Thoughts of a Farmer, XV

—

Testimony^of a Japanese Member of the Church By G. Inonye

[This testimony of a Japanese member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sent to the Improvement Era by Elder Val. W. Palmer, who is at present one of the three elders laboring at Osaka, Japan. The author is quite proficient in English and is a recent convert to the Church, and is an employee of one of the city offices and an earnest seeker after truth. The letter is written in his own hand and in his own quaint construction. He studied the teachings of several of the Christian denominations at Osaka but, as he said, he "could not feel satisfied, and faith would not appear." He found, however, what he wanted in the revealed word of God; and after an earnest and humble investigation, he applied for baptism and was duly granted that blessing. He has been diligent indeed, since that time, we are told, in his study of the gospel, and in the promulgation thereof to his fellow countrymen. We are sure our readers will peruse this testimony with great interest, and with us wish our new brother power to endure in faith to the end. Editors.]

My Dear Editor: I am happy to be able to express my consideration for the beneficial service of great America through the name of Jesus Christ, and it is a blessing to me, at least, to be able to express my consideration for other nations, even at this young age; and I believe it is not profitless to inform the distant Saints of this aid of foreigners. For persons who will have residence at Zion in the coming future will probably have some curiosity as to Japanese opinions about the doctrine of "Mormonism." The people of your continent should have heard or read concerning the condition of Japan, but yet I believe it is interesting to Americans to know how a Japanese can believe the God of the Latter-day Saints, and how he can continue his service in his society as a faithful servant of God. Now we are told Japan might send troops to Siberia, and it is said that is a movement in favor of both Japan and allies. It is freqently discussed in newspapers, that is, how can the allies

rely on the confidence of Japan in order to establish peace in the Orient; but I think that we could better understand this topic, with more or less clarity, concerning the subject of the peace of the world were we better able to comprehend the Japanese ability to understand God; and at such an age, I think it is most necessary to understand or investigate Japanese capacity to believe God, because I know those who can understand, or can believe God, can understand all things, even the peace of the