To the Secretaries of the A.B.C.F.M. Andover
April, 30th 1874
Dear Sirs: Allow me to state to you a brief history of my early education, my later Christian experience and especially my motive in offering myself to the Missionary work in Japan.
I was brought up in the faith of Buddhist and also instructed in the moral precepts of Confucius. Afterward the former became offensive to me, and the latter was unsatisfactory. Under these influences I became somewhat skeptical. Notwithstanding at times I had some desire for something higher and better.
In that state of mind I came across a Chinese translation of the Bible History by an American missionary in China. Its expressive view of God led me to inquire still further after him. With this purpose I was led to leave my home, and took passage for America. The Providence, which ordered my way so far, provided friends at Boston, who supported me thus far in my education. I date my conversion sometime after my arrival in this country, but I was seeking God and his light from the hour I read His word.
With my new experience, was born a desire to preach the Gospel among my people. The motive in offering myself to this work is my sympathy with the need of my country, and love for perishing souls, and above all the Love of Christ has constrained me to this work.
I expect to complete my study this summer. I am not in debt at all. My health was quite good while at Japan, but since my arrival in this country it has been somewhat poor; still it is improving now. I expect to remain unmarried for sometime.
Respectfully Yours
Joseph Nee-Sima
To the Secretaries of the A.B.C.F.M. Andover
April, 30th, 1874
Dear Sirs: My answers to your questions VI in Manual for Missionary Candidates are as follows:
l. In my view the leading Doctrines of the Scriptures are the existence of one true God; Inspiration of the Scriptures; The Trinity; The decrees of God; The freedom of the Will; The total depravity of men; The Atonement; Regeneration; Justification by faith; The resurrection of the dead; The final Judgement.
2. I have not the least doubts respecting any of the Doctrines commonly held by the churches sustaining the Missions under the care of the Board.
3. My confidence in the reality of my conversion is my growing trust in Christ, and increasing sympathy with truth.
4. I have been a member of Andover Seminary Church nearly seven years.
5. My views of ministrial duty are to preach the Gospel to the Salvation of men. My desire to enter the missionary work is due to the need of it in Japan, and my hope that I may be some service in supplying that need.
6. I expect to meet some difficulties and trials. Yet I shall count all joy not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for his name.
7. It is my purpose to give my life to this work.
8. I am thirty years of age. I was born in Yedo, Japan. I was once a retainer of a Japanese prince.
9. I studied the Japanese, the Chinese classics, the Dutch, and the rudimentary principle of Mathematics at home. Since I came to this country I spent two years at Philep's [sic] Academy, three years at Amherst College studying chiefly what seemed necessary for my future labor. I have been in Andover Theological Seminary over two years.
10. I think, I have inherited a good healthy constitution.
11. I have both of my aged parents and one invalid sister, who are somewhat dependent on me. I hope, I shall not lay any burden on your Board for sustaining them.
12. I have made no arrangement for marriage. I expect to remain single for sometime.
Respectfully Yours
Joseph Nee-Sima