LIFE AND LETTERS OF JOSEPH HARDY NEESIMA

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316 LAST YEARS AND DEATH. "Notwithstanding that our work is based on these principles, if any one says that our purpose is the prop­agation of religion and the culture of Christian minis­ters, we must tell him that he knows us not at all, for we went to work with a broader purpose than what you ascribe to us. Our work is not for the propagation of a religion, but for the imparting of a living power; not simply for giving culture to young men, but for fitting them to lead and influence others by their work and conduct. Therefore, by the side of the theologi­cal course already established, we wish to establish courses in politics, economics, philosophy, literature, law, etc., thus making a true university. If we are not able to establish all these courses at once, we will organize them one by one according to our ability and their relative importance. Thus it is plain that our university is not intended as a means of propaga­tion of any sect or party, either religious or political. "By making known our purpose to the public, and by gaining popular sympathy and aid, we hope ear­nestly to accomplish this work. Some of our gradu­ates will enter the political field, some may be farm­ers or merchants, and some may devote themselves to science. Though their occupations are different, it is our hope that they will all be true patriots, each doing his part towards the welfare of the country. Since the security of a country depends not so much on its possessing a few great men as upon its govern­ment being in the hands of intelligent and public­spirited people whom we may call the conscience of the country, the education of such people is the great and pressing need of Japan. Looking forward to the coming epoch, Meiji 23d [1890-the year fixed for the opening of the National Assembly], we fee]

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