been hailed by an anxious world as a spiritual or moral martyr. But no, though Joseph to him were fallen, and the church estray; though he stood aloof in bitterness, the manhood within him was true, and he endured, the unperjured witness of a great truth.

If this man, lacking the deeper qualities of faithfulness to his brethren, is a valuable witness, are not those also who were true, not only to their word, but to the faith which that word had inspired, are they not also valuable? In this matter, God has left the world without excuse, and reasonable men must enter upon this question with a deeper responsibility than has ever accompanied any other great question in the world's history, except the mission of the Savior.

And now, this other matter

of the actions of men

and their effect on you. I wish this had never been mentioned by you, as I have seen so many weak minds troubled over this that I did not think it worthy of your stronger sense. I have come to think that this objection is wholly illegitimate, in a discussion of the principles of the gospel. If we were presenting men for inspection, who as a product of the gospel were supposed to be perfect, and in their lives the flaws you mention appeared, then might you doubt the efficacy of its principles. In the Church are many classes of men;-and these include the one who is attached to it for family and financial reasons, the one whose small attempts at church work are merely the short intervals in his life; the one who professes and preaches and exercises the functions of the priesthood, while many of his daily actions are a standing contradiction to his word, and of such as these are the men you mention.

They are a reproach to the Church against whose principles they stand in opposition. Now here are these characters, who, if we have the prerogative to judge, stand in need of various degrees of punishment. Will you suggest what shall be done with them? Shall we cast them out unconvicted of overt act against the law? If their lives are open and notorious violations of right, we should not hesitate to apply the ax, but for minor offenses against individuals, who shall say where the judgment would come, and whose door would not be visited? The system of the church government provides for an adjustment of all these wrongs, great and small, and this recourse is at the call of the

offended one; but, rather than hew to the line always, ought we not to endure, hoping that time and the precepts and examples of better men shall work a change? The hypocritical preacher is condemned by his own words, and that will be the worst condemnation of all, for he sins against a better knowledge. Let us turn to those in whom the gospel has wrought its perfect work, and find men who, though having weaknesses, are fighting the battles of brave, honest lives-men whose words are emphasized by their acts. The exemplars of their own words, they reflect the light of the truths that made them. Have you not seen them? Do you not know them? These, then, should be your reference, when judging the fruits of the gospel, instead of those whose standing is by the mercy and forbearance of others, and not through their own merits. My character, so laboriously built in the light of truth, I may destroy in a moment of weakness, but let no man turn to my religion with an accusation; for, in shame, will I confess that not my faith but my folly has unmade me.

Correct principles stand independent of men: they are eternal as truth is eternal. As men approach them more nearly in their lives, they are better men, no matter under what name they labor.

Honorable men of the earth, in their good deeds, practice so much of the teachings of Christ. Though they may deny allegiance, yet do they aid in the general cause against evil. They battle under no flag, nor captain, perhaps, but their blows are blows for God and the right. There is a place and reward for them, commensurate with their works, in which is not included the recompense for faith in, and obedience to, divine authority, but which shall yet be beyond the greatest expectations.

I see, Friend

that we have a different philosophy of life, if our immature thoughts may be called philosophy. You have pride in your success, and are getting the good out of life as you understand it, and you ascribe all this to your wise foresight and ability.

I am glad that you are successful, and trust that you are happy, and that your prosperity may continue unfailing and undiminished; but I do earnestly ask you, not to think too seriously that in unbelief you are filling the measure of your creation, or that you are tied to conditions imposed upon you by a higher

power. I believe you capable of much good, and that, if to your practical knowledge and generous inclinations were added a deeper sense of your responsibility to God, you would do more, and be happier than you are at present.

Our Father limits no man. He does not bind nor hold you. He is ready and willing to enlighten you with the light of faith, if you are truly anxious and willing. We work along in our weak way—you know I never had much ability at financiering—but we are nearly out of debt. Good men honor me by their confidence and trust, and I am trying to vindicate their opinion of me. I have some little influence which I hope always to use for the good of the cause which is dear to me. My children are good and well inclined; each financial sacrifice has brought more than its recompense; and, altogether, there is a balance due the Lord on my books.

I am glad you wrote me such a long letter, and hope this has not been tiresome to you. I shall not impose my further testimony on you now, but I hope I have been sufficiently earnest to show my sincerity, and sufficiently kind to keep your regard, which I value highly. With this interchange of thought, may we both be benefitted.

With kindest regards,

Your friend,

*

"The Nakai hotel is situated on a bluff in the western part of Tokyo. The house itself is partly plaster and partly frame, two stories high, and built on a line with the street. The frame part has lately been added, and is especially arranged for the use of students who come from the country districts to attend school in Tokyo. Our room is located on the lower floor of this building, and our front door opens into a little garden on the south."