een effected; we may
hope that more is, even now, being accomplished by the leaven of influence
than can at present find place in tables and statistics. And yet, as we
look the position boldly in the face, we must see that elements to
occasion anxiety are by no means lacking; and especially must we see how
much more remains to be done that has already been achieved. The
possibility of some form of Christianity being adopted as the national
religion, is a matter as to the desirability of which it is extremely
difficult to express an opinion, until the proposition assumes a more
definite shape than is likely for some time to be the case.

That both Christianity and Christians are subjected to searching criticism
at the hands of the more educated natives we have already seen; while,
from time to time, tidings are received of bitter opposition encountered
by those engaged in the work of evangelization among the poor of the
country districts. Moreover, in that spirit of accommodation to which we
have several times referred, as forming so striking a feature of the
system, Buddhism appears now to be striving to maintain its position in
Japan, by a re-statement of its doctrines in such terms as to place itself
in accordance with the modern systems of philosophy, which have found such
favour and acceptance with the educated classes. At the same time, there
is, without doubt, a widespread persuasion throughout Japan--in many cases
most reluctantly arrived at--that the former ascendency of Buddhism has for
ever passed away. "A dull apathy as regards religion has settled down upon
the educated classes of Japan. The gods of heathenism have crumbled to
nothing before modern science and civilization, and the glimmer of light
and truth to which they pointed has gone as well."(34) Sometimes, again,
Christianity is spoken of by Buddhists in terms which encourage us to hope
that there are those who, while they have not as yet taken the decisive
step, are still "not far from the kingdom of God." Take, for examples,
these words of a Mr. Nakanishi. "It is the glory of mankind that Jesus
lived. Much that Christ taught will never decay. Did Christ's teaching
come from man, or from above man? Every word, every phrase, of Christ
should influence us. In the Four Gospels, the noblest and wisest morality
of the world appears. So simple is it, so easily understood and applied.
'Love God and love man,' as central principles, suffice to regenerate
soci