Dux Christus: an Outline Study of Japan. By W. E.
Grits. (Macmillan and Co. 2s. 6d. net.)—This is a volume in a series which bears the title of "United Study of Missions." India and China have already been treated of in separate volumes ; the book before us is not inferior in interest. Probably the outlook from the missionary point of view is more hopeful than it is in the vast conglomerate of races to which we give the name of India, or in China, with its obstinate prepossessions and ancient systems of belief. Part I. of Dr. Griffis's book is given to a description of the country and its people, with a sketch of its history, especially of the events which within the last fifty years have brought about a change probably unparalleled in the history of the world. Part II. begins with a chapter on " The Religions of Japan." These may be classified thus :—(1) Lore forms of Paganism, not in evidence in the Japan which Europeans see; (2) Shintoism ; (3) Buddhism. Dr. Griffis evidently prefers Shinto to Buddha. The Buddhism, about which some Western admirers are wont to rave, is " a form of Christianity tricked out in Asiatic phrase." " Its influence," says another writer, quoted with approval, "has been esthetic, not ethical." Part IV. is devoted to " Modern Christian Missions." The contents of this are too important and too varied to be epitomised. It will reward careful study. Special mention is made of missionary work among the Ainos of Yezo, an expiring race. Finally, we have a chapter on " Woman's Work for Woman." It is in the condition and status of women that the weak point of Japanese civilisation is to be found.
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