1 
1 86 Japan and the jfapajiese, 
'^One week later, we organized the school. This time 
being our own, we could begin more punctually. Forty- 
two Japanese, most of them being young men and boys, 
were present. The manager of the works required the 
attendance of those who were apprenticed to him. We hear 
that the parents of one of those boys are fearful lest he may 
bring some evil upon the family, because of his going to a 
Christian service ; so, when he returns home, and before he 
is admitted to the house, he is thoroughly sprinkled with 
salt and water. For half an hour we sang hymns which 
are familiar in nearly all lands. It was a new thing to the 
scholars, who doubtless regarded such music as very funny. 
If you had been there, you would have held a similar 
opinion, for singing is not an art to be learned in a minute. 
Our ears being accustomed to such uncouth noises, we can 
sit quietly through such a performance, as would grate 
harshly upon the ears of those who heard it for the first 
time. Afterwards, dividing into classes, we commenced 
studying the story of Christ, as recorded by Matthew. 
The story was written for the people of all lands, even for 
these bright-eyed boys who are in our new school, and any 
labour that we may expend here will be richly repaid, if 
some shall be found among that great multitude gathered 
out from America, Europe, India, Japan ; yes, from all 
nations, and kindreds, and tongues, and peoples, who stand 
before the throne, singing praises to Him who hath re- 
deemed them by His blood.'' 
Miss Kidder, of Tokio, writes : I have been able to go 
out and do work much more this year than before, on 
account of Miss Munson's help in the school. Besides the 
services here and at the chapel, I have been able, except 
during the intense heat of summer, to hold three extra 
meetings every week. We have, at present, only one Bible- 
