verbeck (a missionary of the Re- 
 formed Church in Japan), stating that they were of good family 
 and worthy of attention. They said that they had come to learn 
 navigation and how to make ‘ big ships and big guns.’ They had 
 left Japan without the consent of the government, and their lives 
 were forfeited. The young men were well connected, and through 
 the influence of their family and the missionaries, they obtained 
 permission to remain in the United States. This was the begin- 
 ning of the movement which has brought some live hundred Japa- 
 nese youth to the schools of this country, and as many more to 
 the schools of Europe.” Every one can understand how much this 
 has had to do with the marvelous progress of Japan. It was 
 influential in originating and maintaining a system of common 
 schools similar to that of the United States, which in 1889 em- 
 braced over thirty thousand schools wdiere over three million 
 children were under instruction. 
 
 But now the “set time to favor” Japan had fully come. The 
 new order of things was established. Some of the statesmen con- 
 nected with the government had been pupils of the missionaries. 
 Others had been educated in this country. A liberal policy was 
 inaugurated ; all connection of the state with any form of religion 
 ceased ; the signboards denouncing Christianity were removed, 
 and toleration for all forms of religion became practically, though 
 not formally, the law of the land. The calendar was changed to 
 
14 
 
 HISTORICAI, sketch OP 
 
 conform with that in use among western nations, inclmVuuj the 
 weelxltj day of red. 
 
 The Japanese Chnrcli was horn in prayer. In Jannary, 1872, 
 the missionaries at Yokoliama, and English-speaking residents of 
 all denominations, united in tlie (jbservance of the week of prayer. 
 Some Japanese students connected with the private classes taught 
 by the missionaries were present through curiosity or through a de- 
 sire to please their teachers, and some j)erhaps from a true interest in 
 Christianity. It was concluded to read the book of Acts in course 
 day by day, and, that the Japanese present might take ])art intel- 
 ligently in the service, the Scripture of the day was translated 
 extemporaneously into their language. The meetings grew in in- 
 terest, and were continued from week to week until the end of 
 February. After a week or two, the Japanese, for the first time 
 in the history of the nation, were on their knees in a Christian 
 ])rayer-meeting, entreating God with great emotion, the tears 
 streaming down their faces, that He would give His Spirit to 
 Jaj)an, as to the early Cliurch and to the people around the apos- 
 tles. These prayers weie characterized by intense earnestness. 
 C^aptains of men-of-war, English and American, who witnessed the 
 scene, said, “The })rayers of these Japanese take the heart out of 
 us.” The missionary in charge often feared that he would faint 
 away, “so intense was the feeling.” Such was the first Japanese 
 prayer-meeting. A cliurch was organized by Rev. S. R. Brown, 
 a missionary of the Reformed Church, consisting of eleven mem- 
 bers. It grew rapidly in numbers, and its members were not only 
 consistent, bnt in many cases gave unmistakable signs of growth 
 in grace. The missionaries of the Reformed Church and our own 
 brethren had labored siile by side, and were now rejoicing in this 
 first fruit of their common toil. F or a part of the time, indeed, 
 IMr. Thompson had charge of the church. Everything now wore 
 a cheering asjiect. The missionaries give an outline of their work 
 as follows: “ Xecessary books have been prepared, portions of 
 18cri|)ture have lieen translated, printed, and to some extent circu- 
 lated, schools have been kept np and well attended, tracts and 
 works of elementary C'hristian instruction are iu process of pre- 
 jiaration, and a church is organized.” They were looking forward 
 to a constant and rapid growth in years to come. Their hopes 
 were not unfounded. From this time the progress has been 
 rapid. 
 
 This year (1872) was marked also by the entrance of women’s 
 societies into this field of Christian work. The claims of their 
 Jajianese sisters awakened a deep interest in the hearts of our 
 women. A home for single women in Tokyo was established by 
 the Ladies’ Board in New York, needed buildings were furnished 
 
THE MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 15 
 
 and teachers supported; and the Woman’s Foreign Missionary 
 Society in Plnladelphia took under their care Mrs. Dr. Hepburn, 
 at Yokohama, and Mrs. Loomis and ]\Irs. Carrothers, in Tokyo, 
 and all looked forward with eagerness and hope to a large share 
 in the Christian work in Jai)an. 
 
 Two native churches, in Yokohama and Tokyo, were organized 
 in the following year, partly through the preaching and personal 
 influence of our missionaries ; hut they did not connect them- 
 selves with the Presbytery which was organized in December of 
 that year. Rev. Oliver M. Green and Misses Youngman and 
 Gamble, gave needed strength to the mission, and the whole work 
 of translating the Scriptures, disi)ensary practice, teaching and 
 preaching was carried vigorously forward. 
 
 In 1874 the mission received signal marks of divine favor. 
 The schools were in a flourishing state, and doing efticient ser- 
 vice. Children and youth were grounded in the knowledge and 
 faith of the Bible. Two churches were regularly organized under 
 the care of the Presbytery, the one in Yokohama and the other 
 in Tokyo — the former consisting of twenty-three members, all on 
 profession of fliith, and the latter of twenty-three also, of whom 
 sixteen were received on their confession of Christ. Each of 
 these churches was re})resentetl in Presbytery by a native elder, 
 and soon after their reception eight young men apj)lied to be 
 taken under the care of the Presbytery as candidates for the 
 ministry. After due examination they were received, and ar- 
 rangements were made for their training for the work. Mr. 
 Thompson was meanwhile acting as the pastor of one of the 
 independent churches, and had received about forty into the 
 communion of the church during the year. The very success of 
 the work imposed new burdens uj)on the brethren. The theo- 
 logical class recpiired constant care and instruction. It was easy 
 to see that much would depend for the future u])on the qualiflca- 
 tions and piety of the native ministry. The care of the churches 
 now organized, but as yet without native pastors, was heavy and 
 constant. The schools, mainly under the care of the women’s 
 societies, called for new workers and new api)liances, in res})onse 
 to which Mrs. Carrothers’ school at Dfleyo was placed upon a 
 new basis by the })rompt and liberal action of the Philadel])hia 
 Society. A lot was purchased and funds for a suitable building 
 promised, so that this school might be thoroughly equipped for 
 its work — a work which cannot be overestimated in its relation 
 to the moral purification and elevation of Ja]ianese women, and 
 is second only in importance to the preaching of the gospel. 
 While the mission was reduced in numbers by the transfer of 
 some of its members to other evangelical missions in Japan, and 
 
16 
 
 HISTORICAl. sketch OF 
 
 by the return to this country of Mr. and Mrs Loomis on account 
 of ill health, it was soon reinforced hy the arrival of Rev. William 
 Imhrie and his wife from this country, and hy the appointment 
 of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Ballagh, who were already in Japan. The 
 native churches were not only growing in numbers, but, what 
 is of greater moment, they were manifesting a readiness for every 
 Christian work — sustaining the weekly prayer-meetings, and, in 
 connection with the candidates for the ministr}^ keejjiiig up 
 ])reaching stations which have in them apparently the germs and 
 promise of separate Christian churches. The church at Tokyo 
 began at once to send out its offshoots in small 'nuclei of Chris- 
 tians, gathered in other parts of the great caj)ital and in adjoin- 
 ing towns, which were one after another organized into churches.' 
 The fire was spreading in all directions. 
 
 In 1876 the report of the missionaries refers to a movement on 
 the part of the missionaries of the Scotch United Presbyterian 
 Church, the Reformed (Dutch) Church, and our own brethren, 
 holding a common faith and occujrying the same field, which 
 looked to the adoption of the same standard of faith, order and 
 worship, and to a closer union in church work. This incipient 
 union was consummated in the following year, and the plan pro- 
 posed was to be referred to the highest court of each of the de- 
 nominations for approval. The result was the organization of 
 the “United Church of Christ in Japan,” an independent, self-gov- 
 erning Japanese Church, in which the missionaries are only 
 advisory members. This church has now co-operating with 
 it the representatives of seven foreign missionary agencies, viz., 
 from the United States of America — Reformed (Dutch) Church, 
 Reformed (German) Church, Presbyterian Church (North), 
 Presbyterian Clhurch (South), Cumberland Presbyterian Cliurch, 
 Woman’s Union Missionary Society of A meilca ; from Scotland 
 — the United Presbyterian Church. It is oue of the strongest 
 bodies of Christians in Ja])an. 
 
 On December 3, 1890, the United Church of Christ iu Japan 
 dropped the word United from its name, and adopted as its Con- 
 fession of Faith the Ajiostles’ Creed with the following doctrinal 
 ])reface : 
 
 “ The Lord Jesus, whom we adore as Clod, the only begotten Son of God, 
 for us men and for our salvation, became man and suffered. For the sake 
 of his perfect sacrifice for sin, he who is iu him by faith is pardoned and 
 accounted righteous ; and faith, working by love, purifies the heart. 
 
 “The Holy Spirit, who with the Fatlier and the Son, is worshiped and 
 glorified, reveals Jesus Christ to the soul; and without his grace man, being 
 dead in sin, cannot enter the Kingdom of God. By him were the prophets 
 and holy men of old inspired ; and he, speaking in the Scriptures of the 
 
17 
 
 THE MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 Old and New Testaments, is the supreme and infallible judge in all matters 
 of faith and living. 
 
 “ From these Holy Scriptures the ancient Church drew its Confession ; 
 and we, holding the faith once delivered to the saints, ioin in that Confes- 
 sion with praise and thanksgiving : 
 
 “1 believe in God the Father Almighty,” etc. 
 
 What effect this significant step will have in hringing the 
 various Churches into closer sympathy and active co-operation 
 cannot yet he foreseen. 
 
 The mission received in 1877 an important accession of seven 
 missionaries — Rev. Messrs. Knox, Alexander and Winn with their 
 w'ives and Miss Eldred — and two native ordained ministers. New 
 churches were added to the list, and the older ones were growing 
 in numbers and in healthy Christian work ; the schools were vig- 
 orous, well attended, partially self-supporting and rendered most 
 efficient aid. The translation of the Scriptures went steadily for- 
 ward ; and additions were made of well cpialified men to the 
 native ministry. 
 
 In 1879 a new station was formed at Kanazawa, about 180 
 miles northwest of Osaka. This is a most important field, offei'- 
 ing opportunities for the evangelization of the great provinces of 
 Kaga, Noto, Etchu, and a portion of Echizen. Although it was 
 at first thought that labor in this comparatively unvisited part 
 of Japan would encounter peculiar prejudices and opposition, 
 it has in fact been a field which has witnessed rapid advance and 
 afforded great encouragement. Because of this the number of 
 laborers has been much increased. The present year, 1890, finds 
 six married missionaries in this particular region, and six unmar- 
 ried ladies engaged in the schools. Commodious buildings for 
 the boys’ schools and the two girls’ schools have been erected, 
 two churches organized in the city of Kanazawa — a place of 
 90,000 population — while in other cities of a population varying 
 from 10,000 to 60,000, evangelistic work, both by native preach- 
 ers and through frequent visits of the missionaries, is being vigor- 
 ously pursued and richly rewarded. Most important among the 
 places thus brought under the notice of the Gospel from Kana- 
 zawa as a centre, are Toyama, Takaoka, Nanao, Komatsu, 
 Daishoji and Fukui. Still other places somewhat more distant 
 from Kanazawa than these, and until very lately little known 
 even by the missionaries themselves, are now being reached by 
 them in their effective tours. The schools have greatly increased 
 in numbers and favor, while among their scholars are to be found 
 the children of Governors and other important officials of the 
 Provinces. The influence of the missionaries in this part of Japan 
 seems to be constantly increasing. 
 
18 
 
 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 
 
 111 1880 the missionaries were permitted to rejoice in the com- 
 pleted translation of the New Testament. In 1888 the translation 
 of the Old Testament was accomplished, thus giving the whole 
 Bible to the Japanese. It is a great satisfaction to Dr. Hep- 
 burn and his co-laborers that he was spared to jiut the finishing 
 touch to this great work. It bids fair to take rank among the 
 best translations ever made. Dr. Hepburn has also translated 
 and published the Confession of Faith, and, in connection with a 
 native pastor, the Book of Discipline. 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 
 Four new churches have recently been organized — one on the 
 far-away island of Kiushiu and another in the city of Shimonoseki, 
 at the western extremity of Niphon. 
 
 “ But the most hopeful sign in connection with the native 
 Cdiurch is its mi,';sionary spirit. The church in Kirin, to the 
 northwest of Tokyo, owes its existence to the labors of native 
 evangelists. The church at Kiushiu grew up under the hand of 
 a native helper not yet licensed. More than eighteen months 
 ago two of our native brethren volunteered to go to Shimonoseki 
 and jireach the Gospel ; and to-day, by the blessing of God, there 
 is a Christian church in that hotbed of bigotry, prejudice and 
 Buddhism. When Mr. Winn decided to go to the ‘interior,’ 
 there was no difficulty in finding a native helper to go with him 
 Now there is in Kanazawa a company of nineteen believers, 
 organized into a church, which has erected a neat building for 
 worship, free of any expense to the mission. A few months ago 
 a young man whose health made it necessary that he should leave 
 Tokyo came to the missionaries and offered to go into the interior 
 and preach as long as the Lord would give him strength. He is 
 now located in Yamaguchi, and a blessed work is growing up 
 around him. It is enough to make a Christian’s heart beat fast 
 to see churches springing up through the labors of these native 
 brethren, and in these strongholds of Satan.” 
 
 The church at Yokohama has introduced and carried out a 
 plan of systematic giving, and a strong effort is being made to get 
 the churches as near the standard of self-support as po.ssible. The 
 need of evangelistic work is deeply felt and arrangements are 
 made so that some of the brethren can devote themselves more ex- 
 clusively to that work. The native brethren, pastors, evangelists 
 and lay helpers are faithful and efficient. 
 
 In 1881 the new station at Osaka, the second city of the empire, 
 was fully organized. There is preaching by foreign and native 
 ministers, teaching in day and boarding schools and colportage 
 by native Bible readers, both men and women. The number 
 
THE MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 19 
 
 of native laborers lias increased. One of the five churches con- 
 nected with this station, the church at Yamaguchi, supports itself 
 and has its Home Missionary Society. 
 
 The Board has recently formally authorized the occupation of 
 two new stations in the Western Japan iVIission, Yamaguchi and 
 Kyoto. Yamaguchi is the capital of Yamaguchi ken, and con- 
 tains a population of .39,000. A ken is a territorial division for 
 purposes of government, and in this case is composed of two 
 kuni, old feudal provinces, Suwo and Nagato. Kyoto is the 
 third city of Japan, and for centuries, until 1868, was the capital 
 of the empire. Its religious supremacy is still acknowledged. 
 
 SCHOOLS. 
 
 The Union Theological School was organized in September, 
 1877, by the missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States of America, the Reformed Church in America and the 
 United Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Union College 
 was organized in June, 1883, by the missions of the American 
 Presbyterian and the Reformed Churches. In June, 1886, 
 these institutions were united, and, with the Special Department 
 then organized, became the Meiji Gakuin. In this new institu- 
 tion the Union Theological School became the Japanese Theo- 
 logical Department, the Union College the Academic Depart- 
 ment, and the Special Department offered instruction through 
 the medium of the English language in theology and other 
 special studies to the graduates of the Academic Department 
 and to others similarly qualified. 
 
 The aim of the Meiji Gakuin is to provide for its students a 
 thorough education under Christian influences, and especially to 
 train young men for the Christian ministry. 
 
 The institution is located at Shirokanemura, aso ithern sub- 
 urb of Tokyo, about one mile northwest of the railway station at 
 Shinagawa. Sandham Hall, Hepburn Hall and Harris Hall 
 contain recitation-rooms sufficient for the two hundred and fifty 
 students, with library and chapel, besides dormitory and dining- 
 room accommodations for one hundred and fifty boarders. Har- 
 ris Hall has been erected during the past year through the 
 liberality of Messrs. G. S. Harris & Sous, of Philadelphia. A 
 theological hall will soon be built. 
 
 The Meiji Gakuin Church was organized in the year 1890 and 
 has 88 members. The whole number of Christians among the 
 students is 129, of whom 40 confessed Christ in that year. The 
 total attendance of students was 213. 
 
 During all these years, from 1872, woman’s work has been 
 prosecuted with great patience and faith, and not without blessed 
 
20 
 
 historical sketch of 
 
 fruits. These faithful workers have not only filled a large place 
 in the schools, but in their personal intercourse with the women 
 of Japan, and by religious services held among them, have done 
 much for those who so greatly need their Christian love and help. 
 At Yokohama and Tokyo there are day-schools of great efficiency 
 and promise, and the activity of the native Christian women 
 there in extending the knowledge of the gospel is very remark- 
 able. 
 
 Among these day-schools we may mention the Sumioshicho 
 school, in Yokohama, with its two hundred pupils ; a flourishing 
 private school in Dai Machi owned by Mr. Okami and taught by 
 ladies of our church. Miss West and Miss Alexander. There is 
 also the Shiba primary school. At Takata there is a day-school 
 carried on by teachers from Bancho. 
 
 In accordance with the plan recommended by the Eastern Japan 
 Mission and sanctioned by the Board, Graham Seminary and the 
 Sakurai school for young women (Bancho) in Tokyo are to be con- 
 solidated. The plan provides for the sale of the properties now occu- 
 pied by these schools and the erection of suitable buildings on a 
 lot not far from Bancho, already secured for the purpose. Partial 
 provision having been made during the summer for the Bancho 
 school on the new premises, the classes were opened there last 
 autumn, and the senior class of Graham Seminary was transferred 
 and united with that of Bancho. As soon as the buildings in 
 process of erection are completed, the entire consolidation will 
 be eflected, the names of both schools being perpetuated by 
 being applied to each of the two main buildings. 
 
 Graduates from both Sakurai and Graham are teaching 
 throughout the Empire, or proclaiming the Truth through their 
 efforts as Bible women. 
 
 The Tokyo Bible Institute, hitherto under the care of Miss 
 Youngman, is now under the supervision of Miss West and Miss 
 Alexander, and numbers twenty-two pupils. Perhaps no agency 
 for the dissemination of the Truth is more efficient than that of 
 the Bible women in Japan, and this class is only one of many 
 that have gone and will go out on this blessed errand of mercy. 
 
 In the early part of the year 1883 the mission was greatly af- 
 flicted by the sudden death of Mrs. Ballagh, and again, in 1887, 
 by the death of Mrs. MacNair. 
 
 There are in the Osaka Mission the boys’ school, in Kanazawa ; 
 the girls’ school, in Kanazawa; the girls’ school in Osaka, and 
 the children’s school, in Kanazawa. Children are under the 
 instruction also of Mrs. Curtis and Miss Cuthbert, in Hiro- 
 shima, 
 
THK MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 21 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Every year additious are made to the mission force — in 1882 
 there were six sent out, but the mission was called to mourn the 
 death of the Rev. Oliver M. Green. In 1890 the reinforcements 
 again numbered six, making a total of 72, only two of whom are 
 at home on furlough. 
 
 Since the Presbyterian Church is only an integral jiart of the 
 whole United Church of Christ in Japan, it is difficult to say 
 exactly where the limit of our field lies. A table prepared for 
 the annual report of tlie Board for 1890 is added, giving statis- 
 tics which cover the whole field : 
 
 Statistics of Jajxm Missions. 
 
 Ordained missionaries 21 
 
 Medical missionaries . . . . 2 
 
 Lay missionary 1 
 
 Married lady missionaries 22 
 
 Unmarried lady missionaries 25 
 
 Statistics of the Church of Christ in Japan. 
 
 Outstations 94 
 
 Churches 68 
 
 Communicants 8,954 
 
 Added during year . . . . 1,348 
 
 Japanese ministers 40 
 
 “ licentiates 47 
 
 Schools 31 
 
 Theological students 34 
 
 Young men and boys in schools 438 
 
 Young women and girls in schools 2,08u 
 
 Total in schools 2,552 
 
 Total of Christians in schools 704 
 
 Contributions $13,500 
 
 Of the above summary about one-half may be fairly credited 
 to the Presbyterian Chureli (North), as it furnishes about half 
 the missionaries and half the funds j^i’ovided by the foreign mis- 
 sionary societies co-operating with the United Church. 
 
 This sketch of what our Church has done in this interesting 
 and rapidly developing field would be incomplete if we were to 
 fail to speak of some of the difficulties that accompany work for 
 the Japanese. Tli«ey are a very high-spirited people, proud of 
 tlieir history and very uneasy under constraint or control if it seems 
 to come from a foreign source. J ust now, with his easy aptitude for 
 change, the Japanese thinks he should lead his own church, and 
 develop his own theology. This is a transition period, a testing 
 time in which his true moral strength will be tried. A quick 
 change from the religion of centuries to one unknown fifty years 
 ago ; the rapid spread of knowledge ; the multiplying newspapers ; 
 the constantly enlarging schools ; the higher education of both 
 men and women, and the favoring providence of God, controlling 
 and shaping the plans of the rulers of the nation, and its com- 
 
22 
 
 HISTORICAL sketch OF 
 
 mercial progress, — all these are most powerful in leading a nation 
 on, and it is not strange that we find them fraught with dangers 
 and difficulties unforeseen. It is probable that the hindrance 
 growing out of the history of the Jesuit mission has been already 
 removed. The intelligent Japanese statesmen doubtless see that 
 there is nothing in the efforts and growth of Protestant evangelical 
 missions to imperil the stability of the government. The liuman 
 heart in Ja])an is no more opposed to the gospel, or inaccessible 
 to it, than it is elsewhere. But the same tendency in the Japa- 
 nese mind which leads it to listen to the gospel, lays it open to 
 other and hurtful teachings. The government schools in every 
 grade are essentially irreligious. Rationalistic and infidel teach- 
 ings are not discouraged by the authorities; indeed, they are 
 S])reading to some extent among the native Christians, and there 
 is as yet no general Christian sentiment counteracting their influ- 
 ence. The rush and whirl of events, the rapid political and social 
 changes, the eagerness with which the great body of the peo]de 
 are ])ressing into new ])ursuits and a new life, are not altogether 
 favorable to the healthy and sure spread of the gosiiel. The 
 Creek and Roman Churches, too, are busy. The Holy Synod of 
 Russia makes liberal grants year by year for its mission work in 
 Japan, and sends out its missionaries under instruction from the 
 Czar, and in his vessels of war. Rcune has already her three 
 bishops and her numerous bands of priests and nuns, and backed 
 by the power of the French, hopes to regain her lost position. 
 It is with these materialistic and ske])tical forces, with these false 
 forms of Christianity, as well as with heathen superstitions and 
 degradation, that the Church must contend. There is nothing to 
 dishearten in such a pros])ect, but enough to drive the Church to 
 ju’ayer, to make her feel the need of greater consecration to Christ 
 and of greater zeal and efforts in His service, to lead her back to 
 the source of all her strength in God, and then lead her on to win 
 this empire for Him. 
 
 Stations. 
 
 EASTERN MISSION. 
 
 Yokohama : on the bay, a few miles below Tokyo ; mission begun, 1859 ; 
 laborers — James C. Hepburn, M.D., and bis wife; Miss Etta W. Case. 
 
 Tokyo : the capital of Japan ; station occupied, 1869 ; laborers — Rev. 
 Messrs. David Thompson, D.D., William Imbrie, D.D., George William 
 Knox, D.D., James M. McCauley, H. M. Landis and their wives; Dr. and 
 Mrs. I). B. McC'artee, Rev. Theodore M. McYair, Rev. George P. Pierson, 
 Prof, and Mrs. J. C. Ballagb, Mrs. Maria T. True, Miss Kate C. Youugman, 
 Miss Carrie T. Alexander, Miss Isabella A. Leete, Miss Annie R. West, 
 
THK MISSIONS IN JAPAN. 
 
 23 
 
 Miss Annie P. Ballagli, Miss Bessie P. Millikeii, Miss C. H. Rose, Miss 
 Gertrude C. Bigelow, Miss Emma Hayes, Miss Lily Murray and Miss Sarah 
 Gardner. 
 
 WESTERN MISSION. 
 
 Kanazawa : on the west coast of the main island, about one hundred 
 and eighty miles northwest of Tokyo; station occupied, 1879; Rev. Messrs. 
 Thomas 0 . IVinn, Marshall C. Hayes, J. M. Leonard, A. G. Taylor, G. W. 
 Fulton, J. W. Doughty and their wives; Miss Mary K. Hesser, Miss F. E. 
 Porter, Mrs. L. M. Naylor, Miss Kate Shaw and Miss H. S. Loveland. 
 
 Osaka : a seaport on the main island, about twenty miles from Hiogo ; 
 station occupied, 1881 ; Rev. Messrs. Thomas T. .Alexander, B. C. Haworth, 
 George E. Woodhull and their wives ; Miss Ann Eliza Garvin, Miss Alice 
 R. Haworth and Miss M. E. McGuire. 
 
 Hiroshima; on the Inland Sea; station occupied, 1887 ; Rev. Messrs. 
 F. S. Curtis and .1. B. Ayres and their wives; Miss M. Nellie Cuthbert. 
 
 Ka'OTO: station occupied, 1890; Rev. J. B. Porter, and Rev. John P. 
 Hearst, Ph.D., and their wives. 
 
 Missionaries in Japan, 1859 - 1891 . 
 
 * Died. Figures, Term of Service in the Field. 
 
 Alexander, Rev. T. T., 
 
 1877- 
 
 Alexander, Mrs., 
 
 1877- 
 
 Alexander, Miss C. T., 
 
 1880- 
 
 Ayres, Rev. J. B., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Ayres, Mrs., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Ballagh, Mr. J. C., 
 
 1875- 
 
 *Ballagh, Mrs. L. E., 
 
 1875-1884 
 
 Ballagh, Mrs., 
 
 1885- 
 
 Ballagh, Miss A. P., 
 
 1884- 
 
 Bigelow, Miss Gertrude L., 1886- 
 
 Bryan, Rev. A. V., 
 
 1882- 
 
 Bryan, Mrs., 
 
 1882- 
 
 Carrothers, Rev. Cornelius, 1869-1875 
 
 Carrothers, Mrs. J ulia D., 
 
 1869-1875 
 
 Case, Miss Etta, 
 
 1887- 
 
 *Corues, Rev. Edward, 
 
 1868-1870 
 
 *Corues, Mrs., 
 
 1868-1870 
 
 Curtis, Rev. F. S., 
 
 1887- 
 
 Curtis, Mrs., 
 
 1887- 
 
 Cuthbert, Miss M. N., 
 
 1887- 
 
 Davis, Miss A. K., 
 
 1880- 
 
 Doughty, Rev. J, W., 
 
 1890- 
 
 Doughty, Mrs., 
 
 1890- 
 
 Eldred, Miss C. E., 
 
 1877-1880 
 
 Fisher, Rev. C. M., 
 
 1883- 
 
 Fisher, Mrs., 
 
 1883- 
 
 Fulton, Rev. G. W., 
 
 1889- 
 
 Fulton, Mrs., 
 
 1889- 
 
 Gamble, Miss A. M., 
 
 1873-1875 
 
 Gardner, Miss Sarah, 
 
 1889- 
 
 Garvin, Miss A. E., 
 
 1882- 
 
 *Green, Rev 0. M., 
 
 1873-1882 
 
 Gulick, Miss F., 
 
 1876-1879 
 
 Haworth, Rev. B. C., 
 
 1887- 
 
 Haworth, Mrs., 
 
 1887- 
 
 Haworth, Miss Alice R., 
 
 1887- 
 
 Hayes, Rev. M. C., 
 
 1887- 
 
 Hayes, Mi’s., 
 
 1887- 
 
 Hays, Miss Emma, 
 
 1688- 
 
 Heanst, Rev. J. P., 
 
 1884- 
 
 Hearst, Mrs., 
 
 1884- 
 
 Henry, Miss M. E., 
 
 1882-1883 
 
 Hepburn, J. C., M.D., 
 
 1859- 
 
 Hepburn, Mrs., 
 
 1859- 
 
 Hesser, Miss M. K., 
 
 1882- 
 
 Imbrie, Rev. William, 
 
 1875- 
 
 Imbrie, Mrs., 
 
 1875- 
 
 Knox, Rev. G. W., 
 
 1877- 
 
 Knox, Ml’S., 
 
 1877- 
 
 Lafferty, Miss Cora, 
 
 1888- 
 
 I^andis, Rev. H. M., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Landis, Mi’s., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Leete, Miss Isabella A., 
 
 1881- 
 
 Leete, Miss Lena, 
 
 1881-1886 
 
 Leonard, Rev. J. M., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Leonard, Mrs., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Light, Effie, M.D., 
 
 1887-1888 
 
 Loomis, Rev. Henry, 
 
 1872-1876 
 
 Loomis, Mrs., 
 
 1872-1876 
 
 Loveland, Miss Helen S., 
 
 1889- 
 
24 historical sketch of the missions in japan. 
 
 Mai-sh, Miss Belle, 
 
 1876-1879 
 
 McCartee, D. B., M.D., 
 
 1888- 
 
 McCartee, Mrs., 
 
 1888- 
 
 McCauley, Rev. J. M., 
 
 1880- 
 
 McCauley, Mrs., 
 
 McGuire, Miss M. E., 
 
 1880- 
 
 1889- 
 
 McNair, Rev. T. M., 
 
 1883- 
 
 *McNair, Mi's., 
 
 1883-1887 
 
 McCartney, Miss E., 
 
 1884-1885 
 
 Miller, Rev. E. R., 
 
 1872-1875 
 
 Milliken, Miss B. D., 
 
 1884- 
 
 Murray, Miss Lily, 
 
 1888- 
 
 Naylor, Mrs. S. N., 
 
 1886- 
 
 Piereon, Rev. Geo P., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Porter, Rev. James B., 
 Porter, Mrs. (Miss Cum- 
 
 1881- 
 
 mings, M.D., 1883-), 
 
 1884- 
 
 Porter, Miss F. E., 
 
 1882- 
 
 Reede, Miss W. L., 
 
 1881-1888 
 
 Rose, Miss C. H., 
 
 1886- 
 
 Shaw, Miss Kate, 
 
 1889- 
 
 Smith, Miss S. C., 
 
 1880- 
 
 Taylor, Rev. A. G., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Taylor, Mrs., 
 
 Thompson, Rev. David, 
 Thompson, Mi's. (Miss M. 
 
 1888- 
 
 1863- 
 
 C. Parke, 1873-), 
 
 1873- 
 
 True, Ml'S. M. T., 
 
 1876- 
 
 Warner, Miss A., 
 
 1885- 
 
 West, Miss A. B., 
 
 1883- 
 
 Winn, Rev. T. C., 
 
 1878- 
 
 Winn, Mrs., 
 
 1878- 
 
 Woodhull, Rev. Geo. E., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Woodhull, Mrs., 
 
 1888- 
 
 Youngman, Miss K. M., 
 
 1873- 
 
 Books of Reference. 
 
 A Bundle of Letters from Japan. A. C. Maclay. $2.00. 
 
 A Japanese Boy. By Himself. 75 ets. 
 
 Art and Art Industries of Japan. Sir R. Alcock. 
 Grandmamma’s Lettere from Japan. Mrs. M. Prnyn. $1.00. 
 Honda, the Samurai. Rev. W. E. Griffis. 7.s. (id. 
 
 Japan in Our Day. Bayard Taylor. 
 
 Japanese Homes. E. S. Morse. $3.00. 
 
 Kesa and Saijiro. Mrs. J. D. Carrothers. $1.75. 
 
 Life and Adventure in Japan. E. Warren Clark. 
 
 Reports of Missionary Conventions in Japan, 1878-1883. 
 Stories about Japan. Annie R. Butler. 
 
 The Mikado’s Empire. W. E. Griffis. $4.00. 
 
 The Sunrise Kingdom. Mrs. J. D. Carrothers. $2.00. 
 Unbeaten Tracks in Japan. Isabella L. Bird. 
 
> 3000 3 0 0 0 000 ^ 
 
 KOREA. 
 
 ^ ooooooooooooooooooooooo eoo^ 
 
 BY 
 
 Key. L. W. ECKARD, D.D. 
 
 [ooooe*] 
 
MISSIONS IN KOREA. 
 
 Korea, long a recluse, has unbarred her doors, and permits 
 herself, at last, to be greeted by other eivilizations. The tradi- 
 tional policy has been that of strict isolation, made possible by 
 geographical position. China indeed exercised a suzerainty 
 over the land. The martial prowess of Japan triumphed 
 there, and for a brief season maintained a certain supremacy. 
 The zeal of Papal Propagandism carried Rome’s banner be- 
 yond the border barriers, and planted it successfully in the 
 interior of the Kingdom. But these exeeptional instances only 
 prove the rule, so sternly enforced, that Korea should remain 
 silent, and be kept quite separate from the world’s sisterhood of 
 States. History is made rapidly in our day. A few years have 
 witnessed a marvelous change in this Sphinx of the nations. 
 Her petrified form has awakened at the voice of French and 
 American cannon, and thrilled at the sight of the white wings of 
 commerce. Soon her countenance shall be illumined with the 
 brightness and beauty of Christ’s religion, already carried to her 
 threshold, and urged upon her acceptance. 
 
 AREA AND BOUNDARIES. 
 
 Korea consists of a stretch of Peninsular mainland, together 
 with numerous adjacent and inhabited islands. The entire terri- 
 tory covers 80,000 square miles, lying between the 34th and 43d 
 parallels of north latitude; and the 125° and 129° of east longi- 
 tude. Its physical configuration somewhat resembles that of 
 Italy. The coast line is 1740 miles. On the north "flow the 
 rivers Ya-lu and Tu-men, which divide Korea from Mantchuria. 
 Southward and westward are the turbid waters of the Yellow 
 Sea. The eastern boundary is the Sea of Japan, as attractive as 
 it is treacherous; across whose ferry of 300 miles the clustered 
 groups of the “ Sunrise Land ” appear. As regards its 
 
 GENERAL ASPECT 
 
 it can only be described as diversified. A mountainous chain 
 
 29 
 
30 
 
 historical sketch or 
 
 traverses the extreme length by a tortuous course, and termi- 
 nates only with the sea. East of this range lie three of the eight 
 provinces into which the country is divided. A picturesque ir- 
 regularity — at times positive grandeur — is characteristic of this 
 section ; but there is only one river of importance, while the 
 soil is less fertile, the climate less agreeable, and the coast more 
 repellant than on the opposite side. Five fine rivers, abundant 
 coast facilities, naturally good soil and more genial climatic condi- 
 tions are found in the western division. To these advantages must 
 be added the attractions of the outlying Archipelago ; a wonder- 
 world to the naturalist, a revelation to the tourist, and destined 
 to become, when its resources are developed, a source of immense 
 revenue to the parent state. Language can only inadequately 
 describe what is seen amidst the intricacies of these unnumbered 
 islands — large and small. Some are mere columns, weird and 
 worn, against which the waves beat, and in whose crevices the 
 sea birds find shelter. Others, more extensive, seem to be pleasant 
 garden-spots, where a score of men or the same number of fami- 
 lies find support. And here and there rise veritable mountains 
 — one of which is 2000 feet high — 
 
 “ With slippery brinks, and solitudes of snow ; 
 
 And granite bleakness, where the Vulture screams ; 
 
 .\nd stormy pines, that wrestle with the breath 
 Of every tempest.” 
 
 The Muscovite knows the value of and covets these possessions. 
 China — but eighty miles from the nearest point — is a standing 
 menace to their security. But they shall yet be laid at the feet 
 of Him for whom “ the isles are waiting.” 
 
 In the matter of 
 
 TEMPERATURE 
 
 we are dependent for our chief information on the reports of 
 Jesuit missionaries who from time to time have secured a transient 
 foothold in Korea. The winters, up toward the Mantchurian 
 frontier, are of course very severe — even more so than the latitude 
 would naturally indicate. Further south, the climate has a range 
 similar to that met with in America, between the New England 
 and the Gulf States. The rainfall is apt to be excessive, and 
 harsh and persistent winds prevail in the late autumn. Yet the 
 stalwart forms of the natives would seem to prove the salubrious- 
 ness of the air, and the average healthfulness of the Kingdom. 
 
 THE PRODUCTS 
 
 might be as varied as within similar geographical limits in our 
 own land, but as a matter of fact agriculture is conducted on 
 
THE MISSIONS IN KOREA. 
 
 31 
 
 primitive principles, and the people are content if they secure a 
 mere livelihood from the soil. Pernicious laws — the outgrowth 
 of a by no means extinct feudalism — tend to the repression of 
 private enterprise, prevent the ownership of land by the poorer 
 classes, and contribute to the support of large estates, which 
 generally, however, have lapsed into a condition of inferiority, if 
 not of positive decay. In this particular the country has degen- 
 erated. Its productions in the past excelled those now found 
 — as regards both quantity and quality. 
 
 Besides the corn, millet, rice, barley and beans upon which the 
 people depend, hemp, cotton, tobacco, and ginger are cultivated 
 extensively. Silk is also produced on plantations of mulberry 
 and “ scrub ” oak, grown for the purpose of feeding the worms. 
 There is a sufficient range of fruit ; apricots, peaches and 
 melons are of a fine quality ; flowers are universally admired, 
 and cultivated as extensively as private means permit. The 
 wealthier families vie with each other in chrysanthemum exhibits 
 each year. All the domestic animals wita which we are familiar 
 are to be had in Korea. A breed of ponies — rivaling the Shetland 
 in size — should make child-life there a perpetual joy. Unfortu- 
 nately the little animals are only used cis pack-horses. Beasts of 
 prey are numerous in the mountains. 
 
 Zoologists meet here a fact not yet explained. The exact 
 counterpart of the Bengalese tiger — the terror of India’s jungles 
 — is found in the northern provinces, where the thermometer falls 
 to 8° below Zero. The identical animal in torrid and frigid 
 lands ! The writer can testify to this identity from personal 
 observation, having seen one of these splendid creatures soon after 
 it was shot. Prof. Griffis quotes approvingly the grim humor 
 of the Chinese who say, “ Koreans hunt the tiger half the year, 
 and tigers hunt Koreans during the other half” This, at least 
 indicates the frequency with which these feline monsters are met. 
 
 HISTORY. 
 
 Korea calls herself 4000 years old. Legendary accounts refer 
 us to Ki Tsze, the governmental Father of Korea. He was a 
 learned man, who acted as adviser to his sovereign, the Emperor 
 of China. His royal master, resenting some supposed interfer- 
 ence, cast him into prison. Here he languished a while until 
 a formidable rebellion overthrew the tyrant monarch, and libera- 
 ted those whom he had unjustly jmnished. Ki Tsze was thus freed. 
 Yet, although indebted to them for both life and liberty, he refused 
 to abide with rebels, and collecting some like minded followers, 
 numbering thousands, he led them to the “ regions beyond,” and 
 paused only when he reached territory adjacent to the present 
 
82 
 
 historical sketch of 
 
 Korean boundary. This he named “ Chosen,” Laud of Morning 
 Calm. The dynasty thus established was illustrious, and as 
 claimed, continued from 1122 b.c. to the fourth century before 
 the Christian era. 
 
 Concerning the aborigines whom Ki Tsze subdued, we know 
 nothing. About 194 b.c. occurred the first Chinese conquest of 
 the land, which was retained, with some interruption, until 107 
 B.C., when the Kingdom, as such, was obliterated and the territory 
 “ annexed ” to China, continuing thus for some hundreds of years. 
 
 The progenitors of the modern Koreans, according to the 
 authorities cited by GrifBs, were the men of Fuyu, a stalwart race 
 from Northern Mantchuria, who wrested the Peninsula from 
 the Chinese, and established the Ko Korai Kingdom. Gigantic 
 armies and flotillas were sent from China to re-assert and maintain 
 the supremacy of the Dragon Flag, but in vain. We find the 
 new kingdom able to maintain itself until at least the seventh cen- 
 tury. While these events were occurring, Chinese immigration, 
 diplomacy and power largely influenced the southern section of 
 the Peninsula, which, however, lay outside of the Ko Korain 
 kingdom. Sectional and foreign wars too numerous to recount 
 prevailed. About the tenth century the whole Peninsula was 
 unified under the Government of Wang — the Bismarck of his 
 day. The ensuing dynasty comprised thirty-two monarchs. In 
 the fourteenth century this line was overthrown by Ni Taijd, who 
 afterwards received investiture as king. He hastened to formally 
 acknowledge the vassalage of his realm to China and was- conse- 
 (juently the recipient of greatest honors from that source. From 
 that time to the present the same dynastic rule has been continued ; 
 1885 being its 493d year of existence. Strictly speaking, how- 
 ever, the direct line ended in 1864. 
 
 MENTAL CULTURE AND SOCIAL HABITS. 
 
 The Koreans have been described as a cross between the 
 Chinese and the Japanese, but more resembling the latter, though 
 the influence of China has been predominating. The upper and 
 middle classes are largely Confucianists, while the lower class 
 worship" the God of the hills,” and the “ unseen princes of the air.” 
 The literati attempt no general research — but content themselves 
 with the writings of the sages of the Middle Kingdom. Origin- 
 ality of thought is not encouraged ; general education, as we 
 understand it, is unknown. Schools indeed are common, and 
 many even of the humbler classes are found in them ; yet the 
 great mass remain untaught. Political preferment is based on 
 competitive examination. Successful aspirants receive diplomas, 
 denoting the degree they have taken. Special institutions for 
 
THE MISSIONS IN KOREA. 
 
 33 
 
 instruction in astronomy, medicine, topography, law, etc., are 
 maintained at Government expense and are patronized by a 
 favored few. The dwellings of the people are poor enough ; 
 many are only of mud, thatched with straw. Where means per- 
 mit, brick and hewn stone — in some instances finely carved — are 
 used. Household appliances and comforts are few. 
 
 The range of dress is limited, only two materials being much 
 used — cotton for the poor and silk for the wealthy. That 
 cleanliness which is next to godliness is not characteristic of 
 the Koreans. House-cleaning, however, is attended to once 
 a month, which is believed to be an unparalleled illustration of 
 woman’s persistence and man’s uncomplaining patience. Holi- 
 days are common, and public merry-makings frequent. Suffi- 
 cient data to accurately fix the approximate population is not in 
 our possession ; probably the Koreans themselves could not tell. 
 Griffis calls it 12,000,000, but his conclusion is largely con- 
 jectural, and quite wide of other estimates. 
 
 Woman’s status resembles that of the sex in other Asiatic 
 regions. Inferiority is assumed, but practically there is not as 
 much harshness in the treatment of her as might be supposed, or 
 as is often asserted. Under many circumstances women are even 
 treated with respect, and are protected by certain of the laws. 
 
 THE RELIGIONS OP KOREA. 
 
 In the earlier ages an undefined superstition held sway over 
 the people. The unseen “ Princes of the Air,” the spirits of 
 heaven and earth, the unknown forces throughout space, were 
 “ ignorantly worshipped.” Neither in the past or present have 
 the Koreans indulged in the folly of denying a personal devil. 
 Their trouble is a belief in too many devils. To them the very 
 atmosphere teems with malevolent, rather than benevolent in- 
 fluences. Buddhism, as an exotic from India, was planted in . 
 Korea about the fourth century. At once it took firm hold, and 
 flourished as though indigenous to the soil. For at least ten 
 centuries it held supreme sway, moulding the morals, manners 
 and culture of the realm. For four centuries the tenets of Sakya 
 Muni were recognized as the established faith of the Empire. 
 
 No one has yet given the world an exhaustive review of 
 Buddhism. It will never be done ; like the chameleon the 
 system changes color to suit its surroundings. The Buddhism 
 of Siam is very different from that of Thibet. As found in 
 Hindustan, numerous distinctions separate it from the Buddhism 
 of Japan. The one point it consistently maintains, everywhere, 
 is, that this life is full of evil, a curse rather than a blessing. 
 Existence has no value; even death brings no relief, since it in- 
 
34 
 
 HISTORICAL sketch OF 
 
 troduces man to another state of conscious existence, which is 
 as bad as the present, perhaps worse. Hence, joy can only come 
 by what is called Nirvana, a condition equivalent to non-ex- 
 istence or annihilation. This is the underlying thought upon 
 which the superstructure of Buddhism is reared. Temples of 
 this faith are found all through Korea. Although built in honor 
 of Buddha they really contain numerous gods. In some instances 
 several hundred inferior deities are ranged along the sides of the 
 buildings ; these are often made of colossal size, and, in the cities 
 especially, sometimes exhibit artistic merit. As far as practicable, 
 the temples are on hill-tops, and generally surrounded by groves. 
 While uniformity of architecture is not insisted on — a certain 
 resemblance is to be traced in them all. Outside apartments are 
 built for the priests who live on the premises. These men are 
 generally lazy and ignorant fellows, more intent on a life of sloth 
 than upon the advancement of their belief. The support of such 
 establishments is voluntary, and often liberal. 
 
 Worship consists in prostration and prayer before the idol, 
 the burning of incense, the presentation of paper suitably in- 
 scribed, and the repetition of a formula which is assisted by a 
 rosary held in the hand, and on which the count is kept. At 
 present Buddhism in Korea is on the wane. It has no recogni- 
 tion by the present dynasty, and only exists by sufference. 
 
 As superseding grosser forms of belief it has undoubtedly been 
 of benefit. But its absolute influence is only evil, and the sooner 
 its degeneracy is followed by its death, the better for the land it 
 blights. Its most conspicuous competitor in Korea is Confucian- 
 ism. This strictly is an ethical rather than a religious system, 
 and is based on the writing of Kung Futze, the Socrates of China, 
 who, although born 551 B.C., is 
 
 “ Not yet dead. 
 
 But in old marbles ever beautiful.” 
 
 Confucianism, while introduced into Korea at an early period, 
 has been prominent there for only three hundred years. It pre- 
 sents five general principles : Benevolence, Uprightness, Polite- 
 ness, Wisdom and Fidelity. It treats moreover of five relations 
 of life, which are : King and Subject, Parent and Child, Hus- 
 band and Wife, Elder and Younger Brother, and Friend with 
 Friend. Nothing is said of the soul’s immortality. Concerning 
 the existence of any God or gods, one of its authorities declares, 
 “ Suflicient knowledge is not possessed to say positively that they 
 exist, and I see no difficulty in omitting the subject altogether.” 
 Indeed, Confucianism chiefly seeks to mould society in social and 
 political matters. It presents many admirable ideas which yet 
 
THE MISSIONS IN KOREA. 
 
 35 
 
 fall infinitely short of the truth man chiefly needs. A Confucian 
 temple contains no idols. The. building is distinguished within 
 by a tablet which sets forth the honor of the great Sage. 
 Generally a large number of less conspicuous tablets appear, 
 which praise his best known disciples. An altar is erected where 
 sacrifice is made, or offerings are laid. Some of the displays on 
 festal occasions are very fine. The second and eighth months 
 are the fixed times for offering sacrifice to Confucius, who is not, 
 however, regarded as a god, as these facts would seem to indicate. 
 
 Taoism also exists in Korea, but exerts little influence. Its 
 distinctive feature is Rationalism. Its ceremonies are singular, 
 and its tenets grossly materialistic. It is also an importation 
 from China, where it originated with the philosopher Laotse, who 
 lived in the seventh century. It offers many idols, yet neither 
 the temjDles or the priests are numerous, or well supported. 
 
 Far more worthy of our regard is ancestral worship, as it 
 exists in Korea. It is really an expression of the popular idea 
 of what constitutes filial piety. K families can afford it they 
 erect handsome temples, and there place tablets inscribed with 
 the names and virtues of their immediate ancestors. A valuable 
 result of this idea is the preservation of a complete genealogical 
 list. Generally the tablet is erected without the dignity of a 
 temple to shelter it. Before these tablets, and in honor of the 
 deceased, theatrical plays are performed on temporary stages ; 
 presentations of food are made to the departed spirit, and even 
 more commonly, prayers are offered and wailings uttered. 
 
 THE INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY. 
 
 Possibly, ill the sixteenth century, and certainly in the eigh- 
 teenth, Papal converts fi’om Japan and China carried Romish re- 
 ligion into Korea. They taught, they baptized, they labored with 
 conspicuous zeal, although not always with commendable caution. 
 
 About 1783 a distinguished official, Senghuni by name, pro- 
 fessed conversion, and was baptized' under the new name of 
 Peter. The better class of scholars were not slow to see the 
 superiority of even corrupt Christianity to their own Pagan 
 systems. The people began to take kindly to the missionaries, 
 who were greatly encouraged. Religious books were translated 
 and distributed. 
 
 But the government was now thoroughly alarmed. The priest- 
 hood was awakened. Prejudice being kindled, blazed into pas- 
 sion and consumed the new church with the fierce fires of unre- 
 lenting persecution. It was the old story. Many recanted and 
 saved their lives. Others fled to China, and four thousand poor 
 souls braved martyrdom by sword and fagot, and unmentionable 
 toi'tures. 
 
36 
 
 HIS'TORICAI^ SKETCH OF 
 
 Jean dos Remidios, a priest from Portugal, was the first person 
 from the West who ever ventured on Korean soil for the purpose 
 of preaching and teaching. Holland sailors were shipwrecked 
 there in 1672, and detained as prisoners for some time. But 
 their stay was involuntary, and their work by no means evan- 
 gelistic. 
 
 The results of Remidios’ efforts were considerable at first, but 
 soon passed away. In 1835, under the influence of Bourbon 
 ascendency in France, Roman Catholic missions were re-intro- 
 duced to Korea. The pioneers of this fresh crusade went over- 
 land by w'ay of China and Mantchuria. In a few years they 
 claimed several thousands of adherents. As before, and for 
 the same reasons, blood soon drowned out all traces of the boasted 
 conquest. Again and again Rome rallied, and as often w'as 
 driven from the field. The workmen died, and the work itself 
 was deserted. So it seemed, at least. Yet a remnant must have 
 survived. Even if we discredit the Jesuit story, doubtless highly 
 colored, that they had 10,000 converts in 1850, and about 15,000 
 seven years later, still we must believe that there was some foun- 
 dation for their statement. 
 
 The year 1860 was important in the East. It was then that Eng- 
 lish arms so completely mastered the resistance of the great Chinese 
 Empire. British greed had forced India’s opium upon the people of 
 the eighteen Provinces. British guns were the unanswerable argu- 
 fnent which supported the demand. The forts of the Peiho fell 
 before the merciless fire to which they were subjected. Pekin 
 was taken and sacked. The prestige of China was destroyed. It 
 was all man’s wrong and man’s wrath against his fellow-man. 
 Yet, how God overruled it for His own glory ! The fruits of that 
 victory — directly or indirectly — were the enforced opening of new 
 Chinese ports to commerce, additional guarantees for Christian 
 Missions, and the opportunity it gave Russia of seizing lands con- 
 tiguous to China. 
 
 Now’here more than in Korea were these changes felt. It had 
 been supposed that China was impregnable. But the Dragon 
 Throne had been despoiled by a mere handful of “ outside bar- 
 barians.” The great Emperor was an exile in Tartary. The 
 red cross of St. George floated over the palace of Pekin. All 
 this sent a thrill of consternation through the “ hermit nation ”■ — 
 where the more thoughtful ones could see that such an overthrow 
 W'as indicative of their own peril, if not a prelude to their own de- 
 struction. The handwriting was on the wall. One has said, 
 “ Political convulsions, like geological upheavings, usher in new 
 epochs of the world’s progress.” It has proved so in this instance. 
 Paganism at once made frantic efforts to shut itself securely away 
 
THE MISSIONS IN KOREA. 
 
 37 
 
 from progress. Armies were drilled in Korea, forts were built, 
 frontiers were guarded, every precaution was taken. Watch-fires 
 were kindled at a moment’s notice on tlie coast, and headland 
 telegraphed to headland of any impending danger. All was in 
 vain. 
 
 AVithin six years Kapoleon III. sent an expedition to Koi’ea. 
 On the plea that certain Frenchmen had been slain in a recent 
 ])ersecution of Christians, Admiral Koze, of the French navy, 
 blockaded Han River, penetrated the interior as far as Seoul, the 
 capital, and completely destroyed the city of Kang AVa, situated 
 on an island of that name, and the chief military depot of AVest- 
 ern Korea. He afterwards attacked Tong Chin. Here he was 
 repulsed with great loss, being ultimately obliged to retire 
 altogether. 
 
 An American buccaneering expedition, on the schooner “ Gen- 
 eral Sherman,” in 1866, made a futile attempt to reach the royal 
 tombs of Pingan, where it was said that tlie Emperors of Korea were 
 buried in coffins of gold. The Yankee craft ran aground at low 
 tide in the river. In this helpless condition it was surrounded by 
 blazing tire-rafts and destroyed ; the crew were all slain. Admiral 
 Rowan, on the Flagship “AA^achusett,” immediately demanded of 
 Korea an explanation of her “insult to the flag.” Not meeting 
 with success, he returned to China, but almost immediately des- 
 2 )atched the U. S. Corvette “Shenandoah,” whose officers finally 
 learned the particulars just given. 
 
 It soon became evident that our government must take some 
 steps to ensure the safety of American mariners who were in 
 the ivaters adjacent to Korea, and might be shipwrecked. The 
 authorities at AA’^ashington instructed the new minister to China, 
 Hon. Fred. F. Low, to proceed to the Korean Capital, and if 
 possible conclude a commercial treaty between that Empire and 
 the United States, having especially in view the point alluded to. 
 
 Rear Admiral John Rodgers, commanding the Asiatic squad- 
 ron, was directed to accompany him with sufficient force to main- 
 tain the nation’s honor. Five war vessels were detailed for this 
 duty. On May 23d, 1871, this little fleet anchored off’ the west- 
 ern coast of Korea. The Americans, on landing, were treated 
 with civility. Eight Korean officers visited tlie Flagship, al- 
 though they presented no credentials. Pending diplomatic nego- 
 tiations, the Admiral ordered a survey of the Han River. To 
 this duty two gun-boats and four steam-launches were assigned. 
 Ascending the river in obedience to orders, they were met by a 
 terrific fire from numerous shore batteries, which opened upon 
 them without jirevious warning. The forts were silenced by a 
 return fire, and demolished by ten-inch shells, after which the 
 
38 
 
 HISTORICAI, sketch OF 
 
 ships returned to anchorage. As no apology Avas offered within 
 ten days for this assaidt, 759 men were landed and ordered to 
 carry the citadel. This was done in splendid style. To the credit 
 of their courage be it said, the Koreans refused to surrender, and 
 when their stronghold fell, it was found that only twenty of the 
 garrison survived, and they were wounded. Three hundred and 
 fifty corpses were jiiled up in one place. If they failed it was not 
 through cowardice. 
 
 In reality, the Americans gained no substantial advantage, 
 and, like the French, were inclined to withdraw without further 
 demonstrations. Yet they prepared the way for others to enter. 
 The voice of their howitzers was heard in the laud. 
 
 In 1876, Japan accomplished the important task, never before 
 successful, of making a complete treaty with Korea. This ivas 
 done under the potent influence of a powerful fleet, and a large 
 force of troops. The French and English tried to take immedi- 
 ate advantage, but made no headway. This was in 1881. 
 iNIeanwhile, the trade between Korea and Japan increased mar- 
 velously, a fact which incited Western envy to seek some method 
 of dividing its obvious profits. 
 
 Under the direction of President Hayes, and the authority of 
 Congress, Commodore Shufeldt visited Korea, and vainly en- 
 deavored to establish cordial relations with the authorities. 
 Nothing was accomplished. The , following year, however, 
 through the friendly intervention of Li Hung Chang, the Chinese 
 Viceroy, the Commodore was better received, and on May 6, 
 1882, he negotiated an agreement which binds together the “Out- 
 jiost State ” and the United States in terms mutually satisfactory. 
 
 General Foote was sent by President Arthur, as minister resi- 
 dent, to Seoul. He was received at court, and established at 
 the capital a United States legation. 
 
 Evangelical religion was introduced into Korea by Rev. John 
 Ross, a minister of the Scotch United Presbyterian Church in Mant- 
 churia. In 1873 Mr. Ross visited the most eastern port of Mant- 
 churia, known as the Korean Gate, the place where Korean mer- 
 chants were wont to exchange the products of their country for 
 Chinese ])roducts. By a remarkable succession of providential 
 events, Mr. Ross was enabled to translate portions of the Gospel of 
 Luke into the Korean language. These 2 )ortions, in the form of 
 tracts, were carried back into the Korean valleys by young men 
 who had come under the influence of the ti’uth fhrough Mr. Ross 
 and his associates. In the course of time, Mr. Ross and Mr. Webster, 
 in the face of great exposure and imminent jjeril, visited the valleys 
 where the word of God had been scattered, and to their joy found 
 many who were ready to confess Christ. During their first visit 
 
THE MISSIONS IN KOREA. 
 
 39 
 
 eighty-five nieii were baptized in the three valleys, and many were 
 reserved for further instruction. Soon after these events our own 
 mission was organized, followed by those of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church of the United States, and the Presbyterian Church of 
 Australia, whose missionary, Mr. Davis, recently died of small- 
 pox. Mr. Gale, a representative of the University College 
 Y. M. C. A. of Toronto, is laboring at Fusan, some 200 miles 
 southeast of the capital. He is to be joined in the near future by 
 Dr. Hardie, a medical missionary, from the same association. 
 In 1884 the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions began a 
 station at Seoul. H. N. Allen, M.D., then living in China as a 
 medical missionary, volunteered to go thither. He was sent, and 
 Mrs. Allen soon followed him. Minister Foote at once appointed 
 him physician to the Legation, which assured his safety and fa- 
 vorable reception. Previous to this, Rijutei, a Korean of high 
 rank, had been sent to represent his government in Japan. Here 
 he was converted. It was at his solicitation that our Board 
 undertook the jiresent work. It has been greatly blessed of God. 
 During a disturbance in Seoul, which occurred about a month 
 after Dr. Allen’s arrival, a number of persons of distinction were 
 wounded. Under Dr. Allen’s care, many of them recovered. The 
 life of Min Yon Ik, a nephew of the king, was thus saved, and the 
 prestige gained for western medical science and for the whole 
 work of missions was very great. Dr. Allen’s influence was un- 
 bounded. The king at once received him into his confidence as 
 his court physician. He also fitted up a government hospital at 
 large expense and placed it under his care. 
 
 Since that time, other missionaries have joined Dr. and Mrs. 
 Allen. Conspicuous among these was Dr. Herron, who, with his 
 wife, entered the field in 1885. In 1887 Dr. Herron became 
 physician to the king, and was given charge of the government 
 hospital. In his five years of service he treated professionally 
 40,000 Koreans, and when he was laid upon the bed of suffering 
 and death, the loving symjjathy of the natives whom he had 
 helped testified to their regard for him. 
 
 Rev. H. G. Underwood and wife have been working in Korea 
 since 1885. He has been busily engaged in carrying a dictionary 
 and other Korean books through the press in Japan, while Mrs. 
 Underwood, as a practical physician, has found a wide field of 
 usefulness. A recent tour in the interior has proved that the 
 Korean officials are not ready to openly permit the preaching of 
 the Gospel ; but notwithstanding prejudice and opposition, the mis- 
 sion is now stronger in numbers, in knowledge of the field, and in 
 all the requisites of effective work than ever before. Mr. Under- 
 wood’s greatest work thus far has been the preparation of a Ko- 
 
40 
 
 historical sketch oe 
 
 reaii grammar and a hand-book of the language. His high at- 
 tainments in Korean fit him for the great work of translating the 
 Scriptures, to which he is devoting much time and labor. 
 
 When tlie Korean Embassy came to Washington, in 1889, Dr. 
 Allen was permitted, at the earnest request of the king, to accom- 
 j)any them as secretary and director. He was afterwards reap- 
 pointed by the Board with a view to opening a missionary station 
 at Fusan, on the southeast coast. This being found impossible at 
 j)resent. Dr. Allen, with the consent of the Board, removed to 
 Cheniulpho, the port of Seoid, on the west coast. He has since 
 resigned in order to become secretary of the U. S. Legation at 
 Seoul. 
 
 At the suggestion of our Commissioner of Agriculture at 
 AV^ashington, an experimental farm has been started in Korea. 
 Seeds, with directions, have been contributed from the Department. 
 Tlie intention is to have the increase of these scattered through- 
 out the kingdom. Blooded animals from California have also 
 lieen purchased for this government plantation. 
 
 Three of the most distinguished nobles of the emjiire have 
 entered the Methodist College at Shanghai. 
 
 What of the future? We only know this — God’s providences 
 have no backward steps. Let us have the assurance of faith. 
 Let us have imjiortunity in pra 3 'er, that our hope may share the 
 promise of that futiu'e when on the entire Peninsula the “ Light 
 of Asia” shall pale before the “ Star of Bethlehem,” when Laotse 
 and Confucius shall be forgotten in the ascendency of Christ ; 
 and when the Cross of Calvary shall irradiate Korea with such 
 celestial beauty as shall make it indeed the “ land of morning 
 calm.” 
 
 Station. 
 
 Mis.sion begun in 1884; station, Seoul, the capital, near the western 
 coast, on tlie Han River ; and twenty-five miles overland from the commer- 
 cial port, C'hemnlpho ; laborers — Rev. Messrs. H. G. Underwood, D. L. 
 Clifford, Wm. M. Baird and C. C. Vinton and their wives ; Rev. S. A. Mofiett ; 
 jMrs. J. Herron and Miss S. A. Doty. 
 
THE MISSIONS IN KOREA. 
 
 41 
 
 Missionaries in Korea. 
 
 * Died. Figures. Temi of Service in the Field. 
 
 Allen, H. N., M.D., 
 
 1884-1890 
 
 Allen, Mrs., 
 
 1884-1890 
 
 Baird, Rev. W. E., 
 
 1891- 
 
 Baird, Mrs., 
 
 1891- 
 
 Bunker, Mrs. Annie Ellers, 
 
 M.D., 
 
 1886-1888 
 
 Doty, Miss S. A., 
 
 1889- 
 
 Gifford, Rev. D. L., 
 Gifford, Ml'S. (Mi.ss Hay- 
 
 1888- 
 
 den), 
 
 1888- 
 
 *HeiTon, John, M.D., 1885-1890 
 
 Herron, Mrs., 1885- 
 
 Moffett, Rev. S. A., 1889- 
 
 Unclerwood, Rev. H. G., 1885- 
 Underwood, Mi-s. (Dr. 
 
 Lilian S. Horton, 1887) 1888- 
 Vinton, C. C., M.D., 1891- 
 
 V in ton, Mi-s., 1891- 
 
 Books of Reference. 
 
 A Forbidden Land. E. Oppert. $5.00. 
 
 Choson. Percival Lowell. $3.00. 
 
 Korea, the Hermit Nation. W. E. Griffis. $3.50. 
 Korea Without and Within. W. E. Griffis. $1.15. 
 Life in Korea. W. R. Carles. 12.s'. Gd. 
 

 
 
 .4Vi’^v 
 
 , -n 
 
 
 
 *• -«j •'^ ^ "LAd 
 
 
 
 
 ' » ? r- - 
 
 t 
 
 
1