Page:A handbook of modern Japan (IA handbookofmodern01clem).pdf/352

276 But there is a Christian head, because the leaders of New Japan are favorable to Christianity and its institutions, and are reconstructing the nation largely on Christian lines and with Christian ideals. And there is Christian life at the heart, for it is that life, as shown in the preceding pages, which is inspiring Japan with new ideas and ideals. And when we take into consideration how much Christianity has done for Japan in less than fifty years, we feel quite warranted in prophesying that within this twentieth century Japan will become practically a Christian nation.

Those specially interested should not fail to consult "The Gist of Japan" (Peery); "Christianity in Modern Japan" (Clement); "Japan and its Regeneration" (Cary); "Dux Christus: An Outline Study of Japan"; "The Religions of Japan," "Verbeck of Japan," and "A Maker of the New Orient" (all by Griffis); and "Sunrise in the Sunrise Kingdom" (De Forest). The "Proceedings" of the Osaka and the Tōkyō Missionary Conferences, and Ritter's "History of Protestant Missions in Japan" are very valuable. "From Far Formosa" (Mackay) tells of wonderful pioneer work there. For current news, the "Japan Evangelist," a monthly magazine published by the Methodist Publishing House, Tōkyō, is the best.

The pamphlet entitled "The Christian Movement [in its Relation to the New Life] in Japan," issued annually by the Standing Committee of Coöperating Christian Missions, is most instructive.

On early Catholicism, the "History of Japan," by Murdoch and Yamagata, is invaluable.

The authoritative work is Cary's "History of Christianity in Japan" (2 vols.).