Edward Abbott

Japan and the Nippon Sei Kokwai Edward Abbott

This little sketch of Japan and of the part taken by the American Episcopal Church in furthering the spread of Christianity in that land has been prepared at the request of the Secretary of the Church Missions Publishing Co., whose headquarters are at Hartford, Connecticut. It is the fruit of several years'interest in Japan, deepened by a personal visit in the spring of 1899. Acknowledgements are due and are herewith gratefully made to the Rev. Dr. John Davis of Evansville, Indiana, late of the Japan Mission, and to several other friendly readers of the manuscript, for helpful criticisms and valuable suggestions. Progress in Japan is rapid, and the picture of yesterday will not answer in all respects for the picture of today, any more than it is safe to sketch today the situation that may exist tomorrow.' But this attempt may serve a purpose for a time. It is but a sketch for an hour's reading. In the hope that it may help even in some small way to direct attention to our work in Japan, to widen interest in that work, to raise up helpers of it and means to carry it on, to increase prayer for the Bishops, clergy, teachers, and members of the Nippon Sei Kokwai, and so to hasten the growth of the Kingdom of God among one of the most attractive peoples of the earth, it is turned over to the press of the Church Publishing Society, and humbly commended to the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, that it may serve to the glory of His Holy Name.

Edward Abbott