Church Work in Japan. Compiled by Aifreda Arnold. (S.P.G. 2s.
6d.)—Bishop Awdry, in the preface with which he introduces Miss Arnold's book, writes as followa : "I could give an instance of a man of unusually vigorous common-sense who, having gone away for nearly three years, after some twenty years' residence in Japan, has had his opinion of Japanese character very largely changed by what he has seen of them since his return in the present year." What Miss Arnold tells us excellently illustrates this statement. It is a history of movement. The attitude of Japan towards Christianity, as towards other things, has changed and is changing. Some twenty years ago there were Japanese statesmen who thought that Christianity was a royal road to the Western efficiency which they so ardently desired to attain. Hopes were excited here which there was nothing to justify, except, indeed, that the Japanese mind did not oppose to missionary effort the immobility which seems to shut up some races against all new ideas. (It will be remembered that some fifty years since missionary hopes were greatly excited by the supposed Christianising tendencies of the Tae- ping revolt.) We cannot attempt to analyse Miss Arnold's book. It does not profess to cover the whole field of missionary work in Japan,—the author never deals with a subject unless she has personal experience or undoubted first- hand information. One point every one will rejoice to see emphasised, the philanthropic side of Christianity. Here the faith has claims which no unprejudiced person can deny. The work among the lepers is a notable instance. The disease is lamentably common in Japan,—an estimate of the sufferers puts the number at two hundred thousand, and "no class is free from the taint." Probably the Imperial Government will take up the matter. Meanwhile Christianity is commending itself in the best of all ways to the patriotic feelings which are so powerful in Japan.
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