The course of Christianity in the future will not be an unopposed, easy march to victory. There yet remains a great deal to be done, Many clouds still linger on the horizon, making us anxious about the morrow. But so much has already been done that the churches at home should feel encouraged to renew their energies for the final contest. When one division of an army has forced a breach in the enemy's lines, it is not left to hold the position alone, but reinforcements are hurried forward to its assistance, and the advantage gained is instantly followed up. The attack has been made in Japan; the enemy's lines have been broken, but the victory is not yet. This is no time for retreat, for hesitancy, or for cavil; this is a time for prompt reinforcement and liberal support. Let the home churches feel that such is their present duty toward the work in Japan. {317} Although the outlook to-day is not to the natural eye very bright, to the spiritual eye all is as noonday. The victory has been assured from the beginning. However indisposed by nature the people among whom we labor may be, whatever hindrances may oppose our work, the word of the Almighty has gone forth--_the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ_. The victory is sure, because God reigns. In His own good time every opposing influence will pass away, and the banner of King Immanuel will wave over all this fair land. It may not be in the present century; it may not even be in the lifetime of any now living; but it will surely be when God's time is fulfilled. With an assured faith, built upon the firm promises of God, we confidently look forward to the time when the empire of Japan shall no longer be a mission field, but shall herself send the message of light and life to the darkened millions around her. May God hasten the day. {319} INDEX Ainu, 10, 33. American Board (Congregational), 171; history of work, 179; strained relations with native church, 182. Ancestors, worship of, 117, 270, 301. Animals, 29. Art, 95. Asama, 11. Ashikaga, 42. Ballagh, Rev. Mr., baptized first convert, 175. Banking, 103. Baptists, 171, 187. Bathing, 83. Beautiful, love of the, 59. Belief, missionary's, 198. Berry, Dr. J. C., opinions on vacations, 218, 220, 223; his medical work, 265. Bible, first portions translated, 147, 174; translation of, essential, 162; translation committee and work, 175; distribution to soldiers, 311. Bible and tract societies of America and England, work of, 190. Bicycle, 245. Birds, 30. Biwa, 14. Bridges, 16. Brotherhood, universal, unknown, 136; repugnant, 273. Brothers, relation of, 134. Brown, Rev. Dr. S. R., 170; drafts of New Testament, 174. Buddhism, introduction of, 40; principal features of, 126; history of, 127; formative power of, 128; temples and priests, 129; and Christianity, 126, 130, 279; vitality of, 278, 311. Camphor, 26. Census of 1893, 9.