LIFE AND LETTERS OF JOSEPH HARDY NEESIMA
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HARRIS SCIENCE SCHOOL. 321 What I felt then I feel now keenly and will feel it forever. I have pressed for you a petal of a sweetsmelling wild lily, a token of my profound respect. During the year 1889 Mr. J. N. Harris of New London, Conn., who had previously given $15,000 for the erection of a building for the scientific department of the Doshisha, increased his gift to $100,000. In acknowledging this gift in behalf of the trustees of the university Mr. Neesima wrote to Mr. Harris: "A donation like this is unknown and unprecedented in our country." Referring to this donation he says in a letter to Mrs. Hardy: -" Our trustees recently held a meeting in Kyoto to talk over financial matters. The Buddhist priests are making an utmost effort to check our growth, and are bringing all sorts of bad names against me. They think I am the leader of the Christian movement. Through God's hand I am still protected; my life is in his hand and I am not nervous at all. This sum came in just a right time to relieve me from an intense anxiety. When I left Boston in 187 4 I bought a single mattress, supposing that I might be obliged to live a single life and even be killed for His name's sake. You may laugh at me for my thought when I bought that mattress with such a mru:tyr-like spirit. During this pioneer period the Lord has blessed this poor fellow beyond my comprehension. You know how ill and weak I am, unable to engage in any vigorous work. Even in this weakness He still uses me. This is a perfect wonder to me. I write this private matter to you and request you to rejoice with me." Mr. Neesima seemed much better during the summer of 1889, and after having seen the foundation of
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