December 1, 1867
. . . I had a letter from Mrs. Hardy last Monday. She invited
me to spend the vacation with her and told me Capt. Taylor has
arrived in Boston. So I must go up to Boston by all means.
I proposed to go last Monday when I finish my sawing wood (O, hard
wood! made my spinal column pain!), but the same morning two
young men called on me unexpectedly. Do you think who they
are? Two Japanese from Monson. They hindered my sawing
wood but I was perfectly satisfied to spend a few days with my
countrymen.When I saw them I did not know whether should I speak English or Japanese, but they began to talk Japanese with me, so I was obliged to speak my own tongue. At first I found some confusion to talk to them, but I did speak better and faster than they did. They stayed in my room whole morning, and the afternoon I showed them all cabinets and Gymnasium. I called on them at Hotel in the evening and I stayed there after ten o'clock. We read together 28th chapter of St. Matthew. I think they understood the chapter quite well, but they found trouble to understand the Trinity; so I explained to them far as I know. They asked me to make prayers, but I could not make them in Japanese, so I made them in English. Though they cannot speak English freely, yet they understand English very well. These two are best scholars among those Japanese in Monson. I hope they will become good instruments to their countrymen. I spoke with them about the religious matters during these hours. They found their sins; they found also the way where they meet their Master. They have humble and beautiful spirits, just as little children. They thought first they would study some sciences to benefit their country, but God opened their blind eyes and took away thick veil between them and heaven. He made them know the grace through which they may have immortality. So they feel grateful for his tender care towards them (though they are sinners) and they hope also to do some good things to their people for the sake of Christ. I am thankful that God bless my countrymen so much, and I hope the time will soon come for Gospel to bear fruit in the barren and unmatured land.